Friday Thrive
Happy Friday! This week has been a tease of sunshine squeezed between periods of rain, but I can feel spring getting closer and closer. All things spring running have been on my mind, as you’ll notice in this week’s edition of Friday Thrive!
Run
Let’s talk about running shoes. I’ve been running in the Saucony Kinvaras for over a year and really enjoy them. During marathon training last fall, I rotated my Kinvaras with the Brooks Pure Connect 4. During half marathon training, I rotated two pairs of Kinvaras. Right now, I’m in just one Kinvara (as a side note, I got a LONG time out of those shoes by rotating them. Saucony’s are durable!).
I’m debating just getting a second pair of Kinvaras or trying another shoe in my rotation. I like 4mm drop shoes and snappy, responsive cushioning – not a heavy cushioned shoe but not a completely minimal shoe. I tried on the Saucony Freedom, which felt good but I’m still not sure about the weight of it (despite its profile, it’s heavier than my Kinvaras) and the price tag is a bit steeper than I usually pay for running shoes. I think my main issue is deciding if I want a speedwork shoe (which is what I used the Pure Connects for) or a more cushioned alternative for mileage. The Kinvaras are just that versatile of a shoe that they work either way for me.
What do you look at when considering a second running shoe? Do any of you do all of your runs in the same model?
Read
“How to Eat Like a Nutritionist (and Never Feel Like You’re on a Diet)” from Outside.
I’ll admit that I clicked through to this article anticipating kale salads and quinoa bowls – foods that, while they taste good, are also stereotypical nutritionist picks. Then the tag line caught my eye: “It doesn’t have to be all kale salads and quinoa.” I enjoy a good kale salad, but I also enjoy more than just kale (if the oven baked fries, avocado, and IPA in this photo are any indication).
Reading what sports nutritionists eat is fascinating, particularly because their meals are not the vegetable-on-legume-on-vegetable meals that our diet-obsessed culture has made synonymous with healthy eating. Instead, the meals are balanced, features foods that are nutritious but have gained a bad reputation in the world of cult diets (such as grains, red meat, etc.), and mouth-watering. Elise Kopecky’s burger bowl sounds particularly enticing.
Protect
The sun is finally peeking out here and there! I have a bad habit of not wearing any sun protection on runs or hikes, despite the fact that I burn easily. I’ve tried different sunscreens in the past, but they all felt too thick and goopy on my face. My goal for this year is to start taking better care of my skin and wear sunscreen during outdoor activities. I finally found a sunscreen I think I like!
While it’s not high in SPF (SPF 15), a sunscreen that I wear is far more effective than the one I don’t wear. This Simple sunscreen feels smooth going on and doesn’t make my skin feel gross before heading out for a run. On my tempo run this week, I didn’t experience any of the normal sting when sunscreen and sweat mingle and get into my eyes.
Give
I’ve mentioned the Charity Miles app before, but it’s worth repeating. I often feel so helpless in reacting to situations such as the chemical bombings in Syria and the photos this week have left me utterly heartbroken. However, even the smallest donation to a reputable charitable organization can make a difference and Charity Miles expands the means through which you can contribute. Save the Children is one of the 13 best charities for aid in Syria or to refugees, according to Charity Navigator, and you can donate with your miles by using Charity Miles. The National Park Foundation and Feeding America are amongst the numerous others charities who pull from a corporate fund when you select them on the app.
Eat
Apparently, yesterday was Tartan Day, a holiday that celebrates Scottish heritage. Both Ryan and I have Scottish heritage, so the day required some minor celebration, no kilts involved. My mom sent us a huge package of Walker’s Shortbread Cookies, which we wasted no time enjoying (thank you, Mom!). I like these cookies because they are not super sweet and have a rich, buttery taste. Plus they remind me visiting England and Scotland. Good thing I didn’t give up sugar for Lent!
[Tweet “From #running shoes to shortbread cookies, it’s another edition of Friday Thrive via @thisrunrecipes!”]
Do you rotate between models of shoes or wear the same style?
Do you wear SPF for running?
What are your plans this weekend?
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19 Responses
When I am running a decent amount of miles I do like to rotate my shoes. I used to rotate the pure flows and connects, but now the pure flows have changed so much. I wonder if you would like the Launch as and alternative. It’s not heavy but does feel like more of a shoe than the really light ones, with a little more cushioning. They have a higher drop (I think its 8 or 10mm) so not sure if that would feel weird for you.
The Pure Flows have changed so much – even though the new ones look better, I don’t think I could go back to them because then they would just change again next year. I tried on the Launch and they were a little too much shoe for me…thanks for the recommendation though!
