Let's get started

It is amazing how easily life can become filled with stress. One minute you think you are a care-free soul and the next you are at the bar drinking your troubles away. I am learning there can be a happy medium in life; it isn't easy by any means, but it is worth the attempt. The first time you meet me, maybe even the 2nd or 3rd, you would think to yourself that I am quiet and reserved. However, upon further inspection or follow-on occasions, you would find that I am just someone who enjoys having fun without worrying what others might think about it. Yes, at times, I do let societal stigmas prevent from expressing myself fully, but there are other reasons for that. Because of extenuating circumstances I must be reserved at times, although this is only with the situation calls for such actions. I believe over the coming months I am going to make 2012 the year that I let more people get to know "me" and not worry so much about the little things. As long as I have my health, my amazing wife, and a great bunch of dogs around me, it will be a great year.

I hope you decide to come along for the ride.

Long Time

The topics of this blog have changed. Running will still be included, however many topics of life will be discussed as well. This is a safe harbor for just about anyone or any topic.

The caveat: Illegal subject matter will be deleted and reported accordingly.

Vibram Website

I am in the process of setting up a website devoted to minimal running. I realize there are many of these sites out there. The main products I will be reviewing are Vibram and Injinji. At this point I know there are not a lot of people out there that follow this blog, but I wanted to test the waters anyway.

What would you like to see on the website? I am considering a one-stop shop for all things needed to run in Vibrams. Initially I won't be selling anything on the website and it will mostly be information, but I would like suggestions on what you want. Let me know.

"Leave your footprint on life...run naked."

Vibram KSO Trek

Well I have every intention to go out and get a nice 5-miler on the trails this weekend. The weather had been beautiful for days and most of the snow had melted in the area. So when I finally made it to the trail I was so excited. Slipped my VFF's on and headed down the 3/4 mile gravel road that leads to the trail head. That's when my heart sank. There was still a good 6-8 inches of snow on the trail. Because of coverage and the way the hills are, the trail got virtually no snow melt. I made it a total of a mile into the trail before I had to turn around. I could not get any footing and my toes were about froze off.

So in the end I did just over 2 miles in the KSO Trek. The good news is that the extra protection really works. The road that leads to the trail has some pretty big rocks and I was able to cruise on through. Hopefully my next attempt will be more successful.

Cheers
Happy Running

Becoming a Naked Runner

I am taking another step toward my goal of barefoot running. To clarify a little bit; my goal is not to run completely barefoot but to eventually be able to do most/all my running in Vibram FiveFingers. I will update my progress on this journey via this blog, so please check back often. I have also started a group on Facebook called "Naked Runners" and would love if you would check that out also.

This process is not all about just shedding my trainers for a pair of toed slippers. It is about making running fun again. I think as we grow up we tend to lose ourselves in life, competition, winning at any cost. As a naked runner, I still want to be the best that I can be, just have fun doing it.

Run Happy, Run Naked

Lunar Glide Clarification

I have been doing some research and wanted to put some clarification out there. The Nike Lunar Glide does not use lunarlite foam. I know there is confusion about this, because when I was trying them on I had several salespeople tell me that the shoe uses lunarlite foam and is replacing the Lunar Trainer. At least they got one part of that right, and its not the foam.

The Lunar Glide is based on the same design as the Lunar Trainer however they do not use same foam. Are we clear on that one yet...  The Lunarlite Trainer uses Phylon and lunarlite foam as the name suggests. The Lunar Glide uses Phylon and Cushlon foam. As you would see if you look at a picture of the Lunar Glide, it does not state lunarlite on the midsole like the Lunaracer, Lunar Trainer, Lunar Elite, etc.

Every sales person I have talked to stated that it is so much better than the Lunar Trainer and provides more support.  I am a light person (6'0" and 150lbs) and I can tell when a shoe is firm or not. As soon as I put the Lunar Glide on it felt like I was standing on a sponge, and that wasn't a good thing. Unfortunately if you were a fan of the Lunar Trainer, this shoe will not be a great replacement. Don't let the salesperson tell you that they are the same material.

On top of everything else the Lunar Glide is heavier than the Lunar Trainer. I wear a men's size 11 and the shoe weighs 10.125 oz. The Lunar Glide is advertised as 10.7oz, which is generally for a men's size 9.

Great job on this Nike.

Lunar Trainer

I apologize for skipping this post and talking about the Vibrams, but I was just so excited that my runs in the went so well I just had to get it out.

Now onto the Nike Lunar Trainer. This shoe by far has been the best shoe I have ever run in. I wear a size 11 and it comes in just about 10oz which is pretty good for such a soft trainer. I feel comfortable going out for a short 3 mile run and have taken it out for a 15 miler and had no problems. I have about 200 miles on this pair and they still feel brand new. The shoe does look a little wide in the toe box, but there is a very short rise which stop any sloppy feel that one might expect. This shoe works great for neutral/efficient runners as well as those that slightly pronate. The Trainer does not have any posting, but the lunarlite sole is wide enough to provide a stabile ride.

A brief caveate: I am not a medical professional, just someone that has tried many shoes and I talked with many runners. This is what works for me, you should always find what works for you.

The only problem with the Lunar Trainer is that Nike is not going to be making it any more. There are several online retailers that still have them in stock and prices are actually pretty reasonable. The only thing that is keeping me from stocking up on a couple of pairs is that I am in the process of switching to the Vibram FiveFingers and would eventually like to do most of my running in them. However, the Lunar Trainers are my go to shoes when not running in the Vibrams.

As I had mentioned before, I was not sold on the Lunar Elite. In fact I ended up sending them back. The shoe was a good ounce heavier than the trainer, and the lunarlite midsole was significantly stiffer than the Lunar Trainer. Even the add rubber to the bottom could not account for the stiffness. The dynamic support was a little overboard even for me. I am a midfoot runner and this shoe pushed me to the outside of my foot and overall just hurt my feet and achilles. There are many other support shoes out there that will work so much better. I would try the Asics DS Trainer 15, New Balance 904/905 or the Mizuno Elixir.

Cheers and happy running.