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Under Armour’s HOVR Infinite is designed as a high-mileage running shoe, making it an excellent choice for marathon training. With the latest technology and a focus on comfort, this shoe is built to support you through those long runs, without compromising on performance. Here’s my experience after running 64 kilometres in these shoes, and everything you need to know.

Connected Technology for a Smarter Run

One of the standout features of the HOVR Infinite is its built-in technology. If you’ve ever been frustrated by waiting for your GPS watch to connect, this shoe will make your life much easier. The shoes come equipped with a sensor embedded in the insole, allowing the shoes to connect to your phone in the same way you’d connect wireless headphones. The sensor tracks key metrics like speed, distance, cadence, and stride length, and automatically uploads this data to the Under Armour MapMyRun app as soon as your phone is in range.

While the shoe’s chip doesn’t use GPS on its own, it’s easy to calibrate to your stride for accurate data. If you’re caught without your watch, or if it dies during a run, the HOVR Infinite serves as a reliable backup. The chip doesn’t require recharging and will continue to work for the life of the shoes, updating with new features as the app is updated. One of its most useful functions is tracking the total mileage on your shoes, helping you monitor their wear and tear over time.

Performance Features and Comfort

The HOVR Infinite is built to deliver a cushioned and responsive ride, similar to other popular neutral running shoes like the Asics Gel Nimbus or Brooks Glycerin. The shoe uses Under Armour’s proprietary HOVR foam, designed to provide a high energy return. When you first step into the shoe, the cushioning feels firm, but as you log more kilometres, it becomes extremely comfortable and supportive, making it a solid choice for long-distance running.

The midsole is wrapped in a fishnet-like fabric to limit the foam’s expansion when compressed, which helps maintain stability. Additionally, the engineered mesh upper keeps the shoe lightweight and breathable, with reflective elements for visibility during early morning or evening runs.

Gender-Specific Design for Better Fit

Under Armour has designed the HOVR Infinite with gender-specific construction based on research into the anatomical differences between men and women. For example, women tend to have shorter heels and more sensitive arches, so the shoe’s sock liner and tongue are softer and higher to accommodate these differences.

Durability and Support

The HOVR Infinite features a robust outsole with thick rectangular pods to provide support, along with deep grooves for flexibility. While the shoe is built for high-mileage running, the rubber outsole adds some weight, though it doesn’t feel heavy underfoot. The outsole design ensures that the shoe can handle the rigors of marathon training without sacrificing flexibility or comfort.

My Experience After 64 Kilometres

After running 64 kilometres in the HOVR Infinite at the start of my marathon training, I’m impressed by the comfort and cushion it offers during long runs. Despite being a heavy-footed runner, the shoes felt light on my feet, especially when I was doing speedwork on the track. The cushioned ride provides a smooth experience, and the support in the midsole is excellent, helping to absorb impact during longer runs.

Final Thoughts

The Under Armour HOVR Infinite is a fantastic shoe for high-mileage runners. With its responsive cushioning, connected features, and durable design, it’s built to handle the demands of marathon training. The added benefit of tracking shoe life and providing performance data through the MapMyRun app makes it a great tool for serious runners looking to improve their training and performance.

Running is an exhilarating and beneficial exercise, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially for women. One of the less talked about issues for female runners is breast discomfort during physical activity. While the body is designed to run, breasts are not, often requiring extra support to make the experience comfortable. Here’s what you need to know about running, breast care, and how to ensure you stay comfortable and injury-free while hitting the pavement.

1. Breasts Need Support

Breasts can be heavy, especially depending on their size, and the body doesn’t naturally offer much support. Unlike other parts of the body, such as the abdominal fascia, which provide support and stability, breasts are essentially supported by skin and ligaments. This lack of support makes them prone to movement during running, leading to discomfort and sometimes pain.

2. Breasts Move More Than You Think

Breasts move in multiple directions when running—not just up and down. Research shows that when running, breasts move in a figure-eight pattern: vertically, side-to-side, and forward-backward. On average, breasts move about 15 centimeters in all directions while running, with half of that movement being vertical. This means that breasts, even when unsupported, can experience significant motion with each stride, which can lead to discomfort or pain if not properly supported.

3. Finding the Right Sports Bra is Crucial

Given the amount of movement, a good sports bra is essential for every runner. Experts recommend trying on several bras to find the best fit. The right sports bra should provide adequate support without discomfort. Some runners prefer compression bras, while others go for encapsulation designs—whichever you choose, the most important thing is that it fits well and provides comfort. If your bra has a hook-and-eye closure, make sure it fits on the loosest setting initially, as it will stretch over time.

4. Speed Doesn’t Affect Breast Movement

It might seem logical that faster running would cause more breast movement, but research shows that breast motion remains the same regardless of speed. Whether you’re running at a moderate pace or sprinting, your breasts will move the same amount. This means that you need a high-support bra for every run, whether you’re tackling a long, slow distance or speeding through a short sprint.

5. Running May Affect Breast Size

It’s common for female runners to notice a decrease in breast size after starting a running program, but it’s not because running “shrinks” your breasts. Rather, as body fat decreases, some women may notice that their breast size changes, since breasts are made up of both fat and fibrous tissue. This doesn’t happen due to targeted fat loss in the breast area, but rather as a result of overall body fat reduction.

6. Don’t Ignore Breast Pain

Pain is a signal that shouldn’t be ignored. Many times, breast pain during exercise is due to inadequate support. This is especially common for women with larger breasts, as finding a supportive sports bra can be challenging. Hormonal fluctuations around menstruation can also cause temporary breast tenderness. If the pain is severe or unusual, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.

7. Discomfort Can Impact Your Motivation

Research has shown that discomfort from improper breast support can significantly impact a woman’s willingness to run. When the wrong bra is chosen, it can feel like a major barrier to your workout routine, making it harder to get motivated. Ensuring that your sports bra fits well and provides adequate support can help keep your motivation high and make your running experience more enjoyable.

8. Running Can Actually Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Exercise, especially running, has been shown to have positive effects in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Studies indicate that vigorous exercise can prevent breast cancer and even help reduce the risk of recurrence in women who have survived the disease. This makes running not only great for fitness but also beneficial for breast health.

Conclusion

Taking care of your breasts during running isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health. With the right support, running can become a more enjoyable and sustainable activity. So, invest in a good sports bra, listen to your body, and enjoy the many benefits of running while keeping your breasts safe and comfortable.