Kiwi Running Club

[Azovka]

Just thought I'd share this with you Running Kiwis as a cautionary tale.
I was looking for daily trainers to do all types of mid to long runs, including the Paris Marathon that I'll be running in April, inshallah. After quite a bit of research, I had my eyes set on either the Asics Novablast 2 or the Nike ZoomX Invincible, since I don't really see the point in investing into carbon plated shoes.

Eventually, I got the Nike ZoomX because they were slightly cheaper. I ran 200km in them over the course of January, and ever since the very first run, I started getting blisters on the sides of my big toes. At first, I blamed it on humidity, rain, socks, etc. but the blisters just wouldn't go away. Every single time I ran, they got worse, becoming filled with blood, and now just raw flesh.

Apparently, it's a fairly common issue in these shoes - there's even YT videos about runners getting blood blisters on the sides of the toes with the ZoomX Invincible. Wish I had known that before because right now, I'm quite incapacitated for a couple of days at least while the raw meat on my toes heals a bit.

Either way, just be careful with large toe boxes if you have feet on the narrower side, and particularly with the Nike ones. I guess I'll just resell mine and invest in the Novablast like I initially planned.

 

[GriptheRaven]

I have been slacking this last month. I will let my dueling obsessions feed each other. I'll try and post my runs and status here.

 

[Ugandan discussions]

Just thought I'd share this with you Running Kiwis as a cautionary tale.
I was looking for daily trainers to do all types of mid to long runs, including the Paris Marathon that I'll be running in April, inshallah. After quite a bit of research, I had my eyes set on either the Asics Novablast 2 or the Nike ZoomX Invincible, since I don't really see the point in investing into carbon plated shoes.

Eventually, I got the Nike ZoomX because they were slightly cheaper. I ran 200km in them over the course of January, and ever since the very first run, I started getting blisters on the sides of my big toes. At first, I blamed it on humidity, rain, socks, etc. but the blisters just wouldn't go away. Every single time I ran, they got worse, becoming filled with blood, and now just raw flesh.

Apparently, it's a fairly common issue in these shoes - there's even YT videos about runners getting blood blisters on the sides of the toes with the ZoomX Invincible. Wish I had known that before because right now, I'm quite incapacitated for a couple of days at least while the raw meat on my toes heals a bit.

Either way, just be careful with large toe boxes if you have feet on the narrower side, and particularly with the Nike ones. I guess I'll just resell mine and invest in the Novablast like I initially planned.

Think most of us have a story of the pair of shoes that felt great initially, but ultimately didn't work for us!

In my case, I've had it with Altra (like running on pats of butter, and not in a good way), Scott (felt great to begin, but too narrow and destroyed my toes), Hoka (ditto) and Saucony (just shit shoes, upper never felt right and disintegrated within about 100 miles). I've learned enough now to know that the Brooks last for road just fits, while for trail Inov-8 (TrailTalons and Mudclaws) are my go tos.

 

[Azovka]

Think most of us have a story of the pair of shoes that felt great initially, but ultimately didn't work for us!

In my case, I've had it with Altra (like running on pats of butter, and not in a good way), Scott (felt great to begin, but too narrow and destroyed my toes), Hoka (ditto) and Saucony (just shit shoes, upper never felt right and disintegrated within about 100 miles). I've learned enough now to know that the Brooks last for road just fits, while for trail Inov-8 (TrailTalons and Mudclaws) are my go tos.

Yeah, I'll be sticking with Asics for daily trainers and Adidas for track & races from now on.

I had also tried the Puma Deviate Nitros - their budget carbon plates, and within the first 50km, my Achilles' tendon started hurting, so back they went.

Haven't tried Hokas yet, but I'm curious about the SpeedGoats. Have you worn their road ones or trail ?

 

[Ugandan discussions]

Haven't tried Hokas yet, but I'm curious about the SpeedGoats. Have you worn their road ones or trail ?

