Light Weight Training Shoes--Go Get Some

With winter here it is harder and harder to get to a track to do your harder intervals so many times harder workouts fall out of the training schedule with the change in seasons.  Those hard tempo or steady progression runs do not need to be forgotten, those workout days just need to stay flexible in your training schedule.  Normally the winter weather is not a challenge for an entire week (cold temps or unsure footing) so stay flexible on the day you can do your outside tempo or progression run. That way you can actually get in the workout with manageable outside temps and sure footing conditions.  When you get out there for the faster work make sure you have the right shoes on.

Make sure once you are able to finally get out for that solid strength type/faster workout you have the right kind of shoes for these workouts?  Are you still wearing the same heavy trainers you wear for every single one of your other training miles?  It would be great to have a pair of lighter weight trainers you can put on for these type of faster outside workouts. We have all read and heard the varying research on wearing a more minimalistic shoe which is one good reason to have a pair of lighter, less-cushioned trainers, but another reason would be to just be able to run faster without slogging around heavy training shoes all the time. You do not have to go as far as getting a pair of Vibram 5-finger shoes but a pair of trainers that is maybe 2-3 ounces lighter compared to your regular shoes work great. It also can be a mental thing too knowing when you lace up the light weight trainers you know and are prepping in your mind that it is going to be a hard workout day. 

Just one of those simple change ups in your training routine, but that light weight trainer will go a long way in helping you become faster.  A good change of pace as well is lacing up the light weight trainers for your long run every other week.  An example of this type of shoe on the men's side would be the New Balance 690 that is pictured.  After work today get to your local running store and try some light weight trainers on immedietely!