"For me, running is more than just a way to stay fit"
Diede Diederiks | Pro Triathlete
First pair of running shoes
For me, running is more than just a way to stay fit. It started years ago as a search for a healthy routine after work. Exercising outdoors appealed to me because of the feeling of freedom. You put on your running shoes and go!
I started with short distances after work, often in the park near home. With a background in athletics in my youth, I quickly made steps in the field of fitness and speed. The registration for a first running competition was soon a fact.
In order to run a race, I needed new running shoes. My first pair was simple but functional. I went to a local sports shop, where I got advice about different brands and which running style suits which shoe. But in the end I chose a pair of running shoes that were within my budget.
After a few running competitions, I started to wonder what the next step would be. My mother already did triathlons and it seemed like a fun challenge to do that too. Combining swimming, cycling and running seemed like quite an adventure to me. I did my first triathlon competition on low-budget shoes that were already quite worn out. But I also achieved a podium place with them.
Looking at my current training volume, I can no longer imagine how I used to approach it in terms of shoes. The running kilometers per week have doubled, which means I use multiple pairs alternately. I use different shoes for each type of training. The alternation of shoes means that they do not wear out as quickly, but it also gives me the support I need for the many training sessions. In this way, I have been injury-free for years.
The importance of the right shoes
In an average week I have four running workouts. An interval workout on the track, an endurance workout on the road or unpaved, a tempo endurance run and a brick session (running after the bike).
I also compete in competitions, for which I use different running shoes. Depending on the duration and intensity of a training, I choose my running shoes.
For endurance training I choose shoes that are breathable, offer good cushioning and have sufficient grip, such as the HOKA Clifton 9 . These feel like you are not absorbing the impact in your joints, but in the thick sole of this shoe. That is why I can do long endurance runs of 1-2 hours in them.
When I go trail running for endurance training, I choose the SCOTT Ultra carbon shoes.
These have a good grip, perfect for gravel paths and forest areas. Don't forget the carbon plate in this shoe, for optimal energy return.
For interval training on the track, I benefit from the 'fast' shoe from SCOTT (Speed carbon). Because this is always an intensive training with higher speeds, I like to have a light, reactive shoe. This shoe has a relatively thin sole and a carbon plate. I therefore only try to run the intensive blocks on it, and change the shoes for the warm-up and warm-up.
Finally, I run the tempo endurance run and the brick session on the ON Cloudmonster Hypers . This shoe really lives up to its name, it feels like you get that extra push.
Looking back at how I started, I am grateful for every step I have taken in running. It has not only helped me become fitter, but also pushed my limits.
One thing is for sure: the right shoes are essential for every athlete, whether you are just starting out or an experienced athlete.
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