top running shoes of 2023
Shoe Reviews Shoes

My Six Top Running Shoes of 2023

People sure love lists. There’s a list for everything: to-do, waiting, shopping, laundry, naughty, and nice, to name a few. My favorite lists are of the top running shoes. However, “top” is subjective. Running shoe reviews are flawed; experiences running in shoes vary wildly depending on body type, biomechanics, foot strike, and more. There are no top running shoes just like there are no best political candidates or no best investment strategies—ok, maybe those are bad examples. Instead of saying “top running shoes of 2023” these are my favorites of 2023. Admittedly, I sure am partial to max cushion shoes.

running blogs
Reflection

My Favorite Running Blogs of 2023: Part 1

Typically, year-end lists are comprised of diverse content pulled from a variety of sources. Not this one. This is my website, after all. Since launching The Size 15 Runner in April of this year, I’ve published more than 70 running blogs ranging from satirical to heartfelt. As a narcissist, I love everything I write, but it’d be ridiculous to feature all 70+ running blogs here…right? Right? Instead, I’ll break them into two parts. Without further ado, here is part one of MY favorite running blogs from the first year.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13
Shoe Reviews

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 Review: A Softie but Goodie

You’re going to think I’m insane (and you’re not necessarily wrong), but I tried versions 10-12 of the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 and returned each of them. Despite now looking severely outdated (as happens with shoes), v10 of the shoe caught my eye, and held it even after I returned the shoe. I wanted to love it, but the heel just didn’t work with my foot strike. Each step just felt awkward. I was about to give up on the shoe, but then v13 arrived. The neutral shoe’s overhaul offers one of the softest rides on the roads, but is it too soft? Find out in this New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 review.

first marathon training tips
Satire Training

The 6 Greatest First Marathon Training Tips

Registering for your first marathon can be intimidating. Forget running 26.2 miles, training for a marathon is whole other marathon in and of itself! How can you adequately prepare to toe the starting line with confidence? With five marathons under my feet, I prepared a checklist of the best first marathon training tips. Follow these and you’ll be golden come race day.