The Running Thread - 2016

[ZellyB]

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

ATTQOTD: I've typically replaced mine based more on feel than on mileage although I usually have a rough idea of miles. I run in a pretty minimalist shoe, so I don't usually get as many miles out of them as a lot of people do. However, with the new pair I got recently I have been tracking mileage on them. Something I've always said I was going to do and never did...so high five for me. I've always run in the same shoe. Twice I've briefly tried a different shoe, but they just didn't feel right. I run in Saucony Kinvaras.

 

[DopeyBadger]

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

I've got 7 pairs of shoes in rotation at all different points in their life. Usually, I replace them when they start to not have that feeling I'm looking for. To a point, I like to keep myself blinded to the number of miles I have on a pair of shoes so that I don't persuade my sub-conscious into believing they are dead when they aren't. I just retired a pair of Triumph ISOs at 500 miles, the furthest I've gone in a single pair. My other pair of Triumphs are around 480 and might have a few good miles left in them. I just started a new pair of Triumphs and they're below 100 so feeling great. My Rides usually die out around 300-350 miles. My Kinvaras are just starting to die on me and they are somewhere around 150-200 miles.

For the most part, the feeling is they just don't give me the return I'm looking for in a foot strike. They feel flat, weak, and usually cause more soreness during and post run.

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

It varies for me based on the shoe. My favourite shoe is the Saucony Kinvara but they wear quickly. he sole is almost entirely exposed EVA foam with just a few rubber overlays and I tend to wear down the outer edge significantly. I am usually able to get 250-350 miles on them before it is time to think about replacing. My other road shoes are good for closer to 400 miles before thinking of a replacement, even more with trail shoes. I like to stay with my Kinvaras most of the time but always seem to have another brand that I am trying out as well (lots of New Balance love).

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

Lots of Kinvara people here! I bought a pair of 6's a little over a month ago and had only done my long runs in them, but they were already starting to feel a little less than perfect and I wanted to run Boston in 6's. I had to hunt to find my size here in town but eventually did, snagging the last pair at a local running store. I decided to break them in at my 30K race last weekend and I actually tried them on for the first time on race morning haha...nice to know you can trust a shoe that much. They are now tucked away waiting for Boston.

I'll get a pair of the new 7's after my race, but didn't want to make the switch this close to race day. The 7's look good, but they certainly look like they have changed versus previous versions...hope they didn't mess up a fantastic shoe!

 

[surfde22]

I've got 7 pairs of shoes in rotation at all different points in their life. Usually, I replace them when they start to not have that feeling I'm looking for. To a point, I like to keep myself blinded to the number of miles I have on a pair of shoes so that I don't persuade my sub-conscious into believing they are dead when they aren't. I just retired a pair of Triumph ISOs at 500 miles, the furthest I've gone in a single pair. My other pair of Triumphs are around 480 and might have a few good miles left in them. I just started a new pair of Triumphs and they're below 100 so feeling great. My Rides usually die out around 300-350 miles. My Kinvaras are just starting to die on me and they are somewhere around 150-200 miles.

For the most part, the feeling is they just don't give me the return I'm looking for in a foot strike. They feel flat, weak, and usually cause more soreness during and post run.

How do you like the Triumph ISOs? Those and Brooks Glycerin are what I was recently fitted for, though I slightly preferred the Triumph ISOs in store. I'd love to here your thoughts on them and experiences in running in them.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Truth - The best way to keep your complete body fit is to mix in something that you haven't done in at least one month every week. You burn more calories and produce greater results in less time.

I try to mix things up enough to ensure that some part of my body is sore every day when training.

I didn't have a lot of free time last year so I told myself I was fine with just running and I would eventually reach my goals. This year I am going to try and commit to doing whatever it takes to improve and reach my goals, even if it means getting up at 5 am every day to get in the extra workouts. I am sore everywhere (as you know from starting P90X before). I just now attempted my new Yoga workout for runners. I HATE yoga. It is so frustrating to me but I also recognize how badly I need it. I don't know how they expect you do all the moves when you are twisted like a pretzel, how can you see the freaking TV to know what to do next. It drives me crazy. And then, I am physically (and mentally) very rigid. So I am watching this Gumby like creature bend her body in ways nobody should be able to move and I'm like a 2" x 4" that feels like my hamstrings are going to snap when I bend over to touch my toes. I made it 20 minutes through before I began shaking so I am not watching the rest to try and learn what I will be doing next time.

Sorry for the venting. I am just frustrated at my lack of conditioning and not being able to do this. But, I did my best today and I will just keep trying to get better. In the long run I know it will help me.

