I took my workout to the track. I haven’t been running a whole lot of mileage the past few weeks. My excuses were the rain, now the heat, and the boys being home… my workouts were more indoors and family friendly.
When I am running, I am focusing on heart rate and proper running form. I am really trying to work on not being a heel striker and to land midfoot. I am finding that when I focus on my leg turnover and cadence, my speed improves, and I am not heel striking as bad (until I begin to slow down).
I have been wearing and loving my Topo Athletic Magnifly the past few weeks. This shoe recently launched and it features their signature ergonomic fit that works with your body’s natural biomechanics and gives you that perfect straight-out-of-the-box fit.
People love Topo Athletic shoes because they are light, fast, seamless, and actually pair well with jeans! Several of their road and trail shoe models have been featured in Runner’s World, Running Times, and Competitor, among other publications – including Health, which named their latest gym platform, the Halsa, “Best Hybrid Shoe.”
I have found that I wear these shoes for my walks with Daisy, strength training, upside down handstand fun, daily activities, exploring the zoo, road trips, and for speed work on the track.
I am dealing with some foot issues (plantar fasciitis) and at this time prefer a shoe with more cushion for my longer runs. For shorter burst runs and sprints… taking it to the track with these super comfortable and light weight shoes it is ideal for me to work on my running turnover and speed.
Yesterday afternoon, I took the boys to the local high school track to sprint out some of my frustrations. It is amazing what a good sprint workout can do to improve your mood and mindset! I need to remind myself to do it more often!
The boys ran the bleacher steps and explored, while I busted out a quick sprint ladder. We were crunched for time, but I knew I had time for a quick warm up and a few sprints to get my heart pumping!
If you are curious about my quick speed work ladder, I am sharing it with the image below. It isn’t a full ladder because I was crunched for time. It got my heart sweating.
I was able to focus on my running form, leg turnover and cadence. Short and sweet… just how I like my sprint workouts!
One of the great things I love about Topo Athletic is that when they heard that I was experiencing weird twinges, they wanted to help! They have a passion for all runners! They offer a free program that guides you through how to identify and address any mobility/stability twinges and issues you might be having. It is called ACU-Running. Feel free to check it out on the Topo Athletic site here. Hope it’s helpful! I need to remember to do the stability/mobility work from my test results!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I’ve never heard of these shoes! How great that they reached out to you. Sounds like you liked them a lot.
Lisa Orchard says
I’m a runner as well and my shoe of choice is New Balance. They seem to work the best for me. Although, I’ve never tried these shoes. I will have to check them out. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Elle says
I have started adding sprint intervals to my training, yes. I find that I tend to start heel-strikinng when I overstride. I really work on keeping my stride distance in check and then I am good! Also, overstriding makes my hips sore.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this brand! Sounds like a great company. I do speed work on Tuesdays 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I have been working on not heel striking as well. It’s hard to change your running form isn’t it? I haven’t heard of these shoes at all. Interesting!
Jill Will Run says
I’m another one who hadn’t even heard of this brand. Shame on me! I’m usually so in tune with running shoes! But these intrigue me… I have a feeling I’m going to have some fun times in the next few months to try finding new shoes. I have been running in the Saucony Virrata the past couple years… they’re zero drop. But Saucony decided to stop making them. I have tried a couple of shoes with a higher stack differential, but they just don’t feel like “my shoe” (my glass slipper?) and my two pairs of Virratas left are nearing the end of their lifespan. These ones aren’t zero drop, but from their site is appears they are pretty low profile!
Sorry you’ve had some foot troubles. No fun. 🙁
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader says
I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of those shoes, I’ll have to keep my eye out for them the next time I’m at my local running store. Great workout! I just did my first fartlek workout in about 6 weeks – ran 2 min hard with 2.5 min recovery jogs for 5 miles. We’ll have to try your ladder workout next week… On Tuesdays we run FAST! I hope your foot feels better soon!
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
I’ve never heard of Topo, but they sound great. I’d love to learn a little more about them (like do they make a women’s size 11.5?).
I love ladder workouts! I like the variety and especially the last half, when the distance gets shorter 🙂
Jenn says
Cool! I haven’t seen these shoes in action before, but I’m so glad you found something that worked. PF can be a nasty visitor, and I hope you are able to heal soon!
Ariana says
Looks like a badass track workout! We don’t have a proper track around here, but I wish we did. I occasionally will do sprints on the treadmill, but I don’t do much speedwork outdoors. And I haven’t heard of those shoes – they look awesome!!
Becki S says
Ooo. I’ve never heard of this brand but they look wonderful. Anything I can have handstand fun in makes my list of must haves =)
Toni says
Great workout! I have never heard of these shoes but they sound great.
Stephanie says
I see so much about these shoes but I haven’t seen them anywhere local to try them out!
jill conyers says
Speed work is my favorite type of training run especially at the high school track.
Carmy says
I’ve never heard of this brand! Will have to check it out!!