Mizuno Enigma Review - Mezamashii

As you all know I was ridiculously excited to be chosen as a part of the Mizuno Running Mezamashii Project and feel very blessed that they allowed me to share the Mizuno brilliant run love run with a BackAtSquareZero reader/fellow runner.  

I have been running in my Mizuno Wave Creations for a bit over 6 months now (when I saw the light and switched to Mizuno) so I thought this would be the perfect time to try out one of Mizuno's many other shoe models.  I called and talked to their experts and explained I wanted to use my free shoe pick (thank you Mizuno!) to try something new, but that I loved the comfort and cushion the Wave Creations provided me one my long runs so I didn't want to get to far away from that.  His suggestion - the wave Enigma - Hello beautiful, come to momma!

He explained to me that just like my go to Creations the Wave Enigma were a great shoe for distance, that they had a similar heel to toe drop compared to what I was used to, and that the main difference would be the sole, actually the heel in particular.  

On the top are my brand new Wave Enigmas, the bottom are my most recent pair of Wave Creations. (Yes, I am going through a purple phase.)  That sales dude knew his stuff.  The only difference I can see and feel is in the heel of the shoe.  The new Enigmas have one fairly connected heel piece (top) where as on my Creations the shoe and sole section are almost separated.  After trying them both out I've gotta say Mizuno did it again, these are both amazing shoes that I feel completely comfortable running marathon style distances in and recommending to you all.  The Enigma (top) seemed to have more cushioning because of it's styling while the Creation (bottom) felt like it absorbed more of the shock from my (sometimes awkward) stride.  I personally am having a really hard time deciding, because I love them both.  However, I think I might go with the Enigma again next time because I am all about soft, cushiony running shoes that protect my feet.

Thanks Mizuno so glad for the opportunity to try something new.  Can't wait for many more brilliant runs.Side note: I had so much fun comparing shoes that I am almost tempted to buy the Mizuno Wave Riders my marathon training partner runs in just to see how they compare.  However, it is so hard when I love the Creation and Enigma so much.   

What shoes do you currently run in?

Have you ever tried Mizuno? 

If not would you be willing to consider them next time you buy shoes?  (You should!)

*Disclaimer - All thoughts expressed in this post are my own.  While I did receive a free pair of shoes from Mizuno that did not affect my review which is my own opinion.    

Mezamashii Winner

So needless to say I feel honored to have been chosen to be a part of the Mezamashii Project from Mizuno.  I pretty much went ecstatic when I found out and then was so stoked about the contest I even did my very first vlog.  
However, even more excitement hit when these bad boys came in the mail yesterday!  Free shoes... Thank you Mizuno!

I normally wear the Wave Creation, but took this chance to try something new - Wave Enigma.  Cannot wait to try them out tonight.  On top of that I was so dorky, twitching, can't believe I am getting free shoes happy, when I talked to the shoe fit specialist on the phone I forgot to inquire about color.  So these could have should up in baby poop brown or cat vomit orange (Your cat doesn't vomit orange? hmmm...).  So when they showed up I about lost it.  My two favorite colors - on one shoe - SHUT IT!
Wait... the guy who took my order works for Mizuno, knows my favorite colors - if he is over 5'10 I am going to need someone to hook this up pronto!  Future Mrs. Mizuno here I come.


But, now on to what you have all been waiting for - Which one of you gets to join me in the Mizuno Mezamashii (free shoe) adventure?

Wow.  All the way at the end... Here is comment number 278.

Melissa barely made it in under the 5:00 deadline, if it had been 1 minute later I would not have counted her. Cutting it close Melissa, but you made it congrats.  

I hope you have another brilliant run.

Please email me at backatsquarezero@gmail.com with your email address, phone number, and shipping address so I can turn your info into Mizuno.  (And the plus about Tweeting a giveaway - I can now easily find you there to make sure you know about your winnings.)

The Time I Chickened Out

Went to Lululemon (LOVE!)  

*All model pictures are from their site.

Really wanted this tank,

but was too self conscious to try it on.

So I found a somewhat similar style, but with a bit more coverage.

I had trouble picking between black and the blue patterned, but went with the blue.

I loved the long length of this tank and the cool detailing on the back.
However, unlike the model I will never be wearing a matching bra,
some days I'm just lucky to find matching socks.

I love my Run: A Marathon Crop so much that I got it in the short version.
It still has the same great deep pockets and zip key holder.
Now, it's time to pray I have finally found a pair of shorts that won't give me chub rub.  Fingers crossed guys!
I also splurged and got another pair of crops.
They didn't have the Marathon in my size,
 so I decided to try the Run: Nothing to Hide Crop.
I love that it has the same deep pockets and really like the fold over waist band.
Too bad it doesn't have a zip key pocket.