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

ATTQOTD: I change mine around 350 miles. I am big in terms of running at 6'-5" 210lbs, so I don't get as many miles out of the shoes as someone who weighs 170. I try out new shoes in the spring/summer if I am having problems with the ones I have been running in. This year I have been pleased with the pair I have been using, so I am just going to keep using them for now.

I try to get as many miles as I can. I use 350 as a guideline but if I hit that many and they still feel good, I'm not feeling any pain after runs, and I don't notice any other issues I will push it a bit more. As for the actual shoe. I have really wide feet so it limits what brand I can wear. I have tried on many brands and so far Brooks and Asics are the only ones I find comfortable. But, I have always stuck with Asics. They are just so comfortable for me. I did Nimbus 17's and Cumulus 17's last year. One is lighter than the other and one had more padding than the other. I tried on the Nimbus 18's this week to see how the new model feels and they don't feel as good as the 17's so I might buy a few pair of the 17's for this year.

 

[Miranda]

ATTQOTD: I also retire mine based on feel/tread wear, although I do track the mileage always in Strava. I am a little on the fluffy side for a lady (6'0", 225), so I also don't get as many miles out of them. For the past year I have been running in Altra Olympus. I stocked up on 4 pairs last spring of the 1.0 versions at deep discounts when the 1.5 were released, and I think I'll probably be running through these still for the rest of this year, maybe part of next! I have 1 pair @ 135.7 miles, 1 pair @ 10.5 miles (just started rotating these in because the 135 mile pair are purple and the other 2 are grey, and I have some SparkleSkirts that purple sneakers would look better with so I want to preserve the purple ones as long as I can ), and one pair new in the box. I don't have any plans to change from Altra at this time... I did a lot of experimenting with New Balance, Brooks, and Asics, before landing here. I have a wide foot and it's often hard to find D width ladies sneakers. The shape of the Altras fits me perfectly.

 

[preciouspups]

Atqotd: I go more by wear and feel and checkbook. I can tell mine are starting to go because I'm getting pains in different places and I'm getting foot cramps more often. I try on new brands and styles every time because they change with every new edition. I'm in Nike Pegasus right now because the brooks pure flow didn't feel the same and I needed more support for some tendinitis. Now that is better so I will try on the brooks again.

I ate a kind bar this morning and then tried to run. Big mistake. I remembered why I run on an empty stomach!

 

[RunDisneyDad]

I’m on the smaller side so I can get 600 miles out of a pair.

Put me in the Kinvara camp. I had a couple of pairs of Kinvara 6’s last year that I loved, but started developing soreness in my left Achilles. Prior to the Kinvaras I had only run in shoes with a 10mm drop. The Kinvara’s have a 4mm drop, so I initially chalked up the Achilles soreness to the lower drop, but based on your comments I’m wondering if I just put too many miles on them…hmmm.

Anyway, I would still highly recommend the Kinvara’s.

 

[DopeyBadger]

How do you like the Triumph ISOs? Those and Brooks Glycerin are what I was recently fitted for, though I slightly preferred the Triumph ISOs in store. I'd love to here your thoughts on them and experiences in running in them.

I really like them for training purposes. They feel most comfortable for me at paces slower than marathon goal pace when I'm trying to put in those slow easy miles. Anything faster and I feel they start to hold me back. I've never had a shoe go beyond 350 miles, so when I did one of my spreadsheet updates and saw that the Triumphs were past 400 I was pleasantly surprised. One thing I like to do prior to shoe purchases is breakdown the price per estimated mile. This way a Ride and Triumph might be equal in cost, but the Triumph is the better value because I can get more miles out of them. I'm interested in giving the Zealot Iso a try in the next shoe binge because they are a 4mm drop like Kinvara but with more cushion (could be a replacement for Triumph for me since it's becoming harder to find them for cheap). The Zealot 2 comes out in June, thus the Zealot 1 will drop in price. The Kinvara 6s have dropped in price right now because of the new 7s. I'm watching a few websites to hopefully snag a few for under $50 a piece.

@CheapRunnerMike @RunDisneyDad

How does the Kinvara 6 compare to the 5? I've never run in the 6, but seen many people comment that the toe box is slightly narrower compared to the 5 (which I've had 3 pairs now). According to Shoefitter (A 3D shoe mapping technology), it looks like I should go a half size up between the Kinvara 5 to the 6 to accommodate the narrower fit. Have either of you tried the Type A6 or Type A for shorter distance races (5K/10K)?

 

[opusone]

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

Similar to others, I use 350 miles as my expected life, but I sometimes retire shoes early or keep them longer based on the feel. Most shoes last between 300-450 miles for me.

