Pumped Up Kicks – My New Nike Free 5.0s

Have you ever stuffed marshmallows into your sneakers and then proceeded to go on a brisk 5 mile run before? Well me neither, but I would assume the feeling would be akin to running in a pair of lightweight Nike Frees.

I have been wearing Nike Frees for about 6 years now and absolutely love them. My feet have adjusted to their lightweight design so I don’t worry about the dreaded “foot fatigue” that occurs when first running in these uber-flexible types of shoes. It takes some time for the muscles in your feet to adjust to the extra flexibility and movement that barefoot-type running shoes afford, but apparently my feet are toned enough at this point to handle it.

The Nike Free line has greatly expanded since the first design debuted back in 2005. When I was recently browsing for new kicks it was pretty difficult for me to wrap my head around all of the different models. Thankfully the Nike Running Store employees are very knowledgable, so I finally learned that the major difference between the 3.0 – 7.0 models is the sole thickness. The 7.0 has the thickest sole for the most support, while the 3.0 has the smallest heel thickness and offers a more authentic barefoot running feel. I chose to go with the 5.0s for more support since in my prior life as a soccer player, I bruised my heel pretty badly from unsupportive cleats.

A question for all of you long distance runners out there – have any of you ran a marathon in Nike Frees before? Is the lightweight design supportive enough to prevent injuries when training for long distance races?

And now the moment of truth – Introducing my brand-spanking new Nike Free 5.0s! Aren’t they pretty?:

I’m ready to kick some butt tomorrow – let’s go.

Forever wandering,

– Kristen

Weekly wanderings…October 1st-7th

Hello there.

It’s starting to look and feel a lot like Fall in New York City. There’s a chill in the air and Trader Joe’s is regularly selling out of any and all pumpkin flavored/spiced/labeled products. I’m gearing up for my 10K next Sunday and finally bought some new running kicks. All in all, life is good. Go ahead and take a look at a few of my wanderings from this past week:

1. Look Ma, I can bake!

Ok so…I cheated a little. My hands-down favorite pumpkin-related product from Trader Joe’s is the easy Pumpkin Bread & Muffin mix. Just add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 cup water to the magical mix and voila! – pumpkin muffins that are not only edible, but seasonally delicious.

2. Don’t get in the way of a Girl and her Bike.

Just don’t. It will never end well for you. (Taken in Grand Central Terminal)

3. Just Do It.

How awesome is this drawing on the wall in the Nike Running Store? I don’t think my feet are that flexible though, even in my brand spanking new Nike Frees. More on that later.

4. The Grapes of Wrath.

I was meandering through the Union Square Greenmarket on Saturday morning and caught this Yeti of a dog sniffing up the grapes. Grapes can be pretty toxic for our canine counterparts so thankfully his owner intervened. Plus, grape juice on that beautiful white coat would just be a major faux pas paw.

5. Nuts.

As I was taste-testing some of my greenmarket finds, this little fella scampered past at full speed. I’m just glad he wasn’t stalking me for my food since these creatures no longer harbor any fear of human beings. Unless of course, you try to steal their nuts.

Can’t stop. Won’t stop.

Forever wandering,

– Kristen