It was pouring rain when I woke up yesterday so I decided to switch up my workouts and do an easy 3 and strength training yesterday and save the track work for this morning. (It’s funny I don’t mind running on the road in the rain, but I find the track gets a little too slick).
Well it was absolutely beautiful this morning and I couldn’t wait to get to the track. I was surprised at just how many people were already there when I pulled into the parking lot! I’m very lucky that our local high school has a high quality track, and people were definitely taking advantage of it this morning. This was my first run in the Saucony Kinvaras I won from SUAR‘s giveaway a couple of weeks ago – I wasn’t sure how my legs were going to hold up so I also brought along the Mirages I’ve been running in regularly, just in case.
On tap today, 3 x 1600s with 800 jogs with a target pace of 10:15. After warming up, I hit the first interval right on target at 10:14. I felt really good so I decided to see if I could do each of the next two a little faster. I did the 2nd interval in 10:04 and the 3rd in 9:54 – mission accomplished!
I liked running in the Kinvara, though I think for now I will use them only for speedwork. My calves and feet still need to get stronger before I start putting more miles in them – perhaps sometime in the fall I’ll try them on some easy, recovery runs. For now I’m happy to continue to use the Mirage for most of my runs. I had been alternating between the Brooks Adrenalines and the Mirages, using the Adrenalines for my longer runs. But of late I was feeling a little discomfort in my left knee towards in the latter half of my runs, so just out of curiosity I started using the Mirage for all my runs and have had no problems. I’m now running exclusively in the Mirage and plan on using them for the race.
So I’m wondering if the difference in the heal-to-toe ratio between the two shoes was causing the discomfort? What do you think? Do you use different shoes depending on the workout?
Nice job hitting/exceeding your goals at the track!
I wear different shoes for track work and tempo runs than I do for long runs.
You are wise to work the new shoes in slowly.
Way to rock your track work Michelle!!!! You did great!
What Sort of discomfort were you feeling in the Kinerva? When I switched to shoes with a lower heal to toe ration – I had quite a bit of initial discomfort in my calf muscles.
@OandFR – The discomfort I was feeling only started occurring when I’d go back to running in the Adrenalines – it was a soreness just above the kneecap on the inner left knee. As long as I stay in the Mirages (which have a lower heal-to-toe ratio) I’m ok.
Nice workout! I run in the same shoe for every run, but they’re basic trainers with good support. I like your plan of easing into the Kinvaras!
I go back and forth between using the same shoes for everything and switching it up. Either way, I go slow on the switch, especially if the new shoes are lighter/less cushioning, like the Kinvaras. I’m jealous you won that giveaway, by the way. I love new (free) shoes.
I use my newer Adrenalines for most runs and sometimes, when it is just an easy treadmill run, I will wear my older Adrenalines (which isn’t totally expired yet).
Good way to slowly work in your new shoes.