The Healthy Slice

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Meet Bachelor #1

The new shoe throw down started today. The plan was to run 10 of my scheduled 20 miles in new shoes then change back for the remainder.

Before I unveil the first contestant let me share some of the qualities I’m looking for in a guy shoe:
Comfort: No blisters, rubbing, chafing and the like, preferably no Fugly Betty toenails (I know I’m reaching, a girl can dream). Since I am a mid/forefoot striker, some cushioning there would be wonderful.


Stamina: My dream shoe needs to go the distance in comfort.


Good looks: Although not a total slave to fashion, I am a tad superstitious. I like at least one item of my race day apparel to be orange. An orange accent somewhere will earn an extra style point.


Lightweight: In my world, lighter = faster and who doesn’t want to be faster? In running I mean.

Meet Isaac. Lady Isaac (apparently a ladies’ man) from Newton Running.
I grew weak in the knees when I first laid eyes on these. I wear the little brother version of these for my speedwork and tempo runs and I loooove them for shorter distances. I really thought I’d fall head over heels for these but have been resisting due to the hefty pricetag.
Here’s how they stacked up:
Cushioning: Yes right where I like it!
Orange: See it? Score!
Lightweight: Lighter than my porky Mizunos
But can they go the distance in comfort?

I was off and running bright (well not so bright actually) and early. Conditions were ripe for romance: 25 degrees, light snow, I’d planned a Neopolitan (chocolate, vanilla, strawberry) GU strategy and left the  fleece layer at home. I made a concerted effort to start slow, like many men shoes, Isaac wanted to go fast. I entered that euphoric ‘zone’ right at mile 1. I’m beginning to think this will be a torrid love affair. Miles 2, 3, 4 fell away. Effortless. Am I falling for him them? So soon? Remember the heartbreak the Vomeros dished out.
It was all systems go for miles 5 and 6 and I busied myself with thoughts of returning the other contenders. But then, shortly after the chocolate GU at 7, I felt it. The first inklings of puppy love gone awry. The ball of my left foot was rubbing. EXACTLY what the Vomeros had done!

At mile 8 I turned back, our relationship growing more dysfunctional with every step. I made it home to find redness and irritation. A blister? Too early to tell. But the warning signs are there and I will not allow myself to be abused by another shoe.

Sadly I kicked Isaac to the curb and donned my trusty Mizunos. I’m sure Isaac is a great guy shoe, but not for me.

I finished the whole 20 in satisfactory fashion, although at mile 17 my achilles began acting up. I’ll blame Isaac for that (because I can). If you need me, I’ll be drowning my sorrows in the bath…extra ice please.

Needless to say, Isaac Newton won’t be getting a rose from me this time.
Onward to Bachelor #2!

Comments

  1. oooh I'm sorry you didn't love the Newtons! But I can't wait to hear about Bachelor #2. I've found a new love myself, and his name is Nike Free 5.0. We are in the honeymoon stage still, I'm in LOOOVE!

  2. Too bad, after a promising start! I guess you gotta put up with some duds before finding a winner. But isn't that the fun part?!

  4. Jen I'm a 7 and I wear a 7.5. If I go bigger my heel slips out. I think my right foot is bigger than my left and the left one moves around in there and rubs. An insert would probably help…

  6. I remember thrashing my feet in new shoes a while ago and I didn't have that problem this time. I've always wanted a pair of Newton's. I'm sorry they didn't work out for you!

  9. Bachelor #1 sounded great from the description. Too bad he didn't deliver the perfect, no-rub run. Can't wait to hear about Bachelor #2.

  10. Sorry you didn't like your first bachelor! I think I finally found my perfect shoe…the Brooks Racer ST 4. It's an awesome shoe, but no orange..bummer! 🙂

  12. Ah…the no-good bachelors are really the only way to make sure you appreciate the ONE unconditionally 🙂

  13. It's so sad when love turns sour. Try not to get bitter about it. There are other men, I mean, shoes out there. Just jump back in and try again.

  14. Im sorry for your recent love loss. So good to have friends with benifits (mizunos). They dont expect anything from you in return, you just use them and go about your business. Great Post.

  15. Someone else with a lucky orange need!!!! Here's to hoping my Brooks Infiniti's come out with an orange version someday

  17. That was gripping! I was rooting for Isaac…too bad he didn't work out. Eagerly waiting for Episode 2!

  18. hmmm, I am a forefoot striker as well, and had contemplated Newtons, until I was told they were gimmicky… I still thought maybe… Thanks for taking the test drive. I do however, do love my vomeros (and the Lunarglides for speedwork).

    I still always seem to find myself in the workhorse, Nike Pegasus.

    Now, if I remember the dating game correctly, the next post will go something like this:
    Bachelor #2…
    If you were a shoe, how should I would wear you?

  19. Love this. This is how I feel looking for new shoes! 🙁 Hope you find your perfect match!

  23. Always been curious about the Newtons! They do have a hefty price tag! Hope you get to return them if you decide not to give them another try! I have worn mostly Mizunos and lately alternate between them and Brooks Launch! You totally crack me up-FUNNY post!

  27. It's always so sad when they are sent away..but quickly the champagne glasses are raised and we move on to the next bachelor!

    Good luck with #2

  28. Oh no! It was a brief love affair.

    They are some snazzy looking shoes, by the way. I hope #2 is the perfect fit.

  29. OMG you are HILARIOUS! I loved this post! I mean I'm sorry Newton didn't work out and all but I'm loving that you shared the whole torrid affair with us! 🙂

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