Running is feeling really good again. Besides being really excited to be back running without pain again I am more motivated than ever to get up early to run.
It is coming up on finals season for Billy so that means if I am going to run, I have to get up and go first thing. I don’t think I will run with the Bob for a long time and I am no longer really doing much (or any) treadmill running (it still isn’t even set up yet) so my only time to go is first thing in the morning.
I know if I don’t get up and go it isn’t going to happen any time after. Plus the sooner I go the sooner I get to come back to my favorite stretching partner. Plus plus it is supposed to be 86 degrees today and I don’t run in the heat.
After the run I foam rolled and did my Performance Stretching DVD followed by some planks and some clamshells with the resistance band.
I actually got the Ravenna 4s a while ago but I always like to get a bunch of runs in with a product before I do a review and being out with an injury for a month made it take a little longer to do a review.
Old picture:
I was actually really nervous about using the Ravenna 4s because once I find a shoe I love (the PureFlow 2s) I usually stick with them but when I opened the box of the Ravenna 4s I was instantly in love with the looks of them at least:) Purple plus neon green laces= awesome.
The Ravenna 4s are meant for ‘in-between feet. They are the middle child to neutral and support.’
The women’s are 9 ounces and the men’s are 10.8 ounces. They are $110.
What I love about the Ravenna 4s:
-They are incredibly comfortable. This may be because I am used to wearing shoes with less cushioning but each time I put them on I notice how good my feet feel in them. It doesn’t feel like there is too much cushioning, just the right amount for me. When a shoe has too much cushioning they make me want to walk, not run so these definitely do not have too much cushioning.
-Like every Brooks shoe that I have tried the Ravenna 4s are very flexible (which I was surprised about because I didn’t think they would be when I first took them out of the box). The shoe is solid and substantial but still bends in all the right places.
-I think that these shoes will be perfect for when I am in high mileage marathon training mode. They provide the stability that I will need (just enough but not a lot, I have a pretty neutral foot) when I am running high mileage weeks. My joints already love them.
-Customized fit! The two straps that wrap around the mid foot makes it so that the shoes feel like they were made specifically for my feet.
What I won’t be using the Ravenna 4s for:
-Speed work
-Racing
I personally like my racing and speed shoes to be a tiny bit lighter… but the Ravenna’s are still pretty darn light for the amount of cushion they have.
PS I love how they want you to be VERY happy with your purchase and make sure you love what you buy!
—————————————————————-
This morning as I was doing dishes Brooke was sitting in her chair snacking on Cheerios and next thing I knew it she was asleep. I thought she was just chewing on the tray but no she was out!
White potatoes > sweet potatoes when it comes to deliciousness but they are still pretty good. Brooke loves them so I am trying to be cool liker her and eat them every now and then. I also had a salad and an apple with pb.
The greens and snap peas were from my friend’s garden. I want my own garden right this second.
What were your very FIRST pair of running shoes? What brand do you prefer now?
-The Waveriders were my first pair of running shoes but now I prefer Brooks!
How much money are you willing to spend on a pair of running shoes?
What is really motivating you lately to run?
Sweet potatoes or white potatoes… which one do you prefer?
106 comments
aine @ ainesadventuresabroad
I had Nikes first (Avalons) but now I swear by Brooks :) I spend wayyyy too much on running shoes the ones I now were 100 GBP eeek!
I just ran a 10K and I am so motivated to get faster!!!
Tough to call love mashed potatoes but sweet potato fries are tough to beat!
Cori @ olivetorun
The first 1/2 marathon I did in Nike Shox…. WHAT? haha Now I run in Brooks Pure Cadence 2’s in purple or really any Brooks shoe.
Uhm, no question- sweet potatoes!
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
I saw that picture of you running in Nike Shox on your about me page and I thought it was brilliant. My husband wishes they still made those shox he loved running in them too. The men’s version of course.
Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes
Sweet potatoes all the way!!! I think my limit would be about $120 for a pair of running shoes. I can’t even remember my first pair of running shoes… all I remember is they weren’t actually for running and a neighbor stopped me and told me to tell my parents (I was 13) to buy me some real ones haha.
Emma @ Culturecopia
LOL at Brooke falling asleep in the high chair! My go-to runners are Nike, but to be honest I’ve currently lost motivation to run – help???
