Ok, I admit it. I hadn’t run in, or even owned, a pair of Mizuno running shoes before. I started running in Fall 2011 and after being shunned for running, and racing, in a non-running specific Adidas shoe, I switched to the recommended (and ever so popular) Newton Gravity. These shoes made me giddy about getting out for my workouts. They were bright and fantastic, and apparently they made me run faster too!! I continued to run in Newton, swapping between the gravity and the Distancia U, they worked for me – that’s all there was to it, really.
2013 racing season quickly approached and I followed the masses to the start lines of the Chilly Half Marathon and Around the Bay 30km Road Races. Although both were amazing PB’s for me, they weren’t easy. They were difficult, pain bearing, and felt like I was running for an eternity. Each step was a struggle with severe upper calf pain and right foot numbing. If you have never run with pins and needles in your foot, that with every step it jolts up your leg, take my word for it – it is NOT fun.
I continued to stretch, and do recovery strength workouts, and raced a 5km, for fun, in Boston – I was there supporting my husband in the marathon, so why not do something for myself too, right? Well, here I am at 2.5k, and BAM – like somebody stuck a knife in my ankle. Pins and needles! I pushed through the race, and limped my way back to our rented apartment to put my feet up, and roll out my muscles.
Now, I will never be one to blame a product for my ‘injury.’ I will be the first to admit that I do not stretch and roll enough, and only now am I taking the time to perfect my injury prevention regime. But, the idea of trying something new was more vivid in my head than ever before.
It was like a light shone down from the running gods, when I was given the opportunity to try a Mizuno product from Team Running Free (it’s amazing being sponsored by such a great place)! I’ll admit that a few tears were shed when I found out the Wave Precision was deemed discontinued. Every Mizuno fan that I knew spoke wonders about the Precision – and in true female fashion, they were oh so pretty!!!
So, what did I do? I made up my own little theory (just go with it). I figured that since they were replacing one shoe with another, this new shoe must be even better than the one they are discontinuing… right? I think that’s pretty good logic.
Introducing the Wave Sayonara, which features a new midsole compound Mizuno calls U4ic, which is lighter than its previous foam but has similar cushioning ability. This debut model sits lower to the ground – especially at the heel, and weighs 1.2 ounces less than the Precision. Aside from all the technical aspects of the Sayonara, it’s a stunning gem for your feet!
Coming off the Newtons, I decided to go with the less flashy colour scheme and chose the white/blue women’s shoe (however, I am now the proud owner of both colours – of course). I tested out the shoe on the treadmill and immediately fell in love. The shoe was lightweight, comfortable, felt snug and made me feel fast! Once I took them out onto the road, it was all over… Mizuno was my new favourite brand EVER and no one could tell me differently.
I’m excited to see where my Sayonara’s take me next season, and if I’ll be saying hello to some new PB’s!
Photo Source: sweetcarolineblog.com
