My 2010 Favorite Running Shoes

My 2010 Favorites:

1) Hoka One One Mafate-totally different yet minimal in a way. Clown shoe high, almost 2" off the ground yet in my view oh so cushy and natural. Great on the trails and on the road a feeling like running barefoot on grass  For long, long hauls road or trails and recovery runs.  Effectively zero heel to toe drop??

2) Saucony Kinvara-solid minimalism, light and cushioned, Good

Inov-8 New Road Running Shoes- Road X Series

Inov-8's trail running shoes have been in my trail running quiver since 2006. I particularly like them for trail and mountain racing due to their low to the ground light, nimble feel ( the original minimalist trail running shoes) and the wide range of models for different types of terrain and speeds.

I can't wait to try their new range of road shoes out this spring.  Much as with their trail

St George Marathon (UT) 2010-Before the Start

Superb essay by my friend and Utah running buddy Fasteddie Knapp. We trekked to St George together for the race. Eddie completed his 14th St. George and 58th Marathon in fine form 4 months after a partial knee replacement. Smart, brave, a great coach and especially someone who runs for the joy of it and to bring others along.  Read the essay on his blog at RunSkiRide

miCoach Update-Issues with HRM signal on the Zone

An update to my initial review of the miCoach training systems. After replacing the batteries on the miCoach Zone HRM unit I am still unable to get the unit to synch with the watch. I saw a gradual increase in the synch time to see the first heart rate after each workout start then yesterday it never synched, I contacted miCoach support and got them on the first ring over in Europe somewhere. The

110% Play Harder Compression Knee Braces, Calf Sleeves, Shorts-Ice it!

 110% Play Harder shorts, calf sleeves, and knee braces combine compression with pockets to insert included ice/heat packs. While I have not tried these, I think there is some merit for those with chronic problems or during heavy mileage periods. I see 110% Play Harder is available at Running Warehouse. Illustrated here are the knee brace and shorts :


I have used a number of different

Craft Zero Extreme Long Sleeve Concept Piece

Pricey but very light, warm and breathable base layer. I have been running with just the Craft Zero Extreme and a windbreaker down into the 20's this winter. Wicks very well to keep off the chill. The shoulder ventilation is functional. Not as warm when stopping and starting as wool. I have even worn it indoors at the gym and not felt over heated.

For those who Winter Train on the "Dreadmill" Treadmills

Handy conversion chart. Note that a 0% incline which many use is like running downhill. As dreadmills scare me, I usually set the incline to about 5% and take it from there.

Adidas miCoach

For the last month or so in preparation for the 2011 Boston Marathon I have been using adidas miCoach. training program. I am finding micoach to be a fantastically well designed and executed program, once understood-integrating smart phones, web, and optional gadgets. It is a bit complicated from a "marketing" and initial presentation and explanation standpoint. I hope this post helps explain

How to Run 2000 Miles in 40 Days-the Secret Sauce Along with One Tough Runner

Karl Meltzer, a NH native and one of the truly amazing ultra endurance athletes out there recently ran the Pony Express Trail- 2000 plus miles in 40 days. His gear, food, and stats list is here . Over 143 cans of Red Bull consumed among other fascinating tidbits. He raves about the Hoka One One trail runners.

I think Hokas are fantastic too. The "Clown Shoe" look will get some stares and

GoLite Flash Lite Review: Zero Drop Road to Trail Runner

The fine folks at GoLite Footwear were kind enough to send me a pair of the Flash Lites to try.The Flash Lite is as far as I know the first "zero drop" trail and road runner on the market, others to follow. It allows a stride closer to the bare foot while offering the protection of a traditional running shoe. Golite calls this technology "GoLite BareTech".Zero Drop:Zero drop means that there is

Icebreaker GT Distance Short-Perfect Wool

I am a big fan of wool in performance running wear and as an everyday wear base layer. While the heat of summer, above 80 F, is a bit much for wool and running, I wear wool from SmartWool, Icebreaker and Ibex just about every day. I can attest that the new super fine merino wool from these three companies is never scratchy even as a base layer. I have been looking for a wool based running short

Tour du Mont Blanc

Pictures from our Tour du Mont Blanc hike. Approximately 100 miles in 7 days. Wonderful weather, food, new trail friends, and scenery. Key trail gear: the super cushy, super light Hoka Mafante trail runners. And for the last 2 days a pair of Camp-USA Xenon Collapsible Trekking Poles. While not suitable for heavy backpacking these poles are ideal for running and fast packing. Feather light and fun

"Granite State of Mind"- New Hampshire-Fantastic "Travelogue" done to J-Z

Where I'm from! Very well done J-Z parody. If you know NH you will want to watch several times to catch everything. For those bored with NH and the primaries not one mention of that but also no mention of Arrowsmith either. They absolutely got the rest. Welcome to our quirky people and a beautiful place. Here it is at You Tube.

Merino Compression Socks-Finding the Perfect Performance Blend

I am a big fan of merino wool socks and base layers. I pretty much am in wool year round except for the very hottest days, even as a base layer under street clothes. Comfortable in all temperatures and stink free for days... Merino wool socks are all I will wear for running, skiing, hiking, and work. I have tried compression socks such as the CEP 02 knee high socks and when I fly and after races