Hurry for the curry
I ran 9 miles yesterday morning.
It was awesome.
And by awesome, I mean terrible.
I just didn’t have my running mojo. It was a rough night of sleep -I always do that to myself when I know I have to wake up early- and when I got in the car, I realized I’d probably be cold in my shorts and tank. I found a hoodie in the trunk, and decided to wear that even though I’d be roasting 4 seconds later. That would be correct. I did 9 miles and probably only ran about 6 of it. It was a long.slow.miserable 9 miles.
Then, it was over.
Whenever I have a tough workout, I remember myself that it’s temporary. I always say it during my classes, too:
“Before you know it, you’ll all be sitting down and eating lunch.”
And, before I knew it, I was sitting down, eating lunch.
Pita Jungle!
Why are you so good??
I enjoyed the chicken curry salad and it was pretty delicious. Not quite as good as this version, but since I didn’t have to make it, I’ll call them even.
So runners, I have a shoe question for you:
I currently have the Asics 2160s. After they came out with the 2160s, the 2170s arrived and then the newest ones: the 2000 series. From the two sentences I just typed, you can probably guess how old my shoes are (I bought them when I was pregnant with Liv. Major athletic shoe violation there, especially when I wear them so often).
Anyways…. Has anyone tried the 2000 series? The only friend I know who has tried them said that they made her plantar fasciitis worse, which freaks me out a little. I’m debating getting the 2170s, since they’re still available online.
Sorry, that was a lot of words dedicated to shoes. Let me know if you have any advice 🙂
We’re off for a play date. Enjoy your day <3
xoxo
Gina
Don’t forget to check out the November workout- I really hope you enjoy it <3
*************And to all my American friends, remember to get in your MOST important activity of the day: vote!! vote! vote!
New on the Family page: Things we’re loving at 10 months (with a Liv salsa dancing cameo)
Zumba song of the day:
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Can’t wait to hear what people say about the asics – they are my favorite brand and I desperately need new ones!
I’ve committed the same fitness sin, My shoes are ancient! I need to get new ones, stat!
The curry salad looks like amazingness x 1 million.
I’m a fan of the Kayano series. They are a similar construction as the 2000-2100 series, but just a bit sturdier. They are a bit more expensive, but I haven’t really had any injuries or foot problems since getting those!
Just wanted to say ditto to the Kayanos! I went from Kayanos to 2150’s and then back to Kayanos!
I am not a running expert, but a friend of mine is and through some reading and research, she found that “barefoot” type shoes are the best for running. I just bought a pair of Merrell Barefoot Pace shoes and they are really comfortable. Here is the link if you’re interested: http://www.6pm.com/merrell-barefoot-pace-glove-crystal Oh, and they are not the funky foot-glove shoes, they look like regular sneakers!
I switched to barefoot running shoes this summer, and I’ll never go back! They are so much better for your body than traditional shoes.
Yes! Yes! Yes!! LOVE my Merrell Barefoot shoes!!! 🙂
I tried to slowly switch (first just a mile in them, slowly working my way up), and after 5 months of trying, I finally gave up. My body just was not adjusting and the calf pain I was getting was unbearable! I so wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me:( I only wear them for walking now.
I also use barefoot/minimalist running shoes, also not-vibrams/toe shoes (my favorite brand is Vivo, I also have a bare of Merrells – the Merrell’s come up too high on the back of my heel and caused a blister, but otherwise comfy, and slightly thicker sole than Vivo shoes).
It wasn’t too hard for me to adjust, but I think I must have already been a mid-foot runner, and not too much of a heel striker. (Alexis – were you paying attention to whether you were heel-striking? If you were, that would definitely cause pain. Barefoot shoes don’t correct issues with your running form, they just help make it obvious when you need correct it!) I had more soreness in my calf muscles at first (I stretch with toe dips and rises on my front step when I get back from a run), but nothing significant. I ran a half marathon after running in barefoot shoes occasionally for a year, but exclusively for only six weeks or so – and my feet hurt after that race! But now that i’ve been using barefoot shoes exclusively for about six months, I’m training for another half marathon, and have done long runs up to 9 miles without that discomfort.
