The Running Thread --2025

[PrincessV]

So… remember our earlier conversation about Badwater and trail shoes and melting soles? Well, I ordered a pair of road shoes last week, but was accidentally sent the trail version of the shoe. I didn’t realize it until I had a shoe out of the box and halfway on my foot, when I saw the sole. I returned them, but it got me thinking… the outsoles of my current shoe are worn entirely smooth in spots with only 100 miles on them, and I’m getting no grip in slippery conditions or on dirt trails. Maybe I should consider a trail shoe for more durability?? Of my 6 miles I typically run on weekends, 2 are on very rough - and scorching hot - concrete and asphalt, 2-3 on trails composed of dirt, sand, and chunky gravel, and maybe 1-2 on smooth-ish asphalt. I’ve always thought of trail shoes as being for “real” trails with lots of big rocks and such, but it’s now occurring to me that what I run most is pretty abrasive and/or would be nicer with more traction. Thoughts? The shoe in question (Altra Wild) is marked down and fits like a dream…

 

[Naomeri]

So… remember our earlier conversation about Badwater and trail shoes and melting soles? Well, I ordered a pair of road shoes last week, but was accidentally sent the trail version of the shoe. I didn’t realize it until I had a shoe out of the box and halfway on my foot, when I saw the sole. I returned them, but it got me thinking… the outsoles of my current shoe are worn entirely smooth in spots with only 100 miles on them, and I’m getting no grip in slippery conditions or on dirt trails. Maybe I should consider a trail shoe for more durability?? Of my 6 miles I typically run on weekends, 2 are on very rough - and scorching hot - concrete and asphalt, 2-3 on trails composed of dirt, sand, and chunky gravel, and maybe 1-2 on smooth-ish asphalt. I’ve always thought of trail shoes as being for “real” trails with lots of big rocks and such, but it’s now occurring to me that what I run most is pretty abrasive and/or would be nicer with more traction. Thoughts? The shoe in question (Altra Wild) is marked down and fits like a dream…

I had a pair of ASICS trail shoes even though I don’t run trails, and I never had any problem running on roads. They’ve been demoted to park shoes because they’re getting worn on the inside and have a lot of miles on them, but the soles are still pretty good.

 

[avondale]

Update since i went to PT on Monday. First off I was pretty sure i was going to have to wait 2 more weeks to run, and then i would start with a 1 minute run 2 minute walk. I figured i would get 10 intervals, so 10 minutes of running. Well, surprise, she said i could run this week. i said 1 minute of running, and she said no, no , no. I was allowed 30 sec run and 1.5 minute walk. I could do it 10 times. A whole 5 minutes of total running. I am to do this for 2 weeks. Then i can add a little more running. I am set to see her in three weeks.

Excited yes, but also sad, because i am starting over again.

I did run Tues and Thurs, so far so good. Trying hard to remember it is 5 more minutes of running than what i was doing last week. I have 5 months to get ready for the half. Not sure i will make it back to 3 min run/1 min walk by then but should be at a 2/1 at least.

Yes, starting over, which sucks. I think I might like having such a well-structured plan, though. I'd probably milk that for as long as I could, because I like having plans.

 

[avondale]

So… remember our earlier conversation about Badwater and trail shoes and melting soles? Well, I ordered a pair of road shoes last week, but was accidentally sent the trail version of the shoe. I didn’t realize it until I had a shoe out of the box and halfway on my foot, when I saw the sole. I returned them, but it got me thinking… the outsoles of my current shoe are worn entirely smooth in spots with only 100 miles on them, and I’m getting no grip in slippery conditions or on dirt trails. Maybe I should consider a trail shoe for more durability?? Of my 6 miles I typically run on weekends, 2 are on very rough - and scorching hot - concrete and asphalt, 2-3 on trails composed of dirt, sand, and chunky gravel, and maybe 1-2 on smooth-ish asphalt. I’ve always thought of trail shoes as being for “real” trails with lots of big rocks and such, but it’s now occurring to me that what I run most is pretty abrasive and/or would be nicer with more traction. Thoughts? The shoe in question (Altra Wild) is marked down and fits like a dream…

There's nothing WRONG with wearing trail shoes on pavement. It's just that you're probably paying for things you don't need - the tougher construction, maybe a rock plate inside, and so on. They are also usually less flexible, heavier, andmaybe less breathable, so depending on your preferences, something to think about. Maybe you are finding that you need the tougher construction.

 

[PrincessV]

There's nothing WRONG with wearing trail shoes on pavement. It's just that you're probably paying for things you don't need - the tougher construction, maybe a rock plate inside, and so on. They are also usually less flexible, heavier, andmaybe less breathable, so depending on your preferences, something to think about. Maybe you are finding that you need the tougher construction.

I did some research after posting and the Wild is a very mild trail shoe: good traction, but no rock plate, no toe cap, light and breathable, and flexible. I had no idea it was a trail shoe when I pulled it out of the box until I saw the sole! It seems to truly be a Flow upper with a beefier tread. It actually sounds about perfect for what I run, so I may grab a pair while the discounted version is still available.