Tuesday, April 10, 2012

My New Love

Nothing wrong with a day starting this way, a little wink and a little whipped cream waffles:

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One of my most favorite people in the world turns 11 today – dear daughter, Emma Grace!

I stormed into her room this morning at 7:03 a.m. singing happy birthday, but she would have none of it. “It’s not my birthday yet,” she insisted.

Like she has to remind that it wasn’t until 7:44 a.m. that all 8 lbs, 3 oz of her emerged. Did I tell you I pulled her out? Yes, I did pull her out. There are not many things I can claim fame to, so I’m going to take this one. In all of my gymnast flexibility from ninth grade, I leaned over, grabbed her under her little shoulders and pulled her onto my chest. I think the OB owes me a drink.

The clock turned 7:44 a.m.

Emma: NOW it is my birthday.
Sam: Wait? What?
Emma: I was born at 7:44 a.m., so NOW it officially my birthday.
Sam: Oh. So how do they know what time you were born? I mean is it when you first start to come out or when you are totally out in the world?
Me: I think it’s when your totally out, but I’m no obstetrician.
Sam: What’s that?
Me: Go look it up.

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Girl has some sass and class

After dropping off the birthday girl I high-tailed it the gym for a tempo run. I was DYING to try my new Brook’s Cadence shoes, but didn’t want my first run in them to be six miles, which I had on tap for today. Many people have warned me about carefully breaking in these shoes and getting used to the lower heel drop (4mm).

This is what I would look like if I were pigeon toed. Can someone send me some moisturizer?

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I decided to run three miles in them, then stop and change into my normal shoes – kind of breaking up my tempo run, but oh well. This plan working swimmingly, only I loved the Cadence so much I did not want to take them off.

This, in fact, was a really interesting experiment, running in both shoes back to back for the same distance. After running in the Cadence my Adrenalines felt like clunky shoes full of rocks. I am not kidding. The Cadences were light and allowed for quick turnover. The only way I can describe it is that they felt “right”and natural with my stride. I think I am on to something here with these shoes. I really do.

This is how much I love these shoes. Kissable, I tell ya. I had to crop out my crotch for this picture. That would be a great name for a band: The Cropped Crotches.

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I have been reading a ton about running form and foot strike and how it relates to injury. I know there are thousands of people who are heel strikers (about 75% of us!). Many of these people, like my PT who ran a 2:08 marathon, escape injuries. But, for some of us, the heel strike seems to be the culprit. For the type of injuries I have had (hip, butt, hamstring) it makes sense that striking on my heel is sending jarring shock waves to my body. Gulp, gulp. Did you hear that? That is me drinking the Kool-aide.

Bottom line is, I want to be pain free, but I also want to improve. To this end, I am trying different approaches. I feel I have not reached my potential with running in terms of both time and distance. I want to smash my marathon PR time of 3:42 and I want to run an ultra. I have plans. I have no patience for these nagging injuries and won’t be victim to them. I will do what it takes to OVERCOME!

Well, off to make this cake:

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I offer all kinds of homemade cakes, but Emma always goes with the Funfetti. I find that with store bought icing, one jar is NEVER enough, especially if you do a layer cake. This cake is good and very good for you what with all the food coloring and preservatives.

What’s your favorite birthday cake? Anything lemon.

Are you a heel striker? Do you think it has contributed to injuries for you? My name is Beth and I am a heel striker. I don’t know if it’s the cause of my injuries, but I’m going to find out.

Have you tried the Brook’s Pure line yet or is it just not for you? I’m a huge fan of Brook’s shoes, but this is my first pair from the Pure Line. .

SUAR

93 comments:

  1. Have you ever heard of Chi Running? Good stuff.
    http://www.chirunning.com/

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    1. Yes, been looking into that. Thanks!

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    2. My husband and I did a 1/2 day private lesson with a Chi Instructor in Denver and found it really helpful. I haven't had any PF problems since. I still don't feel like I'm doing everything correctly, but when I struggle during a run I'll try to concentrate on one aspect for awhile and that helps. Renee in Commerce City

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    3. Good to know, thanks, I'll look into that.

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  2. Agh now you have me second guessing myself! I've worn my new Pure Cadence twice for 4 miles each and have felt totally fine for both-- so much so that I wanted to do my 8-miler in them today! Now I'm debating whether that'll make me hurt, but (like you!) I don't want to switch to my Adrenalines half way through.. they are so heavy in comparison! I'm thinking of doing all 8 in the Pure Cadence.... yikes!

