Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
I like being a guinea pig.
Oh does that need further explanation? ;)
I love having the opportunity to test out products for myself and for you all, the readers. When I started running back in 2005, I knew NOTHING about proper sneakers, running clothes or even how to design the right playlist.
Can you tell the difference between Marathon #1 (no education) and Marathon #2 (starting to do my homework)?
***
So now I relish the ability to broaden all of our horizons to what is out there to help us reach out goal ... to finish a race, to learn to run, to increase speed - whatever it may be.
That brings me to my latest adventure: the Mizuno Wave Sayonara.
First off, oohhh pretty!! *wiping drool from mouth*
Before losing weight I always wore dark colors to just try and blend in ... and look slimmer. So as I started my weight loss journey I would slowly add color to my attire via sneakers. So HELLO these are perfect.
Now, Mizuno is known for light weight shoes, which basically means not a lot of cushion.
This got my brain working and I was nervous. Since I started running and especially after back surgery in January 2011, I always aired on the side of caution and used a shoe that offered as much support (aka cushion) as I could find. For some reason in my mind that meant nothing would happen to my back again.
But, when I was given the opportunity to a sneak peek at these gorgeous Mizunos (retail $119.99) how could I pass that up. Plus every day I learn something new about my body and my running so I need to keep the mind open.
These beautiful shoes came in the mail and I immediately ripped them open and hit the road.
They fit like a glove. I was shocked. I said a little prayer to the running gods and set off.
It was June 26th, a hot and humid Wednesday morning in Boston and I felt my run would suffer. But I think the shoes kicked in.
(Note: Mizuno refers to the #WaveSayonara as the "Everyday Fast"!)
So how did the run go? I think I put it best on Instagram that day:
Tried out the @mizunorunning#wavesayonara today & loved 'em!! Even with the heat I hit sweet negative splits (8:16, 8:03, 7:56 & 5:33 for 0.7) AND repped the rainbow@sparklysoulinc in celebration of #domadying! :)
Oh yeah, those would be some pretty sweet negative splits. I felt light. I felt free. I felt fast.
I actually LOVED wearing the light weight shoes. When it is so hot out, I find it sometimes feels like a chore to pick up my legs - especially during a long run - but the Mizunos were lightweight enough that I didn't experience that.
My back didn't hurt at all. My knees and ankles felt supported.
***
I took another Spin after returning from Fitbloggin' this past week. I was tired from the travel (east coast to west coast to east coast in 4 days), but I knew I needed to hit the pavement. So Tuesday afternoon, I laced up the #WaveSayonara and hit the path.
I was tired and feeling blah, but honestly the shoes picked me up. I didn't even want to know about time (that's how out of it I felt) so I wore my Garmin face down during the run. As I was running around the River, I thought to myself how I felt like I was running in place, but as I sneaked a peek at my Garmin I was rocking a low 8 min/mile pace - say wha?
The shoes. It was all about the shoes. I swear.
***
I think Mizuno described the shoe perfectly:
Mizuno introduces the Wave Sayonara – our lightest everyday training shoe yet. Speed is now more accessible than ever and something that can obtain on a daily basis.
Sayonara is light, low-to-the-ground, and versatile so any run can be as fast as ever. The euphoric foam midsole ensures the proper cushioning without added weight and bulk so runners experience a light, smooth, comfortable, and responsive ‘ride.’
Now, running enthusiasts can wave goodbye to slow and say hello to more energized, mezamashii running.
***
I know you want to know the technical highlights of the shoe ... so here they are:
**Blown rubber sole for optimal flexibility
**U4ic is innovatively light and well cushioned
**G3 Sole features lightweight, superior traction
**Mizuno Wave Technology provides the perfect balance of lightweight cushioning and stability
Thank you again #WaveSayonara for making me feel as fast as an Elite runner?
And what's cool? They hit the shelves TODAY!
Go! Go check 'em out and see if they are right for you!
[embedplusvideo height="281" width="450" editlink="http://bit.ly/1a7AuQY" standard="http://www.youtube.com/v/ObKQQxMtpuI?fs=1" vars="ytid=ObKQQxMtpuI&width=450&height=281&start=&stop=&rs=w&hd=0&autoplay=0&react=1&chapters=¬es=" id="ep1752" /]
