Brooks PureFlow 5 Review

I recently did a review of the Brooks Glycerin 13, which received Runner’s World’s Best Update Award for 2015.  It is an amazing shoe with a nice amount of cushion and feels great on the road (click here for my review).  The Glycerin 13 has a 10mm heel drop, which is more than I typically run in for my faster paced runs.  I am now testing out one of Brooks lighter weight shoes with a 4 mm heel drop, the PureFlow 5. 

Brooks is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.  Brooks’ motto is to “Run Happy” but they also try to “Live Green.”  Brooks has four categories for their shoes.

Cushion Me – Soft and protective shoes
Energize Me – Responsive and springy shoes
Connect Me – Light weight and flexible shoes
Propel Me – Fast, low-profile shoes   

The PureFlow 5 falls in the Connect Me category and while it is light, it still provides enough cushion to make sure your feet are protected not matter if you are on a training run or in a race.

Like the Glycerin 13, the PureFlow 5 uses Brooks’ 3D Fit Print, which is a revolutionary process that uses a screen-print technology to apply the structural material to the upper part of the shoe.  It applies structure to the shoe while still allowing the upper material to stretch.  This makes for a great fitting shoe that feels great. 

Another feature the PureFlow 5 has in common with the Glycerin 13 is the rounded heel that aligns the force of a heel impact with the center of your ankle joint to reduce the stress on your body.

Brooks is using their DNA LT midsole material, which adapts to each step and stride while weighing 10% less than their other midsole materials.  While there is less cushion than the Glycerin 13, I really liked the feel of the cushion.  It provided plenty of cushion and was really flexible.  Since this is part of the Connect Me category, you should be aware that the PureFlow 5 will not give you that ground contact feel that a more minimal shoe would provide, but it has more ground feel than the Glycerin 13.

The wraparound heel comfort collar provides a great fit and feels fantastic.  It locks in your heel and is a great feature for this shoe.  The tongue is awesome as well.  It is cushioned, but isn’t too bulky.  As with all of Brooks’ shoes, they use a round shoe lace that I feel is one of the best in the industry.  I never have to worry about them becoming untied in the middle of a run.

Pros:

Very comfortable

Nice low heel drop at 4mm

Great price $110

Looks awesome

Light weight at 9.2 ounces

90 Day Trial at Brooks.com (Free Returns)

Cons:

Runs a little short so I had to get a ½ size bigger.

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The Brooks Neuro will be released later this year.

I have been very impressed with both the Glycerin 13 and the PureFlow 5.  They are both awesome shoes that serve two different purposes.  I really like that the PureFlow 5 is a lighter weight shoe with a 4 mm heel drop.  It is really flexible with just enough cushioning and it felt great mile after mile.  The price point is great as well at $110 on the Brooks' website.  You can also find them at your local retailer (click here for locations). Way to go Brooks!  I can’t wait to see what Brooks will release in the next few months. 

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

10 things you shouldn’t do on a trail run

Here is one of my old RunHaven articles.  I hope you enjoy it.

Running trails has a whole different set of rules than running on your local streets. There are some things that you definitely shouldn’t do while on a trail run.

1)         Don’t throw rocks at Bigfoot. They can outrun you and throw bigger rocks than you can. It’s not worth it.

2)         Trails are not a place to try and beat a PR you have while running on paved roads. You will most likely burn yourself out or fall off a cliff.

3)         If you come to a creek, just run though it, don’t tip-toe though it or your running buddies will make fun of you. Please tell me you aren’t afraid to get your trail shoes dirty!

4)         If you take pepper spray with you, make sure it’s locked so you don’t accidentally spray yourself. Nothing makes you easier pray than when you are laying on the ground because you sprayed yourself.

5)         Don’t put on cologne or perfume before a trail run. The smell will attract insects and other unwanted predators.

6)         It is probably a good idea to tie your keys to something (i.e. backpack pocket, shoe laces, etc.).  Otherwise you will be playing “Where the f*ck are my keys!” You could call a locksmith if you hadn’t put your phone in the center console of your car.

7)         If you can’t make it to a bathroom remember, “Leaves of three, let it be!” Poison ivy and poison oak do not make good toilet paper. Ouch!

8)         Don’t pet that cute doggy near the fence. It’s a coyote and guess what… you’re dinner!

9)         Remember what your parents always told you. If the idiot in front of you crossed the river above a waterfall, would you? Think about this one before you answer.

10)      After running to the top of a hill, it probably isn’t wise to pee off of a cliff into the wind. The mist you feel won’t be coming from a waterfall.

Have you experienced any of these funny trail running mishaps? Do you have any funny things you shouldn’t do on a trail run? Please feel free to share in the comments below.  

Copyright 2014

*Used by permission of MOKO.Mobi, Inc.

Picture Credit:

Waterfall Crossing.jpg - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Falls

Peeing-santa.jpg - http://saraegoodman.blogspot.com/2010/12/what-do-yogi-bear-bullwinkle-and-santa.html

2016: 3-week update

It is three weeks into the New Year.  How has it been for you?  I have been working feverishly to lose some weight and get back into race shape in preparation for my first half marathon of 2016, the Davis Stampede.

I was at my ideal race weight of 168 lbs. in March of 2015, but over time I gained about 27 lbs and I never really understood the true impact that it had on my running until I started to lose the weight.  In my months leading up to my first marathon in December, I was having Achilles tendonitis issues, cramping in my calves and in the front of my lower legs (a few inches below the knees).  This would happen several times a week and it made training for my marathon unbearable at times.  Since I started to lose the weight, I have seen some changes.

I have not had any leg cramping, there has been no Achilles tendonitis, and my legs have felt great since January 1^st.  That was the day I started the Paleo Diet and cut out my diet soda.  There have been two days of having pizza and a diet soda (one was my son’s birthday party), but other than that I have been fairly strict with my diet.  I PR’d my 10k distance and my overall pace is about 30-45 seconds faster than a month ago.  To date, I have lost 12.8 pounds and feel great.

The Paleo Diet that is great for runners because you still get all of your carbs.  They just come from fruits and vegetables instead of grains and processed foods.  I do have to admit that some of my longer runs tend to push my limits of how much fuel my muscles have stored up, but not too bad for not having any of my normal pre-workout foods.  The cleaner food are processed by my body more easily, which has aided in my weight loss. 

I have noticed that not only do I have more energy, but during my runs, I am faster and can sustain that faster pace longer than before.  I know that most of that is due to the weight loss, but I have been doing my normal training plan (Hal Higdon Advanced Half Marathon Plan), some strength training, and stretching each day.  The strength training has been huge in tightening my core, which helps me to keep my form while running.  The stretching allows for me to recover better and remain injury free.  

I am hoping to be down to my race weight by my half marathon, which is one month from today.  I don’t know if that is possible, but I will continue on my path and keep pushing hard.  I am only getting stronger and I am totally amazed at how fast the weight can come off if I just stick with my diet and exercise plan.  If you have any questions, please feel free to comment and I will get back to you.  I hope you are having a great 2016 so far.