Lecture Notes: Running Shoes and Personal Preferences

Overview

This lecture discusses various running shoes and personal experiences with them, focusing on specific brands and models, their features, and recommendations for selecting the right shoe for running and cross-training.

Sakon Endorphin Series

• Personal Experience:

  • Worn Sakon Endorphin Speed series for about three years.
  • Experience with different versions: Speed 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • Initially liked the series but disliked the Speed 4.
  • Currently wearing the Speed 3, especially in pink due to limited color availability.
  • Uses Speed 3 for daily training.

• Sakon Branding Issues:

  • Initial confusion with pronunciation and branding campaigns.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp

• Usage:
  • Enjoyed for some runs and cross-training workouts.
  • Recently ordered race shoes from New Balance for testing.

Race Shoes and Carbon Plates

• Nike Vaporfly:

  • Strong preference for Nike Vaporfly for races and fast tempo workouts.
  • Worn during morning workout for speed.
  • Provides a snug fit, narrow design, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Belief in the psychological impact of feeling and looking fast.

• Sakon Endorphin Elite:

  • Also praised as a good carbon-plated race shoe.
  • Used for marathons, including the last marathon at CIM.

Trail Running Shoes

• Hoka Speedgoat Series:
  • Preferred for trail and ultra running.
  • Recently acquired Speedgoat 6.
  • Appreciated for durability, stability, and design to prevent ankle injuries.
  • Lower profile and wider base.
  • Personal experience of spraining an ankle at Rocky Raccoon 100-mile race.

Shoe Selection Advice

• Visit Local Running Stores:
  • Recommended for personalized analysis and shoe fitting.
  • Advises visiting multiple stores to avoid brand bias.
  • Importance of trying different shoes for personal fit and satisfaction.
  • Emphasizes uniqueness in individual biomechanics and preferences.

Conclusion

• Once you find a shoe that works for you, commit to it.
• Recommends subscriptions for favorite shoes to ensure continued availability.
• Overall, understanding personal needs and preferences is key to choosing the right running shoe.

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These notes provide a comprehensive summary of the lecture on running shoes, offering insights into personal experiences and practical advice on selecting shoes tailored to individual needs.