I want to use a lighter weight racing shoe for my upcoming 70.3 in about 3 weeks but am not sure when to make the transition to the racing shoe. How does everyone incorporate the use of different training and racing shoes into their race season. Do you wait until the day of the race to move to the racing shoe, or do you run with it for a couple of weeks before the race?
That’s a tough question if you are not used to running in them. Are these new shoes that you have never used before, or are they flats you have used in races, but just haven’t raced in a while?
Personally, I use flats every week on the track, so I don’t have this issue. I have noticed when I haven’t used them in a while, that I am a little sore after - but this wasn’t for a 1/2M after cycling for 90k (not to mentioned the swimming).
I’d recommend not wearing them if you don’t have experience with flats so close to the race. If you do have experience, just wear them on 2 or 3 spirited runs in the next 3 weeks.
I don’t know what kind of runner you are, but the problem with flats in long events is that you run the risk of having bad form on the second half of the run (due to fatigue), and wearing flats will probably hurt you overall in this situation.
These are new shoes that I have never run in before. However, they are more of a lightweight trainer than a full racing flat. The shoe is the K-Swiss K-ona which does have surprisingly good support compared to the other lightweight shoes I tried. I am currently running in the Adidas adistar control S. I am not a terribly strong runner (7:20 half marathon pace). I have never tried a lightweight shoe before this one. All my other shoes have been heavier shoes with support for over pronation.
I’m trying a variety of shoes yet trying to keep some support medially in all…
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Brooks Addictions - was running solely in these once my PF flared up. They are big and heavy - like training wheels…
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Asics DS Trainers - I swear I can run 30s/mile faster in these…maybe its all in my head but I do run faster in them. I wear them for some of my quality runs - i.e. intervals/tempo. I’ve even run half of my long run in the Addictions - then swapped water bottles and done the 2nd half at a faster pace in DS Trainers.
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Brooks Adrenaline - trying to slowly switch to lghter/less supportive shoes so I’ll run in these 1-2x/week.
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Trail shoes when on trail once the snow melts.
I think you’d want to wear the racing shoes every 3rd day or so - get in at least 5-6 runs in them prior to race day. I would not just suddenly change and do 100% of my runs in new shoes…if they feel great, race in them. Any problems - race in your training shoe.
Next time - run in your racing shoes at least once/week.
Dave
I want to use a lighter weight racing shoe for my upcoming 70.3 in about 3 weeks but am not sure when to make the transition to the racing shoe. How does everyone incorporate the use of different training and racing shoes into their race season. Do you wait until the day of the race to move to the racing shoe, or do you run with it for a couple of weeks before the race?
It’s not a good idea to race in new shoes at all, even if they are just a new pair of the same ones you train with. Even more true if they are a totally different style than you are used to. I’d definitely get in a few runs with the new trainers before the race.
If it’s a model I’ve used before, I have no problem waiting until race day. However I still usually give them at least one training run ahead of time, to check for any issues.
I would recommend you get in a couple of runs in your flats ahead of the 70.3, including one run of at least 10 miles.