However, while I found great clothes
(My reward for finishing the Run Streak was supposed to be one pair of pants, whoops!)
I totally wussed out on my other goal.
The first time I went into Lululemon opening weekend I feel in LOVE.
Loved how cute, comfortable, and functional the clothes were,
 and loved how friendly and helpful the salespeople were.
I knew this was a group I wanted to somehow be a part of...
then I found out they have Lululemon Ambassadors.
Dream come true.  Right?
I applied, but never heard anything back.
I figured talking to people at the store was the way to go
(since ambassadors are location specific and chosen at the local store level).

I was ready....
I went on a Tuesday at 11:30 so the store wouldn't be as busy
Wore my favorite LuLulemon crops and mint green tank.
Carried my brand new blog business cards in my purse.
Was a fabulous customer buying 2 shirts, shorts, and a pair of crops.
But, did I mention anything to anyone about my application or my desire to be an ambassador - No!
You guessed it,
I totally chickened out.
Now what?
What would you all do if you were in my situation?  Help!

However, I did get a pretty walk around downtown out of it and
lunch at one of my favorite healthier places, Taziki's.
I had a Greek Salad Gyro add grilled chicken with fresh fruit as my side.
Then I stopped and got fro-yo to drown my sorrows.
Mostly nonfat no sugar added coconut with a bit of strawberry on top.
It's covered in blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, coconut, a few yogurt raisins, plus one piece each of: brownie, cookie dough, and reeses cup.

Then when I got home I had a surprise waiting.
A box of Vega Energizing Smoothies.
I cannot wait to bust into these.
You can all look forward to a review
and the chance to win your very own box next week:)

Mizuno Mezamashii Free Shoe Giveaway

Contest Over.  See winner at Mezamashii Winner.

I am constantly raving about my love of Mizuno, but about a week ago I shared my excitement about being picked to be part of the Mezamashii project.  Missed the explanation of what the Mezamashii Project is, no problem, check it out here.

Basically, Mizuno is striving to bring Brilliant Runs to more and more people.  Genius idea!

I am ridiculously excited about this... as if you couldn't tell from my video.

Now for the part you've all been waiting for - The Giveaway.
If you win you will receive your own free pair of Mizunos and become part of the Mezamashii Project yourself.  So how do you enter you ask?  
That is the exciting part, you have multiple opportunities:
*Select one entry method, or complete all 5 for five times the chance of winning!


1. Tell me about a brilliant run you have had or about the brilliant run of your dreams. (leave a comment)


2. Follow BackatSquareZero, button on the right hand side, so you can stay up to date on my Mizuno love and all my brilliant runs. 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


3. Follow me on Twitter @BackatSquare0 to stay up to date on all my latest news. 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


4.Follow Mizuno on Twitter @MizunoRunning 
(leave a comment telling me when you've done this or if you're already a follower)


5. Tweet the following: 
I want to win a #BrilliantRun through @BackatSquare0 and the @MizunoRunning #Mezamashii Project http://backatsquarezero.blogspot.com 
(leave a comment telling me you tweeted it out)


Giveaway starts now and ends Thursday, July 12th at 5:00EST.
I will be using a random number generator to choose the winner.
*Be sure you leave a separate comment for each entry method you use, as each comment will count as a separate entry.  This means you have up to 5 chances to win.  Good luck!

Mezamashii Project - Proof Mizuno is Brilliant!

In truth this blog started out as just a way to keep myself accountable, but when I realized I could reach, motivate, and inspire others to make smart health and fitness decisions I decided to go for it.  Fast forward 2 months later - I have fallen in love with blogging.  Being able to share what I have learned through my journey to get fit is amazing. 

So when Mizuno contacted me about participating in the Mezamashii Project I was beyond excited.  Time to spread the Mizuno gospel to those who may still be nonbelievers.  I cannot wait to show people that Mizuno really is the best way to have a brilliant run.  Obviously I am thrilled to be included and given this amazing opportunity because Mizuno is a brand I truly believe in.  I personally switched to Mizunos about 6 months ago. I had been wearing the same brand of shoes for years, but when I started upping my distance and marathon training I started to get horrible blisters and was losing toenails.  (Not a pretty sight when you live in a state where you can wear flip flop 9 months a year.)  My running partner wears Mizunos and swears by them so I made the leap.  Fabulous decision!  I personally went for the Wave Creations because I like shoes with a bit more cushion to them (minimalism is my nightmare) and have been so happy.  I am about to pick out pair number 3 (Thanks Mizuno!) and am officially a Mizuno addict!

Wow.  Number 598.  Cutting it close.  

Founding Member.
How cool does that sound?!?

Runner's World Summer Run Streak-
I'll update you tomorrow.  About to jump on a plane, but just wanted to share this outstanding news first.  Promise I'll do it.  Not giving up with only 4 days of running left.

