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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.