1st Ultra which shoe?

When an ultra is on the menu, I tend to go with whatever shoe I have put in the most training miles with. 

Personally I tend to use road shoes unless there has been a monsoon the previous day, but it sounds like you put in a lot of mileage in trail shoes.  If you want to stick with Inov8, then the roclite would offer significantly more cushioning than the models you have mentioned. 

Inov8 have a new shoe on the way that sounds great for mixed terrain ultras..  Roclite 309.... 

also Inov8 do a 3mm insole that can be fitted underneath the existing one, adds a bit more cushioning but might make it a bit cramped. Or you could try a sorbothane insole on its own, Ive been using them and i like them.

Inov8 do a cushioning system, 1-4 arrows, 4 being the most cushioned. have a look on their site, i think they do a shoe with the same sole as the f-lite but with 3 or 4 arrows.

Can`t find any info online about the 309 Alistair, if you have any luck perhaps you`d be kind enough to post it on here...  what I find odd about Inov-8 is they`ve released a new catalogue to there dealers but theres nothing on there web site..

The 3mm insole is a great suggestion (one MRS STewart will no doubt be very pleased with - not sure how I will get away with introducing yet another pair of trainers into the house!)

I too struggled with a google search on the 309's just a couple of obscure references; I will ask an Inov8 stockist if they have any details tomorrow and post and findings.

Smalleyboy wrote (see)

I did a 28 mile coastal marathon earlier this year and used the Roclite 315. Very impressed with it. Good grip and enough cushioning to cope with a few short road sections.

Roland McCartney wrote (see)

I find running along sun baked bridle paths...

Living in Northern Ireland, we only see the sun for a few days of the year and 1976 was the last time our ground was baked!

As the OP referred to 'Ultra Race Peaks' I assummed this would be a hilly/mountainous course and therefore liable to softer ground.

You can't go wrong with Inov-8, just too many to pick from.

I'm doing ultraRace peaks too. I've run in Asics GT21** for years - need the support and have Gel Trabucos for trail which are very comfortable.

Having struggled with Achilles tendonitis on & off for 18 months - which has finally settled (touch wood!) - I'm not keen on giving up my support/anti-pronation shoes, and I'm not brave enough to try out the much acclaimed Roclites - but they do look great.

Rich 1,

How did you beat the dreaded AT?

I picked it up at the end of April after doing too many miles that month. Rested for 3 weeks and then made a return to running but started back with too many miles too quickly and it flared up again. Have now been resting for last 4 weeks and been doing all the heel dip exercises. I have nearly no stiffness in the morning but my achilles is tender when I massage or manipulate it. Planning on a few more weeks rest and then a very gentle return to running e.g. a few runs per week of 2 miles and build up slowly.

Would be keen to hear to how you returned to running.

SB

Smalleyboy wrote (see)

Rich 1,

How did you beat the dreaded AT?

Thrice daily massages with deep heat worked wonder for my AT mid way through last year...

Now that's a story.

Probably started when my lovely wife got me some Kayanos - having seen my gait analysis video - I really need a shoe that keeps everything in line. Got progressively worse until it hurt with walking. essentially had complete rest from running for at least 2 months and some physio. This is probably 2 yrs ago now.

Started running again. OK for a bit then went again Feb 2010 or so. Physio and no running again for at least 2 months. Got some Orthoheel inserts - for normal shoes and runners. Started running on treadmill very gently in about May/June 2010 and only up to 15-20 min. Did my first run on tarmac for about a year August 2010 - 15 minutes! Upped training through to Christmas - mainly treadmill (up to 30 min)and exercise bike. Then spent 3 months (Jan-Mar 2011) in boots - the raised heel made a huge difference I think. Occ running ouside. Minimal symptoms by now - a little sore after but nothing during. Was finally told about all the heel dip exercises etc!!

In April I ran for an hour outside for the first time for a least 2 years and am now running freely - touch wood, fingers crossed etc etc.

Key factors IMO

1. Rest - have to be sooooo patient. Will probably need more than you think and may have to go no running for a prolonged period, then start short, slow and on treadmill/grass

3. Correct footgear - not just running  but day-to-day. I avoid flat shoes and essentially only wear something with a heel. If you haven't already, get gait analysis and make sure your running shoes aren't causing it

3. Inserts in all shoes - I use orthoheels in EVERYTHING - they do some light blue ones that go nicely in trainers - yes, they add to the weight but...... that's the rub. Race with them in too.

4. Stretch - wish my original physio had given me the right exercises. I still do them daily (if I remember)

5. Don't get older - blood supply to AT gets less with age and it takes longer to heel. This measure is hard to comply with.

So that's the epic story - probably not much you don't already know - I think patience and common sense are the key.

Rich 1

Many thanks for info. Confirms everything I have read.

The only things I need to work on is patience and perhaps avoid flat shoes during the day.

SB