And in with the new…
Running shoes! I looked back at an old post and discovered that the last time that I replaced my shoes was early April. That is not good! One of the reasons that I delayed getting new shoes (other than not wanting to drop $100 on them) was that I knew I was finally ready to make the switch to a new shoe.
I have been running in Brooks Adrenaline for years and years. Seriously, probably my last 10 pairs of shoes. There was something about the last update that Brooks made to the shoe that I really disliked and my last pair never felt right. Despite never loving the shoes, I ran them into the ground because I didn’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a new “perfect pair.”
Luckily, it ended up being relatively painless. I headed over to Run For Your Life (always buy my shoes from them) and explained my situation. The guy helping me suggested that I try the Asics 2170. He said it is one of their best-selling stability shoes. I laced them up, took them for a test jog out on the sidewalk and declared them a winner. Just to be sure I tried the Adrenaline on one foot and the 2170 on the other and definitely liked the feel of the Asics better. The biggest difference is that it’s a little more of a cushioned feel than the Brooks. Especially in the forefoot.
The only downside? They’re SO purple. Not my favorite but I never choose running shoes based on appearance so purple it is.
To celebrate my new very purple running shoes, I decked myself out in all the purple running attire I own and took Sullie for a short run. The shoes felt great and it was a beautiful day to run. Can we take a moment to note that on Tuesday I was complaining about how cold it was and yesterday I ran in shorts and a tank top? Gotta love the south. I’m actually blogging on our back patio enjoying the sunshine right now. 🙂
Other noteworthy events of yesterday…
I ate Chick-Fil-A for lunch. I don’t know what came over me but I had to have it. And it was delicious.
Then I balanced out my fast food lunch by having a quinoa bowl for dinner. I sautéed onions and sun dried tomatoes and then added quinoa, vegetable broth and chickpeas and let it cook for about 25 minutes on low heat. I served it over spinach with Greek yogurt, hummus and goat cheese.
Happy Saturday! Hope it is beautiful wherever you are!
Are you loyal to a certain running shoe or do you switch it up?
p.s. I posted a really funny video, “Shit Yogis Say,” on the PBR Facebook page. You must watch!
Occasionally chick-fil-a is the best thing ever. Once one of those cravings comes over you it doesn’t go away until you cave! Def worth it once in a while. I just got new shoes too! Mizuno Wave Rider 15s, can’t wait for them to be delivered! My old ones are dead. Have a great weekend!
I ALWAYS buy Asics!!!! I need a lot of stability in my running shoes because I overpronate and have bad knees, and Asics always seem to do the trick! My most recent pair is the Asics Gel -3030. The only downfall I’ve found of a stability type of shoe is they tend to be heavy. Glad you made the switch to Asics 😉
I used to only be an Asics girl, until last June when I started to notice my pronation was getting worse. I went to Fleet Feet here in Savannah and they suggested trying out another pair of shoes. I too ran them till they died and my husband got me the new Nike LunarGlide +3 for my birthday. I am in LOVE with them! And I also got the new Mizuno Wave Rider 15 for Christmas to try out after my Nike’s are done. So far I’m not sticking to just one shoe, but whatever helps me than I stick with it.
Sometimes we just have to give into our cravings, but at least you balanced it out…that’s what I struggle with!!!
i’m loyal to my brooks adrenalines but if they aren’t working for you anymore, you need to make the switch!
more purple = better at hiding dirt 🙂 love your purple-themed run today!
So funny, I have the exact same running shoes and almost didn’t buy them b/c of the color. Holy purple! They also come in black, but they didn’t have my size in stock. I was so desperate for new sneakers that I just bit the bullet and went with it.
Brooks fan for life!
This is the first year in my 29 years of life that I’ve ever purchased shoes without considering the color/style! I love my Mizunos…even though they do have pink on them.
I started running in the 2120 and have been with that shoe up to the 2160 and it’s time to get a new pair! I love the cushy bottom too. I’m sure you are loyal to the local store, but holabirdsports.com has great closeouts on the previous year’s shoes. I just found a pair for $70!
I am addicted to quinoa bowls now… you’ve gotten me inspired! Happy New Year, Jen!
I started buying Asics a few years ago and LOVE them. They are literally the only shoes that fit me just right. I was so disappointed when I found out that they stopped carrying the style I always bought, so I’ll have to check out this one when I need a new pair!
I have been with asics for a while and have tried many of their stability pairs. I have recently started getting Kayano after having the GTS 2160 and others. The Kayanos are a bit more expensive but once you get used to them they are heaven! I tried the adrenaline because the guy at the store told me it was similar but I went with my old trusty in the end! Happy running 🙂
Pearl Izumis have become my new favorite. I am guessing I’m a bit older than your average runner. My feet have increased by 1/2 size over the years, and with the recent addition of orthotics, even that 1/2 size more didn’t seem enough. On new years eve we ventured to my favorite running shoe store, Running Start, in O’Fallon Illinois for a new pr, and I had to go up another size! Yuck, I feel like I am wearing clown shoes now!
I just got those exact same asics a couple of weeks ago and i love them! they are a bit too purple for me too but as long as they do the job that’s what matters right?
Hi Jen,
I also run in Asics 2170 and have since the 2100 version. Love them!!
