Win Mizuno Running Shoes in The Mezamashii Project
The quest for a brilliant run.
It’s finally time—time for Run, Karla, Run’s first ever giveaway. And it’s a good one.
Not long ago, I opened up my mail to find an invitation—an actual paper invitation—from Mizuno for The Mezamashii Project. It was marked as invitation number 69 of 600. Inside, the card read:
CONGRATULATIONS. You have been chosen as a founding member of the Mezamashii Project.
In Japanese, the word means ‘brilliant.’
We are on a quest to deliver more mezamashii—more ecstatic, electric, wind-in-your heart running. More brilliant running.
So instead of spending millions of dollars on advertising to talk about our shoes, we’re putting our money where your feet are—by giving you a free pair.
As a founding member of the Mezamashii Project, you will be able to select other worthy runners to join the project and receive their own free pair of shoes.
Welcome to the quest for a brilliant run.
Who wouldn’t want their running to be more brilliant? But can a pair of shoes really do that? Having struggled through ill-fitting shoes and blister-laden runs when I was starting out as a newbie, I know what a world of difference the right pair of shoes can make. Obviously no one pair, or even brand, is right for everyone. But when you find that perfect ride, you know it.
Mizuno chose well when naming their project; they say mezamashii captures the feeling of a euphoric run. I’ve felt that euphoria many times when I trepidatiously bought a new pair of shoes and found they supported my foot in just the right way, protected my toenails, and saved my pedicured feet from blisters. Ahhhhh. One of my greatest comforts as a runner is knowing my feet will make it through a marathon unscathed. It really is pure joy.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Creation 13 Running Shoes
Already a confirmed Mizuno running shoes wearer—they have been helping me run ecstatically for over two years—I was intrigued. So I logged onto the website written on the invitation and entered the code they gave me. Low and behold, all I had to do was call a number to order my free pair of shoes, which I promptly did: Mizuno Wave Creation is my ride of choice.
The operator on hand was knowledgeable, polite and helpful. If you’re not already a Mizuno wearer, just tell them the brand, model and size of the shoes you wear now and they can suggest the right pair of Mizunos for you.
So here goes. I’m thrilled that I get to give away four—count ‘em 1-2-3-4—pairs of Mizuno running shoes to other lucky runners. You can be one of them. Here’s how:
1) Leave a comment below explaining what a brilliant run means to you. I’ll pick two winners from the comments below—one at random and one based on the merit of the comment.
2) Tweet me @KBruning and @MizunoRunning stating why you want a pair of Mizunos. I’ll pick two winners from Twitter—one at random and one based of the merit of the tweet.
So if you leave a comment and tweet, you double your chances to win. Only two entries per person will be counted—one via comments and one via Twitter. No matter what, there will be four different winners—no one can win twice. And I must apologize to my non-stateside readers. Mizuno’s rules state that you must reside in the U.S. to win.
You have until Sunday, July 8 at 10 pm EST. I’ll announce the winners on Monday and they’ll have until July 15 to claim their shoes. Winners will need to supply their e-mail address.
In addition to a free pair of shoes, members of The Mezamashii Project will continue to receive early access to product launches and other Mizuno events.
Good luck and have some brilliant runs this weekend!
Find out who won here.
Karla Bruning is a veteran journalist and running nerd. She has completed four marathons, two triathlons, trains with the New York Harriers and is a member of New York Road Runners. Follow Karla’s “Notes From a Running Nerd” at RunKarlaRun.com, Facebook and Twitter@KBruning.
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Jul 2012
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For me, a brilliant run is where my pace feels good throughout no matter the length of run, and I have energy finish with a strong kick at the end. I love when I finish a run, running like I did when I was 9 years old.
A brilliant run, to me, means you’re just out there, running to run…
I run brilliant by working every day to better myself. My first pair of shoes on this journey were Mizuno. They truly helped me change my life. Taking that first step was so important.
How exciting! Congrats, Karla! I’ve been wanting to try Mizuno, but it’s hard to pull away from something that works, you know?
Brilliant. What a great word. I want to say a brilliant run for me would be when the stars aline with perfect weather (nothing about 50 degrees) perfect legs (no pain) and perfect mindset, but we all know those are super rare (For me anyway!). So, brillance is acheived when at the end of the run, I feel so good about it, I don’t remember anything but enjoying my time.
Congrats again!
