Merrell Barefoot Run Pace Glove

Over the last year, I've made the transition to "barefoot running."  Before the change, my starting shoe was an Asics, with a 16mm heal-to-toe differential.  It is a long way to go from a large 16mm heal to nothing, thus my first step was a Kinvara 2, sporting a 7mm drop.  I liked the roominess of that shoe but I won't lie, the transition was more painful that I ever expected.  After one week of 2-3 mile runs, never allowing myself to run faster than 9 minute miles, I developed a painful case of plantar fasciitis.  However, I persevered and within 4 months was ready for the next step down. 

 

After much research, I found the Brooks Pure Connect.  I liked the 4mm drop as it felt more like I was hitting the pavement and not a squishy mold under my feet.  But again, the transition was not clean and I developed another round of plantar fasciitis.  Sales clerks warned me that I needed to take the transition slowly, but I don't know how to make that transition any slower than four - three mile runs a week for two weeks alternating shoes.  Anything slower, and my muscle memory would be too confused to make progress.  To some degree, you have to grin and bear it while your body builds additional muscles to support a natural running style.  I took rest days when I needed them and the healing was much quicker the second time.

I love the feeling of a proper midfoot strike.  It keeps my back straighter and my gait less cumbersome.  But I always finish a run with back, knee, ankle, and hip pain.  I attribute this 100% to my shoes.  I have good form and I can feel how much my shoes affect my body because the lower the heal to toe ratio, the less pain I feel post run.  I noticed this initially when I made the transition to the Saucony Kinvaras.  However, the question remained, would a zero drop shoe eliminate my knee, back, and ankle pain altogether?

For over two weeks now I have been running in only zero drop shoes.  (My walking shoes have been zero drop for 9 months.)  Yesterday, I went on a 6.57 mile run on very hilly terrain.  My calves felt the run.  They were burning from the new muscle growth needed to support no heel cusioning.  However, when I made it back home, I didn't have the slightest joint pain in my back, knees, shoulders, ankles, or hips.  If it weren't for my calves, I wouldn't have known I just ran for an hour.  I'd say that's progress. 

So far the only zero drop shoes that fit me properly are the Merrell Barefoot Pace Gloves.  I tried the Altras and they felt like clunky skater shoes.  I love the larger toe box in Altras, but they are extremely heavy and it doesn't feel like your foot is connecting to the ground.  I worried the Pace Gloves would hurt my feet and cause blisters on longer runs because they don't have any cusioning to support the strike, but so far, my feet are in better shape now than they have been in years.  I don't feel any hot spots or uncomfortable tightness.  The lack of cushioning yields more control and puts my toes to use in a very productive way.  I run lighter, faster, and harder with much less effort.  Furthermore, I have yet to experience any plantar fasciitis with this transition.  They are genuinely comfortable and the tread holds up beautifully on rocky terrain. 

I read a blog article recently giving shoe buying advice for runners.  The one thing I took from it was this, "Your shoe should disappear from your foot the second you lace it up.  You shouldn't feel tightness, lumps, or any general discomfort at any time.  Most of all, you should forget it is on your foot long after your run has concluded."  I laughed when I read this because that had never happened to me.  I usually can't wait to take off my shoes after a run. 

In truth, I bought the Pace Gloves as my winter errand shoes a few months ago.  I had no intention of running in them. However, I catch myself wearing my Merrells around the house for hours when I have a "no shoe" policy inside.  I take the kids to the library and return home accidentally leaving my shoes on through lunch and quiet time.  I thought about the advice in that blog, finding shoes that disappear on your feet, and realized I didn't need to buy a new pair.  I already had them in my closet.  A little treasure waiting join me on the road.

Mulligans

Challenge Accepted

I ran 6.57 miles today on trails that were uneven and snow packed.  Running hilly trails in the snow with zero drop shoes, feels a lot like running on a sandy beach.  Tonight, my calves are burning.

12 Most Memorable Moments of 2012

1. Finishing the Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon with my husband.

I've known Randall since I was 15 years old.  We literally grew up together as we finished high school, attended college, and began our careers.  However, the last 5 years have been consumed by our two boys.  Our every focus is our kids, and rightfully so.  They are the loves of our life and they deserve every piece of their parents.  But running is something that Randall and I enjoy independently.  We hold each other accountable to our goals and push each other to the next step.  Randall is my biggest fan and I am his.  Running and training for a half marathon as a couple brought us together again and reminded us it is okay to have a life outside of our boys.  When they are long grown, Randall and I will still have common interests that continue to bind us.

