Thanks so much for sharing my excitement this week. I’ve been a little giddy between the half marathon and then launching all the coaching services, but I’ll try to tone down the cheeriness and not be too annoying. 
Well, ready or not, the 10k is tomorrow. I definitely “raced” the half on Sunday- my quads were tired until about Thursday! So I’ll do my best, but I’m not expecting miracles.
Recovery 3 miler in the Virattas
I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was given a pair of Saucony Virratas to try. Many of you asked what I thought of them, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to pull out the camera again and do a little vlog.
I do think that some runners can run better and with less chance of injury by making the switch to a minimal shoe, but from my one bad experience, I was convinced it wasn’t for me.
I was cautious about this shoe and made a point to ease in gradually. I started by walking a few miles in them, and then did some run/walks to get my legs used to them.
I only used them for slow and easy recovery runs, and I was surprised to find that my legs were fine and had no extra aches or pains! The most I’ve run in them so far is 3 miles, and I’m optimistic about increasing my distance in them over the next few weeks.
Virrata Shoe Details:
- 6 ounces
- 0mm offset to allow your foot to do the work naturally
- Breathable Mono Mesh
- HydraMAX™ Collar lining material combines superior moisture wicking properties with comfort
- High Abrasion EVA foam that is a lighter alternative to rubber in the midsole and outsole
- Premium carbon rubber outsole material that offers exceptional traction and high-wear properties
- Triangular Lug Design provides traction and durability
Happy running this weekend!
Do you use a minimalist shoe, or have you ever tried one?
You should be giddy–you’ve had an awesome week!
I’m glad you liked the shoes. They look like a good transition shoe to me…a bit more sole than I like, but for someone just dipping their toes into more natural running shoes, I think a good starting point.
misszippy recently posted..Sunglasses giveaway!
I’m cautious too, but have used them on the treadmill a few times now, for 4+ mile workouts. So far so good!
Coco recently posted..Looking Out The Window
Congrats on your awesome week! It is certainly hard to come down (not that you ever should!) from a great race high. Thanks for the shoe review. My goal is to get more into minimalist running this spring.
Amy @ Writing While Running recently posted..Not My Day
i am the same as you! and was pleasantly surprised! YAY!
lindsay recently posted..Cotter Change: My 2 Cents
I love them! As you say, they do take some time to transition into, but if you can be take your time, I think they’re worth it!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..A Healthier Strawberry Milk
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My husband is really into the idea of the minimalist and the concept of the Newtons (which he wears). I would love to get my feet healed up enough to try them. Honestly, my feet were never stronger (and never hurt) when I was a dancer. Dancers don’t wear padded shoes, stabilized anything. All the strength is in your feet plain and simple
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..Cathe Friedriche’s XTrain Series
That’s such a great point- having stronger feet can definitely help with injury prevention, and it’s hard to strengthen them when we don’t need to use them in supportive shoes.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
Hooray for having such a wonderful week. I am also glad that you are feeling like transitioning to a more minimal shoe is going well/working out for you this time! It’s pretty exciting!
Emily N recently posted..The Thing that Broke Me
I’m interested in the whole minimalist running, and have been reading on it. I might take the plunge next year.
Andrea @ From Florida to North Dakota recently posted..It’s Friday!!
I tried the minimalist shoe craze but it just isn’t for me. I need the extra cushion/stability
Natalie recently posted..I’m a Nuun Ambassador!!!
I agree that it’s not for everyone. At least you tried, so you know!
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
These remind me a lot of the Brooks pure line which I love! Great review girlie!
Kat recently posted..CPR/AED Class: getting my learn on
Have a great race! I’m behind on blogs so I didn’t get a chance to comment on your others but yay on your fantastic week, every right to be giddy!
abbi recently posted..Quick Chicago Trip
Thanks, Abbi! And no worries, I’m way behind, too.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
This has been my big year to the switch up of running shoes. I probably never would have made the switch if it hadn’t have been for my injury. In one year I have gone from the Brooks Adrenaline to switching between the Brooks Ghost 5 and the Pure Connects. My recent addition which I am loving are the Brooks Pure Flows.
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..Brooks Gear Review #2
Wow! I’ve been wanting to try the Pure Flows, too.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I am really loving my Pure Flows. They have a lot more cushion than my Pure Connects. I think that you would like them!
I am really liking them so far, I need to post my review! My calves were sore after my first run but that was probably my fault!
I haven’t tried but would love to!
Kierston recently posted..#RECIPEFRIDAY: Low Carb Chicken Seaweed Wrap!
