One race two pair of shoes?

 The Canadian Death Race is one tough race.  It is billed as the toughest race in Canada.  I could have worn as many as five pairs of shoes, starting out with a fresh pair on each of the five legs on this race.  You can guarantee that shoes on this course are going to be soaked and encased in mud and clay, just minutes after the start on any given leg.  Yes, there were plenty of water holes.

 I chose to wear two pair of Mizuno shoes ‘cause that is how many pair I brought with me, wearing the same trail shoes for the first 4 legs (102 km’s) and lightweight runners on the last leg of 23 km’s.

Mizuno Wave Ascend trail shoes are light, stable and shed mud and clay very well.  For the most part, the terrain on this course consists of rock, boulder and shale-strewn paths and tracks, creeks, ridges, ditches, roots and water holes.  The potential for twists and sprains is high.  A runner on this course is immediately aware of the perils and makes necessary adjustments in stride and the placement of their feet.  However, it is in ones best interest to wear shoes that provide underfoot protection with mid and outsole construction that will mitigate errors in judgement when running in these conditions.  I found that these shoes were an excellent choice.  Despite the course hazards, I cannot recall rocks or roots being an underfoot problem and my toes were indeed spared by the protective toe caps.  The weather was cool and the course was wet, so heat was not a factor.  However, after repeated soakings they maintained stability, shed water quickly reducing excess weight and still maintained a cozy footbed.  I could have left them on for the entire race as my feet were not suffering in the least.  The lacing system is terrific; these laces won’t come undone.  The diameter of the laces is stepped up and down for their entire length (looks like evenly spaced bulges).  This feature stops laces from slipping without having to double-tie them.

 They say a change is as good as a rest…

 After taking off my shoes and socks, I must say that the cool breeze felt good over my pasty coloured skin.  Having your feet contained in wet and dirt clogged socks does not make ones feet very appealing to the eye.  102 km’s gone and 23 km’s to go….a quick inspection…no blisters… and on with a pair of dry socks and Mizuno Wave Alchemy road runners.

 I noticed these shoes were lighter, as they should be, but I was concerned that my ankles were getting sloppy and were these shoes going to give me the stability and cushioning that I needed.  The last leg of this race was not as technical as a couple of the previous legs and I new that there was going to be few km’s of dirt and paved road leading to the finish.  Overall, these shoes did a great job, getting me to the finish in relative comfort.  These shoes are very flexible and provided good stability.  However, I felt that forefoot cushioning was lacking.

 Thank you Mizuno, for the safe ride.

Randy

Age: 51

Avg. Weekly Miles: 50
Avg. Training Pace: 7.0/mile
Years Running: 4
Pronation/Arch: Overpronate/Low
Weight: 150 pounds