As far as models, I usually find one I like and then stock up on that model (when they are discounted after the next version comes out). After my stock gets low (i.e. on the last pair), I will order the current version of the same shoe, and if everything is still good, I will stick with that model until they change it to a point where I no longer like it (which they always do for some reason).

That being said, I am currently searching for my "new" favorite shoe. For the last 3-4 years, I have used the Nike Vomero line (6s, 7s, 8s) which I really loved; however, when I tried the Vomero 10s, they just didn't feel as cushiony and seemed to be of a lesser quality construction than the earlier versions, so I returned them (which I never do). For the last couple months, I have been trying a pair of Hoka Clifton 2s and a pair of Hoka Stinson 3s. I really want to like them with the cushioning and all, but the fit just doesn't seem quite right. The Clifton 2s are tight in the toe box, so I really have to apply body glide liberally to my toes to prevent blistering, and the Stinson 3s hit a little bit weird on the arch. Both pairs got better after a bit of a break-in period but still not to a point that I will likely stick with them, plus most shoes nowadays don't require much of a break-in period, and the break-in on these shoes really took me back a few years. I guess that means they might last a while.

Anybody have any suggestions for a 180 lb neutral runner who just wants max cushioning?

 

[RunDisneyDad]

@DopeyBadger - I only ran in the 6's, so I can't speak to the differences between the 5 and 6.

 

[Dis5150]

QOTD: Todays QOTD is a request. I think we may have touched on the subject matter before, however with new folks coming to the thread, I think some topics can/should be discussed more than once. How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

I just started running last year and have not had good luck with shoes. I started running in Aasics and then injured my Achilles. The Aasics have a tighter/higher back to the heel and they kept the injury from healing. Without going and getting fitted at a running store, I went out and bought a pair of Nike Free 5.0's at Dicks, which I loved. They were so light and comfortable. But then I hurt my Peroneal tendon and discovered the low heel drop was most likely causing the pain. I went to a running store and they fitted me into my Brooks Transcend 3's which I currently run in. They feel great and I haven't had any issues but they are pricey ($170) and they just came out in January so it will be a while before they price down. I have around 150 miles on them so I don't have to think about replacing them for a while.

 

[ZellyB]

Lots of Kinvara people here! I bought a pair of 6's a little over a month ago and had only done my long runs in them, but they were already starting to feel a little less than perfect and I wanted to run Boston in 6's. I had to hunt to find my size here in town but eventually did, snagging the last pair at a local running store. I decided to break them in at my 30K race last weekend and I actually tried them on for the first time on race morning haha...nice to know you can trust a shoe that much. They are now tucked away waiting for Boston.

I'll get a pair of the new 7's after my race, but didn't want to make the switch this close to race day. The 7's look good, but they certainly look like they have changed versus previous versions...hope they didn't mess up a fantastic shoe!

Why do they ALWAYS have to mess with the style of a perfectly fine shoe? Why, shoe manufacturers, why??? My go to local running store quit carrying them and switched to some other Saucony model. I liked having them in the store for these style changes so I could easily try them on the decide on the changes and if it required a size change. Then after one pair I'd usually buy them online until the version changed again. My current ones are 6s, so I haven't tried the 7s yet. I really hope they didn't shrink down the toe box too much.

 

[Chaitali]

I didn't have a lot of free time last year so I told myself I was fine with just running and I would eventually reach my goals. This year I am going to try and commit to doing whatever it takes to improve and reach my goals, even if it means getting up at 5 am every day to get in the extra workouts. I am sore everywhere (as you know from starting P90X before). I just now attempted my new Yoga workout for runners. I HATE yoga. It is so frustrating to me but I also recognize how badly I need it. I don't know how they expect you do all the moves when you are twisted like a pretzel, how can you see the freaking TV to know what to do next. It drives me crazy. And then, I am physically (and mentally) very rigid. So I am watching this Gumby like creature bend her body in ways nobody should be able to move and I'm like a 2" x 4" that feels like my hamstrings are going to snap when I bend over to touch my toes. I made it 20 minutes through before I began shaking so I am not watching the rest to try and learn what I will be doing next time.

My husband used to feel this way about yoga. I think a lot of the traditional videos and instructors just didn't connect with him and left him feeling very frustrated. He swears by DDP Yoga now in case that's something you want to try. DDP is Diamond Dallas Page and he used to be a wrestler. He kind of markets it as yoga for guys. But the other thing my husband really like s about it is that he often jokes about himself and he's very transparent about his journey. He'll say things like when he started, he couldn't even touch his toes. He really emphasizes that wherever you are in your journey is where you're supposed to be. It's ok to fall, not be able to reach, etc. Just keep doing it.

