Nike - Flyknit Trainer Review

Firstly I really must say a big THANK YOU to @Simon_Freeman and Kerry from @NikeRunning for giving me the opportunity to try out and test out the new Nike Flyknit trainers. It was a great and thoroughly enjoyable experience.which was very much appreciated . A real eye opener into another part of the running world. 

I have been running regularly for six years now and noticed initially buying new trainers and looking at gait analysis machines I was a classic heel striker which, with this style of running I felt slowed me down and unfortunately brought slight over pronation into my stride. This meant when buying running trainers I was advised to avoid injury, I needed trainers with a mild support to compensate my ankle as it was rolling inwards just a little too much and towards the end of a half or full marathon event this pronation would get worse as i got weaker. In this case, using Asics 11 series trainers were my chosen choice of trainers when I started running.

Having recently observed faster runners than me with the aim to get as fast as them one day, I had noticed that with their style of running their foot planted on the floor mid to forefoot which prompted me into attempting to change my running style to theirs, to achieve this faster way of running. With this change in style, I felt I needed help with this change and looked at Newton’s Sir Isaac S to teach me to running forefoot. This transformation was very slow which resulted in quite a few calf injuries but once my muscles finally adapted that I could confidently run forefoot for half a marathon distance I felt I had used ‘Newton’s’ as far as i could and as a way of learning the forefoot art. I have no complaints using Newton’s as they really are a good brand of trainer but having recently spent time at a gait analysis centre for my new style of running I should now confidently be able to pick from a variety of ‘neutral’ shoes without need for support or guidance that Newton’s gave me to landing in the forefoot position. This now opens up my choice of trainers to a much wider market and not just restrict me to this one brand?

 Which is where using Nike Flyknits were perfectly timed for me to make this change. I had first seen the promotion of the new Flyknit trainers on social media websites and blogs that I read and feel any keen runner could be interested in new technology to aid us into achieving much sought after smoother running and the holy grail of achieving personal best race times. I had my trainers delivered and quickly signed the receipt of delivery. Upon opening my box and lifting out a shoe, I was immediately surprised and shocked at the weight of this one shoe. I prefer to run slightly longer races 10miles, half marathon/marathons and the first criteria I look for in any shoe is its weight! I am not overly keen on any shoe that is quite heavy that would make the latter part of any race that little bit more difficult, lifting heavy legs then heavy trainers I personally would never consider. Taking the Flyknits out of their box immediately got a thumbs up from me and upon using Google to find out the weight of these trainers astounded me. They are so much lighter then my current pair at an amazing 160KG! A weight that I never would have thought would have been possible to achieve by reducing the weight of a trainer by so much! My current pair of trainers weighs 258KG which I think feels pretty good so suddenly to lift a pair of trainers out from there box which are even lighter! Is a nice surprise and currently the Nike Flyknits must surely be one of the lightest shoes out there on the market?



The trainer are made from a woven material hence its advertising of FlyKNIT, which is the key advantage in the trainer in achieving  a reduction in its overall weight but hopefully not at the expense of comfort? Using my usual running socks I was surprised how comfortable the shoe were as I walked around my front room wearing them. Still amazed at there weight, they felt really comfortable when comparing them to my usual pressure points that I’ve felt using my current pair of trainers. I was particularly pleased with how well the trainer felt as it rested under my anklebone. With the laces pulled tight, it wasn't too loose and didn't pinch against my foot. I think this is due to the woven material and the wall of the trainer itself being thinner all over which must keep your feet cool in the summer but probably may need to consider wearing thicker socks in the winter? Being a little nosy I then checked the retail price and could then see why they felt so good. They currently retail at £130.

“A Hundred and Thirty Pounds” I hear you scream! Yes but before you click off this page, honestly…. Please carry on reading. Most of I assume pay your annual subscription to a running club and from various running shops would be able to obtain a 10% discount! Even so, these trainers would now cost you £117… but with good reasons these shoes do have a place on the market that no other brand of trainer can currently compete with, so please continue reading for a little bit longer. I may be able to give you some food for thought?

