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Running Shoe Review: Nike Free Run vs Brooks PureConnect

I mentioned in my review of Road Runner Sports that I had tested and compared no less than 8 different shoes over a period of two hours on my most recent trip and promised a review of my findings.  Now reviewing all 8 of these is more than anyone wants to read in one sitting, so today I’ll do Nike FreeRun+3 and Brooks PureConnect. These are the only two minimalist shoes I tried, so they'll just go head to head on this review. I'm not doing a full on review since I really only tested these out on the treadmill and put probably only a mile each on them, so consider this as much of a first glance rather than an in-depth review. 



Starting with the Nike's, I have to say I really wanted to love these shoes, in fact testing them was one of the primary reasons for my trip. The idea of a truly lightweight shoe just appeals to me. Now, I'm not ever going to be a barefoot runner, it's just not me. I run on sidewalks and other man-made surfaces and I really feel the need for some man-made protection when I do. Even still, I want the lightest, most comfortable and durable shoe I can have as once I run-retire them, they become my walk-to-work shoes.  I also just like Nike. That said, the shoe was comfortable enough for walking, and so light and flexible that I might see using it for my daily commute and even Zumba, but once I hit the treadmill, I truly felt like I was running barefoot (and for me not in a good way). I missed the responsiveness and cushion I usually experience in my standard shoes (which last season were my Nike+ Zoom Equalon 4 and Brooks Glycerin 8). I felt absolutely zero support, cushion, or responsiveness - and I was totally bummed. I'll try later versions, just because I am ever optimistic about finding the perfect balance between minimalist protection and a smooth, comfortable ride but this one just wasn't it.  So...next...



My next try was the Brooks PureConnect. I have to say, I was skeptical after the Nike's, but this shoe is about the best compromise between comfort and minimalism I could find. It's comfortable for walking, flexible and truly a responsive shoe with just enough cushion so that I didn't feel like I was very literally "pounding the pavement". Brooks really got it right with this shoe. I even considered them for this season's purchase, but after considerable testing of other shoes (which we'll address in later reviews) I decided it still isn't for me, at least not yet. That said,  if and when I ever do go with a minimalist shoe, Brooks will be my first choice!  If you're considering switching from a standard neutral ride to a minimalist, definitely make the Brooks PureConnect one of your test-runs, it's the perfect transition shoe.


My take-away is that if you really want to make the to transition to barefoot running and want a shoe to help with that, while still giving you some support and responsiveness that you're used to: go Brooks. If your really ready to start scaling down and want something just a tad more supportive than a racing flat : go Nike. 

Review: RoadRunner Sports

I've never reviewed a store before, and this is a precursor to some running shoes reviews, but I do have to mention my very favorite store.

I'm a fairly new runner, only 2 years in now, and a full 6 months of that was injury and post-injury recovery. I'm still not back to my regular 5 mile runs, but I'm working on it.  When I first started running I refused to buy into the hype about running shoes. I just figured shoes were shoes and the rest was just marketing.  Well, there's a lot of marketing and hype, but I learned very quickly that proper running shoes do matter. I'm not a fan of the barefoot running movement, and my opinion may well change but for now I am a firm believer in the right shoes for the right activity.

I first went to RoadRunner Sports two years ago after a month or so of running and some resulting knee and ankle pain.  After discussions with runners and physical therapists, I decided to go get fitted for a proper pair of running shoes. RoadRunner Sports is a bit of a drive, and my first impression was that it was quite pricey.  Nevertheless, I persisted and had myself evaluated by one of their "Shoe Dogs" who identified me as mildly over-pronating and suggested some stiff neutral or light stability shoes. I had always thought I had flat feet and discovered I had quite a high arch. Now isn't that interesting. I was also fitted for their custom orthotics.  

The entire staff has a commitment to customer service that is rarely seen these days, and certainly quite rare in retail.  Since I had never purchased shoes before, I spent quite a bit of time testing out the recommendations. There are many treadmills there so you can test them out as long as you need to. I spent some time going back and forth between their two recommendations and a couple I wanted to try before I finally decided on a pair of Nike Zoom Equalon 4s. My first run the next day I noticed a significant difference. No more knee or ankle pain - wow! I have been a convert of proper shoes ever since.  I also identified a second brand, Brooks Glycerin 8, that I intended to purchase later to add into my rotation.  

I should also mention that after a few months I noticed some knee and ankle pain returning.  By going back into my running app (Nike+gps at the time), I identified that I had hit over 450 miles - time for those new shoes.  Not only did I learn that shoes matter, but replacing them at the right time also matters.

When it came time to replace my beloved Brooks (they had become my favorite), I went back to Roadrunner Sports for a new evaluation.  I could have just ordered new shoes, but I did want to see if, after some time, there had been any difference in my running style.  I had thought I no longer needed the stability shoe and could move into a straight neutral, but I did want that to be confirmed since I didn't want to risk yet another injury.

