Daily Chatter

Showing posts with label running gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running gear. Show all posts

Friday, November 30, 2012

Busting at the Seams

I have a pair of shoes. 
 
 
They have been like that friend that you have that no one else seems to understand why you like.  So you try to down play their flaws in the hopes that you can make them more likable to everyone else.  These shoes worn oddly from the very first week.  The bottoms are worn into a wedge from landing on the outside ball of my foot putting a lot of stress on the outside seams of the shoe.  As you can see where the "leather" was sown to the mesh fabric on both shoes, the seams have torn.  I have worn these shoes on groomed trails so I assumed that the extra stress on those seams from the often titled terrain and my foot strike aided in the early demise of these shoes.  There I go, making excuses for my friend.  But the seam on the inside where the "leather" meets the fabric has also completely torn.  
 
But I still pull these on.  I have other new shoes still sitting in their boxes but when I am just hitting the mill or going out for a short run up the road, I grab these sad shoes.  I just feel so bad for them.  They just didn't live up to the logo they boast on their sides.
 
So this morning I pull the dryer sheets out of them -
 What?  Am I the only one who puts dryer sheets in their stinky shoes?
- and pulled them on thinking it was going to be a short run day.  They clearly are not  the shoes to wear for a 14 mile run which is what my morning turned out to be.  But since their life has been so short it's hard to let them go.  They probably thought they were destined for so much more. 
 
Did you ever have a pair of your loyal shoes fail sooner than expected? 
Did it cause you to switch brands?
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Chime In and Join Me

 
Day # 913 ~ Double Day a.m. 8 miles - p.m. 6.2 miles
 
Even though the temperatures have plummeted re-hydrating was still on my mind after my run last evening.  I mixed my glass of chocolate milk and realized that I still hadn't figured out what I was going to use for hydration during Stone Mill.  With the Stone Mill 50 miler less than a week away it is a decision I need to make soon.  
 
I am looking at getting a pack with a bit more storage but one that is sized better for my body than the giant Camelbak that I used during Laurel Highlands. 
 
These are two packs I am looking at.
Nathan Intensity Race Vest
 
OR
 
Basically they are the same.  The Intensity is supposed to be sized for a female body.  I am hoping someone will have first hand experience with one or the other to let me know...
1.  Was there enough storage.  What could you carry?
 
2.  Did you get the Nathan HPL and think it felt too big?
 
3.  What about the valve?  Did you have any trouble with it?
 
4.  Any issues with the pack shifting and causing chafing?
 
I've read a ton of reviews about packs but can't find them locally to try them out for fit.  Since I still have the scars on my back from chafing during FOTM, I am hopeful that I can finally find a pack that stays put and keeps me supplied.
 
Now that you offered your two cents, let me return the favor and remind you that
is about to start!
But there is still time to enter.
 
Get motivation over the holiday season.
A chance of great prizes throughout the challenge.
Help motivate others.
 
Who wouldn't want to get a little help staying on track through the New Year?!
Join me and register HERE. 
Let Amanda know that I sent you so we can keep each other on track!