 

Throughout 2012, we ran numerous 5 and 10K races together, but we always finished separately, wanting to post a new PR.  The Denver Rock 'n' Roll was different.  Crossing the finish line together felt bigger than posting a good time.  We set and accomplished a goal together and encouraged each other when it was tough.  I am sure more opportunities like this will present themselves over the years, but that first achievement will always be the sweetest.

2. Running with Cows

My husband took me to a new set of trails on top of Wildcat Mountain.  It was supposed to be a quick 6 mile loop away from the kids.  However, about halfway through we found ourselves utterly surrounded by hundreds of cows.  They were so close, we couldn't pass them without feeling their breath on our necks.  At the time, I didn't find this funny, nor did I want to ever do it again.  Looking back, it is the funniest running moment of 2012.  I was so terrified of being face to face with these huge creatures and I truly felt trapped.  At one point my husband said, "They won't hurt you, Jen!  They are just really big, dumb animals."  At that moment, one of the cows that was relaxing on the trail stood up and challenged Randall for space.  I have never seen my husband scatter so quickly.  For someone who had nothing to fear, he looked pretty terrified!
    
3. Ethan's First Race

My oldest son, Ethan, loves to run.  We race up and down our street multiple times a day, and while he is a sore looser, he has a passion for running that I have yet to see in another four-year-old.  Ethan asked all summer when he would get to run a real race, so Randall signed him up for a kids' 1 miler. 

When he crossed the finish line, he was sure he beat all the other kids.  Somehow he ignored the fact that over 100 other children passed him mid stride, but he beat a few and that was what mattered.  This one simple race  kept him dreaming about running for months.  He still talks about "his race," and gives me advice on how to pace myself properly based on his personal running experiences.

I don't care if Ethan becomes a runner when he grows up.  I want my boys to pursue their own passions in life.  However, I do hope that we we have instilled a life-long love of exercise in our boys.  That race was one of my more proud moments of 2012 and I didn't even run.

4. Running the HRCA Backcountry Half Marathon

I was really worried about the Backcountry Half.  It was my third half marathon, the fourth major race in 7 weeks, and I still had Vegas just 3 weeks later.  That being said, crossing the finish line felt like a real achievement.  Randall and I ran together, which I always enjoy; the accomplishment feels much greater when you have someone to share it with.

However, the most memorable part came after the finish.  It was 20 degrees, not adjusting for the 20 mph winds, which bit straight through my sweaty thermals.  After about 20 minutes in the exposed elements, I began to shiver uncontrollably.  After 30 minutes, I couldn't think of anything but warm, sunny beaches, hot fires, and a pot of hot cocoa large enough to sit.
  
We shivered our way back to the car and turned the heated seats on high.  I draped 3 jackets over my legs and upper body, but still couldn't stop shivering.  Next, we stopped at the Corner Bakery and I ordered every hot food on the menu I could find.  Still violently shivering, I stuttered my way through the 5 piece order and the sales clerk looked at me like I was either very sick or crazy.  When she asked if I was okay I said, "Yeah, I am f...f...f...fine.  I just ran a r...r...real...really...co...co...cold half m...m...marathon, and now I am t...t...too...cold." Her eyebrows raised suspiciously, "Was it worth it?"

"Al...Al..Always!"

 
5. Meeting Scott Jurek in Las Vegas!

I read Eat and Run earlier this year and while I don't hold Scott Jurek up to a saintly status, I respect his running career and his dedication to the sport beyond compare.  I never expected to meet him in Vegas.  When I saw him, I made an absolute fool out of myself as I couldn't stop smiling.  What do you say to an idol without any time to prepare?  "Um, HI!" or "I like your chili recipe..."  He was so much more humble and down to Earth than I ever expected.  Being an approachable person only magnified my respect for him.  Once again, it wasn't the act of running that made a positive imprint on me, it was the people I met along the way.

6. My first trail date with my husband.
  

Randall and I used to escape our boys by seeing a movie or grabbing a bite to eat, but this last summer we began trail running together.  It provided it a great opportunity to share an experience outside of our kids.  That first run connected us like teenagers again.  We weren't worried about the boys or Randall's work, we just talked about our surroundings and enjoyed the flow of endorphins as we galloped over the rolling hills.  I look forward to these runs more than I've ever awaited a movie date. 

