Rediscovering the Runner in Me: Back on Couch to 5K and New (ish!) Trainers Review
- fitmumbum
- Aug 30, 2024
- 5 min read
Contains affiliate links - this blog post is NOT sponsored but does contain a review of a product I have purchased
With a 5K run coming up in a few months, I've had to dust off my trainers and get back to running. But is that easier said than done?
I never thought I'd be a runner. In fact, when I first laced up my trainers in my 20s, it was purely to lose weight. I wasn’t naturally gifted at it, but I found myself starting to enjoy it. Initially, I was too self-conscious to hit the streets, terrified that people would laugh at my efforts. So, I confined myself to the treadmill at the gym. Slowly but surely, I built up my stamina, and before I knew it, I could run 5K without keeling over. Eventually, I mustered up the courage to take my runs outdoors, pounding the pavements instead of staring at the gym wall.
As my confidence grew, so did my love for running. I started running 5K every other day, balancing it with my gym strength sessions. Soon enough, I entered my first 5K charity run and was thrilled to finish in under 30 minutes. It was exhilarating, and I was hooked! But then life threw me a curveball. When I got pregnant, I decided to put running, and exercise in general, on the back burner. That decision, coupled with not being mindful of my diet during pregnancy, led to a significant weight gain—five stone, to be exact.
Since then, running hasn’t come as easily. A couple of years ago, I decided to tackle the Couch to 5K program, using an incredible app from the BBC and supported by NHS that helps people gradually work up from being a couch potato to running a full 5K. It’s a lifesaver! I kept up with running, even pushing myself to enter a 10-mile race. Training was going great—I was up to 6-mile runs—until life got in the way again. I won't go into details, but I had to stop. Over a year passed without running, but now I've signed up for another 5K charity run and suddenly realized I need to get back into training!
So here I am, back on the Couch to 5K app, wearing my Hoka Bondi 8 trainers that I treated myself to last year after my old adidas pair finally gave up. I wasn’t sure about the Hokas at first, and honestly, they’ve been gathering dust on our shoe rack since I bought them. But now that I’m back at it, I’m starting to see their appeal. They’re super comfortable and offer great support, which is exactly what I need as I dive back into running (hmm, that's more of a swimming pun). Keep reading for my review of these trainers—because they might just become my new favorites!
Hoka Bondi 8 Trainers Review
Before I delve into my review, here's a summary about what Hoka has to say about its product.
The Hoka Bondi 8 is like a cloud for your feet, offering maximum cushioning and comfort for those long runs or walks. If you're familiar with the Bondi series, you’ll know these shoes are all about that plush feel, and the Bondi 8 takes it up a notch with some cool updates.
What Makes the Bondi 8 Stand Out:
Super Soft Cushioning: The Bondi 8 is packed with EVA foam in the midsole, making it feel like you’re running on pillows. It’s perfect for anyone who needs a soft, supportive shoe that helps ease the impact on your joints, especially on those long-distance days.
Smooth Ride with Meta-Rocker Tech: Ever heard of Meta-Rocker? It’s Hoka’s way of ensuring your foot rolls smoothly from heel to toe with every step. This means a more natural stride, which can help you run more efficiently and reduce the chance of injury.
Comfy Fit: Comfort is key with the Bondi 8. The upper is made from engineered mesh that’s super breathable and designed to reduce any annoying rubbing or hotspots. Plus, the padded collar and tongue make these shoes extra cozy, even if you’re wearing them all day.
Stable and Secure: While these shoes are designed for neutral runners, they’re also really stable thanks to their wide base and strategically placed rubber on the outsole. This stability means you can tackle different surfaces with confidence, and it helps the shoes last longer too.
Built to Last: Speaking of durability, the Bondi 8 has a tough rubber outsole that holds up well, even if you’re pounding the pavement regularly. It’s also got great grip, so you can use them on various terrains without worrying about slipping.
Lightweight Yet Cushioned: Despite all that cushioning, the Bondi 8 doesn’t feel heavy. They strike a nice balance between being lightweight and super supportive, so you can stay light on your feet without sacrificing comfort.
Stylish Options: Let’s not forget about the looks! The Bondi 8 comes in a bunch of colours, so you can pick something that matches your style while still getting all the performance benefits.
Who Should Try These?
The Bondi 8 is perfect for anyone who loves long runs, walks, or just needs a little extra cushioning due to joint issues or recovery. They’re also great if you’re on your feet all day—think nurses, retail workers, or anyone who’s always on the go.
My Experience with Hoka Bondi 8
I picked up a pair of Hoka Bondi 8 trainers about a year ago, thinking they'd be my new go-to running shoes. After wearing them just a couple of times, though, they ended up on my shoe rack collecting dust. Life got in the way, and I just didn't get around to running much. But now that I'm back on the Couch to 5K plan, these shoes have made a reappearance.
At first, I wasn’t so sure about them. The sole is incredibly wide, and I actually had to adjust my running stance because I was worried I'd trip over my own feet! It took some getting used to, but now I’m a bit more comfortable in them. However, I've noticed my calves aching during runs, and I can't quite figure out if it’s the shoes or just me not warming up properly.
The cushioning, thanks to that thick sole, is pretty impressive. My feet definitely appreciate the extra support for running outdoors on the pavement. I opted for the wide version since I have wide feet, but they’re still a little snug, and the heel feels a bit shallow sometimes so I have to spend a bit of time making sure my foot is in the shoe properly otherwise, it ends up not being the most comfortable run.
I decided on the Bondi 8s because the reviews were generally positive, and I was looking for a pair that would last. Plus, I liked the colours and overall design. They look great, but honestly, they’re strictly running shoes for me. I wouldn’t wear them casually—they’re just too bulky for that.
In a nutshell, the Hoka Bondi 8s are decent, but they haven’t completely won me over yet. They’re solid for running, but I’m still figuring out if they’re the perfect fit for me!
I'll keep you posted on my Couch to 5K progress and how I'm getting on with these trainers. In the meantime, what's your go to running shoe brand? Let me know in the comments!
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