heyyo wrote:
Anyone here done this race and can make some recommendations about shoes?
I'm deciding between, Saucony Grid Fastwitch 3's, Saucony Grid Type A3, or Nike Zoom XC Streak 2's.
I'm leaning against the Grid Type A3's because they seem to put my on my toes the most, which seems like extra stress on my calves going up hill.
So that leaves the Fastwitch or Streaks? The streaks are super minimal so I'm wondering if that could be a problem in an uphill 7 mile race?
Or does it not matter since I'l likely be running 10 minute miles.
Thoughts.
Ok, this is a little comical. You DO realize you're going to be up on your toes with massive calf burn for over an hour, right? I ran several hip climbs 2 years ago, including Mount Washington, and I personally found that thin, low-heeled shoes (~XC flats, mountain shoes like the INOV8's) are wayyyy better than thicker, road flats, in terms of performance,grip to get up the hill, and getting up on your toes to push off. I ran Mount Washington in the Saucony Kilkenny XC flats, which were awesome. I later did a hill climb in a pair of Brooks T5's, and they were horrendous (horrible grip, too thick, couldn't climb as effectively as the XC flats). If you have calf or Achilles problems to begin with, it's going to be a struggle cause you're going to be up on your toes. Make sure you doubleknot your laces and wear good socks that protect the heels from friction (+ vaseline). Go with the grippiest, thinnest, and best climbing shoe. The cushioning is moot and will make it harder to climb.
Regarding the guy who thinks 70 at the bottom and 50 at the top is "perfect" (well, maybe better than some years with rain + snow)-- make that "hot and steamy" at the bottom, with a gall wind at the top. The heat and humidity with the trees at the bottom is stuffy, like a bowl of heat, and could make you sick when you start climbing and going up in elevation. Then, you'll likely be shivering at the top until you get some clothes on.