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Trainer Obituary – Nike Pegasus 30 (Green) – 18 August 2014 – 5 September 2015.

Nike Pegasus 30 (Green)
Nike Pegasus 30 (Green)

The green pair of Nike Pegasus 30 replaced the Nike Pegasus 29 and the numerous incarnations of the Pegasus that have been worn over the years. As usual they were the every day trainer worn for a variety of sessions, from recovery runs to longer efforts and even the odd interval session.

They were used at the first ever Melton Mowbray parkrun in January 2015 and they were worn when I won the Maverick Original Somerset Trail Race in August 2015. They therefore own the honourable distinction of being the only pair of trainers thus far I’ve owned that have actually carried me to victory.

Like most pairs of Pegasus’ I’ve owned they died a rapid death not long after reaching 500 miles. They battled on to 562 miles but after a 10 mile training run on Saturday 5th September left my right Achilles somewhat sore they were declared knackered and deceased.

With new Pegasus costing a veritable arm and leg (And apparently not feeling the same as old Pegasus’) they were replaced by a pair of Nike Vomero 9, which feel very much like old Pegasus’ and not at all like old Vomeros. They are though currently on sabbatical having allegedly caused an ankle injury shortly before the Chester Marathon.

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Trainer Obituary – Nike Free 4.0 V2 (Grey and Yellow) – 28 August 2013 – 20 September 2014.

Nike Free 4.0 V2 (Grey and Yellow)
Nike Free 4.0 V2 (Grey and Yellow)

Replacing a long succession of Nike Free shoes, the Grey and Yellow Nike Free 4.0 V2 were the first Free’s I’d worn that were more minimalist than the 5.0 or equivalent. Any initial fears over their suitability were quickly dispelled and they became a favourite and much worn pair of trainers – amassing 860 miles and just shy of 103 running hours.

Originally intended as a fast run pair of trainers, they proved so comfortable they were regularly used for long runs and recovery runs too. Their shining moment came at the end of July 2014, when, at the Lincoln Wellington 5k, they were a last minute substitute for the Nike Lunaracers that were aggravating an Achilles blister. They raced to a 16:55 PB and so currently hold the distinction for having the quickest average pace for a race I’ve currently run.

Making their swansong at the Grantham Running Club Handicap 10k in September 2014, and run in for the last time on an easy paced 10k run on September 20th 2014, they were retired for running purposes, to be replaced by a black pair of Nike Free 4.0 V2s. 

Despite being heavily worn and with the uppers beginning to fall apart, they are seeing a life beyond the running grave as they are being used on the elliptical trainer while I convalesce from long-term injury.

 

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Trainer Obituary – Nike Pegasus 29 (Turquoise) – 18 February 2014 – August 17 2014.

Nike Air Pegasus 29 (Turquoise)
Nike Air Pegasus 29 (Turquoise)

The third and final pair of Nike Air Pegasus 29 to be worn, Turquoise, as they were better known, were first worn on the 18th February 2014 and abruptly retired on August 17 2014 following a 21 mile run which saw the forefoot deteriorate rapidly to the point of them all but splitting.

As with its two predecessors, Turquoise became the go to trainer for all types of runs save racing. They did, however, see an unexpected race outing at the 29 mile long Baslow Boot Bash – a mostly off road affair – when the Puma trail shoes felt a little uncomfortable in warm up. They hence hold the honourable distinction of being worn for the longest ever run I’ve performed.

Like nearly all Pegasus’ I’ve owned, they performed admirably until around 500 miles then suffered a rapid decline in cushioning, culminating in the near splitting of the forefoot that saw them promptly chucked into the recycling bin.

They were replaced by the Nike Air Pegasus 30, a predictably similar performing shoe, but, predictably too, slightly different. Time will tell as to whether they prove to be as popular as the 29’s.

 

 

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Trainer Obituary: Nike Lunaracer 2. 3 November 2011 – 16 February 2014.

Nike Lunaracer 2
Nike Lunaracer 2

The Nike Lunaracer 2, also commonly known as the Lunar Racer 2, was retired after completing the 2014 Stamford 30k on Sunday 16th December 2014 having made their debut over two years earlier on November 3rd 2011.

Replacing the Nike Free as my racing shoe of choice, they were used exclusively for races except for that first run. Extremely light, thanks to a minimalist upper, but well cushioned for such a light shoe, they proved extremely versatile, used from all distances from 400m on the track to being used in the 2013 Manchester Marathon. They saw PBs set at 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 10 miles, 15 miles and 30k.

A much loved pair of trainers they will be sorely missed. However on the final race at Stamford the right foot appeared to wheeze, suggesting that an air chamber (if such a thing exists in the trainer) may have punctured. Having covered over 400 miles it has been decided to retire the trainers, although they may see one final outing over the marathon should their replacements appear to not be suitable.

The Lunaracer 2 is likely to see two replacements – the Lunaracer for shorter distances (They are coming up a little small and may not be suitable for long distances) and the Nike Flyknit 1, which is set to be a race trainer used for half marathons and further.

 

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Trainer Obituary: Nike Air Pegasus 29 (Red): 5 September 2013 – 14 February 2014

Nike Air Pegasus 29 - Red.
Nike Air Pegasus 29 – Red.

The second of three Nike Air Pegasus 29s and related, of course, to a long line of Pegasus’ worn over the years, Red, as they were affectionately known, were first worn on September 5th 2013 and covered a grand total of 527 miles before they were put to rest after their final run on, appropriately enough for a red pair of trainers, on Valentine’s Day – Friday 14th February 2014.

Worn exclusively for training runs they were faithful servants to the daily grind of easy paced runs and were occasionally used for the odd hills session or marathon paced run. Fitting like a glove I found them up there among my favourite in the long line of Pegasus trainers.

On reaching pensionable mileage, which is currently set at 500 miles, the cushioning appeared to deteriorate rapidly, especially in the right foot. With fears this may have been contributing to some injury niggles, they were quickly retired, to be replaced by their sibling trainer – the Nike Air Pegasus 29 (Turquiose).