As you can see I have the green version but the Nike Flyknits come in Green, Orange, Grey and Red colours, then again through NikeID you can design your own! Although the green version really does stand out in the crowd, I have and will never really use the appearance of a running shoe to influence my decision to purchase them. As long as I feel comfortable in my trainers and no issues using them were to arise perhaps due to injury, any appearance will never be top of my agenda to purchase any brand of trainer.

It’s fine wearing a trainer indoors but the time comes where we need to venture outside. I have used my trainers on the pavements of London, running too or from work looking out for the odd raised curb to avoid. I had planned a schedule leading up to the 2013 London marathon, which consisted of runs as short as half an hour up to two and a half hours. The longer runs were aimed at sustaining my marathon pace while shorter runs were harder and faster as I tried to improve my speed work using intervals and tempo runs. The weather conditions for this time of year have not been great (if not appalling) and I have had to run in many sub degree cold mornings. On rare occasions I may have been blessed with dry weather but was more often been cold, wet, windy to the extreme slippery frosty mornings. Even in these conditions, the grip from the trainer as I planted my foot really stuck quite firmly to the ground. The variety of routes I can run into work have in the past a thrown up few issues where the conditions have caught me out to the point where I’ve had to make a mental note for next time round as I approach the same part of my planned route. Using the Flyknits gave me the confidence in planting my foot and with it holding firmly really impressed me, even a simple test such as taking a 90-degree corner. With my new traction control under foot the grip helped with pushing off and taking the next stride helping with my forward propulsion thus maintaining my speed! and as we know maintaining speed will mean a reduction in mile times!

A few weeks of runs had passed and having tested out my Flyknits initially on variety of runs this is the area where the £117 Flyknits now come into a world of their own. I'm not sure if you are aware but these trainers can be "steamed" and if you were to buy a pair I really think you should do this! By steaming them, as if by magic softens the trainer material and as you place you foot inside and the material cools and then moulds to the shape of your own foot! By moulding these trainers now differentiates the £117 worth of trainer between the next brand on the market and my foot shape compared to yours and even the next persons. A trainer now specifically tailored to your own foot shape. Getting them steamed was an eye opener for me and feel it’s a huge step forward! I therefore ventured up to Nike Town at Oxford Street and enquired about having them steamed. I spoke to a floor manager who informed me the steaming machine is know longer in store, as it’s being used on presentations as it’s touring Europe but will one day return to store. He did suggest (Quite surprisingly)…. I use a steam from an Iron, which should generate enough heat to soften the Flyknits before I am able to mould the shoe to the shape of my foot….. I must admit.... I looked at him not sure, if he was genuinely advising me or taking the Mick? However, that evening I took the plunge. My wife and children were looking at me like I had gone mad as I spent a few minutes Iron in one hand trainer in the other heating them up, before I stood in them pressing down onto my feet and literally, before my eyes saw them mould to the shape of my foot. Once cooled an already comfortable shoe now felt more like a slipper! I have heard many stories of elite runners having specially designed shoes for their running style with expensive orthotic moulds put in place and now these trainers give me the comfort and confidence to go out running and spend more time focussing on other areas of my running other than what my feet are doing below is surely another plus point?

My Flyknits after i steamed them my Tefal iron

People may gasp at the price of the trainers compared to some cheaper models but here I feel people would fall into one of two categories. Either a casual runner that would be happy to buy a cheaper brand just to finish events or a you’re a more serious runner trying to get the most out of their training to help you in races to achieve goals you’ve set yourself. I still feel I can improve my race times and as my previous pair were in a similar price bracket anyway the benefits the Flyknits have been lighter in weight and now I can individualise moulding to your shape of your own feet is a genius idea and one that should be highly considered. I am not sure many people are aware of this technology and its benefits?. With the machine at Oxford Street not present, I feel lucky now that I was advised to use an iron! However I would have preferred to have my trainers steamed properly by a machine and probably had a little shop supervision from a more knowledgeable assistant. Once the steam machine returns to the store I do intend to use this machine and maybe have my trainers re-moulded. Upon using my Flyknits for an hour long run the following day was a very comfortable run indeed and wondered if I was actually wearing moccasins?

