Think About Running Surfaces

Be mindful of your running surfaces.  Try to train on similar surfaces to what you will be racing on.  Going from the treadmill to a blacktop road race can be a shock to your system.  It’s a different style of running and the treadmill is easier on your body.  Concrete is hard and unforgiving and asphalt is slightly softer so prepare your body for these surfaces slowly over time.  Trail running is good for it<s soft surface, nature is good for your mental health but it’s more challenging than road running with all the obstacles to trip over.

Choose the Right Shoes For Your Feet and Running Style

Shoes are the most important piece of gear for the marathon runner.  I’ve seen people run barefoot and run a marathon in crocs but I recommend lightweight running shoes.  I have flat feet, so I really only go barefoot at the beach and when I want to feel the grass between my toes.

Break in your shoes before a race

Take the time to break in your footwear before the race, it also helps to have a backup pair of long distance shoes.  For my first race I made the mistake of wearing my race shoes and  jogging through a puddle the day before the race.  Wearing brand new shoes on race day was a mistake. My left shoe gave me a massive blood blister 30 minutes into the race, but now I always remember my broken-in backup pair.

Shoe Lifespan

Your shoes should last 800-1000 km (500-600 miles).  After that length of time they start to offer less protection from impacts along with worn out soles and interiors.  At this point I usually relegate the shoes to grass cutting duty / gardening / mud runs.

The best marathon shoes (are the ones that don’t hurt your feet.)

Nike marathon shoes

Nike Pegasus has a dedicated customer base, I’ve finished marathons in Nike’s and you can too.  The shoes are slim, breathable and the air sole cushions your strides.

Adidas marathon shoes

The Adidas Solar Glides are my personal favorites!  I find them lightweight, breathable and cushioned enough to be easy on the joints.  

Your Shoes

It doesn’t matter how much (or how little) they cost. The best shoes are the ones that don’t hurt your feet.