Breaking In is Hard To Do – Part 2

Breaking in the Asics Gel 1140

the Asics Gel 1140

Session 3: Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Distance: 5.08-km

Notes:

Third break-in session with the Asics Gel 1140. Felt some stiffness under my feet at the start of my run. My arches actually hurt after the first 1km. Didn’t mind it until the soreness went away gradually. Felt much better after every step. As it is, the shoes gave enough support and bounce, but got noticeably heavier the farther I ran. After awhile, my feet started feeling better, with just a bit of numbness in the middle toe of my left foot. I guess it’s still in the ‘getting-to-know-you’ process with the insole and the whole shoe. The blister got better and didn’t appear again.

Session 4: Friday, March 12, 2010

Distance: 5.09-km

Notes:

Ran some intervals with the Asics Gel 1140 this morning. I noticed that it can let me run at a faster pace, providing ample support and cushioning. The soreness in the arches of my feet was still felt, but not as bad as the previous session. Slightly some discomfort in the first 1.5km but not irritably so. No noticeable numbness on toes. Blisters totally gone. I guess a few more runs will do the trick. I have to be careful lang to firm up my ankles coz I notice some instances where it can get out of line when I step hard during a brisk run.

My next plan is to use the shoe on a regular day, doing normal walking tasks, just to speed up the break-in process and get my feet used to it.

Session 5: Sunday, March 14, 2010

Distance: 7.68km

Notes: Went out for a long run this hot morning! Managed only 7.5km instead of the planned 10km run! As before, the Asics Gel 1140 took a while to get loose. First 5k was a challenge on my feet, with some soreness in the arches again. But after that, it felt better.

By the time I hit the 6.5km mark, I started to feel the start of cramps in the middle toe of my left foot. Good thing it didn’t last long. I was wearing my five-toed Injinji socks to ensure that I won’t get any blisters. Overall, it was a stretch for me to run over 7km with the new shoes. But I felt that it may broken new ground with regards to the overall comfort and wearability of the Gel 1140.

I wore the shoes for the rest of the day, using it for regular activities like driving, walking around, etc. Hopefully, this helped in making my feet accustomed to the shoes.

My 5k run stat

Session 6: Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Distance: 5.05km

Notes: The shoes started to feel better this time out. Only very minimal discomfort at the start. Towards the latter half of the run, felt some cramping/numbness beginning in the middle toe of my left foot. This is becoming a regular occurrence. I wonder why its that particular toe that starts to feel that first. The numbness and cramping slowly crept up to my shin but didn’t progress any further than that. It went away as I kept on running.

As I kept on with my pace, I started to feel more confident with my stride. The shoe does protect, but it minimizes whatever feel and feedback you would normally get from the road when using thinner-soled shoes. I think one of the reasons my arches ache during the run is that they aren’t used to the cushioning.

Overall, the shoe still feels clunky, and the longer I go, it feels somewhat heavier. But I guess I’ll get used to this over time. Will have one last break-in session on Friday before I can decide to wear this for Sunday’s Globe Run For Home.

**I bought an alternate shoe last Tuesday. Its an Adidas Kooger, an entry-level running shoe, intended mainly for running on pavement. It’s lighter yet provides enough support to the heels and top part of the foot.

Took it out for a quick “getting-to-know-you” 3k run! It felt good, like any Adidas should. felt better on the forefoot, lighter and easy turnover! Will post photos next time.