Presh
take a break!
Sometimes your body just need a break from it.
Even if it’s something you love!!
Find something else to do in the mean time :)
Jen Hendrickson
I totally agree. I have taken a much needed break after a lot of training last year and have been doing boot camp for the last month or so. I love it and it has helped me not miss running too much! And I feel so strong!!!
Hollie
Interesting about the shoe review. I’m the same way that I tend to race and do speed work in lighter shoes but need heavier (with more cushion) shoes while maintaining high milage. I will pay 175 for newtons (and am pair 13). It stinks my feet have not found a cheaper shoe considering I go through them every two months but at the same time I’d rather stay with a shoe that keeps me injury free. Lets face it- medical bills for an X-ray/MRI are a bit more expensive than 175. Comes with the territory I suppose.
shelly
It’s going to be 89 here today and I’m running in it after work. Then I have a ripped class right afterwards. It’s going to be a sweat-a-thon! My water bottle is getting prepared for the weather, in the freezer!
Wendy @ New Moms Talk
Sweet potatoes trump white potatoes except on baked potato night for dinner.
The love of our daughter and my own sanity are motivating me to run… in theory! Or maybe it was the woman who was running the trails in prep for the Wasatch 100 yesterday when I was hiking with our girl.
Sarah
I will spend good money on great shoes! Especially Brooks.. I’ve been wanting to try the Ravennas forever!
Brooke is SO cute in her chair!
Sarah
http://www.thinfluenced.com
Michelle @ 3cheaprunners
Saucony Kinvara…and they are still my fav! Don’t get me wrong there are MANY other shoes in my running shoe collection, but these are still my go-to’s
PS. How totally cute is that pic of Brooker today
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I don’t mind spending money on shoes if they’re a great fit and will keep me from having problems down the road. And I have to agree that it’s white potatoes all the way. I’ll crave a sweet one every now and again, and they’re fantastic with almond/coconut butter, but nothing beats the classic white.
Cecilia @MommiesRun
Oh I love sweet potatoes! They are delicious plain!
My first pair of running shoes were the Mizuno Wave Enigmas. I’m currently rocking the PureFlow2’s and it is love. I don’t ever want to wear another shoe.
Kelly
My first running shoes were Asics. Now I run in Brooks Ravenna 3’s! I prefer white potatoes too, especially mashed potatoes! My half marathon is motivating me to run right now, as well as the nice spring weather – I just want to enjoy it after being stuck running inside for so long!
Ashley
I only run in Asics, so I’m willing to shell out some dough for their shoes. I currently run in the noosas.
My goal is to run a full marathon in January. I’m using Hanson’s training method, thanks to you! I’m so excited. I just want to finish. :-)
erika
How do you like the noosas’s? Im an asics fan and am looking to try this one for marathon training. Thanks!
Ashley
They are great! Not too much, and not too little support. They are lightweight and they come with yankz laces. I really like them.
Cathy
I am absolutely married to the Asics – I love the slim fit. I’m in the Nimbus 14’s now, but the 15s are out so I’m assuming that will be my next purchase. :)
Nicole
I just bought these Ravennas at Hanson’s this week. I’m looking forward to getting back into running with them. I took the summer off and did some strength training, but new shoes always make me wanna run. I’m glad for the good review. I’m usually all Asics or Saucony, so the Brooks should be an interesting departure. =)
Heather @ Run Eat Play
My sister in law just bought those Brooks!
My first shoes were Nike, now I love Mizunos! I currently run in the Mizuno Inspire 9s. I am willing to spend a lot on running shoes because I have calf problems and they need to be supportive and comfortable!
Brooke is so adorable sleeping in her high chair – so nice to be able to fall asleep anywhere!
Marie Oliveira
Love the pic of Brooke sleeping at her high chair! None of my kids would ever be so chill as to just fall asleep where ever they happen to be. They’re a bunch of screamers :)
My first shoes were Nike Pegasus. I need to go to an actual running shop the next time I get a pair of shoes and get fitted for some good ones.
Debbie @ Deb Runs...
My very first running shoes were Nikes, but once I switched over to Asics I couldn’t imagine switching back!
There’s nothing like a sleeping baby in a high chair… so cute!