I feel the Nike Flyknits are aimed at the top end of running market and I don’t think just through word of mouth a more lighter shoe than it’s rivals may not be enough to convert people to buy this brand, especially if they are loyal to the brand they currently use. For me personally, weight is a priority in purchasing my trainers but to the next runner it may not be? I think the reduction in weight with the trainer is more than enough for like minded people to show an interest in this style of trainer but feel the advantage Nike has over other brands, will be to alert people and to get customers to steam their trainers as soon as possible. Moulding them to each customers own foot shape would be like having every runners own fingerprints in our trainers. Wearing this a more comfortable shoe I feel is the key. If someone is willing to spend this amount on a pair of trainers should then have them individualised for extra comfort for the time it takes to apply steam to them I feel is a huge advantage. Very few people in the world are lucky enough that they can buy a trainer off the shelf that a foot specialist would confirm is 100% suitable to them. Having a trainer steamed to aid individuality and comfort along with a reduction in weight I would recommend these trainers to others. I probably would keep these as my racing pair, saving the best for when I need it most. I’m sure they would be fine for training in on a daily basis but for race day advantage the these Flyknits will certainly be packed into my kit bag.

Classic… Non Runners Quotes……..

See i do follow you Twitter folk and a lot of what you’ve all been discussing online this week has really tickled me. Tickled me enough to create the following list. I know I shouldn’t mock these comments but after months even years of hearing the same old quotes I find the life quickly gets drained from me as I roll my eyes looking to the heavens above for some strength. I swear… on my life… the following quotes are factual and what my ears have had to endure :-

• Oh, you run marathons do you? How far is that??
• You have a Marathon at the weekend. How long will that take you to complete? An hour maybe hour and a half?
• Wow I admire you running a 10k race. I know I couldn't run that far. Oh but have you tried too?..... No!
• Mo Farrah who's that??.... Is he an actor?
• What advice can you give me? I'd like to start running at the weekend.... (So you spend 10minutes+ offering words of advice).... Monday morning, How did the run go?? No I didn't go I was too tired/it was cold/raining
• You have a stress fracture? Ouch that sounds painful. Can't you just run it off?
• Who's Jessica Ennis??
• Did you see Usain Bolt go yesterday? He took the marathon field apart!
• I had a 10K run on Sunday, but I hit "The Wall" ... Are you sure??... Yes but I pushed on through it. Really??!!?? …I finished in just under 47minutes… Then you couldn’t have experienced hitting the wall??... but I did though… *Walks away*
• I admire you for you strict training routine. Wow you're hardcore. I know I couldn't do that. But have you tried? .... No....
• You paid how much for a pair of running shorts? Why didn't you go to Primark? They're much cheaper in there!!
• You arrive in work kitted head to toe in running gear. you're sweating bucket loads. Your chest is going noticeably up and down and you're gasping for air..... Did you run into work today??.... No I F*@king took a canoe!!
• Oh… but what you need to do is eat this and exercise like this because I read about it in a magazine…. Says the person who has never laced up a pair of shoes and not even run across the street to catch a bus!!
• How far did you run today?? …. 10 MILES! …. How long did that take you … *pauses * 25 minutes (testing the water) ….Wow that’s really good!? … Notice I can say what the hell I like to receive the same “I’m not really interested” response??

All I ask now is you kindly enlighten me to your favourite quotes I really would love to read them :-D

Think Positive!!……..

Positive… This makes me reminisce of being back at school balancing on two legs of my stool listening to my physics teacher who sounded very much like the teacher in the Charlie Brown show waffling on and on about Protons and Newton’s. Positives and negatives which, boooored me senseless and all this time spent in the weekly lesson her droning on talking to the class literally went in one ear and straight out of the other.

On reflection, I’m obviously older and now understand a little more and now I’m taking notice of something that actually interests me! There are positive moments in our running, which goes hand in hand with the negatives. Many are quite obvious achieving a new personal best in events at varying distances, training harder, feeling fitter and more confident. Buying a new Garmin, trainers or running clothing all generate a feel good factor and probably a tweet with picture attached sharing with other followers!