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  3. Cake mix funfetti cakes are my fave!!! I might just make one for myself after Boston. Who says you need a Birthday to have Birthday cake??

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!

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  4. Your daughter and I could be best friends. I LOVE funfetti cake, but prefer rainbow chip icing. I will eat a whole canister of that stuff all by myself ... without cake. Yummmmmmm.

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    1. me too!!! everyone always tells me that's weird because the sprinkles don't match. but i think it tastes better. :)

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  5. Awww happy birthday, Emma.

    I love red velvet cake, mmmm

    I think I am definitely a heel striker, it makes sense with the kinds of injuries I have dealt with.

    I just bought a pair of Saucony Kinvara 2 and I can't wait to try them out. I also plan on breaking them in slooowly.

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  6. Happy Birthday Emma it's my son's also, he turns 9 today! Must be because their Mamas are so awesome! ;)

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  7. I just switched to Brook's Cadence and LOVE them! I had been an Adrenaline girl for many years and eventually had to stop running due to some tendon issues. I cross-trained and came BACK and have been shoe whoring or shoe hopping ever since but trying to go more minimal. The problem with leaving behind stability shoes and orthotics and all the things the doctors told me I needed was that I kept getting horrible 3" blisters on the inside of my feet where I pronate. Someone suggested Cadence and I've run miles and miles ... blister free!!! YAY. I'm sold!

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  8. P.S. Cherry Chip cake from a box - used to LOVE that. Happy birthday to Emma!

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  9. Happy Birthday to Emma...my daughter is Emma Grace too :) AND...we love us some FUNFETTI CAKE!! Have a fun day!

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  10. I skipped the birthday cake this year - since I'm the one that does the baking, I gave myself the day off instead. But if a cake would bake itself, homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Or Key Lime pie, because we are really more about the birthday dessert around here - doesn't have to be cake!

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  11. I've been running in the PureFlows for some time - they're a little more heavily cushioned but incredibly light - consider them as an in-between shoe maybe.

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  12. YES!!! love that you reviewed these shoes. I'm wanting to switch to Brooks and the pure line as well. Bought some 'spensive Asics, which I've always loved, and have had nothing but tib/fib pain ever since. I've resorted to either kicking them off at the gym and running on the tready in my socks or wearing my cheapo Under Armour "neutral" running shoes i bought for 55 smackers at the outlet mall...also, NO PAIN! Have you read "born to run" ?? surely you have. best book ever. Really made me rethink my shoes and outlook about shoes. I've also gone from chronic shin splints to none wearing my cheapo shoes!:)) good luck! keep up the great posts!

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  13. Happy birthday to Emma! My girl turns 10 on Saturday. So amazing that you pulled her out...no way would I have had the wherewithal to do that! Very cool that you've found shoes that feel so 'right' immediately. I've been working to rotate my shoes within runs and from run to run. I've decided I don't want to be dependent on just ONE shoe. Also working here to change that heel-striking...I agree with you that us hip-wounded will be better off NOT pounding our heels into the ground!

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  14. Favorite cake? Any kind really. I love cake. It's my favorite treat me dessert.

    I used to be a big heel striker but was able to change with the Saucony Kinvara. Love those shoes!

    Hubby has the Pure Connects and loves them. I tried a few of the Pure line on and was just eh. Not for me I guess.

    I was a constant ball of injuries and started monthly massage + foam rolling nightly and haven't been sidelined since.

    Happy Birthday to your little girl!

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  15. Always loved my Nana's coconut cake when I was a kid.

    My daughter's middle name is Grace, too, and she has the same top from Justice :)

    I've made great progress in more of a midfoot strike instead of heel--and I've gotten faster with it, too. My Brooks Pure Flows (since Christmas) have been part of my transition, and I love them! I did go easy on the mileage increase. Big jumps in mileage made my Achilles start whispering, so I made sure to rotate with more traditional shoes and varying speeds/intensities.

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  16. I am so curious to hear more about the Brooks. I have a pair of Pure Flows that they sent me to test out, and I have to admit, they are not for me. I might try the Pure Cadence -- but I have a feeling they'll be very similar to the Flows. I want to love them but they hurt my feet.

