SEPTEMBER 2024: Race Day Shoe?

Running sneakers are a must. And there is no doubt that your options are endless. As a runner, I've always been pretty skeptical of branching out from my standard go-to running brand. I was fitted with On's in 2018 and never looked back. I've tried on other brands, Hoka, Saucony, Brooks and New Balance but until recently, always steered clear from them. No specific reason really. I've heard fantastic and read wonderful reviews about each of them. I've always just been a 'If its not broke, dont fix it' kind of person. With that being said, as I continue to grow as a runner and set more difficult goals I wondered if trying other brands and types of sneakers would be beneficial.

Over the years I've heard runners talk about their trainers versus race day sneakers. I've always thought, why would I have a different pair to race in? Can a specific type of sneaker really make you faster? Why not run in what you know and have been using to for all those training weeks? I've always been skeptical. My sneaker collection is quite extensive, borderline embarrassing. If I like a shoe, I will virtually buy it in every color (yes, I'm that runner). For races, I generally like my race outfits to match the colors and theme of the race (big runDisney girl). So while I have an abundance of shoes, they are a mixture of really 3 different types of On's the Flyer, Surfer and the Runner.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try the new Hoka Mach X2. I travel a lot for running and take note of what other runners are wearing in the corrals. Hoka seems to be a dominate force. I had tried Hoka in the past, but again it never felt like home to my foot. But I was so excited to give Hoka another shot, to perhaps find that race day shoe. Straight out of the box they looked fly. For all those millennials the song 'I Just Wanna Fly' popped into my head. These sneakers looked fast. And I felt like a child on Christmas morning. I waited for a short run day to try them. It was after a grueling long run with only 1 day of rest. I thought no better time to try them out, smack dab in the middle of marathon training.

At first try on they felt so much different. I am in no way used to such massive cushioning in a sneaker. I went to push start on my watch and mumbled to myself, 'Well, lets see how fast you can go'. Let's jump to the good part, I clocked the fastest mile of my running career. In the middle of my marathon training cycle, with one day rest after a long run. The rest, fuel and hydration leading up to that run were less than ideal and I had run my fastest mile ever in these sneakers. The run itself felt effortless. I was flying. After those 3 miles, I walked my cooldown and couldn't believe the times posted on my watch. After all these years of being skeptical I've turned into a believer.

It was true for me. A sneaker can make you fast, and I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and find it. I'm excited to bring the Hoka Mach X2 into my race season this fall and see what new heights I'm able to reach. It was a subtle reminder that change isn't always a bad thing and sometimes, when you step outside your comfort zone, you'll be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

- Samantha D.