Donald Buraglio and Michael Dove's Blog
December 30, 2012
Farewell and Amen
“Sometimes the light's all shining on me –
Other times I can
barely see –
Lately it occurs to me
–
What a long, strange
trip it’s been.”
- The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’ (video after post)
“Don’t let it end like
this. Tell them I said something.”
- Last words of Pancho Villa
(I couldn’t decide which quote I liked better as a last
hurrah, so in true Running and Rambling fashion, I decided to go with both.)
*
For my final run of 2012 – and by extension, my last as a
regular blogger – I took on one of my favorite challenges: a three-mile climb
to the southern ridge line overlooking my home town of Carmel Valley.
Fall colors were equally vibrant on trees overhead and
fallen leaves underfoot. The previous week had brought significant rain, leaving the trails muddy enough to be adventurous,
but not sloppy enough to slow me down. And
on this morning, the clouds temporarily relinquished their grip, so when I
finally reached the top of the ridge, the skies were clear enough to see for
miles in every direction. It was one of
those perfect California winter mornings that make me grateful to be alive.
Looking back toward Carmel Valley Village; my house is a tiny dot in the distance
And as soon as I thought this, I realized, I won’t have
anyone to share this with anymore.
More than anything else, that’s what I’ll miss the most
after closing the doors at Running and Rambling. This space has become my primary outlet of expression,
and the most dependable way to process and crystallize my experiences wandering
through the big, wide world. I’m a fierce
introvert by nature, but there was something about this website that emboldened
me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people in ways I never could
have imagined prior to its existence.
The whole notion was quite unsettling at first – the way I would
frequently encounter someone on local trails, or in the mountains, or even in
another state, and they would ask how my broken toe was healing, or if I was
still riding bikes with my son, or if I remained impressed with the Vibram Spyridon LS,
without my even knowing his or her name.
Nowadays when that happens, I find it totally cool – and my first
reaction is usually to flash a smile and shake the person’s hand. Without question, those connections have been the biggest – and also the most unexpected - benefit of being a
blogger for the past seven years.
A scene from the Western States trail during the 2009 training camp - a day when I fell in love with ultrarunning as well as with the blogging community. Not coincidentally, a cropping of this photo has served as the title banner for Running and Rambling ever since.
Obviously, there have been a lot more benefits along the
way, and I can honestly say that having this website has been one of the most
memorable and rewarding things I’ve ever been involved with. So the decision to walk away is a hard one,
and it’s a sad one in many ways … but it’s also 100% the right one.
As much as I love Running and Rambling, I’m also really
looking forward to being free of it. I
desperately want to spend fewer hours staring at my laptop, and more time interacting
with my family. I’m tired of sitting at
a water polo game, or watching a school concert, or playing a game of Chinese
checkers and thinking about the contest giveaway or product review I need to publish later that
night. Because those moments will be
gone before I know it, and I don’t want to be caught trying to remember what
they felt like.
A call to mindfulness from a run to the Tassajara Zen Center: "Wake up! Life is transient, swiftly passing. Be aware, the great matter: don't waste time."
Also, there’s one more crazy goal I’d love to
accomplish. Something I never would have
had the audacity to dream of when the blog was still going. Something I’ve heard people talk about, but
never believed I had the ability to achieve myself. Wanna hear what it is?
I want to read a book.
I know, right? Insane. And I’m not talking about the “3 pages at a
time before falling asleep” or “Read 2 chapters and then put the book on the
shelf for 3 months” kind of reading – I’m shooting for the real deal: curling
up on the couch with one of the many titles - non-running-related, even! - that I’ve
stacked on my bookshelf in hopes of enriching myself someday. I made it 300 pages into a Civil War history book last summer before filing it away, and I’ve yet to return (but don’t tell
me who wins, because I want to be surprised).
A "recreational" run in the Sierras, circa 2009. See the beautiful model in the distance? That would be my wife. I need to spend more days like this.
Of course, life won’t all be laziness and family bonding, and I’m
still hoping to spend as much time on the trails as possible. I’ve often said that I’d rather be a runner
who didn’t blog than a blogger who didn’t run, and the time to put that
philosophy to the test has arrived. I
don’t have any concrete race plans for 2013, but don’t be surprised to see me
rambling along at some ultra or another – I’ll be the oafish guy with the
moccasins on his feet and the goofy grin on his face. Feel free to say hi; I promise at least a smile and handshake in return.
I’m not completely abandoning the writing or gear review
game either, and I’m excited to continue making contributions to a handful of
operations (both print and web-based) that are much bigger and more influential
than I could ever hope to accomplish on my own.
On that note, if you haven’t already discovered the Feed the Habit or
Gear Institute websites, be sure to bookmark them as top-notch resources for
all manner of outdoor gear. They’re both
operated by amazingly cool guys who have assembled a massive collection of
talent around them, and I’m confident they’ll both continue to grow and thrive
in the future.
This website will remain live as well, for the benefit of
anyone who wants to go through past photo tours or race reports, or Google
searchers who stumble across one product review or another. The sidebar at right has been updated to
include all of the minimalist footwear reviews I’ve done over the past few
years. All of the product links will
remain in place, as will the Amazon.com banner at top right, which I’m now
calling the Unemployed Blogger Relief Fund.
If you want to shop at Amazon.com and feel like clicking there from my site (remember, it’s completely anonymous and doesn’t cost you anything),
whenever I see a few cents drop into my account I’ll know that someone out
there is thinking of me.
(End of shameless pandering.
Oh, wait … I also have a book you can buy. OK, pandering over now.)
Otherwise, it’s time for me to head off into the sunset -
or, to mix my metaphors a bit, into the dawn of a new year and new possibilities. The past seven years have indeed been one
long, strange trip … and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. To everyone who has shared any or all of this
journey with me, I’m more grateful than I can possibly express. I offer all of you sincere thanks from the
bottom of my heart; it has truly been a wonderful run.
*
The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’” (click to play):
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
Other times I can
barely see –
Lately it occurs to me
–
What a long, strange
trip it’s been.”
- The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’ (video after post)
“Don’t let it end like
this. Tell them I said something.”
- Last words of Pancho Villa
(I couldn’t decide which quote I liked better as a last
hurrah, so in true Running and Rambling fashion, I decided to go with both.)
*
For my final run of 2012 – and by extension, my last as a
regular blogger – I took on one of my favorite challenges: a three-mile climb
to the southern ridge line overlooking my home town of Carmel Valley.
Fall colors were equally vibrant on trees overhead and
fallen leaves underfoot. The previous week had brought significant rain, leaving the trails muddy enough to be adventurous,
but not sloppy enough to slow me down. And
on this morning, the clouds temporarily relinquished their grip, so when I
finally reached the top of the ridge, the skies were clear enough to see for
miles in every direction. It was one of
those perfect California winter mornings that make me grateful to be alive.

