My 9 Favorite Running Shoes of 2023 (So Far)

Goodmorning my good running friend! It’s Monday again! 💪🏻

In today’s edition:

1. The Best Running Shoes To Buy 2023 (so far)

2. Why & How To Keep A Running Journal

3. The One Who Trained in the Worst Winter Ever

4. Sub 1h20 Update

9 Favorite Running Shoes of 2023 (So Far)

In this list, i’ll dive into my top picks of running shoes.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a speed enthusiast, this list will help you find the perfect pair of kicks for your running endeavors.

Before we begin I want to tell you that no link in this section is an affiliate link. The Running Week does not earn anything if you purchase by clicking a link found below.

Now, let's jump right in!

Nike Vaporfly 2 and 3

If you're after the most reliable all-distance racing shoe, look no further than the Nike Vaporfly 2 or 3. Both shoes feature Nike's bouncy foam midsole, coupled with a full-length scooped carbon plate. This combination delivers a fast and cushioned ride, making them ideal for running fast at any distance.

The Vaporfly 3 offers more foam in the midsole for a softer and more comfortable ride, particularly in longer races like marathons.

On the other hand, the Vaporfly 2 provides a firmer and more aggressive ride, and it often comes at a more budget-friendly price during sales!

Hoka Rocket X2

The Hoka Rocket X2 represents a significant leap forward from previous carbon shoes by the brand. Its new PEBA foam midsole offers a springy bounce, making it a great all-distance racing shoe.

With a 5mm drop, it suits runners who prefer a lower offset.

This shoe provides a winning combination of comfort, responsiveness, and versatility.

Hoka Mach 5

The Hoka Mach 5 is a significant improvement on its predecessor, the Mach 4. The new Profly+ midsole foam provides a lighter and more responsive ride, elevating the shoe's performance.

The Jack-on mesh upper offers a secure lockdown feel while keeping the shoe's weight down.

The Mach 5 is a versatile option suitable for both quick training sessions and racing.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

As the training partner to the Endorphin Pro 3, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 offers speed and comfort in one package.

With its winged nylon plate, responsive Power Run PB foam, and speed roll midsole tech, this shoe guarantees a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a lively ride.

The Endorphin Speed 3 excels during faster training miles and can handle races from 5K to longer distances.

Saucony Triumph 21

The Saucony Triumph 21 is a beloved daily trainer that has seen only minor updates from its predecessor.

With its PowerRun+ midsole, the Triumph 21 delivers a responsive and slightly denser cushioning compared to other trainers. The updated upper enhances the overall comfort, providing a secure and enjoyable running experience.

If you enjoyed the previous version, you'll appreciate the small improvements made to this reliable and stable shoe.

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2

The Nitro Elite 2 provides stability and nimbleness. Its well-designed upper and quality materials make it comfortable right out of the box.

This shoe can handle daily training and even racing due to its durability.

Plus, it comes at a more affordable price compared to other super shoes on the market.

Asics Metaspeed Sky+

The Asics Metaspeed Sky+, released in 2022, continues to be one of the top race shoes in 2023. Its lightweight cushioned design makes it suitable for races of any distance.

The FF Turbo foam delivers a bouncy ride that never bottoms out, providing a comfortable and responsive experience.

For shufflers, Asics offers the Edge+ with a higher drop, but most runners prefer the Springer Sky+, regardless of their running style.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 25

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 25 boasts an impressive stack height of over 40mm, offering a plush and comfortable ride.

This shoe is perfect for recovery runs or easy daily miles, providing exceptional cushioning with its Gel technology. The upper, featuring a sock-like fit and a well-padded tongue, adds to the overall comfort and support.

With its timeless design and unbeatable comfort, the Gel Nimbus 25 is an excellent choice for those seeking a truly cushioned and enjoyable running experience.

Skechers Go Run Ride 11

Skechers continues to impress with the Go Run Ride 11, which offers an unexpectedly solid performance.

The shoe's Nitrogen-infused midsole with Hyper Burst foam provides a responsive and cushioned ride. With its stable and snappy toe-off, the Go Run Ride 11 is a versatile option for various training sessions.

The comfortable and sleek upper further adds to its appeal.

Priced affordably, this shoe is an excellent value for runners seeking a reliable and stylish trainer.

Whether you're chasing fast times, conquering long distances, or enjoying easy runs, there's a shoe on this list that will cater to your needs!

Remember to consider your running style, preferences, and budget when making your final choice.

So lace up your shoes and hit the road with confidence!

Trivia Question: How many Olympic gold medals did Usain Bolt win before retiring?

Find the answer at the end of this email.

Why & How To Keep A Running Journal

A running log, journal, or diary, is a record where you can keep tabs on your runs, races, injuries, diet and pretty much anything else training-related.

It’s, in essence, a written record of observations, suggestions, experiences, and events.

If you don’t already use a training log to monitor your running, here are five good reasons to start today.

Know Your Goals

A running journal is an ideal place for tracking your running goals and keeping them in sight. Further, by monitoring your training goals, you’ll make sure you’re not increasing mileage too slowly or too quickly.

This can help you find the sweet training spot in which you’re challenging yourself without hurting yourself.

Monitor Your Progress

A training log can be your best tool for reference.

It can help you monitor your progress as you move through your running program, allowing you to look back over a detailed record of your running history.

Boost Your Performance

Assessing your training diary on a regular basis can help you determine which workout and diet approaches have been most effective at improving your running performance.

