I really like the adidas’ Solarglide 6 men’s running shoes. This review isn’t super technical. Instead, I’ll give my feedback in language that the average runner can understand and find useful. Most runners want to know what kind of shoe it is (trainer, racing, neutral, stability, etc) and how it performs and feels. Features like heel drop, weight, cushioning, etc are also important.
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Neutral everyday training shoes
Like other adidas running shoes that I have evaluated, the Solarglide 6s took a few weeks to break in. The shoes are marketed as neutral everyday trainers. The Solarglide 6 are for athletes seeking a running shoe with good cushioning and some stability underfoot. I found that the shoe is able to maintain a firm and grounded feel. I rate the Solarglide 6 as a very comfortable shoe that performs well on the roads and crushed rock trails.
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Before running in these shoes, I removed the inserts and replaced them with my custom orthotics. Custom orthotics help correct some of my inherent bio-mechanical issues. They provide additional support to my feet and ankles and fit right into these shoes. I also replaced the laces with extra long laces, which allows me to use all the shoes’ eyelets. This pulls my heel closer to the cup for added stability. I have always tied my running shoes this way, so it’s a little annoying when the laces on the shoes out of the box must be replaced.
If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details.
The Solarglide 6 is very versitile
I selected the Solarglide 6 because of it’s versatility. The average runner needs a shoe like these for workouts in the weight room or cross training. After training in these running shoes for a few weeks, I agree, they are multipurpose. They are a little lighter, but feel a lot sleeker than the SOLARCONTROL stability shoe, which I wrote about in this review. The adidas Solarglide 6 comes in at 11.9 ozs (size 9), which isn’t noticeable for the average runner, unless you have been running in lightweight trainers. Over the years, I’ve trained in heavier shoes with which I qualified/ran Boston, so these feel great.
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Benefits of Linear Energy Push
I haven’t run in a neutral shoe for years due to bio-mechanical issues. I wanted to try the Solarglide 6 because it uses what adidas calls Linear Energy Push (LEP). This provides added stiffness, resulting in a smooth transition from heel to midfoot. Also, I found that the heel is well padded and the heel cup is stiff, which provides stability.
At first the toe box seemed a little tight, but after a week of use (walking & running), these shoes started to break in. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been completing all my 4 – 10 mile easy runs in these shoes. Additionally, I ran on a wood chip trail and completed 6 x 800m track workout in these SOLARGLIDE 6s. I usually don’t run track workouts in daily trainers, but many runners do. I found that they weren’t too “clunky” on the track. So far, these shoes have held up well. They feel good on a variety of terrain, including pavement, crushed gravel, rubber track and wood chipped trails.
Positive Benefits of the Solarglide 6
Consistent with other adidas running shoes, Solarglide 6’s upper includes a series of recycled materials. This reinforces adidas’ commitment to reduce plastic waste.
In Summary, the Solarglide 6 offers many positive benefits.
-Includes adidas’ unique BOOST midsole cushioning, which provides energy return & comfort.
-Continental™ Rubber outsole is durable and provides great traction.
-Plenty of cushioning and a very comfortable upper.
-adidas LEP 2.0 (Linear Energy Push system) increases forefoot and midfoot stability. Results in a neutral shoe that performs like a stability running shoe
The Solarglide 6 is comfortable and …
So far (after about 100 miles) I give the adidas’ Solarglide 6 “two thumbs up.” These everyday running shoes are a great value as a neutral, but stable every day trainer. They are comfortable and strudy. If you‘re a recreational runner (most people), you can walk in these shoes or use them for cross fit exercises. They are an excellent value for a running shoe.
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This is my second contribution to the adidas blogger community. I had a young athlete, whom I helped train to complete his first marathon last month, evaluate the adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoes. This is his review:
I started wearing the ADIZERO Boston 12 running shoes during my buildup for my first marathon. My first takeaway was that these men’s running shoes are firmer and more supportive than I expected. It took three or four runs of 4-6 miles for me to break them in and get more used to them. I expected the shoes to be similar to Nike’s Zoom Fly or Alpha Fly, but that is not the case. It is not as cushioned and it does not provide as much pop. However, the ADIZERO Boston 12 offers more support and are more durable.
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Perfect for longer tempo runs and races
After running my first upbeat long run in the Adizero Boston 12, I was pleased with how well they perform at marathon pace. They have the support of an everyday trainer, and almost the performance of a racing shoe. The propulsion is not as significant as a Next Percent or a Saucony Endorphin, but still noticeable and feels great when running hard. They are perfect for those longer, faster training runs. I advise this shoe not to be used for every easy run, but mostly for tempos, fartleks, speed work, and upbeat long runs.