A brilliant run is a run where I don’t have any feet. It’s the run where land and sky are one. I breath in through my nose, the air travels down to the ground then returns up and out through my mouth. I become a part of the two. My feet are just a conduit between myself, the sky and the ground. They are seen but not heard. That is a brilliant run.
A brilliant run for me would be along the rideau canal here in Ottawa/Canada. Nice, paved pathway along the water, a cool breeze and the smell of the trees and flowers in the air. The sun shining, music playing on my headphones. Now that would be my perfect, brilliant run.
I want to get invited to this so badly!! A brilliant run, to me, means: not too humid, not a lot of traffic on my favorite route and a run w/out stomach pain (still working on that!). It happens sometimes, and it is truly brilliant.
A brilliant run:
Like the brilliant light of sun peeking through clouds after a rain storm, a brilliant run is the best hour of my day. No matter how much my work or other responsibilities control my life, a brilliant run allows me to clear my head, feel good about myself, and explore my surroundings. It doesn’t matter if the weather wasn’t perfect or if I wasn’t challenged enough; if I have a smile on my face after the run, I know it’s been a brilliant run.
A brilliant run for me is when the creaks and the aches and the cobwebs fade after the first mile or two… and then everything just CLICKS and I feel like I can go forever. My mind clears, my muscles loosen, and my entire body just MOVES, despite my obviously funny and imperfect gait and stride. I am a BIGGER guy, and I NEVER thought I could RUN. Back in 2006, I worried that trying to run would trigger sciatica problems (I have a mildly herniated disc), so I didn’t even try. Then in 2010 I faced my fears and started running a couple of blocks… then some 5Ks… and then a sprint tri. Now I have 6 half-marathons, many 5Ks, several 4-milers, 5-milers and 10Ks, and two duathlons under my belt.
Any run for me is brilliant. Start with the fact thatbive been blessed with healthy legs and body that can take the pounding put on it by a run (despite having my knee reconstructed three times by the ripe age of 19). Then move onto my four kids aged seven and under. Making the time to get out and push my body even if it means sacrificing sleep…brilliant. Add onto that the fact that my oldest son has special needs that leave me depleted and often defeated but 45 minutes to myself to feel the breeze, hear only the sound of my breathing and the crunch of trail under my feet and I’m ready to take on the demands of being his mom and advocate again. Finally you have to factor in my husban’s job as a soldier and the demands on our family that come with his commitment. It requires creative planning and the generosity of friends to work in runs when he s deployed. Any one of these factors would make my runs brilliant but when you take them as a whole it makes my runs priceless!
Congrats, Lacey! You won! Look for an e-mail from Run, Karla, Run shortly.
Brilliant runs happen when you have an “AHA” moment. That can be the result of finding a new route, hitting a personal best, or enjoying a social run with friends, My favorite brilliant runs happen when my students have an “AHA” moment. (I teach chemistry and run with the beginner runners on the x-country team to keep them motivated on their long or hard runs). I love when they realize that running well doesn’t happen from any single workout but a commitment to the sport over weeks, months and years. I love when they start to see their times drop from their consistent hard work.
How cool!! A brilliant run to me would be when I finish and feel like I gave it my all and challenged myself and I can’t wait to do it all again.
A brilliant run would be effortless and injury free where you just get into that place where you lose yourself running. Of course a big part is finding the brilliant shoe for the brilliant run so they feel like they are one with your feet. I’ve tried almost every shoe company and haven’t found my perfect (brilliant) shoe, so maybe Mizuno has the answer for me. I’m running the NYC Marathon this year for charity, so maybe I’ll find my shoe just in time and make that my brilliant run. Thanks and cool of you to offer others a chance to win. Good luck everyone!
A brilliant run leaves me tired but wanting more from myself at the same time.
Runs can reach “brilliance” in so many ways…everything from seizing the PR you’ve trained for to an easy autumn 3 miler in the rain to completing the long run that 4 months ago you thought was impossible. What makes them brilliant for me is finishing with a smile on my face and contentment in my soul (sole?)
A perfect run is on the boardwalk at the National Park looking out at the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean while feeling the fresh salt air breezes keeping you slightly cooler than inland and feeling the sweat trickling down your back as you come to the end of your run, knowing you made it to the end, once again…tired, but somehow invigorated by nature and just feeling good about yourself.
Excellent. A brilliant run is any run that I can get in with my twins–happily playing/sleeping–in the double running stroller. (especially because it counts as watching the kids time).
