assistant: You're in a great spot — all five of these daily trainers are solid marathon-training shoes under $150, and your neutral gait + 25 mi/wk volume means you can lean on cushioning and versatility rather than stability. Here's what stands out: **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** is my top pick. It's built on a PEBA midsole (the same foam used in Saucony's race shoes) with a pronounced rocker that delivers bounce and pop without a plate. The Run Testers call it "light, poppy, and propulsive" — it handles easy runs well but comes alive on tempo work, which is perfect for marathon training. At 244g it's the lightest here, and Doctors of Running praises its firm, responsive ride for neutral runners. $150 exactly. **Saucony Ride v19** is the plush alternative. It's softer and more accommodating than the Azura — PWRRUN+ foam with a higher stack (38/30mm vs. the Azura's 41/33mm). EDDBUD notes it's a "dependable, traditional daily trainer" with a wider heel and better outsole durability. If you want maximum cushioning and a forgiving ride for long runs, this is your pick. Also $140. **New Balance 880 v15** rounds out the trio if you want a firmer, more structured feel. Doctors of Running calls it "the firmest and most structured" with excellent stability and a pronounced rocker — good if you want a bit more platform feel under foot during marathon-pace work, though it's heavier than the Azura. All three will handle your weekly mileage and marathon buildup without issue. The Azura edges ahead because it's versatile (easy to fast paces), lightweight, and gives you that responsive pop on tempo days — but if you prefer a softer, more cushioned ride, the Ride v19 is the safer pick for long-run comfort. **One quick question:** Are you planning to do your long runs (15–20 mi) in the same shoe you use for easy/tempo work, or do you prefer rotating shoes?

assistant: The **Pegasus 42** is at the edge of your budget at $145, and I'd lean against it for your marathon training — not because it's a bad shoe, but because it's not the best fit for what you need right now. Here's the issue: EDDBUD's reviews are consistent — the Pegasus 42 feels heavy (292–332g depending on size), and the ReactX foam is described as "boring," "lifeless," and "not all that exciting to run in." For a neutral runner doing 25 mi/wk with marathon buildup ahead, you want a shoe that *energizes* you on tempo work and long runs, not one that feels anchored. Fordy Runs nails it: "too heavy for a daily trainer" at this price point, where you've got lighter, bouncier PEBA options (like the Azura I mentioned) for the same money. The Pegasus 42 *does* have a structured, stable platform — which is fine for you — but that stability comes with weight and a muted ride. It's built for runners who want a predictable, no-fuss daily trainer for easy miles and recovery. That's not a bad thing, but it's not optimized for the variety you'll need in marathon training. **Under $130**, your best bets are: - **Saucony Ride v19** ($140, but often discounted closer to $130) — softer, more cushioned, better for long runs - **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** ($150, sometimes on sale) — lighter, bouncier, better for tempo work If the Pegasus 42 drops below $120 or you find it on deep sale, it becomes a reasonable *rotation* shoe for easy recovery days. But as your primary marathon trainer, I'd stick with the Azura or Ride v19. Does that help clarify? Still curious whether you're rotating shoes for long runs or sticking with one workhorse.