Should I get tacing flats yet?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

15 years ago 03/11/2009 9:52am EDT

I am just getting back into racing and have my second 5k coming up this weekend. My question is whether I should be running the race in flats? I only have a couple of months of consistent training behind me and have been injury free so far. I train in a light trainer (asics ds trainer) and ran the last race in those...which felt fine (honestly the sdhoes were the least of my problems in this come back race!). eventually i want to get competitive again so i know i will buy them at some point. Obviously I would buy them probably today and try and get some strides in someday before the race. but do you think i could be risking anything trying to switch to flats at this point?

15 years ago 03/11/2009 12:43pm EDT

re: buyflats

What pace do you plan on racing your 5k at? What is your experience level (are you returning from taking time off)? Also, what is your physical make up (height, weight)?

15 years ago 03/11/2009 1:04pm EDT

re: buyflats

15 years ago 03/11/2009 1:10pm EDT

re: buyflats

You should race only in shoes that you've trained in.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 2:05pm EDT

re: uuyftc

i am coming back from a lot of time off..years of not competing. last months 5k was my first race since 2001. i am female am 5'7" and 110 llbs..so thin and no real bio mechanical issues..slight pronation but that has never caused any problems. i have never had trouble adjusting to running shoes and am very 'unpicky' when it comes to trying new ones. i will probably be running in the high 19 min range in this race.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 2:13pm EDT

re: buyflats

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Save the transition to flats for when you are in shape and running fast.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 2:19pm EDT

re: buyflats

Does that 4 or 5 seconds mean much to you now? When it starts mattering is when to switch to racers.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 3:24pm EDT

re: buyflats

buyflats wrote:
i am coming back from a lot of time off..years of not competing. last months 5k was my first race since 2001. i am female am 5'7" and 110 llbs..so thin and no real bio mechanical issues..slight pronation but that has never caused any problems. i have never had trouble adjusting to running shoes and am very 'unpicky' when it comes to trying new ones. i will probably be running in the high 19 min range in this race.

I would get them. Train in them a little first - faster interval/threshold stuff to get your legs use to them. If you're going to be running under 7:00 pace for a 5K I would think a pair of flats could improve your time.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 6:21pm EDT

re: buyflats

Get something light like the Mayflys. Try them out first - time trial, etc.

15 years ago 03/11/2009 7:50pm EDT

re: buyflats

Buyflats,

I've always been weary of running more than a couple of days a week in racing flats. In my opinion, racing flats should only be used when racing or doing intervals on the track. Max 2 times a week if you're seeking to stay healthy and remain competitive. I've always just raced in my flats.

Just remember, supportive shoes should be used on the majority of your runs. Non supoortive shoes such as racing flats should not be a commonality when training. You are risking injury. Especially if you're a higher mileage runner.

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