Hey Eric

Some very useful information in the videos. I think mobility is often overlooked by personal trainers / coaches - many of whom seem to prefer that individuals leap into poor/less-than-ideal form exercises rather than spend time assessing 'fit for form' and doing some remedial work in preparation. I guess, however, that we as clients also need to take some responsibility. I know that in the past I would have felt 'cheated' out of a workout if my trainer had me spend a chunk of it on mobility/exercise prep. These days, I recognise lack of mobility as probably my greatest limiting factor in S&C work/improvements. Endurance running is my primary focus so I know it's also having a major impact on my running efficiency/biomechanics.

Access to in-person quality trainers is limited and very expensive in my part of the world - certainly nothing like the availability in North America or Europe. So online and book-based information forms a very important part of my arsenal of fitness knowledge. Thanks for your contribution to my development.

All the best
LDG

Hi Brandon: Interesting. I'm open to trying different shoes. In fact, I've previously tried to order a pair of Newtons but because of where I live, it was going to cost me an extra $70-$90 in shipping and taxes! NewtonUS were nice enough to give me the option of cancelling the order - which I did - couldn't justify +50% cost to myself. Perhaps when I'm next in Japan/UK I'll try to pick up a pair. That said, I've tried lots of 'regular' trainers and always come back to the Mizunos - currently have a pair of Ronin 2 racers awaiting a test run when I feel brave enough / patient enough. I've gone from assuming I'd never break 45mins for 10k a couple of years ago to a PB of 41m57s. I'm SURE it's not all shoe-related, but I'm wondering if a sub 41 is within my capabilities and I'm willing to give new kit a try in my (likely futile) quest. Best, LDG

Stevie - I've been in Mizuno Wave Riders since model 10 (Guess you will have WR13s?) & find them to be a great neutral shoe for everyday training. If you find you get on with them, may I suggest you give the Mizuno Precision a whirl if you're in the market for a lighter 'racing' shoe? It's still a trainer rather than a flat/true racer, but weighs in at about 194g(6.85oz?) compared with the Wave Rider 12's 257g(9.1oz?) - yes, sadly, I've weighed my shoes. I wear a mens US7.5 (despite being a girl) and don't consider myself a light runner - tho probably mid-forefoot striker.

Allan - Superheroes with strange powers: check out Mur Lafferty's "Playing for Keeps" podcast novel. And I will certainly spread the word about RWTP. Not that it matters in the slightest (to me), but I'm an English-speaking expat - my Cantonese & Mandarin are pretty bad - I have enough to get around but don't ask me to get into discussions of philosophy, politics, Cantopop stars etc!

Hi Allan. Good point! I live in Asia and at risk of getting battered by other listeners (readers?) in the region, I'd say that with the notable exception of Japan (which is where I ran my first), there isn't yet the critical mass of marathoners to support loads of marathons at all levels. There are some small marathons of 700-1000ppl but the logistics/$$$/potential base of runners means that a big marathon out here is 8000-9000 (e.g. Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon). So I think my perception is being skewed by those 'super-sized' events in US/Europe - when I compare races out here with those, they all seem 'small-to-medium sized'! :-D

On the issue of big/small 1st marathon, I ran a 'small-medium' (7000-9000 runners) for my first & found it offered the best of both worlds.
Small enough: no need to wait 1hr+ to cross the start line after the gun; queues for all-important facilities relatively short; you felt people were out supporting YOU, especially with impromptu water/fuel stalls and ability to 'high-5' all the kids along the way-a more personal experience; get your chip removed/bag back fast at the end.
Big enough: Excellent organisation; decent spectator support along most of the route; attract a decent group of international elites so you could see how the big boys and girls play (although that may more related to $ than size).
So my 2cts is take the 'middle road'!
Good luck to Jorie (sp?) with first marathon planning and execution - have a blast!
All the best
Llamadoughgirl

Will be interested to know how the VFFs work out for you both. When 'barefoot' running thing first entered mainstream running consciousness, I didn't pay too much attention: too heavy to run without cushioning, too impatient to 'retrain' my body to run in a different way, too much urban detritus where I live to contemplate running in anything less than the trainer equivalent of Army boots... But I'm increasingly curious and there may come a day in the future where I find myself out there in penguin feet - if only to entertain my aged neighbours!

Okay, this is far too long for a comment - as evidenced by IntenseDebate demanding that I split my original across two posts - so going to stop rambling. Thanks again for a great show and good luck with your running (barefoot or otherwise).

LDGirl aka Llamadoughgirl
[To my shock, the user name 'Llamadoughgirl' was already taken at Intensedebate, hence the abbreviation. But just remember: 'Accept No Imitations' ;-) ]

Hey Allan and Stevie

Don't have anything exciting to say but just finished listening to your latest podcast (edit: notice there is a new one in - I originally posted under that) in which I heard a reference to "only four comments" on the previous episode. Just hope you weren't interpreting that as any indication of listener enjoyment. If you were, please cease and desist from such behaviour immediately! Anyway, decided I should stop being a parasite and start telling people when I enjoy their show...so: I enjoy your show!

RWTP has long been one of my favourite podcasts. I like the back-and-forth dynamic and the topics-driven format. Greatly enjoyed the 'Allan and Jeff years' and having just as much listener pleasure with the arrival of Stevie - indeed, it's good to have a girl's take on some of the issues. And Stevie, you have a sense of fun that is infectious.

TBC......