Alphafly vs Vaporfly ? Final MARATHON session! WHICH super shoe will I RACE IN?

[@IneInCeara]

Ran my first marathon last sunday. Goal was to sub 4hrs; made it in 3hrs50.34. Felt so good! Up to the next 💪🏽🔥

[@BenParkes]

Awesome!! Well done!

[@zaphod2]

Congrats, I wish I was just a minute under my goal

[@sigriddaynos7366]

Wow! First marathon but less than 4hrs. Can you let me know what training you did?

[@ifonly4486]

god you kill me Ben !! 3:40 pace and it looks like you're having a casual jog ! Not fair !

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Ben, this Ben did nearly similar pace for 5K in my old Vaporfly 4% in ideal conditions, except for the hairpin turns that I couldn't lean into. I'd love some coaching wisdom on training to bring 5k pace to a 10K race, then eventually to a HM. 😊👍 Glad you're in good shape/strength again!

[@bh2155]

I know that is the truth! He is an incredible runner I am jealous!

[@marielledevaal6029]

My training for my first marathon is going well! Yesterday I had a nice sportmassage and it feels so much better now. A goal is running my first in 4,5 hours my B goal is under 5 hours and my C goal is to finish. And the good thing is I am going to run a PB anyway 😂

[@BenParkes]

PB for Marielle!! Yes! Wishing you all the best for your race and that's a nice set of goals to set yourself.. You can do this!

[@marielledevaal6029]

@@BenParkes best off luck to you this weekend! 💪

[@toasterboy708]

How did you go?

[@timbrennan6766]

AlphaFly's, haircut, San Pellegrino out the nose...check, check and check! Have fun on Sunday!

[@brummierunner]

I keep straining my calf using the Alphaflys! Love them and did a 1.18 half marathon in them. Unless you’re racing in them and fore front striking then I feel they are injury prone

[@1brunner699]

Ran a marathon PR of 3:04 in November in 48 degree (Fahrenheit) weather with rain most of the way and then some hail to the face at mile 22-23. Amazing though actually. That cooler weather keeps the HR down. Going for sub 3’ marathon this weekend in Toledo, Ohio, USA with 41 degree temperature predicted at the start. Good luck on your race!

[@dougmatthews8469]

Good luck in Toledo!

[@leewood837]

I completed my first marathon on Sunday; 2h44m on the weekend of my 2 year running anniversary. Thanks for your videos and training plans, I used a lot of the speedwork sessions during my training. 🌱💚

[@BenParkes]

Congratulations on your time Lee! Impressive in just 2 years!!

[@na-dk9vm]

Lee, any chance you could reply with a rough outline of your diet??

[@leewood837]

@@na-dk9vm of course. I have a vegan diet consisting mostly of non-processed foods. During marathon training my allowed macros were 2800kcal daily, but I would often eat approx 2500kcal over 6 meals. I know a great nutritionist that offers a reasonably-priced food diary analysis service of you would be interested?

[@stijndeklerk]

You looked even smoother in the Alphafly's, they look and sound like clogs though . Loved the Q&A style with Sara on the bike.

[@TZBackpacking]

8:55 lady's cheering you on!

[@Simm0700]

Most important thing was having that barnet cut mate.

[@markrattray6876]

Ben, everything OK - I saw you dropped out of the Cheshire race near the end - hope all is well

[@dorothygraham6183]

Yes waiting to hear from Ben about this race but he hasn’t posted anything now for over 2 weeks. Hope he is ok worried about him.

[@Runningmansam]

I’d definitely go with the vaporfly. For me the alphafly caused me so much arch pain it was unreal.

[@MuseRunner]

Agreed. Loved the speed of the alphaflys but they killed my calves 😢

[@jamesotto7884]

@@MuseRunner i have just run a half in the alpha and the calf pain was unreal! Im thinking it may have been the 4mm drop!?

[@infinitegaming1015]

I ran a half in the alpha with no pain.

