We all know the saying, ‘a good workman never blames his tools.’ But what if your tools, in this case, running shoes, are holding you back? I’ve always been a bit self-conscious about the ‘fashion’ trainers some people wear for running. My own shoes, while perfectly serviceable once upon a time, are now at least five years old. I’ve been blaming them for my slow pace and struggles on hills.
However, recently, thanks to the excitement around the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Nike Alphafly 3 Blueprint Trainers. These shoes are worn by elite athletes like Sifan Hassan, a gold medalist in the women’s marathon, and Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan runner who famously broke the sub two-hour marathon barrier in 2019. I’d heard whispers that the Alphafly was a marvel of trainer engineering, designed to propel runners to new heights. But could it work for me, a mere amateur with minimal running prowess?
The answer, thankfully, is yes. From the moment I slipped them on, I was struck by their lightness and springiness. The act of moving one foot in front of the other suddenly felt much easier. This is thanks to Nike’s clever Air Zoom technology, strategically placed in the forefoot area. This tech absorbs impact from the road and returns that energy back to you, creating a bouncy, almost gazelle-like stride.
The shoes are packed with other ingenious features that elevate the running experience. The ZoomX foam midsole and the full-length carbon-fiber plate, though sounding complicated, work seamlessly to create a comfortable, calm, and breathable run. They minimize blisters and general foot ache, making them ideal for long distances like marathons, which is precisely what they’re designed for.
While I haven’t quite reached marathon distances, I can attest that these shoes have helped me shave some time off my 5K runs. The journey itself feels smoother and more effortless. I’m a firm believer that the right gear can make all the difference, whether it’s comfortable leggings, a supportive sports bra, or, in this case, the right trainers. Not only do they encourage you to get out there and ‘just do it,’ as Nike famously says, but they also boost your confidence and comfort while you’re at it.
With these pro trainers in my arsenal, I’m ready to rack up the miles. I might not be a Hassan or a Kipchoge, but who says I can’t aim for gold? The Alphafly 3 Blueprint Trainers have certainly sparked a newfound passion for running in me, and I can’t wait to see what I can achieve.
