Does the Nike Pegasus Suck?

As of this writing Nike’s Pegasus model is in its 30^th year. You would think if a product has been around for that long something must be going right or otherwise it would have been abandoned long ago. The Pegasus has actually earned a following of loyal users.

Now the post title above is a pretty strong question for a product that is basically 30 years old. In fact I have a pair of the Pegasus 29’s that are approaching 400 miles of use. So does the Pegasus suck? Actually I would say NO but there are people out there that would tell you they do not work for them for a variety of reasons. Anything from they don’t fit my foot type to they just prefer another model or brand. All legitimate reasons, we all have our preferences.

As much as I like my Pegasus, I do have a gripe. First off I have narrow feet. I bought what is probably the narrowest size available but they fit ok. The thing is the left shoe, and the left shoe only, loosens up on me and I have to re-tie it at least four times during a run before it stays put.

It’s not really the shoe lace coming loose; I have tried different tricks at tying laces to take care of that. It seems like the upper stretches out till my foot is too loose in the shoe and it becomes annoying. I can finally get it tightened up to where it is ok but I have to stop running to take care of it. Once the fit is good these shoes are great for me.

I decided it is time to get a new pair of shoes and have done the usual research on what’s now available from everyone. I need a neutral shoe that is good for long runs and can be used in longer races also. So what did I buy, Nike Pegasus 30. When I tried them on at the store the toe box felt narrower which is a good thing for me being I have narrow feet.

I will be taking my first run in them tonight to see if this shoe will have the same issue as the other, I hope not as I have high hopes for them. If it works out this will be my Marathon shoe on race day. Has anyone else had any trouble with the Pegasus? If so leave a comment about what it was or is.

Update: After trying the new shoes I have decided that these shoes are just not right for my foot. My feet are just too narrow for these shoes. I have also been wearing Nike Lunaracers which are perfect for my feet, I guess that will be my shoe for now.

Marathon Getting Close and My Training

It’s now about 8 weeks till my first marathon and I think I am moving along ok in my preparations. I did another 5k race back in August and knocked another minute off my time for a 21:58 finish and second place in my age group. I have also been gradually increasing my weekly mileage, running 5 days per week, this week will be 40 miles and I have been feeling good.

My long runs have progressed from 10, 12, 14, 15 to 16 miles. An 18 miler this weekend with two 20 milers planned before my taper for the marathon. I have only had issues with my shoes on these runs and that pertains to my left shoe not staying snug. These are Nike Pegasus, oddly the shoe lace does not come loose, it seems like the shoes upper itself loosens up. I don’t get it; the right shoe never does this. I like the shoes otherwise but now I’m on the hunt for a replacement.

In addition to running I have been on the bike occasionally and have been working out my upper body and legs. Wednesdays are my speed days and the tempo run is my focus now, increasing the distance of the tempo run every week keeping at 80 to 85 percent heartbeat range.

On October 20 I will be doing the Wellington Horse Country 10 Miler. This will be my test run for a distance race before the marathon, as it will be for other runners. This will help me gauge my progress and give me another finishing time to use for training purposes. More on that and getting some new shoes in my next post.