Shoe Review: Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

This is probably my 1st real Shoe Review on my blog, but these Saucony Kinvara 2's definitely warrant the attention.  Well... I actually broke a cardinal sin with these shoes, I brought a pair online without trying them on first!  To my defense, I REALLY needed a new pair of kicks and wasn't able to get to a specialty running store to try out a pair.  I've heard so many good things about the original Kinvaras that I made an impulse buy.  So, did this purchase work out or did it bite me in the ass?  lets see.

First off to get the trivial stuff out of the way... The Color!  I absolutely love Red / Black color combination on running shoes!  My last pair in that color combination were my Mizuno Elixers and I swear they actually made me LOOK faster! ;-)  All jokes aside, The Saucony Kinvara 2's come in a variety of color combinations from Orange, Yellow/Green, White, Grey and even Black.  

Okay now on to the more technical stuff.  The first thing I noticed about these shoes were the fit.  When I first put them on they felt nice and snug, like a glove!  They were incredibly comfortable and felt like an extension of my foot.  I wore socks this time around but the interior felt comfortable enough to go sock-less.  The heel felt very secure and after properly lacing my shoes I had no problem with my heel slipping.  

Okay now onto the weight of the shoes.  At about 7.7 oz (according to the Saucony Website) these shoes are as light as many racing flats.  To compare with my Mizuno Ronin 2's which are about 7.4 oz, there's not much of a difference.  The reason for this is the ultra light weight materials used.  The upper looked flimsy at first glance, but after handling the shoe I realized that the material is actually very durable.  It looks like the midsole material was extended to the outsole as well, except for rubber on the heel and toe, and strategically placed pads on the forefoot.  Since I know many runners who got 400 miles out of this shoe I'm not too worried about its durability.  After trying on the Kinvara's, they didn't feel as light as I expected., maybe it was because I was already used to running in the Ronin's?  In any case, now that I am fully adjusted to lighter shoes its not likely I'll ever go back to wearing even 9 oz kicks.  To think my first marathon shoes weighed over 12 oz!!!

Another plus of the Kinvara's are that the heel to toe drop is only 4 mm.  With minimalist shoes on the market with 0 mm drop The Kinvara's may not appeal to the hardcore minimalists, but its definitely a shoe that appeals to many runners (like myself) who are transitioning to a more midfoot / forefoot strike.  However, for such a light shoe with such a small heel to toe drop, the Kinvara 2's were not as low to the ground as I expected.  That's not necessarily a bad thing as this is one light weight shoe that has plenty of cushioning for longer training runs.  

Okay, specs, colors and details are great but to really find out about a shoe you simply have to run in them!  I'm happy to say my first run in the Kinvara 2's was great!  These shoes felt good from the first step and didn't require any breaking in.  The ride was smooth and I was able to settle into my natural stride very easily.  To my delight I was able to put on these shoes and just RUN without thinking of them!  I ran 10 miles in these shoes on the first time out and my feet felt great during and after!  The cushioning on this shoe felt just right too, I didn't feel the road as much as I do in my Ronin's but it wasn't like I was running on clouds or marshmallow's either.  Honestly its very easy to go fast in these shoes, which is mostly a good thing unless you have a long slow run scheduled, then it may take some discipline!

Conclusion: My first impression of The Saucony Kinvara 2's is that they are worth the hype.  Obviously it will take many more miles to test the durability of this product, but so far i'm pretty impressed.  They are lightweight, a joy to run in and have the added benefits of promoting a midfoot / forefoot strike.   I'm still a Mizuno fan, and will probably get a pair of the new Ronin's, but the Kinvara's have definitely found a spot in my shoe rotation.  

My Motivation Comes From Boston

Today Registration for the Boston Marathon opened for those who have met the qualifying standard for their age and gender by 20 minutes or more.  In the up coming weeks it will open up for other groups of runners based on time.

Since I have not qualified, I am not eligible to run the Boston Marathon.  Just thinking of those who will be signing up both motivates me, and frustrates me at the same time.  I got so close last year with my 3:12 at Philly and then took a step back with a 3:21 this year at Pasadena.  Since then my training has taken a dive and I have been struggling for consistency.  I know I haven't blogged since April, part of that was my disappointment with my Pasadena Marathon Performance.  Even though it was a tough, hilly race, and even though I publicly stated I was proud of that time, at the end of the day it wasn't close to a PR or BQ.  I knew I could do better!  However with the way my training was going I knew I'd never get there at that pace.

