Still Happy Together

Established-Saucony-runner Product Leader Rebecca Grey on the the Saucony Hurricane

I still like the Saucony Hurricane with the 8mm off-set after running in it for a few months now.  I discovered that you CAN put a house key in the tongue pocket after all.  I had my doubts.  As there’s no way to ensure the pocket doesn’t disgorge your key, other than by tying your laces over it, I won’t be trusting my key to this pocket.  But I’ll keep experimenting with what else I can carry in there!

Knowing that I didn’t realize how much I heel-struck before, I’ve had trouble identifying whether or not I’m heel-striking less with the 8mm off-set.  I’ve tried watching myself in store windows as I run by, but I’m not coordinated enough to run in a straight line while looking off to the side!  Thankfully a run with a friend this weekend allowed me to clear this up.  I’ve been running with Stacy for a few years now and she’s familiar with my usual gait; she noticed that I’m definitely not on my heels anymore.  Score 1 for the 8mm off-set!

Although I still really like the shoes, I have noticed a couple issues. The first is that I often have to stop to snug up the laces; this could be either the new style of laces or the “Sauc-Fit”, I’m not sure which. The knot isn’t coming undone or loose, but perhaps the laces have more give than the old style? Or perhaps the Sauc-Fit doesn’t work as well as the arch-lock; either way, my feet swim in these shoes compared to earlier versions. But a quick stop to snug up the laces fixes this (and random shin pain I’ve discovered) and I’m on my way again enjoying the cushioning.

The other issue is blistering. Now that the mileage is starting to pick up on my weekend runs, I’ve started developing blisters on the outsides of my first toes (big toes). Coincidence? Or is is it the shift in weight being off my heels with the 8mm off-set? I know it can’t possibly be that I haven’t run longer distances in a while and my feet have gotten soft (this is entirely possible). I had hoped to answer this question by going for a long run last weekend in my 12mm Hurricanes for comparison, but I accepted last minute invitation to Whistler instead. Hmm, deferring long runs might be the real reason for the blisters…

I have the “Longest Day 10k” coming up on the 15th, a fundraiser for Juvenile Diabetes and put on by UBC Track and Field.  It’s a 2 loop race (which I dislike) but there’s a BBQ after the run (which I like) and it’s for a good cause.  I’m interested to see how the shoes work out on race day!