Nothing Like a New Pair of Kicks

After being a loyal Nike Lunarglide-wearer for my entire running career (all 3.5 years of it), I have strayed from the Swoosh to Saucony.

Oh hi there.

Gasp.

I agonized over the decision (thanks for being patient, Darren at Running Away Multisport!). The Nike Lunarglide 4s felt slightly springier and the new mostly-mesh upper was secure yet pliable. The Saucony Mirages were a little more snug in the heel and much roomier in the toe box. Both great shoes, both fit wonderfully. It was a toss-up.

Ultimately, I chose the Sauconys because 1) I’ve had some toenail issues and the spacious toebox could help in that department; 2) they were $10 cheaper; and 3) they looked rad.

While I was open to switching brands and style, I was also a little nervous because these are my marathon shoes. They’ve gotta fit right, feel right and not jack up my stride for 26.2.

The first run was a shorty on the treadmill, and I was very aware of the shoes and how they felt on my feet. I know it was mental. Like, I felt a little twinge in my knee and thought, “Oh my god, is it because of the shoes?!?” I was being ri-goddamn-diculous.

The second run was a humid 12-miler on the Lakefront Trail. By mile 3, the “different” feeling of the shoes had melted away, and they became an extension of my feet. Ahh, much better.

I wore them for the Chicago Half Marathon last weekend and on my training runs this week. Still, the shoe paranoia is creeping in. My left knee is achy and I got a cramp in my right calf during the race. Is it the shoes?!? No! Stop being stupid, Maggie! It’s probably just a natural occurrence after FOUR MONTHS OF MARATHON TRAINING.

The Sauconys are not as obnoxiously fabulous as my last pair of Nikes, but these bright, shiny blue babies are going to get me to the marathon finish line in under four hours, by golly. — Mags