Practice To Suffer So Racing Becomes Easy

Solid run- Do you use your 1226's when your legs need a break or how do you determine when you want to go minimal? I wear my lightest shoes for speed work- but was wondering your thoughts.

Thanks Dan - I like to go minimal on speed days, but I also like to go minimal on days when my legs might be sore. By going minimal when my legs are sore I'm able to use less effort, so my easy runs feel easier when I may not be feeling so good. My ideal surface for minimal is smooth road, but I like packed dirt, and short grass too. So sometimes I’ll pick the minimal if I know I’ll be on these surfaces. If I’m really sore and I can’t get out on 1 of these 3 surfaces then opt for the 1226’s, Gel, or Adrenaline. Also, when I'm pushing the stroller I like the heavier trainers because I feel like I'm not able to stride as well with the stroller, so I like them for the extra protection.

I think I’m going to get rid of my Newtons because my arches aren’t doing well in those anymore. I have to say I’m not all that impressed with Newtons considering how expensive they are. Some people really love those.

My favorite shoe is my marathon shoe Saucony Fasttwitch. They might possibly be the best all around shoe I’ve ever worn. They provide just the right amount of light weight feel with good comfort. I also like how they conform to my foot. I use these in long races, but also my long runs a lot.

I started using minimal outside of speed training and races about 3 months ago when I bought the Hattori. I started out with short runs 4-6 miles and now I can take my Hattori’s out for 10 miles. My lower achillies gets sore if I go too much longer than 10, but not the case if I run on packed dirt. I’m actually thinking about buying another pair of the Fasttwitch to find out how much running I can do in them. My feet and legs love those at the higher miles, which is weird to me because they are considered a lightweight racing shoe (9 oz). My Nike racing flats are (6 oz) and the Hattoris are (4 oz). My heavy trainers not drenched in sweat are probably (12-14 oz).