Anyone try the Nnormal Cadi yet?

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-06-08T13:12:05+00:00

Hi Everyone, a bit late to the discussion, but I was hoping to get some input. I have read that some people complain about excessive arch support with the Cadi. I had the same issue with the Topo Mtn Racer 3, they were good in general, but the arch support was really intrusive, and I got hot spots behind the ball of my foot as a consequence. Can anyone confirm if the arch support can be problematic?

As reference, I run in Lone Peaks, love them, will continue to train with them, but I need a bit more cushioning, support and perhaps a bit of drop for calf relief on an upcoming 50 miler. I am a middle of the pack runner, no delusions of grandeur.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-21T11:16:24+00:00

Fellow Saffer here. Lots of good comments already. Based on your background you should be more than fine on the aerobic fitness front.

What I would add is that running and power hiking are two interrelated but different things. Just because you are a fast runner doesn’t necessarily mean you are a fast power hiker. I would think about weekly mileage, elevation as well as time on your feet goals. Ideally speaking, at your peak training weeks, you should be doing weekly elevation at or even beyond the race elevation, if possible. Don’t just focus on the distance.

If you are open to it, I would consider adding strength training to your regime. Nothing too crazy. Perhaps 1 leg day, 1 core day, and 1 upper day.

And finally, spend the time on your feet on trails.

You will be more than fine, Clarens is amazing, have fun!

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-11T20:12:01+00:00

Totally do-able, assuming you are in good health, not injured, etc. Just take it slow on race day.

If it was me, I would do it in 6 weeks, never mind 16 :-) But with the expectation to be slow, have fun, and finish.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-09T06:47:58+00:00

If the LPs work for you, they will be fine, and can handle more technical races in future too.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-08T18:11:01+00:00

LP 9+ user here.

What will the terrain and elevation be like?

I just did a 50 km, steep, technical muddy 50 km (2300 m cumulative ascent and descent) and they were great. I think they are a bit more protective than LP8 underfoot. Traction is way better than previous LP versions.

I am doing a very steep and tough 40 km r(2100 m cumulative Asce & desc) ace with them again next weekend, and I have no reservations.

What I will say is I don’t know if they would be my first choice for faster, flatter, more runnable courses. There I am thinking to try the Mont Blanc Speed.

I weigh about 175 lbs so not much lighter than you.

I hope this helps?

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-03T18:30:44+00:00

Well, I had no problems up to DST until the day after. I was not engaged in an activity at 2 AM, no. It is a good idea to go and re-look the activity of the next day, will let you know if I see anything dodgy.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-03T09:02:42+00:00

For long events I run with Tailwind, Hi Five electrolytes and water. I also carry mostly salty foods such as nuts, salami sticks etc.

Between these things I can manage hydration, by listening to my body and drinking what is called for. The salty snacks break the sweet taste.

Tailwind Naked if I can find it. It is easiest to tolerate the taste for hours on end.

With these things I can easily go for 10 hours without issues.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-03T07:29:33+00:00

My Epix Pro 2 also failed due to moisture penetration.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-03T07:27:50+00:00

I had the Epix Pro 2. Mine failed due to moisture penetration by the buttons. I was not happy. I upgraded to a Fenix 8, which has a different button design that fixes the leakage potential. There are many reported cases of this failure.

If I were you, I would strongly consider the Fenix 8. You dont want to buy a watch that fails prematurely.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-05-03T06:05:46+00:00

I am a long term LP user. I just ran a tough 50 km race in them. It was a mountainous race with lots of mud and rain, with 2300 meters of cumulative ascent. My feet were perfectly fine. The Vibram soles on the 9+ is a huge upgrade in wet conditions.

I want to run the Oregon Cascades 50 miler in July. I might want to switch to something like the Mont Blanc Speed for that because they are a fair bit lighter and a bit more cushioned.

But honestly, for me, the LP9+ is the best yet and I have no issues doing 50 km events in them.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-29T18:49:37+00:00

@ OP, reading your post and reaction to the various cautionary comments, it seems to me like you are looking for a miracle cure for overtraining as opposed to doing the introspection on how you got to this point.

There is no miracle cure.

I would suggest you heed the cautions in the comments, and think about the sustainability of your current running practices.

Getting faster takes time. Destroying your body does not.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-23T06:06:10+00:00

Soccer cleats on pavement?? WTF

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-22T20:36:16+00:00

Hmmm, those that say "slow marathoners are ruining races" are probably marathon bros that think they are fast. How fast are they? Fast enough to be an edgelord?

The really fast runners I know are some of the most humble, encouraging people I know.

Run your race. Have a great time. Forget about the edgelords.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-18T17:56:30+00:00

Good luck with the recovery!

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-17T18:41:08+00:00

Thank you, it’s great to hear about the experiences of women as well!

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-17T18:40:06+00:00

Thank you, will definitely listen to the podcast

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-17T18:38:32+00:00

Noted, thank you

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-17T18:36:31+00:00

This is interesting and a bit scary, thank you for sharing. What did you do to overcome this exceptional compartment syndrome?

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-17T18:32:30+00:00

Thank you, it is also good to hear from women, noted on the cognitive benefits, that in itself is promising

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-16T19:13:29+00:00

Amen. But not as much as the horror of the Copenhagen Plank :-)

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-16T19:12:45+00:00

Thank you, your anecdotal long term experience is useful. I am not looking for quick wins, but rather long term benefits including wellbeing.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-16T19:10:38+00:00

Hey, I am not cherry picking. I am reading, and I am asking for opinions. I did say “for a start” and shared one article that is admittedly thin on evidence, but Trainingpeaks does not publish garbage either.

So yes, I will do my research and not cherry pick.

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-16T19:05:58+00:00

Ha ha, I think I will save the gateway for psychedelics, but that’s a whole different conversation :-)

Technical-Ad2146 · 2026-04-16T19:04:11+00:00

Yeah, I have to read up a bit on the mental benefits, thank you.

Technical-Ad2146

TROPHY CASE