Amanda
My first two pair of shoes were Asics. Then I fell in love with the PureFlows. I went through 3 pair and have recently bought a pair of Altras because I don’t get enough miles out of the PureFlows. I like them a lot so far. As far as potatoes go, I love both kinds. A lot. That pic of Brooke is great! Used to crack me up when my daughter passed out in her chair.
Jessie
Amanda, just curious. How many miles were you getting out of the PureFlows? I ask because I seem to go through them really quickly–the foam cushioning just breaks down and I feel everything….
Amanda
My first 2 pair, which were the first model of the PureFlows I was able to stretch to just over 350 miles. My third pair, which were the PureFlow 2’s I barely got 250 miles out of before I had to replace them. I started having pain in one area of my foot as soon as I put the shoes on. My sore spot was right where one of those little black pods are on the bottom so I’m thinking the cushioning must have been worn out and it was irritating my foot. I was bummed to switch, but I just can’t afford to replace my shoes every 2 months! I’ve been told over and over that it’s just the nature of these more minimal kinds of shoes, they don’t last as long. Unfortunately, that’s the kind of shoe I like.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
omg! That picture of Brooke asleep is TO ADORABLE. How do you live each day with so much cuteness? Seriously, I’d die.
Leah
Hey! Those are my shoes! I love love love them. The purple and lime green did it for me, for sure. I do agree that they are a tad bit heavier than I’d like, but the absorption makes up for that. Keeps my ankle feeling strong too.
Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian
The shoes look great, and I’m with you on the desire for lighter shoes. I can’t stand to have a heavy shoe weighing me down if I’m running. On the potato debate, I go with sweet. Especially if we’re talking fries.
Kim
Brooks all the way! Ariel model with extra support. Running happy in my third pair.
Sweet Potatoes for me please. Sprinkled with a little cinnamon and butter… delish!
Brooke is getting SO big. Thank you for sharing her with us. Her sweet little face brightens my day.
Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick
Aww, I think it’s so cute when babies fall asleep when they are eating. I think my very first pair of running shoes were given to me by my high school Cross Country Coach and they were Nike Pegasus I believe. The first pair of shoe I had from a running store were the Asics Kayano. I still wear the Kayano and they are my first choice for Marathon shoes. For speed work I love the Mizuno Elixir and for short runs I like the Mizuno Inspire. Right now I’m trying out the Brooks GTS 13 and the Asics Nimbus 15.
I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for. My main priority is the performance of the shoe itself. So price is not really a deciding factor for me. The way I see it I’ll have my feet for the rest of my life so it’s a worth while investment to buy good shoes. That being said I was irked when my husband spent $200 on his Mizuno Wave Prophecy and doesn’t use them for running(he wears Mizuno Wave Riders which are half the price). So the more expensive one’s aren’t necessarily the right ones for everyone.
Right now my upcoming MCM race is motivating me to run.
White Potatoes!!!!!! With the Skin!
Jen
Oh this is a post for me! My first pair were Nikes but I have been in shoe finding mode right now! When I switched from Nike structure I went to Brooks Adrenaline. I then switched to Saucony guides trying to get lighter. I have since tried some minimal shoes but am not sure how minimal I can go without getting injured :). I have tried a million shoes and still am not convinced I love my shoe. I also feel like I am in between sizes (like in everything else. I am a small 1/2 in tops, a 4 1/2 in pants…4 is too small, 6 is too big). My shoes 9 seems great only if I have on my procompression marathon or super thin socks but a 9 1/2 seems too big. I usually spend $90-$110. Right now I would pay a lot for a pair of shoes I just loved.
Bance
I don’t know you Jen, but you just described me to a T. Sizing exactly – eery. I went thru five different shoes and lost 4 toenails during my marathon training and race last Fall. Oh to find the perfect shoe. Started in Saucony Hurricanes. Running in the Pure Cadence right now and feeling hopeful.
My vote…all the way for sweet potatoes!
Alyssa @ See This Girl Run
Totally depends on who makes it! Sometimes I like sweet potatoes but sometimes I don’t.
I first used Nike’s, then Asics and now I’m on my first pair of Brooks. I’m kind of missing my Asics though. Maybe I just need a different pair of Brooks. Guess I better go shoe shopping. Dang it ;) I think around $100 is the what I would spend.
