Newton Fate Shoe Review

If you have been following my blog you may have noticed my running took an unscheduled rest for approximately 3 months. My knee had been bothering me to the point where I would have to stop running right at the 3 miles. It was pain that would come on really fast in my outer left knee. Of course I immediately saw a great orthopedic specialist who did some tests and determined that rest and physical therapy may help me.

After an evaluation by the therapist and a running analysis, it was determined that when I started to get tired my ankles would start to roll inward (overpronation). I also had a bad habit of heel striking. My heels would slam to the ground first and would absorb most of the impact. I was wearing heavy padded shoes and really didn't notice how much of a heel slammer I was until I was video taped and played back to me. In addition while receiving therapy it was noted that I have tight hips. Combine all that together and you get a tight IT band and that leads to pain in the knee. 

One of the things I was advised to do was to change my running form to land more on my forefoot. I remember hearing about Newton Running shoes and immediately began my research. Newton shoes are designed to help you become more of a forefoot runner. How?

Put on your running shoes and run across your driveway for a couple minutes. Now take your shoes and socks off and run across the driveway. Do you notice anything different? Are you taking huge strides while slamming your heels down first? No. You are most likely taking smaller strides and landing on the mid foot first? This is a more natural running form. This is the way Newton shoes guide you. 

No, these are not the barefoot shoes you think they are. They are still supported and have padding in them just not nearly as much as some other models. In addition, the shoes have lugs on the bottom that force you to land in that spot first. I won't get fancy with all the terminology but basically they force you to think. They force you to become a better runner. You feel the lugs hit the ground first and they correct you. You are reminded to shorten and quicken your stride. You can read all about it on their website Newton Running.

I had a chance to try out Newton's new model called the Fate. After emailing what type of runner I was with a company representative, it was determined that the Fates would be ideal for someone like me. The Fates are designed with P.O.P (Point Of Power) 2 lugs. P.O.P. 2 refers to the height of the lugs on the bottom of the shoe. P.O.P 2 is a more gradual or medium height. It isn't as pronounced as some of the other models of Newton shoes. So what did I think? I love these shoes. I have been running in them for about 6 weeks now. It was an adjustment to get used to the first couple of weeks. The website guides you with how to break them in. Basically a little at a time is ideal. You may get sore calves. That is because you are really working your calves. The plus side? Hello calf muscles! I was stoked to get calf compliments by more than one person those first couple weeks.

These shoes are really lightweight. I don't get any soreness after long runs and my feet don't ache or have hot spots when I take them off. They are very roomy. I have wide feet and was worried about the toe box being narrow. But when they arrived and I put them on, I was amazed at how comfortable they were. I did size up a half a size (as I always do in running shoes). They color is also pretty sweet too. Every time I wear them I can't help but sing the "Fancy" song in my head. Just kidding! But I do get a lot of compliments on the color and style.

Is there anything I don't like? The price. At $129.00 bucks that seems a little steep for this mom. But to be honest I will pay that if it means I can run pain free. Let's just say my doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions cost much more than the shoes. 

Newton has found a loyal customer. They got me running pain free again and I couldn't be happier. In fact I'm so happy I couldn't help but do this...

Have you heard of Newton shoes? What is your favorite brand of running shoes?

I'm so fancy. (Ok not really but my kids think I am in this funny picture).

Disclosure: A benefit to keeping a blog about training for triathlons is a chance to receive various products to use and review for my readers. These products are often provided for free or at a significant discount to me. I don't receive additional compensation and I'm not under obligation to provide a positive review of the product. My opinions on the product are entirely my own. Some of the products I review may work for me, but they may not work for you. 

Nuunbassador Hood to Coast Check-in

Exactly one month from today I will be getting ready to run my first leg of the Hood to Coast Relay. I am still not sure what to expect other than I'll be running 3 legs and "sleeping" in a van.

I'm runner #10. My first leg will be 5.12. My second leg will be 6.81 miles and the third leg is 3.36 miles. I believe my first leg will be in the evening and ending in darkness. The second leg is very early in the morning and the third is sometime in the afternoon.

It's been fun getting to know the other teammates via our private Facebook page and through social media. I can already tell we will have a fun group of guys and gals this year. Our team names were announced a few weeks ago.  The two teams are: Team Nuun Energy Wild Berry and Team Nuun Energy Lemon Lime. I'm on Team Wild Berry!

