I have planned out my own little Ultra weekend. Starting with the JFK 50 on Saturday the 22nd and then cooling down with the Philly marathon Sunday the 23rd.
The JFK 50 is on the AT trail for some 15 miles at the start. Then a tow path for 26, then the roads for a final 8 miles or so.
Question is:
What have people that have run the JFK50 before used for the whole race? (no chance to swap out after the trails for solo me and no drop bags allowed)
The Asics Nimbuss’ that are would have gotten the nod I have tried out on just some hilly but not technical trials absolutely suck ass when it turns rocky or rooty, they wash out and feel like you could roll you heel over at any time. I love me my cushion shoe especially when steeping out long, but my usual trail kicks are gonna BITE when it turns flat and hard.
For Philly it’s some nice soft Nike Voomero’s. I am the type who usually pops the box on a new pair of shoes about a week before a race and LOVES the just new feeling race day.
The nimbus would definately suck.
Obviously the best choice is a trail shoe for the AT, then switch to a stability shoe like the 2130 for the tow path and last 15k on the road, but as long as you PAY ATTENTION for hidden roots and stones, you can easily get by with the 2130-like shoe on the AT.
Tip: All the leaves are down and covering the trip hazards. Might want to wear some old padded cycling gloves on the AT so when you DO stumble and put your hand down, you have a little cushion.
Oh! I like the padded cycling gloves Idea! I even a have pair that’ll be ready for the pot soon.
Never thought about the 2130, Asics build a trail version of that I have used (and dislike - one of the few asics models that don’t agree with my out-of-the box style of going long with new shoes…). But the road version is always been nice.