Looking for some advice on running shoe selection for the Hawaii 70.3. The run is on golf course grass, cart path, and road. I happen to live on a golf course and don't particularly like running on it, especially the grass as it's slow and absorbs energy. I've been pondering changing from my typical HIM distance road shoe due to the grass portion of the run but seem to be in a quandary. Would a stiffer shoe help on the grass?
The fairways there are relatively firm with the majority of the course on cart paths (cement) and connecting roads (asphalt) so I wouldn't go too firm.
More importantly, I would look for a shoe with good drainage. You will be dumping a ton of water on yourself and your shoes will get waterlogged pretty quick.
most of it is asphalt road, and then up n' down cement cart path & hotel path.
the grass is tough, and difficult to run on, due to it's wet and sponginess....yet it's not the majority of the course, so I wouldn't select a shoe based on just the grass.
the part that hurts me the most is the cement actually.
More importantly, I would look for a shoe with good drainage. You will be dumping a ton of water on yourself and your shoes will get waterlogged pretty quick.
Yes, you definitely want good drainage. I really liked racing in the Avia Bolts, until I did Kona. I used them there and they just soaked up all of the water I threw on myself to try to cool down. I switched to the Zoot Kiawe's and have been happy with them.
I don't have much to add besides drainage since I don't know anything about the course but I sure as hell am jealous you're doing Hawaii! I need to figure out a nice destination race within a few years so I can explore new parts of the world! (and race of course)