Beginning the long road

The lingering winter kept me fired up about climbing and neglecting running.  Not a bad thing says the climber inside me.  The runner in me that plans to run the LHHT "double" this June is saying what the hell partner, you better get those soft legs a little firmer, and right quick.   Since the first of the year I've only been out running several times.  It was time to get training before it gets too late.  Off to the trails I went to shake out the cobwebs...   Here's a couple highlighted runs from the last couple weeks.

March 15th Victor Sousol and I ran a "Gate to 8" on a windy but pleasant day.  This was my first outing with Victor as well as his first time running on the LHHT.  He's signed up to run the 70 mile Laurel Ultra in June and wanted to check out the opening hills and familiarize himself with Ohiopyle a bit before race day.  He managed to stumble onto my blog and decided to email me to see if I'd like to meet and run with him.  I only had time to run Gate to 8 once that morning, but Victor went on to complete a "Gate to 8X2" for a total 32 miles of Laurel training.

March 25th I turned 42.  I thought it would be fun spending my birthday running my age in miles on the LHHT.  Laura dropped me off at Beam's Rock at 7:00 AM for the start of my run.  

Good morning legs

She provided excellent crewing after meeting me at 7 Springs.  She provided me with the normal food and liquids as well as birthday surprises, delights and plenty of laughs along my run to Ohiopyle.   

First aid stop, Seven Springs Ski resort

Crossing the slopes of Seven Springs.  I met several curious folks here

42 and still spry coming into route 653 trail head

Heading out for the last 11 miles from Maple Summit parking lot

It was a chilly 28, with plenty of firm ice on the trail.  I had some knee issues begin during the descent at mile post 8.  They persistently became worse, slowing movement down within a half of a mile.  Descents especially were slowed to a crawl with me going down backwards a large portion of the time.  Laura met me at mile post 3 with a down coat and some much needed support as I was in serious pain by this point.  I successfully limped into town completing my goal.  

Limping past the overlook at mile 2.7

After 2 days of rest, my knees recovered and have felt fine since.  This run doubled my yearly mileage to this point.  Which I'm sure was the cause of the knee swelling and pain.  Even with my 8 miles of snail pace factored in my average pace came out to be 13:35/mile.  A very fun and memorable birthday.  Thanks sweetie!

March 31st  I ran the LHHT again from 653 trail head to Ohiopyle to see if my knees were just adapting to the rapid increase in mileage on my birthday run.  It had snowed about 6" a couple days prior.  The temps rose above freezing turning that fluffy 6" into a sloppy nasty trail mess.  The air temperature was around 50, but my feet were sopping before I even hit the main trail from the blue blazed access trail.  By the time I hit mile post 18 I was debating calling Laura to have her turn around and pick me back up at 653.   The runner in me refused and I put my nose to the grind and slogged the 18 miles to Ohiopyle with only a few miles being snow free, but muddy none the less.  I surprisingly hit the Gate completing my run in 3:18, without any knee pain.  A reasonable time considering the condition of the trail.

In the Hemlocks, my favorite section

Blazing new trail on the LHHT

Sloppy conditions for running

From whence I came.  Bluebird snow day on the trail

April 1st Laura and I had a wonderful "date" run.  She's planning a birthday run on the 16th.  She's going to run from mile post 30 to Ohiopyle while I provide crew for her as she did for me.  We decided to run from the gate to 5 on the LHHT to avoid the snow still present above 2200'.   We had a wonderful sunny day to run together.  We took a couple breaks to enjoy the weather and nature.  We had several Eastern Phoebe's calling at one break and at another we spotted 8 Ruby-crowned Kinglets flying through the tree tops.  Several Monarch's were moving north along the ridge as well.  Spring is definitely making a showing and we were embracing!  What a great way to spend a few hours with your honey...

Spring has Sprung!  See you on the trails...

