Comments for Ultra168

Comment on The Art of Downhill Running – Updated Video by whippetman

whippetman — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:22:53 +0000

There is a massive downhill on the Maroondah Dam 50km course from almost the 37km mark to the finish. It is truly quad busting material with the first couple of kms being sheer toenail crushers. I was sweeping but was well back on the field so could unwind a little on the descent and I put the new Hoka Evos to the sword and they definitely add a new dimension to downhilling.

Oh, and I can guarantee there were a few sore quads hobbling around for a few days after that race who would have benefited from your advice pre-race.

Comment on Gear Review: Nike Free 3.0 by amg

amg — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:10:13 +0000

Thanks djbleakman. The drop doesn’t worry me too much. I strained an achilles a while back and have actually been using 6mm heel lifts in my vibrams! (sssshhhh- don’t tell the barefooters – they’ll take back my membership card!) Leaning towards the Frees, although just noticed Inov8 have a newish light trail shoe, the Terrafly 303 which might suit me if I can afford to own more than one pair at a time…

Comment on Gear Review: Nike Free 3.0 by djbleakman

djbleakman — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:11:57 +0000

Hey AG, if youre going to be venturing on trails then the Flite might be the one for you. I haven’t tried the 233, but unless you have exceptionally wide feet I think you’ll be fine. For me, the NIke Free is the best road shoe you can buy. I also wore it on trails extensively and although it does pick up bits of gravel here and there, I wasn’t stopping every 10 mins to clear them out, I just kept on running. I guess it’s a case of how much you let it bother you

What you also need to consider is the heel to toe drop too. If you’ve been running in Vibrams then I’m sure your achilles are well adjusted, but the transition back to 7mm (which is what the 3.0 is), might be a bit of a shock!

Comment on Gear Review: Nike Free 3.0 by amg

amg — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:58:19 +0000

I meant to say the Flite 230…

Comment on Gear Review: Nike Free 3.0 by amg

amg — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:57:27 +0000

I am trying to decide between the Free 3.0 and the Inov8 Flite 233. I currently run on a mix of asphalt/gravel/hard packed trail in my vibram KSOs and want a bit more “shoe”. I have read the Inov8s fit a bit narrow which is my only concern I guess (I’d have to buy them online where I live). The Frees seem great, but am I going to be stopping every 10 minutes getting stones out of the sole?
Many thanks.
AG

Comment on The Art of Downhill Running – Updated Video by Otisr

Otisr — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:04:51 +0000

Good article. Lillian does more damage to the environment than a 4WD. Write to your politicians to remove him……

As you all know by doing those comms tower climbs on the GNW and then return back down, the legs get a nice hammering on that return journey. But good for the endurance.

Comment on Australia’s #1 Ultra-Running Website by Andrew Vize

Andrew Vize — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:37:26 +0000

Begley, will give you a call mate. Great news you’re crossing over. Your orange leotard will fit in well.

Comment on Gear Review: Nike Free 3.0 by djbleakman

djbleakman — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:28:22 +0000

Hey Scott, thanks for posting. It’s a tough one to say if a hole would develop in the same place. Its funny you should mention the hole above the toe, because I used to get exactly the same issue with Asics. I’ll be honest, shoes will only last a certain number of kms, so if you’re getting a good 500-1000kms out of a pair, I’d say that was standard. I got around 1,200kms out of my first pair of frees, however a regular issue for me is a hole appearing on the right shoe around the little toes and along there. I think the construction of V2 of the free wasn’t so great. V3 is going well so far.

As far as managing your frame, I think you’ll be fine. I ran the Northburn 100 miler in Frees and was tipping 94kgs then. Despite what people think, I don’t think the Free is that much of a minimal shoe. What you’ve suggested about it being a road shoe is spot on. I still use it for most of my road running and wear Inov8s for the trails…