9 replies to this topic

[AaronR]

Anyone able to give me a rundown on the difference between the two? Or is it just a personal thing?

Cheers
Aaron

[Victory11]

AaronR, on Jan 17 2010, 09:21 PM, said:

Anyone able to give me a rundown on the difference between the two? Or is it just a personal thing?

Cheers
Aaron

Racers are a lighter shoe which will both increase your stride length and allow you to cover more distance with less effort because of the reduction in weight, however this only comes as a result of there being less cushioning and foot support structure than in your trainers, so in a sense, you're sacrificing stability for speed. And while trainers will slow you down slightly and make the going a little tougher, it has the necessary cushioning and support to help protect you from injury, which you need if you're planning on running any longer than a month or two. For this reason, racers should really only be used either in racing, or faster paced sessions like intervals or tempo runs, otherwise trainers are the way to go.

[Caterpillar]

Did the Melbourne Marathon 2009 in Asics Racers. Great first half of 1hr 29m, but started to implode at 24km. Slowed down to a walk from 35-41km. Severe pain in the quads. 3hrs 37m. In contrast, did the Hobart Cadbury Marathon in Asics Trainers. First half not as fast as Melbourne, but survived the last 10km better for a 3hr 20m. Less pain. Better recovery. In hindsight I should have done a few long runs in the racers before deciding to do a marathon in them. Maybe if I had a BMI of 20 the racers just might have been the right runner for a marathon, if I ever survive a few long runs in them.

Edited by aferraro, 18 January 2010 - 08:23 AM.

[Fossil]

on the other hand ... I don't own a pair of 'trainers'! :-) Only racing flats (for racing only), track spikes and Nike frees (or barefoot). oh and some Fivefingers.

I think a lot depends on your technique but IMHO the cushioning isn't much needed (and can encourage poor technique that actually leads to impact-related problems) as the legs provide ample cushioning with the right technique. That said, obviously running on soft surfaces is more beneficial than hard.

As for 'support'; I think if you can start off (or work towards) shoes without 'support' your feet and legs will be stronger - also, when a shoe with support lands on uneven ground in can turn your leg rapidly, leading to a severe twist, where a no/low-support shoe would simple turn slightly. I am forever turning my ankles in the street in walking shoes but it's never a problem in the Frees (running or walking).

Edited by Fossil, 18 January 2010 - 12:32 PM.

[Victory11]

Edit: Never Mind

Edited by Victory11, 18 January 2010 - 12:42 PM.

[AaronR]

hmm, OK I guess in my situation I should stick to trainers as I am 90kg and have poor running technique with wobbly joints. I think the support will do me better over the longer distances, but in time I may try some racers for shorter distances.
Thanks for the replies.

[walshy2]

I think Fossil makes some very good points and there is a growing band of folks who believe that the cushioned hi tech shoes these days can in some cases actually serve to create injury rather than prevent injuries.

Reading the book "Born To Run "gives some interesting insights and opinions into the subject

[Fossil]

walshy2, on Jan 18 2010, 08:38 PM, said:

I think Fossil makes some very good points and there is a growing band of folks who believe that the cushioned hi tech shoes these days can in some cases actually serve to create injury rather than prevent injuries.

Reading the book "Born To Run "gives some interesting insights and opinions into the subject

I was given the book 'Born to Run' last week and was told I would really enjoy it. However, yesterday, a few chapters in I was seriously considering not finishing it but now you say that i'll keep going with it!

AaronR, on Jan 18 2010, 08:32 PM, said:

hmm, OK I guess in my situation I should stick to trainers as I am 90kg and have poor running technique with wobbly joints. I think the support will do me better over the longer distances, but in time I may try some racers for shorter distances.
Thanks for the replies.

I'd say the first thing to check is the running technique

[TehAxe]

AaronR, on Jan 18 2010, 08:32 PM, said:

hmm, OK I guess in my situation I should stick to trainers as I am 90kg and have poor running technique with wobbly joints. I think the support will do me better over the longer distances, but in time I may try some racers for shorter distances.
Thanks for the replies.

you could try a lightweight trainer, which is like halfway between a trainer & racing flat. I have a pair of NB 904s which I have run a 10k race in & they are fantastic. Still feel supported but much lighter than training shoes.
I am also 90kg.

[AaronR]

Fossil, I agree, running technique is something that I need to learn. You can only learn so much from you tube. I have thought about doing a training course or attending some type of seminar at some point so yes, very valid.

TehAxe
I'll try some lighter shoes, when the budget permits. At this point, I think I will do as Fossil suggests and look at technique. it's all fun and games until someone pulls a muscle, tendon or other suitably painful thing.