Negatives (stating the obvious) will definitely be missing out on a goal you set yourself after months of training, getting injured, even a long term injury missing training, eating more with no way to burning off those excess calories that you would have easily gotten rid of by running. Missing a much looked forward to event, which could be a double blow as this could be costly as it may affect travel arrangements booked months in advance for a weekend’s hotel booking. You’re now resigned to sitting on your backside watching another depressing show on TV whilst itching to go and run but know rest is your only option. Its rubs you up the wrong way the following day too, heading to work on a nice day and you see the streets and parks full of runners which covers you from head to toe with jealousy! Maybe you cant fight it any longer so you go for a “gentle” run and then make the problem a whole lot worse, catch twenty two eh?

Sadly in this Yin-Yang lifestyle of ours have you realised you have another battle that may occur on a daily basis? It usually starts after running an event on a Sunday performing fairly well and dropping your guard treating yourself after the event… possibly to something fattening or alcoholic? Arriving into work the next day still on a high but possibly hobbling with the feeling of DOMS in your legs and being asked “Why are you limping? Oh, by the way… How did you get on in your race yesterday?” Have you tried resisting and stopping a big grin appearing on your face? Be honest you have probably been asked out of politeness! Because if you go into too much detail “At mile 6 this happened but by mile 10…… “ You can just see the glazed look and the slightest of head shaking as the facial expression of “What are you talking about?” ever so slightly starts to appear in their faces. It reminds me of the first time you tell someone you run marathons and a look of shock and horror on their faces is just priceless. You now start to talk more quickly, shorten what you had planned to say, skimming the surface as you now realise at this is the point you’re wasting your breath and you should get back to work now.

The colleagues you share your office with… Do you think they actually understand why you run and take a genuine interest or just ask questions out of politeness for office conversation? They clearly know you run, they know you train often and possibly know you have a routine of what you eat and when which probably includes calorie restrictions. To you and I that’s understandable, we can’t possibly run and eat junk and still perform well at our chosen “A - race” that we’re working hard towards to achieve those goals for that positive feel good feeling. Failure in any form…. Disappointment, a negative factor is bound to take over so there will need to be some sort of will power from within here for this not to happen? Be honest its still within your powers here.

As luck would have it, how much will power do you find yourself using to avoid or limit yourself to an invite after work to a public house just prior to your weekends race, where to be honest if you do pop over you’re more than likely not going to have just one alcoholic drink now are you? It’s someone’s birthday, or someone has baked over the weekend and brought in a few samples….. Maybe you can have a little slice of this “unhealthy food” or you politely decline. It could be just me being seriously OCD with what I eat but if you say the words…. And politely say. “Thanks but no Thanks” you’re looked at like you’re some sort of freak. Oh go on? Nag nag, pressure, pressure “honestly, NO thank you!!” which probably follows anti running comments putting you down for not being like them?... Woah hang on here! Be like you?… Hmm I was under the assumption running was a “healthy” sport good for us keeping our mind and body ticking over. We probably have a better diet than they do and very importantly our running keeps us on top of the every day and increasing stress in a working environment! This now means I stand… maybe alone on the other side of the fence than they are. This is the biggest signal that they don’t understand why we run because if they did… They wouldn’t ask or even challenge us? I find this scenario occurs fairly often at my place of work and I’m sure you too must face this constant battle. Its like a rock in a river constantly battling against the tide in their attempt to wear me down.

Sadly every runner faces these challenges and have moments of doubts leading up to a race and even en route to the finish line and unfortunately, you need to remind yourself it’s a mind trick! If you’ve not experienced this yet…. Mark my words… Oh, you will! Getting to the finishing line does not just require fitness and strength, it requires mental power not to give in but to keep going! It may require thinking of family or the considerate friends for encouragement and even keeping an ear out to listen to those loyal spectators shouting your name or race number at you as you run/stagger past them.

Honestly we’re all different so whatever works for you keeping you strong, do it and use it. You chose to participate thin this sport which includes the training and race entries, so injury permitting it’s now you mission to get to any finish line. This is why we need positive people, thoughts, and morale boosters in our lives. I love seeing your twitter stories and updates and #teammotivation and #tribefit hash tags certainly helps me to reach my goal. In return yes, I’ve picked up the T Shirts or a shiny new medal for my efforts. What I thrive on most, mind you is a collection of quotes online that I’ve found very useful in my time of need. As a gentle kick up the behind as a reminder. You may have your own but if not it might be worth you starting a collection. If have some of your own please feel free to share them with me! Don’t be shy!

