6'0 /158lbs - Flats for a 2:50 Boston?

either train more in the spacer or go witht he precision

and i might have an aero in your size

there are a couple of lightweight trainers that fall in the 8.5-9.5 range. saucony just released one called the type A. Nike's new hayward. and look at puma's line

Hey trackhead,

Thanks for the quick reply.

I need a 10 1/2 in the Aeros. That might be my answer if you have a pair.

Do you think the last two weeks of tapering are too late to get my legs more adapted to the Spacers?

If you have them let me know how to contact you. By chance your not in Arizona are you?

I just have an 11.0 -- sorry

bump

My advice: DO NOT run the marathon in flats, and certainly do not audition a new pair of shoes now. If the Precisions have worked for your long runs to date, it's just not worth the risk to switch. I would recommend running a marathon in the model of shoes that got you there. Use a pair with a light amount of mileage (~100-200 miles)--broken in but not broken down.

I think you answered your own question when you said that your legs started to feel pounded at mile 7. Now is not the time to try to adapt either to the Spacer or to any other shoe. I DO think you can wear a racing shoe for future marathons if you have spent the training time in them, but that means a couple long runs and some MP runs. Incidentally, I have personal experience with the Aero and Spacer. I really like the Aero and did much of my training in it last spring. I have found the Spacer to be a bit too hard. By comparison, I rotated Tiger Paws, NB205's, Streak Vapors, and Streak XCs. Good Luck in Boston!

Ran Philly in the Spacer. My calf muscles were hurting mightily at 22, but I ended up with pretty even splits for 2:56.

Ran Boston in the Precision, almost DNF'ed but pride got the better of me and I jogged it in from 14. My legs were freakin' killing me, but was more likely due to the hills, heat and dehydration.

For comparison, I'm 5'11'', 158. My advice, go with your gut. I think the shoe issue is mostly psychological.

Use lightweight trainers. If you've done the work the shoes will NOT make that much difference and your body will thank you in the days following the race.

OK. I'm 6'1", 155-160 lbs, and just under 3:00, so we should talk.

I do most of my easy runs in Mizuno Precisions, and use NB 833 for tempos and other faster stuff. I switch between the two for my long runs, using the Precisions for staight easy long runs vs. the 833 (which I find lighter and less bulky) for progression long runs or others incorporating some marathon pace.

I've run two marathons in lightly-broken 833s, and they felt fine, without pounding, etc. Really don't feel any need to get into a flat.

Any other tips out there on neutral lightweight trainers to race in?

The only problem with the Pracision is that it's the nastiest shoe out there. I have a pair in bright orange, and they are more embarrassing to me in public than short shorts.

Thanks for comments.

This morning I went out for a run in an old pair of the Aeros and they felt pretty good. You know I did all of my training (60-75miles/wk) in the Aeros in 2004. Although I liked how they felt running, it seemed like my legs were always tired and sore.

In 2005 I decided to go to the Precision in order to see if maybe my legs needed a little bigger shoe. Yes my legs have felt pretty good all year, but I seem to run more fluidly in the Aeros.

For me the Precisions work but they seem a little bulky. What I like about the Aero is that they seem flexible and light. They also seem to give me more cushion on the balls of my feet, which is where I seem to land. I seem to have a better form in the Spacers vs Precision, but I just feel too much of the road. Maybe not a problem with shorter stuff but for the marathon...

Problem is that Mizuno doesn't have the Aero available in the States. Also, there aren't any running stores in Arizona that carry lightweight shoes for you to try.

Any recommendations for a flexible,7.5-9.0oz and more forefoot cushioned shoe?

For future alternatives, check out the following: Saucony Type A or Puma Complete Prevail. If you want something lighter, the newest adidas adiStar Comp or the new Saucony Grid Fastwitch Speed. Both of those fit the "protective racing shoe" bill.