I do rotate my shoes although some weeks it’s not necessarily between two different styles but two different pairs of the same style. I’ve been told by many “experts” to not wear running shoes two days in a row. I guess the impact from a run alters the cushioning even 24 hours later. It may not be true but I still rotate have at least 2 pairs that I cycle through all the time. I’m a sunscreen wearer. It’s a must although I can never find the perfect one. I’ll have to check out that brand!
I actually JUST bought the Saucony Freedoms but have yet to do a long run in them…although my “long” runs are 6-8 miles. I will be testing them out today and I cannot wait – they are super comfy!!
I love that your mom sent you shortbread cookies. That is awesome and they look delicious. Speaking of…I’ll have to read that article from Outside since it’s not your typical blah, blah, blah kale ?
Have a great weekend!
I can’t wait to hear what you think of the Freedoms! They were really comfy. The article from Outside was so refreshing…I hope you have a great weekend!
the freedom are so pretty to me when I saw them in the store so I vote that you get them this time around just to see if you can like them! I do rotate my shoes, the boosts and the saucony rides. I love them both! I definitely wear sunscreen while running – I use skinceuticals brand which makes a sports version. it’s spf 50 I think (I burn with anything less than that!) and definitely recommend it.
Whoa SPF is high! I probably need something like that for hiking. Thanks for the recommendation!
Haha, scottish heritage day–grab the biscuits! No Haggis?? Get on that ;D
No Haggis. My favorite Scottish food? Smoked salmon! I think I ate it everyday while in Scotland. That and porridge 🙂
I rotate my shoes and I’m not brand loyal. I feel like the Kinvara IS a speedwork shoe though- they are pretty light. Have you considered the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante? I have had 4 pairs so far and they’re great. I also wear the Kinvara occasionally. The drop is 6mm on the Zante, though. The only other thing I could think of is a Saucony racing flat like the A7.
I rarely wear sunscreen when running. I probably should. A bunch of us got sunburn at the Charleston Marathon. It was in January. Gotta love SC. Usually I tan very well though!
Thanks for the recommendations! I tried on the Fresh Foam Zante last year (granted before I realized my foot was sprained) and it felt a little stiff, but maybe I should reconsider it.
The 2’s are pretty cheap on Running Warehouse right now and not as stiff as the 3’s. If you search the internet you can probably pick up a pair of Zante 2’s for like $50.
They may feel like racing shoes compared to the Saucony Kinvara but I think both are technically performance neutral shoes. Personally I would not run a marathon in the Zante but I will wear them for distances through a half.
Prior to the injury I had 4 shoes in my rotation. Then I received another pair to test from Brooks (& they will not want/need them back after the test period). So…I will then have 5 pairs of shoes in my rotation.
Where did you find your sunscreen? Skin protection is an area I need to do a better job.
Weekend plans?! Bike ride, volunteering at race packet pick-up, and the best part…My son comes back home!!
What are your plans?? Hope you all have a great weekend!
Ooooh new shoes from Brooks is exciting! I found the sunscreen at Fred Meyer, although I know they carry Simple at Target as well. We may be stopping by the same race you’re volunteering at this weekend to spectate a bit, and then hiking around Deception Pass area. Hooray for your son coming back home! 😀
Ooooh I’ll have to check that sunscreen out! I hate sweating sunscreen into my eyes. It’s the worst! Although I’d trade that for this weather in a heartbeat. I like the Kinvaras, although I haven’t worn them in a few years. I rotate between Asics Nimbus, Nike Vomero, Brooks Launch, and then I race in New Balance something or others. It’s a number like 1300 or 3500 or something.
I agree – I’ll take all the sweat and sunscreen if it means sunshine for more than 24 hours straight.
I rotate between trail and road shoes, but they are basically the same model plus or minus some traction. During summer I start to burn after about 20 minutes outside…so sunscreen is a must. I have some with aloe in it that doesn’t sting as much as most – I think it’s Banana Boat brand.
I was just trying to figure out what to do next in terms of shoes too. I usually have two different shoes (very different) that I rotate between when training but lately I’m doing almost everything in Mizunos. I think I need to add another option- in the fall I was liking New Balance and might need to get another pair.
Thanks for the sunscreen reminder! I’m terrible at remembering since it’s usually very early am but I have super pale skin and need to be smarter.
I’ve never run in Saucony, but now I want to try some of their shoes.
I am currently using the Simple moisturizer with SPF too and I love it.