Due to the silly number of races I ran last year, I earned a valuable first pick at the team lottery and naturally chose a Mizuno product voucher. Arnold at Mizuno has been very supportive and to say I am a loyal fan of Mizuno products would be an understatement. But please trust me, if there are concerns with a product that I test I will pass it on, even if it is Mizuno. Fortunately, I have nothing but good things to write today!
Mizuno Wave Precision 11 Running Shoes
I had been running in Mizuno Wave Rider 13’s, for tempo work, some long runs and my marathon races. Arnold suggested I should try the Wave Precision 11’s for a couple reasons. First, I am light framed (130 lbs), and a light mid to fore foot neutral striker. Second, Mizuno seriously beefed up the Mizuno Wave Rider 14’s to make them better suited for heavier heel strikers. I would soon need a model change anyway.
With almost all the fast guys at Ajax Running Free running in Precision 11’s, including Matt Leduc, how could I go wrong? And why had I not noticed this sooner?
About six weeks before the Endurrun marathon I picked up the Precisions. My first long run was incredible. The transition was lightning fast, and the cushioning so comfortable even on the roughest sections of tarmac. As soft running as these shoes are they are still fast! My tempo run pace did not suffer for the extra cushioning, and my legs (especially the shins) did not feel quite as beat up. A blessing when you are hitting 140k/week!
The soles of these shoes have worn true and even from inside to outside, front to back. Given my strike, this is absolutely incredible. The outsides of my shoes always wear so quickly they enter the shoe donation bin looking almost new. Nobody is going to want my second hand Precisions – they will not have anything left by the time I ditch them.
A review on a shoe model that is on its way out might seem fruitless. However the Precision 12’s are now available, and appear to be much of the same design, albeit with an improved sole material (AP+) that will make the 12’s even more cushier and energetic than the 11’s. Tempo runs, long runs, marathon day. The Precisions are my new go-to distance training shoes, and maybe they will be for you too. Remember, as far as marathons go, always race in what you train in.
Mizuno Men’s Ronin Long Sleeve Tee
http://www.mizunocda.com/running/products/mizuno-mens-ronin-l-s-tee
Really, there is nothing “tee” about this great looking tech shirt. The cut and the stitching create amazing flattering lines. If you are essentially gut free, look out. This shirt is going to make you look absolutely marvelous. Now that fall is here, we have perfect weather to flaunt our great looks at the track or long run. Wear this shirt – and slow down – so the ladies can catch you!
When you first put it on, the shirt has an immediate warming quality (not a Breath Thermo material). However, once you are moving, the rear venting and neck zip let you air it out to keep cool. There is even a fairly good sized zip back-side pocket that can hold several gels or even a cell phone. Unfortunately the pocket/zip does get in the way when a fuel belt or bottle carrier must be strapped on. Nonetheless, this is my favorite running shirt. Love to wear it every chance I get!
I have the Mizuno Precison 12 shoes and I love them. I ran in the Precision 11 last year and loved the “blue” ones but found the orange shoes a bit sloppy. These new Precision 12s are like coming home — prefect cushioning, snug enough around the upper, but breathable, and just the right amount of support at the ankle. My first run in these shoes was lightning fast! They are definitely my marathon shoe.