Anyway, just a tip on what ended up working for my husband after he expressed a lot of the same feelings you did

 

[roxymama]

ATTQOTD: I'm just about to switch my shoes gradually to a new pair. I'm feeling like they are almost on their last leg. I've had them since last March and I think I've worn them past their "beat up" date. I have Brooks Ghost 7 and I'll either repurchase or try out the Ghost 8.

@LSUlakes For April 30/May1 I had listed three races but only because I did not know which one we would decide to do. We ended up (hubby & I ) deciding on the Flying Pig 10k for 4/30 (it's already on the list) as it makes the most sense for our Ohio trip plans. Our goal is "fun run" so no time goal. Can you remove the Flying Pig 5k and the Flying Pig half from the list?
I have a race to add as well. Sat. June 25th Soldier Field 5k, Chicago, IL (no time goal yet)

 

[cavepig]

Shoe Mileage - I actually kept track and my one pair that I know is done for is about 300, probably a little more with some walking not added in there. My other pair is only at 275 but I think it's done too. I need a lot of cushion and I can just feel the flatness and I get more knee/shin pain. So, I have just broken in a new pair that will be my new main shoes and need to start breaking in another as I like 2 going at a time. I honestly thought I could get more miles, but nope it's not happening. I do run on 99% blacktop/concrete roads too. Getting 600 miles on a pair, wow that would be nice!

I tried on the Nimbus 18's this week to see how the new model feels and they don't feel as good as the 17's so I might buy a few pair of the 17's for this year.

Ugh Interesting, I just switched from Asics 16s to 17s (as I know I've mentioned in this thread somewhere) and I'm loving the 17s so far. At first the part over the toe felt stiff, but it feels fine now. That sucks the 18s don't feel as good. I'll probably stay in the 17s for as long as I can, considering I just switched to them.

 

[Miranda]

The Nimbus 17's were the shoe that I tried briefly before switching to Altras. I myself did not like them... I wear them casually all the time but I only ran in them for a handful of runs and they were just not for me. I found the midsole to be too flexy/bendy.

Re: yoga... I really like going to yoga classes rather than trying to do it on my own, but it can be hard to find someplace you are comfortable. A good class/instructor will let you know that it is perfectly ok to not be able to bend yourself in to the pretzel shapes. You may never get there and that's fine!

 

[CheapRunnerMike]

@CheapRunnerMike @RunDisneyDad

How does the Kinvara 6 compare to the 5? I've never run in the 6, but seen many people comment that the toe box is slightly narrower compared to the 5 (which I've had 3 pairs now). According to Shoefitter (A 3D shoe mapping technology), it looks like I should go a half size up between the Kinvara 5 to the 6 to accommodate the narrower fit. Have either of you tried the Type A6 or Type A for shorter distance races (5K/10K)?

No issues at all with the 6's vs the 5's...I kept the same size 10.5. If the toebox is slightly more narrow in the 6 I can't say that I have noticed. I haven't tried the Type A / A6...I use NB 1400's if I want a racing flat.

 

[PrincessV]

QOTD: How often people replace their running shoes? And how often they try out completely new ones or if they stay with same model and style always?

ATTQOTD: My running shoes tales are long and sullied, lol! I've tried at least 70% of the shoes on the market, I think; I'm not loyal in eh least when it comes to comfort! I'll stick to the few shoes that have actually worked for me long-term... My original Brooks PureFlows were shot at around 280 miles. Newton Gravity IIs were pretty well done at under 300, but I pushed them a little past that. I needed a shoe with more rigid ankle/heel support to deal with a chronic peroneal tendon issue and did my marathon training last year in Brooks Ghost 7 - thought with it being a more hefty shoe, I'd get more mileage out of it... nope. Retired at 296 miles. I plan to walk in them on my next Disney trip, just to get them officially past 300 lol! I'm now wearing Asics GT-2000 4s for longer runs and Asics DS Trainer 20s for short runs and once again, hope springs eternal that I may actually get more than 300 miles out of a pair of shoes. We'll see...

I do really appreciate that my sports med doc shook his head and gave me a solid dose of reality, though. I'm a total forefoot runner and there just don't seem to be any shoes that fit me right and hold up to that abuse in the forefoot. Sports med doc said "the only reason you're getting that much out of them is because you do run-walk intervals!" ~sigh~ Darn shoes get retired with heels that look nearly untouched, while the forefoot is worn down to midsole.