OR-Brooks PureFlow Explained, PureFlow 2

The Brooks PureFlow was my favorite running shoe in 2011. I have run over 300 miles in my first pair and find the combination of just right cushion, aligned gait cycle, strike point further forward without effort or mechanical gimmicks, wide toe box, light weight, and durability a pleasure to run in. I now have a pair of the PureGrit trail runner and am finding them equally fine,with the added advantage they can be comfortably used on road and trail. 

I stopped by the Brooks booth to find out more about what makes the PureFlow so special. My notes from a conversation with a product person from Brooks.

• The Ideal Heel moves the point of contact further forward. I can really feel that. Ideal Heel maintain the foot landing in a forward position, instead of causing a"heel brake" effect. 
• Ideal Heel prevents over striding and helps alignment of the foot ( I agree!). This leads to potential fewer injuries-not sure on this claim but I have never been sore since I started running in PureFlow.
• I wanted to know what the purpose of the "caterpillar" crash pods on the outer edge of the midsole were. I was told they smooth foot laydown in transitions. Larger the pods=more cushion. 
• I asked about the yellow outsole pod (see picture above). I was told it was a neutral stability element. For me this pod is a key element of why the PureFlow is a great shoe. Given the more forward landing point my sense is my first point of contact to the road is right on this pod. The added stability there helps align the rest of the foot lay down. 
• Why does the road feel seem to combine decent cushion yet is also highly responsive? I was told that blending the DNA material, (usually the forefoot and heel strike pads inserted into a conventional midsole) with the BioGoMo midsole all into one material provides a combination of responsiveness (DNA stiffens based on relative impact forces) and durable cushion throughout the entire midsole. 
• All the Brooks PureProject shoes include this combination of DNA and BioMoGo blended in different combinations. I feel  this combination also contributes to the overall durability of the shoe. With 300 plus miles in most other shoes I would be feeling aches and pains,  yet with the PureFlow as the material packs out I am still running strong in my first pair. I also believe my stride has adapted to a mid foot landing. So, the shoe has become more minimal and I think my stride has become more natural adapting to less cushion along the way. 

PureFlow 2: No changes to outer or midsole. Upper will be modernized and potentially lightened a bit. 

OR Discovery-Eucalptex Base Layer: Super Comfort, Natural, Quick Dry, No Smell, No Chemicals

Outdoor Retailer never disappoints. Among all the glitzy big booths and flashy products and technologies small innovative gems hide in the side aisles.

Modrobes eucalyptus based Eucalyptex based layers was one such find. Steven Debus the CEO gave me a long sleeve sample to try.

I gave it the Sam test: multiple days of use for multiple activities. I did a full day of alpine skiing, then under my work clothes, then an indoor hour plus run in warm temperatures with no washing between.

1) Unlike synthetics or my usual winter favorite wool the Eucalyptex is extremely soft and comfortable on the skin.
2) I was never chilled (down hill skiing) or overheated ( running indoors at about 65 F).
3) While it did not dry as quickly as my Patagonia Silk weight it dried about at the same rate as light wool such as Icebreaker 150 or Patagonia Wool 1 and when wet was not clammy.
4) Stink test: smelled fresh after 2 full days of use.
5) Made in Canada from sustainably forested eucalyptus using a closed loop process which is certified to be environmentally safe.

My only concern is durability and care over time. It needs to be washed cold and line dried much as many of the newer base layers,  It may pill when abraded.

OR Introduction- Saucony Adventerra GTX 4 mm drop Light Hiker

Most summers my wife and I head out on a 7-10 day trek across the Alps. Last summer we did the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. I wore the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX essentially a higher version of the Salomon XA Pro trail runners. They were a bit light for the rocky terrain.

Saucony introduced the Adventerra GTX at Outdoor Retailer and it immediately caught my eye as a candidate for our next trek. Not only a 4mm drop from heel to toe to enhance the hiking gait cycle but a very burly yet light Vibram sole and very supportive waterproof GoreTex upper.  All of this in a 15 oz shoe/boot, not much more weight than a trail runner.

Details
Weight: 15 oz. men's size 9
Heel/Toe Drop: 4mm
MSRP: $170
Available: Now

OR Introduction- Saucony Kinvara 3 and Kinvara TR

Saucony introduced an update to the popular Kinvara, the Kinvara 3 and a new Kinvara family member, the Kinvara TR or Kinvara trail. Both of these shoes share FlexFilm tm technology in the upper "to secure the foot on the platform throughout the gait cycle." They also share a 4mm heel to toe drop.

