Racing Flats

[GinnySellars]

I want to start a discussion about experience with racing flats.

I used the New Balance MR805 for Ironman, and was SO impressed. I had never considered running in racing flats before this, mostly because I was concerned about lack of 'squish' over the long haul, and uncertainty over the structure of the shoe. I use a neutral shoe despite having really high arches. Any pronation control aggravates my foot problems because it does not allow the natural roll of my foot. I thought the racing flat would feel like ballet slippers. Instead, I found them soft, and responsive. They allowed my foot to roll well, but still felt substantial enough. The best part was noticing a significant difference in the weight, especially when they got wet. No blisters for the first time in a decade!

Anyone else tried flats?

[IronVictory]

I have not tried racing flats, but am considering something different now that I have been switched to my new running style (thanks Ginny!). I've been using Asics Kayano's for years, but now I am finding them to be "floppy". What were your reasons for switching to a racing flat in the first place? Why not continue with a traditional running shoe, especially for the distance?

[GinnySellars]

To be honest, they were a gift from New Balance. Paige Sutherland is the rep, and she has secured a small product sponsorship for our High Performance athletes this year, and shoes for the coaches. Lucky us! Also a great investment, as we have discovered New Balance, and the benefits of racing flats. I probably would not have taken the risk otherwise. I will not do long training in these shoes, but will race in them at all distances.

[Andrew]

New Balance 805s that we wore in New Zealand are a combination running flat/neutral training shoe. We received them as a gift from one of our sponsors, which is the first items either of us have ever received to support our racing.

My personal preference is a neutral show, with no posting, no support, and just some moderate cushion in the heel to prevent bruising. I believe we can teach runners to develop the strength and coordination in their feet to support themselves, rather than relying on mechanisms of built up shoes and orthotics to replace weak and ineffective muscles, tendons, and ligaments. I believe that proper biomechanics of running can be taught and learned effectively, and will be the focus of our track sessions in 2009.

The shoes Ginny described above were also absolutely perfect for me, especially when I took the risk of running faster, with a mid-foot stance. The 805 are the perfect blend between being light weight, and having enough cushion to take the edge off the road for the marathon distance.

I run on a less cushioned version of the shoe in the trails, that is a bit tough on the body when running on the road, but is perfect for winter running in the snow, and for trail running on all different surfaces.

Our opinions may be biased due to the nature of our association with New Balance, but one can not argue with the positive results of our run, and the lack of blisters and injuries we experienced this year. Some of you may recall the photos of Ginny's blisters form last year's after Oliver Half. Neither of us had issues with the 805s in New Zealand. I can comfortably recommend these to anyone with a neutral running stance, in need of a light shoe for racing any distance.

[Rebecca]

It makes sense to me to concentrate on building strength and coordination rather relying on/  wearing a shoe with a ton of control.

Last year I was plaqued with a MCL strain in my right knee. A combination of strength, agility, balance exercises (thanks Andrew) and Newton racing shoes seemed to have done the trick in resolving the problem.

I met an ultra distance racer/store owner last year in Edmonton and he was convinced in the merits of spending time training your feet by spending a portion of your training running barefoot, in Vibram socks or shoes such a Newtons that allow you to use you entire foot when you run.  I bought a pair of Newtons and they really got me landing mid foot and using all ten toes.  I think my form is better and my training bud's say I'm faster (thanks for your encouragement Lore!)

[GinnySellars]

I'm SO happy to hear you are running well again Rebecca. I know how much patience it takes to get over injury. Thankfully we have 3 sports to train for, so there is always something else to take your mind off it.

[IronVictory]

Does anyone in the Okanagan carry Newtons?

[Andrew]

I believe they are only currently sold on-line, or through a very small number of retailers in the US. Newton's certainly have got a name for themselves, though one should be careful when using them for the first time. There is a tendency for the forefoot running to also be associated with some instability that will challenge the accessory muscles of the calf and lower leg. One potential hazard of this is to develop shin splints, if the strength is not developed slowly over time. So if you commit to buying a pair (like I did last year), also be committed to a patient approach to developing strength and balance as well.

[DanZ]

I've been using the 805's since January for mainly faster workouts...I changed my running form about 5 years ago using the Pose method, not that I feel like I'm really a Pose runner...since then I've always looked for lightweight shoes...last summer I got a pair of Nike Hayward 3's the Prefontaine ones...nice and light with a little cushion and fairly low to the ground...and I absolutely love them...when I first wore the 805's I thought they didn't have as much cushion and were a bit stiffer (which they are compared to the Hayward 3's) and they kind of feel like they have a bit of a rocker in the forefoot...I love them now as well...I don't know if it's the best idea to switch back and forth, but no problems (not that I'm running a ton, maybe 3 hours a week)...plus I'm a phys ed teacher and usually where a pair of Nike Free Traininers...all in all I think that once you've made adjustments to your gait or form I think the lighter weight racing flat types are good for the foot...I once went into a running shop and when I asked for a racing flat type shoe for my regular training, the guy told me that I would get injured training in them...I merely nodded and decided not to get into anything and they lost my business...I wish some of these running shops had employees that had more of a knowledge base instead of pushing a stability shoe on me!...

DanZ

ps...my last experience with New Balance wasn't great, but I'm glad these 805's have changed my mind

[Loic]

I am currently training on Newtons and they have been great.

The store in Edmonton is Fast Trax and is owned by Jack Cook (my old xc ski coach).  I think they've been carrying Newtons for about a year and that's where I bought mine.  He's really good about shipping stuff out if you want.

http://www.fasttraxskishop.com/

[Rebecca]

That's the store that I got my Newtons; the owner was really helpful - very intense ultra runner, thats for sure. There web site has got some interesting training musings on it too.