This, in turn, can help make the right training decision for both the short and long term.

Hold You Accountable

Think of your training journal as a contract between yourself and it.

A written pledge to do what it takes to get the job done — no matter what the circumstance.

Less Confusion

A good workout journal helps take the guesswork out of your training because everything you do has a purpose — or at least it should. Your training becomes focused, result-driven, and conscious.

Keep Track

A workout diary is a great place for tracking your fitness goals and keeping them in sight.

Just remember to write down your specific goals, like when you want to be able to run 10k under one hour or the number of intervals you want to perform, then check to see how long it takes you to achieve them.

Helps you Find weaknesses

A good workout journal provides with a plan to chip away at your weaknesses.

Whether you spend more time doing long runs to boost endurance or power up with interval sprints to increase your speed, you name it!

But What to Log? The Main Running Data to Monitor

Once you choose the format, the next thing you need to consider is what to log — what information to write down and keep track of.

A good training log can record virtually anything you find relevant to your running routine.

Here are a few of the details you should include:

• Prescribed run, and actual run completed with average pace;

• Time and date of your run;

• Record aches and pains. This can help prevent injury shortly;

• For speed-work sessions, record your distance and splits;

• Your running route;

• Your pre and post-run foods and drinks;

• Your heart rate;

• Running shoes;

• Your short and long-term goals.

The Minimum to Keep Track of

If this feels too much, then don’t feel overwhelmed. At a bare minimum, especially if you’re crunched for time, there are just a few essential types of information you need to record.

Most recreational runners start by recording their distances, times, and little else. Therefore, a running log entry could be as simple as “3 miles (30:41).”

Also, make sure to estimate your average pace per mile by time rather than by distance!

Choosing The Format Of A Running Journal

Hopefully, by now, I’ve sold you on running journals. So, what kind of workout log should you use? When it comes to the format of your running log, there are many options to consider.

These include notebooks, a standard bound training journal, an app, an online training log, a vlog, or just loose scraps of paper. With that all being said, there is no right or wrong way to keep a running journal.

As long as it’s delivering, you’re good to go.

The Easy Way

I suggest that you opt for the one that’s most convenient and most appealing to you.

It can be as simple as a notation in a notebook or calendar. As a result, I recommend that you get started by purchasing an ordinary paper diary.

I saw a lot of runners used the blank cardboard notebooks from Moleskine as since they are so simple to use and portable.

Digital Tracking

Are you a technically inclined runner? Then use technical tools.

These savvy tools are designed to make it easy for you to monitor your daily workout and calorie intake, providing you with a lot of tools and helpful resources — something that cannot be found in a standard paper workout journal.

Use a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheet or you can use an App like Strava – I use Strava! Let’s connect on Strava, this is my profile!

As you can see, you have so many choices to pick from. Just whatever you choose.

So, find the method that works the best for you, and keep doing it day after day, week after week, month after, etc!

The One Who Trained in the Worst Winter Ever

Boston resident Meaghan Condon, 27, prepared for the 2015 Boston Marathon during more than 110 inches of snow fell.

"We started training a week or two before Christmas, and by our third Saturday team run, the snow had started. We did our first 10-miler that day — I didn't see any clear pavement the whole time.

That's how it went for the rest of the training. I would cross my fingers every Friday night that Saturday's long run would be canceled due to weather, but it never was. It even snowed during our 21-miler.

Snow removal was a huge problem in the city — there was no room on the sidewalks, so we had to run in the streets. You end up running more slowly than you normally would because you're worried about slipping, and it's harder on you physically.

Our team trainers said that in the snow, 10 miles feels like 14 to your body. It's probably a good thing this was my first marathon because I didn't have better conditions to compare it to.

Race day was cold and rainy, and I was freezing. But the experience was still everything people told me it would be — there isn't one minute while you're running that people aren't cheering for you.

I hit a runner's high at around mile 15, which powered me through to mile 25. During this year's training, there's barely been any snow on the ground."

— As told to Emma Haak

This is an amazing story, and when I don't want to go running because the weather isn't the best I always think of stories like these to motivate me to go out! Thanks and congrats Maeghan!

Road to Sub 1h20 update

Last week's training block was ~75km:

1. Monday: Gym + 1h Easy

2. Tuesday: Gym

3. Wednesday: AM Fartlek 7 * 30secs ON + 30secs OFF + PM 50mins Easy

4. Thursday: Gym + 50mins Easy

5. Friday: 40mins Easy + 15mins Tempo

6. Saturday: 6*400m Z5

7. Sunday: Gym + 30mins Easy

Finally I started to increase my weekly mileage hope to get my first 100k week soon and I started to add in my training routine 3-4 gym sessions CORE focused.

I'm super curious to see the effects of the Gym + Running combo! But now it's too early to see the first results, I'll keep you updated in the next emails.

Do you usually add gym workouts to your running sessions? Let me know your fav gym exercise by replying to this email!

Just for Laughs 😂

Trivia Answer: 8, here you can find why he retired so early and more.

Latest Editions

• The Best 5K Tips To Run Faster And Get The PB (Link)

• How To Running Faster Without Getting Tired (Link)

• 4 Running Tips From Eliud Kipchoge (Link)

And that’s all for today’s edition!

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Thanks for reading, and (hopefully) I’ll talk to you again next week!

I’m incredibly grateful for this little newsletter and community of The Running Week. Thank you.

PS. Let's connect on Strava, here’s my profile

Matteo, your running friend