This post is sponsored by Mizuno through Fitfluential. Please know that all statements are my own true opinion!
Running has been an important part of my life for many years. It has evolved so much from where I started. I ran my first half marathon in 2009 and my second in 2010. Then in 2011 something happened. I ran 4 half marathons that year alone. I finished 13.1 miles in 4 different cities in 3 different states. I guess I woke up one day and decided I really liked running. And I wanted more. That year I visited my first running store and bought my first pair of official running shoes. Not just the same shoes that I worked out in or taught my fitness classes in. Real live, meant for running, running shoes. That year I tried on my very first pair of Mizuno Wave Riders and became addicted. I started with the 14’s and eventually got to where I am now with the Wave Rider 18’s!
The Wave Rider 18 is the ideal balance of fit and performance. It is a neutral shoe designed specifically for runner’s with just enough support to fit a wide variety of runners’ needs. Mizuno uses a wave technology in the heel for proper absorption and forefoot flexibility with every strike. It also makes the shoe look pretty cool in my opinion! It also has an ideal heel fit and secures the midfoot making this lightweight shoe (Women’s are only 7.8oz and Men’s are 9.2oz) feel like a part of your foot. Personally, a light weight shoe with just enough support is ideal for running. Mizuno has nailed this fit in the Wave Rider 18’s; they deliver maximum responsiveness and a harmonious feel, with just enough support for each run.
This model’s design is quite different from the Mizuno’s past. The look is very sleek and I about squealed when I opened the box and saw the neat design and colors. They also come in blue/silver, white/pink and purple/pink. I may be biased because I have the black/silver/teal, but these are my favorite color combo. And we all know that the color of your running shoe matters. We say it doesn’t, but it does. Teal clearly makes me go faster. 🙂
I’ve been running in my Wave Rider 18s for a little over a month and have tackled a few long runs, a half marathon and a few short runs! I finished my first half marathon of this running season last weekend in 1:53:19 (check out my race recap) which is about 2 minutes faster than my average half marathon finish! Like I said, the teal is giving me super speed. That or the comfortable fit and feel of the shoe.
