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.
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
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| Triumph 9: release 11/1/2012 |
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| Guide 5: release 12/1/2011 |
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| Hurricane 14: 2/1/2012 |
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| Peregrine 2 |
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Who Says Minimalist Running Shoes are New
A couple of pictures from my high school days, circa 1974-1975.
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| 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!
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Sunday, August 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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| Current Model Stinson B |
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| 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"
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.
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| Inferno Max Ms |
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| Technica MAX Hiker Mid GTX |
Friday, August 05, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
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.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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.
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| At the start at the Col de Balme near Chamonix |
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| Some nasty boulder fields on this trek. Follow the white and red blazes |
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| Grande Dixence dam seen from its lake. 935 feet high. 200,000,000 cubic feet of concrete! |
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| Getting ready to tackle the Col de Reitmatten |
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| Some fine trail work coming into the Zermatt Valley. Not all trails were this buff! |
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| Les Hauderes- Every valley has different style chalets. Les Hauderes featured the "skyscraper" style. |
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| Dominique above les Hauderes. |
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| At the finish in Zermatt |
A link to our Picasa album with pictures of the trip here
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Time for the Mount Washington NH Road Race
Getting nervous for the classic "Only One Hill" race up Mount Washington this Saturday. This will be my 5th or 6th time running up the Rock Pile: 7.6 miles and 4,650 feet of unrelenting average 12% grade climb to the clouds. It's only a 6280 foot mountain, right., but known for "The World's Worst Weather". My last run up was in 2007. My first 3 back were back in the 1970's when I won the junior titles.
Never know what to expect for weather. In 2002 during one of my other treks the race was called at the half way point due to icing on the road above timberline. Same thing happened in 1970's, or maybe it was the road was washing out so most had to run down from the top in the cold.
Great article about the Mount Washington Road Race "Because It's Steep" by Todd Balf in the June 2011 Runner's World. Really got me jittery as the article captures the unique nature and difficulty of this race perfectly. The pain starts immediately as the first half is very steep and usually hot and humid. Above timberline, at about half ways, who knows. Right now the summit is reporting freezing fog and 32 F. Looks like Saturday will be warmer..
A race for every runner's bucket list!
I will be running in Inov-8 Road X 255's. Loving this relatively low drop (9mm) shoe with a roomy natural and soft material toebox, wide forefoot, great "sticky rubber" outsole and outstanding mid foot support.
I have run roads, hard pack trails, and single track over the last 3 weeks and find the Inov-8 Road X 255's handle all terrains (except mud) fabulously. A review will follow.
Other gear to be decided race day depending on the conditions.
Never know what to expect for weather. In 2002 during one of my other treks the race was called at the half way point due to icing on the road above timberline. Same thing happened in 1970's, or maybe it was the road was washing out so most had to run down from the top in the cold.
Great article about the Mount Washington Road Race "Because It's Steep" by Todd Balf in the June 2011 Runner's World. Really got me jittery as the article captures the unique nature and difficulty of this race perfectly. The pain starts immediately as the first half is very steep and usually hot and humid. Above timberline, at about half ways, who knows. Right now the summit is reporting freezing fog and 32 F. Looks like Saturday will be warmer..
A race for every runner's bucket list!
I will be running in Inov-8 Road X 255's. Loving this relatively low drop (9mm) shoe with a roomy natural and soft material toebox, wide forefoot, great "sticky rubber" outsole and outstanding mid foot support.
I have run roads, hard pack trails, and single track over the last 3 weeks and find the Inov-8 Road X 255's handle all terrains (except mud) fabulously. A review will follow.
Other gear to be decided race day depending on the conditions.
Time to Hike: Gear for Chamonix to Zermatt on Walker's Haute Route
We are off in a week or so for our annual "big" hike. This year we are tackling the Walker's Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. Longer, higher,and tougher than the Tour du Mont Blanc which we did last year. On the menu: 180 km (112 miles) and 12,000 meters (39,000 feet) of climbing. Of course incredible scenery. As with the Tour du Mont Blanc we will stay in a combination of mountain huts and inns in villages along the way. The first day will be in France and the rest of the way we will be in Switzerland.
As the route is rougher and higher than the Tour du Mont Blanc I am going to leave my trusty Hoka One One Mafates behind for a bit more rugged shoe, the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX. GoreTex and about 15 oz per shoe, so not much heavier than a trail runner. A tune up hike in the XA Pro on Mount Moosilauke in NH this spring had me smiling. They were great on mud, snow and rock.
