Good Content from: Maggie M., Brand Marketing

MORE: Meet the Endorphin Shift | Learn more about the Endorphin Collection

Injury.

That six-letter word all runners dread.

Having to (temporarily) hang up your shoes and head to the sideline can make anyone impatient, but especially for those who look forward to — and crave — their daily miles.

I’ll start this personal essay by saying that I’ve been running for ever. From propelling the javelin and tackling the hurdles in the third grade to toeing the start line against some of the best female runners at the collegiate level, running has always been a part of my identity.

I’ve often tried to figure out what it is exactly about running that hooked me from an early age. Although I could fill a novel with reasons why, I always come back to this: no matter what, it will turn a bad day into a good one — and a good day into an even better one. It is really that simple.

Fast forward to spring 2020 and I, like so many others, continued to commit to my runs, despite races on the calendar getting canceled for the remainder of the year. With so much uncertainty that was happening – and still is – in the world, it became the best outlet for managing unprecedented stress and warding off high-anxiety levels.

As I began to log more and more high-mileage weeks, my body began to react. And, no, not in that good, getting-into-shape way. I (naively) ignored aches and pains to the point where my right foot found itself inside a boot for summer’s entirety. How’s that for summertime sadness, Lana?

Rehabbing my foot out of said boot was humbling. Going from training for marathons to heading out for a 10-minute walk/run — and huffing and puffing the entire way, I might add – sure has a way of doing that.

In the beginning, progress was frustratingly slow. It got to the point where I wondered if I’d ever be the runner I once was. Then, things started to take a turn for the better.

That’s where the Endorphin Shift comes into this story.

Pre-injury, I was all-in on the Endorphin Pro and Endorphin Speed. From achieving PBs to reaching new *ahem* speeds on the track, I knew these two shoes more than lived up to the hype. But I had never so much as stepped foot in the Shift.

As I was chatting with – OK, complaining to – one of my Saucony peers, she recommended that, perhaps, my feet now craved a little more cushioning and stability. I was willing to try anything so, the next morning, I unboxed those dusk/gold Shifts that were collecting dust in my closet, laced up and headed out the door.

My headphones were in, the watch was collecting minutes and I fell into a good rhythm, one step at a time. It started to feel like those pre-injury days. Finally!

Now, as we close out the year and begin a new one, I’ve continued to rebuild. While I still have a ways to go, progress is happening. Coupled with consistent stretching and exercise, I am adamant that this would not be possible without the Endorphin Shift. Let’s just say, that if we were in the film industry, I’d nominate the Shift for movie of the year – and be taking bets in Vegas that it takes home the Oscar. That’s how good this shoe really is.

Really.

I know injuries look different for everyone. Sometimes, it takes more than just a good pair of shoes. But why not always put yourself in a good pair of shoes? Your feet will be thanking you.

I know mine are. Especially that right one.