Road only , and just the one pair. Only know one person who runs in the Speedgoats, not seen him for a while to ask.

 

[Azovka]

Road only , and just the one pair. Only know one person who runs in the Speedgoats, not seen him for a while to ask.

Yeah, I have several people praising Hoka Speedgoats, and the Asics Fuji Trabuco series for trails, so I'll defo consider them for an eventual purchase.

I had been gifted the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultras awhile ago, so I've been using those even though they aren't anything special. Will try to get them to 800km at least before looking for new trail shoes. Waste not, want not, and all that.

I am excited about trying out the Asics Novablast 2s when my blisters heal and I can walk again though. Hopefully this will be it, because I'm quite tired of searching for good running shoes.

 

[igordarin]

Just thought I'd share this with you Running Kiwis as a cautionary tale.
I was looking for daily trainers to do all types of mid to long runs, including the Paris Marathon that I'll be running in April, inshallah. After quite a bit of research, I had my eyes set on either the Asics Novablast 2 or the Nike ZoomX Invincible, since I don't really see the point in investing into carbon plated shoes.

Eventually, I got the Nike ZoomX because they were slightly cheaper. I ran 200km in them over the course of January, and ever since the very first run, I started getting blisters on the sides of my big toes. At first, I blamed it on humidity, rain, socks, etc. but the blisters just wouldn't go away. Every single time I ran, they got worse, becoming filled with blood, and now just raw flesh.

Apparently, it's a fairly common issue in these shoes - there's even YT videos about runners getting blood blisters on the sides of the toes with the ZoomX Invincible. Wish I had known that before because right now, I'm quite incapacitated for a couple of days at least while the raw meat on my toes heals a bit.

Either way, just be careful with large toe boxes if you have feet on the narrower side, and particularly with the Nike ones. I guess I'll just resell mine and invest in the Novablast like I initially planned.

That sounds nasty. I'm surprised you didn't just develop awesome calluses, which is what I normally hope for when I start getting blisters.

I've had horrible experiences with shoes, and nowadays, I just go with crappy cheap trainers. I once went to Run4it and got told after being observed on a treadmill that I overpronate. So I was advised to get special shoes to compensate. I swear they caused my more sprains than any other shoe: they're designed to not let your feet tilt inwards, but I think that just meant that when I went over uneven ground, my feet often couldn't compensate resulting in injury. I also went to a sports physio about back problems while running, and got told that I had a leg length discrepancy. I paid 100 quid for insoles that would "correct" it, but again, they caused me nothing but issues. Whenever I ran, I would get major shin splints, which suddenly resolved when I chucked out the insoles.

I can't be fucked anymore with gimmicks. Humans have been running for millennia and shoes are not some modern technology. Give me something simple to wear and leave it at that.

On another note: got to a regular 8 miles now, so far without injuries. I've also been "rucking" for the last month, walking 8 miles with 45 pounds on my back. I'm hoping as I increase the weight it'll build leg muscle, and I think it's complementing my running fitness.

 

[Azovka]

That sounds nasty. I'm surprised you didn't just develop awesome calluses, which is what I normally hope for when I start getting blisters.

I've had horrible experiences with shoes, and nowadays, I just go with crappy cheap trainers. I once went to Run4it and got told after being observed on a treadmill that I overpronate. So I was advised to get special shoes to compensate. I swear they caused my more sprains than any other shoe: they're designed to not let your feet tilt inwards, but I think that just meant that when I went over uneven ground, my feet often couldn't compensate resulting in injury. I also went to a sports physio about back problems while running, and got told that I had a leg length discrepancy. I paid 100 quid for insoles that would "correct" it, but again, they caused me nothing but issues. Whenever I ran, I would get major shin splints, which suddenly resolved when I chucked out the insoles.

I can't be fucked anymore with gimmicks. Humans have been running for millennia and shoes are not some modern technology. Give me something simple to wear and leave it at that.

