If you would have found me three years ago and asked me what my favorite running shoe was, I probably wouldn't have had a definite answer. Truth is, I just went with whatever I'd always worn until they went out of stock or didn't make them anymore. Then I'd try another shoe based off a recommendation or review. But I never really had a shoe I raved about or that I thought was PERFECT for me. I didn't know what kind of runner I was when it came to all those runner terms...neutral, guidance, support, blah blah blah. So when I began my journey in this crazy running blog world, I started to learn all about new shoes, gear, fuel and races that I had NEVER even heard of. And I began my mission to find my perfect shoe. I tried out some Mizuno Wave Riders. They just never felt right. Then I got board with trying out the Saucony Kinvaras and ended up injured. They were not for me. After that, I dappled in a few other brands but never felt truly satisfied. And then I found the perfect shoe for me. It was love at first steps. The shoe that I will most likely always love. The shoe that started it all when it comes to my loyalty and love for Brooks shoes.
What shoe could possibly be this good? The Brooks Launch of course! This shoe is seriously fantastic. Although, I'm trying to alternate the shoes that I wear so that I'm using my feet a bit differently during training, I've worn the Launch almost exclusively for training and racing. It's that good. For me.
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| Brooks Launch |
It wasn't long after I fell in love with the Brooks Launch (Thanks to my friend Jenn who is a Brooks ID member), that I began to read more about the Brooks brand, vision and overall company. The more I heard about Brooks and tried out their gear and shoes, the more I loved what I was seeing. Not only do I love their shoes and gear that I have tried, but I love that Brooks is a company that seems to represent so many voices in the running community. The elite runners. The every day runners. The new-to-running runners. The competitive runners. I was particularly impressed with their Brooks Inspired Daily program where they sponsor athletes of all abilities. What a great way to really give the every day runner a voice...sort of a grass roots way of spreading the word about Brooks. One thing all the Brooks ID members seem to have in common is that they are passionate, strong, inspiring runners that love to run, love Brooks and can't help but share their love for running and Brooks with others. It was definitely because of these people that love Brooks so much that I was excited to try out Brooks for the first time. I'm so glad that I've discovered such a great running company and I can't wait to try out some more Brooks gear and test out some different kinds of shoes.
I decided to do some online shopping last night since I'm wanting a few new pieces of running gear and I'm hoping to find a pair of shoes for racing in. Right now, I'm still in "window shopping" mode so I have lots of things on my Brooks Wish List. I thought I'd share with you some of the things that I'm thinking look fabulous (I won't be getting all of them at once). I would love to hear from you if you've tried any of these items. What did you think of them?
Shoe Wish List:
These shoes are a must-have! I have not tried the Pure Flows but I know lots of you that have and I hear nothing but great things!
Some performance shoes on my wish list that I'd like to try out:
I hear good things about these shorts. They have two pockets in the back and one in the front so they sound like they'd be good for long races. Can't have enough pockets! I also love the color choices. The prints all go along with the Brooks tops. I'm not always a color/print coordinated person but this could be fun!
I hear that this tank has some extra padding for those of us that are not well endowed. I have nothing. My Brooks Glycerin bra has done wonders so hopefully this top will be similar. And it goes with those shorts above! Oh, AND it has a cool pocket on the center back...perfect for racing. One more extra pocket for those gels that I end up stuffing in my bra. No more bra stuffing in a marathon for me!
A few other things that I don't NEED but I'd love to try out. I could surely use a good jacket to run in. Especially one that can handle that Oregon rain that we get so much of.
I'm a big fan of vests. I only have one running vest but I wear it for almost every long run outside. This one looks way cooler than mine. And it has a pocket for my iPod as well as fuel.
I think I would really love these babies. I really like a good short like this and the boy short seems to be one of my favorite types of shorts, swim suits or undies.
This Equilibrium shirt could quite possibly become one of my FAVORITES if it is a good as it looks. It looks long too...I like this!
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Equilibrium LS in White
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This short also has some great reviews. It has plenty of pockets too!
So, there's my Brooks shopping "wish list" for the next year. Thanks for letting me share with you some of the things I love. I could add so many more things like gloves, hats, headbands, etc. One thing at a time or I won't have any money to eat. For now, I'll probably stick to a new pair of Pure Flows, a pair of shorts, and a shirt.
What is your favorite piece of Brooks gear?
Do you run in Brooks or wear Brooks gear?
What do you think I should get from my list here?
Amanda
