11 replies to this topic

[Sparkie]

A question for the 'hard-core' track runners - do you use different spikes for racing and training. If so what is the difference, and if possible, could you identify the brands/models you use for each.

Beginnning to discover what an expensive hobby track and field can be...

[southy]

Hi Sparkie. I always use the same spikes. My thinking is that I want my feet muscles to get accustomed to the shoes I am going to race in. Therefore, if I do my racing in a pair of shoes I also will do my track interval training in them.
On the other hand, my son has a very expensive pair of middle distance spikes he uses for racing in. Because we train on a grass track which is sometimes wet & muddy, he has always used a cheaper pair of spikes for training in, to save his nice ones for racing on the Mondo surface in.

[skinny munger]

i dont actually think you should train in spikes.... unless you need to get used to that certain feel, or if you want to train in spikes than i think that it would be better to train in cross country spikes instead because of the amount of cushioning and stability......

[goin the distance]

i prefer to train in racing spikes....it gets me use to them and blisters and other things are less likely to happen when in races...also gets some worth out them since i change spikes every 6 months :P :P ... i reckon there is no need for training spikes...just more money to fork out if you want them.

[Damany]

G'day

I train in different spikes to what i race in.

I train in these and I race in these (like most of the Sydney middle distance runners do). The only reason I do this is because I train on a grass track and I feel that the Cross Country spikes give me more grip and support.

[DrJH]

Hi Sparkie,

I use one pair for tartan and one for grass/cross country. That way I'm not changing spikes all the time. These days that means that one pair doesn't do much! It was the opposite when I lived in England and I never trained on a grass track.

[danieljohngreen]

Hi Sparkie

Just my two cents worth here. I think that spikes are something that you have to train in if you are competing in spikes in any event.

Also the best thing about training in spikes is that they get you up on your toes in a good running position. The bad thing is that it can be hard when you initially starting training in them again.

I usually have just one pair that I train and race in. Although during some periods I have been lucky enough to have two pairs and use one predominantly for racing and the other one for training. Although I will never race in a pair of spikes that I have not trained in at least twice.

Good luck with it.
Greeny

[lactatehead]

Sparkie,
I have one pair that get used for cross country and track. Because most cross country courses in Australia are pretty tame I do not think that you generally need to buy specialist X/C spikes.
I train in them if I want to get up on my toes to run as fast as possible but generally I train in flats.

[livestrong]

I generally use a rule that if your running mid distance, train in a long distance spike. The plate is less agressive, less stiff, and not so likely to force you up on your toes for the entire session. They usually also feel more comfortable. I use the Nike Ventulus or Ventulus Plus for training (zoom air unit in the heel) and various Nike spikes for racing.

[cat_night]

I train in flats normally. I only pull on the spikes when I need some extra grip, say, if the track is wet & a bit too slippery for fast work in flats, or sometimes on the grass, because I find that I get quite sore in the calves from the spikes forcing me up on my toes. (yet this is not a prob I have racing).

I use middle distance spikes, though I have recently bought some XC ones, I'm yet to test them out. The only disadvantage to this is when you do race in your spikes after not having worn them since the last season you can get a bit sore underfoot from the spike plate, as I rediscovered yesterday, lol! That prob will disappear in the next couple weeks tho. Although I can feel where the soreness is right now I didn't notice at all on my long run this morn.

[Jasari1500]

As per livestrong comment...

[mikedec]

I tend to train in the same spikes i compete in, except if my legs are feeling sore, ill use more cushioned spikes instead of my sprint spikes for shorter intervals. the spikes i use, and theres alot, are:

100/400/hurdles - Nike Super Shift or Mizuno Tokyo
1500m - Addidas meteor(circa. 2001, on their last legs but still the best pair ive ever had) or nike zoom miler
LJ/Pole - Nike Zoom LJ
HJ - Nike Zoom HJ 2
Jav - Addidas adiStar Javelin
Shot/Discus - Asics Hyper Throw

I prefer a more flexible spike plate, as stiffer ones tend to give me shin pain.