Teacher training is intense but going very well. I think of you often!!
🙂
I ALWAYS buy asics, I just replaced my last pair that were demolished, and I got the new GEL-Kinetic 4. A bit pricier than I would usually want to spend but SO worth it. I love the gel inlays that asics uses, makes those long runs so comfortable;) love your blog, enjoy the shoes!
That quinoa bowl looks amazing – I will have to try! I am completely hooked on your overnight oats – even though it’s winter and I should want hot oats. 🙂
I’m extremely loyal to New Balance and unfortunately the shoe that works for me (for people who overpronate… I think it’s 1260) is probably their most uncool looking shoe, at least in my opinion. It’s boring and white, usually with a blue N but this time they had purple and yellow for the N part of the shoe. The past few times I’ve gone to get running shoes at New Balance I’ve also purchased cross training shoes. This time I got Vibram Minimus shoes. I use them for bodystep, pump and attack. Definitely the coolest looking shoes I own and they work great for cross training activities. Not that it’s about looks, but it’s nice to have good shoes that look great when you work out a lot, it’s just motivating!
Switch out the laces for white ones. Less purple.
I like the purple. I like a bold shoe, and the darker color will hide dirt well. When I decided to increase my running distance in 2010 and actually got fitted for a shoe, I was fitted with with the Brooks Ghost. So that has been my shoe. Didn’t love the look of the first pair, but went with it. I now have my 3rd pair, and still love the shoe and also love the color scheme of the latest one. Due to the luck of a good friend, I actually got my 2nd pair for free!
My best find in 2011 was inserts. The running store where my husband was fitted for a shoe are big on inserts, and after the spill on them I was interested in getting a pair. I was starting to struggle with plantar at the time, and when I started wearing the inserts the plantar went away. I love the way they seem to fit my feet.
CFA can really hit the spot some days. Glad to see you even went with the original chicken sandwich. 🙂
I am the same way with shoes- welcome to the wonderful world of Asics!!! I go back and forth between the gel nimbus (my fav) and the cumulus, but didn’t like the latest nimbus (13’s) so my last 2 pairs were the nimbus 12’s. I am not sure what I am going to do when those aren’t available, but might find myself in the same boat as you.
I LOVE that video, ‘shit yogis say’, SOOO FUNNY! I actually shared it on facebook too. Great minds think alike.
Glad you got to enjoy the weather too. Love living in an area that can get to near 70 in JANUARY!!!
Since I have been pregnant the Chickfila nuggets just sound delicious. I try not to go on a regular basis but sometimes it is just needed! 🙂 Glad you enjoyed your sandwich!
The weather in Houston has been the same way. This past week I took several walks and by the end I was wishing I was sweating and wishing I was in shorts and a tank top!
Oh man, that sandwich is making me crave fried chicken! 😛
I have used Asics for my last few pairs of sneakers and I love them. I’ve tried on other brands but always gravitate to the Asics.
Just got my first pair of asics as well, usually a mizuno girl but they were on sale at R4YL and my last pair of mizunos never felt quite right, kind of like you mentioned about the Brooks. I love them so far-but they’re pretty white-I’d prefer the purple! 🙂 and sometimes that sandwich just hits the spot!!
I am all over the board with shoes right now. I counted putting in 500 miles in 2011 so I should be up for a new pair. The only problem is those miles were spread out over 3 pairs of shoes! So I really can’t say what should be replaced yet.
On the purple color – maybe you can put some white laces in the shoes so they aren’t so purply!
Yay for new running shoes! I just got new Asics GT 2160s for Christmas and I love them!
I also just starting taking yoga and pilates and it’s awesome!
Totally understand shoe loyalty, if it ain’t broke…. Which is why after 10 years of running in the SAME SHOE, I was completely floored to fall head over heels for a shoe that was gifted to me by my mother. It is the K-Swiss K-ONA. Happier feet have never been found. Fabulous and light, greased lightning go greased lightening….
Jen, I currently have those exact same Brooks and feel the same way! I couldn’t figure out why they just didn’t feel like the other pairs have felt. I have tried to push through them, but now you’ve inspired me to get new shoes. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’ve tried to switch my shoes up but I always go back to the Brooks Adrenalines. I am very disappointed in the 12’s though. Not only do they weigh more, but I do not like the new look. I wear a narrow so I can only get one color in my size. Why do they not make the fun colors in narrrow? I recently purchased another pair of the 11’s to get my through the early part of this year. Not sure what I will do when I reach my max mileage on them.
Ive been running in the Brooks Adrenaline too for a long time but this last pair just felt off especially on my right leg that I have ITB syndrome on. After my long run this wknd and extreme ITB pain I decided it was time to retire my loyalty to Brooks and try another stabilizing shoe from another brand. Here’s to hoping I find the miracle shoe!
I did the purple btw! Sort of fun!
good luck with your shoe search! i hope you find something you like. try these asics. i am loving them…and growing to love the purple. 😉
I want to know how you are liking the asics??? I’m about to make the switch from the Brooks Adrenaline too. I figured you have had several months to run in the asics and had a better idea of how you liked them. Beautiful day for a run in Birmingham today! 70 degrees 🙂
hi tammy – i am LOVING the asics. won’t be going back to the adrenalines for sure.
this spring weather is totally motivating me to run too!