By 
Every runner can recall the moment everything clicked for them, whether on the track or trail.
Maybe it was a piece of advice from a coach, an enduring mantra shared by a fellow athlete, a breakthrough performance that instilled confidence—or maybe, just maybe, a pair of shoes that delivered a feeling of weightless, effortless flight.
That’s exactly what the newest road running innovation from HOKA, the Clifton Edge, aims to deliver, with the lightest ever version of its signature cushioning and unmistakable heel geometry.
A few of HOKA’s brand ambassadors, known as HOKA Flyers, share their stories of the moment their performance changed forever.
Jamie Maher
I was always a casual runner. Then my husband started training and got faster than me, and so, of course, I became a super competitive runner.
Around that time we moved out of our place and were living in my in-laws’ basement. I wasn’t really training, and I attempted a 50-miler that didn’t go well. In fact, it went so poorly that I cried. A little while later, a friend texted me with a free entry into the Tunnel Hill 50-Mile. It was six weeks away but I said okay. I got in a 10-, maybe a 12-miler and when race day came I figured there’s no pressure, just have fun.
As I left that morning, my husband said something I’ll never forget: “Don’t be afraid to be great today.”
I smiled that whole race. Every person I passed, I’d slow down and talk to. And even so, I wound up finishing in 7 hours, 36 minutes and coming in second place.
That moment changed everything for me because that was when I realized my running and racing style: when I’m happy and relaxed, I do well. I was the first woman in my last 100 mile. Don’t be afraid to be great! It’s a simple mantra that’s stayed with me. Find out what makes you great—it just might be chatting with your fellow competitors!
Arnelle Quashie
Running Supports This Marathoners Sobriety R.I.O.T. Squad running crew in Baltimore and becoming an ambassador for During the COVID-19 pandemic, I received a new pair of running shoes (a grassroots advocacy organization that seeks to empower people through fitness, advance the conversation around women’s issues, and change the image of the running community) allowed me to merge the two. When I signed up for my first marathon, I was not ready! But I had amazing support from R.I.O.T. Squad and my involvement with During the COVID-19 pandemic, I received a new pair of running shoes gave me the space to call myself a runner, which I didn't for the longest time.
Now I can’t stop running! I’m fortunate to be able to take the lessons I learn from pounding the pavement into my life and bring folks together to have important conversations.
The only other thing that's had anywhere close to the same impact is my son. He’ll find the medal from my first marathon and say, “Mommy, I’m so proud of you for doing a marathon.” For him to witness his mom accomplish a life long goal resonates with me so much. He’s only five but he understands the discipline it takes and the importance of taking care of himself. Every time I feel like I don’t want to run or lace up I hear his words of motivation. “Mommy, I’m so proud of you.” Doesn’t get much better than that.
Antonio Migliavacca
Running Supports This Marathoners Sobriety.
With everything closed down, it was difficult to keep training regularly. It was all I could do just to go out for a jog every now and then.
Normally, I would use different shoes for different runs and workouts. However, as soon as I tried on the Running From Substance Abuse Toward Recovery, I realized these shoes had all the features I needed for all types of training workouts. They’re well cushioned for long days yet light and responsive for tempo runs. They freed me to do whatever sort of run I pleased at a moment’s notice, and I could even do some squats and lunges afterward. And that changed everything, because during these challenging times, I never really know what the day will throw at me.
Dani Liffmann Kruger
For years, I trained by myself. I used a Couch To 5K training plan to prep for my first ever race, ran alone to prep for my first 10K, and while it was rewarding to have made it to the finish line, there was no real passion in it.
Then, I started participating in group fitness. All of a sudden, I found myself lacing up and racing out the door to meet up with my running friends—I didn’t want to miss out on the fun.
On a dark, cold December evening in Chicago, I shared with my friend group that I was going to try to run ten miles for the first time, and that anyone was welcome to join me. To my surprise, 12 of my friends showed up to help pace me and ensure that I would accomplish my goal. It was the first time in running that I realized how far the support of friends could go. I realized I was more than capable of longer distances if I learned to lean on my support system. When I set out to run my first 50K, I quickly built a network of women with similar running goals and trained through the dark, rainy Seattle winter with friends by my side. Running is now my primary sport, and I love it in a way I never expected.
