I race and train in the same shoes, Nike Equalon 4’s. I like them because the have great cushioning and moderate stability. I’m 195 and need a bit of stability but not much.
Are lightweight racing shoes worth it? My A race is IMLP this year and want wanted to break in a new set of shoes before the race and have been contemplating a lighter shoe: ie, the zoot or K swiss Kona shoes. Will a couple oz make a difference? Should I stick with I know works or go for a lighter shoe and do some training in them over the next 6-7 weeks.
If you are 195, I would probably just stick to your regular shoes. For a 5k through half marathon, it may be worth it. For a full marathon though, you’re likely risking too much. Just my opinion though…
They will make a difference but only if you find ones that do not sacrifice the stability, cushioning and comfort you need. Do not sacrifice those for an ounce or two less. Absolutely not for a marathon. If you try a pair of racing flats and they don’t feel like something you would be willing to train in – at least some of the time – do not bother
All of this is to say I would recommend you find a shoe you can try on and/or return if it’s not for you. And for an IM, you’ll definitely need to test them out in a longer run – like 14 miles or more.
Racing flats are definitely worth it. They fit like a glove and are 2-5 sec./mi. faster than trainers. That being said, that’s for running events; at an IM people are typically going slower than their training pace on the run and fatigue starts to kill running mechanics. For an IM I’d stick with trainers, but use flats at least up to Oly.
Racing flats are definitely worth it. They fit like a glove and are 2-5 sec./mi. faster than trainers. That being said, that’s for running events; at an IM people are typically going slower than their training pace on the run and fatigue starts to kill running mechanics. For an IM I’d stick with trainers, but use flats at least up to Oly.
2-5 sec faster/mile = a minute or two on the IM run saved. Is that worth it to you? There is cost + potential running mechanics issues to consider.
Racing flats are definitely worth it. They fit like a glove and are 2-5 sec./mi. faster than trainers. That being said, that’s for running events; at an IM people are typically going slower than their training pace on the run and fatigue starts to kill running mechanics. For an IM I’d stick with trainers, but use flats at least up to Oly.
2-5 sec faster/mile = a minute or two on the IM run saved. Is that worth it to you? There is cost + potential running mechanics issues to consider.
It’s tempting to think that way but the reality isn’t always so simple. Unfortunately, a flat that doesn’t offer you the protection you need and beat up your legs badly enough or one that changes your running mechanics significantly can have a negative effect worse than 2 to 5 seconds a mile. Particularly in the later stages of a marathon.