somewhat belated question:) My theory was to wear the spikes in practice to become accustomed to them so race time there would be no big surprises. That didn't work for me, apparently. Something tweaked in practice and then became worse racetime. So if you wear them in a race, you are hoping that you can outrun whatever might happen, and then just suffer the consequences afterwards? Or how would you formulate that? Thanks!
Our local tracks are of the rubberized type and spikes are nonos. What sort of tracks are you running/competing on?
MB, I'm less concerned with wearing distance spikes with more cushioning than with fixed plate minimalist sprint spikes (no real malleability there!). The later are to be avoided. Having said that I used them for block start practice the other day.
I still prefer to use my racing flats for intervals and TTs, because mentally the added boost of wearing really light spikes on race day seems to matter to me.
Another related thought is that running mechanics are heavily influenced by speed vis a vis power off (force), contact time and cadence- meaning that to run fast you are forced onto forefoot strike mechanics with rapid take off. Footware can influence/protect, although I've probably had as many foot and calf injuries from more padded shoes than from spikes!
George - I'm training and racing on rubberized tracks and the general rule is 7mm (1/4") xmas tree or pyramidal spikes are allowed whereas longer and especially needle spikes are not.
We have two tracks available and both state no speed spikes. Don't know if the short ones would be ok.
Worth asking.
Attached is a good example of allowed
(
http://www.perth2016.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/0...
I have seen same for major tracks eg Penn, however HS tracks may be different.
No - not a problem as unlikely to pursue track races. Just doing it for training.
even the distance spikes are dicey for me, the sprints likely kamikaze. too late in the game for me I guess. I can relate to the race day boost in theory!