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Lasts longer than carbon plated shoes
The durability of the shoe is its best characteristic. For a 4 – 5-month training cycle leading up to a marathon, this shoe will get you through all of your hard workouts without falling apart. Many of the other lightweight performance shoes fall apart after 150 miles, but not the ADIZERO Boston 12. These have lasted 3+ months and they still are performing like new. While I might recommend acquiring a faster shoe for race day, it depends on your marathon pace. More experienced runners will need a quicker shoe for their race, but more recreational runners will see a lot of benefit sticking with the ADIZERO Boston 12 on race day.
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What’s next for these Adizero Boston 12 running shoes
After running a 2:27:26 at the Newport OR marathon, Jackson will take a little time off, but continues to train in these shoes. Since they are so durable, he can train for another race without having to replace them anytime soon.
If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details.
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This is my first contribution to the adidas blogger community. I started running in this shoe about 2 months ago. So far they’re performing really well. I selected these shoes because I was seeking a daily trainer with pronation support. Solarcontrol is marketed by adidas as a running shoe with “extra stability, that’s made in part with recycled materials.” Since I have used a variety of stability shoes over the last 10 years to keep me injury free, the Solarcontrol looked like a great solution to fit needs.
Before running the first mile in my new Solarcontrols, I removed the inserts and replaced them with my custom orthotics. I’ve used orthotics for 10+ years to help correct some bio-mechanical issues & prevent injuries. Extra long laces were also needed because I use every one of shoes’ eyelets to ensure a snug, yet comfortable fit. Within a few weeks of walking around in the shoes and completing multiple 4 -6 mile easy runs, the shoes were sufficiently broken in.
Since then, I’ve logged about 100 miles on a wide variety of terrain, including roads, hilly gravel & dirt trails, sandy beaches & bike paths. As an experienced runner, it doesn’t take me long to evaluate a new running shoe. Especially, an everyday trainer like the Solarcontrol.
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Solarcontrol Benefits
These shoes offer a number of positive benefits for me.
They include adidas’ BOOST cushioning, which provides energy return and comfort.
They provide solid support from upper, to midsole, down to outsole without feeling “bulky.”
The upper is really comfortable and as a bonus is made with 50% recycled content. I’m definitely onboard with adidas’ goal to reduce plastic waste.
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Grading the Solarcontrol
So far, I give the adidas’ Solarcontrol a big thumbs up. These everyday running shoes are a great value for both neutral and pronation control training shoe fans. They very comfortable and durable and can also be used as a walking shoe or a shoe worn by someone who’s on their feet all day. Bottomline, in my opinion, the Solarcontrol is a very versatile athletic shoe.
What’s next for my solarcontrol running shoes
Over the next few months, my plan is to continue to train in these shoes, put them through 10k and half marathon training and provide feedback. I’ll discuss the shoe’s weight and provide my thoughts about the types of workouts for which the Solarcontrol is best suited.
If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details.
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Why TeamRunRun is great for both runner’s & coaches
I’ve been a running coach for middle age athletes since 2014. It was a challenge during COVID to coach runners in person and it’s always been a challenge for me to attract runner’s whom I can coach virtually. In April of 2020, I started coaching with the TeamRunRun group. This TeamRunRun review will help runner’s & coaches determine if TeamRunRun is a good fit for them. TeamRunRun really helped my coaching business in only a few short months. I have coached over 25 athletes since I partnered with them. My goal with this review of TeamRunRun is to provide a candid assessment of how TeamRunRun can help both runner’s and coaches.
What Is TeamRunRun?
TeamRunRun is a marketplace and complete training resource for runners of all abilities to connect with experienced coaches and other runners who are training for races of varying distances on the track, trails and roads. Inside TeamRunRun’s portal, you’ll find a enthusiastic group of runner’s and coaches. These are people from all over the globe who are interested in becoming better runners at distances from 1 mile through 50mile+ Ultraas.
I really like TeamRunRun because I get to Coach with my own philosophy and set my own price, but most important I know that I have all of the TeamRunRun staff & coaches behind me.
As an RRCA certified running coach, I’m well aware that we’re always learning in this sport. With TeamRunRun, both runner’s and coaches enjoy a highly interactive support forum for coaches and athletes on critical topics such as training, racing, nutrition, strength & cross training, gear & injury prevention.
These days it seems like most races have been cancelled or are virtual, but through TeamRunRun, I have access to race reports from all over the globe. The group reports on new races (virtual & in person) & the accomplishments of the athletes in the group, every week. It’s very motivating to see so many athletes training & achieving their goals. You’re not training by yourself anymore, you’re training with the TeamRunRun community by your side.
