You’re Not a Real Runner and a Reebok ONE Cushion review.

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok

Nobody can call themselves a “real” runner unless they meet the following criteria:

1. Must run fast.
2. Must run long.
3. Must not walk during a training run or race. Ever.
4. Must wear special running clothes.
5. Must not listen to music.
6. Must not wear tutus or costumes.
7. Must have more than 1 pair of running shoes in rotations for various distances/surfaces.

Has anybody heard these rules before? Anybody who has spent some time on running blogs or running forums has read some discussions about what makes a REAL runner. Usually, the criteria is focused on speed and distance. Those who stick to 5Ks are not deemed as “experienced” as the hard-core long distance folks. Those who incorporate walking breaks are sometimes pushed into the category of “speed walkers” who take some running steps here and there.

Have YOU ever told yourself you’re not a real runner? Maybe when you were still wearing old college 5-shirts and shoes? You thought “I’ll be a real runner when…I get faster, go longer, get some running clothes, etc”. How about when others comment on your running identity? Did it make you uncomfortable being called a runner when you didn’t FEEL like a real runner? Do we look at the fast almost-naked folks at the front of the starting line and think “when I get fast enough to start up there, I’ll be a real runner”?

I want to offer a simple solution. If you run, you’re a runner. It’s that cut and dried. The next time someone asks you “are you a runner?”, don’t hesitate. Don’t say “yeah, but…” or “I used to be a runner when I was faster”. Look them in the eye (or in the mirror) and say with confidence “I am a runner”. It really doesn’t get any easier than that.

One thing that all REAL runners need is a good pair of running shoes. Reebok has a new shoe for runners with a natural gait and strong arch.

The Reebok ONE Series Cushion

Built in zones, so you can run in yours.

• Structured upper to support the foot over the center of the platform and spacer mesh for breathability—it feels good while it gives cushioned support.
• Low-cut design for added mobility with technical upper construction for seamless transition—they do NOT feel like weighted bricks tied to your feet.
• Three-foam midsole with ultra soft layer for shock attenuation,  lightweight layer for foot guidance, and a responsive layer to help with forward propulsion—3 zones to absorb shock and keep you moving forward.
• The lateral arch is stable (flat) for maximum ground contact—it doesn’t keep rolling so less chance of tuning ankles.
• The outsole release zone—pronation control.
• Outsole progression groove for longitudinal flexibility—not too much pronation control
• High abrasion rubber heel with decoupled outsole—shock absorption at the heel.

This Reebok ONE Cushion is a sweet shoe. It has plenty of cushion but not too soft or smushy. I do not like smushy cloud fluff shoes because they do not stabilize my knees but I need some cushion support for long runs. This shoe worked GREAT on my longer runs without leaving ankle or knee soreness from too much transition.

If you want more information about these, check out the Reebok FitHub locations or their Outlet.