Well, those days are over!!
Introducing the revolutionary new running shoe...
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| Pearl Izumi ISO Transitions (aka, Puddle Splashers) |
Yesterday, I took my new Pearl Izumi ISO Transitions out for their virgin run. I did an easy two miles out and back to see how they felt. They felt great, so I did another three mile out and back.
The two greatest things I like about these shoes thus far are the drain holes on the bottom and the fact that I can go without socks.
I've long wondered how people can just pour cup after cup after cup of water on themselves during a race. I understand it keeps you cool, but from sweat alone my shoes can get soaked and start feeling like bricks. Those days are gone! During the run, I actually did my best to HIT every puddle because it cooled my feet off a bit and within four steps, the water was gone. Incredible!! Bring on the buckets of water!!
I also love that I can run without socks. Not only does this mean that I can cut time on my transitions, but if I choose to train in the ISOs, I can avoid having to do laundry so often. Honestly, 90% of the reason I decide to do laundry when I do is because I need clean running socks. Since I still shudder at paying so much for these shoes, I may very well reserve them more for racing, but they will still always be an option. My PI Streak IIs also have drain holes for rainy day runs.
Then today, I did my first brick - 13 mile ride & 8 mile run. I used the ISO Transitions for both and while they're certainly not the ideal cycling shoe, they held up brilliantly on the run at 6:52 pace. Aside from my debate of what to wear cycling (the ISOs or an old pair or sneakers), I can't wait for the season to start!
** Disclaimer **
Some of you might scoff at the idea of running 12 miles in two days in new shoes. I want to let you know that I've run in the Pearl Izumi Streak IIs since January and aside from a slight change in upper material, the ISO Transitions are the same shoe - same sole material, same heel-to-toe drop, etc. If this were not the case, I would have started much slower.
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Questions
1. Do you have a triathlon specific running shoe?These are my first and I love 'em!
2. What do you use for cycling in? A cycling shoe or your running shoes?
Do you really notice THAT much of a difference with cycling shoes?
Swim fast. Bike smart. Run hard.
4 comments:
I think the cycling shoes are essential. (I occasionally do a spin class in sneakers, if I forgot my bike shoes - it makes my feet hurt, and power is noticeably less!) Both the stiff surface and the effective connection of the cleat make an appreciable difference to power - I think you could expect to gain as much as a couple miles per hour with clipless pedals. (NB I use SPD - they are probably slightly inferior to Look, but I don't like the slippery soles of the classic road bike shoe, I prefer the MTB style and figure that I don't care that much if they might be a little slower...)
The thought of no socks scares me. So much so that I will sit down in transition and pull up compression socks. But then again, socks are kind of my thing.
Will also add that I never wear socks with cycling shoes, simply not necessary! Sock-free is desirable...
Definitely make the change to cycling shoes and clips. Heaps better & easier in transition as well. You know, as long as you practise the Superman mount with your shoes connected to the bike...
I don't wear socks running if it's 5km or less.
Over that, I'm putting socks on in T2!
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