Photo credit: Nuun

Of course the girls in the group are now excited as we get to start color-coordinating our outfits. I'm sure the guys are secretly rolling their eyes. Being the planner I am, I'm getting all my race gear ready. In the past the girls on the Nuun Team have all worn sparkly skirts. We decided to keep with that tradition and some of us will be wearing our team colors in a two-toned sparkly skirt. The talented Miss Katie at Chase This Skirt did an amazing job at creating our team skirts. I received mine in the mail the other day and can't wait to wear it. She can do almost any color combination you like.  Our colors coordinate with the colors on the Nuun Energy tubes. Here's a peak at Team Wild Berry's sparkle skirt:

The running is still going well. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things and the knee is holding up fine. I had two runs last week that were over an hour. I'm carefully stretching and icing after each long run. In between running, I'm doing cycling and swimming to balance things out and to not overdo it. So far, so good. I may not be able to run very fast but I'm thankful to be running again.

So less than 4 weeks to go before I board the flight to Seattle. HUGE props to hubby and parents for holding down the casa/kid care while I am gone for those 5 days. They are the best! Nuun has some things planned for us but I don't know exactly what just yet. I am assuming it's a headquarter tour, van decorating party and a chance to meet a lot of the staff in person and beg them to tell me what the next flavor will be. I also know about a couple of the "goodies" we are getting (because they needed sizes) and I'm so excited to see and wear those items.

Here is the link-up. Be sure and check throughout the week as the ambassadors continue to add their blogs.

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

39 things

This post was meant to be done on my 39th Birthday (several weeks ago). However life got in the way so here goes:

Happy 39th Birthday to me!

39 things that make me happy:

1. Hearing my youngest son's voice yell "Mommy I missed you SO much" when I walk in the door, even though I have only been gone 20 minutes.
2. The excitement in my oldest son's voice when he describes his art pictures to me.
3. Hubby bringing me home all the gossip magazines he picks up off the airplane. 
4. Having sweet friends who will text you and say "I'm coming to pick your kids up tomorrow so you can have a break and my kids can be entertained."
5. The gentle whimper noises my yellow lab makes when I have been gone a really long time.
6. Having an amazing husband who supports my crazy ideas and picks me up when I am down in the dumps.
7. Living just a few miles away from my Mom, Dad and Grandma. (Yes this really does make me happy)
8. Ace Hard Cider.
9. Strong pungent cheese.
10. Camping trips in our family rv.
11. A Lego free floor.
12. Mountain biking with my man leading the way. That way I can check out his strong legs and butt. (I can picture him turning red reading this).
13. Afternoon monsoons.
14. Those rare moments just before bed-time when my oldest really opens up to me about how he's feeling.
15. Green grass in the backyard.
16. Pad Thai and coconut soup.
17. Girls Nights Out.
18. Shaved Ice drizzled with condensed milk.
19. Climbing into bed at 9:00 pm and spending and hour reading under the covers.
20. A long hot shower on a cold day.
21. Creating playlists for my spin classes.
22. Having a close relationship with my brother.
23. Funny someecards.
24. Workout clothes.
25. New tennis shoes.
26. Race bibs and blingy medals.
27. Coconut body lotion.
28. Hubby in his pilot uniform.
29. Twitter.
30. Clean sheets.
31. Dry red wine at a perfect temperature of 60 degrees.
32. Just Dance on the Wii with my kids.
33. The feeling you get after a long bike ride or run.
34. Hotel rooms with amazing views.
35. Race expos.
36. Having a job that you love to do.
37. Deep belly laughs that come from my kids.
38. A really good fresh salad bar with endless amounts of toppings.
39. The anticipation of what 40 will bring! 

Tri Talk Tuesday- Race Day Fuel

Here is another installment of the Tri Talk Tuesday series. This week we are discussing race day fuel and nutrition. I encourage you to link up if you have any tips or ideas you would like to share.

I'm a creature of habit. I tend to eat the same thing before and during a race. I do so because I know what works for my body. I don't want to risk having stomach problems on a day I have been waiting for, for so long. One rule of thumb is to always do your experimenting with different foods before race day.

My breakfast of choice consists of: oatmeal with banana slices, a scoop of nut butter, one glass of water and later (while setting up my transition area) a Luna bar. I do this for every race and never feel hungry. The oatmeal stays with me and the peanut butter gives me a little bit of protein that is easily digestible.

Race day nutrition is individual for all triathletes. By no means am I saying you should eat exactly this way, I just know what works for my body. Of course you will already know what works for you since you will have practiced prior to race morning. 

Another tip I follow is fueling well during the days leading up to the race. And don't overload the night before, it may just give you a stomach-ache the next morning especially if you are not used to eating that much. My biggest meal is usually done a few days before the race with plenty of electrolytes (Nuun) all week. And NO alcohol that week. The night before a race I almost always have a small amount of protein such as lean chicken, a salad or roasted veggies and a sweet potato or rice. This meal sits well with me and is my own comfort food.