My half marathon coming up in just under 2 months is what is motivating me right now!
Alysa
I love asics :D!! I have flat feet and Asics were the only one’s to help me , especially when I had plantar fasciitis, so now I just stick with the brand :).
Britt @ BrittsRunningStyle
My first pair were Nike shox. I love asics gel nimbus now. I usually spend right around $100. love sweet potatoes!!!
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives
My first pair of running shoes are the pair I have now – ha, newbie runner here ;-) – and they are Brooks Ravenna 4’s! Love, Love, LOVE them! Sure, I have nothing to compare them to but I spent a good hour in the shoe store and tried on at least 5 different pairs of shoes before selecting them!
My motivation for running has been lacking lately actually… my last run was so brutal that I’m scared I lost my groove. Yikes! Gonna get back at it in the AM though. No quitters here! ;-)
Morgan
Super jealous of your warm weather! Babies crack me up the way they fall asleep in the middle of something.. so sweet:)
My 1st shoes were asics- still seem to be my fave now too. I usually spend anywhere from $70-$120.
I like sweet potatoes equally to white: love red roasted potatoes and sweet potato fries. But for a real baked potato: you gotta go original!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
It depends what I’m using the potatoes for, but I’d pick sweet potato fries over regular fries any day!
Brooke @ Running In Heels
My first pair of running shoes was an old pair of Nike free’s but now I LOVE AND SWEAR BY Newton Distance shoes.. they completely healed my foot strike and my tibial stress fracture :)
Natalie @ Twenty-Something Talk
My very first pair of running shoes were a beat up old pair of Nike’s, but it wasn’t about the shoe in the beginning it was just about the freedom of going out for a run, so they served their purpose very well. Now I’m in love with my Mizuno Wave Precision and am so sad they are discontinuing them, but I love the way Mizuno’s fit my foot!
Usually I like to spend under $120. And I am OBSESSED with both white and sweet potato. I like white potatoes because you can dress them up with a million different things and sweet potatoes are so good on their own. MMM now I want a baked tater for dinner!
Elizabeth @ Positive Change
My first pair ever were a pair of cheap Under armer. :) Now that I know more about shoes and running I run in the Wave Rider or the Adidas Bostons, and sometimes the Brooks Ghosts. I work at a running store so I get a cheap deal on shoes! So I would have to say with my discount no more than 70, but I guess if I really liked the shoe I would still get it. I have an up coming race in 2 weeks that I am stoked about, so that is really motivating. Totally love the sweet potatoes! Brooke is so cute!!!
Julia B.
My first running shoes were some Nike’s. No idea what kind- but they were black with a white swoosh. Keep in mind this was in 1999! They were cool then! I currently love Brooks as well (Ravenna 3’s!) but also Mizuno. I have run in almost every brand though. I hate spending more than $100 for shoes…luckily I get a discount at the local store so I don’ t have to worry about that!
I LOVE white potatoes…mashed, baked, fried, smashed…any way!
Andra
My first pair ever were these trail adidas. No idea.. Got tons of injuries and had no idea there were rules to buying shoes. oooops :/
Then I got asics gel cumulus which were awesome!
I prefer brooks though…have the pure flow 1’s and i LOVE them. Was able to find another pair of the pure flow 1’s a few weeks ago…they’re starting to go out of stock since the 2’s are out.
This weather is motivating me to run! So pretty in the bay area! But I have to take a few days off because I’m starting to feel like I may have tendonitis..again. :(
Karen @ Runner Girl Eats
My younger sister used to ALWAYS fall asleep in the weirdest positions. Too freaking cute! I still swear by my Nikes. Maybe one day I will change but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it right?
Andrea @mainerunnergirl
The nicer weather is what is motivating me to run lately- all the snow is finally melted!! My first pair of running shoes were lime green Nike air Pegasus .
Leigha
All I’ve ever had is Nike’s but I want to try something new. What is a good brand for lots of miles? Now that I’m running a lot I want a shoe made for distance. I’d probably say no more than $100. What’s motivating me is my first half next month!!!
Tara
Aw, she ate her little heart out! I get like that after buffets sometimes. I usually run in Nikes, I haven’t been a huge runner in the past so never needed special running shoes, but I’m training for my first 1/2 marathon in November so I might have to go out and grab some!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I think Brooke’s favorite sport is “Get these shoes off my feet NOW!”