I’m also intrigued by the Altra shoes I’ve been seeing ads for lately. There are two factors that make a barefoot shoes: drop and cushioning. A true barefoot shoes has zero drop (i.e., drop from your heel to your toe) (having your heel raised in conventional shoes shortens your achilles tendon and otherwise throws your body out of alignment) and virtually no cushioning, so that you can feel the ground and not overcompensate for a hard landing that is actually cushioned (I’ve read about a study with gymnasts, that they’re more likely to be injured when landing on heavier mats, because their bodies brace for a harder landing, but then landing on more cushioning throws things out of balance). Altras are zero drop (relieving that potential injury cause), but have cushioning more similar to conventional shoes, so you take out the potential that minimalist shoes have of too much hard impact causing injuring.
I love my 2150’s, I’ve bought the same pair 3 times in a row after trying different shoes and getting an awful case of shin splints! Now I’m afraid to try different shoes haha….
Funny you mentioned these shoes. I had several pairs of 2150’s and the 2160 Trail sneaks. I just got the 2170’s in that very color. Saturday I took them out for a 4.5 mile spin. They were awful. They felt stiff and flat and I could hear my feet slapping the pavement. By mile 3 the bottom of my feet actually hurt. I sent them back yesterday. I spent Sunday trying on different shoes and now I’m going to try the Saucony Guide series. I was so disappointed in the Asics 2170’s! I had plantar fasciitis several years ago and my feet had been very happy in the Asics up until this point. I don’t know what they did to change the shoe but it wasn’t a good change.
I wish there were a magic answer to the whole “which running shoes?” question. I’ve been having some wonky knee pain that has come from NOWHERE, and now I, too, am trying to figure out which shoes. If only they were like $20 a pop – I’d buy five pairs to try out! I wish both of us luck! And looking forward to some indian/curry myself 🙂 Happy election day!
I tried the 2000s (while training for a half marathon) and ended up also having to buy the Dr. Scholls new athletic insoles. I love them now that I have the insoles but next time I buy running shoes I will go back to the 2170s.
I meant I would go back to the 2160s
Ooo, I love/hate that running is so much of a mental game. It’s great on the days when you can conquer the run… and sucks big time on the days that the run that conquer you.
Although I completely love your blog, I don’t typically comment. However, Asics 2000s gets me goin’.
(Stepping on my soapbox)
I LOVED the 2150s… my three pairs got me through three marathons injury-free. When it was time to reorder, I was anxious about the 2160s because great running shoes are hard to find, and why change something so great? I trained on the new 2160s, and I found myself injured with IT band knee pain, plantar fasciitis and crazy heel blisters within one month. Half marathon cancelled and no running for three months. Womp, womp. When I called my very trusty shoe source (Road Runner Sports, if you’re interested. Great running gear company with top-notch phone customer service and fab return policies if the shoe doesn’t work), and drilled the sales guy about the changes of the 2170. They fixed everything that was a major problem… shoe weight, flexibility and heel size. And now I’m back on the Asics 2000 train, with one injury-free marathon down in the 2170s.
(And stepping off my soapbox)
Gear preferences, especially running shoes, vary for each individual. I love the 2170s, but I do recommend speaking with a shoe company of sorts to find the best shoe for you or ordering from a company that allows you to return the shoe if you don’t like it after training on it for a few weeks.
Sorry for the novel, but I couldn’t help it. Asics 2160 is my sore spot. 🙂
Thank you for all you do!
Clarification… Asics 2100, not 2000, gets me goin’. No experience with the 2000s. I got so heated I forgot to proof it. 🙂
I just started crossfit and prior to the workouts I get so nervous. No idea why because I know I am new, and slow, and weak in comparison and am totally ok with it, but still the nerves set in. And the moment before the instructor yells start, I repeat over and over, this is only going to be 15, or 20 or whatever the short time period is that day, and then I will have gotten in a hard workout that was over almost as soon as it started. And afterwards I’m always elated at my accomplishment.
May just be time to go to a running store, get fitted, and try on a bunch! Tell them your concerns so they can pay attention to the extra details! So worth it.
I’m having some shrimp curry leftovers for lunch… yum!
Check out Fleet Feet in Tucson. They will get you fitted for your perfrect pair and its right next door to Frost Gelato!!!