Your cheeriness is great – you should be with all the exciting things going on in your life! I’m definitely interested in a more minimalist shoe. I know it’s something that I need to slowly work on. The virratas look great and the reviews are all positive. Good luck on your 10k!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..A Letter to My Body: I’m Sorry
I have never tried a minimalist shoe. I’m scared I’ll injure myself or something, so I’ve been hesitant to spend the money on a pair. But I know some people swear by them . . . so who knows!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..How to (Easily!) Clean Silver Jewelry
It took me the longest time to try them as well. I don’t see myself ever wearing them for longer distances, but I like the idea of strengthening my food and other muscles. But if it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right?
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I’ve been running in Brooks Pure Flows and liking them, but want to try something that’s 0 mm drop. The Sauconys sound nice and cushiony–do they come in a wide toebox?
From what I could tell from the website, yes. Looks like you can choose wide or medium.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I’m giddy for you!! So much exciting stuff going on. I haven’t tried a more minimalist shoe because I’m so worried about injury. I think because I had a really bad case of plantar fasciitis and I associate that with not having enough support on my feet, walking around barefoot, etc. I’m curious about these because they do sound like a great transition shoe. Will have to look into them!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Friday Round-Up: Life Lessons and FGOs*
Christine – depending on the cause of your plantar fasciitis, you could actually benefit from having less support and cushioning. Walking barefoot and wearing zero drop shoes with less cushioning can strengthen your foot muscles, which can help with foot issues. I’m no expert though – just my 2 cents.
Jen recently posted..Shopping Spreeeee
I’d love to try these for short runs. I hear good things!
Please DON’T tone down the cheeriness. I love that you have so much to be excited and happy about. Love it!
Those shoes are purty…. have never tried a minimalist shoes. Sheesh, I can barely type it!
Good luck with your 10 k.
Haha, thanks, Elle!
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I have been running in ‘minimalist shoes’ for a few years now. Maybe it’s my running style but whenever I put on anything heavier, I feel like a Clydesdale clomping around. I started minimalist running in Nike Free’s a few years ago, and even ran my first marathon in them. That was a bad move, there wasn’t enough support and I had horrible ITB issues. I switched to Saucony Kinvara’s in 2011 thanks to help from a local running store employee. I haven’t looked back since, I am currently on pair #6 and will be buying #7 on May 1 when Kinvara 4′s come out. They are comfortable and they fit great, minimize injuries, great support, but light as hell…. couldn’t ask for anything more (oh they’re crazy stylish too…)
Laura recently posted..Runs, Nightmares,Recipes & Random Thoughts.
Glad to hear it works so well for you! I could definitely see that going back to a traditional shoe would feel clunky… the lightness is one of my favorite features!
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I enjoyed the vlog! It’s always fun hearing bloggers’ voices after just reading typed words.
I’ve never tried minimalist shoes but now I’m intrigued!
Gabby @ Marathons and Macarons recently posted..Plugging into the Positive Cord
Thanks, Gabby! I always mean to do them,but rarely feel like I have something to say that can’t be typed out…
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I started out in Vibram Five Fingers 2 years ago, and had a suprisingly easy time transitioning. However, more than 6 miles in VFFs irritates the soles of my feet, so I got a pair of Merrell Pace Gloves last year, which I love. I ran my first marathon in them. Recently, I bought a pair of Altra Superiors for trail running (better grip and more cushion for longer, technical runs). So far, they are great! Not as light and free as the Merrells, but so comfy.
Good luck at your 10K!
Jen recently posted..Shopping Spreeeee
That’s awesome the transition went so well! I’m nervous about a marathon in them, but I guess if I worked my way up, it would be very doable.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
First – these shoes LOOK amazing – love the fun colors! Second – I’ve seen too many injuries from minimalist shoes to think it’s the cure-all that people think, but I do think it works well for some people (just like any shoe).
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted..Meet Ellie!
I completely agree- as with any shoe, they will work well for some people but are not for everyone.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I liked them too. A good intro to minimalism. Good luck this weekend!
Katie @momslrb recently posted..Featured Blogger..Surf’s Up!
Good luck tomorrow! I sense another PR coming! Congrats on the coaching certification! YAY!
What’s the difference between the Virrata and the Kinvara? I am always game to try newer and lighter shoes!
Thanks, May! My legs still feel like they’re recovering all week, but we’ll see how it goes.
I’ve read that the Virrata are a more snug fit and more flexible than the Kinvara, but overall they’re very similar.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
Your review is timely as I am about to purchase another pair of running shoes. I’ve been hesitant to give the minimalist shoes a try for concerns of injury but this shoe might just be the answer. I’m also dying to try a minimalist cross trainer. I’m always working out on the TRX barefoot so I think this type of shoe would work well for me there.
