Marathon shoe for a 'hobby jogger'

AlsoinMI wrote:

I'm 6'2" 180lbs. Most of my miles have been logged in a couple pairs of Brooks Ghost 7s. I recently got a pair of New Balance Zante (1s) and they feel delightful on my feet for the couple tempo runs I've done with them (up to 7 mile run). I'm running a marathon in about 6 weeks. My training mileage is mostly in the 30-40mpw range, longest run 20mi, and based on past performance i'm looking at ~3:30 finish time.

Am I too big and slow to bother with the risks of the less protective Zantes for 26.2 mi? Will they be harsh in the in the last few miles for someone of my size and time? Should I stick with the Ghosts if they haven't hurt me yet?

What did you run your 20 miler in? Did it feel comfortable? Is the answer is yes, wear those shoes.

I still have 6 weeks left, I haven't run my 20 miler yet. Might try the Zantes for an upcoming 18 miler, but I also want to make sure i'm using my "marathon shoes" in my longest couple runs. I was mostly looking to see if I shouldn't even try my longer runs in the lighter shoes.

I wouldn't worry about how light they are, but how much cushioning you'll need. Try your long runs in both shoes and decide which one is more comfortable. You should be fine in the Zantes, I'd put money on it, but just in case you aren't, have one of your friends/family members take the Ghosts with them when they watch you run and switch them out halfway if you're having problems. You'll lose a minute to your overall time but will probably gain that back and then some if you're comfortable.

Thanks for the input. I ran a fast 8mi in the Zantes last night and they felt like the disappeared on my feet (a good feeling in my opinion). The Ghosts feel weighted by comparison, but they've certainly been doing the job of protecting my feet for the last 4 months for the long miles and I'm not sure my times or size merit lighter shoes for such a distance.

The last time I ran a race this long was in a pair of Asics Speedstar 4's at a rated 9.2 ozs. (I took several years off of running) It seems running shoe foams have come a ways in the last 6 years, so maybe a 7.5oz shoe isn't crazy.

I'm a little faster but similar size. I used the Zante Boracay for training and marathon with no issue. I believe it's pretty similar. I wouldn't add the mental and physical stress of changing shoes in the middle of a marathon. Start in what's comfortable.

Why not try the Adios Boost? Seriously, shoes don't really protect you. You either have the miles in or you don't. Get something light. You get tired lifting all that weight of clunker trainers. Try the Zantes if you want for a long run.

Eggxactly! 7.5oz is what 9.5oz used to be. Running with heavy shoes sucks!

I only wear my clunkers for recover days now. I'm doing long runs with well cushioned racing flats. The Adios Boost is a well cushioned good racing flat. The Hyperspeed is a good well cushioned racing flat. The Zante sounds like the same type of shoe. Give it a try for your long run. Do an 18 miler in them.

I haven't tried the boost. I ordered several lighterish shoe models online with free return shipping awhile back and loved the Zantes from that group. Boost didn't make the cut at the time because they cost twice as much (Zante's 2 just came out so I got a good deal). Are the Boosts really as good as everyone says they are? My Zantes are brand new so the missus probably would be less than thrilled if I added a fifth pair right now, but I'm always on the lookout for future options.