Kinvara 3 and TR. Click to see details.

Kinvara 3 
I have had 2 pairs of the Kinvara 1 and they were my first low drop (4mm) trainer and racer. I liked them a lot but found the upper became somewhat sloppy over time and the road feel was a bit mushy due to the raised soft rubber lugs. Kinvara 3 appears to resolve both these issues.

Upper: From what I could see the FlexFilm is used extensively in thin strips to secure the upper to the midsole. With this improvement I believe the overall shoe will track better and over time the upper will stay secure on the midsole platform.

Outer Sole: Earlier versions of Kinvara exhibited  accelerated wear in the toe off area and on the lateral side of the mid foot for me. In the photo below the red arrows indicate the addition of harder more wear resistant outer sole materials. These patches are broader than the black lugs and look ideally placed. I believe the mid foot patches will also provide a more stable landing point in that key area enhancing the stability of the gait cycle.

Kinvara 3 -harder outsole materials at red arrows

New heel outer sole design: The heel is now beveled to reduce heel striking and move the gait cycle forward onto the mid foot. Hard rubber was removed from the medial side of the heel area.

Details: 
Weight: 7.7 oz men's size 9
Heel/Toe Drop: 4mm
MSRP: $100
Available: 5/1/2012 and 7/1/2012 different colors available different dates

Kinvara TR
This new trail member of the Kinvara family shares the use of FlexFilm technology in the upper with the Kinvara 3 as well as the 4mm heel to toe drop. It weighs 8.5 oz men's size 9 and has forefoot stack(midsole and outer sole) height of 12.5mm and heel of 16.5mm. It has a rock plate running from the forefoot almost to the mid foot.  I imagine this shoe will have a quite firm stable ride over varied terrain. Kinvara TR is a strong new contender in the light (<10 oz) , low drop, yet protective trail runner category

The lugs look effective on most all surfaces and are less pronounced than the Saucony Peregrine's . The outer sole includes protruding small studs in addition to the wave shaped lugs.  I might worry about mud accumulation given overall tight spacing of outer sole traction.

Kinvara TR

Kinvara TR

Details:

Weight: 8.5 oz men's size 9

Stack heights: 12.5mm forefoot 16.5 mm heel.

MSRP: $100

Available: 7/1/2012

Headed to Outdoor Retailer (OR) Winter Market 2012

Starts Thursday 1/19. Will be reporting on trail and road running, hydration, and nordic ski finds. Should be fun, as always.

If there is a product or up coming product you want me to find out more about please post your questions in the comments below.

While products introduced at OR are for winter 2012-2013 typically the running companies are also displaying spring and summer releases for the current year.

My 2011 Running Favorites-Shoes, Apparel, Gear, and Trails

2011 was the year shoe heel to toe ratios dropped all over the place.  From road to trail I mostly ran in 4-9mm heel to toe drop shoes. While not a great competitive year, my legs felt great, no more hamstring soreness and rapid recovery from run to run.

Favorite Shoe
Brooks PureFlow

Reviewed here. I found racing and race recovery in the PureFlow to be a pleasure.
This second generation low drop road runner is light, has a 4 mm heel to toe drop and despite the weight plenty of cushioning due to its 19mm forefoot 23 mm heel stack. First shoe where I feel it is easy to keep off the heels for more than a few miles and I have tried them all Newton, Kinvaras, Ecco, Hoka One One, and various racing flats from Nike, Adidas, and Asics.

Road Runner Ups
Inov-8 Road X 255: Unlike Inov-8's trail models which have in my opinion a narrow snug upper the Road X 255 combines a roomy toe box with a snug mid foot. Great road feel if a bit firmer than the Brooks PureFlow due to its 13mm forefoot height, 6mm less than the PureFlow.

Inov-8 Road X 255

Inov-8 Road X 255

Trail Runner Ups
Three very different shoes for very different trails.

Saucony Peregrine: Great snow and mud shoe. Light and fast and with a bit narrow toe box. Not a long haul shoe for me.

Salomon Synapse:This 2012 model which I previewed has a wide toe box, plenty of cushioning, and great grip on most surfaces. Used to break the Appalachian Trail record Synapse is a great all day "Run your Hike" shoe.

Inov-8 Road X 255: Yes, this road shoe is also a very able trail runner.  For me a better trail runner than road runner. The full surface sticky rubber outer sole is great on all but loose gravel, snow, and mud. Agile and flexible with plenty of protection this is a great go fast shoe for hard pack trails. Can't wait for Inov-8's new trail models with the wider forefoot of the Road X series.

