Top-level runners have always been known to conduct workouts and race while wearing lightweight trainers or racing flats. Now, finally there appears to be a growing trend towards minimalism in running footwear for runners of nearly all levels and the marketing of minimalism is growing too.
Refined Sugar Wars
As I understand it and because I may have made this up, for us long distance runners, each pound that we are over our optimum weight, we are penalized 2 seconds per-mile, per pound when racing. If my calculations stand up to the scrutiny and you happen to be in the unfortunate position of being say 10 pounds over optimum weight, you would race 20 seconds per-mile slower than your true capability. Multiply that by 6.2 miles and you have…well you do the math, I can’t concentrate.
“Cross-country has always been a vital part of my training program. You can develop fine muscular endurance and suppleness in your stride by running cross-country. It also develops good running form and strengthens your muscles. In cross country the pressure is put on your muscles because of hills and uneven and slippery footing, your overall general conditioning can be developed without taxing your body too much anaerobically. So cross-country is one of the best forms for general conditioning.” ~Arthur Lydiard
In heavily forested Thetis Lake Park, 10 minutes from downtown Victoria, the rolling trails are where some of the region’s best runners and triathletes often train. Several parks blend into one large green space, vast enough to allow a runner to train for an ultra, daily, without covering the same swath of single track path twice.
