ASICS Novablast 4 Review

Morning, my running mate! Matteo here! I hope you're all doing well and staying active out there.

It's Monday, which means it's newsletter time, and this week, I've got an exciting topics to discuss! ☕️

In today’s edition:

1. ASICS Novablast 4 review

2. New vs Used Treadmill: How to Make the Right Choice

3. Sub 1.17h challenge update

Plus, I have a FREE GIFT for you all! During these days of holiday I created a PDF with everything you need from top to bottom during the race day so that you will never forget anything!

It's 100% free and you can download it by clicking the link below!

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ASICS Novablast 4 review

Today, I have an exciting review! I ran in ASICS Novablast 4 for about ~100km and in this review, I’ll dive into my experience, comparing it to its predecessor, the Novablast 3, and exploring the noteworthy updates that make the Novablast 4 stand out in the running shoe arena.

I bought this shoe with my own money, this is NOT a sponsorship or ad.

A Quick Overview

The Novablast 4 has been gaining popularity rapidly, earning a spot on many "My Favorite Shoes of…" lists.

Priced at $140, it offers a great value proposition for runners of various types.

Initial Impressions

Soft, Bouncy, and a Perfect Fit as I unwrap the Novablast 4, I note its immediate soft and bouncy feel, a sensation that persists during my runs.

This shoe stands out for its exceptional fit, catering to various foot types plus its a super-versatility from slow-paced, long runs to high-intensity speed workouts.

Comparison with Novablast 3

A Worthy Upgrade. There are some cool updates, starting with the new woven upper material that feels premium and snug on the foot.

The deeper channels in the outsole, increased rubber for better traction, and the addition of a pull tab are among the notable improvements.

Plus Novablast 4 offers a noticeably enhanced underfoot experience compared to the Novablast 3, thanks to the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole.

Novablast 4 vs Nimbus 25/26

Although they share the same foam (FF Blast Plus Eco), the Novablast 4 delivers a trampoline-like effect, providing an energetic toe-off, whereas the Nimbus 25/26 (Haven't tried the nimbus 26 yet but I think the feeling will be similar to the 25) offers a pillowy soft landing, emphasizing comfort and cushioning.

Novablast 4 vs Superblast

The Superblast are basically a premium version of the Novablast 4, boasting higher stack height, lighter and more responsive foam, and an overall lighter weight.

While acknowledging its superior performance, it costs 60$ more and personally I think not worth it, the differences are minimal and I prefer choose the Novablast 4 for a best value for money.

Where to get your pair

You can find the Novablast on Amazon!

• Novablast 4 for men on Amazon

• Novablast 4 for women on Amazon

Conclusion

Wrapping up my review, I highly recommend the Novablast 4. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting, the Novablast 4 is crowned as running shoe royalty, delivering a fantastic running experience for all.

I appreciate the ample cushioning, ideal stack height, and lightweight design.

As today the Novablast 4 has officially become my daily trainer, replacing the Nike Invincible Run 3!

Now it's time to lace-up and hit the roads with this exceptional daily trainer!

If you decide to buy them (or have already purchased them) let me know how you like it!

Trivia Question: The Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the United States. What marathon is the second oldest and was first run in 1907?

Find the answer at the end of this email.

New vs Used Treadmill: How to Make the Right Choice

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, treadmills can be a fantastic addition to your training arsenal.

But the question remains: Should you go for a brand new treadmill or consider a used one?

Let's dive right in!

New Treadmills: The Pros

• Warranty and Reliability: When you buy a new treadmill, you're typically covered by a warranty, giving you peace of mind that any issues will be taken care of. New treadmills also tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance.

• The Latest Features: New models often come with the latest technology and features, such as touchscreen displays, built-in workout programs, and even compatibility with fitness apps. These can make your running sessions more engaging and enjoyable.

• Customization: You have the freedom to choose the specific model and features that match your needs and preferences. Whether you want an incline feature, adjustable speeds, or even a fan to keep you cool during your workouts, the options are abundant.

