10 replies to this topic

[pastyboy]

Lighter shoes = less shock absorption = more leg stress/fatigue = slower time

Be careful what you play with, make sure you have the leg strength....I'd go for the weight loss before investing in the shoes. Maybe reward yourself for losing the extra pounds?

[Action]

PeteS, "BMI spot on".... spot on what - I think your numbers work out to 23.1'ish? That is the upper range of "normal". My BMI is 20, racing weight BMI is 19.x (low range of normal). Now, everyone has an ideal racing weight based on a myriad of factors. Drop too much and you slow down, carry too much and you slow down. Arriving at the best racing weight just takes time and experience.

Now, as to carrying dead weight - it is quite different physics from throwing 100 odd grams on the end of each leg up and down, back and forth for the duration of a race.

If the kg or 3 falls off by not drinking booze for a few weeks then fair enough, but if you restrict your energy intake and go below your ideal weight you will be in trouble. Be careful.

Having said all that, go the weight loss before racing flats - makes a bigger difference.

:)

[Jogger]

Light shoes + weight loss = faster time?

Don't forget to make sure you are doing the right training!

[wombatface]

PETE S, "Am going to buy a pair of "somethings" for my debut 1/2M" - I would advise testing out your somethings in a couple of races before Gold Coast. I said somewhere else that I read an article that claimed losing 1kg of 'dead weight' would reduce your 10k time by 30 seconds (all things being equal).

I also agree with Action that shoe weight has to be moved through a circle which involves overcoming centrifugal force - imagine pedalling a bike with lead pedals. Therefore, small reductions in shoe weight can make big differences in racing times.

[celtic runr]

Go for the BMI of 20 for the long term but I think there is not enough time to do this now. I always wear racing shoes and have for over 20 years. The worst ones were Reebok's which I bought on specials. The time lost at the end due to back problems because of not enough cushioning was not worth it. I now look for a stronger shoe and find the new Nike racers OK after many years of Nike Air Mariahs. Why do they stop making great shoes?

[silver fox]

Pete S

We share almost identical height,weight and times. Cant tell you what to put on your feet, thats a personal choice based on a myriad of reasons(biomechanics, running style, potential injury concerns, foot shape etc).

For me I have always gone for a light weight trainer to race in. I think it is more practical. You will get heaps more kms out of them and they serve the purpose on race day.

I notice there is a thread I started titled 'alternatives to ds trainers' on the main page now that may give you a few other options.

Personally I dont wear them because I feel the pace I run doesnt warrant. But thats me, if you feel comfortable and have the cash give them a go.

[PETE S]

Thanks for responses - seems 2-3kg loss pre race will be beneficial especially if its primarily from booze intake reduction which aside from weight loss is only going to help my general health and a hell of a lot cheaper than new shoes (although with all the money i save from not drinking i can buy the shoes anyway).

Point taken re training regime but the thread was posted assuming a reasonable program is in place and for an inexperienced mug like me what extra little things can make a difference.

Yes Action you sprung me on the upper range of BMI but i didnt say "Spot on" ... you did ! Nonetheless a goal BMI of 20-21 seems in order until i at least have more racing under my belt.

Cheers !!!

[PETE S]

Read with interest thread this week re benefit of light racing flats over 10k 1/2M + M. Am going to buy a pair of "somethings" for my debut 1/2M at Gold Coast but was thinking today about the benefit of purposely dropping 2-3kg over next few weeks - is it the same sort of weight reduction benefit or is the miniscule 100gms or so you save in racing shoes more benefit cos it is "dead weight"? I am 48yo male 5'10" 73kg which is right on the button as far as BMI goes but if i back off the beers/wine for a bit i wont miss the 2-3kgs. Been running for 2.5years, have run a 39:30 for 10k and realistic 1/2M target of 88-90.

[rabbit]

Pete,
Let's crunch some numbers.

Say you're 3kgs overweight and assume a 1m stride length.

3 x 42,000 = 126,000 kgs

That's an extra 126 metric tonnes that you need to carry over the marathon course. :)

Regarding the 100 gms you quoted for the racing flats.

.1 x 42000 = 4200kgs

You're saving carrying 4.2 metric tonnes around the course by getting go fast shoes.

Do BOTH and you'll save yourself carrying just over 130 tonnes!

Rabbit

[PETE S]

Rabbit
Thats a bit scary crunched like that - maybe i should drop 6kg and save myself about 250+ tonne!!!! :)

[Jo73]

Dehydration of just 1% to 2% (700g to 1.4kg) for a 73kg runner can negatively impact performance. (I was reading it in Runners World April 03). So if you can lose it from not drinking amber, but still stay hydrated that'd be good. Good luck with your half marathon at the Gold Coast!