A Day in the Life

Since I know you're all convinced I lay around all day watching made-for-TV movies and eating dark chocolate dipped strawberries while being fanned by my pool boy - Here it is: A Day in the Life

I start off with a healthy breakfast before work.
When I was in my crazy yo-yo phase before I started making healthy choices I'd skip breakfast to try and lose weight.  Stupid idea.
Chobani vanilla, berries, and just a bit of granola on top for crunch.

I'm currently teaching a summer enrichment course from 8 - 4 every day.
It is on learning math & technology through sports.
Means I get to dress like this instead of wearing my normal teacher clothes, but also that my class is 90%  eight and nine year old boys.  Exhausting.
(P.S.- Brand new phone still working on the self portrait thing.)

I have a 30 minute break, by the time I drive there, between school and class.
Stopped at Starbucks to study.
I allow myself one or two frappaccinos a month.
Mocha grande, nonfat milk, no whip - Turns out everyone was ordering this the same way so now I'm just supposed to call it a "Mocha Light"
For only 130 calories it makes me happy and doesn't push me past my calorie count.
Moderation, not exclusion.

Night class from 5-8
Spanish 101.
Lots of my students and their parents speak it.  Trying to brush up.

Home for a quick run.  They are shorter on M & W because of class.
Still loving my purple Mizuno Wave Creations.

Then time to check and update my blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Yikes- In case you can't tell I have 49 tabs open at once (I just counted).

Then to Google -
"Why has my cat turned into a demon who is suddenly peeing on my stuff?"
Look innocent doesn't she?
Eight years and she has never done this before, great new trick:(
However, knowing the searches that have led people to my page recently :
Fat Kid Eating Cake
Nude Bathroom & Nude Washroom
Farmers Having Bad Day
Binge Eat Every Night + Unhappy with Job
Girls Getting Thong Pulled Up
How do I make my cream cheese frosting sniffer?Chances are I'll probably just end up back at my own blog.
Really?  Craziness!

Then to bed early earlier than my usual midnight because I am feeling kinda sick (sore throat) and I have to squash that now as I get to see my favorite dude for the first time in months on Sunday.  

Runner's World Summer Run Streak - 
Day 31 = 1.5 miles
Total Miles Run = 122.5


LosingA Marathon Weight Loss Challenge Update -
Stayed right at my calorie goal each of the last 3 days, plus squeezed in some workouts.  Fingers crossed that my hard work pays off.  

Sexiness in a Box

I'm a chick.  I know all about Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and the beautiful red bottomed Christian Louboutin's; however, I just cannot see spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a pair of shoes.  I pretty much get all my shoes from Target for under $30 and they're just fine for me.  

The only time I ever splurge...

Running shoes!
I finally broke down and ordered a new pair as my old ones were months in and needed some serious resuscitation.

Happiness

More Excitement

Woohoo!  Extatic

New Mizuno Wave Creations
Amazing!

My old shoes.  I've never been a fan of colored shoes,
but they get so dirty on the trails so I'm trying something new.

I already love my new bright purple shoes.  However, they look like they should belong to someone fast and I am deceptively slow so people might chuckle when they see me in them.  That's okay though, what do they say, it's not the size of the boat it's the motion in the ocean... Well, I'm going to go with - it's not the speed of the runner it's the distance she covers.  Way better theory if you ask me.  


I wanted to take the shiny, smoking hot, new shoes out for a nice long run or at least do my interval workout that I had missed from being sick, but while I am feeling better I know I am still not 100% so I took it easy today.  Besides, I know I have a 6 mile run scheduled with T tomorrow morning and a 4-5 mile walk/dinner with C tomorrow night.


Runner's World Summer Run Streak-
Day 6 = 2 miles 
Total Run Miles = 20 miles  


* I tried to buy my shoes from Dicks so I wouldn't have to pay shipping, but they only had one color that I didn't really like.  Then I checked out Mizuno online and while they had 3 colors, Finish Line had over a dozen awesome colors (I almost got turquoise) and free shipping.  Love my Mizunos!

Shoes

*I am the type of girl who gets more excited for a pair of new running shoes than a pair of new heels or boots.  I guess that is a big sign of my healthy lifestyle change.  

After over an hour shoe shopping online today, I give up!  

I found blue Mizunos I loved,

Purple ones that were fabulous,

And a Turquoise pair so amazing I am pretty sure I'd have to sleep in them!

However, what was the only color on sale in my size... ORANGE.

Not a bright, cheery neon orange either.  I'm pretty sure this is known as "my cat just puked on the carpet orange".    

This picture does not do it's HORRID tint justice, I hate orange!

I hate having big feet.  Is it worth the $30 off? 

I'd even happily take any of these okay color combos.  They are all better than the orange.