5..4..3..2..1..Blast Off!
The Brooks Transcend was marketed as a running shoe from out of this
world. The marketing videos were so
impressive that even runners were curious about this Transcend running
shoe.
I’m a Brooks loyalist, enthusiast, and promoter. No, I’m not on their payroll, though they do
support me via their Brooks I.D. program for my coaching of runners. As most of you know by far my favorite
running sneaker of all time is the Brooks Launch. I’m currently in my twenty-something pair of
them. Being apart of the Brooks I.D
program allows me to experiment with the many incredible products that Brooks
has developed (I still miss that water belt they had made 5-6 years ago). In addition to the Launch, I wear the
Adrenalines, the Ghost, the Cascadia, the Pure Flows, the Pure Connects, Brooks
ST’s(it’s a racing flat not something you contract just touching the walls in
most Fraternity houses), the T7’s and the Mach 15 (for the track). In addition I just started wearing the throw
back, Brooks Vangard’s (which are very comfortable and cool looking to
boot). All of the above shoes have their
advantages and disadvantages, their positives and some negatives (except for
the Launch, those are perfect for me). Running
sneakers come in a variety of options for all the many different body styles of
runners and more importantly the foot structure (e.g. pronation, width).
With all the hype surrounding the release of the Brooks
newest running shoe the Transcend I of course had to purchase a pair. Out of the box these shoes are attractive to
the eye with the bright sunset orange color that’s splashed all over them. They also come in a blue and white (not as
fun) for men, and a vibrant pink and a blah greenish blue and white for the
ladies. All right, all right, lets not
get too caught up with the color scheme; we need to stay focused. Earth to Chris! The Transcend’s please, ah, yes! The Transcends, aside from the color of the
shoe, these shoes are not for racing. I
prefer a lightweight racing flat for racing and the Transcend weigh in at 12.2
oz for men and 10.1 oz. for women, which I believe is the third heaviest shoe
in the Brooks lineup. The sneaker is a
support shoe as advertised and comes with all the comforts of the world with
the “Super DNA cushioning,” improved guide rails, “Ideal Pressure Zones,” and a
comfortable plush material.
I found these shoes to be heavy, but comfortable, when I
first placed them on my feet. I like to
break my running shoes in slowly. I’ll
wear them around (no running involved), for a few days. I’ll just wear them to work, school, the
mall, even the gym, but I will not dare step on the treadmill with them until
they have been worn for a couple of days.
After I have worn these new shoes, I like to take them for a spin around
the block, you know like an easy run, not too many miles (3-4). After the easy run I may attempt to do a
tempo run or a speed workout (depending on the shoe type). Once me and my new found running shoes have
accomplished that, I will attempt to take them on a longer journey of 10 plus
miles. I accomplished the first few
steps in my new Transcends. When I went
to do the final step, the long run I got roped into a half marathon race
foolishly. The plan was to do a 2 mile
warm-up followed by a half marathon at an easy pace. I some how got caught up in the lead packs
discussions and forgot that I was taking it easy and still attempting to test
ride my Brooks Transcends. The results,
I ended up 5th overall (small field), with a 1:31 on a very hilly
course, with cuts on the top of my feet, right above my toes from the seam of
the lace box rubbing on my swollen feet.
This was not a pleasant feeling, and mostly because I should not have
been racing in the Transcends. Had I
stuck to my initial plan and taken it easy, I wouldn’t have these cuts.
I will leave you with this:
I like this running shoe, I am in no way madly in love with it (as I am
with the Launch), but I plan to continue to run in this shoe as a trainer. I will mostly run in them as weekend long
run situation. If you are looking for a
new trainer, and you don’t mind a heavier shoe, I recommend them. This shoe is filled with comfort and all the
joys of cloud type cushioning.
Till we run into each other again...
CT
