Why Shoe Reviews Are Useless

You may be wondering why I never post reviews or recommendations for shoes. The reason is simple: every foot is different. What works great for me would, statistically, probably be disastrous for someone else, and vice versa. For the record, I use a doctor-prescribed orthotic insert with the Asics GT-1000 4 running shoe in a size 11.5 2A. That is extremely specific, and therefore totally useless information to anyone besides myself.

Unfortunately, Asics (in their infinite wisdom) has chosen to end production of narrow (2A) sizes for all of their "less than $150 a pair" shoes. After purchasing lots of leftover pairs of my perfect shoe, I am running low on shoes and need to find a new setup. So here I thought, "how am I going to find a similar shoe? I know: read some reviews!"

As our orange president would say: WRONG. Turns out shoe reviews are totally awful and give zero information that anyone would find useful. Every shoe review I've ever read goes like this: "I tried the new Mizunike Air Magics, they are so comfortable on my feet! They felt like pillows! I went for a 1-mile jog and felt so amazing! I highly recommend these shoes!" What the hell am I supposed to do with this review?

What Shoe Reviews SHOULD Say:

1) Use the shoe for weeks. Not just one run. Tell us how they hold up over time.

2) How is the last? Is it narrow? Which parts are narrow? Which parts are wide? How is the length? Is the sizing as expected or is it short or tight?

3) How does this shoe compare to other shoes, fit-wise? How does it compare to last year's model?

4) How does it work for people with biomechanical issues? Chances are if you are reading shoe reviews, you have at least slightly picky feet. Yes, there are some folks that can choose a shoe based entirely on "cool looks," but they ain't reading reviews.

5) How is the value? Do you get a good amount of wear out of the shoes for the money?

With all my problems and with my narrow clown foot, I scoured these useless reviews for a couple of potentially useful nuggets. The key is learning how to read the review and not let a "negative review" faze you. Read it. I look for complaints such as "this shoe is so narrow it hurts," and "this shoe is really stiff." That is a sign that the shoe, even in a medium width, is more likely to fit me. Stiffness is a sign that the shoe might last more than 150 miles.

Learn how to write shoe reviews, and learn how to read shoe reviews. Your feet will thank you. And when your shoe ceases production (ASICS, you bastards), you will know how to find another one.

Power(lift)ing Up

I have been experimenting with a new workout schedule.

Monday: Circuit Training 1 hour

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: Walk 6 miles

Thursday: Heavy lifting at the gym 1 hour

Friday: Walk 6 miles

Saturday: Circuit Training at-home obstacles 1 hour

Sunday: Long walk (currently 8 miles)

This schedule is amazing. I am managing to perfectly maintain my cardio endurance (I have gotten back down to almost 13-minute miles) and, through the addition of lifting and circuit training, develop some SERIOUS muscles. The combination of lifting heavy sometimes and calisthenics at other times has not only made me more well-rounded as an athlete, but a better walker as well. The benefits so far:

1) I can eat what I want. Honestly, nothing is really off-limits. I count calories and try to stay somewhat close to the number that I'm burning so that I can gain muscle while burning fat. This allows plenty o' treats. But I am craving more protein, so that also helps.

2) Strength. Raw, brute strength. As a tall woman, it is difficult to do unassisted chin ups, but I can pull up a large percentage of my weight (probably 90% 1RM - 1 rep max), and I'm aiming for being able to do at least one unassisted pull up by the new year.

3) Quality of life. I can carry my toddler without getting tired. I can bound up a few flights of stairs. I can hold things up for a while without complaint.

4) Walking. Holding your elbows at 90 degrees is, as I've said before, critical to a quick pace. I can do so indefinitely and no longer need to "shake them out" at any point.

5) Spartan racing. I have been researching and systematically preparing my body for a variety of obstacles. This not only keeps me in shape, it keeps me interested in the workouts. I don't do the same thing over and over like when I was marathon training and ONLY walking. The creativity required has also aided my career as a trainer.

6) Body confidence. It is almost impossible to feel badly about how your body looks when you are pulling off the sort of workouts required of Spartan and half marathon training. Even if I did look objectively bad, I wouldn't notice or care. 

In summary: walking is still my jam, but training like an obstacle-course racer has done so much for my confidence and abilities that I highly recommend it for any endurance athlete! 

Wrist Pocket - Your New Best Friend

As you may recall, last fall I was wondering how to efficiently carry a small amount of necessary items (Tums and Pepto tablets) during my long workouts. I forgot to update the blog with the solution I found: a wearable wrist pocket. I bought a two-pack on Amazon, on sale, for $9. The pocket is water-resistant and your sweat won't get through it. Unlike with a waistpack, what you put in there will not get hot and disgusting from your body heat. It is just large enough to fit a packet of gel or Sport Beans, plus a couple Tums and Pepto tablets. It is extremely comfortable, lightweight, and you won't really notice it much. It is machine-washable. What a godsend this little gizmo has been. Highly recommended for minimalists like me who just want a few "emergency items."