I am fairly new to running, partly because when I tried to take it up in the past I suffered from joint pain and shin splints. A couple years ago I got into Vibram Five Fingers for hiking so when I tried running again this summer I used those. They are amazing! I haven’t had a hint of pain and even ran a pretty touch race (Bisbee1000 = 4.5 miles with 1000+ stairs). I actually enjoy running now 🙂
When I had pain before I was in my 20’s when you’re supposed to be less injury-prone than; I’m 35 now. If you spend your life in shoes (I don’t), the minimalist shoes take some getting used to, but the payoff is fewer injuries. Now I’m working into running without any shoes. Any barefoot runners from AZ out there?
Definitely a good point about remembering during a not-so-awesome workout that it is only temporary. I need to remember that on my next tough long run. Good for you for sticking it out for the 9 miles, you definitely earned your amazing lunch!
At least the view was beautiful. And the curry looks pretty delicious!I love my Asics, but haven’t tried the new version yet, so unfortunately I don’t have any advice.
I have 6 pairs of the exact same asics floating around the house. I’m bad about tossing the old ones thinking they’ll be good “lawn mowing” shoes or whatever. Now I find myself sometimes flipping them over and checking tread because the old ones will end up where the new ones are supposed to go. 🙂
Congrats on the terrible/awesome run. 9 miles is amazing!
I am a big big fan of the Asics Kayano series. The stability is amazing, and while a little pricey, they last a very long time! I’ve been wearing them for six years now and I really believe they’ve been the reason I’ve been injury-free. Definitely recommend checking them out.
Congrats on pushing through the nine mile run, you’re a rockstar for lacing your shoes in the first place!
Getting new shoes are the worse, especially if plantar fasciitis is an issue. I bought a pair of New Balance running shoes for my Half Marathon last year and LOVED them, but the “2012 updated version 2” replacement pair I bought earlier in the fall just aren’t as comfortable. Good luck finding something you love.
Awesome Job! 🙂
I am personally I fan of Brooks Adrenaline! I started running with Asics but had issues with shin splints and I also have knee problems so a stable, comfortable shoe was the key for me. I fell in love with Brooks and so have many of my family members as well! They are stable and comfortable but still lightweight! However, I feel the best way to find the best shoe for you is to go to a running store and talk to the shoe expert and then try on a bunch to see which ones are the best for you! Good Luck!
Awwr sorry about the bad run! 9 miles is still something to be happy about though! And wish I could give you some advice on the shoe front, but as much as I love my Asics, I still have an old pair and haven’t gotten in to trying the new ones yet.
Here is my formal request (begging) for a new ab burner video! I LOVE them! I have challenged myself to do one of yours atleast 1x/day for the month of November!
There is nothing a loathe more than a rough run! Hang in there girl! You are awesome!
This might be a dumb thought, but I wear holes in the mesh heels of all of my Asics (within 4-5 months). None of my friends seem to have this problem with their shoes. Surely it’s not an Asics thing, but I’m considering switching brands. Gina, do you, or does anyone else, have the same problem? I try to be really good about untying my shoes instead of kicking them off.
The mesh wears out on mine too. I’m not good about untying though 🙂
usually if running shoes wear unevenly it’s because your weight isn’t properly distributed/your form is off. You may want to take your old ones in to the running store and ask if it’s an issue. even if you don’t “feel injured”
I really like the Asic Kayanos. I train for half marathons and I have found that they are the most comfortable for the long distance. Nothing like putting your foot in a new shoe and feeling the change, time for new shoes 🙂
I like asics, but my favorite running shoe is the mizuno wave runner. i ran my first half marathon in them and loved them every step of the way! def check them out
I love Mizunos! I switched from Asics Kayanos (which I liked a lot) to Mizunos Wave Inspires & haven’t gone back.
A few random thoughts:
1. Thank you for being so honest on your love/hate of your run. Really refreshing.
2. Love Pita Jungle. I use to live in Phoenix and that was one of my favorite restaurants. Oh Arizona, how I miss you.
3. Shoes: I use to run in Asics, but recently switched to a more minimalist shoe and I am a big fan.
The running store near me is offering a run test in the Asics 2000 on Thursday, assuming Baltimore doesn’t get hit with another storm. Will definitely let you know how they are! I have been running in the Brooks Adrenaline for 6 months now, and am looking for a change.