Other TeamRunRun Benefits
One-on-one coaching – You train with your own coach each step of the way. You’ll receive a custom plan that’s tailored to your athletic ability, goals & preferred number of days to run per week.
Regular face to face meetings. Whether it’s in person or virtual, you’ll be able to easily ask questions and get very quick feedback. Adjustments to your plan can be made as necessary.
Day to day planning – you’ll find all of your workouts clearly listed using Google docs.
Individualized training paces for every workout – duration or distances & recommended intensity/pace.
Training plan includes conditioning exercises loaded onto a calendar and ”How to” videos of all the exercises you are assigned.
Weekly newsletter which highlights running articles on training and injury prevention, group events and race reports.
Exclusive access to the TeamRunRun Group Forums, Facebook & Strava groups.
Joining TeamRunRun has been a very positive move for my coaching business. Their safe and secure online payment system & customer support help my athletes feel confident when they join. The interactive community setting, along with my personalized coaching allows for a positive experience for all the athletes who join TeamRunRun.
If you have ever considered working with a coach or have questions about how to reach the next level in your running, let me know! I can develop a plan and help you stay accountable. I offer strength training for injury prevention, guidance on how to set realistic goals, nutrition advice and much more. You are capable of so much more than you believe and I can help you get there!
The following article is one of the most frequently visited posts on my site. I am updating it (below) to discuss the Polar Running & coaching program. Polar offers plans with varied run lengths, intervals and strength training with bodyweight exercises. Although I also offer custom plans & personalized coaching, I think the Polar program is a viable FREE alternative to help athletes reach their goals.
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I’ve been training for the Portland Marathon with the Polar Heart Rate Monitor for the last 7 weeks. For the last 6 years, I have been using the Garmin 110 Forerunner. In this article, I will discuss the features of the M400 that I have put to test, how they have significantly improved my training and why I’m switching to the M400 from Garmin.
The 110 is Garmin’s older base model. It’s a good watch and has served me well with basic distance and time tracking of my runs. I’ve also used Garmin’s heart rate sensor and monitor features, but I often have challenges syncing the watch and the heart rate sensor.
I started testing my Polar M400 at the beginning of August. It was a little challenging to set-up and sync with the (Polar Flow) iPhone app, but by following the directions very carefully, I was able to load all my personal information (age, weight, running goals, etc) and complete the set-up so I could take advantage of the benefits of the watch and Polar Flow (the online 24/7 activity, training and sleep tracking web service that is also an app for iPhone and Andriod). Downloading the app allows Bluetooth sync between the M400 and your mobile phone. Not only can I see workout details on my phone, but now I can see incoming texts and alerts on my watch (similar to the Apple Watch).
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M400’s Amazing Technology
Once the set-up was complete and I started to use the watch, l felt like I had moved into the “21st Century” from the “Dark Ages” compared to what I was used to with my Garmin 110. I’m very impressed with the technology that Polar packs into this watch. It’s easy to instantly sync workouts to Polar Flow via Bluetooth to my iPhone. This allows me to instantly see all the details of my workouts.
Polar Flow iPhone App
Following are a couple of screen shots of my watch and the Polar Flow iPhone app with workout details. As you can see, basics of the workout are covered. I didn’t wear my heart rate sensor with this particular workout.
Although I have not had the time to use all the features offered with the M400 GPS watch, I can assure you that this watch does far more than simply track your pace and distance. It tracks steps, daily calories burned and your sleep at night. The watch is very smart. In fact, it knows when it isn’t being worn, when you are sitting, standing, walking, jogging or resting.
Heart Rate Sensor & Monitoring
When coupled with a heart rate sensor, the Polar M430 is a heart rate monitor. I really like this feature, I not only use heart rate zones during my training, but I rely on my heart rate monitor during the later stages of marathon training to keep me from overtraining. One of the signs of overtraining is an inability to elevate your heart rate even though you may feel tired and unable to run much faster. Although, there are many other signs of overtraining, this is the one I use where a heart rate monitor is essential. The M400 shows your heart rate in big bold easy to read numbers. The watch can also verify which heart rate zone you’re in at any time during your run. The benefit is that it provides a more accurate account of your effort level.
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In my article about training with a heart rate monitor, I discuss these zones and how you can incorporate zone training into your workouts (3-5 are the most common zones that I run in).
You can get additional in depth information about Running heart rate zones by visiting the Polar Website.