So in a nutshell, fuel yourself wisely before, after and during your big event. I am not a nutritionist so any specific questions about diet should be directed toward a trained professional. I just love to share what works for me!

What are some of the ways you fuel prior to a big race? 

Summer Run Essentials

Here we are in the middle of summer. My morning runs have been getting hotter and hotter. Lately I've been relying on the same gear to get me through these hot summer runs. Here are a few things I grab as the temperature heats up!

Summer Run Essentials:

1. Sunglasses. Sunglasses are a must in the summer. I hate squinting and a good comfortable light weight pair is what I need. So far I have found my Under Armour Marabella's to be the most comfortable on my face.

2. Visor. I wouldn't be caught dead running outside without my visor. In fact as soon as I put it on my 4 year old automatically asks; "where are you running now?" As an ambassador for Headsweats I am given the chance to try all the latest styles. Of course my favorite is always the Supervisor visor. The band is extremely comfortable and stops the sweat from running down my face. They have some fun designs but a little birdie told me that a new women specific line is going to be launched soon! If you check out the site and see something you like don't forget TRIMOM25 will always save you 25%.

3. Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a must for me. Living at high elevation and in sunny Arizona, I can't go anywhere without sunscreen. Did you know UV exposure increases by 4% at every 1000 feet gain in elevation? I live at 5600 feet and often run at even (higher) altitudes so that has me worried. I prefer the baby or sensitive skin lotions the best. The majority of the sprays give me a rash so I almost always have to use a lotion. The baby ones work because they don't sting my eyes when I do start sweating.

4. Handheld water bottle filled with an electrolyte drink. It's common to see me running with a handheld bottle. For some reason I would rather hold something then to have water bottles around my waist. It's always filled with Nuun. I usually only have to use a half a tablet in this particular bottle and lately the tabs have been the Energy ones. I have been skipping my morning coffee since it's been so hot and instead get my caffeine boost from Nuun Energy. Have you tried Nuun Energy yet? Head over to the site and pick up the sampler pack. It's a good deal and you get a cute water bottle too!

5. Sweat-wicking tank top. Tank tops are just about the only tops I wear all summer long. I can't stand sleeves on my arms and tanks keep me so much more cooler. The Coeur Sports run tanks are perfect for summer. They dry very quickly and are really light. I don't get any chafing from them and the material is so incredibly soft. My only complaint about the first run of these tanks were that they were a little too short. I prefer a long tank. I have since begged them to make their tanks longer and from what I understand they are now doing this! Hooray for a company that listens! 

6. No-show quick dry socks. Summer socks better be no-show and they better be quick drying. And Feetures makes these socks! I can run many miles in these socks on hot summer days and I don't get hot spots or any irritation from them. They fit snug which is the reason why they work so well.  I know it's strange to get this happy over socks but they really do make a difference with my comfort level.

How is your outdoor training going this summer? Do you have any summer run essentials that I may have missed?

Disclosure: A benefit to keeping a blog about training for triathlons is a chance to receive various products to use and review for my readers. These products may be provided for free or at a significant discount to me. I don't receive additional compensation and I'm not under obligation to provide a positive review of the product. My opinions on the product are entirely my own.  I'm typically only asked by the company to provide ONE review. However if I strongly believe in the products and the company they represent, you will see additional reviews and/or social media posts. Please also keep in mind that what may work for me, may not necessarily work for you. 

Family, Birthday, Triathlon.

The summer is moving way too fast. I have a hard time believing it's already July. The last couple weeks have been busy. My brother and family were in town to visit and we were off playing tourists in our little town.

Rodeo time!

Summer concerts and playing on The Square.

Summer fun on The Square.

Lots of pool time.

One highlight that stands out was a little local triathlon I did on my birthday. It was a great way to celebrate my last year of my 30's! My sister in law did the tri with me and it was great bonding time. She borrowed my mountain bike and still beat me on the hilly course. Yes this girl ROCKS! The bike course was only 15 miles but a hilly 15 miles. It was one of the slowest 15 miles I have raced. There was always an uphill on this course and it seemed as if it never went down. I did end up with second place in my small little age group so that was pretty cool. 

Sis and I

Ready to race.

I think my swim stroke is improving.

Almost done!

The best part about this race was that my knee felt strong and didn't hurt. I'm back to running (slowly) and it doesn't cause me pain anymore. Today I bumped up my mileage to 4 and a half miles. That's big for me as the pain would stop me dead in my tracks at 3 miles a few months ago. I'm so happy to be running again. Do I still feel sick to my stomach about racing a 70.3 in October? Yes but I'm trying not to let it bother me and just focusing on the little things I can do right now.