This second trip is what really sold me on this store.  As expected, working on my form had been successful and I was no longer overpronating and I had some new shoe recommendations.  Now came the fun, test driving new rides.  The staff was exceedingly helpful and pleasant as I tried all of these: NikeFree, Nike Zoom Vomero, Mizuno Wave Rider, Mizuno Wave Creation, Brooks PureConnect,  Brooks Glycerin 9, Asics Gel Cumulus 14, Asics Gel Nimbus 13.  A full 2 hours later, after test runs back and forth, I finally decided on my new shoes (and identified another one for a later purchase). I'll leave the decision for a later review.  Suffice it to say, I got quite the workout, and so did the staff.  Wow, not even a hint of exasperation as I was handed off to another staff member when the first one went off to lunch, and he came back twice as helpful afterwards when I was still there.

I'm sold, not only will I go back for my regular purchases, but if I can't make it I'll order online because clearly they have great hiring and training practices.  Such great customer service deserves loyalty!  Oh, and I've never found my rides cheaper than their VIP price.  BTW: there's a clearance section in the back that's well worth checking out for some real bargains on discontinued models - now that's worth the drive!

 If you don't have a Roadrunner Sports in your area, find the closest running specialty store, but if you have a choice - they're worth the drive.

Happy Easter!

The news is full of depressing information. The economy is still down, well maybe in some sectors it is looking up, but hearing that when you're still struggling is irritating! I've heard the job market is picking up, but I still know plenty of people who have yet to experience that.

The political rhetoric is gearing up. Loud, annoying, people who exist only to push their own agendas without any thought of listening to other views. There is no compromise, no desire to understand, and certainly no compassion. [there is a pending rant here, but that is not appropriate for today]

All of this gives us plenty of reasons to sink into a negative mindset.  These things serve to distract us from what's really important. Take the time today to spend with family and friends. Remembering always that someone cared enough to lay His life down for you. Honor that today by sacrificing a bit of yourself to spend time with those you love, and maybe a few you don't. You can then wake up tomorrow with a fresh perspective, a positive mindset.

Choose Love. This is what's really important.

Life Lessons from Running

First, a little history:
I'd been a confirmed gym rat for years, and about a year or so ago I was stuck at a plateau that I couldn't break with cardio or weight training. I'd hit a wall and no matter what I tried or how hard I worked, I just couldn't break through this final plateau. Oh those last 10#s are stubborn! Someone suggested I try running. Now, I never could run and the thought of it was NOT something I wanted to entertain. Finally, begrudgingly, I gave in and tried it.

I first started on the treadmill, could run maybe 30 seconds then walk a minute or more. I persisted until I was finally able to achieve a 5 minute run/1 minute walk. That didn't really take as long as I thought it would, but persistence paid off. I was tied to the metrics on the treadmill and had never considered running outside. First, I figured I'd just walk more frequently, sit down when I could. Also, I felt I needed the treadmill to move in order to keep me from slowing down or stopping altogether. See, I was running for the purpose of reaching a goal and not for the process. I really didn't enjoy it, but I was committed to the process.

One day a friend from the gym grabbed me on my way in and took me running outside. We ran the Silver Strand from IB to Coronado, wow that really is a beautiful run (or bike ride!). Needless to say, I was hooked and haven't been able to get back on a treadmill since. I also found, surprisingly, that I ran faster and longer outside than I did inside. I didn't need the machine to pace me. I was even able to run a full 5 miles without a single walk break. Surprised myself!

Some months later I experienced a severe high ankle sprain and stress fracture. The result of both over-training and failing to slow down on a trail. 2 months on crutches and unable to do much in the way of any training put me back to nearly ground zero on my training regimen.  Back on the road again, but with a new run/walk training method. It took awhile, but I'm back to running a full 5k without a walk break. Not the 5 miles I used to do, and not at the pace I used to run, but I'll get there. I can't say I love running, or that I'll always do it. But I don't hate it anymore, more often than not I really do enjoy it, and there's no arguing with the results: lower body fat and increased cardiovascular fitness...so I press on.

I've learned a lot through this experience. Most of which I apply to my training schedule, but much of which also applies to life and business.  See, cross-training isn't just for the gym, it's also for the mind and spirit.

1. Pace Yourself:
Go at your own pace and take breaks when you need them. Walk when you need to, and sometimes when you want to. as long as the "need to" is more often than the "want to" then you're fine. This helps your training, but also your business plan. Sometimes you need to slow down, catch your breath, then pick up the pace again. You have to go at your own pace, not one set for you by someone else. Yes, a defined pace or program can be helpful, but in the end you run your own race and have to modify it for yourself.

2. Set Goals:
Set a goal and then strive to beat it. I like setting a minimum goal that I need to reach and then exceed that. Some people try and set their maximum goal and then reach it. Either way, the sense of accomplishment is motivating. Without a goal, you won't notice progress. That's fine for a hobbyist, but for serious training, and serious business, goals matter. They matter a lot. Now, once you've reached those goals comfortably, change them. Make them a bit more difficult. Rinse and Repeat.

3. Run Your Own Race:
Competition can be a good thing. It can be motivating to compete against others. But at the end of the day, the best person to compete against is yourself. Beat your own time. Exceed your own goals. Forget what's right for someone else. How fast they run or how well their business appears from your view. Your goals, your pace, that's what matters. As long as you're moving forward, you're doing great!

