After being so focused on my training for Boston this winter, I made the decision to change my focus this summer. I have a few half marathons and a 5K that I have targeted for this fall, so that means I am working on my speed all summer. I am going after a few PR’s and I want to become a more efficient runner overall.
Most of my speed work is done with the a group from my local running store, Future Track. We meet every Tuesday night at a nearby high school and, depending on our goals, we are given various speed and strength workouts. This last Tuesday, Coach Brett handed us a zinger of a workout. 1200’s with the first 1000 run at a 10K to 5K pace and the last 200 at 5k or faster. When I began the workout it seemed daunting, but when I finished I was left feeling tired yet euphoric… One of the reasons I love track so much, it give you a high almost every time.
Coach Brett’s Zinger Workout
If you read Positive Track Workout post, you saw that I have been loving my Mizuno Wave Sayanora’s. I have never owned a pair of Mizuno’s, and was excited to try them out. I am regretting not being able to compare these to their other shoes, but this is what I think so far…
Before they arrived, I was a bit unsure as I read the specifics of the shoe. You see, they have a 10mm heel drop, and although it is lower than some of the other Mizuno’s, I am used to running on a 4mm or lower. When I put them on, I was shocked at how natural they felt, but the true test was going to be in the run.
When I try new shoes, often times it takes me several runs before I can sense if I will like them or not. That was not the case with the Wave Sayonara, I put them on and ran an easy 6 miler and instantly knew that this shoe was special.
They feel so much like a natural shoe but give you the support and cushion that you would come to expect from a regular trainer. The company has put so much thought into so many of the details of the shoe, for example there are no seams on the upper, so you never have to worry about a edge giving you a blister or hot spot.
These shoes only weigh about 7.1 ounces, about the same as a banana. They’re so light they feel like racers. I love the fact that I can train and race in one shoe.
Speaking of wave, the shoe felt almost like a wave, or rocking chair and certainly encouraged a more efficient stride. The sole has a grippy forefront, and I imagine that these would work work nice in the rain or bad weather and slick roads.
In my opinion this is a great shoe for someone who:
* is looking to improve the efficiency of their stride.
* would like to transition from a traditional trainer into a lower heal drop.
* would like a shoe that they can use for both training and racing.
* needs a neutral performance shoe.
These shoes will be available July 5, 2013. If you’re local, head into Future Track and try a pair on.
Aside from the shoe, Mizuno’s company philosophy is completely in line with the way passionate runners live and feel every day. Running has transformed my life. That might sound dramatic, but it’s true. It has brought me places physically and emotionally that I never thought possible. This Mizuno video sums up exactly how many, including myself, feel, don’t you agree?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhXuq7OWRWE&feature=share&list=PL4FD9801644870E61
Have you tried the Wave Sayonara? What did you think?
Do you have any additional questions about this shoe?
How has running transformed your life?
This was part of a paid campaign with FitFluential LLC, Mizuno Running and Women’s Running Series, all opinions are my own.
As I mentioned above, I am running this 5K—-> If you haven’t already, please join me and sign up for the Women’s Running Series 5K or Half Marathon November 3, 2013 in Scottsdale, AZ. Don’t forget to use the code FITAZLISA for $10 off the registration fee!