txRUNNERgirl wrote:
I want a flat because I train in lightweight shoes and flats and have for years. I want to run around 3:20-3:30, but I don't believe there is a set pace where I person should wear a flat or not. I want to run as fast as I can, so I want a shoe that is going to help me do that.
You are blithely ignoring that there is an obvious and very real difference between running for 130-150 minutes and running for over 200 minutes. As well as the very real differences between yourself and these runners.
Runners who should wear flats for the marathon are generally looking at less than 150 minutes (2h30m) of running, maybe 160 for women. You are going to be running for more than 30% longer and taking 30% more steps. That's thousands of impacts.
Furthermore, and more importantly, runners in the should-wear-flats category have a far longer and more intensive training history than most of us. 120mpw, 100mpw or even 80mpw is more than I sense you have behind you, and the muscular changes that come with that are huge.
Don't run in the Adizero Adios just because it is the lightest in the series, or the WR shoe, or whatever. Your own pride will hurt your performance when your calves cramp 3 hours in and you don't finish as hoped.
If you're considering the Adios, why not the Adizero Tempo or Boston??