How brilliant!
For me, a MEZAMASHII run takes place on a rainy trail tucked amidst autumnal weather. It’s the wee hours of the morning and you can smell a tinge of burning wood (which is of course mixed with the smell of wet cedars) and everything is still except for the rain…. and you. Of course the best part is getting covered in mud and the requisite pumpkin spice almond milk latte that follows
Ok, someone needs to fast-forward to October.
A brilliant run is one where you aren’t tired the whole way and just feel good about it.
a brilliant run to me is, setting a goal and reaching it! Its pushing yourself just a little more each time! Its being grateful for the legs that are strong and healthy and can carry me to my destination! A brilliant run is reaching the finish line and knowing i gave it my all and did my best and loving my body for all that it can do!
Congrats, Cindy! You won! Look for an e-mail from Run, Karla, Run shortly.
A brilliant run means reaching that moment where I have achieved my daily goal ad still feel great. Just yesterday I had a glimpse my ankle was pain free and I went faster and harder than planned on my workout. I felt great and had the confidence to keep going. That was a great run
a brilliant run to me is that mind-clearing, relieving kind of run. 100% ‘me time’ where I can just let it all out, have time to myself, and feel fantastic at the end of it. that kind of run where you don’t even feel like you have to try… and you don’t have a care in the world.
A brilliant run is one where you end both completely exhausted and unbelievably energetic at the same time! Nothing beats that feeling!
A brilliant run is one you didn’t want to start but you thank yourself afterwards. Ideas become clearer and there isn’t any shortage of motivation. A brilliant run spills over into other parts of your life and since no two runs are ever the same, that brilliance can be experience time after time.
Running to me is being confident to step outside your door anyplace and just go. Whether it’s on the beaches of Phuket, in the ancient ruins outside of Siam Reap or in my cozy neighborhood in Oklahoma. Traveling all over the world, the biggest struggle when it came to running was confidence to standout. Confidence can definitely be heightened through the shoes, so help give me a boost.
A brilliant run for me is the one I am training for right now when I will run the Grand Rapids Bridge Run 10 miler while pushing a captain for My Team Triumph. Seeing others do this and the joy they bring all along the course has inspired me to do the same, in my Mizunos of course.
I honestly feel like every run is brilliant in one way or another…….the way I see it, the only ‘bad’ run you have is the one you didn’t take!! But I did have an especially awesome and brilliant run on Tuesday of this week. My knee had been giving me problems the week before, and I went out on the run expecting that I may have to stop or go shorter than I intended. But my knee felt great! I felt incredible running through the redwood forest on my favorite trails, with a light breeze and a lovely 58 degrees. Feel free to be jealous, because it really was that great!
My last brilliant run was yesterday morning (and it was the last brilliant one in a long time!). I ran a 1/2 June 3rd and missed my PR by just over a minute. I was sad, disappointed, dejected, everything. I let my legs rest for a couple weeks and then decided to sign up for a July 4th 15k, so I knew I needed to start running again. The runs I had just didn’t feel good. I was in a rut. I wasn’t feeling motivated, I was breathing hard and heavy, my legs felt like lead and I had more walk breaks than I’d care to mention. I had no idea how I was going to get through that 15k (it was my first 15k ever).
I nailed it! A group of 6 of us started out together at the finish line and shortly after I was in a steady 5th place. I decided to leave my friend just after mile 1 to take it at my own pace, to push myself instead of going at someone else’s pace. I caught up to the boys at mile 5.2 and passed them at mile 5.6. I was feeling good! I was in 3rd of 6 now! I felt strong and even though I was getting tired, I was determined. At some point between mile 6.3 and 8 I passed one of the other girls without realizing it and at mile 8.7, I passed the other girl. At this point, I thought I was in 2nd, since I didn’t see the other girl, but after I crossed the finish (feeling great!) I went back to cheer everyone in and saw the girl I thought was ahead of me, finish after me. It was SUCH a great feeling to know that I was capable of pushing my limits, overcoming fear and doubt and having a successful, injury-free run!
Brilliant for me = giving it my all. Win or lose, I know gave it 110% of my blood, sweat and tears.