7. Winning Barking Dog Duathlon

I never thought I could actually win a race, much less be a contender in multi-sport.  When I won the Fat Tire Division of Racing Underground's Barking Dog Duathlon, by over ten minutes, I was elated. It taught me that you don't have to run the fastest race to win.  Instead, you need to plan your race ahead of time by comparing the results from previous years to realistic personal pace goals.  Some people are really fast on the bike but slower at running, so if you take advantage of that fact and really pound the pavement when it counts, you can make up for a lot of lost time on the runs.  In my case, I am a consistent runner and can put down some fast final miles.  
 
8. Receiving a Garmin Forerunner 405 for my birthday.

Since the beginning of May, I've run a total of 798.38 miles, with a total elevation gain of 26,199 vertical feet.  I have burned 53,035 calories or 15.15 pounds, in 97:29:42.  

9. Watching my friend, Monica, give up a PR to finish side-by-side in Vegas.

Before we boarded the plane to Vegas, Monica and I agreed we were going to run together and didn't care about personal records.  We were in it for the experience.  However, 6 miles into the race, we were going so fast that had Monica left me, I have no doubt she could have set a new personal best.  I told her it was okay if she wanted to leave multiple times as I was hurting.  I couldn't keep going at that pace.  Vegas was the final race of my 5 race series including 4 half marathons and 1 duathlon in 10 weeks.  My body was spent and I didn't have it in me anymore.  Monica, on the other hand, was ready for this race and hadn't planned so poorly leading up to the event.  I have no doubt in my mind she could have set a great time and even though I asked her to leave at least ten different times, she stayed by me to the finish.

Knowing how competitive Monica is, I was floored she didn't take that personal record.  I no doubt would have wanted it.  And yet she didn't seem disappointed or annoyed with my burning knees and ankles those last few miles.  She remained supportive and helped distract me to the finish.

Monica helped me cross the finish line.  Without her, my time would have been at least 5 minutes slower if not 10 minutes from our 2:02 finish.  Had she ran ahead of me, I would have walked.  I wanted to so badly, but knowing she stuck by me, I couldn't do that to her.  At Vegas, I learned how much of racing is about the experience itself and the people along the way.  Fifteen years from now, I won't remember my finishing time to any of these races, but I will remember running the strip at night with Monica, and having a great ladies weekend away.

10.  My neighborhood kids helping me practice transitions for the West Side Duathlon

I wasn't exactly prepared to race my final duathlon of the year.  I already ran 1 half marathon and had three left, in less than 9 weeks.  My training schedule was focused on running.  That being said, I hadn't practiced bricks (transitioning from running to biking and back again), in months.  I was sure my transition times would be dismal without at least some practice.  Two nights before the race, my kids were playing outside in the front yard with the neighborhood kids and I decided they were distracted enough for me to get some practice.

My husband sat on the curb with a watch, I set up my bike, helmet, clipless shoes and running shoes.  Each round, I would run or bike around the block, return to the driveway, and change modes. Randall started the timer the second my shoes hit the driveway and we measured my progress slowly.

Within 3 transitions, I had an audience of kids cheering.  Within 4, multiple kids joined in on the fun.  After 6 transitions, 12 neighborhood kids, 3 of whom NEVER exercise, ran up and down the sidewalks with me, racing to see who was the fastest.  Four year olds through 13 year olds grabbed their bikes, scooters, helmets and running shoes, and ran with me for over 30 minutes.  At the end, we all collapsed in the grass, laughing and energized from our workout.

11. Running behind a breast cancer survivor at the Boulder Marathon.  

Four miles into the Boulder Half Marathon, I was annoyed from the slow start and felt defeated knowing my chances for a personal record were all but lost.  I tried to cover that time by going out far too fast and throwing down 6-7 minute miles, much faster than I ever train.  When my knees throbbed, I found myself following a middle-aged woman with a freshly bald head.  She was sporting a pink cap and her shirt read, "I am a survivor, never a victim!"  I can't fathom the myriad of pain and perseverance cancer survivors must endure.  The amount of strength and courage they must hold deep within their hearts inspires me.  If she could train for a half marathon, putting in hundreds of miles during chemo therapy, I could finish this race no matter how annoyed or fatigued my muscles felt.


