Absolutely! In fact, the benefits of the Action/Reaction Technology™ multiply over longer distances as energy is absorbed. Many distance athletes wear Newton Running shoes, includes champion athletes like Pam Reid (winner of the 135 mile Badwater Ultramarathon), and multiple World Champion Ironman triathlete Craig Alexander.

We sometimes hear from runners who train in their traditional running shoes, and "save their Newtons for race day."  Newton Running shoes are designed to be your full time training and racing shoes. While you can switch back and forth, we find that the change in shoe geometry never allows the athlete's body to adapt to either foot strike sufficiently.

Not necessarily. Many people train and/or race in either shoe. Highly efficient runners often choose to race and train in their Racers.

Walking around your house with bare feet is a good start if you don't already have strong feet. Most people wear shoes most of their lives and end up deconditioning the fascia (connective tissue on the bottom of their feet), muscles and tendons in their feet. Once you are comfortable walking around the house in bare feet, start walking around the yard, and then try a short jog around a grass or synthetic track. Make sure you do this gradually.

Calf raises, balance drills with bare feet, and gym work will all work to help in the strengthening and conditioning of the lower leg and feet.

Efficient downhill running form requires strong quadricep (thigh) development. Depending on the steepness of the hill and your speed, you can control your speed through your upper body leaning back. Minimize the heel and shock loads by flexing your legs little on landing and absorbing more of the shock with your muscle and tendon.  A confident, rapid leg turnover will allow you to stay on the midfoot, while continuing to accelerate on the downhill.

The Newton Running website, Evolution Running, Chi Running and Pose Running all have excellent material explaining running efficiency and form.

• www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/optimal-running-form
• www.evolutionrunning.com
• www.chirunning.com
• www.posetech.com

Videos

• www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/newton-running-videos/injury-prevention
• www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/newton-running-videos/training
• www.newtonrunning.com/run-better/newton-running-videos/shoe-technology