I’m just about to run my first marathon. What shoes should I wear? I’m large (200 lbs) and have been training in ASICS gt-2090’s. Should I race in the same shoes… is there a lightweight trainer I should buy.
Because I’m a bit bigger, I do need some cushioning and some stability from my training shoes. Is there any way to have that and light weight for racing?
I’m approx. 183 lbs. and just ran a marathon in a brand new pair of 2090’s—felt great. I normally experience some slight knee pain in the longer distances, but knee was not bothered at all.
I sell a lot of shoes, doesn’t make me an expert but for some reason a lot of these damn slowtwitchers call me “shoe guy” at times. Stick with the 2090s, maybe get yourself some new 2100s a month out from the marathon. The 2090 is a pretty light shoe for what you get and it’s only real drawback if it’s working biomechanically for you is that you are probably wearing those babies out pretty quickly.
You could go to another shoe such as the Asics Kayano or Empire but you will pay a weight penalty and since you are asking about light weight trainers I’m guessing that’s not the route you want to go.
I’ve run all of my marathons in 2090s or their predecessors. There is no reason to wear something new and much lighter for race day, especially at your weight (which I used to carry with me on marathons).
I train in the 2090’s. For marathons and 1/2’s I race in the DS Trainer.(Asics). However I weigh 170. The DS trainer is a great lite weight trainer.
Charlie,
If the 2090 is working for you in training, it’s a fine shoe for racing a marathon. It’s not going to weigh you down and will drain well if you’re pouring water over your head in the race (or others are doing that nearby). If you’re looking to replace your 2090s, try out the 2100s, which replace the 2090s as of January.
If you feel like you need more support or cushioning, the Kayano is also a good shoe for training and racing. It’s only slightly heavier than the 2090/2100, and very supportive. The Kayano XI replaces the Kayano X this January and is a significant (and very good) upgrade.
If you feel like you want a lighter shoe for your races, there are a number of options from Asics and from other companies. I’m actually not a big fan of the current DS Trainer – I think it’s too heavy for a lightweight performance shoe. Whatever you choose, do at least one long run in it and make sure you don’t feel any aches and pains afterwards. If it works in training, it’ll work on race day, but remember: nothing new on race day!!
Lee Silverman
JackRabbit Sports
Park Slope, Brooklyn
Carrying about the same weight as you, I have trained for and raced about 15 marathons and 3 half IMs in Asics Kayanos in the last 5 years. I got a mild case of PF when I tried to switch to DS trainers a few years ago, so I quickly switched back to Kayano. I wanted a slightly lighter shoe so I just bought a pair of Asics 2100s for the Phoenix marathon coming up in a few weeks. I have about 80 - 100 treadmill miles on them with no problems and plan to race in them. Stick with the 2090s or their replacement 2100s.
Good luck
Not sure what the weight cut-oof would be for racing shoes, then light-weight trainers and then sticking with basic trainers would be. However, my guess is that if you are 200 pounds you would likly be best to stick with your trainers for the marathon.
Fleck
Stick with what you know Charlie. The 2090 is a fine shoe and will get you there.
The risk/benefits of switching to lightweight shoes or flats for racing the marathon are an oft discussed topic on internet boards…who should opt for flats and who shouldn’t.
From my own limited experience I’d say flats give me only a couple of minutes over my regular training shoes in the marathon. I’m 135lbs (when in racing shape) and ran 2:37 ;ast time out. For me the risks of going light and giving up the extra support and cushioning are worth it to pick up 2 or 3 minutes.
If you weigh 200lbs the risks are going to be higher because chances are you need more support and cushioning and there are no guarantees that the rewards will be any greater than 2-3 minutes.
If you are, for example, a 3:30 to 4 hr runner the risks in going light to pick up 2 minutes are probably not worth taking. You may find at mile 18 that your legs have been pounded to hamburger and your feet are numb and those 2-3 minutes don’t seem so important anymore.
Since you are a 200 lb. runner…I would be careful with a lightweight trainer. What kind of pace do you run? What’s the course like? Orthotics or inserts? I think a stability trainer like the 2090-2100 would be a good choice…as long as the fit and function work properly with your biomechanics. The New Balance M766 (Februray 05) is a very nice shoe to consider. I’ve been wear testing it for a month or so…and it feels pretty good.
If you want to go a bit light…then I like the new DS Trainer X (Jan. 05) or DS Trainer VI (older model available at Roadrunner Sports).
Good luck.
I also weigh 200+.
I use the Gek-Kayano for training and the DS Trainer for racing. Pretty much the same shoe in my opinion excpet the Kayano has more cushion and is maybe 2 oz heavier (I think).