12. Getting utterly lost on a trail run and realizing it's okay because I have the stamina to make it home, no matter if the run is 5 miles or 15. 

I went on a trail run last weekend and took a few wrong turns.  It wasn't surprising that I got to this point as I found some trails that I'd never run before and I felt exhilarated by the new terrain.  But once I looked around, I realized I was much further south than I anticipated.  I ran without my Garmin because I wanted to feel free of any speed or distance constraints.  Because I didn't have the GPS telling me how far I came, I had no idea of how far it was to my car.  I guessed I was about 6 miles in and I hoped another trail would loop back to the main trail within a mile or two.  Ironically, this knowledge didn't leave my heart racing like it would have last year.  Back then, I might have turned around and headed back the way I came, but I am much more fit now and prepared with snacks, water, and Gu.  I could handle a detour, so I maintained and made it home over 45 minutes longer than planned.  My run was peaceful, quiet, and I felt energized when I reached my car.

I used to plan my routes so carefully.  I knew each turn specifically and each distance between major landmarks.  However, I don't plan so closely now because I am not scared of getting lost and adding a few extra miles to a run.  The terror of not knowing whether I had enough food or water with me, or if my knees could take the shock of the extra mileage, kept me close to home.  This time, I found it soothing to get lost and feel no fear about the return trek.  I didn't care if the run was going to be a quick 6 miler, or a long and drawn out half marathon; I knew my body could take it, so I trotted along, enjoying the views and the new found confidence in my body.

A Year in Review

I've been running for over four years now.  However, this is the first year that I started racing.  I remember cheering my husband on at his first 5K over five years ago thinking, "He is crazy.  Who runs that far to see how fast they can go, and then try to run it faster next time?"  I didn't understand the adrenaline and commitment.  It isn't always about winning, it is about dedicating yourself to an experience and laying everything on the table.  When you pin on that bib, you can't lie about how fast you are or how hard you trained.

March

• Highlands Ranch St. Patty's Day 5K (March 17) - I didn't run this race for time, which I regret.  Had I speed trained, I know I could have posted a better time as the course only has one real hill.  I remember crossing the finish line thinking, "Really, are we done already?"  That was a hallmark sign of not pushing hard enough.  I would love another go at this race to obliterate my previous time. (30:30)

 April

• Highlands Ranch Highland Heritage Adventure 10K (April 7) - I'd never raced 10K before, and honestly never ran any single track trails.  The initial hill climb measuring between 6-9% grades for a mile made me think of walking from the gate.  I didn't walk though, and while I am sure I could run faster if I had the opportunity to run it again today, I was proud of my 62:05 time.  I plan to toe the line next April, as I now run the Backcountry trails weekly.  (62:05) 

May

• Barking Dog Duathlon (May 12) - I heaved my giant Trek Mountain Bike from the back of my husband's Subaru at 5:00 in the morning while I watched other competitors pull their bikes from their cars with one hand.  I felt like a complete underdog and hoped nobody would laugh at my bike.  What astounded me was how friendly the other racers were.  Men with rocket bikes and time trial helmets were just as pleasant and helpful as race volunteers.  Halfway through the bike ride, a man passed me on his time trial bike, weighing 5 pounds at the very most and traveling over 30 mph.  He told me I was in the lead of the other fat tire racers, "keep it up," he said, "you're killing 'em!"  I can't describe the boost that gave my depleted energy.  I took first for the Fat Tire division, beating the men by over 10:00 and the women by 15:00.  The culture at duathlons is unmatched and the friends I made this year kept me coming back for the series. (2K 15K 5K - 1:15:50)

June

• Big Sky Duathlon (June 9) - This was my first race on a triathlon bike.  In fact, I never rode this bike before June 8.  My biking speed went from an average of 14.4 mph on a fairly flat course at Barking Dog, to 17.7 mph of rolling hills at Big Sky.  The bike ride was over 6 miles longer than the previous race and my legs were jelly by the time we were done.  I focus too much of my energy on running when I train for duathlons.  Next year, I need to place more emphasis on biking hills.  Once I I crossed that finish line,  I knew what exhausted felt like.  I wasn't ready to race again for a few weeks, but it felt good to push through a wall and finish 3rd in my division. (4K 25K 4K - 1:35:22)

