Happy Friday, friends! I’m excited to be partnering with my friends at ASICS and grateful they’ve invited me to share my running story. ASICS recently updated the fit on the GEL‑Nimbus 20, and I’m genuinely impressed. As someone who’s had foot injuries, wearing well‑supported running shoes is essential for me.
My Running Story
If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ve likely heard me say I “hate running.” I’ve joked about it often: when asked why, my usual answer has been, “Because I’m not good at it.” But that’s an oversimplification, and the truth is more complicated.
Growing up, I actually loved running. I didn’t mind being slower or being the “jolly” distance runner because running got me outside, cleared my head, and challenged me physically and mentally. In high school I ran cross country on JV and was proud to be one of the slower girls—cross country for me was always about teamwork and enjoying the experience, not podium finishes.
Everything shifted around my early twenties. My relationship with fitness changed from joyful to punitive. I began running with the goal of changing my appearance rather than for how it made me feel. I pushed myself farther and harder than ever: long runs in harsh conditions, repeated sprint sessions multiple times a week, and a relentless expectation that I had to be better, faster, thinner. I would run five miles at a pace that exhausted me, or cram in interval sessions without proper rest or nutrition. That era left me physically drained and emotionally frustrated; I remember how it felt to be completely worn out because I was overtraining and underfueling.
Over time I’ve relearned how to appreciate my body and to approach fitness with a healthier mindset. Now I exercise for the way it makes me feel—energized, calm, and confident—rather than to meet an external standard.
Why My Mindset About Running Needs to Change
I’m a big proponent of embracing imperfection, so the perfectionism I sometimes bring to running needs to end. I have to stop comparing my current self to the runner I used to be—and stop comparing myself to anyone running beside me at the gym. No more feeling defeated because someone else’s treadmill pace looks effortless while mine doesn’t. No more choosing an alternative workout simply because I don’t want to “lose” at a non‑existent competition.
My goal now is straightforward: I want to fall back in love with running. I’m not training for an ultra‑marathon or chasing a specific race time. Instead, I’m inviting running to be part of my life again in a joyful, pressure‑free way—running for fresh air, for conversations with friends, for the feeling of moving my body. That shift from performance to presence is the change I want to sustain.
Thoughts on the ASICS GEL‑Nimbus 20
ASICS has been my go‑to since my high school cross country days. I still recall getting fitted at a local running store and leaving with a pair of shoes that felt like a perfect match. Being back in ASICS reminds me why I trusted them then—and why I’m happy to wear them now. The GEL‑Nimbus 20 stands out as a support‑focused shoe, which is exactly what I prefer, especially after a foot injury a couple of years ago. Support, cushioning, and comfort matter a lot to me.
- Lightweight yet well‑cushioned: the shoe feels responsive without being heavy.
- FluidFit® design: it adapts to the shape of your foot for a snug, adaptive fit.
- Seamless construction: reduces friction and increases comfort during longer runs.
- Moisture‑managing materials: helpful if your feet tend to sweat, especially in warmer or winter layering conditions.
- True to size: consistent sizing makes online shopping easier.
Giveaway
To celebrate, I’m hosting a $100 ASICS giveaway on Instagram and I’d love for you to enter. Head to the Fit Foodie Finds Instagram to see the rules and how to participate.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of ASICS. The opinions and text are all mine.