Looking back toward Carmel Valley Village; my house is a tiny dot in the distance
And as soon as I thought this, I realized, I won’t have
anyone to share this with anymore.
More than anything else, that’s what I’ll miss the most
after closing the doors at Running and Rambling. This space has become my primary outlet of expression,
and the most dependable way to process and crystallize my experiences wandering
through the big, wide world. I’m a fierce
introvert by nature, but there was something about this website that emboldened
me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with people in ways I never could
have imagined prior to its existence.
The whole notion was quite unsettling at first – the way I would
frequently encounter someone on local trails, or in the mountains, or even in
another state, and they would ask how my broken toe was healing, or if I was
still riding bikes with my son, or if I remained impressed with the Vibram Spyridon LS,
without my even knowing his or her name.
Nowadays when that happens, I find it totally cool – and my first
reaction is usually to flash a smile and shake the person’s hand. Without question, those connections have been the biggest – and also the most unexpected - benefit of being a
blogger for the past seven years.

A scene from the Western States trail during the 2009 training camp - a day when I fell in love with ultrarunning as well as with the blogging community. Not coincidentally, a cropping of this photo has served as the title banner for Running and Rambling ever since.
Obviously, there have been a lot more benefits along the
way, and I can honestly say that having this website has been one of the most
memorable and rewarding things I’ve ever been involved with. So the decision to walk away is a hard one,
and it’s a sad one in many ways … but it’s also 100% the right one.
As much as I love Running and Rambling, I’m also really
looking forward to being free of it. I
desperately want to spend fewer hours staring at my laptop, and more time interacting
with my family. I’m tired of sitting at
a water polo game, or watching a school concert, or playing a game of Chinese
checkers and thinking about the contest giveaway or product review I need to publish later that
night. Because those moments will be
gone before I know it, and I don’t want to be caught trying to remember what
they felt like.

A call to mindfulness from a run to the Tassajara Zen Center: "Wake up! Life is transient, swiftly passing. Be aware, the great matter: don't waste time."
Also, there’s one more crazy goal I’d love to
accomplish. Something I never would have
had the audacity to dream of when the blog was still going. Something I’ve heard people talk about, but
never believed I had the ability to achieve myself. Wanna hear what it is?
I want to read a book.
I know, right? Insane. And I’m not talking about the “3 pages at a
time before falling asleep” or “Read 2 chapters and then put the book on the
shelf for 3 months” kind of reading – I’m shooting for the real deal: curling
up on the couch with one of the many titles - non-running-related, even! - that I’ve
stacked on my bookshelf in hopes of enriching myself someday. I made it 300 pages into a Civil War history book last summer before filing it away, and I’ve yet to return (but don’t tell
me who wins, because I want to be surprised).

A "recreational" run in the Sierras, circa 2009. See the beautiful model in the distance? That would be my wife. I need to spend more days like this.
Of course, life won’t all be laziness and family bonding, and I’m
still hoping to spend as much time on the trails as possible. I’ve often said that I’d rather be a runner
who didn’t blog than a blogger who didn’t run, and the time to put that
philosophy to the test has arrived. I
don’t have any concrete race plans for 2013, but don’t be surprised to see me
rambling along at some ultra or another – I’ll be the oafish guy with the
moccasins on his feet and the goofy grin on his face. Feel free to say hi; I promise at least a smile and handshake in return.
I’m not completely abandoning the writing or gear review
game either, and I’m excited to continue making contributions to a handful of
operations (both print and web-based) that are much bigger and more influential
than I could ever hope to accomplish on my own.
On that note, if you haven’t already discovered the Feed the Habit or
Gear Institute websites, be sure to bookmark them as top-notch resources for
all manner of outdoor gear. They’re both
operated by amazingly cool guys who have assembled a massive collection of
talent around them, and I’m confident they’ll both continue to grow and thrive
in the future.
This website will remain live as well, for the benefit of
anyone who wants to go through past photo tours or race reports, or Google
searchers who stumble across one product review or another. The sidebar at right has been updated to
include all of the minimalist footwear reviews I’ve done over the past few
years. All of the product links will
remain in place, as will the Amazon.com banner at top right, which I’m now
calling the Unemployed Blogger Relief Fund.
If you want to shop at Amazon.com and feel like clicking there from my site (remember, it’s completely anonymous and doesn’t cost you anything),
whenever I see a few cents drop into my account I’ll know that someone out
there is thinking of me.
(End of shameless pandering.
Oh, wait … I also have a book you can buy. OK, pandering over now.)

Otherwise, it’s time for me to head off into the sunset -
or, to mix my metaphors a bit, into the dawn of a new year and new possibilities. The past seven years have indeed been one
long, strange trip … and one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. To everyone who has shared any or all of this
journey with me, I’m more grateful than I can possibly express. I offer all of you sincere thanks from the
bottom of my heart; it has truly been a wonderful run.
*
The Grateful Dead, “Truckin’” (click to play):
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 30, 2012 22:48
December 27, 2012
Soft Star Rogue Review; Soft Star Metro Review
*Admin note: we’re in the homestretch! One final product review here, and a farewell
post before 2012 expires. Thanks to
everyone who has been sending well-wishes over the past couple of weeks – they
mean more to me than you can possibly imagine.
**
It’s no coincidence that my final product review for Running
and Rambling features Soft Star Shoes.
Among all the companies I’ve partnered with over the span of this
website, there are none I appreciate more, and none - for better or worse –
with whom I’ve been more closely identified.
Just because it seems so long ago ... Team Soft Star at Tahoe
That last point is one I’ve taken fairly seriously, especially
as the company started increasing their sponsorship support and I started doing
crazier ultra adventures over the past couple of years. I’ve always had this low-grade but generally
constant anxiety about making the company look bad at one event or another,
either by some sort of gear malfunction, or losing traction on some gnarly hill
and injuring myself, or simply not being able to finish a race. Thankfully, none of that ever happened, which
is as much a testament to Soft Star’s willingness to work with me and come up with
solutions to every obstacle I encountered as it is to my own accomplishment.
But I’m digressing somewhat, because today’s reviews don’t
have anything to do with athletic performance.
Rather, they are focused on two new casual styles the company introduced
this fall – one a brand new model, the other a more formal styling of a classic
model they released last year.
Soft Star Rogue, in Aged Walnut
The new model is the Rogue men’s shoe, which I think of as a
hybrid between the company’s flagship Rambler outdoor moccasin and the
innovative Moc3 running model that’s probably the most comfortable athletic
shoe I’ve ever owned. It comes in two
colors, both curiously starting with “Aged”: the Aged Walnut color I tested,
and an Aged Oak that is a lighter shade.
Both colors feature full-grain leather on the outer surface
of the upper; the leather is highly flexible and pretty much conforms to the
shape of your foot almost like a sock would.
The uppers are secured to the outsole by external stitching, and if your
feet are wider than average, you’ll probably notice the upper stretches over
the top of this external seam, further contributing to the general slipper
appearance.
This overall slipper vibe is great from a comfort
standpoint, but the functional effect is that the Rogue looks much more like a
house shoe than a dress or work shoe.
When I saw photos of the Rogue, I thought it would be a great work
option, but now that I’ve worn them I’d say they’re definitely more of an after
work or Casual Friday shoe.
Moc3 on left, Rogue on right
Another contributor to the cozy upper fit is an internal
layer of Breathe-O-Prene, the same odor-resistant, breatheable neoprene material
that lines the interior of the Moc3 and wraps around your foot. This material is visible around the ankle
area on both models, and lines the entire interior surface of the Rogue as it
does on the Moc3. The Breathe-O-Prene lining
is one reason that the Rogues are highly comfortable without socks …
… and the second reason is a super-soft genuine sheepskin
footbed. This sheepskin is different
than the type Soft Star uses on other models like their Roo slippers; it seems
to have finer fibers and feels softer against bare skin than the regular
sheepskin. I typically wear my Rogues
with socks, but that’s my own aesthetic preference; there’s certainly no reason
why the Rogues can’t be worn sockless.
The outsole of the Rogue features a Vibram Geo outsole that
is among the thickest in the Soft Star catalog at 8mm (compared, for example,
to my 5mm RunAmocs). However, the rubber
material in this outsole is quite lightweight and very pliable …
… which, like all Soft Star shoes, allows complete barefoot-style
flexibility and movement. The outsole is
also somewhat soft, so ground feel isn’t compromised nearly as much as a firm
material would be.
RunAmoc on top, Rogue on bottom
From a traction and durability standpoint, the outsole is
outstanding. How do I know this? It just so happens that I’ve been testing the
exact same outsole on a pair of RunAmocs, so I’ve used it on steep hills and
loose gravel and slippery mud. By
appearances, this outsole pattern doesn’t seem very aggressive, but I’ve been
pleasantly surprised in my testing to find that it’s virtually the equivalent
of the original RunAmoc trail outsole.
While it’s not the formal shoe I was anticipating, the Soft
Star Rogue is an attractive casual option that is equally home with a pair of
jeans or long pajamas. It retails for
$125 from the Soft Star website.
**
Our second review is the women’s Metro, which is a formalized
update to the very popular Merry Jane mocs that the female Running and Rambling
crew loved testing last year. It comes
in a stock burgundy color, but can be made in custom colors such as the
chocolate brown pair my wife has been wearing this fall.
Soft Star Metro
The updated Metro features an interior seam between the front
and rear portion of the shoe, giving it a cleaner – or as the website describes
it, a more “elegant” – appearance. The
natural leather uppers certainly have a dressier look than the Merry Janes, and
(unlike the Rogues) could definitely pass for formal wear.
Another classy upgrade is a true strap and buckle fastener
on the side of the shoe. On the Merry
Janes, the buckle is a Velcro attachment, which is perfect for kids racing out
the door to school, but maybe not so much for an elegant night on the town.
The Metro’s insole is made of the same soft leather that
lines RunAmocs, but is also available in a sheepskin option if that’s your preference. And this is going to sound like déjà vu, but
speaking of RunAmocs …
… the outsole of the Metro is made of a 4mm Vibram Cherry
sole that I’ve also tested on a different pair of prototype RunAmocs. It’s more than adequate for trail running,
and is a significant improvement in traction and durability compared to the
outsole on the regular Merry Jane model.
And do I even need to say this part anymore? As
natural as natural movement can be.
The elegant-ization of the Merry Jane doesn’t come cheap, as
the Metro is priced 40 dollars higher than the more casual option – but if you’re
looking for something that is truly formal, the looks of the updated version is
probably worth it. The Metro retails for
$125 from the Soft Star website.
**
Finally, although I try to be objective with these reviews,
there’s no question that I’m completely biased when it comes to the Soft Star company. Whether it’s the charming Mom and Pop
backstory (they literally lived and worked in a school bus), the barefoot ethos, their
100% Made in America commitment, or their willingness to partner with a complete
idiot in developing the ideal moccasin for running crazy mountain trails, I
pretty much love everything about this company.
Soft Star absolutely deserves your business – if not for the models
described here, then perhaps a rugged RunAmoc or super-comfy Roo slipper – and even
though my website is closing its doors, I’m still going to do everything in my
power to make sure people know about them.
These are the kinds of things you can say when it’s time for goodbye.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
post before 2012 expires. Thanks to
everyone who has been sending well-wishes over the past couple of weeks – they
mean more to me than you can possibly imagine.
**
It’s no coincidence that my final product review for Running
and Rambling features Soft Star Shoes.
Among all the companies I’ve partnered with over the span of this
website, there are none I appreciate more, and none - for better or worse –
with whom I’ve been more closely identified.

Just because it seems so long ago ... Team Soft Star at Tahoe
That last point is one I’ve taken fairly seriously, especially
as the company started increasing their sponsorship support and I started doing
crazier ultra adventures over the past couple of years. I’ve always had this low-grade but generally
constant anxiety about making the company look bad at one event or another,
either by some sort of gear malfunction, or losing traction on some gnarly hill
and injuring myself, or simply not being able to finish a race. Thankfully, none of that ever happened, which
is as much a testament to Soft Star’s willingness to work with me and come up with
solutions to every obstacle I encountered as it is to my own accomplishment.

But I’m digressing somewhat, because today’s reviews don’t
have anything to do with athletic performance.
Rather, they are focused on two new casual styles the company introduced
this fall – one a brand new model, the other a more formal styling of a classic
model they released last year.

Soft Star Rogue, in Aged Walnut
The new model is the Rogue men’s shoe, which I think of as a
hybrid between the company’s flagship Rambler outdoor moccasin and the
innovative Moc3 running model that’s probably the most comfortable athletic
shoe I’ve ever owned. It comes in two
colors, both curiously starting with “Aged”: the Aged Walnut color I tested,
and an Aged Oak that is a lighter shade.

Both colors feature full-grain leather on the outer surface
of the upper; the leather is highly flexible and pretty much conforms to the
shape of your foot almost like a sock would.
The uppers are secured to the outsole by external stitching, and if your
feet are wider than average, you’ll probably notice the upper stretches over
the top of this external seam, further contributing to the general slipper
appearance.

This overall slipper vibe is great from a comfort
standpoint, but the functional effect is that the Rogue looks much more like a
house shoe than a dress or work shoe.
When I saw photos of the Rogue, I thought it would be a great work
option, but now that I’ve worn them I’d say they’re definitely more of an after
work or Casual Friday shoe.

Moc3 on left, Rogue on right
Another contributor to the cozy upper fit is an internal
layer of Breathe-O-Prene, the same odor-resistant, breatheable neoprene material
that lines the interior of the Moc3 and wraps around your foot. This material is visible around the ankle
area on both models, and lines the entire interior surface of the Rogue as it
does on the Moc3. The Breathe-O-Prene lining
is one reason that the Rogues are highly comfortable without socks …

… and the second reason is a super-soft genuine sheepskin
footbed. This sheepskin is different
than the type Soft Star uses on other models like their Roo slippers; it seems
to have finer fibers and feels softer against bare skin than the regular
sheepskin. I typically wear my Rogues
with socks, but that’s my own aesthetic preference; there’s certainly no reason
why the Rogues can’t be worn sockless.
The outsole of the Rogue features a Vibram Geo outsole that
is among the thickest in the Soft Star catalog at 8mm (compared, for example,
to my 5mm RunAmocs). However, the rubber
material in this outsole is quite lightweight and very pliable …

… which, like all Soft Star shoes, allows complete barefoot-style
flexibility and movement. The outsole is
also somewhat soft, so ground feel isn’t compromised nearly as much as a firm
material would be.