4. Enjoy the Process:
Find something you truly enjoy and then just dive in. Do you love to run? Then do that. Do you prefer cycling? Dance? Swimming? Machine-based cardio (Elliptical/Stairs)? Whatever you truly enjoy, start there. You shouldn't have to hate your workout, or your job for that matter. Take some time to find out what you love and do that. Within that there may be parts of the process you don't love, but you should enjoy it overall. Make it fun!

5. Cross-Train:
Now that you've found something you enjoy, switch it up some. Try something new. Don't just be tied to one thing, your body and mind need variety. If you run or bike and it's a rainy day, don't just hit the treadmill or indoor cycle, dance or do some other indoor cardio-fun. Using different muscles will benefit you in the long run.

If you weight train, and you should, then you should also do some yoga or pilates on your off days. Not only will this benefit your weight training, but it will also benefit your cardio workout as well. Yoga and Pilates, while both being a form of strength training, focus heavily on developing your core as well as stabilization muscles and flexibility. All of which you need for total body conditioning.

In life and business, find a hobby that's completely different from your job. Now that can also be your workout, or it can be volunteering for a cause you believe in. It can also be using your business skill-set to benefit another business or individual as a volunteer. Take a class. If you excel at numbers, take a marketing class. If you are a star-networker, take an accounting class. Stretch your mind and you'll find areas you never knew you could use and grow. Your primary gift remains, but cross-training your mind will help you grow in amazing ways.

6. Reward Yourself:
It's hard work, hard on your body and mind. Take time to enjoy your life, de-stress. Go shopping for something fun. Go out with friends. Spend time with family. Get a massage.  This is critical, life is meant to be lived and loved. Appreciate what you have, where you've come from and where you're going. Enjoy the process! At the end of the day, and the end of your life, these details matter.

Friendships Matter

In an age of technology and a down economy, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. Friendship has taken on a decidedly broad term with Facebook and other social network 'friends' who are often complete strangers.  In business too, we network with acquaintances and other associates and loosely use the term 'friend' to define what are, at best, tangential relationships. Then, in a down economy, we start transforming those closest of relationships into networking opportunities, thus devaluing the true friendships we have created and relegated them to a potential business opportunity.

It's sad, because true friendships are what really matters. Focusing on developing true relationship skills helps us deepen our personal relationships, and also our business ones. It gives us great customer service skills, phenomenal colleague interaction skills, and will help us grow both personally and professionally. Developing deep relationships helps feed our spirit and we grow into the person we were always meant to be.

Taking time to invest in your friends and family, with no thought of any return, is fulfilling in and of itself. There can be no greater pleasure than being a part of someone else's success, to watch as your words and actions build up and enrich someone else. That is true joy.

Take a moment today to encourage someone. A word, a gift, a service. Do something for them that they cannot (or maybe just will not) do for themselves. Do something for someone who can never repay you, and for whom you would never accept repayment even if they could.  Actively seek out ways to be a blessing to others. Yes, we should keep our eyes open for opportunities that present themselves, but even more than that, we should actively look for opportunities that might be hidden.  When you do this, you'll make their day, enrich their life...and your own as well!


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Great gift ideas (click here)

A fun and effective parenting aid (click here) also here

A Spring Friendship Special (click here) also here

Organization Matters

Whether it's your life, your job, or even your workout, organization is a vital part of the process.
A cluttered room or desk can distract your thoughts and keep you from achieving the productivity you are seeking. It can cause your mind to jump from one thought to another, leaving you in a disorganized mental state that mirrors the physical.  The first step is to reduce both physical and mental clutter.

Organize your space. There are many organizational materials, the stores are full of them, but I bet you have enough shelves and drawers to handle most of it. Files and paper are another matter, that just might require a trip to the closest office supply store. But remember, the organizational system has to work for you. There are many ways to file and organize, but it does have to work naturally with your brain. Permission to shop around for just the right item(s) :)

Organize your mental space. Start your day with a plan, put it on paper. Write down the things you need to accomplish for the day, week and month. Don't tie yourself to it, life happens and sometimes items on today's agenda get moved to tomorrow. Then again, sometimes things on tomorrow's agenda get accomplished today so it all works out. But without a plan, we often just spin our wheels and never progress to the next level. Don't forget to plan in fun and healthy activities, things that make you happy and help reduce your stress.

Even for your workout, if you approach it without a plan you will find yourself overworking certain body parts and completely ignoring others. A great workout requires planning and direction in order to achieve your goal.  Whether you choose to meet with a trainer or research it yourself, write down your workout on a card, plan it out and keep track.  Also, remember you can't out-exercise a bad diet, so your fitness log should also include a food diary.  Lots of free apps available for iPhone, iPod Touch and Android phones, or just a simple notebook will do just fine.

Plan for yourself and your sweetheart. Flowers, candy, dinner, oooh, a massage, all great ideas for both of you.  No sweetie this year? Be your own sweetheart. Give yourself a day to enjoy all these things :)

For planning assistance for your business or lifestyle, contact us, we have just the right consultant to help accomplish your goals.