Asics Bucktown Grand Opening

Summer is here in Chicago, and that means- it’s prime running season as many of us in the Chicago area, and around the nation, begin training for the Chicago Marathon. Luckily for me, my fiancé will be doing the training, this bride has taken a step back from crazy running goals simply to plan a destination wedding, but don’t worry- I’l be running, a LOT.

He’s training for the Chicago Marathon, his first marathon ever, so when I got word that Asics would be opening up a new location in Bucktown, a nearby neighborhood in Chicago, I thought he and I should check it out. He and I are pretty set in our ways, we wear the same gear and the same shoes season after season, I was excited at the chance to be exposed to something new and meet some other runners.

CARA, the Chicago Area Running Association had a table at the Asics Bucktown grand opening. They are a nice bunch of people, and when I first moved to Chicago last spring, I joined for their Summer Half Marathon Training Program.

Of course- I worked out in the burbs at the time and usually worked so late I would miss the weeknight runs, but the training program they sent over kept me motivated. Oh, and the swag is nice too.. I run for swag.

My first pair of running shoes was actually a pair of Asics but alas, they were too much for me and I had to return them since the gel was causing me to overpronate.

It’s been two years, so I was curious if my experience actually getting fitted at Asics would yield better results.

I tried on two pairs of shoes, one of many which were in very cute colors- but, these pink beauties ended up being the best fit for me after getting fitted. The store was equipped with fancy computer equipment and a treadmill to help you test your stride and fit.

Of course, there’s always time for selfies at Asics Bucktown. Also? There was beer. Seriously running stores, you should consider giving people beer when they try on shoes. Especially if someone is dragging their partner to a fitting, it’s a win-win.

So, what’s the verdict on these shoes? I’ve run three times in these shoes and I didn’t experience the overpronation that I did with my original Asics. The Asics Gel-DS Racer 10s are good for running and my at-home cross training that requires me to go for some speed training afterwards. Asics have been redeemed for me, and c’mon, they’re pink. I know you shouldn’t buy running shoes based on color, but it just so happened that these shoes matched my outfit at the time.

Their Bucktown location also had some great gear for summer and the staff were super nice, so if you’re in the area, you should check ‘em out- you may be surprised at what you find. I got out of my running rut!

From high heels to high impact workouts, you will see me out and about a lot this summer in Chicago. Meet me for a run?

Thank you to Asics Bucktown & CARA for inviting me to their grand opening event, and thank you for fitting me with some new shoes and gear, I LOVE them!

Disclaimer: I was provided a summer run kit and shoes by ASICS, but was not asked to blog about the event. All opinions and weird shots of my gross feet are entirely my own.