 July

• Highlands Ranch Independence Day 5K (July 4) - This was the hottest and most unbearable race I ran all year.  I didn't enjoy it.  I was weakened by a horrible stomach flu the week before and the hills were so much harder than I expected.  I started out too fast and sadly, when I saw the finish line 300 meters ahead, I was too exhausted to finish strong and I walked for a few feet.  I finished at 25:03, which wasn't a bad time, but I trained for better.  I have no desire to run this race next year.  Instead, I plan to find a nice place in the shade, cheer on the spirited runners, and enjoy the parade with my boys. (25:03)

September

• Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (September 22) - I loved this race with all of my heart.  It was by far the most fun I had racing this year.  I will rock Denver next year, not for the music but for the great course and hopefully a new PR. (2:01:49)

• West Side Duathlon (September 30) - One week after running the Denver Half, I took first in my division at West Side.  The bike portion of the course tours a part of HWY 93 between Golden and Boulder.  I've driven this route numerous times while visiting Randall in college and later when I attended CU Boulder, but I gained a new respect for those hills while taking them down on a bike.  (2.4K 15K 5K - 1:15:59)

October

• Boulder Half Marathon (October 21) - I consider this race the worst of the season and I wouldn't accept any amount of money to run this again.  The water and food at the finish line was almost non existent, water stations along the course were under stocked, and the starting line wasn't corralled, which messed up most runner's finishing times.  It took a while to get over the disappointment of this race.  I sounds silly to take a race so personally, but when I run, I put everything into that race.  I want to prove what I can accomplish, and how far I have come through hours and hundreds of miles of training.  If I don't post a good time because of my own failings that is one thing, but to be held back because of poor race direction is truly unacceptable.  (2:01:57)

November

• Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Half Marathon (November 10) - I need another crack at this race!  I loved the terrain, the challenging hills, the amazing runners, and completing another half with my husband.  Trail running doesn't seem as monotonous as road running.  I find myself 3 miles into the run and not remembering how I got to that point because I was so lost in thought.  That rarely happens for me on the roads.  Since April, I've made trail running a consistent part of my training because it pushes my aerobic capacity to new levels, and it is so much more fun.  I feel like a gazelle bounding over the rollers.  This race was well organized and the runners' energy on a freezing cold morning kept our spirits high.  This trail race was a nice refocusing run after Boulder. (2:07:55)

December

• Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon (December 1) - My mind needed this weekend away from my kids more than I initially thought.  It was freeing to sleep for the first time without a monitor blaring next to my head, and eat some great food while it was still hot.  I didn't have to wait on my kids for a few days or clean up any messes.  It was just a good friend and me taking it easy.  My body, on the other hand, was exhausted from five major races in only 10 weeks.  I came face-to-face with that reality at mile 9.  I will plan out the timing of my half marathons and duathlons better next year.  They were formidable distances that pounded my body.  Each race, I felt slightly less energized at the start and knew I hadn't left ample time to heal. Even though I didn't post a new personal record as I'd hoped, I will always consider Vegas one of my favorite racing venues.  Running the strip at night, with my friend Monica, was an unexpected highlight of 2012. (2:02:05)

From my first 5K, to my fourth half marathon in 2012, I changed as a runner and a competitor.  My training plans became more complicated as my addiction to posting faster times increased.  There are 6 races I would love to try again in 2013: St. Patty's Day 5K, Barking Dog Duathlon, Big Sky Duathlon, West Side Duathlon, Denver Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, and Wilderness Backcountry Half Marathon.  Maybe some strength and speed training will reduce my times, but more importantly, I am excited to try some new courses, meet new people and see where this sport takes me.