    Your daughter is so adorable! Happy 11th birthday to her!!!

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  17. Happy Birthday to your little gal!
    Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!
    Check out this article from Harvard Researchers on running and foot strike, etc. http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/04/chasing-down-a-better-way-to-run/

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  18. You should really check out the Chi Running book. It has helped me a ton with perfecting the mid foot strike after a back injury and my body is thanking me for it. It 's all about form!

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  19. I really hope that the time between when the baby starts to come out and is fully out isn't too long. That could be awkward. Also, I've never had a baby. So I can't yet fully comprehend the total awkwardness of all of it.

    I LOVE funfetti cake! Usually my family just sticks to chocolate or white cake, but for 2 years in a row I made my mom buy Coldstone Cookie Dough cake.

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  20. VERY interested to see where you end up with your opinion on the Cadence shoes after repeated use. So many people have recommended I get into some shoes with less heel-toe drop, but I'm very gun-shy after my fasciitis headaches last year. Also starting to look at Brooks in general after so many years of Asics. Mostly just to shake things up a little.

    Cropping out your crotch ... I'm no doctor, but that doesn't sound very pleasant at all.

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    1. Yeah, it hurt.

      I'll keep you posted on the shoes. I am optimistic!

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  21. I got my Pure Cadence a few weeks ago and I did ok on my 14 miler long run with only wearing them 2 or 3 short runs before. I had less pain in these magic shoes then the big clunky adrenalines I have been wearing the past year. I was having foot pain during and after my runs in the adrenelines but I have been pretty good with the Pures. I also got a pair of Pure Grits but I think they may be returned to get another pair of Cadences.

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  22. Why I am replying, I don't know, b/c you know my sentiments on this. I swear to you that my body feels completely different after making the form/shoe switch. And that's after 15 years of running and being an old fart. I think I was on my way to the trash heap from heel striking.

    Take it slow. It will all be worth it!

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    1. You are a lot of my inspiration for this journey!! Especially what you have said about how different this training cycle has felt for you. I know there are good things to come! Patience!

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  23. Love the recap of the conversations kids have at that age! :)

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  24. carrot cake all the way for me. I may have to start looking into some shoes like the cascade.

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  25. I love my Nike Frees because they make it easy to run with a midfoot strike. Since running in them I have had no knee pain.

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  26. I've been wearing my Saucony Kinvara 2 for a while now and love them, but at 22 weeks pregnant I just discovered that I need a little more support as my belly continues to grow :) But they'll be waiting for me once the baby is born.

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  27. I recently got a pair of Brooks PureFlows which I love! They ARE light and responsive. I wore them for a recent 1/2M and had no issues.

    I changed my stride to a more mid-foot strike over a year ago and I think it makes a HUGE difference. You'll feel it mostly in your calves at first, but it feels so much more natural. Occasionally I'll try a heel strike and it feels awkward now.

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  28. 1st off I'd like to Wish Miss Emma a very Happy Birthday!! :-)


    I have been suffering from lower back, hip, butt pains for coming up on a month now.. I've been to the chiro to get adjusted (which worked the 1st time I went back in Oct. when I was having some extreme hip pain) but this time around I am still in pain... Not as severe or as frequent but I have definitely noticed it has not gone away 100%... How did you find out you are a heel striker? Can you tell by just watching ur form when you run? I'm starting to wonder if that is my problem... Any suggestions/help/advice? I really need it! THanks!!

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    1. I have had a few gait analyses done that clearly show the heel strike. Also any picture you see of me running, I am definitively striking on my heel. If you have lingering injuries, you might want to go get your gait analyzed. I did mine at a sport's medicine clinic in town. There could be multiple form changes that might help you!!

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    2. I might have to look into that! I was telling my boyfriend about this last night and asked him if he would video me running so I could look at my form and see if I strike on my heels.. I tried watching myself while I was running, but I had a hard time figuring it out on my own... lol.. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  29. Happy Birthday to your 11 year old! Mine turns 11 in June. She's so excited but doesn't concern herself with the actual hour. The entire day is simply hers...and two or three of her BFFs. Yeah, on love for mom on that day. It's all about her.

    Love that flexibility in shoe kissing!

    When I get tired I'm a big heel striker but I'm working on not getting sloppy.

