Training for the BERLIN MARATHON, speed session in Nike Alphafly 2 - will this be my next race shoe?

[@BenParkes]

What shoe would you recommend for Berlin Marathon??

[@dolf-dietramniehaus2498]

Going for Adidas Adios Pro 2 or 3. need a bit more long run testing 😉👌

[@Anyanythingg]

alphafly1

[@Dannyner6]

why not go for it in the alphafly 2s! you already paid for them xD seems like theyre the whole package now, speed and comfort. plus, the new piece of foam under the airpods should alleviate any popping concerns.

[@Dikbert]

Whatever shoe Kipchoge decides to wear

[@bh4560]

I think you should use vaporfly 2s ben. They are far lighter than both alphaflys mate.

[@schoukri]

I really appreciate the fact that you purchase all the shoes you review with your own money. For that reason, I trust your opinions more than other reviewers that are given shoes for free by the manufacturer or shoe stores. Thank you!

[@kristyvoss9204]

I concur!

[@sealand6567]

Eliud Kipchoge is also running Berlin this year and so am I. See you there Ben!

[@BenParkes]

It's so cool!

[@patdavey1719]

Glad to see see you're enjoying Liverpool. The city still hosts a half marathon each year in March that goes through Sefton Park and along the promenade at Otterspool. There is also a 10k that goes underneath the river Mersey in one of the road tunnels to the seaside resort of New Brighton.

[@Inspire196]

I’m doing the Amsterdam marathon in October, using a Ben Parkes marathon training plan!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck.. you'll be amazing!

[@sharonread1661]

I am also, which plan are you using?

[@Inspire196]

@@BenParkes Thank you. I chose your plan (which is a beginner one) because you’re so enthusiastic and encouraging - don’t stop doing that! : )

[@JamieMcCalman]

I'm running CIM in Sacramento on December 4. It's the same date as Valencia so I'm looking forward to following all of your Autumn/Winer training and videos to keep me inspired and motivated. Also purchased your training plan to get me under 3hrs on my 3rd marathon attempt (missed it by under two minutes on my first two attempts). Would love you to come out for the Vancouver marathon one day!

[@alisonmitchell7294]

I’ll be in Berlin too 🇩🇪 shakeout run around the Tiergarten sounds great! 👍🏼

[@BenParkes]

See you there Alison!

[@DWNY358]

Me too! Should be fun

[@patrick4015]

I’m running the Berlin marathon as basic prep for UTS 50k 2023. Good luck with training.

[@RunningWithConnor]

London for me this Autumn. My first marathon, current training is suggested around the 3:15 mark. Bit of a niggle currently so cross-training for a week or two. Will be running the marathon in the Adios Pro 2's

[@BenParkes]

Hope that settles down quickly and you're back running soon Connor. Embrace the cross training, it can really help in the long term though! Good luck at London!

[@danwoodliefphotography871]

I look forward to your Berlin report. I have tried for entry twice but no luck so far. Running London in a month, which is my third of the 6 Abbott majors. Dream come true, although I had to run my second biggest month ever in August to make up for time missed during the summer for illness. I ran about 40 miles in 2021 due to a new job and injury. I had done a minimum of 800 for 12 years. I have never shed tears after a race, but maybe after London.

[@ryangonzaga2874]

im from NZ and here's my upcoming races - Rotorua Marathon on sept, Taupo 50k & Auckland Half Marathon on oct, then Queenstown Marathon on november. i have got the Nike VF2 for those races. :) and I bought your Marathon training plan in prep for these races.

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Ryan!! VF2 will be great and you’ll be so good with the plan! Would love to get back to NZ again soon. All the best with your running 🙌

[@runningben74watts90]

Running Valencia Ben , scene of your great 2.25 , going for sub 3 , probably doing it in the Adidas Adizero Adios pro 2's, ran Vienna in April in them.

[@BenParkes]

See you there.. we'll be back in Valencia too. Good luck!

[@MrDoekdoek]

I will be in Berlin 💪 aiming for sub 2:45. Still in doubt about the alphafly 2 or vaporfly 2. Amazing to see you training! Keep up the good work 💪

[@BenParkes]

See you there!!

[@bridgemasterx]

The Otterspool prom is ALWAYS windy. The last 4 miles of the Liverpool Half Marathon is along there. Can be brutal.

[@peterlove1938]

Ordered my Ben Parkes hat and cannot wait to start using it on my runs! Will be doing the Warsaw marathon which is the same weekend as Berlin - at least normally is. I am also targeting under 3 but focused more on my training and less on shoe selection - hopefully not to my detriment.