3 Shoe Showdown: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

My husband offered to write an article about the past 3 shoe's he's run on and a comparison of some men's low heel-to-toe drop ratio running shoes:

Top profile (left to right): Kinvara 2, PureConnect, Peregrine 2

	Saucony Kinvara 2	Brooks PureConnect	Saucony Peregrine 2
Weight	8.2 oz	7.7 oz	9.9 oz
Profile (Heel)	28.2 mm	25.5 mm	21.5 mm
Profile (Fore)	20.9 mm	21.3 mm	17.5 mm
Drop (Heel2Toe)	7.3 mm	4.2 mm	4 mm
Lightness (% Rank)	95	97	76
Heel Cushioning (% Rank)	46	85	36
Fore Cushioning (% Rank)	70	77	60
Flexibility (% Rank)	76	95	49

Saucony Kinvara 2

Pros: Light, neutral, calve strengthening

Cons: Quick wearing, terrible off road tread

Going from a pair of Nike Lunarglide 3+ (11.2 oz and 12 mm drop) to the Kinvaras was a pretty big jump.  The Nike's were big, cushy, and felt like running on marshmallows, which sounds nice until you begin to understand how your calf muscles atrophy from all that cushioning.  The Kinvaras were light, flexible, and really encouraged more a of a mid foot strike.  It took some work on my part to strengthen my calf muscles and I remember having some soreness in my calves after runs for the first 2 weeks.  But that's to be expected when moving towards more minimalist footwear and when I got over that hurdle, I really started to enjoy them.  I ran faster and more efficiently than ever before.

The sweet spot for these shoes is probably between the 20 and 200 mile mark.  After 200 miles the shoes cushioning really breaks down, especially in the forefoot.  The tread wears down to flat slick rubber, and at this point you really don't want to run on anything wet.  Jen and I both experienced a lot of wear and holes on the top forefoot toe crease.

These worked pretty well for me as a transition to lower drop shoes, and although I'm a bit disappointed with its wear, they were flat fast minimalists that ran me to a 10K PR of 47:50 at the Airlife Memorial and completed my first mini-Sprint Triathalon winning my division.

The colors I got also look pretty good, wearing them around work I got a compliment on them: "Nice kicks, dude!"

Brooks PureConnect

Pros: Featherweight, sock-like feel, rounded outsoles, breathability

Cons: Only lasted 300 miles, not winter/muddy traction

I love my Ninja Tabi Shoes!  These featherweight road minimalists coming from the Pure Project which ultra marathoner Scott Jurek helped design are great. My wife did all the research to find these shoes, and I'm so glad she did.  All people's feet are different shapes, and I've read elsewhere that some people find the mid to fore foot too tight, but .5 size larger for me than normal fit just right.  Whenever I slip them on they fit like a snug glove, which means I don't have to lace them too tight and I never feel like my heel lifts up.

For the first 250 miles, there is a great spring in the transition from mid to fore foot that really aids in pushing off during acceleration and hill climbs.  These bad boys paced me to a 10K PR of 46:25 at the Justice Run, and my second half marathon with Jen at the Denver Rock and Roll with really minimal soreness.

My only negative is that when I was training for the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness half marathon, one of my training runs lead me down a muddy trail that these shoe's treads couldn't deal with.  They got a nice mud cake that stayed with me for a mile as I slipped and slid down the hill.  That is when I realized I should start looking at some trail shoes before the race in case we had to run in inclement weather or slick trail conditions.

But I am looking forward to trying out the new versions of these, the PureConnect 2 or the Pure Drifts after winter, when tread is less of an issue.

Saucony Peregrine 2

Pros: Amazing tread, low to the ground

Cons: Heavier, looser fit

As my son would say, these shoes are my "chomp-chomp" alligator tread trail eaters.  As I mentioned above, I started looking for some trail running shoes with better tread in prep for the Backcountry Half Marathon.  Also, I knew winter was around the corner which would make a lot of the trails I run on icy or muddy.  

Having had success with the PureConnects I figured I'd try the PureGrits, the trail runner from the Brooks pure project.  I picked up a pair at REI, and they felt quite a bit different (not as snug, wider toe box, length was back to my average 10.5).  But to really test them I had to take them out on a couple of runs.  Unfortunately after 3 runs and 20 miles later, I had a problem with them.  My right foot kept falling asleep after 1 mile into the run.  I tried different lacing patterns to try and reduce the pressure on my instep, but nothing worked.  I'm not sure if it was the tongue and lacing, or perhaps the plate running through the sole but something kept making my right foot fall asleep.  So I returned them to REI (no questions asked, which makes me glad to be a member).

I kept my eyes out for another pair, and finally came across the Peregrines.  These looked like something between the Kinvara's and the PureGrit's I tried.  Lighter, lower profile, and racy (these shoes also got several compliments).  I tried them on the treadmill at the gym first in case I wanted to return them, and didn't have any issues with them (although they start out somewhat stiff).  After a couple of training runs for the Backcountry Half, as they started to break in I started liking them more and more.  I wore them on the Backcountry Half and was happy with their performance.  The greatest part of the shoe is the tread, no slippage whatsoever.  I'll continue to run on these through the winter.