Asics Cumulus were my first running shoes. I still love them!
Sweet potatoes are my favorite!
Michele
The Ravenna’s are my fav! They are the best combo of light and supportive.
emma @ a mom runs this town
sweet potatoes without a doubt. I probably had some heinous all white 300 pound running shoes!
Monica L
What sweet pictures of Brooke. I use to video tape (you know back in the old days) my son falling asleep in his high chair. His dad thought I was being mean, I thought it was hilarious! I like Brooks and Saucony-I have to wear the stability type of shoes, so I can’t play around too much with them. It really hurts to pay $100 bucks for shoes, but I do it. I love love love sweet potatoes, especially roasted!
Katie
I can’t handle Brooke’s adorable face in that first picture! She is literally a baby doll, Janae. But you already knew that :) Love the shoes! Pretty much the happiest colours ever.
xo
Amanda
I spend so much money on running shoes. At least $100 every other month to keep the shoes in my rotation up. So I pretty much have no money for anything else.
Samantha
Um. Sweet potatoes. Obviously.
My first pair of running shoes were Brooks, but then I moved to Asics just because they were cheaper. I am an extreme overpronator so I wear out my shoes pretty quickly. Towards the end of their lives, if I sit them down, they will literally tilt to one side because I walk/run on the sides of my feet so much. Luckily, my orthonics have been helping out a bit. I won’t pay more than a $70 for a pair of running shoes. I just can’t justify the cost when I am switching them out three times a year.
Holly
Sweet potatoes are the only thing Gabriella will eat. I swear my child is going to turn orange ;)
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
I work at a running store and we have trouble keeping the Ravennas in stock, especially the women’s version. They are SO popular. I generally take a neutral shoe, but even I’m thinking of trying them out. I first started running in one of the ASICS models, but switched over to the Brooks Ghosts at my first actual fitting at a running store and have been running in them ever since.
Becky
I read this post while I was in a group meeting and when I got to that picture of Brooke sleeping I started dying laughing! They were all looking at me like I was crazy but I just found it so funny!
First I had asics but now I’m a brooks girl!! :)
Erica
Motivating me to run: running with the same group of people I did last spring. Last spring =majorly sucking wind and just trying to hang stride, this year= keeping pace.
White>sweet : baked
White=sweet. : fries
Katie
Yep, those shoes are super cute. It always seems like the prettiest shoes aren’t the right type for me. Not cool. My first pair of legit running shoes were Asics, but I can’t remember which exact type they were.
michelle kim
I started out with Nike’s for running shoes, but moved on to Asics. These days, I’m loving Brooks and Mizuno’s.
Sam
Janae! I’ve been reading through your old posts and it seems like you had porridge (oatmeal to you) for breakfast almost every day, with apple cooked into the porridge. I decided to try it, given that I have eaten porridge almost every day for over 6 months now. I must confess to being filled with trepidation, having been disappointed every time I’ve messed with my usual brown sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon… but it was yum! And it’s now been added to my rotation. Oh wait, what rotation… I guess there is a rotation now!
It made me think of how I tend to get obsessed with certain foods and have them every day for long periods of time. I’ve decided to bring back some old favorites: “Banana Jumbly” (banana rolled in shredded or dessicated coconut), and poached chicken breast sandwiches. Perhaps there are some old favourites that you might like to resurrect? Other favourites of mine include pancakes with Vegemite and crumpets with melted cheese. Nom!
Ashton
I’ve been running road races for the last fifteen years, and I believe I’ve run in just about every brand of shoes- Brooks, Nike, Asics, Salomon, you name it. I now run in Brooks Adrenaline ASR (trail running shoes), which are great for overpronators who stick to trails. I train almost exclusively on trails, and I’ve found these to be a perfect alternative to hiking boots as well.
I’m on the market for a new race shoe, and after reading your review and the comments, I may have to check out the Brooks Ravenna.
Lisa @ Live and Be Awesome
What were your very FIRST pair of running shoes? What brand do you prefer now?