[@MuseRunner]

@@infinitegaming1015 they are amazing shoes, but my feet were used to the 8mm drop of the 4% and next%. the alpha has less and didn't work for me. gutted as i love the design and the speed it gave me

[@MuseRunner]

@@jamesotto7884 my physio said the same thing to me, as i was used to the 8mm for 4% and next%

[@elegantkesha6650]

The Cheshire/Wrexham elite marathon is local to me, so I think I’m going to pop up and come see you run! Keep it up, you will smash this race!

[@drferenc9004]

Best of luck Ben! Go get it done this Sunday! I’m doing London as my first marathon. No pressure there.

[@loganseaburg8041]

Call me crazy but I love running in really hot weather and sweating like crazy

[@Kg_travelandrun]

I like the custom Soar shorts!! Good luck at the weekend mate, cheering you on!

[@russamehta]

Great video Ben and Sarah. Can’t believe you can chat at 3:45 pace Ben. I’m watching you run in Battersea Park enviously from being locked down in a muggy and hot Mumbai. Good luck with the race.

[@anthonybarrett4465]

Love it Ben. Just got some alphas trying to get used to them. Like no shoe I’ve ever ran in. Got Brighton and London to look forward to in the autumn. Good luck at Cheshire. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@gary_runs]

Good luck on Sunday Ben! 💯🙌🏼Great video and well done to Sarah again for filming for us! Loving those shorts! 😍 I can see a big order coming your way soon!!

[@RunThePlanet]

If I had a pair I would at least race once in the Alphafly. Will be interesting to see how they perform for you. Also, Seth ran (is running) in Ohio half today in the Alphaflys as you probably know so lets see how much faster he is in his, and how much faster you are in yours. hard to compare races with many factors. Maurten is my go to race Gels now, though I may experiment with those Spring Energy GELs one day.

[@jamiedalrymple3689]

My training is going poor I've kinda lost my way. I like running in the rain best 😊good luck for your Marathon Ben ❤️✌️👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@kevinpye3140]

As a tip for when I change shoes . I have a pair of trusted insoles which are fully moulded to my pinky feet so I don't have to bed in the new pair . Maybe you could take out the insoles of your chosen weapons and put in your trusted and we'll used one's . They may prevent blisters in the long run! I'm primarily an 800 man (61 yrs) and have a race on Saturday hope to go sub 2:30 . Have a great weekend 😁

[@geoffreymccann2841]

Did you say 14c nearly perfect but a little high 😂😂 that's just down right cold.

[@cakej1]

Worrying about shoes is the worst. Gut feeling should be your choice. Training in Maine is going well. Lots of Strava CR's. 😀

[@infinitegaming1015]

I’m racing in the alphas for the full and vapor in the half

[@danielstevens8827]

Nice work Ben! You look to be in a good place with your training, all the best for Cheshire marathon in the Alphalfys. You really go make running quick look easy. 😉 Good work Sarah also. 😊

[@tayoidowu11]

It's so frustrating watching u run and talk at 3.42 pace, you're talking and happy, when I do that pace for 800m I am dying. Stomach wants up, thighs burning. But gr8 to see what I can progress towards. Keep getting it done

[@runningwithdr.andrewdpt9177]

Good luck with your race!! I also have a marathon this weekend.

[@alessiafrontalini3949]

Nice video Ben! I started watching them on the treadmill as well, nothing beats watching a running video when you are running! 😂

[@pato20995]

Idk why but I hate the vaporflys, they have an awkward fit and they are not bouncy. I run in the Adios Pro 3 and they literally take off 15” per km.

[@ImRhys]

It's always a good day when a Ben Parkes video drops into your notification box! - Great video as always Ben, thanks for the motivation! :-)

[@craigshennan7606]

Are those Ben parkes running shorts ? How do I get them ?

[@ismybikeok419]

my fav running weather is 30 degree Australian weather.

[@Sera9080]

I see that with your strava you register intervals, WU,WD separately, how do you do that?

[@jamesotto7884]

Great honest review of the the wonky fruit drink!! 👌 loved that 😆

[@peterjsmcleod3341]

Great video! Got my first ultra coming up (shires and spires 35 miles) been injured sadly so I won’t be shape I want to be in but I’ll get it done!

