Do elite train in flats?

no they don't

I try not to convince anyone to change if they are happy. What I have experienced is improved efficiency, more consistent, higher mileage, less soreness, and faster times. I'm not saying changing shoes will give anyone a new pr, but the formula seems to work for me. I do have a couple friends that are more injury-prone that are willing to try this route.

I agree that the drop must be 1-1.5mm greater in the Streak XC. But they seem to fit me better and they are more flexible than the Vapors. I don't do the majority of my training in them because of the vulnerable forefoot/sole. I'm actually not that interested in running in h-streets, but I must say, even the Tiger Paw feels a bit like a training shoe now. I do wear h-streets for daily wear and I just picked up a pair of mexico 66 that are pretty damn comfy. I might take those out for a test drive.

Have you checked out the Brooks t4 racers. If I hadn't switch to full time H streets I would mostly likely be running in the t4. They have a similar feel to the vapors but more like the fit of the Steak XC. You should checkout! What has kept you from running in the H streets?

I meant to say you should check them out!

Actually, I tried on the T4, but it didn't seem like the arch lined up with my foot. I know they have a loyal following, so I will check them out again. Regarding running full-time in h-streets, I just prefer to have something between my foot and the ground. My goal is remain healthy so that I can maximize my training and ultimately run the fastest marathon that my body will allow. My goal is not to wear the h-street, so I will only do that if it takes me to the ultimate goal.

minimally lame wrote:

I'm just coming off a sf injury and am going to use this ramp-up period to rely wholly on minimalist shoes. Must get a tad better at landing and lifting correctly before moving to the h-streets, though, which I own and like very much.

ML

Glad I can be an inspiration! I really had no clue 2 years ago I'd get this good so quickly, simply with a change in shoes. I just wanted to stay healthy for longer than 4 months! Although some would argue the improvements are solely because of improved cardiovascular fitness, I could never tolerate mileage and consistency like this while in trainers! So, yes, what's on my feet has made a significant difference.

Regarding changes in biomechanics, I've definitely noticed changes along the way. I think the greatest change was when I moved down to the Puma's-- that first day my feet were slapping the concrete. Felt very awkward. I only got 250 miles out of my first pair. My biomechanics quickly changed so that I developed better control and efficiency of how I land. I've been getting around 600-700 miles out of each pair now because I land more lightly. I've noticed the past few months that I'm getting more wear on the forefoot-- I believe I'm overstriding less and landing more beneath myself towards the forefoot. Even in races, as compared to my competitors, it's like I'm floating along and you can't hear my feet. Very smooth. The bottom line is you learn to land lighter and have better control when you have less on your feet.

Have you read the "Pose Method of running"?

I'm not as fast as Mr. Huffman, but I agree with him about the Pose Method and H Streets. I run all my miles in the H Streets and have never felt better. Ran 12 this morning and 4 this evening and felt like I could have kept on going. I had trouble believing that landing on the forefoot and running with such little cushioning would work, but doing so really has for me. Also, the Pose Method book is very good. I get the impression from posts on this forum that many folks misunderstand the Pose Method. They take one line and distort it. The book really is interesting and helpful. Just my 2 cents.

What about marathoners back in the 80's like bill rodgers? do you think he trained in flats when he was running 120+ a week?

Trackhead,

Thanks for your response on p.13. I got the Ds-trainers on Tuesday and did a 6M & 5M since on roads. These are first two runs where the outside of my right hip (I think that is the IT band) have not hurt in months.

My knees, ankles and low calves are really sore. Any ideas how long it will take for me to get accustomed. I feel great in them, very light which is very different from what I'm used to. I know it's too soon to know if this is going to work. I guess i just am scared I'm going to wake up with a stress fracture or something. Thanks.

It took me about 3 mos. to get used to the tiger Paws and another 4-6 mos. to get used to the H Streets. Easy short runs came first (no suprise) and then longer runs and finally harder runs.

I haven't read it, but I guess it is worth checking out. I can say I used to be a heel striker (with regular training shoes) and have consciously changed my form, resulting in a landing with my whole foot. Actually there was a brief article in Running Times (I believe the one featuring the Torres bros) a couple years ago. It was basically "How To Run Like Sammy Kipketer (or some other fast Kenyan)". The characteristics were: slight forward lean, chest out, arms carried higher and close to the body. I presume this is similar to Pose?

After 4 pairs of T3s, and 2 pairs of T4s, I gotta say I miss the T3. Great heel volume and fit, good forefoot width, w/ a minimal upper - no overlays. While the T4 midsole remains the same, the thicker sockliner + the heavier mesh upper and overlays lose the sock-like fit of the T3. I've been using the Mayfly (closing in on 200mi), and am looking to try the Streak XC. I've been impressed w/ the Mayfly. Shows no wear.

I have to say I was fairly skeptical of the book as well, but since I have begun Coaching I decided that I should look into different ways of teaching my runners how to run more efficiently. If you only read one running book in your lifetime I think that this would be the one I would recommend the most. In my mind there is no better way to teach someone how to run mechanically speaking. Let me know what you think if you read it. It costs $29 dollars on amazon.com with free shipping. Later!

Thnx. Shoot me an email, so I can contact you later.

Stress fracture in my foot.

Did you also use orthotics? If so, did you eliminate those first and use a Structure Triax type shoe for awhile before moving on to a lesser shoe? Also, when you do move to a lesser shoe, do you do all runs in it immediately or slowly gravitate to that shoe? Thanks again for the input, it is very helpful.

300th post, I'm the CHAMP BABY!

bring it