Just something I’ve pondered. If you run a personal best time, but you’re in carbon plated shoes, is it really your best time?
So today was a really great run. I feel like I made some conscious decisions out on the run which led to a great result. Today was my “tempo run day”, and whilst, im still not 100% sure I know what that means, I did approach the run differently.
Here was the result:
- 6km run
- 31:49 total time, new 6km record I think
- 5:17 minute / km average pace
- New Balance SC Elite V4
So I was SUPER pleased with this effort. My first real push since the hamstring woes. Fingers crossed I dont wake up with another dodgy one tomorrow. But I dont think so. My approach was considered.
I started by just letting the shoes roll me into whatever comfortable pace they wanted, which was a 5:59 for the first kilometre.
After that, I consciously tried to increase my pace at various times, but only slightly. And only to the point I could comfortably sustain it. I also didnt “reach” for new speeds by striding further (the reason I think my hamstring had the shits), but simply by increasing my turnover and cadence. Really trying to keep my strides short and comfortable, whilst maintaining an elevated pace for longer.
I was definitely a bit stuffed by the end. But also, not completely gassed.
Here was the km pace breakdown.
- 5:59
- 5:17
- 5:11
- 5:10
- 5:05
- 5:01
Love the consistency there. And im pretty sure thats a new 6km PB. I’ll have to check. But it leads me to ponder. Is a personal best in a carbon plated running shoe, really your best time?
Im not sure I have an opinion either way at this time. Maybe the same could be said for elite foams under foot too that give some weird percentage point of return over crappier foams. But something about the carbon plate, it does feel a little like im getting a tow from a small child on a tricycle at times.
I guess if your goal, my goal, is simple fitness and weight loss, then who really cares. If a carbon plated shoe can keep me running longer and harder, then thats more calories right?
Surely thats a win for everybody.
