There are 2 things that really KEEP me motivated during the Holiday/Winter months.
One is a PURPOSEFUL challenge. I mean an honest to goodness body/mind/heart challenge. Luckily, my friend Heather just started one this week! It’s called the MOVE HAPPY challenge. Basically it’s finding out what gets you moving and makes you smile in the process. It also is a chance to give thanks for your body’s ability to do so as well. You must check it out! She will have some pretty amazing prizes to go along with it, including Healthy Bites!
The Second thing that keeps me motivated is new gear! More specifically, run gear! I know I know, I should wait till Christmas but I always ask for my run gear presents early so that I can enjoy them ALL month long. There’s nothing like putting on a new pair of running shoes and going for a run. That feeling is just plain AWESOME! Yes, I am a run dork!
And speaking of new run gear, I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary pair of the new Wave Rider 17 Mizuno shoes to try out for myself.
The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been wearing the Mizuno Wave Sayonara since early summer so when I had the chance to try out another new and improved neutral Mizuno running shoe, I had to jump at it! Although both are Neutral running shoes, the Wave Rider 17 has a totally different fit.
Here’s whatcha need to know about the Wave Rider 17:
- New U4iC midsole that is 30% lighter than standard foam, still great absorption though! I have high arches and small heels so fit is crucial for me and so shock absorption/responsiveness
- The New Wave Rider 17 has a new blown rubber (versus the previous carbon)outsole that helps reduce the overall weight of the shoe (8.8oz). I think it’s almost a whole ounce lighter than the 16’s. That’s light! Also note that the new outsole offers just as much traction as the Wave Rider 16.
- Mizuno also made an upgrade to the upper. Now more sleek and seamless, again to reduce the weight. To me, it’s similar to that of the Wave Sayonara, very comfortable upper. Not bulky.
- Super flexible.
Okay, so now that you know the details, how about the run?
I ran part trails and part road/hills in the Wave Rider 17 this week, about 5-8 miles each time. Very springy and light. My foot easily adjusted to the new fit. I especially liked their feel while doing hill repeats. The lightness of the shoe sure did help my turn over while powering up hill. Well, at least I like to think that! That’s some serious motivation right there. 
The Wave Rider 17 will be released December 5th and retails at $114.95 MSRP. Perfect Christmas/Holiday gift to keep you MOTIVATED during the winter!
While I received the Mizunos on behalf of my partnership with Fitfluential LLC, my review/opinion is of course my own! Cotter Style.
What keeps you motivated during the winter? Are you motivated by new gear like me?
Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
LC
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Those shoes are quite the beauty! you’re one lucky lady to have the opportunity to review them.
Have a wonderful day
xoxo
you too friend! when are you coming back to the states?
Those shoes looks amazing!! Love how flexible they look!
Question… what do you use for the “share and follow” at the top of your posts? I love the format!
it’s still share and follow, i just organized it so that it went at the top and bottom of my posts. Check the plug in settings. hope that helps! let me know
Great shoes!! I LOVE new workout gear, I’m addicted!
Switching up workouts keeps me motivated – I need variety or I get bored very easily!
i used to be a big fan of the wave rider (still am!), but the brooks pureconnects have stolen my heart. i’m busting out my fourth pair this thanksgiving for motivation! 🙂
nice!!! enjoy
ditto!!!
Love new gear too! Glad you enjoyed the shoes. I got in 2 miles and had to change out of them b/c of the new basting (whatever it’s called) around the laces – bends right across my toes and rubbed. Giving them another shot though. Love how light they are!
oh no! really? i wonder why they didn’t give me that problem
I can be instantly motivated to workout when I have a new item to wear. I don’t know what it is, but it’s always fun to take your something new out for a test ride 🙂 It’s hard for me not to buy new gear during all the sales this time of the year, despite the fact that I put such things on my Christmas list
I’ve been happily moving on the ski hill 😀 My motivation to stay super active definitely decreases in the winter months, but snowboarding is something I always look forward to, and the best part of it is that it doesn’t even feel like exercise because I enjoy it so much. Winning!
And those shoes sound super. I hung up my running shoes for the winter, but I’ll be needing a new pair when the snow melts, and I’ve been wanting to try out Mizunos for a while now!
i still can’t ski for the life of me. bruised my tailbone 2x. LOL! can you teach me?
hot looking shoes! and new gear is always a good (& motivating!) thing!)
you got that right, plus the color is cool. hehe
I’ve not been able to wear Mizuno, but they are SO CUTE with ALL of the colors!
Love your Mizunos! Unfortunately I need a bit more support in my shoes, so I’ve been alternating between my Asics and the Mizuno Wave Inspires. I love both! And yes, new gear TOTALLY motivates me. I recently had a little too much fun on lululemon.com (woopsies) but my workouts have been fab lately!
I just got mine too! I love them – it’s been cold and rainy here, but they worked well indoors for some elliptical/stairmill/HIIT action.
