Over the past three and a half years, running has expanded and evolved beyond 'just' the running part. I've become friends with an incredible community of people. I've gotten to know and cheer-on elite and up-and-coming athletes. I've ramped-up interest in races as an ambassador for several events. I've traveled. I've become more aware of nutrition. I've supported those who give selflessly to others and charities. I've gotten back into writing and photography. And this past year, I've had the opportunity to attend two media events!
This past week I was invited to the media launch of Mizuno's Wave Rider 20. This event was somewhat of a birthday party where the guest of honour is celebrating that they have improved with age. The changes to the '20' were said to make this version the best yet. I was excited to learn more.
The event was held at Energia, a running, spinning, crossfit, yoga store and class mash-up. The location is extremely convenient, right across from Pape subway, with parking next door. The facility is spacious, clean and well thought out.
We arrived to be greeted by the Mizuno team and were promptly handed a large bag overflowing with goodies. I was very excited to pop open the shoe box containing the very new Mizuno Wave Rider 20s. We were informed that we were actually the very first to be seeing, receiving and trying out this amazing new shoe! I popped off my Wave Rider 19s and laced up the 20s. They were incredibly comfortable these shoes were right out of the box. I loved the bright red with orange and white highlights. The men's shoes were orange with hints of black and white.
This past week I was invited to the media launch of Mizuno's Wave Rider 20. This event was somewhat of a birthday party where the guest of honour is celebrating that they have improved with age. The changes to the '20' were said to make this version the best yet. I was excited to learn more.
The event was held at Energia, a running, spinning, crossfit, yoga store and class mash-up. The location is extremely convenient, right across from Pape subway, with parking next door. The facility is spacious, clean and well thought out.
We arrived to be greeted by the Mizuno team and were promptly handed a large bag overflowing with goodies. I was very excited to pop open the shoe box containing the very new Mizuno Wave Rider 20s. We were informed that we were actually the very first to be seeing, receiving and trying out this amazing new shoe! I popped off my Wave Rider 19s and laced up the 20s. They were incredibly comfortable these shoes were right out of the box. I loved the bright red with orange and white highlights. The men's shoes were orange with hints of black and white.
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The group was divided into two sections, each participating in one of Energia's classes. The first group went up to sweat it out in the cross-fit class, while the rest of us had an opportunity to learn more about this new shoe.
The Wave Rider has a long history in running, and it is all centered around the wave technology. We learned about the different components, their purposes and what improvements had been made.
The 20 boasts redesigned cloudwave technology which builds on the unique wave technology customers have come to love. This means, softer cushion, smoother transition with a more lively feel. The U4icX in the heel provides both greater shock absorption on landing and increased energy return from heel to toe. U4ic provides a softer, longer lasting response. And the triple zone mesh equates to exceptional breathability and movement.
The men's version comes in at 9.6 oz, while the women’s shoe is 8.3 oz. Both have a comfortable ramp of 12 mm.
Overall, the goal was to provide users with a "softest, smoothest, and most responsive Wave Rider yet."
The Wave Rider has a long history in running, and it is all centered around the wave technology. We learned about the different components, their purposes and what improvements had been made.
The 20 boasts redesigned cloudwave technology which builds on the unique wave technology customers have come to love. This means, softer cushion, smoother transition with a more lively feel. The U4icX in the heel provides both greater shock absorption on landing and increased energy return from heel to toe. U4ic provides a softer, longer lasting response. And the triple zone mesh equates to exceptional breathability and movement.
The men's version comes in at 9.6 oz, while the women’s shoe is 8.3 oz. Both have a comfortable ramp of 12 mm.
Overall, the goal was to provide users with a "softest, smoothest, and most responsive Wave Rider yet."
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We also had an opportunity to learn more about Breath Thermo technology, including seeing for ourselves how the unique material literally generated heat when moistened. I already had a few pieces I loved, so there wasn't a lot of convincing needed for me!
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After some yummy snacks, our group traded with the first group and took on Energia's kettlebell class. Having never done kettlebell, I had no idea what to expect, but the instructors were very helpful in providing information to those who were new like me! It was an intense class with a lot more variety than I'd anticipated!
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It was a really great event and evening. By the end I'd even forgotten that I was wearing new shoes, that's how comfortable they were. Since the event, I've had a chance to run in them twice. The first was the day after, and I was feeling just a little bit stiff and sore from the kettlebell class! My legs were sluggish during my warm up, but when I hit my speed intervals, I literally felt the return of energy each time my shoe hit the pavement. I can't say I'd ever felt that before. The second opportunity was for an easy 12K, and the shoes were just as comfortable from when I left to when I returned. When I started running, I was very picky about shoes. So many felt awkward, tight, dug in, or off balance. The Mizuno Wave Rider 20s just felt comfy from the get-go. That means a lot to me.
Thanks Mizuno for having me at the media launch, and for the goodies. I can't wait to see more Wave Riders on the streets of Toronto starting this month!
Thanks Mizuno for having me at the media launch, and for the goodies. I can't wait to see more Wave Riders on the streets of Toronto starting this month!
