WHERE IN THE WORLD WILL YOUR TOPOS TAKE YOU? (AUGUST CHECK-IN)
Welcome to our monthly check-in with three lucky BAMRbassadors that are chasing big athletic goals in 2023. Laurel, Rebecca, and Nicole filled us in on how their training is going and how they squeeze in training runs/bikes/swims when they are on vacation. We also want to know how they like running in their Topos and how they compare to other running shoes. Spoiler alert: they LOVE the roomy toe box and supportive heel!
P.S. Want to try Topos for yourself? Use code TOPOAMRSMR for 15% off and expires on September 23. (Regular priced items only.)
BAMRBassador #1: Rebecca Atkinson; Easley, SC
Remind us what you are training for again?
30K Trail Race (1st time) October 2023; Mentor a half marathoner October 2023; Dopey (Disney race- 5k, 10k, half and full) January 2024
How is your training going? Any funny stories or mishaps? Challenges that you have overcome? Badass moments?
Training is going well. Trail running is just so much longer than road running, my biggest challenge besides the physical is getting over the guilt of being gone for so long on a Saturday. My husband is super supportive, but it still feels wrong being gone for 4+ hours.
How do you like your Topos? How do they compare to other brands you have run in?
Topos have been so comfortable, they are perfect for my trail long runs. Each time I go out for a run, I learn something else I probably should have with me. For example- next weekend I’ll carry a small speaker. I was on a pretty low-traveled trail and thought perhaps I should put music on speaker to scare off any wildlife in the area.
Have you taken your Topos with you on a summer vacation? How do you incorporate training when you’re getting away with your family?
Training while on vacation is definitely a game of how to fit it all in! An upcoming trip on Labor Day weekend will be a test- I’ll have to do a long run on Friday since we’ll be in the car all day Saturday. Then I really don’t think I’ll have time for consistent training that weekend, so I’ll just have to wing it to get back into training when we get back. I keep myself grounded in knowing- I’m just out there for my race, I’m not going to win this thing! So where I am on race day is where I am.
BAMRBassador #2: Nicole Albright; Shippensburg, PA
Remind us what you are training for again?
Cross off a few more states in the 50 state marathon quest – and run the Dopey Challenge in Disney World to celebrate my sister turning 40!
How is your training going? Any funny stories or mishaps? Challenges that you have overcome? Badass moments?
Training seems more enjoyable than in past summers. I’m focusing on relaxing and making easy runs a priority which is building a solid base for the longer weekend miles coming up on the horizon. Last weekend I decided to throw my hat into a 5K as a part of a scheduled 10 miler. The race was a quarter mile from my house and very easy to incorporate, and I do it almost every year. The race did something I had never experienced, awarding the top 50 runners by age grade. I ran a 25:08 which gave me a 60.37% age grade and 39th place overall! It was really neat seeing 70 year olds and 12 year olds coming in the top 10 because they ran close to times compared to the fastest known time in their age bracket.
How do you like your Topos? How do they compare to other brands you have run in?
What I enjoy most about running in the Topos so far is the feel of being close to the ground and really feeling what is going on in my stride. Without a large cushion and drop, I’m able to focus on important issues that I need to work on, like leaning into my stride to make my glutes work harder and not put so much strain on my hip flexors. Sometimes when wearing my other daily trainers, I feel like I’m just gliding along and not paying attention to that.
Have you taken your Topos with you on a summer vacation? How do you incorporate training when you’re getting away with your family?
My family is very accepting of my desire to train and experience other areas when we are away. I’m usually up and out of the door before they are awake. I love being in the quiet of a beach town or new location and view the sites while on the run. Sometimes my husband will even ride his bike with me on a run.
BAMRBassador #3: Laurel Short; Leawood, KS
Remind us what you are training for again?
2023- complete Olympic tri in Omaha and Madison 70.3 (A goal under 6 hours in Madison). 2024- Flying Pig half marathon and tri race TBD!
How is your training going? Any funny stories or mishaps? Challenges that you have overcome? Badass moments?
My training has been going really well! Things have heated up here in the midwest- last weekend I planted a cooler on a long 12 mile run for my BRF and I to stop at and put baggies of ice in our sports bras. Great way to stay cool! In July I wore my Topos in an Olympic distance triathlon and finished 1st in my age group!
How do you like your Topos? How do they compare to other brands you have run in?
I LOVE my Topos! They are the perfect combination of roomy toe box and supportive sole/heel sections. I am a nurse practitioner, and I often go from my morning run to cruising into work wearing my Topos with slacks or scrubs. Nothing makes my feet happier! (I have been wearing Topo since 2019, and prior to that the brand I wore would get holes in the toe area and did not provide the same support Topo provides)
Have you taken your Topos with you on a summer vacation? How do you incorporate training when you’re getting away with your family?
My Topos tagged along to Colorado and enjoyed mountain views on runs and hikes! I adore training while on vacation, as it’s a way for me to explore and get a little alone time. I usually get up early before my family to start the day with a run or bike ride, then relax with a cup of coffee!
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