The Sweet Spot
Runner's World SA|March / April 2024
PUMA Velocity NITROM 3 finds its niche: a daily trainer to get you ready for race day.
The Sweet Spot

The lure of the carbon-fibre-blade inserts that make the super-shoes of our era such an exciting prospect comes with a caveat. Too much stiff, resistant material underfoot increases the risk of injury to your feet.

Elite athletes and PB-chasers are starting to change their training strategies to avoid injury, by mixing up their shoe choices. The new formula is to use a simpler, blade-less shoe during training, to put less strain on the back line of the leg; and then reap the (now undisputed) energy-return benefits of the carbon-fibre plates in your super-shoes on race day.

TODD FALKER ON PLATES

It's an enticing prospect, knowing that a shoe can make you faster. But when the price to pay is a potential increase in injuries, you need an alternative training strategy.

Todd Falker is the product manager who oversees the design and creativity for PUMA's running-shoe offerings. He works out of Boston, USA, but runs ultramarathons all over the world -including Comrades, in 2023! He uses insights from PUMA-backed athletes and as much other feedback as he can get to design shoes that target specific needs; and he's excited about PUMA's latest offering, the Velocity NITRO™ 3.

Denne historien er fra March / April 2024-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March / April 2024-utgaven av Runner's World SA.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA RUNNER'S WORLD SASe alt
LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET
Runner's World SA

LONGOVERDUE PRAISE FOR THE RUNNING SINGLET

In the last decade, the running singlet once reserved for amateur competitors and professional athletes - has gone mainstream, not only on race day but also on everyday runs.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES
Runner's World SA

RISE OF THE 'ILLEGAL RUNNING SHOES

Banned shoes emerged at a basketball court long before they found their way onto a marathon course.

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE
Runner's World SA

CRACKING THE SLEEP CODE

Are you an early bird or a night owl? Perhaps you've assigned yourself another animal after completing an internet quiz. Research is shedding light on the link between well-being and circadian predisposition, but there's no need to rewire yourself. Learn to lean into your biology with our guide.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD
Runner's World SA

THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUP BLOOD

Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?

time-read
9 mins  |
May/June 2024
THE MIND OF MASSYN
Runner's World SA

THE MIND OF MASSYN

IN 2024, LOUIS MASSYN WILL ATTEMPT HIS 49TH COMRADES MARATHON AND HE'S LEARNT PLENTY OF LESSONS ALONG THE WAY. HERE'S THE STORY OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY.

time-read
10 mins  |
May/June 2024
TAKING CHARGE
Runner's World SA

TAKING CHARGE

OUTSPOKEN AND AMBITIOUS, NEW COMRADES RACE MANAGER (AND FORMER WINNER) ANN ASHWORTH IS LOOKING TO TAKE THE RACE INTO THE FUTURE.

time-read
5 mins  |
May/June 2024
A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES
Runner's World SA

A HALF CENTURY OF COMRADES

THIS YEAR, BARRY HOLLAND WILL BE AIMING TO FINISH HIS 50TH CONSECUTIVE COMRADES MARATHON. THIS IS WHAT HAS INSPIRED HIM.

time-read
6 mins  |
May/June 2024
MY RUNNING LIFE
Runner's World SA

MY RUNNING LIFE

ORDINARY RUNNERS doing EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024
Ageing In The Age Of Strava
Runner's World SA

Ageing In The Age Of Strava

RECENTLY MY BUDDY Sean sent a text message that said, “Been running a lot of 5:30–6:00 kays early. It feels pretty nice at that pace.”

time-read
4 mins  |
May/June 2024
How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It
Runner's World SA

How To Start A Run When You Don't Feel Like It

I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.

time-read
3 mins  |
May/June 2024