Columbia Trail Shoes and Active GearUp

When I started doing a little trail running last Fall, the one thing that really needed to change was my shoes.  Running shoes are not suitable for a rocky, rutty, dirty trail!  I knew I needed better support.  Enter Active GearUp...

A smooth part of the trail

Active GearUp is a "member only site for endurance and fitness enthusiasts offering discounts up to 70% off top brands and products."  They have shoes, clothes, and all kinds of gear for every activity.  The best part is it is free!  When you join, you automatically receive daily emails.

Most days I don't take the time to look at what is marked down, but as I started thinking about moving home and more trail running, I kept an eye out for trail shoes.  About a month ago they featured Columbia.  Les has a pair of Columbia trail shoes that he really likes - he wore them when we hiked Koko Head and felt great and safe.  I ordered the Columbia Women's Master Of Faster Low Trail Shoe.  It's no longer available at Active GearUp, but is currently on Amazon for $128.  I paid $45!

The bottom of the shoe with lots of grip

When I first tried them on, I wasn't so sure.  They are so stiff!  Of course that's what you need when trail running, but after years of cushioned running shoes these felt so odd.  Les said they felt just like his, so I trusted his expertise.

Dirty after just two outings!

Last week I took them out for a short run/walk - 2 miles up the trail and 2 miles back down.  I was so pleasantly surprised at how stable they are.  I never felt like I was going to twist my ankle.  I stepped on and kicked rocks without any pain.    I took them out for a longer run today and had the same happy experience - 7.64 miles of dirt, rocks, and sand without any incident = 1 happy customer.

Hello!

Well it's been two weeks since I posted anything here.  Since then we moved back home and I promptly got sick.  It's been a tenacious cold that just won't give up.  Last night was the first night I slept without having to get up to blow my nose a few times - fun times!

I have been running (some) since we got home.  And yesterday, for the first time since November 1st, I rode my bike!!  I forgot how cold riding downhill can get - 42 degrees left my toes and fingers numb, but it was still fun.

I also got a new pair of trail running shoes.  I took them out for a short test run last week and I think they're going to be great - I liked their stability on the trail.  I'm hoping for a longer trail run tomorrow.

Now that we're home, I want to start doing some speed work 1-2 times a week.  So many activities, so little time!

Splish Splash!

It has been raining like crazy this week!  We've received almost an inch of rain already this month and it's only the fifth!  Boo hoo, I know, so sad when many across the country are dealing with another snow storm.  I took yesterday off, but decided to chance it this morning.  We are selling our car today, so this was my last chance to run up Tantalus.

Of course Murphy's Law for Runners was in full effect:

The rain will start to fall about 5 minutes into your run, and stop about 5 minutes before you finish.

That is exactly what happened!  I was soaked.  But after a few minutes, it didn't matter anymore.  I was drenched completely, so I decided I might as well keep going! I didn't have a lot of time, so I went up three miles before turning back towards the car.  

Rain or shine, I'm gonna miss this view!

Weekly Review

I'm happy to report that this week was better than last - not great, but better.  And we've already finished the first month of 2014, how about that?

Sunday - Rested
We hike 5.7 miles on Saturday, so my rest day ended up being a little more adventurous than planned.

Monday - Ran 4.01 miles in 47:37, 11:53 pace
Also walked 2 miles

Tuesday - Walked 2.2 miles

Wednesday - Walked 2.2 miles
I had planned on running Tantalus, but we had some car woes on Tuesday night after Bible study, so I spent my morning getting a new tire and two flats repaired!

Thursday - Ran 8.01 miles in 1:36:26, 12:03 pace
Finally - a run up Tantalus!  If this wasn't my last run on the mountain, it was my next to last.
Also walked 2.6 miles

Friday - Walked 7.26 miles
I purchased an annual membership to the Honolulu Zoo when we arrived last January.  It expired on Friday, so I made one last visit.

Saturday - Rested
It's a wet morning here and I decided to sleep in!  Which means I was awake at 5:30, then went back to sleep until 7:30.

Running 12.02
Walking 16.26
Total 28.28

Total for January - 143.55.  Last January my total was 105.96, so I'm off to a much better start this year!