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

I am running Warsaw too. Hoping to run a GFA qualifier if possible. Looks a great course in Warsaw.

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Peter! Thanks for the support 🙌

[@peterlove1938]

@@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics It is a relatively flat course - three 200m +/- hills at 4.5 km, 18 km and 34 km then back and forth across the river three times but the bridges are not too steep. A decent crowd support to help too. Good luck!

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

@@peterlove1938 Thanks for that info 😊. It looks a great course and City so I am looking forwards to it.

[@TheKidChannel410]

Thank you Ben & Sarah.. love your videos.. all the way from Melbourne!!

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

Warsaw Marathon this autumn 😊 Memories of running from Otterspool to the Albert Dock at the end of the Liverpool Rock & 0 Roll Marathon twice, hard going into the wind on the river there. Cheers for the new SOAR vest 👍

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Mark! Yes.. sure is a tough end to the marathon!

[@marylandflyer5670]

I’d stay with Alphafly V1. The new version seems to be made more for the masses with steeper drop and extra cushion. Once you get the technique on the V1, it’s the best IMO.

[@Guru-jp3zi]

Ben next year you could go for the Hamburg marathon...Berlin is ok but Hamburg really brilliant believe you me...

[@BenParkes]

Not sure about 2023 yet.. but will be a new race, as I've done Berlin a few times now!

[@jasondahl8538]

My wife and I will be running Berlin too! We were so excited that we got selected in the lottery. Also training with your Level 2 marathon plan, liking it so far and am hoping for a PR!

[@BenParkes]

Good luck to you both Jason!! See you in Berlin!

[@vaibhavyadav997]

I have been following your channel for last couple of years since I took up running. I will be doing my first marathon in Berlin. Can’t wait to join you for the shakeout run 😊

[@BenParkes]

See you there Vaibhav!

[@robprice5769]

Ben, I think it might be me but I think the Kipchoge alpha fly is a different feeling shoe to the normal alpha fly if you get me. As the Kipchoge is designed for his foot. It might be me and psychological but that’s how I feel when worn them.

[@CamboHODL]

Good news about the increased width under the arch. That’s where I had trouble with the first version, caused me terrible pain and blisters. I tried two pairs and each one the same problem. The larger drop is also a welcomed change. The last one felt like I was on my heals too much.

[@kikii1]

My Alpha 2 size 10s are 272g which is 20 more than the 1s. Do you want to check those weights as even my vapourfly 1s are 215 grams, and that's heavier than what you are quoting for the Alpha2s. Your version 1 weight is the same as me streakflys at 186s so I'm not sure where you got those numbers even if they are size 9 weights.

[@BenParkes]

I'll have to check with Sarah as she did that part of the video. Will update it in the next video if it's wrong.

[@iboneic13]

I'll be at Philly this year! Then Boston 2023! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@itsonandy]

I'm doing Amsterdam this year and following one of your plans - I wanna whip myself into shape first before I consider a racing shoe! Great video mate. BTW, please come to the Malvern hills one day for a trail run, it's right up your street!

[@dolf-dietramniehaus2498]

Shake out run in Berlin would be great. I‘ll join you guys💪

[@BenParkes]

See you there!

[@fuselee6891]

Put a thin regular insole and will protect the digging into your foot issue

[@DrFaroon]

I did 10x 2mins in the alpha fly 1s today. They’re a seriously quick, but I feel them pressing medially in the midfoot , I think like they do for you. Now really interested in whether the 2s are wider, and more comfy, while maintaining the speed. But they’re out of stock everywhere now! 9 weeks to Berlin - right now I think I’ll race in the vaporfly….

[@arranlinton-smith1145]

I will be at the Yorkshire Marathon in October!

[@stevenhunt3947]

Top video as always Ben, from my home town of Liverpool. You should give the Liverpool half marathon a go next year great event and course happy running 🏃‍♂️

[@georgeharris7578]

I'm doing Munich, sadly not in the Berlin gang! Hoping for an age grouper time for Berlin next year - good luck with training!

[@debbieglen2800]

Lovely watching you run in my home town 😀

[@uras1]

Just raced the goldcoast marathon for my first race and i used your plan. Managed a 2.54, only goal was sub 3! I used the alpha for that race but keen to get 2's when they land here!!

[@BenParkes]

Wow, that’s awesome Scott! Made by day. You must be so happy with that in the humid conditions on the day. Big well done from us!!

