My Favourite Runners: Nike Vs Brooks

I have been a Nike brand junkie since buying my first set of Nike runners when I was 16 years old. Nike joggers seem to always have the best looks, style and always fit well. 
When I started training for this 1/2 Marathon I wore both Nike Shox & Nike Air Max regularly. As the distances in my training schedule began to increase, I found my running shoes just weren't cutting it.

Nike Air Max (2010 Flywire & 2011 Air Max)-  Although comfortable with great ventilation and considerably light, the Air Max's just were not offering me the stability I needed. I often rolled my ankles in these especially if I was running off road trails. I now only wear my Air Max's to the gym to workout (not running).

Specs & More Info 

My Nike Air Max 2010 Flywire (black & red) & Air Max 2011 (purple & grey):

Nike Shox - These are runners I have owned several different pairs of over the years as the look & style had me hooked. The Shox are also very comfortable, however offer little ventilation and are heavy. My current pair of Nike Shox now serve as my walking & gym shoes. As a result of many childhood sports & injuries, my knees have always been a problem area. I also found the Shox to be too rigid which led to knee pain early in my training.

Specs & more info

My collection of Nike Shox:

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11's Limited Edition- I just can't say enough great things about these shoes.  My significant other, Darius purchased himself a pair of the Men's Adrenaline GTS11's and absolutely loved them.  After seeing how the Nike's were just not quite making the grade for my 1/2 Marathon training, Darius was kind enough to purchase me a pair of the Women's GTS11's.  My first run in these shoes - I was IN LOVE!!  Not only are they extremely comfortable, they offer great support and are extremely light (9.4oz or 266g).  I can run short distance sprints & up to 13 mile runs without rolling my ankles and with very little knee pain.  When I wear these runners training, shoes are no longer on my mind, they fit perfectly.

Specs & more info

My Brooks GTS 11 Limited Editions:

Verdict- The Brooks are my favourite shoe for training long distances.  I love the support & shock absorption they provide.  They are well ventilated, light & look great! 

I am still a huge Nike fan and will continue to purchase their shoes & running clothes, however the Brooks are my 1/2 Marathon shoe of choice.

Brooks Running Website
Nike Website

Training Update

G'day everyone!
It has been a little while since I last checked in, so here is an update on what I have been up to with training.

The SF Marathon date is only 5 weeks away so training has stepped up a notch. I am running 4-5 days per week and strength training at the gym at least twice per week. Although I have missed a couple of days of training here and there over the past couple of weeks, it is getting down to crucial timing and missing training is no longer an option.

My training program includes:

- Easy Pace Runs
- Race Pace Runs
- Long Distance Runs
- Stretching & Strength training
- Rest Days
- Walking
- Cross Training
- Tempo & Speed Training

The next 5 weeks are going to be quite intense so I will keep you all up to date on my progress.

More posts coming soon on topics including: Product Reviews, History of The SF Marathon, Sponsorship Information & more information on Mickayla & her rare illness.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by - Stay tuned....

xo Monica

View of the hill terrain running trails that I run.