Here’s just a few of my favourites :-

Running Quotes...

1.       Win or Lose you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focussing too much
2.       I’d rather have a life of “Oh Wells”… Rather than “What If’s”
3.       Strong People don’t put others down…. They lift them up!!
4.       Any fool can criticise your running. Ridicule, jeer, condemn, scorn, mock, moan, complain, poke fun - - and …. Most fools do!
5.       People too weak to follow their own dreams ....will always find a way to discourage yours!!
6.       The pride in finishing a marathon is much greater than all the pain endured, during a marathon
7.       If you are breathing.... Then you can keep going!!
8.       Know matter how slowly you're going..... You're still lapping everyone on the couch!!
9.       "Running is a big question mark...It asks you, 'Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today?'" - Peter Maher
10.   “Any negative attitude on the part of others towards you is their pain, not yours!!” - Guy Finley.
11.   “If you don't do stupid things while you're young, you'll have nothing to smile about when you're old." @_WillSmith_:
12.   The only time you fail is when you fall down…. And CHOOSE to STAY DOWN!! 
13.   Dont let fatigue... Make a coward of you?
14.   Do… Or Do Not!! There is No Try - Yoda
15.   Yesterday... You said Tomorrow ??
16.   “When you say “It’s hard”, it actually means “I’m not strong enough to fight for it”. Stop saying its hard. Think positive!” – Louise Hazel
17.   "In the first half of the race, don't be an idiot. In the second half, don't be a wimp."
18.   Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit." Sheehan
19.   You can feel either sore or sorry tomorrow... Your choice
20.   "A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence"
21.   "Remember, your worst run is always 100% better than the person who never tries."
22.   If you're absent during my struggle, don't expect to be present during my success.
23.   It wont stop hurting, but you'll be finished sooner!!
24.   The voice in your head that says you *cant* do this... Is a liar
25.   When someone tells you "it can't be done," it's more a reflection of their limitations, not yours.”

So you want to become a better runner do you?……….

If the title to this blog applies to you get ready to roll your sleeves up.

Have you run any distance, then looked at your race results and possibly compared your time, to people you know then scratched your head and asked yourself just HOW? Can someone run the same distance so much faster then you? I’ll be honest I have serious OCD here and forever love to compare a stat or two here. It’s not even comparing your times to Joe Blogg’s runners how about a comparison to you elite runners too?

@paulajradcliffe's marathon world record is officially 2hrs 15mins 25 seconds! Patrick Makau’s mens time is 2hrs 3mins 38 seconds Now compare that your marathon effort? In comparison I could run the same race and be at about mile 18 here as they both crossed the finishing line? So standing at a fixed point and looking EIGHT miles into the distance? ….. Is quite a way? Are you kidding me, that’s amazing speed? If I asked to race them and say “Hey give me an hour and twenty minutes head start”… we might have the first marathon photo finishing! Good grief how the hell do they do it?

Lets compare…. They have funding…We have to find the money from our monthly salaries. They have more time then us… We have to squeeze in runs before or after our daily jobs. They have child minder?... We have to take our children with us or selfishly drop them off with other partners or grandparents… and… be back by a certain time to  pick them up. They are looked after by physiotherapists and have more sports massages in two months than we’ll possibly have in a year! They get injured and everyone from all areas pounce on them to make a full recovery as quickly as possible. You have the same injury and the NHS may think about seeing you next year for a consultation unless again you pay for private health care subject to time availability. How many pairs of trainers do you own or buy? How long do you make them last you to reduce cost? Guess what they get their’s donated to them for free! As they’re sponsored by all the top shoe companies. This comparison list really can go on and on but surely you get the idea now. These little perks are adding up and there’s probably more we could add to this list but you can now see why daylight is appearing between you and the faster runner.