Trekking poles are key. Most all trekkers and European trail runners use them. I have retired my Leki Makalu and upgraded to the Black Diamond Distance fl Trekking Z Poles. The poles are super sturdy due to the cone shaped plastic inserts between sections and easily fold down in three parts to about 13".
Folding to such a small package is very handy for running or when traveling. They are very easy to fold by pushing a single spring loaded button. They are close cousins of Black Diamond's easy to deploy avalanche probes. The "fl" stands for Flick Lock. The poles extend from 100-125cm. 125 cm is just about the right height for me when walking on moderate terrain as I am 5'10'' tall. Shorten for steep slopes. Two types of tips are provided: a hard plastic for most uses and a carbide screw in tip for icier terrain. Pop off the plastic tip and screw on the carbide. Unfortunately, the small basket cannot be replaced with a ski type basket. Black Diamond told me Z ski poles are coming this winter.
How To Video: Black Diamond Z-Poles from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.
As the route is rougher and higher than the Tour du Mont Blanc I am going to leave my trusty Hoka One One Mafates behind for a bit more rugged shoe, the Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX. GoreTex and about 15 oz per shoe, so not much heavier than a trail runner. A tune up hike in the XA Pro on Mount Moosilauke in NH this spring had me smiling. They were great on mud, snow and rock.
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| Salomon XA Pro Mid GTX |
Folding to such a small package is very handy for running or when traveling. They are very easy to fold by pushing a single spring loaded button. They are close cousins of Black Diamond's easy to deploy avalanche probes. The "fl" stands for Flick Lock. The poles extend from 100-125cm. 125 cm is just about the right height for me when walking on moderate terrain as I am 5'10'' tall. Shorten for steep slopes. Two types of tips are provided: a hard plastic for most uses and a carbide screw in tip for icier terrain. Pop off the plastic tip and screw on the carbide. Unfortunately, the small basket cannot be replaced with a ski type basket. Black Diamond told me Z ski poles are coming this winter.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Nike+SportsWatch GPS Firmware Update: Average Pace!, Improved Instant Pace and Shoe Sensor Calibration
When I updated my Nike+SportsWatch GPS last week I received the following details for a firmware update:
Firmware Update 1.0.11
This update is required for all users of the Nike+ SportWatch GPS and includes the following:
• Adds average pace metric
• Improves instantaneous pace calculation when running with GPS and the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Improves auto-calibration of the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Fixes reset issue when charging with certain USB chargers
• Exits the lap summary screen when a button is pressed
• Fixes issue with calorie display during long workouts
• Additional minor bug fixes
Source: Nike+Connect Firmware Update "Details" when SportsWatch was connected.
Update 5/30: I have now taken 5 runs with average pace and it seems to work just fine. This essential element makes the NIke+SportsWatch a far more complete running tool.
Update 6/2: Ran with shoe sensor alone, GPS turned off, after 5 runs and about 30 miles of shoe sensor and GPS which is how the sensor is supposed to get calibrated. Excellent results 5.93 miles exactly the same as measured by GPS. Previous to the firmware update the shoe sensor got dramatically inaccurate over time from factory default settings. In addition to indoors using the shoe sensor alone should be more accurate on winding trails and where buildings and mountains can block the GPS signal. Will next test on single track trails.
Instantaneous pace appears far less erratic although I rarely use this metric.
I am still seeing inconsistencies in GPS track ( takes a 1/4 mile or so to lock on to exact path/road) and heart rate (first 5-10 minutes have all kinds of spikes).
Nice update Nike!
Now if stats on the smaller upper line could scroll... or one could pick both the smaller upper metric and the lower larger one on auto lap. I find I am constantly pressing the button to see distance, heart rate and pace when on auto lap as the larger bottom area remains dedicated to the current lap time
Firmware Update 1.0.11
This update is required for all users of the Nike+ SportWatch GPS and includes the following:
• Adds average pace metric
• Improves instantaneous pace calculation when running with GPS and the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Improves auto-calibration of the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Fixes reset issue when charging with certain USB chargers
• Exits the lap summary screen when a button is pressed
• Fixes issue with calorie display during long workouts
• Additional minor bug fixes
Source: Nike+Connect Firmware Update "Details" when SportsWatch was connected.
Update 5/30: I have now taken 5 runs with average pace and it seems to work just fine. This essential element makes the NIke+SportsWatch a far more complete running tool.
Update 6/2: Ran with shoe sensor alone, GPS turned off, after 5 runs and about 30 miles of shoe sensor and GPS which is how the sensor is supposed to get calibrated. Excellent results 5.93 miles exactly the same as measured by GPS. Previous to the firmware update the shoe sensor got dramatically inaccurate over time from factory default settings. In addition to indoors using the shoe sensor alone should be more accurate on winding trails and where buildings and mountains can block the GPS signal. Will next test on single track trails.