[@BenParkes]

Enjoy! That's a lovely race and route.. go get it done!

[@petergibbs6993]

Ben - Sarah, really enjoyed this thank you, keep up the joyous content we really do appreciate it 👍

[@alexanderstrong357]

Do you heel lock the alpha fly’s or are they designed so that you don’t need to? I heel locked mine for a half and they cut up the top of my foot.

[@yijuntey]

3:40 easy pace? your insane! But awesome video as always, I've been contemplating which shoe to get for my next race shoe since i've never tried any of them haha

[@clareJCW]

All the best Ben, have a good one! 🏃🏻‍♂️

[@NicBen]

Good luck and enjoy it!! I'll be following along tomorrow 😊😊🤞🏻🤞🏻🎉🎉👍🏻👍🏻

[@Ab-qp2yu]

Me, i will run the 5k WU and go home lol

[@danprettejohn]

Best of luck Ben! Enjoy it out there!

[@simonecarniglia4870]

Struggling quite a bit....i was peaking for my Marathon and it was cancelled 2 days before the race.....again. 1,5 years of training with no chance to run a single marathon. Targeting Brescia on the 30th of May now, but I am starting to struggling a bit mentally

[@1brunner699]

Absolutely understandable! Try to remind yourself of all the progress you’ve made over this period of time and use that going forward as motivation. Don’t hesitate to take a few weeks away to refresh mentally!

[@BenParkes]

It is so hard when things are taken away at the last second when we've been working towards them for so long. You know you've made some awesome progress over the past 2 years and will get to show that in a race very soon. Think how amazing that will feel when you do get to show what you can do. I heard the situation in Italy is getting better, so really hope the Brescia race can happen. Feel free to drop me an email if you need any help with your running! You know you can run your time, your time will come.. for now just focus on all the many positives running has bought into your life over the past couple of years.. there will be many! Speak soon!

[@josephgonzalez_]

Kipchoge went for the Vaporflys at the NNMission marathon....

[@KellyandDoug]

hi Ben! we have just uploaded a video to help chose which shoe is going on each foot for my sub 17 minute 5k attempt in odd shoes. We would love it if you and Sarah could make a couple of picks!

[@uras1]

Just used the next% 2 last weekend in a race. Was only a half marathon but i felt like they still performed well! Also when racing, do you just gulp the gell down in one go or take some every hundred metres of so?

[@NeillyVille]

All the best this Sunday Ben, get it done! Let's go! 👍🏿💪🏿

[@carlstoakes6240]

My training? Non existent sadly. Haven't gotten to the bottom of it but have suffered from calf issues for literally years. Shoes - fine. Form - fine. So am now religiously doing calf strengthening exercises twice daily, whilst resting (again) a strain... Getting so bad (the recurrence) that I'm contemplating sacking it all completely, and taking up crotchet!

[@gary7542]

@benparkes happy haircut 💇‍♂️💇‍♂️💇‍♂️

[@19Kamau79]

Good luck for your Marathon race 👍 I'm living at area of no races and one cancelled 5K race turned to be solo effort time trial and I managed to get my first ever sub20 (19:27) with 1st edition of Next% ☺️

[@parleekingy]

Good luck at the weekend I'm sure you won't be the only Alpha flymale :-) Really like that black top so just ordered one :-) . Next race is a 5000m on the track in 2 weeks, after going through 18:28 5km last Sunday in a 10km (37:55) I just wonder if I can get close to that elusive 17 at 56

[@ryantipping]

Hey Ben, good luck with the marathon! I’m running a 24hr track race in the summer and aiming to sustain between 8:30-:9:00 min mile pace. Just wondering your thoughts on purchasing vapors or alphas for this type of event or stick with my trusted 1080’s? Main concerns would be whether i would gain any speed benefit or conserve any extra energy in the legs at such a slow pace with either of the Nikes.