[@jake.simp11]

Hopefully see you there Ben! What do you think is a realistic target after running my first marathon in Manchester at 3:08 in April? Longest training run I did for that was only about 25k so think there’s a bit of room to improve

[@BenParkes]

Got to be targeting a sub 3! Berlin is a quicker course too.. so you should be good for that. See you there!

[@ChristianRunsNY]

Differed Berlin to 2023, I have Chicago and NYC this year!

[@BenParkes]

Wow, what a combination of races. Good luck Christian!

[@ChristianRunsNY]

@@BenParkes Thanks, quite a few yourself coming up! Best of luck!

[@BieneTVB]

I´m in for the shakeout run. See you guys in Berlin

[@BenParkes]

See you there Sven!

[@i.p2088]

Can you make a runner loop with the laces? I don't think it's possible..

[@nigelgardiner8398]

I’m doing London in Oct using the Ben Parkes intermediate marathon plan…going well so far 👍

[@tobiasalford6143]

"Blowing an absolute hooley" lol

[@justmeemi6350]

Ahhh see you there!! I’m also taking part :)

[@BenParkes]

Have fun! Good luck!

[@CovatronMX]

See you in Berlin! Huge fan from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@tomek7000tj]

Do you feel diference between 8 mm and 4 mm drop while running?

[@francodellamura7471]

Hello Ben, as you can tell from my pic, I am not a runner. However, my partner and I plan to do the Bewl Water Marathon in Sep. I disappointingly in my first and last Marathon I ended up walking the last 17k. I hope to do better.

[@LARKRunningUK]

The Wirral Peninsula Ben. Lovely part of the world…..

[@simonsparkes5481]

I did Liverpool double along there Ben with gb ultras just got pair brooks clycerin gts 20 love them just done 39 marathons this year got 145 mile race this week coming long long way 102 marathons in just 2 years 2 months 🏃‍♂️👍🙂

[@vincewarne228]

Amsterdam this Autumn for me! Flat and fast I hope!

[@BenParkes]

It's a great fast course. Good luck Vince!!

[@Nikunj573]

Hi Ben, ever plan to run Tata Mumbai Marathon? It's happening in January 2023.. You would love the course and the city.. Maybe you can check it out if you want 🏆

[@-TheDevilsAdvocate]

So it’s these types of sessions where i really value Stryd and power. Can actually quantify the output. Wondering if you’ve tried it and if so, why not use it for these sessions?

[@BenParkes]

yes I've tried it.. I guess I'm just a bit old fashioned at times and don't like to get bogged down in all the stats.. prefer to train on feel and get more intune with my body, rather than what a computer says. I know it provides value to a lot of runners though!

[@Mr_Fairdale]

Snow Canyon Half Marathon in November! Good luck to Ben and everyone else in their upcoming races :)

[@gary_runs]

Great video Ben! That wind looked tough! It must of been if it slowed 'you' down!

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. the windiest I've ever had for a training run for sure. All good fun though!

[@dansnipe4835]

London marathon for me but good luck with your marathon

[@BenParkes]

It's the best! Good luck Dan!

[@marto2238]

Hi Ben, I enjoyed your video. I noticed that even at your 3:15/km pace, your heels don't rise much above the horizontal (nor do mine). Is that because you weren't running flat out? Does it even matter if they don't? What are your thoughts on the subject?

[@chucky1golf]

Which did you get a faster time with V1 or V2 , must have missed the times? Thanks

[@redmantech8167]

Now add in the Saucony Pro 3 to the mix and you have a real dilemma

[@georgidalton4315]

It’s the Wirral peninsula,good vid Ben

[@BenParkes]

Thank you!

[@jamiedalrymple3689]

I am going to start wearing Saucony.Nike are just having a laugh with £280 for shoes that last 5 mins.I am registered for NYC marathon in Nov so I have a bit of time to play with shoes ❤️✌️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@rzeca]

Atomic Kitten 😆

[@cheeesehh]

Amsterdam Marathon in October!

[@VladiDeVasca]

YES, Berlin 2022 🙄 and I am training for it atm and still don’t know which pair of shoes I will choose 🤯 VF or AF …

[@BenParkes]

Good luck Vladi!

[@melaniehuggins6646]

Such a shame the RnR runs aren't in Liverpool anymore. I did the half marathon twice and thought it was brilliant 🎸🎶🎹

[@BenParkes]

Yes.. I was sad to learn they pulled out as it was such an enjoyable event.

[@annekafrench7120]

The Alphafly 2 are now available at £269.96.. should have waited 😄

[@ron9338]

Nice video! Can I ask what cap you're wearing?