Used Treadmills: The Pros

• Cost-Effective: One of the most significant advantages of buying a used treadmill is the cost savings. You can often get a high-quality machine at a fraction of the price of a new one, allowing you to allocate your budget to other running gear or race entry fees.

• Environmental Impact: By choosing a used treadmill, you're also making a more environmentally friendly choice by reducing the demand for new manufacturing.

• Tested and Proven: If you buy from a reputable source, you can find a used treadmill that has been well-maintained and has plenty of life left in it. Many sellers offer warranties or guarantees, so you can still have some peace of mind.

Points to Consider

Now that we've highlighted the pros of each option, let's talk about some key factors to consider before making your decision:

• Budget: Determine your budget and assess whether you can comfortably afford a new treadmill with the features you desire. If not, a used one might be a sensible choice.

• Space: Measure the space you have available for your treadmill. New models might come with sleeker designs, while older ones could be bulkier.

• Usage: Consider how often you plan to use your treadmill. If it will be a daily staple in your training, investing in a new one might be worth it. If you're a more occasional runner, a used treadmill could meet your needs perfectly.

• Research: Do your homework! Check out reviews, ask for recommendations, and inspect any used treadmills thoroughly before purchasing.

Some Real-World Pricing Examples

To gauge whether the price of the used treadmill is reasonable, it’s helpful to compare it to the prices of new treadmills with used ones. Let me explain.

New Treadmills:

Prices for new treadmills can vary widely based on brand, features, and quality. Here’s a general price range:

• Basic Model: New treadmills with basic features can start at around $500. These models are suitable for light to moderate use.

• Mid-Range Model: A mid-range treadmill with more advanced features like incline settings and preset workouts might cost between $800 and $1500.

• High-End Model: Premium treadmills with state-of-the-art technology, powerful motors, and extensive workout programs can range from $1500 to $3000 and above. These treadmills are designed for serious runners and fitness enthusiasts.

For instance, a new, state-of-the-art treadmill from a premium brand might cost $2500, whereas a more modest but new model from a less renowned brand could be priced around $800.

Used Treadmills:

The price of used treadmills can vary significantly depending on factors like brand, age, condition, and features.

Here are some examples:

• High-End Used Model: A high-end used treadmill, which might have originally cost $2500 or more when new, could be found in the used market for around $1200. This represents significant savings compared to buying new.

• Basic Used Model: A less advanced used treadmill, especially if it’s an older model, could be priced as low as $300, depending on its condition and age. These can be budget-friendly options for those looking for basic functionality.

Conclusion

The price of treadmills, new or used, is not a straightforward matter.

By understanding the factors that affect pricing, you can set a more informed budget and identify the best value for your needs, whether you decide to buy a new or opt for a pre-owned machine.

As always, if you have any questions or topics you'd like me to cover in future newsletters, feel free to hit that reply button!

Sub 1.17h challenge update

Last week's training block was ~70km:

• Monday: 50min Easy

• Tuesday: 60min Easy

• Wednesday: 5×1000m

• Thursday: 50min Easy

• Friday: 40min Z2 + 10min Z3

• Saturday: 60min Easy + Strides

• Sunday: Rest

For last week I had planned to run ~90km but unfortunately plans don't always go the way you want. On Sunday I missed the 20km long run as it rained heavily all day so I preferred to rest rather than risk getting sick.

I signed up for the first half-marathon of 2024! It will be on January 27th, don't worry, I'm not yet in shape to complete the sub 1.17 challenge 😂 I'm going to try to run this Half Marathon around 1:18-1:19 and see what happens!

After this race I will decide when to try to run the HM sub 1.17h and complete the challenge!

I believe that the attempt to complete this new challenge will be in the spring anyway!

If you want more info about my sessions hit me a follow on Strava!

Talk soon!

Just for Laughs 😂

Trivia Answer: The Yonkers Marathon was first run in 1907, although it was not continuous. The race was halted for World War I and resumed in the 1920s..

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From your running friend that's it for today! I hope you enjoyed it!

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 best-running friend.