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  30. I tried the Cadence sneakers (same exact pair you have!) and did okay in them, but then my Chiro recommended the New Balance Minimus 20 trail running shoes, and I am in mad love with them. Like you, I've been dealing with injuries, and like you, I'm breaking these shoes in slowly. So far, I love them. I still run most of my miles in my Asics, but they feel clunky and heavy to me now. Can't wait to be fully switched over. One video that helped me a ton with running form is on the Natural Running Center's web site. http://naturalrunningcenter.com/2012/03/06/video-the-principles-natural-running/

    Keep us posted on your progress -- and Happy Birthday Emma Grace!

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  31. I had Brooks just like yours but the mens version and I couldn't deal with that elastic strap they put through the middle. It was way too tight on my fat foot! Had to get rid of them, but glad you're enjoying yours so far.

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  32. Happy birthday to Emma.

    I have had many of the same issues as you, piriformis, ass hurting, hamstrings, etc. I found that my problem was that I was over-striding. Whenever I would get tired I would lengthen my stride. Now after many trips to P.T. and the chiro, I focus on keeping my stride short and keeping my legs under me as I run and it has helped immensely.

    Lisa

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    1. This is something I'm working on as well. While I apparently don't overstride, my cadence was too low. I am always counting and looking for that magice 180 spm!

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    2. Hi there, I am the same and it has resulted in hip tendonitis. Since shortening my stride and changing my heel strike to mid-foot strike it is getting much better. The only down-side is my speed has suffered as I don't travel so far with each step! Isn't it hard though to keep the right body slant when you are tired!

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    3. With three bouts of ITBS behind me, my hubbie gave me the Garmin 610 with the foot pod. I'm using that to retrain my turnover and shorten my stride. I was an overstrider with heel strike. Just finished a 10k training cycle with finishing all 6 miles with an average of 176 for my turnover. Best run ever. Now, I'm working on heel strike so contemplating a shoe like the Cadence. Can't wait to hear how you progress.

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  33. My favorite cake is yellow cake with chocolate frosting. And I'm a midfoot striker. Not only that, I have a very short stride. All the pageant training and runway modeling trained me to walk on my toes, so when I started running, I just naturally ran on my toes. Been that way for years and years so I've never been injured. BUT I am slow slow slow.

    I *love* my Adrenalines GTS 11s or my Asics but when I'm in the mood for a minimalist shoe, I wear my Vibram 5-Fingers.

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  34. Nothing better than Cherry Chip cake with vanilla frosting..........

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  35. Hello, my name is Amanda, and I'm a heel striker, with bone spurs and plantar faciitis. Bleh.
    My favorite cake? ummm. I'm a non discriminatory eater, any cake that isn't dry as a desert is good to me. I don't always care for icing though.

    My husband only likes chocolate cake with chocolate icing, but he eats his out of a bowl of milk...with a spoon...like cereal. Gross!!!!

    Happy Birthday Little Beth!!!! ;)

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  36. My favorite son will turn 11 on May 22nd - at 12:26 PM. Yay for 5th graders! Happy birthday to your big girl. Love her sass. My husband would totally do the lemon cake with you, but my daughter would also pick the funfetti though this year she chose chocolate AND yellow (two different cakes - chocolate got all ate though).

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  37. Chocolate. Cheesecake. Any kind of cake really.

    No heel striking for me. Though sometimes it's tough on my calves. I third the Chi running thing. Took a clinic here on it and it was totally worth the money. A few runs that just sucked were saved by pausing for a moment, correcting my posture, leaning forward from the ankles, and then running with light footsteps. Plus the guy showed me how to run up and down hill, which I hadn't known.

    I have Brooks shoes right now, but I've no idea which line/model whatever they are. By the time I get around to buying another pair of shoes whatever is hot now will have been consigned to the trash, so I never worry about it.

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  38. Happy birthday to her! Huge brooks fan,I havent tried the pure line yet. Hoping to soon

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  39. Happy Birthday to Emma! April babies are the best (I'll be 40 in 13 days...not that I'm counting or anything)!!

    I like Waldorf Astoria Red Cake (like the Neiman Marcus cookie of the 70's). And I now make my own.

    I don't know where my foot strikes. I'm guessing that's important to know? I'm not a very good runner. Or fast. Or long. But I AM determined. I guess you have to have a professional evaluate or is this something you can tell by looking at your running shoes?