My very first pair? I’m not even sure. I think they were like Nike Frees or something, and no wonder I had so many problems. Nothing against Nike or anything like that, of course, it was just my own lack of knowledge. I have crazy over-pronation and valgus ankles, so I needed something with much more support (and an orthotic). Now I run with Asics GT-2000 and I’ve been very happy with those!
Also, I adore both sweet potatoes and white (the sweet potatoes are a recent addition to my palate), but if I had to choose, I’d go with white. Nom.
Nicole @ Work in Sweats Mama
My first pair of running shoes were Nike Pegasus. I wore them for my first season of high school cross country. Now I run in Asics Cumulus or Brooks Ghost. It’s crazy to me how much running shoes have gone up in price in the last 10 years. When I started running seriously again after I graduated from college, the Asics Cumulus cost about $80. Now they’re $110. I know how important good running shoes are, but I still think they are crazy expensive. If you switch out your running shoes every 3-4 months, or rotate a few pairs, the cost quickly adds up! I usually wait until a new edition is coming out and then stock up on the previous version.
Since starting my blog last month, I’ve been really inspired by all of the incredible women bloggers sharing their running stories. They’ve gotten me fired up to sign up for a fall marathon. And with everything that happened at Boston last week, I’m even more motivated to re-qualify and cross that finish line!
I LOVE sweet potato fries, but my husband makes incredible homemade garlic mashed potatoes. My 1-year-old LOVES sweet potatoes and will devour an entire baked sweet potato in one sitting.
Losing Lindy
I love Sauconys..
Colleen
I’ve always been a Nikes girl until the past couple of years since I’ve gotten serious about adventure races. I’ll pay $150ish for shoes…ugh but that’s every couple of months. YUCK!!! Sweet pots are my fav!
Natalie @ Free Range Human
Brooke is getting so big! I’m a sweet potatoes girl all the way!
Elise @ Expeditions of Elise
I STILL wear the Mizuno Waverider. I’ve been through 6 pairs at least since my first pair in high school. I love them and they keep getting better! I’ve been motivated to run by the lovely spring weather we’re starting to get. Running in shorts and tee-shirts is MOTIVATING!
Tracie
My first pair of running shoes were Nike Air Pegasus and those were the 1986 model, not the ones you can get now. I have had shin issues over the years so I’ve tried many brands but this year I discovered Mizunos and I don’t believe I’ll ever go back to anything else. I’m running pain free in the Wave Inspire 9s and I feel like I’ve hit the lottery in them.
I just finished a half, but my motivation currently is for a relay race this summer that I’m super excited about. Plus, the weather here in rain central Oregon has turned beautiful so it’s hard to not think about running. Kind of makes teaching a problem, but hey, let’s face it, the kids are thinking about summer too!
Erin
My first ever were some New Balance somethings that they gave us in boot camp. but that I bought on my own were Kayanos, I think. Lately, Mizuno Wave Rider. Pretty big fan! BTW, I am loving that Brooks is getting sassier with their colors.
Ugh, I hate spending money on running shoes. I’ll spend $110 but I am not happy about it.
Lately, I am motivated to run because I told myself I would actually train for a half. I want to PR on this next one (will not be hard to do…), and just generally fall in love with running and be faster. And lose weight. And solve world hunger. NBD.
Sweet potatoes, duh.
Allyssa
My first running shoes were Saucony Triumphs and that’s still my preferred shoe! Obviously I’ve been through several upgrades of the Triumph and the most recent 10’s are for sure the best yet. I’ve tried out other brands and styles but just keep coming back to the Saucony triumph.
Triumphs run me $130 at full price. Which unfortunately I do pay if I can’t find any sort of discount. I try to monitor when online stores sell off styles going out and stock up on at least one pair at 50% off but sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
Man, sweet potatoes and white potatoes are like two different foods. I can’t even choose between them. They’re so different to me.
Jazz
I’m a NewBalance girl, love their minimus line!
And, sweet potatoes all the way!
Runningwithscissors
I just got your shoes Friday and took them right out of the box on a 15 miler!!! LOVE!!! I’ve had the 2’s and 3’s but my fave is the 4’s. I have a narrow foot and these feel a bit less sloppy ( in a good way) than the 3’s.
$ is no object if I find a shoe that works and I love. :) I will forego food to buy running shoes. ;)
Asics were my first running shoes. Still run in them but alternate with Brooks and Sauconys.
