I've never ran in any shoe with carbon plates or rods. I'm thinking of doing a full Ironman next year. I think I can probably do about 8:30/mile pace in the run leg of a a full IM. Any benefits from super shoes at that pace or are they just good at faster paces? I'm thinking the improved running economy the shoes apparently give could help get through those 26.2 miles at the end of an Ironman.
Any feedback, thoughts, experiences is appreciated.
A lot of it has to do with individual biomechanics. Some people are super-shoe "responders" and some do not get much benefit. A large consensus seems to think that training in super shoes, even at slower paces, does help with wear and tear, and accordingly leads to shorter recovery.
If you have been to an Ironman recently, you'll notice that virtually everyone is wearing some version of a super shoe during the marathon.
Imagine how sad it is to be a dedicated runner and find out youre not responsive to supershoes. Thats gotta suck.
Thats like being immune to alcohol.
Check out the Strength Running podcast, episode 227 with Geoff Burns. He's a PhD in running, physiology, & biomechanics research. He says that according to research, they're helpful at all paces. In fact, he says they're a tiny bit less helpful at very fast paces (because of wind resistance, or something to that effect). But essentially, they work for all runners and all paces, as long as they don't hurt your feet, form or harm you in some other way. You should definitely consider them for your 26.2.
I'll never do a full ironman....... because I'd die, but hell yes on the shoes.
I don't know if I'm faster ( relative term ) at a 9 minute mile marathon pace,
but always feel less beat up after long runs with them.
I'd be wearing them in the later phase of training also.
I just did IMFL and opted for the nylon plated Saucony Endorphin Speed over a couple of brands of carbon plated shoes. My body just enjoyed running in the Speeds more as they felt less rigid.
The majority of people that I saw running, and walking, were wearing carbon plated shoes. You just have to try them out and see if they work for you. I’d definitely recommend the Saucony Endorphin Speed as well. Even if you don’t decide to race in them, they are great shoes for all types of workouts.
Thanks everyone for the responses. I guess I'll start looking into trying out some new shoes.
That Strength Running podcast was really informative. Worth the listen. Thanks!
Sad how ironman is straying away from being hard. Should be called tin man
San Diego Hobby Jogger wrote:
Sad how ironman is straying away from being hard. Should be called tin man
How has Ironman "strayed from being hard"? Ironman hasn't changed their full distance races. An Ironman is still the same 140.6 mile distance under the same cutoff times.
MelRnr wrote:
San Diego Hobby Jogger wrote:
Sad how ironman is straying away from being hard. Should be called tin man
How has Ironman "strayed from being hard"? Ironman hasn't changed their full distance races. An Ironman is still the same 140.6 mile distance under the same cutoff times.
Only thing I can see as a watering down of the sport is how quick they are to cancel a swim.