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    1. You can probably tell somewhat by how the tread is worn on the shoes, but just have someone video tape you and slow it down and it is very obvious. I can even see mine very clearly in my race photos. That said, I have also had a couple gait analyses done. Good luck!! I think if you run enough it's good to know what you're dealing with!

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  40. I have the same shoes only in the black/purple color. Love them! But the day after my first run my ankles hurt and I only did 1.5 miles. I took a week off from those shoes and tried them again today. I hope my ankles don't hurt tomorrow!!

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  41. Read ChiRunning and work on your form ASAP! I am doing this and it is helping TONS by keeping me out of the injured department (currently overcoming an injury).

    I have the PureCadence as well but they will be donated. I loved how they felt while running but I still think I need support. They are so cute though! Breaks my heart.

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  42. Cake: Carrot for me.

    Shoes: I was in Mizunos wave inspire 7. I bought Brooks Ravenna 2 and I loved them. Then I decided to try the pure flow to rotate with the Ravennas. Well it was a nightmare. I took a nasty fall with the pure flow and we got a divorce not long after. brand new pair...less than 15 miles on them...so sad. I had pain after the 1st run and it felt very strange running in these shoes. I bought a pair of Ravenna 3 and now I rotate the 2 and the 3. Good luck to you, I hope it works out better for you than it did for me!!!

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  43. oopsy forgot the
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA!!!!

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  44. I'm a forefoot striker no matter the distance. Took awhile to transition but now I can't heel strike for the life of me! (good thing?? I dunno, I still get knee pain.)
    I was so looking forward to the Pure series, but alas my monster wide feet don't fit in any model, not even the flow.

    If you want to transition, try barefoot drills (do you do that already?) because it's still pretty easy to heel strike in a 4mm drop!

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  45. Favorite Cake: Anything chocolate.

    Did you know if you whip your store bought frosting it will make it lighter and somehow creates more of it to use. I read something like that somewhere....probably on pinterest or some frugal website.

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  46. Aren't the Adrenalines a neutral shoe? Purely for curiousity sake....why did you go with the Cadence which is their stability version instead of the Flow? I've been on the fence which pair to buy...I slightly overpronate, but the Flows felt more comfortable when I tried them on.

    I bought the Chi Marathon book and haven't gotten too far yet, but it's good to know that so many others give the Chi philosophy a thumbs up.

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    1. Nope, the Adrenaline are a stability shoe which is why I chose the Cadence.

      http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/adrenaline-gts-11

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  47. I drank the Kool-aide last June (and switched to minimal shoes and a mid-foot strike) and after years of hip, lower back and butt pain which limited my running I was able to double my weekly distance. In addition to getting the shoes, I went to a 2 hour seminar by Daniel E. Lieberman and a few others at the American College of Sports Medicine annual conference and I read a book (by Barefoot Ken Bob) on "barefoot" form which were both really helpful. It took me about 6-8 weeks of thinking about how I was running before landing on my mid-foot with proper form became natural. There shouldn't be pain as you transition to a mid-foot strike if you are doing it right. Good luck!

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  48. hi, still having butt crease issues? i actually strike on the ball of my foot and am trying to land more mid. i also supponate so i am the rarest of the rare when it comes to running style... definitely part of my injury issues. anyway, i switched to newtons which follows the chi philosophy and i love them. obviously i am not out of the woods in the injury dept but i think they have helped. i know they are on CO too and do group runs along w/ post Form Drills Friday videos... maybe worth checking out.

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  49. Brooks PureFlows are a revelation. Actually the whole damn collection is! I'm in my third pair currently. Your daughter is wise beyond her years.

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  50. I have these shoes as well and love them! I am recovering from my second bought of posterior tibial tendonitis. These shoes are helping with the recovery and they accommodate my orthotics pretty well. Get a DVD called Evolution Running. There are many exercises in that video that help prepare your body for "natural running". Best video I've seen from a tactical perspective on how to get your body ready for the whole barefoot-ish thing. Also, the break in is very important for more than shoes. Really, really, really stretch your hip flexors and calves after you run in these low drop shoes. If you don't, I can promise you that your butt issue won't be the only one you have. Take it from someone who has been there.

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  51. OH AND... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Emma Grace - a fellow Aries, my birthday is tomorrow.... and Funfetti sounds awesome...