Growing up a swimmer I never thought I’d see the day where I enjoyed lacing up my running shoes. Insert Mizuno. Gone were the days I dreaded running.. I actually began to enjoy.. no, love, running. My first pair of Mizuno’s got me through nearly 500 miles pain free and 4 Half Marathons in 4 months. The thing I love most about running, which I believe Mizuno has really excelled with, is the community aspect of the sport. A brilliant run to me is knowing that my body is capable of so much more than I could ever imagine. Whether this be a one mile run or a 15 mile run – each and every run inspires me to work harder in everything I do. When I feel like giving up I remember the reasons I started in the first place, and the reasons why health and fitness are so important to me. I remember the neighbor who used to run every afternoon in 115* weather or the time I ran in -5* weather and snow. No matter how I feel before I start a run, I know I will always feel infinitely better after. My brilliant run is every run – the feeling of accomplishment, the feeling of success and the feeling of gratitude for my body. This is why I love running, and this is why I love Mizuno.
A brilliant run is one in which I finish feeling even better than I did when I began. Thanks for the giveaway!
Ever since I started wearing Mizuno’s, my runs have been pain free. I have gone through two hip surgeries and suffered a lot so to be able to run without pain and a smile on my face is BRILLIANT! My ride of choice is the Wave Rider 15, but would love to try a lighter pair for speed
Congrats on getting chosen!
I love my Mizunos!
Thanks Karla for sharing this opportunity with your cyber friends. Mizuno seems to be pushing because they believe if you give the product a try, you’ll be pleased. Good approach, so I hope you’ll consider this Alabama friend
A brilliant run is having the ability to smile at the end. When I ran the Berlin Marathon last year the last 3/4 mile leading up to the finish I had massive cramp… but that didn’t stop me…nor would I let it stop me. But as I was limping my way to the finish line I found myself thinking why do I want to limp across? This is my race, my one opportunity to dominate it and not let it dominate me. So with a 150 meters left to the finish line I stopped limping and walked… walked with my head held high and clapped along side the crowd cheering for them as they had cheered for me during the last 26 miles. By having walked the finish line I did two things…1. I missed breaking my record by a little over a minute and 2. I crossed the marathon finish line for this first time smiling. For me, this was a brilliant run.
Congrats on being part of the project! I think it’s such an awesome idea.
A brilliant run for me would be in cool weather on an easy trail or the road. It’d be one where the whole run felt great from start to finish with no nuances or pain, and where I didn’t have to tell myself the whole time “just a little more.” I certainly don’t mind the days I have to mentally push myself, but it’s nice when you don’t and you can just physically push yourself!
This is so cool! A brilliant run is getting out there and doing it. Let me explain… I have several health problems and physically my body hates to run because it hurts and causes a lot of pain. I can’t run as far as a lot of people because I’d my ailments but to know I get out there and push myself is the best feeling ever. Thanks Karla!
I find a brilliant run to be one that was hard, but also one that I completed. Today I did a tempo run in training for a 5K at the end of the month. It was challenging, but I did the whole workout as planned. Brilliant.
What an awesome idea! A brilliant run for me is when I hit mile 5 thinking it is only mile 2. These runs are far and few between, but when they do come it feels like I can run for hours on end.
A brilliant run to me is when I feel like I have left everything I had out on the course. Could be in a race (I just qualified for Boston 2 days ago!) or could be on a training when I was not feeling like running from the start but laced up my shoes anyway and ended up having an amazing run. Makes me excited to head out the door every day in search of that brilliant run.
Hi Karla! A brilliant run for me is one that I finish my targeted number of miles. i’m in my forties, have two little girls and work full time. For years I had excuses for not making my runs. Running was always an escape for me. I put my headphones on and run to clear my head. Recently, I found my way back to running on a regular basis. Shoes were always a problem but, I didn’t realize it until I found the Mizuno Inspire Wave 8. I can now run past five miles without sore knees and back. Now, that’s a brilliant run!
To me a brilliant run is when I am reminded why I started running in the first place. It could be a cool night breeze, a second wind in the middle of a hard run, or the euphoric glow after. Running keeps me strong, happy, and ready for the occasional obstacle.
I am a brand-new runner, 51 years old, with some newly diagnosed serious medical issues. I love running, it makes me feel alive, it makes me feel young, but in a way I never felt when I actually WAS young. A “brilliant run” is when my body moves fluidly through space and time, and my feet do not even feel as though they are touching the ground. I am “gliding” in the air, free, and I am not old and I am not sick any more. It is so amazing that I do not want it to ever end. My Facebook profile photo (today) was taken on a “brilliant run day.” You can see it in my face… I am running with JOY. I am not fast, my form is amusing, but I am happy. THAT is a “brilliant run.” It is my goal to work my way back to that place again, fighting these medical situations. Your blog gives me hope and inspiration. Thank you… reading it contributes to a “brilliant run.” Thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/sunshine.taylor1979
I’m a real running beginner – more walking than running right now. A brilliant run is when I run a little more than I did last time – and nothing hurts! That’s when I know I did it right, and that’s feels brilliant.