[@jm6734]

Your speed looks elegantly «effortless» - clearly a sign you’re in great shape. Would be great if you translated your sessions to 10k alternatives in the descriptions. Middle aged people..longer recovery etc.. It sux..as you’ll find in 20yrs ;-)

[@nathanthompson2046]

Hey Ben, I've been subscribed to your yt channel for 2 years. Great work! Do you roll your feet with a tennis ball/bouncey ball? I stretch all my leg muscles out good, but my feet muscles have been spasing out lately. And I was wondering what you do to stretch/relax the muscles in your feet. Any tips would be great! Thanks!

[@johnmanly6242]

I’m really trying to find the right shoe. I run in the Pegasus Zoom Turbo 2 but I really don’t like them. For me they mess up leg. I have also tried the endorphins pro, which I feel have to much padding. I am a long distance runner about 50 miles a week. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[@rafaelvalencia5635]

Ran a 10k race on Saturday and got my PR:42:17!! I barely trained for it because I found out about the race 2.5 weeks prior so I think I can crack sub 40 on the next race.

[@travissperry8186]

I Had a good 5k race today in my Ben Parkes hat. I see your logo on your shorts? Are you going to sell 3" running shorts now as well? I'd be keen on some brightly-colored ones or funky patterns. Have a great marathon this weekend!

[@gwilymeades]

I think I'd go for comfort! I can't imagine the uncomfortable shoes would give you that much advantage that outweigh the sheer fact of comfort through the length of a marathon! Their both % improvement NIKEs after all...I think you're overthinking it.

[@poisefree]

i am in Durban KZN south africa,, if we get 20 degree we are so happy and consider that cool lol... we nearly year round are running in extreme heat so anything under 25 degrees we think we are blessed lol

[@surajtripathi3624]

I am doctor by profession n weekly run is 50 to 60km. Temperature is most of the time is between 22 to 25 degrees Celsius n monsoon n raining.

[@JanTorresan]

So sympathetic 💪😎

[@wunderlichdrive]

One thing that I have never see anyone talking about is the best technique for mastering fueling at an aid station during a race. I invariably end up running behind someone who stops at the station, rather than getting in and out. It is hard not to crash into people. Then, once I have a drink, it is so hard to not spill it all over me or get it up my nose. Help, Ben! What is your technique for getting in, getting out and then drinking efficiently?

[@rickyemery7917]

Good luck Ben hope all goes to plan 👍

[@glenndoddy]

What brand are your shorts please ? Very informative, agree with you re noise and comfort.

[@BenParkes]

Soar

[@leegmann2282]

Ben, what was uncomfortable about the Alphafly? Trying to decide if I want to buy. Great video!

[@dansnipe4835]

Good luck with the marathon I have the shepperdine marathon same day 2.55 would be nice

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Dan! You can get the 2:55!!

[@dansnipe4835]

@@BenParkes thank u watching your KZbin videos has definitely got me running a lot better than the 2.57 at London marathon 2019

[@paulcain1285]

Best of luck, I’m doing a half marathon on Sunday, using the Next%v2 loving them (silver👟). I’ve got Alphafly’s and would use them on a full marathon as well, as I think they save your legs a little more. But agree feel clunky. Hope you enjoy Chester lovely city centre.

[@tuxi1326]

Hey Ben! What do you think about making video about nutrition? Last one was 2 year ago and maybe u changed your fueling?

[@blakelandry]

Can you explain your gel strategy, how many and how you will be carrying them etc? Thanks! Cheers

[@jamesbruce3879]

Great video again Ben! I'm looking at buying my first pair of vaporfly, do you prefer the vaporfly or vaporfly 2? Good luck for your next upcoming race 😊

[@benphillips4113]

Video Idea: How you've configured your Strava to make sure that you're getting the best data out of it! Love your videos Ben, take care!

[@gary7542]

Hopefully the 3 corners on each loop aren't too tight for those shoes as you will be fair moving. All the best 👍👍👍

[@davecowdry6274]

I tend to fade quick in the heat so I prefer it a bit cooler, it is nice to get a proper sweat on though. I bought the next% 2 recently and having never used a carbon plate shoe before I'm loving them. Good luck in the race Ben. has Sarah got any videos in the pipeline?

