General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Racing Flats question Rss Feed  
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2008-09-13 9:13 PM

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Elite
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Fishers, Indiana
Subject: Racing Flats question

Okay, I've never used racing flats. I now have a pair of Newton racing flats.  I have been training the past couple of weeks with Newton trainers (no, not rich, just got an incredible deal) and really like them!!  I'm primarily a mid/front strike runner anyhow, but these definitely help me do it better and are so wonderfully light!   Anyhow, my question is this: should I do any training with the racing flats (of course I'll do a few shorter runs with them just to make sure they are good feeling) or can I just race in them AND is racing a 1/2 Marathon too far for someone new to racing flats--or should I stick with the distance trainers? I have my "A" race--Longhorn 70.3--on 5 Oct and I know the run will be the lynchpin for me.  I'm a pretty decent runner for an AG'er, but my last HIM I had the run kick my butt (it was a training HIM and my run training was lacking--that's been fixed) and will take ANY advantage I can for this one.

So racing flats or no? Tips for using racing flats?



2008-09-13 9:37 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Expert
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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question
If you've got em, use em! Since you're already running in a lighter weight shoe, you would likely have little difficulty. I use my flats only for racing and the occasional track session.
2008-09-13 10:05 PM
in reply to: #1672698

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Racing Flats question

 Since your running forefoot already the racing flat will not  be a huge change from the trainer. I'd be more worried about the fit.

If you could get a long run in the flats to check for blisters that would help, i wouldn't trust just a coupla short runs for the blister aspect. I have had several shoes good for 6 - 8 miles then get blisters on a longer run.  

2008-09-13 10:09 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Expert
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Fort Wayne, IN
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question
I wouldn't use racing flats for training except to break them in.  I don't think they generally last as long as training flats, and I would think the lack of cushioning would not be good for extended training.  I've run 4 marathons and used racing flats for each one.
2008-09-13 11:02 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Tyler,
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question

(coughs and laughs)

No races only...but you should wear them around a little bit and maybe an easy short run or two just to get the feel, but then races only. Your gonna be so much faster those women (and dudes) better watch out. Crap

2008-09-13 11:02 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Tyler,
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question

(coughs and laughs)

No races only...but you should wear them around a little bit and maybe an easy short run or two just to get the feel, but then races only. Your gonna be so much faster those women (and dudes) better watch out. Crap

I


2008-09-13 11:03 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Tyler,
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question
Not sure what happend there, I meant to say I better watch out you'll be coming for me.
2008-09-14 8:52 AM
in reply to: #1672698

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Fishers, IN
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question

Why not, as was said before there are those who advise against racing flats for marathons but they have worked well for me.  If you can get a somewhat longish 8-10 miler run in them, that of course will help you know if there will be problems. 

 

2008-09-14 3:22 PM
in reply to: #1672698

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Elite
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Fishers, Indiana
Subject: RE: Racing Flats question
Okay, advice taken...did my 10 mile run today in them and NO issues.  A little rubbing on one of my toes, but I run sockless, so that is easily fixed with some body glide in the shoe before the race...so no worries!  Thanks!!
2008-09-15 10:53 AM
in reply to: #1672698

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Lethbridge, Alberta
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Subject: RE: Racing Flats question
I got a pair of AdiStar Comps in '06 at the IM Canada expo. I didn't know what flats were, they just felt good and really light. They worked for half my training through the next off-season, most of the training in-season for '07, and racing which included a marathon and two half IMs. I still put them on for a run sometimes but they're feeling a bit lumpy now. In December '07 I got some New Balance RC152. They are great for shorter runs but the toe box seems narrower and for runs over about 10 miles my feet spread out enough so that the ends of the 3rd and 4th toes start to touch. This causes callouses there, blisters though rarely, and a black toenail after a half marathon this spring. I tried some heavier Mizuno shoes for some training and a half IM, but didn't like the extra weight so much for running. I've recently used a pair of Mizuno Ronin for some training and an IM. For the IM there was more walking than expected, and I could have used the heavier heeled Mizunos, but the Ronins caused no blisters or other problems and worked OK.

The soles of the RC152 seem to be wearing faster, the Adidas hardly at all, and it's too soon to tell with the Mizunos. So far I prefer the light shoes I've tried for both training and racing. I'm not a very fast runner (yet) but I've been using a more mid to fore foot running style for several years now.
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