brooks Archives - Run The Long Road Coaching

On Friday I went to Born To Run (Lafayette Hill) to get fitted for new running shoes. It has been 10+ years since I was last fitted. I have been living a happy existence in my Brooks Adrenalines for that long…until their Adrenaline 12s came out.

When I started training for Boston, I ordered the latest and greatest edition of Adrenalines like I do for (mostly) every training cycle. I immediately noticed that the 12s rubbed the inside of my ankle so bad it started to swell – not ideal for marathon training. I didn’t want to transition to a completely different shoe midway through training so I went back to the Adrenaline 11s and used them for Boston.

Realizing Brooks won’t make the 11s forever, I needed to find a new shoe. I was torn because I loved the Adrenalines and really credit them for my injury-free running (knock on wood). In the back of my mind I was thinking about switching to the Brooks Ravenna. They would probably fit similarly and, although they provide slightly less support, I use orthotics so maybe less support would be OK?

I walked into Born To Run with an open mind and ready to try any shoe they threw at me. Megan (owner) was wonderful and extremely patient as I hoped on and off the treadmill testing out different shoes.

I walked out with Brooks Ravenna Smile The fit was so similar to the Adrenalines. I broke in my new kicks over the weekend and so far, so good. I still haven’t parted with my Adrenaline 11s yet…just in case.

Did any Brooks Adrenaline wearers experience a similar issue with the 12s? I placed the 11s and 12s side-by-side and the 12s are cut slightly higher on the inside which is why it rubbed my ankle.

Are you nervous to try out a different running shoe? I’m a creature of habit and you know the saying “if it ain’t broke…” I’m really hoping the Ravennas continue to be OK.

My Garmin Does What?!
So last week I wrote about pace smoothing on my Garmin 305. I’m still a bit peeved that my (instant) pace jumps around so much, even when I have it set to the “most” smooth. So I did a little research and found that lap pace is more accurate (i.e., your average pace within that lap/mile). This wasn’t a huge shock…I have heard of this before. But the huge light bulb moment was when I realized you could customize your display! For real?! I had this watch for 2 years and I’m just realizing this now? I cannot wait to try this out on tomorrow’s LR. I customized it to have distance, time, (instant) pace, and lap pace. I do like having (instant) pace on there to ensure I don’t go out too fast, even if it is a little off. By the way, I re-set my pace smoothing to “least”.

Grrrr, Brooks Adrenaline GTS
Dear Brooks, I’m a devoted wearer of your Adrenaline GTS shoe and have been so for the past 10 years. But why oh why did you decide to use these fancy shoelaces that clearly are not functional. I always double knot my laces and during 3 of my last 4 runs these stupid laces have come undone (this has NEVER happened with any of my prior Adrenalines). I cannot afford to waste time during my marathon retying my shoes!!! Yes, they are a cute purple color but they suck. Please go back to the boring old white laces that stay knotted.

120082_593_a_LG — is this how i have to tie my shoes so they don't come undone?

(via)

Keep On Voting
Thank you for voting for RTLR for CBS Philly’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards! Keep those votes coming (you can vote once per day here). Many of you asked if I know what place I am in. I don’t 🙁 Very little information was given and I assume I won’t know anything until September 9 when the contest ends.

Question: Do you wear Brooks Adrenaline GTS? Did you notice anything funny with the laces? I’m going to have to swap out these fancy laces with an old pair for my marathon.

What does your Garmin display look like? Did you customize it?

New Kicks

Thursday Ramblings