I tend to try my hardest not to listen to others opinions of shoes (I know it’s super hard…all of my teammates are always exchanging info) because everyone is sooo different. I’ve bought shoes that some people have sworn by and they’ve annihilated my feet – once mid-marathon training season which was devastating. Your best bet is to just head to the running store, tell them your worries, and ask them to tell you the differences between what you have now and the new ones, and if it has a tendency to change your form. A lot of people don’t like to pay the “premium price” of running stores but I think the one-on-one assistance is totally worth it! I’d rather pay a little more and not be plagued with injury 🙂
The 2160s were the last good shoes that came out of the GT line. The 2170s are junk. I have been a long-time fan of the GT line, so was pretty sad about that. I switched to the Kayano 17s though (I think it is up to 18, but the 17 was on sale), and have been pretty pleased.
First I wannna say I love this post,and I love me some ascics.Thanks for asking this ? I have the Gel Pulses,and my previous ones were the gel 1160.I love both of them.I don’t think you can ever go wrong with Ascics.I hear the Kayno ones are the best ones out right now.Hope this helps!
I’m not sure about the 2000 series, but I switched from 2160s to 2170s about 3 months ago and I LOVE them!! I like them even more than the 2160s, which I was running in for forever. However, I do agree with the comment above about not listening to other peoples opinions of shoes, because all of our bodies are SO different. The 2170s may be amazing for me but the worst shoes ever for someone else. I temporarily switched to the Brooks Ghost 3 last year bc a friend kept raving about them… and I ended up with horrible knee pain. Switched back to 2160s and it was gone. So to each his/her own:)
Go get fitted at a running store. They will analyze your stride and fit you with a proper shoe 🙂
I had a pair of Asics for a long time (guilty of that sin as well) and made the switch to Reebok Realflex last year. It made such a huge difference! I tend to pronate a lot and I found with a more minimal shoe that I just couldn’t. I haven’t had any blisters in the new ones either, which is nothing short of a miracle for me. No shin pain, no calf pain, etc.
With that, though, definitely go try some on. Don’t just stick with Asics because that’s what you’ve got now… I thought they were the shoe for me and ended up being wrong. Always good to make completely sure that you’ll be happy in them!
I’ve used the 2160’s forever and still continue to buy them whenever I can find them on sale online 🙂 I have ended up with some 2170’s once or twice but haven’t ried the new ones.
Do you use running shoes for classes or different ones? For awhile, I had one pair of 2160s for classes and one pair for running, but I feel like they might be the wrong kind of shoe for classes…
I don’t know if you would be willing to switch brands but I love Mizuno Inspires, the best running shoe I have ever tried! Also, that chicken salad looks so yummy!
9 miles – you go girl!
I wear Nike Air Vomeros and have, for about 5 years, exclusively. When I switch to other shoes, even within Nike’s own line of running shoes, my P-F gets worse. I swear by the Vomeros and replace them every 4 months or every 400 miles or so. That is also key for me or my joints can feel the lack of cushioning. LMK how you like the shoes. I am always wondering if there’s something ‘more amazing’…grass is always greener, right? 🙂
I love the honesty! It’s so nice when you speak the truth.. whether it be about working out, eating, or family. It’s pretty awesome to hear you go through the same mental thoughts as I do. Some days you really don’t want to work out but if you just start 9 times out of 10 (probably closer to 9.8/10 actually) you finish!
9 miles.. running. What an accomplishment. I’m not a runner so this just baffles me. 10 miles biking? No sweat, running?.. um no! 🙂
Hey guys! Just thought I would add my two cents. I work part-time at a running store and I have to say that everyone’s feet are different so it’s hard to say that what works best for you will do the same for someone else. For starters, we all have different degrees of pronation (ankles and arches dropping when you walk/run). Your personal degree of pronation will determine what type of shoe you need (i.e. neutral shoe (low/minimum pronation), stability (moderate pronation), or motion control (severe pronation)). The 2000 series is a mesh between the Kayano and 2170s and is considered a stability shoe. So if you don’t have a lot of pronation, it may be too much stability for you. Also, with shoes comes personal preference. Some people like cushioned shoes, some firm, some like a wider toe box, etc so I totally agree with going to a specialized running store to be analyzed, measured, and fit for the correct shoe for you.
