Did racing flats improve your time? (Read 1333 times)

Thanks. I'm going to get some and try it out. From what I've seen, the flats seem to be less $$ than the training shoes, especially last years colors. Maybe I can get some of them flourescent orange ones

Based on that 180 equation thingy, I could have gotten my BQ three years ago if I'd only cut off four ounces of my hair right before the race.

You clearly haven't been exposed to the benefits of Chia running

...old like Scout..t.

That makes you Methuselah, since I'm 31.

I'd like to hear about your experience using flats for racing and how much you improved your time. Also, any recommendations for particular brands/models of flats. Thanks, Tom

Tom, I've been training in flats for about three years now. I started off with the old Asics Tiger Paws then moved down to Nike Forevers and then the H-Streets. I'm currently training in Addidas Cubatos but will likely start using the AdiZero PRs since all the other shoes I use are no longer being made. So here's the thing, I can't say that training in flats have improved my times directly, as I'm a believer in simply doing a lot of training for time improvement and not attributing that to much other than hard work and dedication. The benefits that I believe I get from training in flats is that of a more natural stride and better efficiency. Also, because of this efficiency I don't get injured as much. In all the years that I've worn regular trainers I've always had constant problems with PF, shin splints, ITBS, and knee problems. After making a gradual slow transition to flats, all of these problems started to go away. My lower calf muscles are a lot stronger and seem to recover quicker from harder runs. My foot strike has changed from that of heel striking to forefoot striking. My stride is much smoother and despite wearing less cushioning seems to have less of a landing shock than before. As for improvements, I can't really differentiate what time improvements were attributed to my flats and what was attributed to my training, it's hard to say. I do believe that it lessens your chances for injury though (once fully adapted of course). This is just my experience since switching over, hopefully it gives you some insight to the minimalism philosophy. Matt

True about the stick, but remember these two things: 1) shoe weight is very close to the engines (the legs) so the pendulum effect is fairly low, and 2) each foot strike carries the additional body weight whereas each foot strike only carries the weight of the shoe on that side.

To me flats are worth maybe 2-4 secs per mile in a race. But my trainers are pretty light anyway. I go through period where I do most of my training in flats--I think this helps with form and makes my feet stronger and actually reduces injuries. But in the winter I wear traininer almost exclusively. I dunno the ground feels harder and I can never see what I'm stepping on.

McDonald