Altra Lone Peak trail running shoes (600+ mile review)

Altra - Lone Peak trail running shoes after 600+ miles

In past blog posts I've touched on gear that I find extraordinary.  I was surprised how many people read my write-up on the Lowa Mountain Expert ice boots.  I'd like to highlight my favorite " 3-season" shoes, The Altra Lone Peak.  Since purchasing these about a year ago, many of my trail runs have been done wearing the Altra Lone Peak Zero Drops.  What's zero drop?  Zero drop means that there is no height differential between the front and rear of the shoe.  Note that most traditional shoes have a higher heel than toe.  Primarily the higher heel is designed to cushion the hard impact of heel striking runners (those who's heel is the first part to impact the ground during running).  Zero drops are intended to promote forefoot or mid-foot striking by not having a thick heel to get in the way, helping the runner to land mid or fore foot.  Instead of me trying to get all tech-savy on you, simply check out Altra's website for a lot of information about running form, and how their shoes can help make you a stronger, healthier runner.  For the record, I'm not affiliated with Altra in any way.  Nor is this a paid review or did I get free shoes like some reviewers. This is simply a write-up on a pair of shoes that I think are top-notch and that fellow runners might benefit from.  I've read other reviews, but most seemed like blah,blah "out of the box" reviews.  I figured I'd share my thoughts after some lengthy trail use.  For those who don't know me, I'm your average trail runner/climber who happens to spend a great deal of time on the trails and rocks in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  I usually run 5 or 6 days a week (not always in the Lone Peak).  I'm 6' tall, weigh about 155lbs, size 12  and normally cover between 50-100 miles per week.  I've primarily used these shoes for trail running on technical single track, but they've also been worn as climbing approach shoes and general hikers on many occasions.  The 600+ mile estimate is most likely very low, but we'll just call it 600.  I decided to take a brush to my shoes, clear away all the trail debris, and show how great they've fared thus far...

Zero drop = no raised heel

My Lone Peaks are the first generation model.  Designed for running many miles, over rough terrain.  I originally read about them shortly before their release.  I was excited by the wide toe box design, lighter weight, some rock protection and zero drop platform.  I guess I liked most everything about them.  Very close to what I would want if I designed my own shoe.  Around that time I was happily running a lot of road miles in the first edition NB Road Minimus.  Pleased with the lower heel and wide toe box on that model, I was in the market for a new pair of trail shoes of similar design.  I purchased the Lone Peaks shortly after their availability.   Fast forward over last season and some months off due to ski injuries.  They've covered a few miles and are holding up very well.  I will admit to being pessimistic about their durability since this was their first release of the Lone Peak model.  So far they're holding up better than any other trail shoes I've used  in the past and I expect that they'll continue.  Here's a photo review with some comments on the current state of my Lone Peaks.

The toe cap material ripped or split, Barge cement holds it in place...Usually

The toe cap failure doesn't seem to impede performance, but requires maintenance every couple of runs ;)

Stitching and the upper are holding great. The Wasatch Range is cool

The heel lining doesn't look so good, but still very comfortable

Not the sticky, climbing rubber of LaSportiva's trail models, but better thanothers I've tried. The center forefoot lugs and midsole are wearing down as expected

I really like the traction of the simplistic lugs, great for the trails of Western PA

Factory insoles, still intact with no comlaints

The trail rudder is awesome for "skiing" down steep, slippery slopes. I also like the minimal heel structure.  somewhat changed in the newer Lone Peak ver 1.5

Overall, these will see many more miles and I look forward to wearing them

Personal Experience:

I'm always excited to put these shoes on and hit the trails.  I will admit that they took some time to get used to.  There is much less cushioning than what is found in most traditional trail running shoes, but a lot more than in a model like a NB Trail Minimus, etc. This means that if you do strike your heel on rocks and other trail obstacles, you will feel it.  Most runners do experience some growing pains converting to this type of shoe.  Worry not... In a short time, your feet and legs will transition into the shock absorbing machines they were designed to be.  In past years, I've always had some type of leg pain that slowed my training.  Since switching my running form and going to flatter shoes (especially Altras) I've been able to keep training without interruption.  Its great to feel sore after a run, not injured.  I'll be looking to get a pair of the new Lone Peaks (when these get a little closer to death).  I'm curious to see how Altra made improvements on a damn fine, trail running shoe!  In a nutshell, I'd HIGHLY recommend giving the Altra Lone Peak's a try.  I'd be surprised if you don't fall in love with them like so many others.  If you have any questions regarding me, my shoes or whatever... feel free to drop me a message or email.  Climb High, Run Far!