Instantaneous pace appears far less erratic although I rarely use this metric.
I am still seeing inconsistencies in GPS track ( takes a 1/4 mile or so to lock on to exact path/road) and heart rate (first 5-10 minutes have all kinds of spikes).
Nice update Nike!
Now if stats on the smaller upper line could scroll... or one could pick both the smaller upper metric and the lower larger one on auto lap. I find I am constantly pressing the button to see distance, heart rate and pace when on auto lap as the larger bottom area remains dedicated to the current lap time
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
The only Peregrines on the trail today were the Saucony kind but I did see 2 great blue herons, 5 beaver dams, a huge goose, 1 runner, and 2 walkers
Took a drive over the Newmarket NH to run the Sweet Trail, a new out and back trail of about 8.5 miles. Named after donors it is Sweet indeed.
Through magnificent forests lined with old stone walls.
By at least 6 glacial and beaver created ponds
and over ancient stone bridges
Through magnificent forests lined with old stone walls.
By at least 6 glacial and beaver created ponds
and over ancient stone bridges
I saw 2 giant blue herons take flight, a very noisy goose, heard lots of other birds, and saw only a few other people the whole time. The beaver dams were impressive and well built.
The Sweet Trail crosses 2 towns, Newmarket and Durham, and is entirely on conservation and NH Fish and Game lands. Mellow single track on pine needles with some roots and rocks of course. This is New England after all!
In the 1970's Aristotle Onassis the oil tycoon, proposed building one of the world's largest oil refineries on this land by Great Bay. A plaque deep in woods marks where the center of the refinery complex would have been. This spot would have been in the middle of some huge tanks. Well, the locals stopped him dead in his tracks and since then various organizations have preserved this land.
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| This would have been the center of a $600 million oil refinery |
Oh yes the shoes, almost forgot them: Saucony Pro Grid Peregrines. I have previously reviewed them in depth here. This was my first run on New England trails in them and they performed just fine. Good grip on all but slick wet rock. Climb well. Plenty of rock stab protection for this type of trail.
I used my Nike+SportsWatch in the woods and under tree cover for the first time. I have posted several times about the Nike+SportsWatch here and here and with the exception of not showing average run pace I have been very impressed with its ease of use and flexibility. I was planning on clocking the out leg and comparing distance to the return but got off on a side trail I could not resist.
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| Start the Sweet Trail off Bay Road in Newmarket about 1 mile from center of town. |
With the exception of a short segment on the return where the tracks don't overlap exactly the GPS seemed to handle tree cover and lots of turns just fine.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Review: Nimble Saucony ProGrid Peregrine Trail Runner is also a Mighty Fine Road Runner
I have had 2 pairs of the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara and have liked their low (4mm) heel to toe drop and light weight. My only complaints has been that the combination of light soft, foam and minimal upper makes the Kinvara somewhat mushy and sloppy for me.
I saw the Saucony ProGrid Peregrine at Outdoor Retailer this winter. Saucony offered to send me a review pair. I sensed that while a trail runner the Peregrine might solve some some of the minor issues I had with the Kinvara, on the road, while also being a lightweight responsive trail runner in the mold of the Inov-8 295 and 305's. I am always looking for that elusive shoe that performs equally well on trail and roads. Could the Peregrine be a shoe for all terrains?
After approximately 40 miles of hard pack gravel trails, muddy Utah single track and a good deal of pavement I am very impressed with the Peregrine. It is indeed a close cousin of the Kinvara. It shares the same 4mm drop, and roomy, non restrictive toe box.
Differences between Peregrine and Kinvara:
On the Trail:
I ran some muddy, non technical single track in Park City's Round Valley last week.
Western mud can be very sticky due to the clay and most shoes end up with a block of mud which one has to scrape off on rocks. Peregrine evacuated the mud very nicely indeed. I was pleasantly surprised.
While the trails I ran weren't particularly rocky, I felt sure footed and didn't feel any "rock stabs" through the sole. Peregrine is a great Western trails shoe. A test of rocky, rooty New England trails will follow this week.
On the Road:
The Peregrines are proving to be an excellent road shoe. A bit slappy due to the lugged sole they are very responsive and well cushioned. The combination of more substantial upper, the lugged sole, and thus higher overall height, give a great ride on pavement. A touch firmer than Kinvara, likely due to the narrower heel and firmer outsole material, they have a great road feel and sense of directed forward motion.