On another note: got to a regular 8 miles now, so far without injuries. I've also been "rucking" for the last month, walking 8 miles with 45 pounds on my back. I'm hoping as I increase the weight it'll build leg muscle, and I think it's complementing my running fitness.

I’ve had the exact same experience. I went to a running shop where they told me I overpronate, but all the shoes they suggested were uncomfortable in the arch spot and heavy af to boot (I’m accustomed to running in light trainers).

Then, my chiro advised me to get insoles, which gave me insane blisters all along the arch, no matter how often I went to correct them at the podiatrist, so I gave up.

Cross training is always good !
I’ve just increased my mileage over the course of the weeks on top of the gym and swimming to get ready for the marathon.

 

[Two by Four]

After COVID I went from 20-minute 5k to barely managing week 3 of Couch to 5k without puking. So I'm building up again using the same program that got me there in the first place. Doesn't feel great seeing how much ground was lost but I'm in it for the long haul again, fellow Kiwis. Old age and complacency are a helluva drug, never again.

This is me now, except instead of COVID it's about 7 years since I could do a 20min(ish) 5k. Tried to start up again recently on week 7 of C25K, couldn't finish the last leg.

Starting up again now on Week 2 of C25K and I will not bitch out this time brothers. I'm in it for the long haul until my pudgy ass is back in the tip top shape it once was. Heading out for a run now

EDIT: 2 kilometres and 20 minutes later, I'm feelin good It ain't much, but it's a start.

 

[Ugandan discussions]

I’ve had the exact same experience. I went to a running shop where they told me I overpronate, but all the shoes they suggested were uncomfortable in the arch spot and heavy af to boot (I’m accustomed to running in light trainers).

Then, my chiro advised me to get insoles, which gave me insane blisters all along the arch, no matter how often I went to correct them at the podiatrist, so I gave up.

Cross training is always good !
I’ve just increased my mileage over the course of the weeks on top of the gym and swimming to get ready for the marathon.

Overpronation is, to a degree, a misnomer. Most people pronate to some degree

Spoiler: PL

(I tend to land on the outer edge of my heel and roll inward towards my toes, giving a really strange wear pattern)

but for a large proportion of those it isn't an issue.

Most manufacturers are moving away from 'stability' shoes now anyway, because there are better ways to achieve the same outcomes. I'd recommend trying Brooks for the guide rails which I've got on really well with. Any decent pair of neutral or light stability shoes should be suitable for most people provided you get the fit right.

The other way to avoid injury is core strength. I'm willing to bet that a far higher proportion of injuries to runners link back to poor core strength than to inappropriate shoes.

Also, I know you Americans love chiropractors, but for the most part they're no more competent to advise about running matters than your greengrocer. Speak to either a podiatrist with a running specialism (preferably one who doesn't have a financial interest in selling you insoles) or a physiotherapist who is a runner and treats runners.

Edit: another thought. Look up how to lace properly. If you get your heel properly secure in the shoe, it will stop you foot from moving in it and reduce blisters.

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/locklacing.htm

 

[Jesus Swept]

Minor status update: I've been running around 3-4km most days, alternating between running and walking, HIIT style. I'm making progress and getting a little better each time.

And outside the scope of running, I managed one (1) whole chin-up at the bar and a few negative chin-ups after. It sucks but it's 1 more than zero.

 

[Two by Four]

Minor status update: I've been running around 3-4km most days, alternating between running and walking, HIIT style. I'm making progress and getting a little better each time.

And outside the scope of running, I managed one (1) whole chin-up at the bar and a few negative chin-ups after. It sucks but it's 1 more than zero.

You can do it brother today 1 chin up, tomorrow maybe more than 1!

 

[Brussels Sprout]

I miss running outside so fucking much bros. This winter has been big shitty and I've only gone for a handful of proper runs in the wild. I like the treadmill as a fitness tool but it's not exactly as invigorating, and sometimes it feels pretty dystopian to be running on what is essentially a giant hamster wheel in my basement.