Cadence
Understanding your running cadence (steps per minute) and increasing it if necessary, can help you improve your running efficiency. If you’re overstriding (low cadence) you may be at increased risk of injury. Measuring your cadence is easy with the Polar watch and increasing accordingly, can reduce muscle damage caused by overstriding.
Your height, weight, leg and stride length and running ability will determine your optimal cadence. Everyday runners generally fall between 160-170 steps per minute. With the Polar M430, just multiply the average cadence shown on the watch by 2.
Average & Max Cadence
Recharging the M400
Instead of using an awkward clip with wire/pin connectors like Garmin, the M400 has a small rubber flap on the back of the watch that covers a micro USB port. I used to have problems with my clip making a connection, so charging through this port is a great feature. The micro USB port and M400 watch is waterproof (up to 30 meters). This is perfect if you’re training for or running in a triathlon so you can swim with your watch on.
If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details.
Polar Running Programs
Polar also offers running training programs for 5K – Marathon (9 – 14 week programs). In order to get started, you simply enter the length of race, date of the race, and when you want to start the training program. You can also personalize the program a bit by selecting the number of days per week that you can train (nice for busy people). You can also select how long you want each training session to be and the desired intensity of your activity. The problem with this is that if you’re not certain what intensity you should be training, you might fall short of your goal. However, in the end, Polar uses all of the information you input to create your custom program for you.
One really cool feature of this program is that if you put together the program far enough in advance of your race, you will actually get a longer base building period. Polar then provides updated training recommendations every four weeks. The training program is synced to your Polar watch so you can continue training.
Summary of Review
Overall, I found that the buttons are easy to press and large enough to engage while running or other types of exercise. On the right side, the up, enter, and down buttons help you scroll through features such as your diary of activity, personal settings and even a fitness test. On the left, there are the light and back buttons. Managing the M400 with these buttons does not take long to figure out.
The Polar M400 GPS Running Watch gives you a considerable amount of information during and after you have completed your run. Below you can see the details of my heart rate and the amount of time I was running in a particular heart rate zone.
Ave Heart Rate
Time Spent in each HR Zone
You can view the start time, duration, distance, calories burned, fat burn percentage of calories, average pace, max pace, max altitude, ascent, descent, auto lap times, best lap time and average lap time. It will also keep track of your personal records and will notify you after you complete your longest and fastest runs.
Memory of Activity & Battery Life
The M400 can store up to 30 hours of past runs on its internal storage. All of this information can also be uploaded to Polar’s website. I really like how it’s easy to access details of previous workouts right on my watch. Following images show the workouts for a particular week that have been tracked. As you can see, I can easily scroll to any day and then click on it to view workout details.
Diary of Completed Workouts
Average Pace
I like the M400’s battery life. I run and use the GPS daily, but I found that the M400 goes 3-4 days before requiring a recharge. If you’re not using the GPS, Polar claims up to 10 days before a recharge is required. I found that my watch required juice the more often that I used the GPS.
Overall, the big selling point of the Polar M400 is that it’s not just a GPS enabled watch for running, but that it can be used to track other outdoor activities, like cycling and hiking. The Polar Flow is an amazing dashboard where I can track all of my personal results and progress towards my goals. There’s also multiple tabs which can connect you to a vast Community of other Polar watch users around the world, a Program tab which can generates an individualized training plan for 5k, 10k, ½ and full marathons and the Feed tab which shows you details of all of your activities.
Polar Flow Feed Dashboard
The coolest feature on the Feed tab is the “relive” button. You can get a view of the sites of your workout and the times/pace of various intervals. It literally helps you relive the experience of your run or race.
Polar Flow Relive Workout Feature
I plan on reviewing the Polar Flow web service in much more detail in subsequent posts.
For me, the Polar M400 is a great tool to effectively track both my indoor and outdoor activities. I highly recommend this GPS enabled watch, the heart rate sensor and the Polar Flow website and iPhone app to not only track your training, but all daily activities.
Need a training partner? Workout Smarter & Track Your Progress with the Polar M400. You can find your new training partner today.
If you really like the features of Garmin Forerunner 25 (Large), I understand. Garmin makes quality watches and they stand behind them if you have issues.
Pros:
Very easy to use
Tracks run distances by GPS
Water and sweatproof to 30 meters
Heart rate and daily fitness (distance + pace data)
Large numbers on easy to read screen while you’re running.
Polar Flow iPhone app and web portal with dashboard and suite
Cons:
A little challenging to initially set up and sync with your iPhone. Just follow directions very carefully and it will work.
Slow sync’ing if completed via Bluetooth to your mobile phone.
Uncomfortable to wear at night (not really a huge deal for me because I’ve never worn a watch to bed).
