Brooks Pure Cadence 2 Shoe Review

I bought the second version of the Brooks Pure Cadence line because I was really happy with the first version. You can read that shoe review Here. 

I wanted a shoe that I would use specifically for tempo runs or faster. I really like the shoe, it's light and comfortable. I haven't gone over 7 miles in them because I do feel as I became more and more tired and my form suffered it was causing come stress on my achilles tendons became tight and were sore for a few days after. A new design on the Pure Cadence 2 is a ‘burrito’ style attached tongue that is essentially a part of the lateral upper that wraps over the medial side of the foot is what I didn't like. I feel like I have to tie my shoes really tight in order to feel comfortable in them, even that sometimes I feel like I'm sliding in them. 

As far as the new design, I really like how Brooks moved their logo from the side of the shoe to the front/top of the toe box. It really looks pretty awesome. 

Overall I really still like the shoe. I'm a little under 100 miles, but they still feel good.

The shoes are on average for the price $100-$120.

Submitted by Miles

Product Review: Organic Honey Stinger Waffles

During a few of my training runs I used the Honey Stinger Waffles. I really liked the flavor of the two that I tried(vanilla & strawberry). They were a little difficult to eat while on the run due to the fact that they'll crumble easily. I ate the waffles when I felt sluggish during my long runs rather than a quick energy boost. I did feel like they helped me carry through the finish. Also I did find them a little on the sweeter side, but I've never been a person to like sweets. I did need some water to get them down. I haven't seen any other products on the market like this one. For the taste I give them (7 out of 10)

Carrying Ability: They are a little big, but they are thin(think iphone). They aren't exactly easiest to carry in a pocket during the run. (5 out of 10)

Does it work: I did feel like it replenished my body a little of what I lose on the run. I would use them only for your "longer" runs. I don't think you'll need more than 1 with you. (7 out of 10)

Overall Thoughts: I liked the flavor, I did feel like they work. The waffles were a little on the sweet side for my personal taste. You'll have to adjust the way you eat them due to the way that it will crumble, but I will definitely buying be more and using them again for my long runs. I'm happy with this product 

Submitted by Miles

Product Review: Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz

After a race(half-marathon) while I was using some gels and things like that to fuel me during the run I thought that I should try some different types of products and start to write a few reviews on each.

I found these while shopping online for some supplements I needed. The name caught my eye right away. I figured these would get me during a difficult grinding run.

I have to say that the "ballz" have a soft center and are easy to chew, but the flavor is questionable. (3 out of 10) You get a little hint of chocolate that I could describe would taste like a tootsie roll, but once you get past that they are pretty tough to get down. 

Carrying Ability: If you are the type of person that doesn't like the feeling of carrying things, this one might not be for you. They are a little bulky, I don't have a problem carrying items, but with these I had to carry my pouch to hold more than 1 or 2 packs. (3 out of 10)

Does it work: This energy balls are caffeinated and I didn't feel a boost(as a runner I'm looking for a more "sustained energy" feeling). I thought that they were just okay, but I did have to choke them down with some big sips of water.

Overall Thoughts: Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz left me with something to be desired. If you work well with caffeine these might help, personally I wouldn't recommend them. As a runner they are too tough to be carrying around and if you're in a race they aren't easy to get down if you don't have any water or anything available.

Submitted by Miles

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 Shoe Review

I can now say that I've become a Brooks shoe fanboy. Every shoe that I currently run in are Brooks. I've owned the GTS series since the 11's. You can read my review about Brooks GTS 12. I use to run in the most trendy shoes out, not really caring about how many miles I would put in them. Since I started getting serious over the past 12 month about my running I know now that I need a shoe that can carry me well. 

Contrary to most running literature. I knew that it wouldn't be smart to take a new pair of shoes out for a race, but that's exactly what I did. I bought them and took them out for a short run, then the next day I ran the Rock'n Roll Las Vegas Half-Marathon. These shoes worked perfectly. 

Now before you think that I'm speaking so highly of Brooks, go back and read Brooks Trance 11. The Trance where one of the worst pair of shoes that I've tried. 

I've put in about 100 miles in these shoes and I can say that I love them. If you go back and read a few of my other shoe review, you'll know that I'm a heavier runner and that I need shoes to hold up to the pounding I put them through.

Submitted by Miles