[@BenParkes]

benparkes.com/collections/hats-and-wraps/products/ben-parkes-elite-running-cap-purple thank you Ron!

[@irunfar1125]

Thought about participating in my first marathon this fall, but things got outta hand. I'm from Ukraine and I can't cross the border to go anywhere. Hope to meet ya'll anytime soon on the racing roads..

[@BenParkes]

Hope to meet you soon Nick.. so sorry about your situation, stay safe and we can all run together again very soon.

[@bev9708]

Sending you my very very very best wishes Nick!!! We ALL desperately hope that this insane violence will end soon and you can run in freedom, peace and safety to your heart's desire!!!

[@irunfar1125]

@@bev9708 appreciate it from the bottom of my heart! We will soon hit it together on the road or a trail. Cheers

[@gorantoljamo204]

Doing Sälen of course =P I also have found 2 marathon close to me and thinking to do 1 of them. Nice vid as always keep it up =) Oh I have a question. When do you start to put some energy in to the training before a race like marathon?

[@alyxandrasherwood1176]

See you in Berlin!

[@BenParkes]

See you there!

[@KoriRuns]

My favorite part about the new alphafly is how much it has helped drive down the price of the vaporfly 🤣

[@BenParkes]

Haha.. yes, the Vaporfly keeps dropping in price!

[@ianlowe4126]

Hi Ben. I’ve not run in an alphafly before but considering buying a pair for the Chicago marathon in October so should I bite the bullet and get V2 or the discounted V1? Good luck in Berlin I ran it in 2015 it’s a fantastic marathon and wonderful city. Thanks Ian

[@davidh5429]

Bought 4 pair of discounted v1 Alphafly's hehe, I'm set for years to come. Love them. And if the arch is to narrow, just replace the insole with a wider insole and it will be perfect.

[@BenParkes]

I think if you have narrow feet then V1 is ok. I couldn't tell if V2 were any faster.. they felt the same to me. Lots more testing to do! Good luck at Chicago!

[@thewingitrunner]

You tried the Metaspeed Sky or Edge trainers?

[@BenParkes]

I haven’t yet.. sorry!

[@thewingitrunner]

@@BenParkes no need to say sorry. I just think you would really love them and get on well with them. Just another marathon option. But understand you can't just keep buying every shoe that comes out. Any way hope the training is going well for you both and that you smash UTMB.

[@phillamb8808]

Couldn't hear you at the start. Wasn't the wind; it was the noise of the shoes!!

[@jonathanweatherill1029]

Any issues with the pods bursting? My tempos kept popping but Nike were great with returns and replacement pairs. Got alpha 1s for cheap but haven’t tried them yet.

[@BenParkes]

Lost a few pods in my tempos.. but Alphafly we’re always ok. But never used them as much. The new foam below the pods could help with it I guess. Nice to know Nike returns will always help if you get them from their website!

[@dorothygraham6183]

Doing Comrades 90k in August.

[@BenParkes]

Wow! Good luck 🙌

[@emanuelsantos5585]

My wife in Berlim and i in Valência 😁

[@bakerstreet7050]

I used to wear alphafly 42,5 and vaporfly 43. What Number should I take for this One?

[@BenParkes]

The AlphaFly 1 and 2 size felt identical to me!

[@stuartwalker6786]

Is Sarah demanding appearance fees now? 🤔🤣🤣 ... Running New York... So far between AFN%2 (better than V1..More stable!) VFN%2 and Puma Deviate Nitro Elite...Still deciding comfort/feel in back end (during next marathon block)

[@BenParkes]

comfort at the end of the race is such a big thing.. always best to go with whatever you feel will be best there, which isn't always the fastest shoe!

[@eriksyring]

Always wear completely flat ("zero drop") shoes with a very wide toe box and a thin/flexible sole. Nike Alphafly 2 could hardly be further from the shoes humans need.

[@AstoriaRunner]

I ran Brooklyn Half with you last May. Now we are running Berlin together. They only difference is that I have no time to train 😅

[@BenParkes]

See you there!

[@kike2854]

I do not understand well...you will do UTMB and later berlin? and why trainning in asfalt? i thinks you should focus in trail...

[@StitchEm]

It's very odd to see you running up and down the prom when thats where I normally run. 😊

[@shaunukhiking]

Lately when I get a work visit to Liverpool I get work to put me in the Premier Inn on the docks. Then I can run down the prom from the front door. Lovely run. Some interesting characters knocking about though!

[@BenParkes]

Some interesting characters for sure!!

[@pro-6655]

Why do you just walk between reps and not jog in slow pace? They say doing reps with stoppages between is not efficient