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  52. I am a mid-foot striker and I have an IT band injury right now. I feel like its hard to escape injuries every once in a while no matter your foot strike (unfortunately for all us runners!).

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  53. I love hearing your thoughts on the cadence! Brooks are my fave but I haven't tried the Pure line yet. Well, I tried the cadence on in the store and almost went for them, but since I'm just coming back from an injury wanted to stick with what I knew. I love how you've set big goals for yourself even after suffering injuries; you're a great inspiration!

    Hope you had fun celebrating Emma Grace's birthday tonight! Sounds like she probably keeps you on your toes!

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  54. For some reason, my hubby always gets me an ice cream cake for my birthday. Who am I to argue?

    I'm a heel striker. I'm waiting for everyone else to figure out the best shoes before I give them a whirl.

    Happy Birthday to Emma!

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  55. Beth, you are going to love the Pure Cadence shoes. Listen to what Amanda says and take it slow. I am on my 3rd pair of Pure Flows (the lighter cousin of the cadence) and truly believe these shoes are a big reason I have been able to stay injury free while running lots of miles. I still use the Brooks Launch (9.5mm drop) for long runs but am confident by the summer time the Flows will replace the Launch. Stay the course and you'll see the benefits!

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    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence...I am really excited about what all of this could mean for my running future. But slow and steady for sure!

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  56. Beth – I found Chi Running to be extremely valuable. I read the book and ended up taking a course in it. It takes a while to integrate the different form focuses into your typical running style, but patience and persistence and new habits eventually form. It has made a huge difference to my running! Happy birthday to Emma!!

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  57. Pure Flows rock!!! Like slippers....that beg to be run in. Definitely encourages a mid-strike and toe-off. My calves are like rocks from the new stride and I've also noticed the increased tightness in my inner thighs. hamstrings, and glutes. Seems to be activating a lot of stability muscles that I didn't ordinarily use with my Nimbus. Speaking of, I switched to Flows after dealing with knee pain after the last two Nimbus updates...my knee stopped hurting after 3 runs in the Flow. Go figure. I might have to try the Cadence next....

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  58. I heel strike like the French transportation department.

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  59. Happy Birthday, Emma!

    I <3 my Pure Flows. I'd been toying around in Vibrams off and on but ultimately need a little "more" shoe (which is still significantly "less" shoe than most other sneakers). The Brooks Pure series is the perfect compromise. And just look at us, doing all of this free advertising for them! I think we ought to get something. (hint, hint, BROOKS person who is surely lurking on SUAR)

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  60. I have the Pure Flow. They are starting to grow on me. But I'm still a NB guy. My NB Trail Minimus are still my favorite. But I'll be running my third 1/2 marathon this Sunday in the Pure Flow. I'll know how I feel about them more after that.

    Because as we all know, if I hit a PR on Sunday then it was all about how great of a runner I am. but if I don't PR, well then it must have been the shoes!!!

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  61. I tried them on, but something about the toe box wasn't quite right... A little too tight here, a little too loose there. I loved my Ghosts and suffered through an ITB locked up for 25.2 of the miles in them, we have a love relationship that I'm not sure how I'll ever throw them into the recycling bin at Nike... After I killed those with my improve stride for the marathon I started wearing my VFF's more. I was a heel striker (slammer is more appropriate), but slowly worked into the VFF's. I think heel striking was more an import of exhaustion or pure laziness for me. Good runs I always struck on the forefoot, but for some reason I'd revert to that heel strike on occasion. I'm now a mid-forefoot striker exclusively no matter what the shoes are and let me tell you injuries-nada since full conversion about 3 months ago. I find anything with over a 5mm heel drop is like wearing lead weighted stilettos on my feet. My one exception is my trail shoes, Montrail Rogue Racers. I'm petrified of wearing the VFF's on some of the trails, cypress knee in the arch anyone? Or forbid a root catch my toes and there we go... Broken :( I'm looking for a better alternative, but the Montrails are great for a trail shoe, light and a 7mm heel drop. I've tried the NB Minnimus and once again something's up with the toe box... I'm seeing a pattern here anyone have new toes for me?

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  62. Thanks for the information on the Cadence. I am looking at picking up the Flow to add to my arsenal of shoes.

    Happy B'Day Emma!