[@chucky1golf]

Sarah think he earned that drink...😆 good price £210 for next%2

[@ImploadingCookies]

Those shorts are fresh Ben!!! when are you dropping them? I need them for race day lol . Red = fast

[@eddiegaul1903]

Good luck Ben. Looking forward to your race report. I am still shocked at how quickly you got over that calf injury. Interesting shoe information. I am still in heavy-duty shoes but have toyed with upgrading to a set of race shoes. I know they can make a difference but I always worry about injury risks going with a race shoe.

[@michaelyoung7069]

Wishing you all the luck! Brilliant content and you should be really proud of yourself. I'll be coincidentally starting in the same wave as you on Sunday with and a injury and mental health disrupted build up but hoping for a great day!

[@DailyWordPuzzlesWithOranje28]

I live in Canada. I personally enjoy running between -5 and +5 degrees Celsius as I perspire quite a bit.

[@JayAsHimself81]

Awesome running form 🤘🏽

[@reigaterobot4965]

Favourite running conditions are pretty much as in this vid - Plenty of Sun with little or no wind 😎

[@998mph]

Great content as usual. You make it look so easy! How do the new vaporfly 2 compare to the original 4% (that I still use!!). Good luck this weekend.

[@alexanderchow6303]

Perfect running weather is sunny around 10-15 degrees slightly breezy but not too windy and possibly with light rain too

[@bryanwade814]

Love the videos and watching you two from over here in Indiana USA. Just grabbed the intermediate marathon training plan from you as I make a comeback from Covid race cancellations last year. 10th marathon and want to PR after a DNS Fall of 2019 due to an achilles issue. Good luck next weekend!

[@misterwalker3598]

Best of luck at Cheshire! Really looking forward to the next video and loving the new gear (👀 shorts!) Wanting to buy a pair of carbon plates for my first official races this year London Landmarks Half and the London Marathon and these are the two shows I’m currently torn between!

[@TheDangerousKid]

Good luck for this weekend. Love the alphaflys but think for a longer distance it’s nice to have a lighter less clunky feel. I’m sure you’ll smash it regardless

[@feezee82]

Personally, I would choose Vaporfly as I find them much easier to run in, but you seem to be very comfortable in the Alphas, so maybe that’s a better fit for you.

[@MOOVEndurance]

Next% game on🤘🏼

[@christinaclementson2685]

100% go with the Alphaflys! I recently ran in the Alphaflys and have never felt so good in a marathon. Feet were comfortable too. Good luck for Wrexham/Cheshire. Have a great race 💪💪

[@vikrampawar21]

Thanks a lot mate.

[@garethmartin9058]

I don't like it too hot my prefect weather for me is about 10c with no wind it kill me the heat

[@garethmartin9058]

£3 for can of pop do you get gold with that I thought you would of went for next% 2

[@derippies191]

I wish you all the best this weekend, Ben! I'm two months away from the start of my preparation for the Berlin Marathon, my 3rd marathon ever. My goal is 3'15, but things will have to be perfect for me to succeed. The weather you described is almost too hot for me, I run my best times with temperatures around 8-10 degrees.

[@ReubenStrickett]

Just joined a running club, and the track is really helping me come back from my injury! Looking forward to the Big Half this summer.

[@DeanSaliba]

The expression on your face when you tasted that drink. 🤣 Good luck in the race. 👍

[@markhill2173]

You're coming to the North West, Ben. It is never not windy.

[@iraphedon8724]

Best of luck Ben! And enjoy the race 🙌

[@BenParkes]

Thank you Ira. Hope you're well!

[@jasoncooper1898]

Hi mate that training sess you did how many times a month would you do that?. Thank you 😀

[@brutice5911]

Oh my - this was great. Especially when you tried to steal Sarah's drink, haha.

[@deanhorton4001]

Best of luck. The right choice on shoes in my opinion. 😃👍😘