The journey to the TransRockies Run- August 2012
Team inov-8 New Zealand - Natalie Seay and Susan Prater
For this month I have decided to let Natalie write about her collection (obsession) with inov-8 shoes. For those of you that know Nats and I you will not be surprised that I am letting Nats “do the talking”, or the writing in this instance.
But before I let Nats take over, here is a quick update – we are now 3.5 months from the TransRockies and we are starting to build our running km’s while being a little more specific in what we do. We have to practice running down big hills so we do not shred our quads during the event and we need to practice fast walking up very steep slopes.
Last weekend we had fun completing The Nugget Multisport Race at Waihi Beach as a traverse team. As per usual the team at totalsport not only arranged the most perfect race conditions, it was also a fantastic event. More fun than any fun thing could be.
Last weekend we also watched with awe the achievement of Mal Law “running Everest in a day.” Nothing but positive things come from the Mal Law camp and from those people that spend time running and supporting him. Take a look at his next huge challenge and support him if you can. Go Mal!!!
http://www.facebook.com/CoastPathRun
And now to Natalie Seay and her obsession - You will recall the Sanitarium ad that used to be around for Weetbix “The All Blacks can eat this many – how many can you eat?” Well this wee story is along those same lines except substitute inov-8 shoes for Weetbix.
I (Natalie Seay) consider myself the IMELDA MARCOS of inov-8 shoes. To date 11 pairs, all different and all with a purpose.
One of the most important parts of being a runner is to look after your feet, which means wearing good shoes that provide comfort and stability, and inov-8 shoes has many different styles that suit all terrains.
My first of the off road range were the roclite 295’s. I took them out and ran for 4 hours straight away with no blisters or black toe nails to be seen. Then the roclite 268 came out and they not only look cool they are a better fit for me because of the narrower heel cuff. I use the 268’s for my 3-4+ hour training sessions because they are a robust shoe and just keep going and going and going.
I wear the x-talon 212 for anything up to 2-3 hours as they are more of a speed shoe and very light to run in.
I also have a pair of bare grip 200’s which I use for cross country and will never go back to running in spikes again. For me the 200’s are best for 20-30 mins races as they are a zero forefoot – heel differential and therefore have minimal padding. So if you hit a rock you feel it! Definitely the way to go in mud.
I have a pair of f-Lite 230’s (black) for orienteering, although sometimes I use my x talons too. Both shoes are light and can be used on grass and road. So I always pack both models and check out the terrain, then choose which one to use.
For casual I have a pair of f-lite 320’s which I wear to work, kind of like a steel cap minus the steel , as well as a pair of f-lite 230’s (blue) because they look cool and are comfy to wear when I’m helping out on the inov-8 stand.
Then there are the road shoes. I was lucky enough to trial a pair of the first inov-8 road shoes to hit NZ. The road X 238’s. After wearing Mizunos for years, it was a little hard to get used to them at the start because of the unique style. The 238’s are designed to help you run neutrally and naturally. Once I got used to them, I never went back. I use the 238’s to train in and the road x 233’s to race in. They are so light and stable, plus I don’t slap the ground anymore like I used to in my old shoes. I have also just got a pair of bare X Lite 150’s and am looking forward to racing in them over 5-10k distances.
Lastly, the good old recolite 190’s. Awesome to take overseas as a casual shoe and to events etc.
So yes, I have a wide range of shoes, but as you can see they all have a function and a place in my wardrobe. And there are so many more models to choose from.
For the TransRockies I will be taking the roclite 268’s and the x-talons212’s and of course the recolite 190’s for cruising around camp.
Happy running everyone and remember look after those feet. They are the only pair you have.
Natalie Seay
Ambassadors and long-time users of
INOV-8 The best off road trail shoes around http://www.inov-8.co.nz
KINeSYS Excellent sunscreen http://www.highbeam.co.nz
Numa Sunglasses Even we cannot break these! http://www.highbeam.co.nz
Fans of
Total Sports event Best off road events ever! http://www.totalsport.co.nz
Hammer Nutrition Fantastic training and racing fuel http://www.hammernutrition.co.nz