I usually train in the Brooks Glycerin (traditional neutral trainer, 9.8 oz) however I have a pair of Brooks Pure Connect (similar to the saucony kinvaras..very light. 6.8 oz) that I usually just use for speedwork and races.  I haven't worn them in awhile, because I thought with all the small nagging injuries I should be wearing something more supportive for the mean time, however, today frustrated with lingering IT band pain I decided to wear them for an easy run and see if I noticed any difference.  I've realized that they're a lot more comfortable and I feel a lot less "clunky" wearing them than the Glycerins.  Don't get me wrong, the glycerins are fine and served me fine all summer but I think I really like the PureConnects more as a daily training shoe.  I also had hardly any IT band pain today. A little tightness after 3 miles, but the other day after 1 mile it was really hurting so this is a big improvement.  I've been foam rolling the crap out of it and doing hip strengthening exercises so I'm sure it's not all the shoe..but I wonder if the shoe has anything to do with it? Idk.

Here is my question, I'm tentatively planning on running my first full next October. Can you train for and race a marathon in minimalist shoes like the Kinvaras or the pure connects?  They felt fine when I wore them for my HM, but I'm nervous about doing 20 milers in them.  I understand they might wear out more quickly, which is fine, I'm just worried about getting injuries because of the lack of support.  I know I'm thinking way in advance,  but I just want to plan ahead if I can get used to wearing them as my daily trainer or if I need something with more support for marathon training. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

I'm not expecting anything magical to happen. I've been running since I was 13 and know better than to expect a pair of shoes to fix all my problems. Like I said I've worn them for a HM and had no problems. In the summer I was switching between these and the glycerins. I don't have the money though to rotate up to 5 different pairs of shoes.

The main reason I don't wear them more is because I've simply heard that they're not supportive enough for a lot of mileage. Yes, I need to find out for myself but I just wanted to know if anyone has had luck training for a marathon in lighter shoes. Sure I can switch between them and another pair, but if they can handle high mileage Id like to wear them more often. I have already been using them for speedwork/tempo runs.  I'm asking if anyone has had luck using this type of shoe as the primary training shoe for a marathon. I've ran up to 13 miles in them and had no problems, but that's a big difference from 26 miles.

What issues with shoes are you referring to? I've only ever worn 3 different kinds of running shoes in the 6-7 years I've been running. I've never had any major problems with shoes themselves. Most of my issues stem from building up mileage too quickly, and I am the first to admit that. What other dozen threads have I posted? The last I remember posting about shoe problems was almost a year ago when I switched from the Adrenalines to the Glycerins. Overall I haven't really had problems with my shoes...

Thanks Lily!  Minimalist might be the wrong word..Idk exactly what you'd call them either...Obviously I don't know much about shoes myself lol. I've just always heard that you should wear a heavy firm supportive shoe for high mileage..but yours look similar to the ones I am talking about so I think I will try them once I start marathon training and see how it goes. Thanks again!

I have seen a lot of people using the Connects and the Kinvaras for marathons.  I would just build the mileage carefully if you feel it is too support less.  I have the Connects and have done up to 8 miles in them.  I might go longer with them, I might not.  Give it a try but if you feel they are not good for you, switch back to your other shoe.

Here is my experience.  Your mileage may vary.

I use three different shoes.  Asics Nimbus are about the most cushioned shoe on the market and weigh around 11.5 ounces.  I use them for my recovery jogs and my easy runs.  Currently, I also have Asics Tarther at roughly 7.5 ounces that I use for tempo runs, marathon pace runs, and races longer than 5K.  Last, I have Asics Piranhas at about 4 ounces that I use for track speedwork and races 5K and under.  

The lighter the shoe, the more efficient you'll run.  Up to a point.  The problem with less and less cushioning is that you start taking shorter an shorter steps in an effort to avoid the shock from landing impact.  Of course, that happens unconsciously.  Regardless, as you have less cushioning, your muscles fatigue faster as they absorb the landing shock rather than letting the shoe midsole absorb the shock.  I have yet to be beaten by anyone running in VFF's in longer races.  Importantly, I always seem to pass them 2/3 or so of the way through the race.  My guess, and it's just a guess, is that they are fatiguing as the race goes on because they have no cushioning.

I think my 7.5 ounce shoes are a perfect balance of lighter weight and cushioning you need for longer races.  When I look to see what world class runners are wearing in marathons, I never, ever, ever see 4 ounce flats.  If folks whose livelihood depends on racing don't race in minimalist flats, why in the world would I?  

With all the extra support underneath the shoe, I don't consider the Kinvaras minimalist.

FWIW - I used up one pair of pure connects - used them mostly for shorter distances and had no problems with them.  But my preferred shoe, which is about the same weight is the Brooks Green Silence.  When training for my last two marathons I did most of my long runs (17 and up) using the Brooks GTS - a much heavier shoe with much more heel.  But used the Green Silence for all else - including runs up to 16, and one at 18, just to make sure.  Used the GS in both marathons and they (not necessarily me) performed well.