Happy Friday, friends! I’m incredibly excited to share a truly personal part of my fitness journey with you today, in partnership with my friends at ASICS. They’ve generously allowed me to open up about my running story, which, as many of you know, has been a complicated one. This partnership feels especially timely because ASICS has just released an improved fit GEL-Nimbus 20, and I am absolutely obsessed with it. As someone who has unfortunately experienced foot injuries in the past, wearing well-supported and cushioned running shoes isn’t just a preference; it’s an absolute necessity for my long-term running health and enjoyment. Finding the right shoe can truly make or break your relationship with running, and the GEL-Nimbus 20 is proving to be a game-changer for me.
My Evolving Running Story: From Joy to Pressure and Back Again
For those who have followed my journey for any length of time, it’s probably no secret that I’ve often declared, “I hate running.” This sentiment has popped up quite frequently in conversations and on my platforms. If you were to ask me why I harbored such strong feelings, my immediate, albeit simplified, response would typically be, “because I’m not good at it.” This perception, however, masks a much deeper and more complex history with the sport.
Let’s rewind a bit, back to my formative years. Throughout my childhood and into high school, running was a source of pure joy and simple pleasure. I genuinely enjoyed the act of running, even if I was a slower, more “jolly” distance runner. For me, it was never about setting speed records or claiming first place. What I truly loved was how running consistently drew me outdoors, immersing me in the fresh air and natural surroundings. It provided a unique avenue to challenge myself, both physically and mentally, in a way that felt invigorating, not defeating. In high school, I proudly embraced my role as one of the oldest, yet slowest, females on the JV cross country team. The experience was transformative; cross country, for me, was never about the fierce competition of winning every race or being the fastest on the team. Instead, it was fundamentally about fostering strong team bonds, enjoying the shared effort, and simply having fun. Those years instilled in me a deep appreciation for movement, camaraderie, and the simple beauty of a good run.
However, as I entered my early twenties, specifically around 2010-2011, my entire perspective on fitness, and running in particular, underwent a drastic and detrimental transformation. During this critical period, I developed an incredibly poor and unhealthy relationship with my body and with exercise in general. The pure joy that once defined my running experiences evaporated, replaced by a relentless drive to achieve a certain physique. I started running not because it felt good, but because I erroneously believed it would make me “skinny.” This toxic mindset led me to push my mind and body to extremes I had never imagined possible. We’re talking about intense, grueling workouts like running five miles in under 36 minutes, even in snowy conditions, and subjecting my body to 4.5 miles of sprint repeats three times a week, often without adequate rest or recovery. For me, a 7:15-minute mile pace was — and still is — incredibly fast, a stark contrast to my current, more comfortable 9:30 pace. Completing 4.5 miles worth of sprints multiple times a week is an extraordinary physical demand, particularly without proper fueling. I vividly recall the pervasive feeling of pure physical exhaustion, a direct consequence of not only over-exercising but also failing to nourish my body adequately for such intense activity.
This period marked a significant and unfortunate shift from my high school days. I transitioned from running because it made me *feel* good—energized, challenged, connected to nature—to running solely because I believed it would make me *look* good. The mindset I adopted at 20 was one of perpetual inadequacy. It became an endless battle of “me vs. me” or “me vs. the girl next to me,” and neither version ever felt “good enough.” This era taught me invaluable lessons about the dangers of external validation and the importance of an intrinsic motivation for health and wellness.
Thankfully, years of self-reflection, growth, and a conscious effort to heal my relationship with my body have led me to a much healthier and more loving place today. My mindset about fitness is profoundly different. I now engage in exercise not to achieve a specific aesthetic or to conform to external pressures, but rather to cultivate a specific *feeling*—one of strength, vitality, mental clarity, and overall well-being. This shift has been foundational to rediscovering the joy in movement, including running.
Why My Mindset About Running Needs to Change: Embracing Imperfection and Personal Progress
As someone who passionately advocates for embracing imperfection in all aspects of life, it has become abundantly clear that this pervasive mindset of perfectionism surrounding my running journey must end, and it must end now. This isn’t just about personal well-being; it’s about aligning my actions with the values I preach. Not only do I need to consciously stop comparing myself to the kind of runner I used to be during my collegiate era of extreme training, but I also need to completely halt the damaging practice of comparing my performance to that of every other runner I encounter. There will be no more looking at the person on the treadmill next to me, feeling a pang of inadequacy because I’m maintaining a comfortable 6.8 mph sprint while they’re effortlessly cruising at 10.5 mph. There will be no more choosing to row instead of run purely because I fear “losing” or not performing as well, even when there’s no actual race or competition taking place. This constant comparison only steals the joy and inherent benefits that running has to offer.
