Run Run Away

Question:

The original Brooks Cheetah’s are no longer made.  The Cheetah II’s are not a suitable replacement…  they narrowed the toe box and increased the weight slightly — not an improvement in my book… and apparently not for any one else, either; they were discontinued after just one year.  The new line of cushioned, light trainers from Brooks are the Mach 1.0 ’s .  About an ounce heavier at 9.4oz.  Looks like they went back to the original Cheetah last with a larger toebox.  These have potential. There is a good review of shoe features in the June issue of Runner’s World. — Mark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shoe choice for an Ironman run is important and depends on a number of factors: How fast are you planning on running? Body type and gait pattern are also important. Other considerations have to be: That you will probably have the shoes on your feet for a very long time – three hours or more for most folks. That it can be extremly hot. That the shoes will become completely soaked with water, sweat and sports drink and perhap other body fluids! ie they will become very heavy. If they are heavy to start with that can be a real drag. But you will also need a decent amount of padding because your legs will take a pounding and support is important because your form will be all gone to hell over the last ten miles. That all being said it has been my experience that you should go with the lightest, best fitting, most comfortable and supportive shoe that you can get. Ha, easier said than done. My choice is usually one of the "light trainers" or "built-up racers". For the past few IM’s I have worn the Brooks Cheetah’s and have had no problems. Your mileage may vary. Steve Fleck

Response:

Rohner- the "Merdedes" of running socks. http://st5.yahoo.com/ghp What do people think about stowing a change of shoes and socks at the marathon midway point if you’re not planning on placing?  My feet get real sweaty on longer runs such that blisters could become a problem.

Response:

Mike (and others who’ve replied), In the original question, I wasn’t really thinking about weight differences affecting performance (running time), but more in terms of comfort. Wearing what I train in could perhaps confuse the issue as well, since I rotate a zillion pairs of shoes depending on the workout (and sometimes really subjective factors). There are a number of lightweight trainers with great cushioning, such as Saucony Swerve TI, Saucony Azura 2000, or Asics DS Trainers, that could feel real nice with dull legs since they are nice and bouncy. But I see the point of the responses and also based on training I’ll probably stick with something a but more solid to keep the knees happy. Thanks for all the responses. David in Taipei I agree completely and have to admit I was a bit confused by the original question. Why would you NOT wear what you’ve trained in (or what you’ve warn in a marathon) before? Mike "I thought that’s what training was for" Tennent "IronPenguin" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

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Response:

What do people think about stowing a change of shoes and socks at the marathon midway point if you’re not planning on placing?  My feet get real sweaty on longer runs such that blisters could become a problem.

Response:

I would just place a fresh pair of socks in your ’special needs’ bag, but not shoes.  Better to lose a pair of socks than shoes. Putting a fresh pair on is a nice feeling and it does prevent blisters…also slap some vaseline on while the foot is bare.  Most race’s usually have some available at the ’special needs’ point. jjm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What do people think about stowing a change of shoes and socks at the marathon midway point if you’re not planning on placing?  My feet get real sweaty on longer runs such that blisters could become a problem.

Response:

What do people think about stowing a change of shoes and socks at the marathon midway point if you’re not planning on placing?  My feet get real sweaty on longer runs such that blisters could become a problem.

As Jim M. hints,  at most IM’s you don’t get your Special Needs bag back, so you’d have to sacrifice one pair of shoes. Better to just have dry socks in it. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

Response:

What do people think about stowing a change of shoes and socks at the marathon midway point if you’re not planning on placing?  My feet get real sweaty on longer runs such that blisters could become a problem.

I included a change of socks and some baby powder in my special needs bag at last year’s GFT.  Shedding the old sweaty socks, powdering my feet to dry them further, and changing into a fresh pair invigorated my feet for the last lap around the lake.  Its a great idea.  However, shoes might be another story, depends on how much money you’ve got invested in them, how much life they have left in them, and how much room you’ve got in your special needs bag.  Remember, it might not be a sure thing you get your bag back.  On the other hand, dry shoes would’ve been nice too. Yakabo

Response:

I would just place a fresh pair of socks in your ’special needs’ bag, but not shoes.  Better to lose a pair of socks than shoes.

Or you could be like me at IMC last year.  I put fresh socks in my bag and after I grabbed them I said there was no way in hell that I was going to take my shoes off my feet at that point (wayyyy too hot, would never have been able to put them back on!).  BUT, since the socks cost me $10 (blister free kind), I was delirious enough to say ‘I can’t lose these!’ and ran to the finish with them in my hand.  They did make a nice towel to wipe the sweat off my face, though! — Tri Your Hardest.   /O     ___o     o      ~~~~   _ <,_    <|        (*)/ (*)    /           Darrin Bartlett 16 weeks to the inaugural Ironman USA!

Response:

Shoe choice for an Ironman run is important and depends on a number of factors: How fast are you planning on running? Body type and gait pattern are also important. Other considerations have to be: That you will probably have the shoes on your feet for a very long time – three hours or more for most folks. That it can be extremly hot. That the shoes will become completely soaked with water, sweat and sports drink and perhap other body fluids! ie they will become very heavy. If they are heavy to start with that can be a real drag. But you will also need a decent amount of padding because your legs will take a pounding and support is important because your form will be all gone to hell over the last ten miles. That all being said it has been my experience that you should go with the lightest, best fitting, most comfortable and supportive shoe that you can get. Ha, easier said than done. My choice is usually one of the "light trainers" or "built-up racers". For the past few IM’s I have worn the Brooks Cheetah’s and have had no problems. Your mileage may vary. Steve Fleck

Response:

   For your first Ironman, just wear the shoes you have been training in. It is a safe plan, and your feet will thank you. David Barclay

I agree completely and have to admit I was a bit confused by the original question. Why would you NOT wear what you’ve trained in (or what you’ve warn in a marathon) before? Mike "I thought that’s what training was for" Tennent "IronPenguin" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

Response:

I’m heavy at 82kg and I pronate slightly. I prefer something with stability and cushioning. The idea of doing the IM marathon in a pair of flats, or even lightweight shoes would not appeal. FWIW The pros all seem to use lightweight shoes. Z