A brilliant run…from step one, through each and every mile, until the second I finish, I feel myself in a constant state of progress and betterment, and realize that the moment I finish, I consider my mental and physical state a little bit better than it was before.
A brilliant run is about giving it your all. It’s not about how fast you go, the distance your legs carry you or how high your heart rate is. It’s about the sweat in your hair & the ache in your calves. It’s about getting out the door & just doing it. To have the desire to train & persevere. A brilliant run is when you are able to push through all of the thoughts in your head that where telling me “your dying.” “you can’t breathe.” “your legs are about to give out.” It’s that moment when your legs are so tired you don’t think you can keep going, but you do….you prove yourself wrong. You run with your heart. I think then..that when you’ve pushed yourself to the limits that you have that brilliant run:)!
The magic happens outside of your comfort zone.
What a great contest. Running, for me, has become free therapy. A brilliant run occurs when I can shut off my mind and think about nothing else but the strides of my feet. From the moment I tie my laces to the second I slow down my steps, I am without troubles, without care, without notice of the world around me. A euphoric, “brilliant” state, indeed.
A brilliant run is a run no matter your physical stature or goals you strive to obtain leaves you felling, exited, proud, and at ease because you understand in the end the only person you truly did it for was yourself, I’ve been a Marine now for nearly 9 years and have in the past over gone 3 knee surgeries on both legs.. I’ve always loved working out and even more the sense of peace and accomplishment a good run weighs on mending the soul.. I’ve exclusively have only trained and raced in Mizzuno racing shoes for over 4 years, and even with my age and bad knees catching up I still blow away the competition and give little pity to those with make shift excuses.. That’s a brilliant run, it’s a run we all can take pride in knowing that what ever pain we might feel in the beginning is only weaknesses leaving the body.. Thank you team Mizzuno, keep giving me the edge to help me out perform my competition..
On the occasional run, my mind and body separate. The five senses are intact, but gone are perceptions of time and effort. I’m devoid of self-consciousness, so out of my head that I experience the trip as someone other than myself. Ego exchanges for rushing wind, passing trees, and rhythmic breath. When I land at the finish, I start to think. I can’t tell you what happened. But I think it was brilliant.
I never had a brilliant run i starting a weight lose and i would love to be able to have one sure.
To me a brilliant run means giving it your all. A brilliant run occurs when you live in the moment and leave all your cares at home. Its not about the distance or speed of the run but rather your attitude and physical condition. Sometimes all of the stars seem to align…your legs feel great, the weather is perfect, your playlist is rocking and you feel like you could conquer the world…thats a brilliant run!
A brilliant run for me is one where I am able to forget the worries of everyday life and have a break to just focus on and enjoy my run. I am free of stress! My run is EXTRA brilliant if I reach a new goal. For example, I have had the goal of running 5 miles without having to take any short walking breaks, and I finally did that last week! A new pair of Mizuno shoes would help me continue striving towards my goals and reaching them. Thanks!
Mizuno knows how to put the brilliance in our strides. Keep supporting our passion with a comfort sole and supportive base.thanks Mizuno!
For me it’s not about the one brilliant run, but about the consistent brilliance that running has brought to my life. I am a recent running convert (since February 2012), and I am still in the honeymoon phase. Running makes me a better wife, a better daughter, and a better friend. I am happier with myself for making the effort to be healthier, get off the couch or out from behind my desk; I treasure the sweat and the sore muscles. Those closest to me notice the change, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. In the throws of my recent running obsession, I have begun to read running blogs right and left, and have heard so many wonderful things about Mizuno shoes, that I actually have 3 sitting in my shopping cart while I deliberate their merits and weigh the need for air conditioning
. I’d love to try out what all my running idols are raving about! Thanks for giving all your fans the chance!
Thank you everyone for entering! Comments are closed and the winners will be announced shortly!
I relize the contest is over but I thought I would enter anyway. My submission is very breif; A brilliant run helps me survive.
Thanks for sharing Brian. Keep on surviving!