The Boston Marathon has always been a huge motivator to me, and countless other runners.  With all of the history and prestige behind the Boston Marathon; The Course, The Classic Medal, Heartbreak Hill, The Wellesley Girls, etc., it's still the Qualifying Times that are the center of attention.  If The New York City Marathon is the race/course I most want to run, then The Boston Marathon is the race I most want to register for.  Boston has dangled that Carrot and I'm chasing it.  Not qualifying this year means my goal just got a lot tougher.  Currently (just implemented this year), any runner who has qualified for Boston by 20 min or more has first dibs on Registration, then those who have qualified by 10 minutes, etc.  That means I'd have to run a sub 3 hour Marathon to safely secure a spot as barely qualifying with a 3:10 likely won't get the job done.  Next year barely qualifying will be a 3:05.  Suddenly that 3:12 I ran doesn't seem so close anymore.

So what does this all mean?  Basically to have a fighting chance to qualify for Boston, I will need to be in the best shape of my life and commit to training like I've never trained before.  I wont stop running until I qualify for Boston, and even then I will have other running goals to reach. If you think about it, its a win/win situation!   Eating well, staying fit and generally living a healthy lifestyle is something we should all strive for anyway!  No matter what your running or fitness goals are, having something out there to motivate you can lead you to your full potential... or pretty damn close!

Running for A Cause

 

On Sunday May 15th, 2011, I will be running the Pasadena Marathon.  This will be my 5th Marathon, (1st Pasadena).  As I've been training for this race, I continue to see a sight that is all to familiar to me already.  I routinely pass homeless people on my runs.  For some, this is an inconvenience, something to avoid and something that they'd rather not see.  For me, its a dose of reality.  Its a constant reminder that no matter how hard my life may seem at any particular day, someone has it worse.  

Even with this dose of reality, I am often guilty of ignoring what's in front of my eyes.  Out of sight, out of mind is a term that comes to mind, but now, living Downtown with the largest concentration of Homelessness in LA I can no longer ignore this issue.  I try to do my part, but I realize giving a dollar to every homeless person I see on the street is not going to make a huge difference.

There are some people out there who refuse to give money to the homeless, claiming those who do are just enabling their habits and addictions.  Problem is not all homeless people are in the same situation.  There are many judgements made: homeless people are addicts, they're lazy, they don't want to find work, they are bad people who are getting what they deserve - these are all things I've heard at one point or another in regards to the homeless.  Many of these judgements are made based on myth and not fact.  Maybe, just maybe they are people who have made some bad decisions, or have had some bad breaks in life, people who have tried but can't help themselves.  It's unfair to judge someone without knowing what they have been through. 

I first learned about the Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) while I was researching the Pasadena Marathon.  At first I looked at it as an opportunity to simply "run for a cause"  but the more I learned about the Organization and how they are changing lives I realized this is something I could really believe in.  As one person looking at the issue of homelessness it can be overwhelming, and difficult to imagine how 1 person can make a difference.  The Union Station Homeless Servics has a track record of helping the homeless since 1973.  Its more than just providing food and shelter, The USHS is taking steps to make positive long term impact through Life Skills Counseling and Employment Opportunities.  Supporting this organization, I can know am impact is being made and they have the success stories to prove it. 

To make a donation to this great cause you can visit my fundraising page - http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/eddie-diaz/pasadena-marathon 

To learn more about The Union Station Homeless Services please visit their website - http://www.unionstationhs.org/index.html

-Eddie D

Back in the Groove!

I'm happy to say I'm back!  For the first time since I PR'd at the Philadelphia Marathon I am running consistent miles... and it feels GREAT!  In an attempt to get in more miles I took a chance running with a backpack (commuting from work) and its worked out perfectly.  Never mind the little extra weight and discomfort of the backpack - I've gotten used to it. The main thing is I'm running consistently and able to run daily with no schedule conflicts to slow me down!

I will admit, the increased miles has not come easy (well some runs were).  I need to be mindful of the toll its taking on my body and rest accordingly.  Now on my 3rd week of my new running schedule there is no sign of slowing down! Motivation for my recent running surge came from many different places, but mostly I've been inspired by my friends.

On the March 20th I came out to support all of my friends running the LA Marathon.  It was the first time I have attended a race as a spectator since I started running.  It was an amazing experience of its own being on the other side of it.  This race was nothing short of epic - even just for the weather alone!  I have to applaud and show much respect to everyone who braved the elements for this one, and especially those who PR'd on this course: Dominic M, Jen L, and Diaz Sisters Raciel and Minel!  Seriously as crazy as it sounds, I guess the goal of getting out of the stormy weather was a huge motivation boost!  

