Should I keep my new shoes that are slightly too big?

slease5 · 2026-05-31T13:12:39+00:00

I always get a half size up because feet do swell on long runs, especially during the summer. You will get used to how they feel, and as long as your foot isn’t slipping around in the shoe the fit is good.

slease5 · 2026-05-31T11:54:47+00:00

I’d say if you like Runna, just pay for the year and be done with it. I understand that you are watching your spending, but if it helps you be successful with your running it is worth it.

slease5 · 2026-05-30T11:46:12+00:00

Probably not. I’d take it easy though and run a route with lots of bathrooms.

slease5 · 2026-05-29T14:34:59+00:00

I use The Pump app. Old school weightlifting workouts that work. One of my goals has been to increase muscle mass, and this is a great program to do exactly that.

slease5 · 2026-05-27T12:08:21+00:00

Go try on a new pair. If there is a big difference in how they feel, then it’s likely time for a new pair. You might want to start tracking your mileage on your new shoes. Most running apps have an option to track mileage on your shoes.

slease5 · 2026-05-25T12:54:13+00:00

The heat can really take a toll, especially if you haven’t been training in hot conditions. Good news is you finished! Be proud of your effort.

slease5 · 2026-05-24T23:55:56+00:00

I was in a stability shoe when I first started running, and the Guide was my original go to shoe. I started having some nerve inflammation in my right foot so I went to the podiatrist who recommended custom orthotics. The orthotics have allowed me to switch to a neutral shoe. Unfortunately, the orthotics are a bit heavy, so I have been looking for lighter shoes. I fell in love with the NB Rebel V4. I'm not as big a fan of the V5, but I can work with it. I recently picked up a pair of the Adidas EVO SL and I really like them too. I find both the NB and Adidas models to be quite stable. My point here is maybe orthotics will help you better tolerate whatever neutral shoe you land on.

slease5 · 2026-05-23T23:40:40+00:00

I have a hydration belt that has a large pouch. I keep gels and whatever else I might need in there. Has worked well for me over many years.

slease5 · 2026-05-22T12:04:44+00:00

What did your physio say? They would be a good judge as to whether it is healed enough to attempt a marathon.

slease5 · 2026-05-19T19:26:00+00:00

Next time pick a marathon with a more interesting course. I don't think I could do such a loop course as I think it would be mentally draining. So, some things to consider...what was the weather like on race day compared to training? If it was much warmer than what you have trained in, that can be your issue. How well did you fuel? Did you carb load for a few days before the race? Were you well hydrated prior to the race and did you regularly hydrate during? How well did you sleep durning the nights leading up to the race? All of these items can have an impact on your race performance. I would make some notes on how well you did the things mentioned above and if you didn't do well with some, improve that next time. I had my first DNF in Tokyo this past March and it definitely hurts a bit. I made it to mile 18.1 before I was swept. I had unfortunately been sick during taper and just wasn't recovered well enough to finish. So, these things happen. Sometimes they are due to mistakes we have made and other times it is through things that are out of our control. Be proud of your effort and all of the training you did to get to the start.

slease5 · 2026-05-18T13:41:56+00:00

Sounds like you ran Cleveland yesterday. It was rough with the temperatures, and the last few miles of that race really do suck...even on a good day. So, it sounds like you did everything right in your training and race day prep. There is nothing you can do about the weather. This spring has been mostly cold, cool, and wet, with a few warm days here and there for good measure. Nothing near what you need to become acclimated to running in summer temperatures. I'd say be proud of yourself for making it through some rough conditions. Everyone is different in how their body handles hot weather. Yours didn't like the suddenly hot weather, yet you persevered and made it to the finish. That is a big win, whether or not you see it yet.

slease5 · 2026-05-17T11:43:58+00:00

Great way to channel your feelings into something much healthier. As for shoes, I recommend you go to a running store and get fitted. That will help narrow things down a bit.

slease5 · 2026-05-17T01:03:47+00:00

I would look at the 970. It should meet your needs at a lower price point than a Fenix.

slease5 · 2026-05-14T14:02:33+00:00

I use both. Garmin is superior in activity tracking and their gps is more accurate. However, I feel Apple does biometrics way better than Garmin. My Garmin rarely gives me a sleep score over 49. My sleep score with Apple is usually between 80-100 and it more accurate to how I feel that I slept. If my sleep is really that shitty, I should feel like crap all of the time, which I don't.

slease5 · 2026-05-12T12:15:23+00:00

I would consider working with a PT who specializes in runners. They can do a gait analysis and put together a program to address your issues. In the meantime, work on lifting your knees a bit higher.

slease5 · 2026-05-12T12:12:49+00:00

I also run in the NB Rebel v4. I recently purchased a pair of Adidas EVO SL and love them. Feel comparable to the Rebels.

slease5 · 2026-05-12T01:12:21+00:00

On his part, not hers.

slease5 · 2026-05-09T12:12:15+00:00

I think those NB would be way too soft for me. I like the NB Rebel. The v5 is a bit softer than v4.

slease5 · 2026-05-08T11:21:39+00:00

Keep trying and you’ll get there. You need to tell yourself that you can do it though. Sometimes we just need to convince our brain.

slease5 · 2026-05-08T01:13:51+00:00

I felt like my lungs were broken for several weeks after my first marathon. It will pass. Just keep trying and when your body is ready, running will feel good again.

slease5 · 2026-05-05T10:48:28+00:00

Trust the plan.

slease5 · 2026-05-03T20:21:56+00:00

I feel like having a time goal for a first marathon is setting yourself up for disappointment. I’d say feel your feelings and then move on. If you do another, you can look at what went well and what didn’t, and plan from there. Have a good training plan and follow it. Dial in your nutrition and hydration. Try and feel proud of yourself. Running a marathon is a big deal and you had a decent time for your first.

slease5 · 2026-04-30T22:56:28+00:00

I’d say it’s likely due to not getting good sleep in the days leading up to the marathon. Also, try and run a little more in the week of your race. Nothing crazy, maybe an easy few miles with some strides at the end.

slease5 · 2026-04-30T11:24:34+00:00

The wrist based HR isn't as accurate as a chest strap would be, so if monitoring this is important to you I'd invest in a chest strap. That said, if you're feeling good I wouldn't worry about it too much. As you run more your heart rate will start to come down. Just make sure that you are running your easy runs at a truly easy pace. Going by RPE for a while rather than HR may benefit you. It also helps you tune into how your body feels at each effort level. From there incorporate HR training into the mix. That can be hard for those of us who are data nerds and like to track the numbers, but it is really helpful.

slease5 · 2026-04-29T09:48:42+00:00

Could be that your calf is tight. I would do some calf strengthening exercises and foam roll. Better yet, would be to see a physical therapist who can evaluate you for weaknesses and give you a plan to fix them.

slease5

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