Is there any doubt anymore that the vaporflys help significantly?
We have various scientific studies, the NY Times Strava study, marathon times in general,
athletes comments and now cross country results.
I think they should put some regulations on it pretty quickly. Not only because
of fairness, but it seems to be getting awfully close to changing the nature of
at least the marathon.
My understanding is what changes in the marathon from the half marathon
is 1) at about 20 miles you run out of carbohydrates and 2) the physical pounding
of running 26 miles as fast as you can (your speed is pretty related to how hard
you are hitting the ground, so if you wear more padded shoes it reduce it, not
only are they heavier but you will run slower due to that--apparently not the case
for these shoes).
That 20 miles, with the 'scientific' drinks and the added efficiency of the shoes,
seems to be getting closer and closer to not being there, and for 2) athletes have
come right out and said it is reduced.
So, looking to track season, as my kid's team didn't qualify for nationals.
Despite claims that the shoe only helps for marathon type distances, I think
it is pretty clear they are a help in any distance event. So what
should the shoe strategy be? Do you need to do some training in the vaporflys
to get used to them, as they apparently change your gait a bit, or would just using
them for races work?
Is the curve of an indoor track too tight? How about a banked track?