White potatoes.
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
I can’t believe Brooke fell asleep sitting in her highchair — too funny!
Andrea R.
sweet potatoes HAND DOWN!! Sweet potato fries.. i mean life just doesn’t get much better.
First shoes… a pair of New Balance… I STILL run in NB and I will forever run in NB! I switched to Mizuno once for a few months, and next thing i know I had a stress fracture in my femure– not saying it is the reason, but Hey! not taking the chance : )
OH my gosh Brooke is so cute : )
And I am ashamed to announce my last pair of running shoes were $135. that is just ridiculous. I really need to get into barefoot running– my barefeet are free : )
Lindsey @ Run Freckles Run
What were your very FIRST pair of running shoes? What brand do you prefer now?
– Nike Lunarglides. Still love them, but trying other shoes. Currently loving Brook’s PureGrit
How much money are you willing to spend on a pair of running shoes?
-I wouldn’t spend more than 120
What is really motivating you lately to run?
-Er, I haven’t actually had motivation to run, though I have anyway.
Sweet potatoes or white potatoes… which one do you prefer?
– White because they are more versatile. Though, I do love sweet potatoes.
Linda @running4two
My first pair of running shoes were Asics…I loved them so much that I got three of the same pair! I now prefer Brooks. I have the pink Pure Flow 2s that you have :).
I will eat either kind of potato…but I am more fond of sweet potatoes these days.
On days that I do long runs, I really enjoy eating whatever I want!
Lauren
Just won a pair of Brooks and already own 3 pairs from the pureproject line so I picked out those purple Ravennas to try for my first marathon! YAY!
kendra @ http://www.kennygump.com/
i am still in search of the perfect running shoe for me. the brand that has had me the best success so far has been asics. i always get blisters and sore feet regardless of what i wear and what size. so i just expect it now.
sweet potatoes for sure:)
Rene Hall
I had Mizunos for my first pair of running shoes (maybe Wave Inspire) but now I swear by Newtons. Having said that I’ll spend about $175 on a pair of shoes (though I picked up my last pair for a sweet $75 at a going out of business sale).
I’m not training for anything right now so I am not excited about anything.
I prefer sweet potatoes.
Miranda @ Miranda Runs
Haha I thought she was trying to eat the plastic too! ;)
Mia
Can i ask you why you’re not using your treadmill right now? Is it just because you haven’t set it up yet, or do you think think treadmill running was/will effect you getting injured? Has outside running been recommended? I have had a lot of injures, and have been trying SO HARD the last few months to avoid injury (which is going so so, but overall I know i’m doing better then in the past.) I love running outside of course, but have been having to do all my runs on a treadmill recently, and have been wondering if it’s okay. Would love to hear your thoughts!
[email protected]
Sweet girl fell asleep! What a cutie!
I love sweet potatoes. Never thought I’d say it!
Kristina
Brooke is in an actual food coma, ha ha. Lil’ cutie!
I got hurt running in the wrong pair of shoes. Ever since I found my Saucony Kinvara’s it’s been a match made in heaven. I’ll gladly shell out the $100 to not get injured again!
Annie
I have mizunos :) My first pair of “running shoes” were nike air max. Oh god they are old! I still have them mind you lol.
Depends, I prefer baked white potatoes but sweet potatoes are awesome!
Annie
That was meant to say sweet potato fries!
charlie@therunnerbeans
I ran outside last night for the first time in my Ravenna’s and I loved them. I love the colours and the fit! really supportive without pushing my feet too much to do what they don’t want to do.
I wish it was OK for adults just to fall asleep wherever!
Marilyn
I love me some clamshells. :-) I’ve also been walking/striding with the resistance bands. Strong knees and hips, here I come!
Kari @ Running Ricig
My first running shoes were probably just some random nikes I had lying around. Now I only wear Brooks Adrenaline!
Heather @ Run Like a G!
I have always ran in Nike’s!
I just love them!
However, all you awesome runners talk about Brooks, so I may just have to splurge and buy a pair. Maybe as a reward for my half marathon?? Hmm… :)
Melissa Prange
I was running in Saucony Ride 5, but after getting a pair of Brooks Pure Cadence for Christmas~ I am sold!!! No more knee or hip pain!!! Cadence has been discontinued (replaced by Cadence 2) so I was on the hunt for another pair~thank you Amazon!! I have the bright green and highlighter pink colors. Love them!!!