Also I ran a 5K PR in my Peregrine's of 22:30 at the HRCA Turkey Day 5K.

Tread wear (left to right): Kinvara 2, PureConnect, Peregrine 2

Conclusion

If you want to feel fast and light on the roads and don't have wide feet, go with the PureConnects.  You'll feel like a ninja gracing imperial tile rooftops chasing down the hidden dragon.  But once you hit trails, or live where you might run onto a slick surface, go with the Peregrine's.  They grip the ground like a crouching tiger, ready to pounce to victory.

Gluten Free Crepes

My youngest son is an insomniac.  He wakes up every night between the hours of 12:00 am and 4:00 am, for a minimum of 2 hours.  We have literally tried everything to get him to sleep and get over this incredibly unhealthy sleep regimen.  Nothing has worked in his 2 years of life.  After some extensive research, we found it is possible for gluten to upset your sleep schedule.  While I am not 100% convinced this will really work, I am so desperate, I feel like it is worth trying.  We are giving a solid 2 week period with absolutely no gluten in the house to see if we can make a small change in his sleep.

I don't want this to be a big change for everyone else in the house as we already eat healthy, and let's not forget, I am feeding two picky children.  After scouring the Internet last night, I came up with the realization, you can still cook the same meals, just replace the flours, add a little more or less liquid depending on the four, and bam!  Breakfast!

Here is our gluten free breakfast.  I made this recipe myself, so feel free to comment on how you would change it!

Crepes:

2 Large Eggs
3/4 Cups of Milk
1/2 Cup of Water
1 Cup Gluten Free All Purpose Flour (I used Bob's Red Mill)
1/4 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum Powder (this is a natural thickener)
Butter
Fresh Fruit/Berries
Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed for about 30 seconds.  Stick crepe mix in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes while you heat pan and get toppings ready.  When you remove it from the fridge, give it another whirl on the blender for a few more seconds.

Melt a small amount of butter in the pan and make sure it coats.  Poor a small amount of the batter directly from the blender and swirl it around in the hot pan in circles until a thin layer evenly coats the bottom of your crepe pan.  Cook on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until slightly brown.  Flip, finish cooking until again very slightly brown.  Remove crepe and top with nutella, fresh berries, bananas, syrup, etc...

Owen - the reason we are trying gluten free.  Look at that sly smile - who would know he was up from 2:00-4:00 in the morning?

What are your favorite gluten free recipes?

Ethan begs for crepes daily. I don't want his brother's new diet to upset his favorite foods.

Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

I got back from Vegas twelve hours ago, and I am still overstimulated!  That was the loudest, flashiest, and most interesting race I've run to date, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  I was lucky enough to have a friend go with me for the weekend, and while we didn't party afterwards like planned, it is a race that I will forever treasure. 

We attended the Fitness Expo first thing on Saturday.  The energy level was through the 200+ foot roof and everywhere we looked people were excited, friendly, helpful, and proud to call themselves runners.  Knowing we had a full weekend ahead, and having bought the merchandise we came for, we didn't go row by row through the expo.  We chose an ally, walked down it, made a turn and headed for the exit. 

On our way out, I saw a sign sitting next to an expo table, "Scott Jurek, Author of Eat and Run, here today at 4:00."  A volunteer was pulling the sign down and I mumbled to my friend, "Scott Jurek?  Holy cow!  He is amazing!"  While continuing to move forward, I glanced behind me to see where he probably once sat.  Like a star struck 12 year old girl, my heart raced.  "WAIT!  There he is!"  I ran over, waited a few seconds in line, talked to him for a few minutes, got a great picture, and had him sign my racing bib.  I am sure I looked like a crazy person because I was so excited to meet him, but that was by far one of the biggest surprises of the whole trip.  For hours, I couldn't stop smiling. 

That night, we got dressed, saw Le Reve and took it easy - Sunday was bound to be exhausting.

Neither of us knew exactly how to eat for a night race.  We knew we had the entire day to make decisions that would impact our run directly and we were careful not to mess it up.  Each of us had a large but healthy breakfast, but opted to snack for lunch.  I didn't want to repeat the cramping nightmare that ensued during the Boulder Half Marathon.  Figuring it was better to run on a emptier stomach, we had Cliff Bars and fruit salad a few hours before the race.

When we toed the line, I heard my stomach rumble violently.  "That's not a good way to start!"  I told Monica.  But the crowds were enthusiastic and the lights from the strip were flashing beautifully.  No matter how hungry I felt, I wasn't going to let anything take that moment away. 

Before the gun, we reminded each other one more time that this was wasn't about a PR, it was about the experience and sticking together.  We were out to have fun.  Each corral was separated by about 90 seconds.  This provided enough time to spread out.  I only felt boxed in a few times during the race and it didn't last long.  When we started, I was pleasantly surprised how much open space each runner had between them.  We took off at a good speed and I felt the lower altitude working towards my advantage immediately.  We ran for 4-5 miles at a 8:26 pace, faster than I usually start.

By mile 3, we were heading down the newest part of the strip.  The hotels, live shows, flashing lights, thousands of spectators, horns, whistles, music, and smiles were more than I could have imagined and I couldn't help think, "Man this is GREAT!"  My muscles, lungs, and heart all felt okay.  We had a nice 20mph wind right behind us which gave a nice push to our speed every few feet.  But I worried about the near future when that wind was going to meet us head-on as it was an out and back race.

 
The last time I went to Vegas, we stayed at Circus Circus as I was only 10 years old.  Various movies have brought the city to life, but running the strip at night gave me a tangible understanding of the most vibrant and lucious city in America.  We ran past all the major landmark hotels, drive through wedding chapels, statues, and Elvis impersonators.  Nothing that screams Vegas was left from the run and I was in awe throughout the experience.

While my mind revelled in all the excitement, my body wasn't so happy.  I was starving by mile 5, and my knees, ankles, hips, and toes regretted the treadmill stress tests I completed only days before we left for the race.  I started too fast and I didn't taper properly.  Between September 22 and December 2, I ran 4 half marathons and 1 duathlon.  I desperately wanted to PR in my final race of the season, and while I missed it, I am proud of my accomplishment.  Monica and I wanted to run together and we did.  When my legs felt like they were literally on fire, Monica looked at me and asked, "You okay? Want to walk a few?"  Because she was there, I didn't walk.  I wanted to finish strong.  She kept me going through that awful wind and I while I am sure sticking with me slowed her down significantly, it meant the world that she stayed.  As we said from the beginning, it wasn't to beat any personal records.

I found it appropriate the finish line was the Mirage Hotel and Casino.  In Vegas, distances are much farther than they appear.  Monica said, "See there it is!  Almost done!"  I laughed and thought the hotels were moving away from us with every step we ran.  We finished in 2:02:05.  Bands filled the air with live music, strobe lights flashed, and fans screamed passionately.  We were immediately handed water, Gatorade, and warming space blankets.  The walk to the food was a bit longer than expected, but there was an ample supply of bagels, smoothies, apples, Marathon bars, and pretzels. 

The after party didn't start until 11:00 that night so runners had ample time to go back to their hotels, shower, and dress properly for a night of drinking and dancing...in theory.  In our case, we returned to the hotel, showered, snacked, got dressed, did our hair and makeup, and somehow ended up lying down "just for a few minutes."  One and a half hours later we woke up, debated heading to the after party and decided it would be better to sleep.  Both of us planned for weeks on dancing and enjoying the post race festivities, but we knew we would regret it the next day if we rallied. 

The race was very well organized and more fun than I can describe.  Getting the chance to vacation and run with one of my friends was amazing.  Together we had a lot of fun and we enjoyed the views.  Monica kept me centered at the finish and reminded me we weren't out for a win. 

I need to take each race as a new opportunity.  You can't compare one race time to the next because each has very different circumstances.  I can't think of a better race to take it easy and admire the views.  Furthermore, Vegas taught me a lot about racing at night and planning pre-race food more appropriately.  It also reminded me how important it is to spread out races.  My body took a beating this year.  I ran 10 races, only 2 of which were less than 10K.  I am proud of my racing season and Vegas was the best way to solute 2012. 

We were both excited to return to our kids, but sad our ladies vacation came to an end so quickly.  On our trip back home, we agreed one race away from home a year is a must!