My goal for 2018, which I’m declaring publicly, is to wholeheartedly reintroduce running into my life, but this time, with a fundamentally different and healthier mindset. Before my difficult period of mental and physical breakdown in 2010-2011, running was a simple, pure pleasure. It was about soaking up the fresh air, enjoying the natural environment, and cherishing quality time spent with a friend, sharing steps and conversation. That’s the essence I aim to recapture. So, here it is, my definitive fitness goal for 2018: to run like no one’s watching, because, I promise you, no one truly is! This means letting go of self-consciousness, performance anxiety, and the need to impress. I’m explicitly *not* setting a goal to run an ultra-marathon or even a traditional full marathon. My aspiration is much simpler, yet profoundly more meaningful: it is to allow myself the freedom and grace to fall deeply in love with running once again, and to genuinely enjoy every single step of the journey, irrespective of pace, distance, or external validation. This mindful approach to running is about cultivating an internal sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Rediscovering the Perfect Stride with ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20
It feels wonderfully nostalgic to revisit my roots in running, especially when it comes to footwear. During my cross country years in high school, ASICS was the brand I exclusively wore. I have vivid memories of trips to our local running shoe store in New Berlin, Wisconsin, where I’d get meticulously fitted, and without fail, ASICS were always my top choice. There’s a comforting familiarity in returning to a pair of ASICS now; it instantly reminds me of how much I’ve always appreciated their quality and design. The improved GEL-Nimbus 20 is truly an exceptional shoe, embodying everything I look for in performance footwear. This model is undeniably designed for superior support, and that’s precisely how I prefer my running shoes. Since breaking my foot two years ago, I’ve become incredibly particular, only wearing shoes that offer outstanding support and unparalleled comfort, which are crucial for preventing re-injury and ensuring a smooth, pain-free run. The GEL-Nimbus 20 delivers on all fronts.
Let’s delve into the features that make the GEL-Nimbus 20 such a standout for me, especially as someone prioritizing injury prevention and a comfortable stride:
- Lightweight Cushioning: Despite being incredibly lightweight, these shoes are remarkably cushiony. This perfect balance ensures that my feet feel protected and comfortable on long runs without being weighed down. The GEL technology provides excellent shock absorption, dispersing impact forces effectively and reducing stress on my joints.
- Fluidfit® Technology: The innovative Fluidfit® upper technology means the shoe effectively molds and adapts to the unique contours of your foot. This personalized, glove-like fit ensures optimal comfort and reduces the risk of chafing or discomfort, making it a truly versatile fit for almost every runner, regardless of foot shape.
- Seamless Construction: This is a huge win in my book! The seamless design of the upper minimizes friction points, virtually eliminating the potential for blisters and irritation. This attention to detail significantly enhances the overall comfort, especially during longer distances when every small discomfort can become a major issue.
- Exceptional Sweat-Wicking Properties: If you, like me, suffer from “sweaty feet syndrome,” you understand just how crucial this feature is. The materials used in the GEL-Nimbus 20 are designed to effectively wick away moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. This is particularly important during intense workouts or, surprisingly, even in colder winter months, where moisture can lead to chilling and discomfort.
- True to Size Fit: For anyone who frequently shops for footwear online, the consistent “true to size” fit of the GEL-Nimbus 20 is a major advantage. It provides peace of mind, knowing you can confidently order your usual size without the hassle of returns or exchanges, ensuring a perfect fit right out of the box.
These features collectively contribute to a shoe that doesn’t just support my feet, but actively enhances my running experience, allowing me to focus on the joy of movement rather than concerns about discomfort or injury. By providing such comprehensive support and comfort, the GEL-Nimbus 20 empowers me to pursue my renewed running goals with confidence and enthusiasm, proving that the right gear is truly an indispensable part of a positive running journey.
PS: I’ve received countless questions about this amazing mock neck long sleeve I’m wearing in the photos. Yes, it’s also from ASICS! You can check it out HERE to complete your running outfit.
ASICS Giveaway: Win $100 Towards Your Next Run!
To celebrate this exciting partnership and my renewed passion for running, I’m thrilled to be hosting a special $100 ASICS giveaway today on Instagram! This is a fantastic opportunity for one of you to experience the quality and support that ASICS offers, whether it’s for a new pair of GEL-Nimbus 20s or any other ASICS gear that catches your eye. I would absolutely love for you to enter and have a chance to upgrade your own running experience. All you need to do is hop on over to Fit Foodie Finds’ Instagram page for all the details on how to enter, including the simple rules and regulations. Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your running journey!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of ASICS. The opinions, personal stories, and text are all genuinely mine.