Quote Originally Posted by JSBean View Post
slightly off-topic, but i'm running the barcelona marathon on sunday and don't know which shoes to wear. i did most of my training, including all of my longest runs in a pair of Asics Ds Trainers. i've done a lot of my recent shorter runs in a pair of Inov-8 220s.

The Asics weren't perfect and I did get a couple of niggles (ankles mostly) after about 90 mins of running, but I know where I stand with them and could live with it for 3 and a half hours on Sunday.

I still get the same sort of aches in the Inov-8s, but I haven't done as many longer runs in them, with my longest being about 12 miles last weekend.

My head says wear the Asics, but the Inov-8s are so much lighter and I am tempted to think that if it is going to hurt, then I might as well do it in the faster shoes. Yes, the Inov-8s have less protection, but I do run 'better' in them, and I think my problems with the Asics stem from lazily slipping into a semi-heel-striking gait.

Which should I wear?

PS: I think a barefoot marathon may be a bit much for me at the moment.

;-)
Sounds to me like you've answered your own question. the Asics give the illusion of protection but you're saying you get niggly injuries wearing them! If you're used to wearing the Inov-8's on long runs, stick them on for the big one me thinks. I don't think 'slipping into a semi-heel-striking-gait' in the Asics is going to benefit you over a marathon distance!!!