Got some Brooks Racer ST3 Racing Flats

The local bike shop was having a holiday special, with cookies, cocoa, Santa and discounts on practically everything in the store. I took my bike in for one thing (wrote about that yesterday). I wanted to buy myself something for Christmas, so I shopped around looking at helmets, sunglasses, bike shoes…nothing struck my fancy.

So, I wandered over to the running shoes to look at racing flats. I told the sales guy that I wanted them for 10k’s or less; and also for treadmill workouts. He brought out a few pairs for me to look at. I tried on some Asics, which felt good, but had too much in support in the heel and felt pretty much like my regular running shoe (also an Asics). Then, I tried on the Brooks Racers ST3. They felt perfect – very lightweight and flexible – they almost have a barefoot feeling. That’s exactly what I was looking for so I got them!

When I got home, I wore them for one of my really hard treadmill workouts. They were perfect…that “barefoot feeling” helps me feel the ground to make a better midfoot landing. I wish I could wear them for every run, but I know that wouldn’t be wise! The balls of my feet hurt a little afterwards. Hmmm…I’d like to find a 5k race so I can test them out!

Update Feb 16, 2008: I have been wearing these shoes for all my treadmill workouts. Approx twice per week for 30 minutes. No pain, problems or injuries. I still love them. I want to wear them at a 5k road race before trying them in a 10k, just to be safe. That probably won’t be until May 4th, when I do White Lake Sprint Triathlon. I will post here at that time how it goes.

Update August, 2008: I have worn these for 5k’s, 10k’s, sprint and oly triathlons, all treadmill workouts, and bricks. I still love these shoes and have not had any pain or injury since getting them. I still wear my other training shoes (Asics gel foundation) for all my other running. I still wish I could wear these for all runs.

Gosh, I guess I’ve had these 8 months. Let’s say I put 5 miles a week on them, that’s 8x5x4=160 miles. Still lots of wear left in them.