Uh Oh... Northface 50k ?

Northface 50k is in jeopardy..

That is right... heading into month 3 of training and we have an issue. My feet! I have just ordered my 4th pair of trail running shoes to try to satisfy my high maintenance injury prone feet and if this 4th pair does not work then that's it.. it's just not meant to be.

1st pair- Brooks Cacadia- thought this would be the ultimate trail running companion as it's worked well before but little did I know it does not like being on my feet for longer than 3.5 hours. During the past month, I've driven home many times barefoot because they would be in so much pain. Starts in the middle of my big toe bone then leads to my arches and eventually to my knee. No bueno. I've even put in my pair of orthotics in there.. no good.

2nd pair- Brooks Pure Grit- oh how I love these shoes! They're Brooks new line.. light.. fits my feet like a glove.. tough for any rocks to get in there. Sounds all good right? Well... because this is a minimalist shoe.. not enough heel cup support leads to a different kind of foot pain- achilles. Pick your poison, right?

3rd pair- so today... on my what was supposed to be 4 hour run on a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline ASR. People at the Zombie Runner said either this shoe or the Pure Grit would be good. Well... I was better off with the Pure Grit than I was with these. The ASR's brought back the issues of the Cascadia's almost instantly making it relatively painful 3 hour run instead of the 4.

So... 4th pair- New Balance 915's have been ordered. My loyal New Balance 1226 running shoes have been very good to me these past years so I emailed NB to ask their suggestion on a trail shoe based on the 1226. I hope they're right! They should be here in time for next weekend's adventure in the trails.

And if the 4th pair doesn't work, well then, that's a sign!

2011- Ironman Worlds

Week as a spectator..

What a week! Once again, I found myself in Kona during Ironman Worlds. It's been two years since I've been to this event yet so much has changed! I wouldn't say it's for the better as it felt more like a trade show than an event. Regardless, the athletes put on a great race and a great show. Aside from supporting the AIMPers and friends of, I was rooting hard for three pro guys whom I met back in 2009 in Kona. Pete Jacobs ended up taking 2nd, Dirk Bockel I had a feeling would crack the Top 5 this year (he came in 4th) and though Rasmus Henning did not have the day he wanted, I have no doubts he'll be back stronger than ever in the coming years.

Below is a video of the week in review! New friends, new schwag, always fun. I love our sport!

Celebrating Pete

September 3rd, 2011 was a perfect day to celebrate the life of our dear friend, Pete Cadwell. The sun was shining for the memorial hike/walk. Friends gathered from near and far. There were tears and laughter. I wouldn't have spent this day any other way.

Promise Yourself by Christian D. Larson

"Promise Yourself "

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you. "
— Christian D. Larson