|
Nov 2012
7:10pm, 15 Nov 2012
1,990 posts
|
clairevmc
Hi - I'm a road runner but am thinking about buying some xc spikes for wearing on grass when it's too icy on the pavements for winter training. To make them more cost effective I'd like to get a pair that I can convert to track spikes. Is it as simple as buying the xc shoes and then a set of shorter spikes to put on them for use on a track? The ones I'm considering come with 6mm spikes - what size do I need for track? Thanks!
|
|
Nov 2012
7:12pm, 15 Nov 2012
3,536 posts
|
Kieren
yeah - just get some 5mm spikes - any longer than 6mm and you'll chew up the track
|
|
Nov 2012
7:14pm, 15 Nov 2012
3,537 posts
|
Kieren
Oh, just re-read - 6mm should be fine on the track.
If you are new to spikes, take it easy for the first few runs to get used to them. You don't get any slip / twist like you do with road shoes so all the power you generate is put down. This puts an extra train on the lower legs so you might have some doms the next day
|
|
Nov 2012
7:17pm, 15 Nov 2012
1,991 posts
|
clairevmc
Thanks Kieren. Yes, I worried about tearing the track but if 6mm is ok then that means I won't need to change them for different surfaces. Could I just remove the spikes altogether and run on the soles on a track or would that ruin the shoes?
|
|
Nov 2012
7:18pm, 15 Nov 2012
1,992 posts
|
clairevmc
Thanks for the advice too about doms - I'll take my usual racers to track too so I'm able to swap them about for the first few times.
|
|
Nov 2012
7:26pm, 15 Nov 2012
3,538 posts
|
Kieren
I just looked at your profile and was going to retract the doms commnet as you are well conditioned (based on your times) but then, that might just mean you push harder - so maybe more at risk? I have no idea - let us know what you think.
They are absolutely amazing for XC though. All XC races have a few sharp turns added to slow the field and with spikes, one you trust them, you can lean in like some sort of motorbike.
I think you could just run in the spikes without the spikes in - I don't know, I have never tried. I wont ruin them though as they are screw in.
The only other thing I would say is put some vaseline or grease on the threads before you put them in, to make it easier getting them off.
You'll probably notice the effects of the spikes most on your left knee. I have,'t done many track sessions so am not the voice of experience here 
|
|
Nov 2012
10:58pm, 15 Nov 2012
25 posts
|
Carlos Fandango Jnr
6mm is fine on the track but not for cross country in the UK. For that you'll want 12mm if it's dryish and 15mm for most races.
The main difference between the shoes is that XC spikes have a thicker sole and slightly sturdier upper than endurance track spikes, with 'grip' around the forefoot to presumably help on mud (although it's a drop in the ocean alongside 15mm of sharp metal of course). The soles also tend to be narrower in the midfoot - no idea why. All this makes them slightly heavier than a track spike of course.
Spikes without spikes is weird...
If I think of anything else next time I have my track spikes and xc spikes in the same room, I'll post it here.
|
|
Nov 2012
11:04pm, 15 Nov 2012
26 posts
|
Carlos Fandango Jnr
P.s. DOMS is a risk! The track rebounds into yer legs in a way that the road doesn't, I find it makes my calf muscles really tight in comparison. Added to which, where even a light road shoe has a heel to toe drop of a few mm at the lowest, in track spikes your heels can even feel lower than your toes. Might be a drop of 0mm - but you notice the difference the next day.
Stretch.
|
|
Nov 2012
11:08pm, 15 Nov 2012
2,362 posts
|
Sharkie
Yeah spikes without spikes is bonkers Claire! Anyway if the track is wet or otherwise slippy spikes are vital. I agree the XC spikes are generally heavier than track spikes - but it doesnt really matter which you wear where.
I train (on track) in MD spikes, race in sprint spikes and if I ever run on grass (as I have to for winter training) wear either my MD spikes or something like red multi terrain race Innovs...
Probably no help at all but I like shoe talk....
|
|
Nov 2012
1:48pm, 16 Nov 2012
1,993 posts
|
clairevmc
Thanks Carlos and Sharkie for you replies. Looks like I'll need to get longer spikes then for grass - I'd (wrongly) assumed that because they came with 6mm ones that would be correct but if I can use them for track then I'll purchase longer ones for the grass. Thanks again everyone.
|
