... and why not elastic laces? By Peter Greedy.
Consider the following 3 equations
Optimal run performance + slow T2 = Normal laces
Suboptimal run performance + fast T2 = Elastic laces
Optimal run performance + fast T2 = GREEPER Laces
Having watched the Olympics this past summer and been enthralled by the performances I sat there dreaming "one day soon they'll all be wearing Greepers!" And why not?
It led me to ask this simple question:
Would Mo Farah ever use elastic laces?
And of course the answer is a resounding "No!" And we probably all know why - because he would not run as fast! So why oh why do triathletes running 5k, 10k or longer distances still choose elastic? Quite simply because they have not thought it through and are overly obsessed with T2 not realising the second or so gained by using elastic laces means they will perform sub optimally in the run.
Thankfully this message is gradually getting through in half and full ironman distance races but has not yet sunk in for the Olympic distance or shorter events. But think again about Mo. He is considered a long distance runner at 5 and 10k, not a sprinter or even middle distance runner.
So I suggest that normal laces are provided with most running shoes for a reason. They provide the best performance!
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