Racing flats and gravel

If you have never used racing flats before, trying them out in a 13.1mi run may not be a good idea no matter hwat the surface.

x2. I got a pair recently. I found that I needed time to transition from my old shoes to the flats. My calves and shins needed some time adapting to the new shoes.

Over the last few months though:
- My PF is better.
- My knee is better.

As a disclaimer: I still "wog" rather than "run." And I'm not capable of doing 13 miles of anything! (My runs are about 3 miles in length.) Before the flats though, my knees and feet couldn't even get through a couple of miles. With the flats and concentrating on improving my form, I've managed to increase my mileage. (And yes, I'm doing it slowly. Which is tough for me because I tend to overdo things...)

I plan on doing a few training runs in them prior to the race. However, I have never had flats before and was looking for advice on surface. I know these type of shoes don't have as much cushioning as training shoes.  

When I run on gravel on racing flats it kills my feet especially when it is that medium sized stuff. When it is like that I use something with more forefoot cushioning.

Your HIM is in 2 weeks, you just ordered the shoes and have never used flats before.  I wouldn't use them for your HIM.

x2

I have a couple of pairs of flats and I race short course with them (and would for my next standalone half mary).  Despite this, I would not race a HIM in flats but instead go with a pair of trainers (probably lightweight trainers but definitely not flats).

Shane

There is a pretty wide spectrum of shoes that could be considered racing flats now with the "performance trainers". I have run my HIM's in performance trainers and they have been great. For trails, Pearl Izumi has the PEAK XC's that are very lightweight, have some cushioning and support, and have a tread pattern designed for non-paved surfaces. Maybe ideal for the race you are preparing for.

Are you really talking about true race flats like the Asics Piranha (about 5oz) or Asics Bandito/Saucony Grid A3 (7-8oz) that are starting to get closer to performance trainers? I would caution using the wafer thin, no support shoes like the Piranha but I think the others have enough support and cushioning for 13.1.

Also, when you say gravel surface, I assume that is a hard packed surface?

Edited by popsracer 2009-07-24 4:40 PM

Thanks for the input guys. They just came in the mail today. They are the Saucony Fastwitch 3 that are designed for longer distance (13.1's) I think I will stick with my trusty Asics for this race and use the Sauconys for another day.