Inov-8 Road X 255

Running Apparel Favorites
I run hot so I am always looking for light moisture wicking fabrics. Anti-odor treatment also always a good thing to have.

Patagonia Capilene 1 Silkweight  long sleeve and t-shirts. Not the Stretch Silkweight which is also light but noticeably warmer. I wear either of  these just about every day in heat or cold. The long sleeves are loose enough to easily roll up. Rolled down they serve as a good sun barrier. Has Gladiodor odor control which I think is effective.

Patagonia Silkweight Long Sleeve

Saucony ViziPRO Vest: Really like the very breathable, soft, and totally windproof fabric. 3 pockets. The chest MP3 pocket is just a bit to snug for a smartphone. With the way people are driving these days, head glued to the phone, the ViziPRO color is essential, night or day. The vest has reflective fabric patches and includes a clip on USB rechargeable LED blinker.

Saucony ViziPRO Vest

Running Hat Favorites
Summer: Pearl Izumi Fly In-R-Cool Cap
Very light fabric with In-R-Cool technology which I think really does cool a bit when wet.  

Winter: Cannondale Wool Hat. 
Not running specific gear but this light wool hat with Coolmax type lining has been great for all temperatures from 40's down to below zero. Rides high on the head, sort of low profile when ear flaps are folded up so not overly warm when it doesn't need to be and as warm as can be when its freezing cold. Easily fold the ear flaps up or down as needed. The vizor cuts glare.

Cannondale Wool Hat

And anything wool from SmartWool, Ibex, and Icebreaker.

Favorite Gear
Nike+ SportsWatch GPS. After a rough start with many missing features such as average pace Nike came through with useful upgrades. The Sports Watch is small with a quite easy to see screen in sunlight. Decent web site for stats although it is about time to get rid of the slow Flash running the show. The Nike+ foot pod used when GPS is not available still seems inaccurate with no way to calibrate. I also use the Nike+GPS app on my iPhone when I don't have the watch handy.

Nike+ SportsWatch (left)  Garmin 205 (right)

Favorite Hydration Gear

Hands down winner the incredibly well designed Salomon XT S-Lab Advanced Skin pack. Truly a second skin.

Favorite Trail
Chamonix to Zermatt on the Walkers Haute Route. Not a run but a wonderful multi day hike across the Alps with my wife Dominique.

Mont Blanc (15,800 feet)  in the background

Favorite Trek Gear
Bomb proof, totally foldable, super lightweight Black Diamond Distance FL Trekking Poles.  The Z Poles. Useful for running too!

Add caption

Favorite Race
Boston Marathon! I had a terrible race but enjoyed my first trip back to the Big Show in 24 years immensely.

What were your Running Favorites in 2011?

Happy New Year and Happy Trails in 2012!

Brooks PureFlow-On Snow

15 miler on thin hard pack snow on a cold clear day in Park City. Incredible blue bird day. PureFlow was just fine in terms of traction on everything except the steeps. Don't think it will be great on ice. I now have about 300 miles of wonderful injury and soreness free running on my first pair of PureFlow. Soon I will get a new pair and outfit this pair with roofing screws for winter all terrain running.
Happy Holidays and Happy Trails in 2012!

Brooks PureFlow: Different Race Recovery

Ran the Seacoast Half Marathon (NH) this past Sunday. What a great race and course along the scenic and historic NH coast. $75,000 donated to Seacoast Big Brother Big Sister.

I was pleased with how I felt and my time: 1:39.29. My first road race since Boston. If only I had another month of speed work and tempo before the snow flies....

I have been running roads exclusively in the Brooks PureFlow for the last month or so. My initial review here.

Usually after a half I have sore quads and hamstrings. Interestingly, the only thing sore 2 days after the race, the joints in my feet, especially toes. I may have had them laced a little tight on one foot.

It will be a speedy recovery. All of my  recoveries from harder workouts have been shorter since I started running the PureFlow.  I am guessing I was on my mid foot and off my heels during the race and thus impact forces were greater on my feet. This is what many have said will occur as you get on the mid foot. What makes the PureFlow different from other low drop shoes is that I find it easy for me to stay on the mid foot. While I was not as fast as I hoped, I sure felt smooth and aligned until the last very tough uphill and rolling mile. That is where nothing other than some longer tempo run and hill intervals would have helped me!

Update: 3 days after the half did 6 miles of brisk tempo. Felt totally fresh and fast.

Anyone else experiencing similar with the PureFlow?

Nike+ SportsWatch GPS Firmware Update: stopwatch, auto looping stats, black text on white option

Going out for a run to try these new features.  Nike got going, releasing this important update, no doubt moved along by the MotoActv Android competitor I previewed coming in November 6th.

Firmware Update 2.0.1

This update is for the firmware that runs on the Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom and is required for all users.  It includes the following:

• Adds stopwatch mode. (Excellent)

• Improves tap sensitivity for manual laps. (I have found it takes a hard tap to mark a lap.)

• Adds alarm capability.

• Adds the option to adjust the time of day or date on the watch without using Nike+ Connect. (along with alarm now watch can be used as an everyday watch)

• Adds the option to display either speed or pace. (useful on the bike.)

• Adds support for inverting the screen to display black text on a white background. (should be easier to see screen in bright light, an issue with current white text on black)

• Adds support for choosing any favorite metric when in auto or manual laps mode. (this was a real pain and missing option before the update)

• Adds an auto looping option for the upper metric. (probably the most useful as the watch only displayed 2 metrics at a time requiring button pushes to see other metrics.)

• Additional minor bug fixes.

Update: 
1) Tried manual laps with my selected upper and lower metrics. In an improvement to what I have experienced before, each tap of the screen to mark a lap displayed, for a few seconds: the completed lap's distance, time, and average pace. Manual laps can also be used to get a sense of current pace. Run a few minutes, tap and see average pace for the lap time period. Useful. The change is that previously no matter what your selected metrics were, a tap for manual lap eliminated the lower metric and only displayed the lap times for the rest of the run in the lower part of the screen.
 2) Tapping to mark a lap previously required a firm whack with 2 fingers and often didn't             register. Now a smooth 2 firm tap registers the lap without fail.
3) There may be bug in the intervals mode when you select a distance for the interval and a time for the rest period. I am getting gibberish distances on the welcome screen to start the workout.
Update 11/27:
Another firmware update. The key "fix" instant pace. I have got to say I don't think it works. Yes, the wild fluctuations are gone but on a 10 mile run at very consistent pace throughout with instant pace displayed as my favorite (lower half of screen) stat the instant pace was consistently approximately 40 seconds per mile faster than my average.

MOTOACTV: Motorola GPS Fitness Tracker & Music Player

Just announced.  MOTOACTV is an Android based fitness tracker with music player. Includes GPS and accelerometer (for elliptical machines only initially according to an excellent first overview by DCRainmaker ). $249 for 8gig model plus $29.99 for wrist or arm band. Comes with headphone/mic as the system will also give audio workout feedback. Optional headphones add wireless heart rate through in ear sensing.  If you have an Android phone it will notify you of caller identity on screen which you can chose to answer or not. Not really an interest of mine but includes a full music player. The MOTOACTV looks to be a very clever blend of a typical fitness GPS watch and an iPod Nano.

Some immediate comparisons to the Nike+GPS I currently use, enjoy, and have reviewed:

• Most obvious, includes a full music player
• Wireless wifi sync to your computer or Android app vs. the cluggy non standard USB on the Nike+GPS wristband
• Color touch screen which may be more easily viewable in sunlight
• Gorilla Glass screen. Some have reported the Nike+ screen is easily broken
• With optional heart rate headphones no uncomfortable chest strap. Accuracy to be determined.
• Accelerometer is built in. No Nike+ lozenge to place in shoe. Will see how accurate it is.
• Size: screen is bigger/wider than Nike+ at 1.6" diagonal.  How big it feels on small wrists such as mine remains to be seen. Stats should be easier to see.
• Audio in run feedback. I really liked this feature on the Adidas MiCoach app. 
• Supports ANT+ sensors and Bluetooth. Thus, bike sensors should work but this is still unclear which and how.  Nike+GPS uses a proprietary method to communicate with the foot sensor and heart rate monitor. 

I have written Motorola for answers to the following questions: 

"Can I get regular in workout stats via audio on the headset, stats in addition to heart rate?  I really miss the audio feedback I used to get with micoach on the Nike+GPS.  How would these be accessed if they work? If I had an Android phone would the loudspeaker be able to play the stats if I did not wear headphones? I usually run outside without headphones.

I like the readability of the screen. Can the screen stats be customized?

Does MOTOACTV have average pace? This was a big missing stat in the early release of Nike+GPS? How about current lap pace? A simple stop watch mode?

I see it includes an accelerometer. Can it accurately track distances run indoors on a treadmill?

Which settings be customized away from the computer? Nike+ is very limited. For example you can't change the stats lay out or the lap or interval length/time when not connected to the computer."

Update: I am seeing early online reviews indicating that battery life may be less than 2 hours when underway with GPS and music . A serious consideration for those of us who exercise/run for longer periods. Quoting a review at Amazon:

 "I've taken this device on three hour-long runs now, each time fully-charged. I've returned home with the unit down to less than 25% power level. This was using the MP3 features, Bluetooth on to wireless headsets, and GPS tracking. Given this rate of battery burn, I doubt the device would last more than 1:30-2:00 which, in the world of marathon-training (and even half-marathons), just isn't enough. This is a serious issue which Motorola may be able to address with software updates but, for now, it's a deal-breaker. "

First Impressions Brooks PureFlow and TrueGrit: They really nailed it!

Really liking the Brooks PureFlow I recently purchased from RoadRunner Sports. Brooks has really nailed the next generation (after Saucony Kinvara, Inov-8 Road X, and Newtons) trainer focused on more natural running, and less shoe, yet with adequate cushion for day in day out road running :

Brooks PureFlow

Brooks PureFlow

• a low heel to toe drop-4mm , 
• decent cushion- 23 mm heel 19 mm forefoot height (Running Warehouse). This is 2mm more heel and forefoot height than KInvara and is due to the full outsole. 
• A forefoot/midfoot outsole which provides foot landing across its width (similar to Road X 255) with a split toe up front feels far more responsive and stable than the Kinvara yet better cushioned than the Road X,
• Brooks DNA cushioning made of BioMoGo is firm yet attenuates shock without losing  much road feel,  
• lots of forefoot room yet well supported mid foot due to the Nav Band on the lateral side,  
• light weight- 8.7 oz
• a midsole which gets you on the mid foot by moving the heel strike point forward. The mid foot strike pad under the arch plays a role as does what Brooks calls an inverted heel.  I can really feel a foot landing further forward. This is especially noticeable on uphills and downhills. Hard to fall back on the heels in the PureFlow. Yet, all this geometry felt very natural unlike the Newtons with their pronounced forefoot pads,
• a very comfortable yet minimal upper. Maybe not quite the combination of roomy forefoot and snug midfoot of the Road X as the forefoot upper is a bit narrower but less constricting in the forefoot than the Kinvaras. One layer of very densely woven yet light mesh. Seemed to breathe very well on a warm day and pretty sure it will drain water very well. The heel collar is particularly plush. 

I have now about 50 miles on the PureFlow. Longest run 15 miles which went great and from which I recovered very well. Similar in feel to the Inov-8 Road X 255 yet better cushion, lower heel toe drop , lighter weight, and more pronounced yet natural mid foot landing. A bit heavier (an ounce or so)  and higher (2mm) due to a full outer sole than Saucony Kinvara.   I am a heel striker and I maintained a far better mid foot landing over a 12 mile run than in other similar shoes such as the Inov-8 Road X 255, Kinvaras, and Newtons.  Not quite as much road feel as the Inov-8 but a better more stable cushioned mid foot landing than the Kinvara's. I think this is due to firmer full width outsole on the PureFlow and Inov-8 vs the soft lugs on the Kinvaras. Did an interval workout in the PureFlow yesterday and maintained form throughout, turnover felt quicker and smoother than usual for me. Haven't run off road on the dirt. Suspect they may not be particularly stable there and certainly not as stable as the Road X 255. 

I think this next generation "natural" running shoe line will be a winner! 

Brooks PureGrit

Brooks PureGrit

Update: Have to admit that I have not run in any other road shoe, except a few times in a Nike Vaporfly since I got the PureFlow a month ago. That's saying something for me as I have a habit of constantly trying new shoes and changing out. 


Update: Tried on a pair of PureGrit at the Salt Lake REI. PureGrit is the trail runner in the Brooks PureProject line. Similar fit and design: Nav Band, inverted heel, 4 mm drop and split toe. The midsole foam appears to be firmer than the PureFlow, no surprise given these are trail shoes. The concave outer sole lugs look well arranged and should shed mud well. The outer sole material is also firmer than the PureFlow"s. Unlike PureFlow TrueGrit has a one piece outer sole. Overall width of the forefoot outer sole appears a bit wider on the PureFlow due to its pods.  At 8.9 oz quite a bit of protection per ounce, particularly from the upper down.


For the even more minimal crowd the 7.2oz PureConnect should be a viable alternative to training in traditional racing flats. 


Brooks PureFlow $90 MSRP. Limited availability for next few months. Size up 1/2 size.

Trying to follow some sage, ancient advice

Live sensibly-among a thousand people only one dies a natural death, the rest succumb to irrational modes of living.

Maimonides 

1135-1204

Today I went for my physical and my doctor gave me his business card about half way through the visit and ask me to look at the back of the card. This saying was on the back. A little running, decent sleep, a few beers-trying to follow the sage advice above. Maimonides was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, physician, Jewish religious scholar and philosopher of the Middle Ages.

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 2011 Trail Race-Helicopter Flyovers

Incredible helicopter video of the 2011 UTMB race and alpine scenery at last weekend's Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, a 100 mile plus mountain race and the unofficial World Series of ultras. Notice the "casual" pace of the leaders and eventual winner Kilian Joret in white at the beginning of the clip. Kilian won in 20:39  hours looping the Mont Blanc in horrendous conditions (snow, wind, rain) during the overnight start. Half the field did not finish.  We've hiked the route twice in 6-7 days. Would love to race it someday.

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2011: Saucony Drops... Heels

Fresh on the heels of the success of the 4mm heel to toe drop  in its minimal road Kinvara and trail Peregrine shoes, Saucony is dropping the heels of most of its "franchise" models which will be on the market late 2011, early 2012.  The new road Triumph 9, Hurricane 14 and Guide 5 will all have an 8mm drop, down from 11 to 12 mm.   The Ride and Omni will not be heel dropped this winter as they are new models. I have been running roads in the Inov-8 Road X 255 lately and its 9mm drop is just about right for me.

The trail Xodus 3 will also feature a 8 mm drop and a new lighter upper.  This one really caught my eye as a shoe for technical trails.

Xodus 3.0: release 1/2012

While it always tricky to mess with franchise models Saucony is making the right call here. A lower drop will lead to a more natural stride and should reduce injuries and stress on the knees. These shoes can also serve as a transition to the more minimal shoes in the line such as Kinvara, Mirage, and even to the new Cortana, a plush neutral trainer with a 4mm drop and a recent Runner's World Best Debut shoe winner.

 Other Saucony news from Outdoor Retailer:
The Hattori will be coming in an AW-All Weather version. The Peregrine 2 is largely unchanged except for a lighter upper with more welded on support and less stitching.

Triumph 9: release 11/1/2012

Guide 5: release 12/1/2011

Hurricane 14: 2/1/2012

Peregrine 2

Who Says Minimalist Running Shoes are New

A couple of pictures from my high school days, circa 1974-1975.

Mount Washington Road Race-Halfway House ( I am at right cheering something). Click to enlarge.

The weather was so bad, the road so muddy, on Mt Washington that day that they stopped cars at the halfway house and we had to run down from the top in the storm. I was sporting Onitsuka Tiger Marathons, less than 1/2" of midsole and outer sole in one piece. Nylon uppers. The classic 1970's race shoe. The founders of Nike were originally the Tiger distributors in the US. Not sure why I am so fired up in the pic with the grind to come. Did finish 7th overall that day in 1:13 so being pumped at this point was a good sign!

Portsmouth NH 10 miler

My grandfather George on the right just gave me water. I remember a very hot day and fast times, I think 54 minutes for a few tenths less than 10.  I believe my brother Jake is on the bike and my dad took the picture.  Again the trusty Tigers got me to the finish. Wore them to race roads, cross country, and mountains. Not sure I ever dared a marathon in them.


Today with older legs I might just wear them to run on the grass!


At the link from Running Past a picture of Tiger Marathons as worn by Jim Fixx on the cover of his famous book: "The Complete Book of Running". While my school colors were red I remember always having  the blue version. 

Red Onitsuka Tiger Marathons (www.runningpast.com)

Outdoor Retailer Summer 2011- Salomon Synapse Run your Hike, Hoka One One Stinson EVO Hybrid, Technica MAX trail runners and trekking boots.

A quick introduction to some of the trail running innovations on display at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

Salomon Synapse
Available Spring 2012 this 12 ounce $120 shoe recently took Jennifer Pharr-Davis through her 2200 mile, 46 day Appalachian Trail record. A record for this epic trail for anyone by almost 7 days!  Salomon gave me a pair of Synapse to try. A full review will follow but I am already finding the Synapse to be a great road to trail performer. I have run about 40 miles of road, hard pack gravel, and rocky single track in them. Equally adept on rough trails as pavement. While classified by Salomon as a "Run Your Hike" shoe due to a natural stride geometry  my quest for the one shoe to take for any run or adventure may be over. Not overly firm on the road as many trail shoes are yet totally stable and responsive on single track.  I can see how this became the AT record setter.

Hoka One One Stinson B EVO


I am a big fan of Hoka One One "clown shoes". I have tried the Mafates and the Bondi B. While the Bondi B is lighter than the Mafates I learned at OR that it also has a different rocker sole geometry, with the heel strike point further forward which favors a mid foot striking runner. As I found at Boston when you lose the mid foot I settled back onto my heels as I got tired I sank and leaned backwards. Not good.

The Stinson has the Mafates' midsole geometry with a new softer and more flexible upper and a hybrid sole which is more durable than the Bondi's EVA and has more pronounced lugs, yet not the lugs are not  so pronounced s that they are unsuitable for roads. Hoka calls them hybrids and I agree. I am running in a pair of the  first generation Stinson B/Combo XT now and finding them, much as the Salomon Synapse equally adept on roads and trails.  I will certainly consider the Stinsons for my next marathon.

The Stinson B EVO is a Spring 2012 model which does away with laces by using a cord system similar to Salomon's. has a slightly different upper and will feature the ability for the runner to drill small holes into the midsole to either make the sole more flexible or stiffer through the insertion of small plastic rods. Still under development this concept has real merit. I made my Bondi's a bit more flexible in the forefoot through cutting grooves in the midsole at the forefoot and sure could have used more heel firmness.

Current Model Stinson B

Spring 2012 Stinson EVO

Technica

Not particularly well known for running shoes Technica is in its second season with trail runners based in part on the same technology as Hoka: oversized outsoles, thick light cushioning  and rocker rolling technology. 

I saw the Spring 2012  Inferno MAX Ms, $140 330 grams which is about the same weight as the Synapse and Stinson. Lighter than the first generation Technica at 11.6 oz . The line also features lighter lower to the ground models all based on Technica's rolling energy transfer  technology: "TRS or Technica Rolling System"

Inferno Max Ms

Most impressive from Technica was an ultra light hiking/trekking boot based on the same oversize rolling technology, the TRS Max Hiker  Mid GTX. This 550 gram/ 19 oz  $190 boot/shoe would have been an even better choice than the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX on our recent Chamonix to Zermatt trek. In 2009 I hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc in Hoka One One Mafates and found the day to day  recovery benefits a big plus although upper support and grip a bit lacking on the rockier rougher parts of the trail. The Chamonix to Zermatt trek is considerably rougher with many boulder fields so the high top, oversize outsole and cushion, and Vibram lugged sole of the MAX Hiker would have been ideal.

Technica MAX Hiker Mid GTX

Headed to Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

Off to Salt Lake. I will be spending Saturday at the Outdoor Retailer summer show, largely products which will show up at retailers Spring 2012. Human powered outdoor sports. All the gear, gadgets, shoes and apparel Most running companies are there too and this past winter I got some near scoops on among others the Saucony Peregrine and Hattori and the Hoka One Bondi.

I will be looking for post minimal yet low drop natural toe box trail and road runners, cooling fabrics, hydration gear, and the always unexpected innovations.

Anything you've heard rumored and want info about? Post a comment here and I will try to dig it up.

New Ways to Beat the Heat-CoolCore Sports Fabrics

A Portsmouth NH start up: CoolCore is introducing fabrics which claim to cool your core as you exercise.
 I have used a Craft T-shirt which makes some of the same claims and found it to be my day in day out go to shirt for our recent Chamonix to Zermatt trek. Call it a good micro climate but no discernable cooling effect.

I recently purchased a CoolCore bandana and put it to the test. The bandana was made of a felted material on one side and smooth fabric on the other much like a backpacker towel but more flexible. Wet with warm water, wring, snap. I was very surprised that within seconds the bandana which had been soaked in warm water turned distinctly cool to the touch. I wore it around my neck for several runs on warm days and it stayed cool and felt very pleasant. After "initiating" with the water  heat, sweat and motion continue the cooling effect. As I run hot any cooling effect has for sure a psychological effect. Remains to be seen what physiological effect occurs. As suggested on the CoolCore blog I also soaked the bandana, put in freezer for 5 minutes and used to reduce swelling on my sore knee. Sore from the Swiss trek and then a hard downhill on Spiro in Park City.

Moving to shirts made of the material, I contacted CoolCore and they were kind enough to send me a golf shirt. It was size large so not as form fitting and close to the skin as a medium might be. The material felt much like my Craft T-shirt: a bit slick but fairly thin. Not a mesh for sure. I did not soak the shirt for my first test as  Michael Simchik the CEO of CoolCore told me motion and sweat would activate the cooling effect. Temperature was a mild  70 F with relatively high humidity. After about 20 minutes of running, when the sweat got going, I definitely noticed a slight, almost tingly cool feeling on the skin where the fabric was wet. Further, testing in high temperatures are in order  but CoolCore is a very promising to cooling.  I tend to run hot and if core temperature can be reduced even a small amount, comfort and performance benefits should follow on a hot day. Not to speak that is it just more pleasant to be cooler!

How do they do it?  From the CoolCore web site Technology page:

"The fabric is engineered with a unique variety of fibers that when structured in a designed way creates a series of high-density capillary network, where the water molecules are absorbed deep into the fabric core and hydraulically compressed into the voids within the fabric. This void within the fibers creates an orientation of the water molecules in such a way that when the product is activated (snapped) it allows for maximum evaporative cooling to take place from the vibration of the snapping. At the same time, because of the uniqueness of the combination of different fibers and their reaction to one another, the suppression of water loss by evaporation (high absorption and wicking simultaneously) suspends the water within the fibers for an extended period of time."


CoolCore says their fabrics' cooling effect is achieved without chemicals, phase change materials, or polymers. There appears to be some anti-microbial effect but at least for the golf shirt not as effective as the all time winner, wool.


CoolCore does have t-shirts, bandanas, sport towels, etc... for sale on their web site but their longer term plan is to license the fabrics and technologies to apparel brands. 

Trip down my high school running lane-wonderful post by my team mate Ed Ernst

How much Running is Enough. Great blog post by high school cross country team mate Ed Ernst. The post focuses on how much mileage high school athletes should really do. I am the high mileage guy in the post. I always ran far more than my team mates in the summer and tended to peak earlier in the season. I was always race ready no matter the distance, even ran a 2:37 marathon at 17 and this before a great track season. Most of my long miles were easy and on trails or  long 8 hour run hikes in the White Mountains of NH.  I did mix in summer road races on a regular basis. The key for me and it is still is: the running was never a chore. It was always fun and a chance to explore. I think shooting for a mileage target is what leads to injuries and burnout. And, of course each runner tolerates a different load especially. Always run for fun.

Yes I ran long miles but each run stood on its own and I never really added or tracked weekly or monthly miles. I had great mentors in Coach Lovshin at Phillips Exeter for track and XC and Don Putnam the grand guru of long miles, trail expeditions and hard road racing.  They took a totally un athletic at 14 to a very decent XC, track, mountain, and marathon runner by 17.  Ed reminds me of the interval workouts and timed tempo runs Coach Lovshin had us do every week. And the fun long runs with Don Putnam. Still best training practices. They always looked and led by example towards a long term  picture of life long fitness yet with hard team oriented racing as Ed so eloquently describes.  

Nike+ SportsWatch GPS does different continents just fine

I was recently in Switzerland hiking Chamonix to Zermatt on the Walkers' Haute Route. Pictures of our trip here. While in Geneva I took my Nike+SportsWatch GPS for a run. I had not synched it to the computer since leaving the US. Signal was acquired in about 10 seconds and the run was tracked perfectly. Once back at the computer the run uploaded and mapped just fine. So, take your Nike+ SportsWatch on the road.

Back from our Chamonix Zermatt trek on the Walkers' Haute Route across the Swiss Ailps

9 Days. 12 passes. 100 miles or so. 34,000 vertical feet. We had a great time and found new friends and fine food all along this incredible trail from Chamonix to Zermatt. A detailed trip and gear performance report in a few. In the meantime some pictures.

At the start at the Col de Balme near Chamonix

Some nasty boulder fields on this trek. Follow the white and red blazes

Grande Dixence dam seen from its lake. 935 feet high. 200,000,000 cubic feet of concrete!

Getting ready to tackle the Col de Reitmatten

Some fine trail work coming into the Zermatt Valley. Not all trails were this buff!

Les Hauderes- Every valley has different style chalets. Les Hauderes featured the "skyscraper" style.

Dominique above les Hauderes. 

At the finish in Zermatt

A link to our Picasa album with pictures of the trip here