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What’s the best way to recover from a hard workout? If you’re training for an upcoming race, the need to quickly recover from your latest hard workout so you can get on to the next one is very important. Proper nutrition, light stretching and a hot shower are not always enough. Compression socks offer a unique solution to stimulate blood flow and help your legs recover faster from a hard run or workout. These socks are no longer just for diabetics. Compression socks are now worn by average to elite athletes while running, cycling, and recovering from any kind of demanding workout. You can even recharge yourself for an early morning run by wearing compression socks to bed. I recently picked up my first pair of compression socks and started wearing them a few weeks ago. In this post, I will review two different compression socks from Bauerfeind USA.
I’m always on the lookout for something to help alleviate occasional stiffness and discomfort in my lower legs and Achilles tendon. A foam roller and stretching usually is enough, but recently a dull ache in my Achilles has persisted. A number of training partners and my wife swear by the therapeutic effects of compression socks, but I had never used them as a part of my training/recovery regime. I completed a little research and found that compression socks actually improve leg muscle recovery, circulation and reduce calf muscle fatigue. Compression socks are not just for older athletes. They are supposed to improve performance and speed recovery.
Bauerfeind
I chose Bauerfeind based on the recommendation of a friend. Bauerfeind has been in business for nearly 90 years. With manufacturing in Germany, they are a leading supplier of supports, orthoses, medical compression stockings and orthopedic supports. One of their stated goals is “to help you maintain and regain health, increase well-being and ensure greater quality of life.” I started wearing the “Bauerfeind Sports Compression Sock Ball & Racket, formerly known as the Compression Sock Training” about 3 weeks ago. This sock is for muscle toning. I can comfortably wear it when I’m running and during recovery. This sock is almost “over-engineered” with “left” & “right” sewn into the top inside so you continue to use the same sock on the appropriate leg. The other sock I picked up was the traditional “Bauerfeind Sports Compression Sock Run & Walk, formerly known as the Compression Sock Performance” model. Both of these socks are exclusively developed for endurance sports and designed with multiple zones with specific benefits like recovery, energy and muscle toning. The Training sock is designed to improve personal performance and fitness. The Performance sock promotes energy.
My Field Test Results
Each of these models of socks come in various sizes to fit large and small athletes. When I was making my selection, I measured the circumference at the widest part of my calf and provided my shoe size. I was concerned that the fit may be too tight and restrict circulation. Instead I found that the highly elastic, knitted, breathable technical microfiber is very comfortable.
The Training Sock doesn’t make my skin feel itchy. I like the muscle toning zone around my calf and the protective zone below the calf muscle which is for reducing pressure and rubbing on my Achilles tendon. Another feature of this sock is the taping zone on top of the foot which crosses over the ankle. This zone is to improve stability. I’m not aware of any other compression sock with all of these features. I wore these socks on a few different runs, including a hill workout. After wearing this sock for a few weeks, I noticed that the discomfort in my Achilles was gone. Although I have continued to roll and stretch, I attribute some of the disappearance of my pain to the sock.
My son who runs High School track has also been wearing both the training and performance compression socks. His preference is the performance sock. He likes these socks so much that I haven’t been able to wear them as much as I would prefer. Bottom-line, these are comfortable and they do an excellent job accelerating recovery.
During the last 3 weeks, I also tested the Bauerfeind Performance sock. This sock is much more like your traditional tight fitting compression sock. It’s designed to promote energy through gentle compression. The blood supply to your muscles is improved in the energy boost zone around the calf muscle. This results in improved endurance. Instead of these socks feeling too tight, they use the gentle compression to stabilize the calf and help counteract premature fatigue. All zones of this sock are made of a breathable and durable material. I ran in these socks a few times, including a long run and a track workout. I found them to be comfortable and I think they definitely helped my legs feel fresh both during and after my workouts.
Overall Summary
I really like these socks, particularly the training compression sock. I believe that they help to improve my legs’ stamina during my tough workouts. The compression supplies a firm hug that actually made me feel more energized during workouts. There’s no doubt that compression socks support faster recovery times. The socks’ fabric seems to minimize any lingering odors, even after multiple wearings. Both of these sports socks feel lightweight and comfortable on my skin. Even in slightly warmer weather, the materials have a temperature and moisture-regulating effect. I particularly like the cut-out that’s in the sensitive area around my Achilles tendon. This prevents pressure and rubbing in that area, but also I felt like there was slight reinforcement around my Achilles which helped speed my recovery from the dull ache I had experienced in the previous month. My recommendation is to give the Bauerfeind compression socks a try, I’m sure you will be satisfied.
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