assistant: You've got solid mileage and a clear use case — a cushioned daily trainer for marathon training at your weight and pace. All of these sit under $150, so budget isn't the constraint; fit and ride character are. **Top pick: Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** ($150). Doctors of Running rates it as their #1 shoe of 2026 — a versatile, stable-neutral trainer with a late-stage rocker that handles both easy miles and faster efforts. At 25 mi/wk, you'll rotate this with one or two other shoes, and the Azura's ability to work for both easy runs and tempo work makes it a smart all-rounder for marathon training. **Alternative: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5** ($145). Lighter and softer than the Azura, with a wide forefoot and good lockdown. The Run Testers note it excels at easy and long runs but lacks pop for faster sessions — that's fine for base-building, but you may want a snappier shoe once you hit tempo or marathon-pace work later in training. Fair warning: reviewers mention it runs slightly snug around the toe box, so you might size up half a size. **Third option: New Balance 880 v15** ($140). The firmest of the group, with an aggressive rocker and excellent stability for a neutral shoe. Doctors of Running calls it "the most structured," which can feel reassuring during long runs but might feel heavy on easy days. Good if you prefer a more planted, responsive ride over pure cushion. At 75 kg, you're in the sweet spot for all three — none of these are built for heavier runners specifically, so weight won't be a limiting factor. The Azura edges ahead because its rocker and versatility mean you can train the full marathon cycle in one shoe without swapping as much. One quick follow-up: are you planning to race the marathon in a separate racing flat, or will you use your daily trainer on race day?

assistant: The **Nike Pegasus 42** is a reasonable daily trainer for marathon training — it's a workhorse with a moderate rocker, good lockdown, and enough cushioning for base-building miles. At 292g it's on the heavier side, and the ReactX midsole is firm-responsive rather than plush, so it won't feel as soft as the Azura or Rebel. The 10mm drop is also higher than modern trainers, which biases heel-striking slightly — fine if that's your natural pattern, but worth noting if you're a midfoot striker. The catch: expert reception is mixed. It's not a bad shoe, but it's not a standout either. For marathon training at 25 mi/wk, you'd be better served by something with a bit more compliance — the Azura or Rebel will feel more forgiving on long runs and easier on your legs over 16–20 weeks of buildup. **Under $130 is tougher.** The Azura and Rebel are both $145+, and the 880 v15 is $140. I don't have other current daily trainers in my data that undercut $130 and match your neutral, cushioned brief. The Pegasus 42 at $145 is close to your budget, but given the mixed reception and firmer ride, I'd stretch to the Azura ($150) if you can — the extra $5 buys you significantly better reviews and a more forgiving platform for marathon training. If $130 is a hard ceiling, the Pegasus 42 is your best option in my current data, but it's a compromise on ride quality. Are you flexible on budget, or is $130 a firm limit?