 

[Two by Four]

I miss running outside so fucking much bros. This winter has been big shitty and I've only gone for a handful of proper runs in the wild. I like the treadmill as a fitness tool but it's not exactly as invigorating, and sometimes it feels pretty dystopian to be running on what is essentially a giant hamster wheel in my basement.

It has been raining where I am for the past week, I feel your pain brother.

Managed to see a break in it long enough to get out on Mon and Wed, but had to skip my Fri completely. Can't even do it today cos it's still fuckin pissin.

In happier news though, my C25K progress is going swimmingly. Forgot how mean the switch from week 3 to 4 was lmao; ya boi's hurtin, may have a mild case of the splints.

 

[Jesus Swept]

I've been sticking with it though shin and calf pains crop up sometimes. I just take it easy and don't force myself too hard. Yoga helps me a lot too with random aches and stiff joints.

On the strength side of things I'm up to 3 sets of 3 dips and I can do 2 pull ups before my arms turn into spaghetti.

 

[Two by Four]

Haven't hit 5k just yet, but I'm back to uninterruptedly running now for 25+ mins

It's good to feel healthy(ish) again. Might also be time to replace my 10 y/o new balances (honestly can't believe they're still holding up after so long).

On the strength side of things I'm up to 3 sets of 3 dips and I can do 2 pull ups before my arms turn into spaghetti.

Two is more than one! Good hustle brother.

 

[Homegrown Homophobia]

90% of my runs the past month and a half have either been on paved hilly roads or on uneven, dirt terrain in open spaces/grazing lands, and it's been one of the best fitness related decisions I've made.

I seriously never want to go back to flat land, and I've been continuously pushing my distances up to 9, 10 miles on the reg per run.

Minor status update: I've been running around 3-4km most days, alternating between running and walking, HIIT style. I'm making progress and getting a little better each time.

And outside the scope of running, I managed one (1) whole chin-up at the bar and a few negative chin-ups after. It sucks but it's 1 more than zero.

You can do it brother today 1 chin up, tomorrow maybe more than 1!

If you can find bars while running taking a break midrun to bust out pull ups/chin ups is a lot of fun. The past month and a half I've started doing that and also dumbbell/kettlebell shoulder press on the running days I don't run near a pull up bar and it's been paying off tremendously.

 

[Samir]

I got shin splints. Acetaminophen, shin stretches, and ice help. But I think I'll just find other ways to get cardio in for now.

 

[Jesus Swept]

Status report for whoever still reads this thread: I don't want to powerlevel, but I may or may not have been diagnosed with a health condition that impacts my fitness in a weird way and I'm still figuring out what my limits are and how hard to push them. But I'm improving? Maybe? I need to learn about Maximum Aerobic Function and autistic heart rate measuring shit, but I'm either much better or much worse than I thought I was, and I admit I have no clue how the human heart works or the lungs or any of this shit. I'm just a dumb meat bag, really.

On the strength side of things, I lost a lot of time working out recently but I can do 3 sets of 6ish dips with good form and a couple of good pull ups or chin ups before I become spaghetti. Progress is slow but it's amazing how satisfying it is to lift your entire body up over a metal bar. Highly recommended.

 

[Bathhouse Owner]

Status report for whoever still reads this thread: I don't want to powerlevel, but I may or may not have been diagnosed with a health condition that impacts my fitness in a weird way and I'm still figuring out what my limits are and how hard to push them. But I'm improving? Maybe? I need to learn about Maximum Aerobic Function and autistic heart rate measuring shit, but I'm either much better or much worse than I thought I was, and I admit I have no clue how the human heart works or the lungs or any of this shit. I'm just a dumb meat bag, really.

On the strength side of things, I lost a lot of time working out recently but I can do 3 sets of 6ish dips with good form and a couple of good pull ups or chin ups before I become spaghetti. Progress is slow but it's amazing how satisfying it is to lift your entire body up over a metal bar. Highly recommended.

You can do it man!