Kinvara 2s Make the Grade

A+ in my book!


My Saucony Kinvara 2s arrived last Thursday and I've taken them out for a spin a few times since.




Thoughts from a slow, curvy, recreational runner??  

• The Kinvara 2s are noticeably smaller and lighter than the Saucony Echelons (6.7 oz vs. 10.9 oz) - like thin flip-flops vs. heavy, leather work boots.
• The difference in heel to toe drop (4 mm in Kinvaras vs. 12 mm in Echelons) is very noticeable! Wow!!  I won't even wear the Echelons to run errands, etc... because the biomechanics are so different with the lower heel.  It's like going from stilettos to flats - BIG difference.
• The heel has a 'collar' that helps keep your foot in place. You can see it in the top picture, below. It doesn't rub when running/walking; it's a nice feature.

• Running is less laborious, less cumbersome with the lighter shoes (who knew 4.2 oz could make so much difference?!)
• No more foot-slapping when I land.
• No more heel-striking.
• I drag my feet less because the shoes are so much lighter. (Now I have to work on picking up my knees and on cadence!)
• My pinky toes felt pinched the first time out. I wore my usual Experia socks.
• Switching to thinner socks fixed the toe problem. 
• I ran longer and 'stronger' during each run. NICE!!  I actually decreased my mile by a full minute, on average, with the Kinvara 2s.
• My legs and feet are noticeably sore after each run, just like when I first started running.  They ache, but in a good way.  Thank goodness for BenGay Ultra Strength!
• The tops of my feet are sore. 
• My hamstrings burn (slightly) when I do walk intervals.
• I'm adhering to the 'build slowly' mantra when switching to minimal/natural shoes. I backed off my mileage a little (it wasn't a lot to begin with!), and I'm glad I did, because the lighter shoes are promoting longer distances, but the residual achiness 12 - 48 hours later tells me my legs and feet are getting a different kind of workout and need an adjustment period.  I've read an 8 - 12 week transition is a safe training plan, to allow your legs and feet time to adjust. I can see feel why! 

I would not have considered this transition to natural runners if I hadn't read recent articles and a WHY/HOW-TO book, which I mentioned in my last post.  Whether you wear Newton running shoes or not (and I probably will soon enough), Danny Abshire's physiology and biomechanics knowledge, running and 'shodding' experience, and clear explanations help make Natural Running a book worth reading before purchasing your first pair of natural runners. The pictures of running shoe evolution are worth the cost of the book. 

 Now I'm looking forward to reading Born to Run .... Just.Curious.

'til next time....

happy running!