Congrats on sticking out the bad run! We all have a crappy run every now and then, but it’s the crappy ones that make the good ones extra awesome 🙂
I ran in Asics for a few weeks (not sure the model. Gel something or other, I bought them solely because I liked the pretty purple colour of the logo… Bad, I know. Anyway, I developed weird shooting ankle pain a few weeks later every time I ran. My doctor worried I was developing compartment syndrome; another doctor thought it could be anterior tendonitis….. and it went away immediately when I changed up my shoes. Those shoes, pretty as they were, just weren’t right on my feet. The best advice I ever read about buying shoes is that you’re much less likely to get injured if you go in the shoe store and choose the shoe that feels best on your foot. You shouldn’t have to break them in, they should already feel molded to your foot.
Go try some on and choose what feels best!
Hi Gina!
A teacher in my building just got the 2000s and said her feet her so bad in them that she had to take them back to the store and exchange them. Of course that is just one person’s experience! If you can return the 2170s, you could always buy them AND go to a running store to get fitted–maybe there’s another brand that your feet will love even more 🙂
I just bought the Asics 2170 about two months ago and I have to say that prior to that purchase, I was a Brooks girl for about 10 years. However, I went to a specialty running store and discovered that I needed to get different shoes because of the changes in my feet. Since switching over, I’ve noticed that I’m running better and that I’ve been fitted for shoes incorrectly in the past from other sports stores!
If you can get to a running store where there’s a treadmill for you to test out your shoes, I’d highly recommend it. It changes everything! So far I haven’t experienced anything negative with the 2170s, but once again, there are so many different shoe choices for a reason – people’s feet and gait aren’t the same!
Good luck with your decision! Let us know what you decide!
Sorry about the hard run! At least you got out there and pushed through! You might want to try Saucony CS 2 Stabils. They are really supportive and help people like me who have flat feet. They really help with knee and joint pain as well as stability.
Good shoes make all the difference. As others have suggested, go to a good running store for a fitting. When you find the right style/brand for you, buy two and alternate between them, particularly if you wear them daily. The cushioning gets compressed while wearing, and alternating assures “fresh shoes”.
Gina- love your thought process about tough workouts!! Great way to think about them only being temporary! 🙂 I needed that thought today, as I was out running in the freezing cold in VA!
I always love the Zumba songs you share. Living in the middle of the boonies in central pa you expose me to lots of styles of music I would never hear otherwise!
Gah! The new 2170s make my plantar fasciitis hurt too! Major fail. I’ve been wearing the 21xx for YEARS and this is the first pair that has left me with a sour taste. Hopefully Ascis will see what’s up and make a quick switch. Glad I’m not alone 🙂
BTW, I just started printing out your workouts and holy cow, I’m obsessed… should have started them long ago. Muchas gracias!
The 2160s will always be my favorites, but I do love the 2170s, too (I have the exact same pair that you have in the photo). I haven’t tried the 2000 series, but I’m due for new shoes like yesterday. I’m interested to see what others say!
OMG……I want that salad!! 🙂
Have you tried Pearl Izumi running shoes? I had tried several different kinds of shoes because I have a lot of problems with my knees and lower back. These have been the best shoes ever for me. No more pain whatsoever. So now I’m a believer =)
Your 9 miler sounds exactly like most of my runs!! I also recommend going in to a running store to get fitted. I have tried and tried to love asics, I had the nimbus, but they just are the wrong shape for my foot, I bought the wide fit and they were still too narrow. I have finally after many years found my perfect running shoes – nike zoom vomero or brooks glycerin. Love them both so much, they’re for neutral runners and have ++ cushioning.
i did barefoot running after reading born to run and after 3ish years called it quits. i have brooks and was wearing them when i switched to barefoot, and have been wearing them again for the past year. granted i’m biased because of reading born to run, but i really believe that changing your shoes every x amount of miles can be a scam. obviously every body is so different (which is so evident in runners so do whatever feels best), but i have never experienced less knee pain/overall injuries as i have since i’ve been running in these shoes for so long. they’re the go2 series!