The Running Thread

Spartan Racer here

In training this makes me run quite a bit on roads and hard trails. I'm currently in the process of moving over to zero drop shoes, so wanted to ask ya'll....

Anyone run in Altra Torin shoes?

My usual running shoes are NB 880 but I need to start transitioning over to zero drop, as my trail and OCR shoes are all zero drop, as are even my kick it shoes (Lems).

Heard about Altra and wanted to try them out.

TIA

swcrow wrote

Heard about Altra and wanted to try them out.

TIA

I haven't ran specifically in Torin's. But I do love Altra and always have a pair in my rotation. Currently have a pair of Escalante Racer 2's that I really like still.

dc503 wrote

I haven't ran specifically in Torin's. But I do love Altra and always have a pair in my rotation. Currently have a pair of Escalante Racer 2's that I really like still.

Good to hear...I'll check out Escalante as well...thanks.

Lower back is starting to feel better/good during runs. Next 5k is March 21. Ran 4 in just under 28 last night. It's tough to get a consistent time when I have to wait for traffic signals, but since it's still dark at 6 in the evenings, it is what it is.

swcrow wrote

Spartan Racer here

In training this makes me run quite a bit on roads and hard trails. I'm currently in the process of moving over to zero drop shoes, so wanted to ask ya'll....

Anyone run in Altra Torin shoes?

My usual running shoes are NB 880 but I need to start transitioning over to zero drop, as my trail and OCR shoes are all zero drop, as are even my kick it shoes (Lems).

Heard about Altra and wanted to try them out.

TIA

I've heard Torins were good but I've never tried them myself. I've used Solstice and Escalante as my general use/walking shoes. A lot of my runs in the fwd Experience (I think its rebranded to Experience Flow now). Currently on Hoka Gaviota because they were measured as being 2mm drop. But they're getting up there in mileage so I may go with the Torins soon.

I did try the Via Olympus for a while and hated them but I heard the newer version is way better.

What replacement schedule is everyone using to replace running shoes? I have been on a 2-year schedule for shoes I wear for both general purposes and for running 2-5 miles per week.

Vulpe wrote

I've heard Torins were good but I've never tried them myself. I've used Solstice and Escalante as my general use/walking shoes. A lot of my runs in the fwd Experience (I think its rebranded to Experience Flow now). Currently on Hoka Gaviota because they were measured as being 2mm drop. But they're getting up there in mileage so I may go with the Torins soon.

I did try the Via Olympus for a while and hated them but I heard the newer version is way better.

Great input! Thanks! Always good to hear about other options, especially when I only knew of one lol. Once Amazon starts redelivering packages due to weather, I'll get the Torins in and report back

chassis wrote

What replacement schedule is everyone using to replace running shoes? I have been on a 2-year schedule for shoes I wear for both general purposes and for running 2-5 miles per week.

My replacement is on
#1 wear
#2 time

I only use my running shoes to run; if I used them to walk in as well, they'd wear even faster for sure. I'm averaging about every 6-8 months of needing to start integrating a new pair to get them broken in, in time to swap out.

Your mileage/week can probably support a year time-wise, but that fact you wear them for walking and running, I personally think 2 years is a bit too long. Only you would be able to tell, but I think it's running cushioning would deteriorate long before the 2 year mark.

chassis wrote

What replacement schedule is everyone using to replace running shoes? I have been on a 2-year schedule for shoes I wear for both general purposes and for running 2-5 miles per week.

I set my shoes in Runkeeper for 300 km. I do use my running shoes in the gym, but don't do THAT much walking around to justify changing.

2.4 miles, felt great. Low 50sF today and sunny, perfect weather. I started with a sweater, hat and gloves and ended in t-shirt and shorts.

Technical stats on the Garmin weren't great because there were a couple of sections I had to slow down and step carefully on, because of snow and ice.

Hoping to run twice per week as the weather improves, plus a 1600-1800yd pool swim. Then I will switch to running and cycling when the trails are clear and weather is warmer.

2.4 miles, good run. Personal best time average 10:39/mile. Slow as a turtle but it is a step in the right direction!

270ms GCT
176 cadence
146 AHR

I consciously pushed myself to see what "faster" feels like. AHR was quite higher than 130 for the next fastest run. The run did feel faster and harder. It is clear to me that running faster takes alot of work and time/practice.

My brother is running Boston in 6 weeks and he is fast for his age group. The phrase "I don't know how he does it" comes to mind. But I do know, he works his a$$ off.

chassis wrote

It is clear to me that running faster takes alot of work and time/practice.

I find I'm faster when I shorten my stride. It "feels" weird to say the least. For every day runs, I stick with comfortably longer stride.

Vulpe wrote

I've heard Torins were good but I've never tried them myself. I've used Solstice and Escalante as my general use/walking shoes. A lot of my runs in the fwd Experience (I think its rebranded to Experience Flow now). Currently on Hoka Gaviota because they were measured as being 2mm drop. But they're getting up there in mileage so I may go with the Torins soon.

I did try the Via Olympus for a while and hated them but I heard the newer version is way better.

Just got these in…time to start breaking them in


No idea why uploading from my phone askews the pic like this

2.4 miles, personal best pace of 10:06/mile. Getting better.

I ran with my wife who is an experienced marathoner. Running with someone for sure helps with speed. I run alone most of the time which makes it easy to slow down.

Still cold here but a warming trend is coming.

Whew, been almost a year since I clocked under 30 mins in a 5k.

Vulpe wrote

Whew, been almost a year since I clocked under 30 mins in a 5k.

Nice, I run 5K every other day, but rarely hit under 30 min...

chassis wrote

What replacement schedule is everyone using to replace running shoes? I have been on a 2-year schedule for shoes I wear for both general purposes and for running 2-5 miles per week.

Every 500 miles of running regarless on how long it takes me to meet that goal, but normally about 1 to 1.5 yrs. My Runner's app helps me keep track.

BTW, ran 10 miles two days ago...first long distance since mid Jan 2026. I felt like a tank..., but again...I turn 63 in July

2.5 miles, felt good. 263ms GCT which is a PB so far. 10:18/mi pace. 10 minutes/mile pace seems achievable. I am focusing on leaning forward from the ankles to reduce GCT and to increase both cadence and stride length.

I ran 2 miles this morning....on purpose.

First time wearing zero drop running shoes (see Altra pic above) after wearing them a few days to break in.

I wasn't quite sure how my back and legs would respond moving from NB 880 shoe to this, but didn't want to push it any more just in case.

Definitely different ergonomics in my stride...time will tell as the day goes on, but shoes felt great

2.5 miles, personal best pace of 9:59/mile.

60 degrees with 20 mph wind from the SW. Shorts and t-shirt weather, finally!

I'm starting to get back into weighted squats at the gym...strictly to help with running...to try and strengthen the lower body. Really hate them and using low weights (sub 135), but I know it'll benefit me in the long run.

What other lower body exercises are you guys doing to help your running?

4th run on my new altra zero drop running shoes. Only 3 miles the last couple runs as I still break them in and get used to the different ergonomics.

I’m finding that I am sore in places I wasn’t sore before…butt and then the muscles running on top of my shins I find to be more sore because I’m now pushing off more with my forefoot than I was when I would almost heel strike with the 10 mm drop shoes.