This said, If you’re determined to be a better runner this doesn’t stop you finding your own way to improve but what a complete palaver to bring your race times down? (If this is your motivation) Lets start with nutrition, your fuel for your body. Smoking, not advised. Alcohol within moderation!! Unhealthy foods stay clear off. Your work office treats within moderation or not at all! (Normally requires will power against the person who's desperately trying to ruin your race preperation) Fruit, vegetables, antioxidants plenty off. The right carbohydrates and protein taken at the right times and of course, were’ not talking about the Basic cheapo range from the supermarket shelves. Quality of the food makes a difference too, to your health and of course your hobby will obviously increase your weekly family shopping bill.

Trainers, that are suitable for your running gait. A rule of thumb visit a reputable running shop and spend extra time trying on different pairs for comfort and have a proper assessment so you can avoid injury a few months down the line because do you want to spend extra money visiting a physiotherapist to repair your body which you could have helped avoid this injury to you in the first place? How do you like your off the shelf shiny new trainers. Great feeling isn’t it? You do realise the elites have hi tech moulded version don’t you for absolute perfection. How long should you run in these trainers? What have you been advised? Break them in for what? 50 miles, use them for 4-500 miles before replacing? Taking them out in all weathers then chuck them in the corner of the room to fester becoming damaged and losing its cushioning before running in them again. Not the best way to look after them but you do realise an Elite can scuff them a little then decide, nah that’s enough usage let me get my new pair out from the cupboard.

Gym work, to be a better runner we need to be a stronger runner. Working on upper body strength, glutes, core and legs. What gym equipment are you using? Kettle bells, resistance band, dumb bells gym machines, exercise bikes, cross trainers, DVD exercise program, Wii Fit/Wii FitU etc? With this added strain we now need to keep our muscles loose and flexible so keep stretching daily, to again avoid an injury!. Use a foam roller, pain relief creams, Ibuprofen, book an appointment (in your time) to see someone for a sports massage. Can you honestly fit all this within your work/family life daily routine? You can try but ask yourself how much commitment did you actually put into this. Did you have time to? Did you do just enough to tick the box to say yes I done it… or enough to say I actually busted a gut to make my body take notice and to actually make a change for the better?

Now for the hard work itself. People often ask me “How do run X,Y,Z distance, I know I couldn’t do that!” I’m sorry but I’ve heard this so many times now it does make me look to the heavens above and think you lazy so and so. Well actually its easy you start at A and you don’t stop until you get to B. If you run at a steady pace everyone and I mean everyone will finish. Wear the T Shirt and show of the shiny new medal. What’s the problem? The problem is training at one pace running a training routine for arguments sake for two hours within 50-70% would become tedious and not a challenge to ones self. There is no hiding it. If you want to run a new PB you have to run faster than you did last time. To run faster you need to train harder. Intentionally or not that’s the honest truth. Plodding around in training is not going to help you. It will need a variety of runs, distances, heart rate zones, time durations, repetitions not to mention mind games of determination to help you run faster pushing your body so it copes with this new strain or demand. Of course it hurts you will be well outside of your comfort zone but hard to describe it’s a pain we all endure so race day itself will become more enjoyable. How many of you throw in the towel….  “and go do something less boring instead”<< (Get it?) very few as we all return and do the same next time out

This may come across a bitter and a blog full of jealousy (hopefully not) but any decisions in my life have been down to me! I can only blame myself with what path I took when I arrived at a crossroad planning my Work/Family life. If I’ve made the right/wrong decision even when I took up this hobby, when I run, how far or fast is entirely up to me. To be honest i do love fellow and like minded and runners and admire you all for enjoying what I do too, even through the pain barrier. I want my running days to end full of memories as I’m aiming to be the best runner I can be. I love seeing your stats, stories and pictures of events posted all over twitter which is why I happily follow you. I started this running malarkey late in my life, a lot later than I could have (my fault), however I still have a drive, if not playing a game aiming to get as close to the men’s marathon world record as I possibly can! I have run four marathons had four very different experiences. From joyful to outright swearing my head off agony and I cannot say I have run the perfect marathon… yet! Believe me I still have loads of improvement to make and I intend to do so. My hands maybe more tied then others in certain areas but with what freedom and flexibility I do have…. That is the area I can control and I’m trying to utilise and make the most of. Good health and injury free I will continue to run until I’m 110 therefore I will see you at the start line and may the best runner win....