Sweet potato fries all the way- dipped in Sweet Baby Rays :)
Nicole @Pink Elephant on Parade
My first pair… Target C9. Those beauties were amazingly comfortable relative to the converse I’ve been wearing since 6th grade. Now I just got my first pair of mizuno waveriders after spending some quality time with the Saucony Triumph. I’ve been told I pronate but stability shoes just hurt my feet…
I don’t discriminate when it comes to potatoes.
Sarah
I don’t remember my first shoe however my most favorite shoe ever (I went through seven pairs of them) was (crazy company quit making them) the Asics Gel Frantic 5s. They were like running on clouds and fit my foot perfectly. I LOVED those shoes.
Logan @ Mountains and Miles
I think my first pair of shoes were the Nike Pegasus. Now I’m strictly a Brooks PureFlow/PureGrit fan.
I’m sweet potatoes all the way!
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian
My first pair of running shoes were some Nike Pegasus that I loved, but then I got injured and switched to the Brooks Ghosts (back when they had the 2’s) and fell in love! I ran in the 2’s, 3’s, 4’s and now the 5’s. I also run in the Mizuno Wave Rider 16’s and love those for faster races and speed work.
Megan
My first pair of running shoes were Pumas! Right now I am on a Nike kick. I like the wider toe area. I have yet to try Brooks. When it comes to the money… I have spent between $50 and $100+ on my Mizunos so it just comes down to how much I like them and how amazing they feel.
Sweet potatoes or white potatoes… which one do you prefer? – SWEET ALL THE WAY!!!
Sarah G.
My very first “real” pair of running shoes were Asics Nimbus 13’s. Then I moved on to Nike’s (that lasted two whole months), and now I am running in Altra Intuition’s. I like the Altras a lot (especially the super wide toe box) but I am planning to try out PureFlows next because I need just a little bit more cushion.
At this point, I really don’t have a set limit on what I’d pay for running shoes. My last injury was in large part attributable to the wrong shoes/too worn out shoes, so to avoid that again I will do basically anything.
Right now being a SoleMates fundraiser for Girls On the Run is my biggest motivator!
I am a white potatoes gal. :)
Trish
I have the Ravenna 4’s. I’ve had them for about 2 months. I love, love them. I’m still a new runner – well after 3 years – and I’ve just now discovered that I do better with more support. Go figure.
But really – gotta love shoes that are purple!
Blaire @ Just Been Running
Sweet potatoes all the way!!!!!
Tia @ Arkansas Runner Mom
I LOVE these shoes- in fact, I’m wearing them right now since I still haven’t changed from my run this morning! They are my new FAVORITE trainers. I do not do speed work or race in them either. I save that for my Brooks Cadences!
Anyway, keep up the great training. Excited to follow you in your quest for sub 3. I am hoping to get mine in December! :-)
Nikki @ run+breathe+be
Mizuno Waveriders were my first pair of running shoes (as an adult) and I really liked them. After finding out that I’m an overpronator, I tried to Brooks Pure Cadence. I may never use another shoe again….
I really don’t like spending more than $100 on a pair of running shoes, so I get them when they are on sale. I think the most I’d be willing to spend would be $125 but they have to be amazing.
Sweet potatoes all the way!
Sarah M
Just got those Ravenna’s as well. Only have about 3 runs in them but so far I love them!
Kay
Mmm, mashed potatoes are amazing! I do love a good sweet potato fry though.
Stefan
I love this review :)
My first real pair of running shoes were probably the 2008 Nike Pegasus.
Last year I did most of my running in the Saucony Guide 6 and the Newton Gravity, but I wasn’t really overly happy with the fit of either of them; they were the best I could find at the time. I never found that shoe that from the minute I put it on, I knew I was in love.
Then came the Ravenna 5….now I’m a convert to Brooks, and that shoe is my go to main shoe! :)
eric b
I adore you HG! You and your daughter = equally adorable, curious, lovely.
Totally agree with the review- j u s t enough support for a neutral foot runner not to get in the way at all.
Cushy- not like pillows though- long, comfy- they point the way on long runs.
Take care out there! TY!