Posts tagged Review
2011 Year in Review
Nov 16th
I had a great year.
Some highlights:
I got to race in Abu Dhabi, this was my first race overseas and first trip to the Middle East. It was an incredible experience, while I did not place as well as I would have liked it was a very good trip. I did however catch some sort of bug that hit when I got back and sidelined me totally for about two weeks post race and set the rest of the season back a bit.
Multiple age-group placings. I outright won my age group in a large 5k outside of Chicago, I took two 2nd place podiums in triathlons, and a 2nd place in a local 5.5mi road race.
Riding with Tom Danielson. I got to do a 50mi ride with Tom Danielson, speak with him during the ride and get some good pack riding in.
Working with Gordo Byrn and the folks at Endurance Corner.
PRs at both Rev3 Quassy and Patriotman. These races are two weeks apart, I raced them both last year and this year. I improved overall my overall placing and time at both races.
By the time Patriotman was done I was burned out, by August I was ready to race again. I started my season early with Abu Dhabi in March and finished on July 3rd with a 5k. I then took some downtime and raced a few local races.
I struggled throughout the year to accept my placing at races, regardless of how well others told me I did. I certainly have different standards for myself than others have for me. So when I placed 11th overall at a race, I was upset that I did not break the top 10. While I set PRs at two major races, I was upset that my times did not improve more.
Looking back over the year, I am content. I have nothing to complain about; I rode outside more this past year than I did the previous two years combined. I started coaching my first athlete and then a few others. While most are new to running, all are running frequent, uninjured and enjoying themselves. Another win.
I also had the opportunity to meet some great people, interact with people at the highest level of my sport and learn a ton of new things.
Remember, tomorrow is always easier than today was.
Pearl Izumi Streak
Jun 16th
Some people on here may know that I have been one of the biggest proponents of Newton running shoes. I have really enjoyed my two pairs (one was a replacement), however I have not enjoyed the price. I have been looking for an alternative as of late (I still have plenty of mileage left on my Newtons, just pre-planning).
I was able to test out a pair of the new Pearl Izumi Streak. I found out that they run about 1/2 small. I wear a size 9 normally and got a size 9 1/2. If you check my training log I have been putting a few miles on them. Normally I write reviews of shoes after my first run in them.
I moved from stability shoes (Brooks Adrenaline 6,7,8) to Newtons. I find it hard for me to go back to my Brooks if even just for the weight, they feel like too much shoe almost.
My first run in the shoes was for 1mile, just a quick run before one of my trail runs. This was followed by 4 more run from 4miles to just a bit over 5miles. I have not been running as much due to other time constraints however so far they have been holding up great and at about 19miles show little to no wear.
Unlike my Newtons I can wear my orthotics in my Streaks.
One of the coolest things about the shoes are the laces. While they are not quick release/tie they are slightly elastic and stay tied nice and firm. The laces are almost ‘cushioney.’ I also love that they have a single upper and that there are not 300 seams along the sides. The PI website talks about some sort of forefoot propulsion pad. I am not quite sure what this is. So far the shoes are great.
Pros:
- Super Comfortable
- Lacing System
- Single Upper
- Insole breathing holes
- Cushioned forefoot
- Unknown SKYDEX ‘technology’
- Price
- Great width (I have fat flat feet)
Cons:
- Run about a 1/2 small
- Unknown SKYDEX ‘technology’
Salomon XA Pro XCR Trail Running Shoes
May 26th
After I returned my North Face shoes, that I had previously reviewed. I replaced the m with a pair of Salomon XA Pro XCR Trail Running shoes, they were just about as expensive. They were on sale for the REI Anniversary Sale. I had my first run in them today. I wear carbon fiber orthotics on a daily basis. These shoes are narrow. I have fat flat feet. In most shoes I can remove the insoles put my orthotics in and put the insoles back over them. In these my I could not. I have a pair of the black (narrow) SuperFeet, I put those in for arch support.
I did two loops around a lake at a local state park. A total of 3 miles, I am also coming off an injury. The shoes are very light, I experienced no hotspots, and I did not roll my ankle or have any support issues. It was mainly dry out on the trail. I ran through some mud, a lot of rocks and roots. The hills on the loop are not very bad, but the trail is technical. My feet stayed dry.
So far so good. I like them more, better support and GoreTex to keep my feet dry. I am worried that my feet may get hot later on during the summer as it gets really hot out.