SHAIFUL AYISY : My 100k Journey with the Nike Zoom Pegasus 34 

Shaiful Ayisy, 28 years old. An Art Director by day and a passionate runner by night (on weekends too). I have been running as early as high school period competing in major track and field athletics meet. Running has always been part of my life entirely. The biggest achievement for me personally is racing against my own ability and potential as well as to be able to inspire others to join the movement.

My first impression:

Nike Zoom Pegasus range is my go-to shoe for long runs mostly. Since the 30, 31, 32 and currently I have had the chance to embark on a journey with the 34 for 100K in which I am pretty stocked about when I first get my hand on the shoe itself. Breaking 2 fevers was still on fire, hence to witness the ‘Blue Fox’ colorway on my feet gave a spiritual confidence boost to finish what I start. In overall, the shoe looks impressive in terms of the design as well as it feel slightly lighter compared to the 33.

My first k:

What’s new on the 34’s upper is the engineered mesh with larger-than-before vents. Compared to the past few models, the forefoot has bigger pores, which allow improved splay and ventilation. My first 1K experience with the shoe was rather an easy ride. Fitting in the shoe is bliss as it provides forefoot snug fit which is perfect for my feet.

My First 10 k:

If you are expecting the 34 to be a soft shoe, then you’ll be disappointed. The 33 and 34 are firmer even by 31 and 32 standards, and that’s because of the extra Zoom Air bag added. The firm forefoot sole and high degree of responsiveness puts my fist 10K at a different level of fast running. The push off from the shoe felt quick and the cushioning helps, as at the end of the run my legs felt great than ever.

My mid-way (50k):

My take on the halfway journey with the 34 can be described in just one word, durable. The sole rubber is build tough grip to tackle the ground as I had a positive run for a 7K trail plus 3K road in one of the session, even tested on a slippery ground. I believe this is the time when you ‘break’ into the shoe but rather I was wrong. Only after 70K with the shoe I felt it molded according to my feet as each stride feels natural.

After I completed my 100k:

There’s a little break-in period. If you push through those first stiff miles, the 34 opens up into a really comfortable ride. For me, the last 20-30K of my 100K journey with the 34 was the most satisfying run I had with the shoe. Completed and celebrated my last 5K at Electric Run Malaysia 2017 were purely fun.

My thoughts: