austinjason

Today is a day off. Tomorrow I start my back-to-back long run weekend #1, and it's going to be a night run with some friends, which should be quite fun.

I got new trail shoes today! I got another pair of the Patagonia Release shoes. I never wrote my review of them, but I love them, for the most part. I also want a pair of Montrail Hardrocks, but they are out of size 14's until late July at Rogue. I need to check Hill Country Running tomorrow.

I've been stuck at a pretty steady place as far as my base goes for long runs for the past few months. I consider my base to be just at 20 miles now. Raising it to prepare for Bandera seemed so fast and easy during the winter. I hope I am able to do it in this crazy heat. If I can just add on about 3-4 miles each week on long run day, I should be fine.

I have done hill work and speed work on my own, and that has paid off. For some reason, I'm feeling antsy about ramping up my distance. It seems so much less exciting in this heat. Everyone around me seems so utterly convinced I'll do it just fine, and now I need to feel that same way about it. I don't really doubt that I can do it, it's just so hot, so early this year! ooof, distance + heat is ugly.

I want to sign up for training, but I am having a hard time deciding which options I want to sign up for...and also having a shoe blow out ate up money I was going to spend on that...so I might have to stay out on my own for a while longer. I have lots of tail running options via the running club and friends, so I will keep enjoying those :)

I'm a little freaked out about back to back long runs. My goal is 20-22 miles Friday night (into sat morning), and 15 miles on Sunday. I am making myself do a 45 minute recovery spin on the trainer Monday, but no running. Time for more bike!! Duathlon, here I come!!!

what: trail run
where: Barton Creek Greenbelt
who: Kelly S, Murali, Charlene & Bob, me
when: 6pm
weather: 70'ish & extremely humid
workout: 5.53 miles
time: 1hr 30 mins

We did this as a no-drop night run, and it had just rained. It was fun, and it was good practice running in conditions that were new to us (since the trails have been SO dry for so long). Despite this, and the fact that it was a no-drop run, we made great time. I really enjoyed this run, and I ran pretty hard for most of it once I warmed up. It was huuuuuumid and the air was like breathing under water, though.

I enjoyed the mud and the puddle splashing!

I must add: these new Vasque shoes performed amazingly well in these conditions, too. I really like the support and design of the upper part of those shoes. They seem to do something magical to help you have extra-sure footing on uneven ground, and also seem to almost be ankle-turning-proofed. Amazing grip, traction and response. They could cushion a little more, but really I love the responsiveness of them enough to sacrifice that tad of extra cushioning. (and the fact that they don't feel like bricks on your feet like those Montrail monsters I tried on)

Those of you who have read my previous shoe review know how much I adore my Brooks Cascadia 3 trail runners. Seriously, those shoes just rule. I haven't been able to even put another pair of trail runners on my feet since I bought those.

However, I did really love the feel of these Vasque Aether shoes in the store, to the extent that I bought them, as an alternate pair. I haven't put them on to run in until this morning, but I did promise a shoe review for those shoes, didn't I? :-)

I wasn't sure if I'd be able to write a review of this shoe in just one run, but it delivered. I'm gonna start by saying, "wow!" And mind you, this is with me starting a tad apprehensive that my favorite trail runners were not on my feet. These shoes feel just incredible!

They fit the foot well, and are incredibly light weight. If a size 13 shoe can feel like it's not there, and still provide support, structure/traction, then that says something. Speaking of traction: these shoes have outstanding traction. I was able to test them on the following types of trail:

• crushed gravel
• limestone gravel
• grass
• dry, sandy soil
• black clay, slightly damp
• mixed clay/rock (both slightly damp, and dry)
• very rocky areas

Sadly, I was not able to run through any water, but from the design of the shoes, and the materials used, (and the countless testimony of fellow runners) these shoes perform well in those conditions. They were very responsive, despite their almost stiff appearance.

I took it as a good sign when I showed up to a large training group filled with ultra trail runners, including the coach who does 100 milers, and at least 1/4th of them had these very shoes on. Yes, I still love and adore my Brooks Cascadia 3's, but I have to say, that these shoes are equally impressive. They might even become my new favorites. I have to remember, these aren't technically broken in yet. They have earned a spot in my next several workouts!

Review #1: Asics Gel Nimbus 9 (street shoe)

I've never run in shoes rated as "cushioning" before, and I was somewhat unsure what to expect. I was worried they might feel "too squishy". I was wrong. These shoes are comfortable, they breathe well, and I've enjoyed the three runs that I've done in them. I've had Asics shoes in the past, and they've always delivered, and these do not disappoint.

I've definitely noticed a big reduction in the stress that my body takes from street running in these shoes, and I can tell there will be many great miles ahead in them. :-)

I've run through puddles in these, and most types of paved surfaces, both in good and bad repair. They've felt great and worked well through all of that, and they drain well if you're faced with wet. (as long as you have the right kind of socks on! tech socks = <3)

Review #2: Brooks Cascadia 3 (trail shoe)

I'm going to start by saying that these are my favorite running shoes I have EVER had on my feet. I can say that after only doing 1 run in them. I like them so much that I almost want to just not street run until these shoes are worn out :P (and I want to go buy another pair so when these are worn out, I'll have another)

I was trail running in Cascadia 2 shoes, and I didn't think it would be possible for me to like a pair of shoes more than those. However, the Cascadia 3 blew me away.

To me, it seemed they had added more cushioning in these shoes, they're definitely more shock absorbing, especially in the heels. (compared to the cascadia 2's when they were new). The fit is comfortable, and they are lightweight and nicely breathable. They passed all of my trail test stuff: grassy areas, gravel, sand, mud, water, puddles. Just like the previous model, they drain water exceptionally well, which is nice because I love to run through water.

Additionally, these shoes just look SO cool. I normally kinda hate the way running shoes look, but these are so sexy, they look like an italian sports car. :) I can't really say enough good about these shoes, and I look very VERY forward to my next trail run.

stay tuned for a review of the Vasque Aether trail shoe [if I can make myself take off my new Brooks shoes long enough to run in the Vasque ones, hah!]

yay! I had a very knowledgeable and helpful person take some time with me at Rogue Equipment today. I got a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus, and I can't wait to run in them. Sadly, I am going to have to wait a bit longer, because my left foot has a blister so badly on it. [from running in old shoes the other night]

I also got some Superfeet Green inserts, which utterly rock, and help with my narrow heel/high arch issues.

Goodbye, oldshoes, off to be recycled ye go!!

Go me! This was a great run, until the very end, when my foot pain forced me to stop. First the numbers, then the details.

what: street run
where: NW hills 10k (ish) loop
when: 11:45 pm
who: just me
weather: 84, but extremely humid!
support: 1 gu, 16oz water
total workout: 6.13 miles
total time: 1hr 12 mins 40 sec
total cal: 923

warmup: 1 mile jogging
time: 12' 05"
cal: 157

run: 4.5 miles
time: 49' 49"
AP: 11' 04"
cal: 766

mile 1: 11' 50" (PR on NorthHills drive hill-mile)
mile 2: 11' 12"
mile 3: 10' 33"
mile 4: 10' 36"
last .5: 05' 37" (11' 14")

cooldown: .63 miles walking
time: 10' 46"

I cannot do anymore street running until I get some new shoes. I ran this run in a pair of pretty old running shoes, that I bought ages ago and never ran in. The toe-box is way too narrow on these shoes, although they have amazing arch support. This was was going amazingly well, but I decided to stop it at 4.5 miles because my feet were just killing me. The narrow toe box had squished my toes all together, and they were hitting the tops of my shoes and stuff. It was just searing pain, and then there were the blisters. Oh lord, I thought the .6 mile walk back to my truck was going to kill me with those blister, and that toe thing. I almost took my shoes entirely off, but I thought walking on pavement would probably suck a LOT more for those blisters.

Outside of that, these times were looking nice, and I felt very strong on this workout! I hope that my feet get happy soon. I think I will be forced to take the day off Sunday, although i might just tough it up and put some molefoam over them :)

YAY for PR times on this course. I will continue to improve!! woohoo!

The time has come. I had to return my borrowed bike. Which is just as well, because I think it wasn't the right size anyhow. At least, it never really felt right, somehow. Now I have a nice trainer, and no bike to ride it on!

I tried, unsuccessfully, to mail order a bike this last year. First, they sent the wrong frame size (I ordered a 21", they sent an 18"). The second time, they sent the wrong bike altogether. I am done with mail-order bikes.

Since I know that I'm going to need a custom fit done at J&A's, I'm tempted to just go there, and buy my bike from them. Do any of you have opinions on this? I know that BSS is a nice place as well. I've never had a formal "measuring for a bicycle" which I really feel I need to do. Since i'm 6'3", I usually got the larger frames in the past 20-21", but my body is mostly torso, with shorter legs. I might not need all of that frame, as a friend pointed out.

Do any of you know if BSS is good at determining what is the best frame type./size for you, or do you think J&A's is the only way to go for that. They are going to be doing the custom fit, but I"m not sure what their prices are like. I really don't want to spend more than about 1600 if I can possibly help it right now. (and for nice bikes, that isn't a huge budget, really)

Here is what I want from this particular bike: (I already have a commuter bike that I"m happy with). This bicycle will be strictly for training. It will be used mostly on the trainer, in events (like duathlons, and maybe a tri ..if I get my swimming up) I would probably do some of the longer rides later, like maybe the shiner and some of the 65-80 milers they have in the area.

I'm a big guy. 6'3", 215 lbs, 48" chest, 34" waist. My body is very top-heavy. Most of my mass is in my shoulders and chest, and my shoulders are broad. This has made handlebar-stem HELL for me in the past. (as in, the stem always slips down, and finally fully engages the front brake cable). having wide shoulders is tough, because most handlebars squish you in and force you to close your chest in a very uncomfy way, that can hinder breathing as wel. (hello custom fit gadgets!) I tend to be hard-to-fit for most things. (says people who have to fit me for them)

Do you think this big list of stuff is doable with my budget at J&A's?

I also ran my old street shoes to death and need some new ones. If anyone has insanely high arches and insanely high insteps like me and have some new ones you love, tell me what they are! :D (I have finally decided that Brooks does not love people with high arches. NONE of their street shoes have really worked for me, but I do love their trail shoes a lot.) Anyone know how the selection is at Rogue Equipment? I didn't really see when I picked up race packets, and it's kinda far from where I live, but I'd go buy there if I thought they had what I wanted, because I <3 the Rogue folks tons.

My first run in these shoes that really tested their true trail ability was the 10k at Walnut Creek today.  Color me very impressed with these shoes.  I did not lose traction one single time, not even in the slickest wet-clay mud.  After running through the deepest water, they drained nice & fast, and felt comfortable the entire time.

The "pivot' feature of this shoe really did minimize the inconsistencies in the trail surface, thus, I did not turn my ankle once.  My knees were fine the entire time, too.  They have nice, reinforced toes for trail debris as well.

These provided the ideal balance of support & cushioning.  While this trail was mostly dirt/mud, the rocky areas I did encounter did not feel aggressive on my body at all.  I'm 6'2" and weigh 225 lbs, so that's saying something.

I'd recommend these shoes to anyone who wanted to trail run, at least on this type of trail.  If Steve Sisson is wearing them (and he was) then I'd say they're pretty good shoes! (he's a most excellent runner, one of my many local heroes)