My motivation over the holidays? The gym gives me a break from the family. LOL!
Ooh, I love the pink! Mine are white- I’m hoping to get out for some short runs this week, finally!! I’m definitely motivated by new gear.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
I LOVE Mizunos!! I’m such a Mizuno fan for life! I’ll be running in my Mizunos for a little shakeout later, tomorrow for a 5k Turkey Trot and Sunday’s Santa 5k! 🙂
oh heck ya! rock it girl!
New gear definitely keeps me motivated! There was a time where I’d where my crappiest clothes to go workout in the basement, but then I started going to Zumba so I had to get some new gear and when I did I felt so much better. Now when I work out in the basement, I where my good stuff instead. It’s amazing how new gear can do that, right!?!
I love those sneakers! I’m not a runner at all but when I do run, I’d like some good footwear, so these look like they’d be great.
I just got mine in yesterday and am SO EXCITED to wear them for their first run today! Mizunos are my go-to for running/walking shoes, and they’re super cute too. Maybe not the most important thing, but good nonetheless 😉
I love new work out gear! Also if I am lacking motivation I will also find some new songs!
I am extremely motivated this year because I am slowly getting back into running after being out due to a femoral stress fracture and that makes me CRAZY CRAZY happy!
LOVE these shoes and colors!!
Way to go girlie! I have also be struggling to get excited about winter running, but I think I finally found my groove again!
So jealous right now! Love the pink and wishing we had trails around here! Have a great Turkey Day!
Is it bad to say that stress motivates me? Nothing like a good workout, especially a run, to sweat out some frustration! I am also motivated by cooler weather (outdoor runs are finally fun again!) and I love a good challenge. Need to check out Heather’s still!
I have been wanting to try out the Sayonaras since they came out. I am in love with my Brooks Pure Flows, but I need some diversity, I think 😉
Thanks for the shoe review Lindsay! I have 2 pairs of Wave Rider 16’s, so will probably be getting some of these next. Shoes are so much cheaper in the US, I might need to make a trip there!
oh yes, the 17’s will be a good fit for you then!
Those are so cute! New gear is definitely a perk to motivation. I love new shoes, clothes, heck even music to pump up a work out!
I’ve run in Wave Riders before and liked them, but I’d like to try this new lightweight model. I just ran in a brand new pair of running shoes this week. That’s always fun!
Great shoes, and it looks like you’ve been getting in some great runs, too! I love getting new gear and have a few things on my list this year!
Ahhh I am so excited you got to try these out! Such a good looking shoe! I’m also motivated by new gear…specifically Mizunos! 😉
youre my mizuno inspiration!
I’m super excited about these! I just got the 16’s the other week at a good price because of the new model. I’m loving them, my first Mizunos!
you will love them!
Never tried this brand of kicks before… My feet are divas though, so I would need to try them on and such prior to purchase FO SHO – and I buy all my stuff on line…. When will there be an invention where… I can grab the shoe through the computer screen to try on and see if my foot likes it?!?!?!?!
The Move Happy Challenge sounds awesome. I am certainly grateful that my body allows me to keep running, biking, swimming, etc. I may not always be able to do these things, so I definitely do not want to take this blessing for granted. Happy Thanksgiving to you and James.
you are a true testament to that friend!!
we love Mizuno shoes!
Jelly Beans. 🙂 hehe
Cute new running shoes! I’ve never actually worn Mizunos before, but I always hear great things about them! New gear DEFINITELY motivates me, although since I now work for a fitness company, I get it all the time haha! Can’t complain 😉
Hills are my favourite! Love the look of that hill workout, I’ll definitel give it a try soon!
Hope you and the hubs are well! <3
you did?!! no way!!! that is so awesome emma!
I always love new gear to try out! Especially during the winter months because I don’t have much seasonal, outdoor gear. Mizunos look ubber comfy.
I’m looking forward to the holidays…a lot 🙂
I wish I could wear other running shoes but Hoka for cardio but I can’t.. I would try for the FF campaigns so I could use for my weight lifting but they want people to test for running.. 🙂
I am not a challenge person BUT I will click over there & check it out…
Have a beautiful holiday!!!! Give Carla a hug if you see her! 🙂
Until I started blogging, I was unaware of this brand of footwear! Thanks for the review! I tend to wear the same shoes for cardio and lifting..oops. 😉
In Winter, working out first thing in the morning makes it so much easier- the more I put it off, the more appealing the heater is!
THANK YOU for sharing the #MoveHappy challenge. It’s something I’m SOOOO excited about and I hope inspires others.
I love new gear for motivation, getting new clothes makes working out even more fun! Did I mention I can’t wait to get back to working out. I’m antsy!!
oh i bet you are ready! when do you get to? how are you feeling?
Those shoes are so cute!! But your photo of them with all the leaves is even cuter 🙂
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
i agree. i love matching the leaves. hehe
You just guilted me into a hill workout soon. 😉
Love the Wave Rider 17s!
i want to come run with you!