Running Update & New Balance Shoe Review

I've been running…promise! Sometimes I get in 3 runs/week, most of the time it's only 2 but you know what…it's all good.  I've been filling my exercise time with strength training and while I haven't been getting any faster with my running I feel really strong while doing it and I'm a-ok with that right now.

The Mini-Indy half marathon is coming up soon, May 3!! and I have actually been going on runs longer than 6 miles to train for this since I'm certain my luck with not training for the Seattle Half Marathon has run out.  Long runs of 8 and 9 miles went really really well, especially since I have the best run buds to join me most of the time…Lauren and Meghan! We should take a picture sometime so you believe me, but here is what they look like in case you forget and since they don't blog :(.

Meghan, me, Lauren, Erin (Jasyoga)

I have absolutely no training plan, even though I gave one to my cousins to follow, but have been at least trying to hit the long runs and maybe 1 or 2 short ones in between. Running is mostly just a social thing for me right now and I'm lovin it that way.  I spend a lot of time at the gym by myself, lost in my music, so going for a run with friends gets me outside, socializing and exercising at the same time…win win.

Conveniently, OnlineShoes asked me if I wanted to review a pair or brand spanking new New Balance running shoes right in the middle of "training" for the Mini-Indy and I thought why not! You may remember Online Shoes as being the most awesome company ever because they provided me with a VIP entry to last year's Seattle Rock and Roll Half and TWO pairs of Brooks running shoes.  And OnlineShoes is not just running shoes…they have ALL THE SHOES with free shipping and free returns and usually a coupon code on their home page.

Oh, excitement over what the box will reveal!

The shoes you ask? They were a pair of these brightly colored New Balance W980 Fresh Foam running shoes. I admit when I opened the box I went "whoa, those are a bit bright" but I've received tons of compliments on them so they are growing on me. The website states:

Wearing the New Balance W980 Fresh Foam athletic shoe, you can feel the science of softness with Fresh Foam technology, a performance midsole compound that delivers soft, plush cushioning to runners seeking a lower, more natural underfoot feel. This women's trainer features a minimal, no-sew mesh and synthetic upper with a lightly padded collar for extra cushioning around the ankle. A blown rubber outsole provides durability and supportive cushioning to the New Balance 980 running shoe, ensuring an incredibly soft, incredibly stable ride for mile after mile.

New Balance Fresh Foam (source)

So confession time…I don't like these shoes…EEK! I feel kind of strange saying that when I got them for free but I should be honest right? I took them on a few short runs and they don't feel like anything special and in fact my feet hurt a bit while running in them.  They just don't feel like they have any support or cushioning to me as advertised.  Of course what doesn't work for me might be amazing for others…but this shoe doesn't do it for me. Luckily, I have another big footed (size 10!) friend named Lauren as well so she is going to try them next, I'll report back on what she thinks!

I will say that they are SUPER lightweight even though they look a tad bulky and the bright colors will get you noticed.

But HEY, that is the beauty of OnlineShoes, they have ALL the brands so you can find your favorite pair of running, walking, dancing, whatever shoes usually at a great price with free shipping.

In fact I'm still rocking the Brooks Glycerin 11's that OnlineShoes gave me after the Seattle Rock and Roll last year!

I'm going to attempt a 10 mile run this weekend, wish me luck!

Question: Any of you ever had a pair of running shoes you tried a few times and just went "no thanks, not for me?"