I was curious if anyone out there had any experience or opinions regarding use of racing flats for half-IM distance triathlons. They seem to be incredibly light yet I am concerned about the musculoskeletal trauma after 13.1 miles. Any specific recommendations for racing flats?
My recommendation is to get used to running in flats if you plan to wear them at any time, whether racing or training.
The biggest difference, and thus greatest adaptation you must make to flats, is their typically lower heel compared to trainers. If you’re a heel striker in trainers the timing of your heel strike will be different in flats and you’ll probably be a bit off kilter.
Personally, I now do all my running in flats so I would race in them as well. But unless your running style in a triathlon race, after 90 km. of riding is suited to running in flats then you might not have a pleasant experience with them.
Maybe you could use flats during brick runs. Since the runs would be shorter you won’t do any damage due to the short duration, and you’ll also be able to gauge your stride after riding.
There are lots of good flats. I personally love the Mizuno line but also like Asics Gel Magic and DS Racers.
I would watch out. It all depends on you injury history, too.
Do you run often in flats? Have you run similar distance and pace to what you expect to run in a half IM in your flats? Have you done a brick with a substantial run in your flats? Would you really save much time compared to the potential for injury?
Thinking I was fast, I ran a marathon in flats (Nike Skylon TCs, I think) and damaged my IT band, big time. Maybe it would have happened just as bad in training shoes, too, I don’t know. I PRd but it wasn’t worth it not being able to run for 3 months.
This happened 6 years ago. Since then I have done nearly all my races (up to marathons) in lightweight trainers (Adidas Rotterdams & Nike Skylons) and I am much faster now. I am tempted to buy another pair of flats, but only for 5ks and 10ks …
i will definitely recommend you to avoid most of your training on racing flats. Racing flats are really dangerous for injury and it s better to stay away from them other than in a race. So, maybe try them on a short brick/race simulation and if it work well…go for it…but if not, go for a shoes with more support. THere is a lot of really good shoes that are made for 1/2 marathon distance (light trainer NB)
Also…run on trail and stay out of the road…that will add many years of happy running to your legs!!!
I’ve used flats (Asics Gel Magic) for a half ironman with no problems at all, but I am fairly light, and light on my feet as well, and have been very injury free in running. I’ve run two marathons with flats as well, once with the Gel Magic, and later with Nike Air Streak V Ekiden. I’ve always done all my races in flats, so it’s what I’m used to and comfortable with. Personally, I can’t imagine racing without flats, and am researching a good pair to use in a full Ironman. However, I would recommend to do what you are comfortable with. If you haven’t worn flats often, such as in Olympic distance races, then I wouldn’t change for the half. Also, keep in mind there are some flats that are designed for longer races, and some designed for shorter races.