For my Ninjas

Spectators on the LA Marathon Course

The blur you see is the Elite Women passing...

Following the LA Marathon I got the itch to run another Marathon of my own.  I looked at several options and almost signed up for OC, but in the end I decided on the Pasadena Marathon on May 15th.  The extra 2 weeks of preparation (OC is May 1st) and its also much closer distance to home! 
Usually signing up for a race provides a runner with motivation to step up their running.  In my case being able to step up my running motivated me to sign up for a race, which in turn will motivate me to step up my running even more!  See how that works?  I still have over 6 weeks to get prepared for Pasadena and I know this is not a "PR Course".  If I happen to have a good day of course I will try to get that 3:10, but mostly I want to see how I will manage the hills.  If I can do decent on this course then I'll be even more confident on a flatter course, lets say Long Beach, or even a net downhill course like CIM.  No matter what happens, I am just happy to be running with a purpose again!

The Start of Something New!

Getting On Track

I have been in a bit of a funk lately when it comes to running, one that I've been trying to break out of.  I've had some good runs here and there but no sort of consistency.  There were lots of factors in my inconsistency - my busy work schedule and personal life definitely contributed.  Also, racing was not a priority and I hadn't raced since the Philadelphia Marathon.

Today I feel like my running funk is coming to an end!

What has changed?  Well first, a new job in Century City, 10 miles away from Downtown LA.  The commute is MUCH easier and so is my schedule.  I get to work a bit earlier and leave work earlier, and with the shorter commute time I can run after work and still have plenty of quality time with Jasmine.  Settling into a new work schedule and routine should definitely work wonders for my running schedule!

But that's not it!  Lately I've been feeling the itch to run more and start training again for a race.  Maybe its all of the early morning runners I see on my commute to work?  I've also started reading Bart Yasso's book "My Life On The Run"  I'm only on chapter 4 but I'm completely captivated and motivated by it; Definitely a good read!  Maybe its the flier I got about a stair climb race up the AON Building in Downtown LA.  Not sure if I will do it (short notice to raise money) but that's irrelevant.  The point is it got me interested again.  I know that my inconsistent running has probably eliminated some race options for me, but that hasn't stopped me from looking.

The Run

Today, I went to work with a backpack and running clothes (to run after work).  I have only run with a backpack on 1 other occasion, and I didn't care for it much.  Taking some advice I read on runners world, I only packed my clothes and left my dress shoes at work to manage the weight of the bag.  I also got some extra motivation today when I read of a company employee in Chicago who ran the Arrowhead 134 Mile Ultra Marathon - IN THE SNOW!  Oh yeah and he finished 9th Overall!!  

So off I went with my back pack!  My goal was to run from Century City, take a detour in Beverly Hills via Rodeo Drive and finish in Hollywood and Highland to catch the Red Line Train.  The run felt good!  It was a unique challenge to run with a backpack.  Not terribly hard but just enough that my shoulders were getting a bit tired, especially on the uphills.  I didn't mind a little extra weight and definitely didn't mind that I didn't have my Garmin today, the weather was perfect and I was enjoying every minute!

I also loved running a different route!  There is nothing like a fresh new route to make running fun again, its one of the things I love about running PERIOD.  Working in Century City will bring about plenty of new route options and I'm excited about the possibilities!

-Eddie

Wasted Potential - A Runners Fear

At the risk of sounding a bit cocky, I feel like I've been dealt a pretty good hand when it comes to running.  Granted, I will never be in the league of Meb Keflezighi or other elite runners and I also will probably never ever win a Marathon, (including the small ones).  But one thing I do know about myself is that things have been relatively easy for me when it comes to running.

First, I never had to over come many obstacles to get myself in running shape.  I was never over weight and always on the slimmer side, I never was a smoker, never had any physical problems that would hinder me from running.

While I was in the Marine Corps I was forced to run on a regular basis.  I was also subject to twice a year Physical Fitness tests which included a 3 mile run which had to be completed in under 28 minutes.  While I never ran the 18 minute 3 miles required to get a perfect score, I did come pretty close at 18:30.  While my training in Boot Camp definitely had something to do with it, others in my platoon had the same training and would still fall out of runs.

As for Marathon training, I definitely took my first one serious, and made adjustments for my second based on lessons learned.  My mileage was highest while training for my second and overall was satisfied with my training level, however I did not set my sights high enough.  I tried for a sub 3:30 and got a 3:29.  I know now I was capable of much more.  Since that race I hadn't trained at the level I've wanted to.  I always had it in my mind to finally get serious about my training, join road runners or something similar, or strictly follow one of the many Advanced Marathon Training Plans out there.  Instead I've simply enjoyed my running and done whatever I wanted.  I haven't worried about weekly mileage or specific types of training (except for long runs) although I mix up my runs there was no solid structure.  I did however notice that I was somehow getting faster.  The result?  I ran the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon in a personal best time of 3:12:39.

