Alphafly 3 Review (Full Marathon Edition)

Everyone, the marathon season is coming to an end, and you are likely either finished with your marathons for this season or have just one more to go. I imagine some of you have already transitioned to the track season.

I was actually planning to write about the track season next. However, since I had the opportunity to use the Alphafly 3 for my first full marathon of the year, I decided to write a review.

As is the case every year, I participate in the prefectural relay race in February, so I focus my training on distances around 5-10km until then. I don't specifically do 30km runs or LSD training for marathons. If I had to mention one thing, I did a 21km run one week before the marathon wearing the Alphafly 3. Even at a pace of about 3'50/km, the shoes felt good, so I decided to use the Alphafly 3 for the full marathon.

As for race day, despite forecasts of heavy rain leading up to it, it managed to hold up to just a light drizzle. I am grateful that the full marathon was held despite the conditions.

Because it was raining, I didn't do any warm-ups or jogs before the race. I decided that staying dry before the race was more important. However, for this Saga Sakura Marathon, a new SS block was set up for those who applied with official records in advance, so I was able to start from the front pack by arriving at the starting point 15 minutes before the race. Also, the waiting area for the SS block this time happened to be under an overpass, so I didn't get too wet. I was wearing a poncho, but surprisingly, I didn't get cold before the start.

My goal for this race was set at 2 hours and 40 minutes, and since the 2-hour 40-minute pacer led the way until 30km, I was able to reach the 30km mark while conserving energy at a steady pace.

From 30km on, I was with a runner I knew, so we gradually increased the pace, and I was able to set a personal best with a gross time of 2 hours 39 minutes and 8 seconds.

Regarding the Alphafly 3, the cushioning and stability were excellent when maintaining a steady pace, and it provided good energy return when I increased the pace in the final stages. Compared to the Alphafly 1, it seems to have transformed from a 'hit-or-miss' shoe into one with a great balance of energy return and stability. Because of this, I feel like these shoes perform better in half and full marathons than in 5km-10km road races.

My current rotation is: track practice: Metaspeed Edge+, 5-10km road races: Metaspeed Sky+ or Alphafly 1, half/full marathons: Alphafly 3.

The Metaspeed Edge Paris in my usual 25cm size was a bit tight on my toes, so if I get the chance, I plan to try it in 25.5cm. However, I have a feeling that increasing the size will make the width and fit worse, so I'll only try it if the opportunity arises. By the way, for energy gels, I consumed one Maurten Gel 100 before the race, and during the race, I took three Maurten Gel 100s and one Maurten Gel Caffeine 100, which helped me avoid running out of energy.

I have posted my 5km lap times below.

It has been one week since the race, and the damage is not too bad; I am at the point where I can resume point training.

I've rested a bit and feel refreshed, so I plan to resume speed training on the track starting this week and compete in a track race in early May.

Changing the subject, here is a little bit about spikes. Photos of the prototype models of the Victory 2 and Dragonfly 2 are already circulating on social media. The spike regulations will be changed again this autumn, and the sole thickness will go from 25mm to 20mm. The Asics Metaspeed LD, which I currently use mainly, will become unusable, so I plan to switch back to the Dragonfly this year.

Personally, I am looking forward to the Air Zoom Victory 2. I had to give up on the first model because it caused significant damage to my Achilles tendon, so if my body can handle it this time, I would like to try it again.

The release date is currently undecided, but I expect athletes from various countries to be wearing these spikes at the Paris Olympics, so I am very excited about that perspective as well.

That is all for this time. I wish you all a happy running life.