I just noticed that for most workouts they all use flats and not spikes. Why is that(since at least in a lot of my track workouts I use spikes)?
I just noticed that for most workouts they all use flats and not spikes. Why is that(since at least in a lot of my track workouts I use spikes)?
they do use spikes in a lot of workouts.
Don't work at a shoe store wrote:
I just noticed that for most workouts they all use flats and not spikes. Why is that(since at least in a lot of my track workouts I use spikes)?
Risk of injury. Flats are lightweight enough for you to run fast but you don't put nearly the same amount of strain on your calves/achilles. Plus you still get to feel 'special' when you race in flats.
Also, Salazar custom makes them flats with spikes in the bottom:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7valkv9wk1rn92z6o1_500.png
That way they get the best of both worlds.
Except most of the benefit of spikes is in the structure and the weight, not the actual metal implements on the bottom
asfadsfads wrote:
Except most of the benefit of spikes is in the structure and the weight, not the actual metal implements on the bottom
Maybe not so much for 10k. But 100-800, yes, the metal implements are very important.
The gap between spikes and flats has gotten very narrow. There are flats on the market that are almost as light as spikes and offer far less injury risk. Really a no brainer, most opt for this once you're not an indestructible kid anymore.
A lot of elites have Streak LTs with Matumbo spike plate added. 10000 meters of track work in straight spikes is murder on the legs if done consistently.
Hell I've known guys who race 5,000 to 10,000 on the track in flats.