True, the conditions and the course were pretty ideal for Philadelphia, and his was the first time I attempted such an aggressive Marathon.  It made me wonder, could I have easily qualified for Boston if I logged more miles or had a more structured training regimen.

Now in 2011, the year I was "sure to qualify for Boston", my training so far has been is even less structured.  I have gone long periods without running, and most of my weekly runs have been short 4 milers during my lunch break.  I am a year older and entering my prime at 31.  I am getting worried about wasting my potential.  I'm dreaming not only of qualifying for Boston, but also running a sub 3 Marathon.  I read plenty of blogs and books and know that many people have done much more with much less.  The difference is they have put in the time and effort required.

Sometimes I'm stuck in a place where, on one hand I want to keep running fun and free, but on the other hand I want to see what I am really capable of.  I know my schedule is crazy, and it probably wont get any easier, I simply have to find a way to make things work.  My move to Downtown LA hasn't made mid week run much easier, neither has my decision to take public transportation to and from work every day.

So maybe 2011 won't be the year I reach my full potential, and if the rumors are all true BAA changes will make qualifying for Boston even tougher.  Still, I won't stop trying to push my limits and reach new goals.  I'm still planing for my next Marathon, more than likely The OC Marathon in May.  Hypothetical situations can only get you so far, at some point you just have to go out and make it happen!

-Eddie

A Downtown LA Runners Photo-Journey

 

This morning before my run I decided to check out DailyMile to see  how my fellow runners were doing and find out what the DailyMission was.  Here it is - #dailymission - before you go out today, check out the mission: Find the biggest hill in your city - run up it!

Easy enough right?  I knew of a pretty nice hill that I usually run when I run the LA Marathon Course.  Was it the biggest dunno, maybe not so I decided to look for some others.  I decided to take pics of them too!  Somehow though, this DailyMission turned into a full fledged photo-journey, w/ a pretty crazy moment to wrap it all up!  So without further adieu, here are the pics!!

I run up to Figueroa past the Staples Center

Staples Center

I came back down on Olympic, cut over to Grand and got this nice shot

Okay, about that DailyMission.  While running on Grand this was the first hill in the distance as I approached it.

 

 Partially up here is a better view of the hill:

 

 

I was too busy trucking up this baby to take any more pics of the hill but I did get this shot from the top looking down:

From here the route was pretty scenic:

Chinatown Gate

El Pueblo

Sister Cities of LA

Here was hill #2, not as steep but went on a little longer:

 

Then there were more sights to see:

Walt Disney Concert Hall

One thing about running through Downtown LA is that you notice a lot of sculptures and artwork mixed in with the office buildings.  I took this pic because of the sculpture and the great view. 

There's a crazy story behind this pic...

 While I was taking this pic I saw a man in a business suit passing behind me so I turned around to make sure I was not in his way.  Out of nowhere this guy became incredibly combative.  He yells out "HEY, WERE YOU TRYING TO TAKE A PICTURE OF ME?!?"  I was completely baffled.  I told him I was taking pictures of the scenery and then he went off. "I saw you pointing your camera at me, you better not take any pictures of me, I SWEAR!  I have a LAWYER on RETAINER and I will SUE your ASS!!".... *blank stare* WTF just happened?  He was a pretty big dude and he was trying to be threatening.  What I REALLY wanted to do was take a picture just to spite him and then say.  "Oh, you're gonna sue me?!  YOU GOTTA CATCH ME FIRST FATASS!!"  I thought to myself "I bet this guy couldn't run a block without gasping for breath... Well thankfully I know how to listen to that little voice in my head and regulate my actions.  I started thinking about why he would act out that way about someone *possibly* taking his picture.  Whatever the reason, it could not have been good and definitely not worth getting killed over.  I mean as fast as I run you can't out run a bullet and I think this guy may have been THAT serious about this picture thing.  

Well moving on, here are the rest of the pics from my scenic route!

The Los Angeles Public Library

Stair case that cuts through the Hope Street Dead End

The Downtown Standard Hotel

 All in all it was a good run, would have been much better minus the crazy encounter but I definitely enjoyed this one!  My legs felt good and I was able to get some Hills, Intervals, and speed play all in one run!  Looking forward to a longer run tomorrow!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Eddie D.