Pros:
Under 10 oz. trail runner which can handily double as a very capable road runner. Not sure yet if it is better road or trail runner as it handles both well. So far no compromises on either trail or road with a single shoe. Low drop at 4mm for more a natural mid foot running form. Roomy toe box. Deeply lugged, durable sole has great trail grip.
Cons:
None so far. Have not tested on technical rocky rooty single track as of yet.
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| Saucony Peregrine |
I saw the Saucony ProGrid Peregrine at Outdoor Retailer this winter. Saucony offered to send me a review pair. I sensed that while a trail runner the Peregrine might solve some some of the minor issues I had with the Kinvara, on the road, while also being a lightweight responsive trail runner in the mold of the Inov-8 295 and 305's. I am always looking for that elusive shoe that performs equally well on trail and roads. Could the Peregrine be a shoe for all terrains?
After approximately 40 miles of hard pack gravel trails, muddy Utah single track and a good deal of pavement I am very impressed with the Peregrine. It is indeed a close cousin of the Kinvara. It shares the same 4mm drop, and roomy, non restrictive toe box.
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| Roomy Non Restrictive Toe Boxes Peregrine (left) Kinvara (right) |
Differences between Peregrine and Kinvara:
- Peregrine has a more traditional upper with a welded on overlay of ovals to reinforce the upper. It also has a secondary fabric over the instep (see below). The Kinvara's only has light welded instep reinforcements under the upper. Peregrine while not a stability shoe has a very small piece of hard plastic down near the outer sole on both sides of the arch. The Kinvara has none.
- Peregrine has a real heel counter vs. a mininal heel counter on Kinvara
- a deeply lugged sole for Peregrine vs. a blown rubber midsole with reinforcement patches for Kinvara. While I have not had sole durability issues with my Kinvara, I retired them when the upper got sloppy the Peregrine clearly has a more durable outer sole.
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| Kinvara (left) Peregrine (right) |
- The outer sole on the Peregrine is narrower in the heel and mid foot and about the same in the forefoot.
- When the more reinforced and traditional upper is combined with firmer heel counter, narrower overall footprint and lugged sole the Peregrine feels more responsive and supportive, especially on the road. And few would want to take the Kinvara on a trail, the Peregrine's true home!
- The Peregrine is heavier at 9.7 oz vs. 7.7 oz for Kinvara. Not much heavier in my view based on what you get for those 2 oz.
- The total stack height for Peregrine is 24mm heel/ 20 mm forefoot vs. 21mm/17mm for the Kinvara
On the Trail:
I ran some muddy, non technical single track in Park City's Round Valley last week.
 |
| Round Valley, Park City UT looking towards Park City Mountain and Deer Valley |
While the trails I ran weren't particularly rocky, I felt sure footed and didn't feel any "rock stabs" through the sole. Peregrine is a great Western trails shoe. A test of rocky, rooty New England trails will follow this week.
On the Road:
The Peregrines are proving to be an excellent road shoe. A bit slappy due to the lugged sole they are very responsive and well cushioned. The combination of more substantial upper, the lugged sole, and thus higher overall height, give a great ride on pavement. A touch firmer than Kinvara, likely due to the narrower heel and firmer outsole material, they have a great road feel and sense of directed forward motion.
Pros:
Under 10 oz. trail runner which can handily double as a very capable road runner. Not sure yet if it is better road or trail runner as it handles both well. So far no compromises on either trail or road with a single shoe. Low drop at 4mm for more a natural mid foot running form. Roomy toe box. Deeply lugged, durable sole has great trail grip.
Cons:
None so far. Have not tested on technical rocky rooty single track as of yet.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
SwiftWick does a Great Deed for the People of Japan-Donating 14,642 Pairs of Socks
Swiftwick one my favorite light compression sock and arm warmer companies did something wonderful for the people of Japan. They recently donated 14,462 pairs of high performance Vibe socks worth $150,000 to the people of Japan to help with the recovery. Press release is here. Knowing the day in day out comfort of Swiftwick socks in all conditions this gift will be much appreciated by the people of Japan.
I really like the 12" Merino light compression socks which I reviewed in a previous post here
Their Ole Arm Warmers are incredibly versatile. Not only are they arm warmers but they are cool enough to wear on warm days to protect from the sun. A review here.
I really like the 12" Merino light compression socks which I reviewed in a previous post here
Their Ole Arm Warmers are incredibly versatile. Not only are they arm warmers but they are cool enough to wear on warm days to protect from the sun. A review here.
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