Moment of truth: after an 11-hour flight — on which I clocked just a three-hour nap — it was time to take the Pegasus Turbo on our first test run. We set out for an easy two miles by Tokyo's famed Rainbow Bridge, one mile at an easy pace, one mile pushing fast. My legs felt like cement as we got going, and it was still scorching hot and humid even though it was already dark. Not the kind of weather I'm used to running — or breathing — in. But I was surprised to find my attempt at a fast mile came in close to my typical mile pace of about 7:40, and even though my legs still felt heavy from being immobile on a plane all day, my feet felt springy.
The next morning, we headed out on a 5K jog with Flanagan around the Imperial Palace. After a decent night's sleep, I felt even better and noticed how receptive to my push-off the shoes really were. I also found the lightweight spring of the Turbo actually encouraged me to strive for better form, lifting my knees higher and more efficiently with every stride.
One minor drawback? I do think the Pegasus 35 offers more breathability in the upper than the Turbo does. But the bounce the Turbo offers is certainly worth a slightly stuffier feel when it comes to pushing your limits.