I’ve used the Asics Gel Blurr33′s. They’re not a hardcore minimal shoe, I like them but I’ve been wearing Mizunos since I got a free pair from the Mezamashii project and love them (Wave precision 13′s)
You can’t beat a free pair of shoes! I have some Mizunos that I’m happy with as well.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
Have a good race this weekend! I decided to wait until May to start transitioning to the Newtons. I don’t want to take the hit in mileage right now and definitely don’t want to keep swapping back and forth shoes.
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Iron Core…
Thanks, Beka! And that sounds wise… it’s important to find a time when you can transition slowly.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I ran in Brooks Pure Connect for awhile (still do at times) I like the way it helps my form but am not patient enough to take time to fully make the change. I usually do some running in the minimalist and most in my stabiity shoe but still feel the gait changes when I move back and forth.
Jen recently posted..Running in the rain
I haven’t tried the minimalist running way yet. Some day…
The shoes look awesome though and if I ever try it, I will ease in slowly like you did!
AmyC recently posted..Fitness Friday: Keep it Sassy Giveaway
Cheery is never annoying in my book so be as giddy as you like! Those shoes are so pretty. You are wise to ease in though. I’ve been wearing Newtons for speed/tempo work for about 5 years now but still don’t go over 10 miles in them. I got overzealous in the Lady Isaac and ended up injured.
Marcia recently posted..Stuff I Love: Green Edition
Hey, cheer on! No need to hide a great week. I have a pair of New Balance Trail Minimus on right now, but more for fashion reasons. Is it weird that I consider running shoes to be fashionable? LOL They are super comfy–feel like ballet shoes. I haven’t tried running in them yet.
jan recently posted..Daily Photos
Glad it’s going well with the shoes. I’m so tempted to try something like this, but am also so afraid to mess with what’s currently working. Maybe someday…..
Michelle recently posted..The Reason Why
I run in the Newton MV2s which are a zero drop, minimalist shoe. I rotate between those and my new balance Minimus. Love them both but it definitely took months to make the transition from a higher profile shoe. Glad I did though! I feel my form improved a lot in the process.
Gina recently posted..Races with Scary Names
Transitioning takes so much time and patience. I know minimal isn’t for everyone (no shoe is) but I can’t imagine going back to a traditional stability shoe. Oh and don’t tone down the giddy! It’s fun to read about
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Fitness Friday || Married to a Runner
You have lots to be giddy about! Very exciting!
Jess recently posted..Flu Season Infographic
I have not yet tried a minimalist shoe, but I am intrigued. I have heard over and over the importance of easing into them.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..Am I a REAL Runner?
Good luck tomorrow! How do those shoes compare to the Brooks Pure Flow? They sound and look similar.
Karen recently posted..Snow and Overflow
I haven’t used the Brooks Pure Flow, but they are similar. The Pure Flow are 4mm drop I believe, and might have a little more arch support.
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I’m glad you like the shoes, I might need to try them! All of my shoes are minimalist, but 4mm drop. I’ve never tried 0mm drop.
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..The Ultra Decision
I tried them once and I had some major problems with them and got a bad case of tendonitis. But I started using them incorrectly (I believe) I shouldn’t have started using them day one into long distance runs, I should have broken myself into them gradually. A Dr. told me alternating them with my regular shoes would have been a better way to go. For me I won’t use them again only because I wasn’t smart about it. But for those who are wiser than me and take the time, I hear good things about the shoes from them!!!
Runaway Bridal Planner recently posted..Purple & Silver Wedding
Yes, if you have problems, I think it’s wise to back off and stick with what’s working for you!
Laura recently posted..Experimenting with Minimalist Running
I am terrified of Minimalist running because of all my injuries. I run in huge honking shoes and don’t think I’d switch them for the world. However, I can see how they’d be good for you for shorter distances, not sure about marathons though. I’ll be interested to see what you think.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..Marathon Training Update – week 9
All the shoes I run in are either minimalist or close to it. I’ve found I really prefer lighter weight shoes, and seem to also have odd aches and pains with more support. Great review!
Mandy recently posted..I am still alive!!!
[...] Experimenting with Minimalist Running » March 10th, [...]
Those are probably similar to the Kinvara, which I love. I also just bought some semi-minimalist trail shoes — my first pair of trail shoes ever! I am excited to try them out!
Travel Spot recently posted..What I Love: Not
[...] Shoes: I’ve been lucky to get to test some of Saucony’s shoes this spring. I reviewed the Virrata a few weeks ago, and received the Kinvara 4 this week. These are 4 mm drop, as opposed to the [...]
I transitioned VERY slowly into my Vibram. I am finally up to 3.5 miles in them and they feel great. I started out running only about a quarter mile in them and would add another quarter mile every week or 2. I definitely got impatient but am glad I went slow now.
Jamie | Thrifty Veggie Mama recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday