First of all, apologies if you saw a version of this earlier. I meant to save as a draft, but published by accident.
Yesterday, I had an awesome client event. New Balance had their fall press preview, and I worked at it for a few hours.
We showed quite a few lines of shoes, but there was one that I was dying to try–the RC 1600s.
First of all, they’re GORGEOUS. I value my knees and not injuring them, so I don’t pick my shoes based on looks, but these are one good-looking pair of shoes.
And they’re made for marathoners. They’re racing shoes built for people racing distances anywhere up to 26.2. (It just so happens I’ll be doing that again in October!) They’re lightweight (less than 5 ounces) and have a shorter heel-to-toe drop.
I have never worn racing shoes before, and honestly, I’m not sure if I ever would have bought them, but I decided to take them out on a tempo run this morning. One mile warm-up, two miles tempo (8:20, 7:56!), one mile cool-down.
They were awesome. The first mile it felt a bit odd wearing such a light shoe with a thin sole, but after that, it felt great. I could definitely feel how a lighter shoe helped my legs power through.
The tempo run was also amazing, too. So far, so good on my #RWrunstreak. 4 for 4. For the past few months, I’ve had no desire to do any sort of speed work at all, but knowing I’m starting marathon training next month, I’m starting to add it back in to prepare my body for what’s to come. (Dear body: a lot of running. Some of it as fast as you possibly can.)
We also showed the RC 5000s–the lightest shoe ever. The women’s version weighs 2.7 ounces!
They’re made for short-distance racing and speed workouts. (And are also gorgeous.)
Do you (or would you ever) wear racing shoes?
Drool … Let the coveting begin.
I know I have told you this, but I swear upon my 890’s that New Balance has singlehandedly saved my knees.
WOW! Love the looks of both of those fancy pants shoes! 😀 Speedy miles!!
Those shoes are AWESOME!! There is nothing I love quite as much a fun pair of running shoes… I swear they help me run faster!
I love the color of the shoes. Perfect combinations of the two colors. I love pink and blue.
LOVE the shoes. I’m obsessed with brightly colored shoes, and these are great. I’m definitely going to check these out – teaching as many classes & working out as much as I do = buying new shoes frequently 🙂
Man, those shoes look great! I’ve never worn racing shoes, but I’ve been doing a lot of my speedwork in my Brooks Pure Cadence. I think I’m going to start using them for my shorter races too (anything under 10 mi). But maybe I’ll have to check out these New Balance ones for my fall marathon!
When I ran track and cross country I had racing flats, and I loved them. They were silver and felt SO light! I love the look of these shoes, and with the NYC Marathon coming up, will definitely look for them.
Oooooooh, so pretty!!! I am looking for a lighter shoe for tempo and speedwork. I’m debating the Newton Distance (but $$!), and the Brooks Pure Cadence, but these also look amazing. I have a flat arch and mild pronation, but don’t do well with a lot of support, or minimal shoes either.
I used to wear racing shoes all the time when I ran cross country in high school. Those things were light as a feather! At first, the lack of weight was very distracting, then you’d start to get used to it.
Those shoes are HOT!
However, I love big, cushion filled shoes. I worry about racing shoes on long runs.
Please let me know how they turn out on longer distances?
Thanks:)
@Abby @ BackAtSquareZero: Will do! I think my plan is to try them out on shorter tempo runs and then try them out at a longer-distance race like a 10-miler or a half. I’m so in love with them.
I used to have racing shoes when I ran track in high school. Since then I haven’t touched them. I love the way they look, and I think lightweight shoes are great but I haven’t found the right fit yet.
Omg those are cute.
I would love to try racing shoes, but I never just buy them unless I got a good week in a pair. I mean, who am I, just a slow recreational running Mom. 🙂
I’ve never really thought about buying racing shoes but it’s something I’d most definitely be interested in! I do have a light pair of Nike’s that I bought and I can tell a huge difference between those and my Brooks.
It is an important piece of the manufacturing process because cost overruns will usually occur in this stage of production. Work-in-Progress is also found in other industries or professions, but not as an inventory item..
Love those shoes!
I need more support that I think traditional racers would give
so I’ve shied away.