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  63. Angel food cake with whipped cream frosting! Heel striker, sadly. And two weeks ago when I tried to "correct" my form I spent so much time on the forefoot that I dorked up my Achilles. Really?! Haven't tried the shoes yet although I'm very intrigued.

    Most important! Emma is a girl after my own heart! I always tell my kids it's not really their bday until the exact time. Sadly, my son was born in AZ so our first year here at 10a he said "NOW" and I had to tell him No, it was only 9a in AZ. He was PISSED!! I laughed. Bad mom.

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    1. WHY does it always call me unknown?! My name is Katie, damn it!

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  64. I love any kind of cake, but especially if there's chocolate involved. Funfetti is good, too, though, especially for birthdays. What a girl; wish Emma a happy birthday from all of us here!

    I have been drinking the Kool-Aid as well; used Nike Free Run 2s all last year, I periodically use VFFs for short training runs, and this year I've moved to the Brooks Pureflow. I think they have helped my form and my speed (they make me FEEL fast, anyway!), and they are incredibly light and comfortable.

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  65. Have you tried Chi Running? I recently took a seminar (2 hours of one-on-one form work and drills) and am super impressed. I have had foot issues -- from plantar fascitis (sp?), stress fracture, Achilles tendonitis and metatarsalgia -- and they all went away never to return again after I switched to Chi Running. Just a thought. I wish you well!

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  66. The Cropped Crotches?! Where do you come up with all these funny random names?! Hahahahaaa!!

    My fave day of the year is my son's birthday, so from one momma to another: Congrats on surviving!!! Happy birthday, Emma!!! Even when it comes from a box, there's something awesome about a birthday cake made by momma, so rock on and enjoy the day!! =)

    I run in the New Balance Minimus shoes to help rid myself of heel striking. Are they comfy for long runs? No. Do I have any plantar fasciitis pain anymore? Nope. So to me and my injuries, it's worth it. Once a mid-foot or toe strike becomes more natural, I'm going to experiment with regular running shoes... I just have to work on retraining my stride first.

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  67. I totally feel like I'm standing in line here with responses. I'm 100% with you on your regular shoes feeling chunky and cumbersome after taking the weight off with a lighter shoe. I went to Dicks Sporting Goods about a month ago and tried on 8 different pairs of shoes. Those ones you have - Brooks Cadence were ones. I narrowed it down between yours ($119) and the Nike Free's I chose ($79). I felt little difference between the two so I made my choice on price. My first half marathon in the Nike's was a PR. Hmmmmmm.

    Happy Birthday Emma!!!!

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  68. I have been an Asics Gel user for YEARS. Went to buy another pair yesterday and they have gone up to $150!!! I ended up walking out with a new pair of Brooks Pureflows. I ran in them this morning on a short but quick 3Miler. Incredibly light I don't see how I can go back to the old clunkers. Looking forward to testing on a longer run. I don't know if I'm a heel striker, but I have similiar issues to you, so I'm hoping the new shoe does the trick.

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  69. Favorite Birthday cake is carrot cake!
    And what is it with kids and always wanting funfetti! I offer my kids all kinds of cakes also and they always pick that one. Don't understand it!!!

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  70. Thanks for the Brooks update - I'm an 'adrenaline junky' too but I'm thinking of going 'pure'.
    PS - Farted getting out of the pool this morning! No one behind me this time.

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  71. Have anyone tried the Ryka's? I'm giving them a try after reading that they are built for women so they have a narrower heel and wider toe box. I had been wearing Asics Kayano's and was experiencing numbing toes even after going up a 1/2 size and going to wides. I had my feet remeasured and found that I was still wearing a size too small. I'm liking the Ryka's at the moment.

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  72. Guilty as charged. Most of my race pics show my heel hitting first. I have been using some lower profile Sauconys for shorter distance and they make me fast. I love my Adrenalines but I think all the bulk might be contributing to my knee, It, piriformis pain.

    I'm kicking myself for not getting the Cadence when I won a free pair of Brooks late last year from the Rock N Roll folks.

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  73. Did you braid your daughter's hair? I never thought of you as having cornrow skills. She's so cute, and yet she looks like a mini-You. How is this possible?

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  74. So I'm late to the ballgame on this post, but I just wanted to say 2 things:

    1. I just ordered some PureCadences. I'm hoping they're kissable.

    2. I pulled my daughter out, too. The OB told me too. Later he said it was because "so you can say you delivered your own baby."

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