New World road record 10k

I ran the race (28.42, probably worth a 30.45-31.00)on the racing flat 'stinger' and was surprised about how light and comfortable they were(I am not affiliated with spira for those of you who will claim that in the next post).

Just to clarify, I am not a great runner by any means, but have decent PB's(8.08 indoor 3k, 14.07 5k, 30.04 XC). I used to work in a running store and got to try on a decent amount of racing flats. The Spira stinger reminds me a little of the nike mayfly, because it is so light, but then a little heavier and a lot more comfortable. The stinger is a little wider in the front, which I personally like. I am heavier for a distance runner (6'1 and 165)and generally get blisters in light racing flats (but not now).

I don't like the statement that 'the world record was shattered' and would suggest saying "fastest time on a downhill course' or so. I also cannot judge about the regular running shoes, because I haven't run in them yet. I just want to see critics to try these flats and compare them to other brands before judging quality. I was definitely surprised.

I just hate the fact that they pretend like it's a legit record.

Even if they just said on their website "World record for downhill course", that would be fine. But them saying "shattered the world record" pisses me off.

I mean, seriously, what's to stop someone even better than this guy (like, I know of a few Ethipoians who are a bit better...) going on a course that's got even more drop, and running 25:20 or something?

There's a reason the races are kept flat. It's so the times can actually be compared.

Stupid Spira.

Regarding the quality of generics and department store running shoes, I've tried on the running shoes sold at Target because I coach at a school where some of the athletes would have difficulty spending much more than 40 bucks (if that) on a pair of shoes, and I wanted to be able to recommend a decent cheaper alternative. I found the Champion brand shoes at Target to be stiffer and harder than "name" brand running shoes. They look identical in all respects, but they didn't have that good "ride." Basically, I would only wear them for running if economic circumstances required it. If I came across a model that was more flexible, responsive and with a better ride, I'd definitely buy them for myself.

Will you idiots get off the fact that the "record" was on a downhill course. Realize that Spira picked the downhill course because it's particulary tough on the body and the springs (not 2lbs as some yahoo said) help tremendously with that impact, not for a faster time.

In response to the questioning of me...no, I'm not with Spira although I'm hoping they give me some free running clothes for NYCM. I went and checked and I have 9 pairs of Spiras (6 Del Sols, 1 Stinger, 1 Genesis, and one older model). Why so many? Because I've been running in these shoes for nearly 2 years and I log a lot of miles. It also helps they give a 25% military discount so I pay $68 for shoes that are $100 at the local running store.

Even if the shoes remain banned for competition, I still think more runners will get into the shoes as trainers as they really do reduce impact. They'll just race in different shoes. It makes sense.

Just curious, of all the folks bashing these shoes, who all has actually worn them and has something negative to say? (about the shoes, not their PR campiagn)

Once again-

The shoes are not banned.

What about this is unclear? The shoes are banned in competition.

USATF Rule 143.3(a) states:

“A competitor may compete in bare feet or with

footwear on one or both feet. The purpose of shoes

for competition is to give protection and stability to

the feet and a firm grip of the ground. Such shoes,

however, must not be constructed so as to give the

competitor any unfair additional assistance, including

the incorporation of any technology which will give the

wearer any unfair advantage, such as a spring or similar

device. A shoe strap over the instep is permissible.”

I ran with Hillary Tuwei at the West Virginia 20K road championship in 1977 or 1978. The race goes from Oak Hill High School to Fayetteville High School, and it was run in August. Very hilly, 1 and 2 mile long hills. I was in high school at FUMA and Hillary was at the University of Richmond. He defeated Karl Hatfield in that race. Hillary left a lasting impression on me.