RunAmoc on top, Rogue on bottom
From a traction and durability standpoint, the outsole is
outstanding. How do I know this? It just so happens that I’ve been testing the
exact same outsole on a pair of RunAmocs, so I’ve used it on steep hills and
loose gravel and slippery mud. By
appearances, this outsole pattern doesn’t seem very aggressive, but I’ve been
pleasantly surprised in my testing to find that it’s virtually the equivalent
of the original RunAmoc trail outsole.
While it’s not the formal shoe I was anticipating, the Soft
Star Rogue is an attractive casual option that is equally home with a pair of
jeans or long pajamas. It retails for
$125 from the Soft Star website.

**
Our second review is the women’s Metro, which is a formalized
update to the very popular Merry Jane mocs that the female Running and Rambling
crew loved testing last year. It comes
in a stock burgundy color, but can be made in custom colors such as the
chocolate brown pair my wife has been wearing this fall.

Soft Star Metro
The updated Metro features an interior seam between the front
and rear portion of the shoe, giving it a cleaner – or as the website describes
it, a more “elegant” – appearance. The
natural leather uppers certainly have a dressier look than the Merry Janes, and
(unlike the Rogues) could definitely pass for formal wear.

Another classy upgrade is a true strap and buckle fastener
on the side of the shoe. On the Merry
Janes, the buckle is a Velcro attachment, which is perfect for kids racing out
the door to school, but maybe not so much for an elegant night on the town.

The Metro’s insole is made of the same soft leather that
lines RunAmocs, but is also available in a sheepskin option if that’s your preference. And this is going to sound like déjà vu, but
speaking of RunAmocs …

… the outsole of the Metro is made of a 4mm Vibram Cherry
sole that I’ve also tested on a different pair of prototype RunAmocs. It’s more than adequate for trail running,
and is a significant improvement in traction and durability compared to the
outsole on the regular Merry Jane model.

And do I even need to say this part anymore? As
natural as natural movement can be.

The elegant-ization of the Merry Jane doesn’t come cheap, as
the Metro is priced 40 dollars higher than the more casual option – but if you’re
looking for something that is truly formal, the looks of the updated version is
probably worth it. The Metro retails for
$125 from the Soft Star website.

**
Finally, although I try to be objective with these reviews,
there’s no question that I’m completely biased when it comes to the Soft Star company. Whether it’s the charming Mom and Pop
backstory (they literally lived and worked in a school bus), the barefoot ethos, their
100% Made in America commitment, or their willingness to partner with a complete
idiot in developing the ideal moccasin for running crazy mountain trails, I
pretty much love everything about this company.
Soft Star absolutely deserves your business – if not for the models
described here, then perhaps a rugged RunAmoc or super-comfy Roo slipper – and even
though my website is closing its doors, I’m still going to do everything in my
power to make sure people know about them.
These are the kinds of things you can say when it’s time for goodbye.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 27, 2012 22:30
December 22, 2012
Random Shots of Christmas
A truck full of toys …
All laid out on a stage …
Plus a joyful (if somewhat weary-looking) Santa* …
Equals one special afternoon at an after school program for
local at-risk kids:
It’s projects like this and days like this that make the
holidays somewhat frenzied at times - and also makes me feel like I have little initiative
or motivation for training. However,
these are also the things that make me see that in the grand scheme of things,
training really isn’t that big of a deal.
*By the way, see that hair and beard on Santa? It’s all real. And apparently he owns his own suit and makes
several appearances like this every year.
On this particular afternoon, Santa spent time with more than 90 kids,
spoke with each of them individually while handing out presents, and hung
around afterwards to spread Christmas cheer to kids who sorely need it. So, yeah, he looks a little tired … but this guy
lives for this sort of thing, and it shows.
Maybe we should all be tired like that.
"Christmas is Coming", from A Charlie Brown Christmas
(click to play):
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.

All laid out on a stage …

Plus a joyful (if somewhat weary-looking) Santa* …

Equals one special afternoon at an after school program for
local at-risk kids:

It’s projects like this and days like this that make the
holidays somewhat frenzied at times - and also makes me feel like I have little initiative
or motivation for training. However,
these are also the things that make me see that in the grand scheme of things,
training really isn’t that big of a deal.

*By the way, see that hair and beard on Santa? It’s all real. And apparently he owns his own suit and makes
several appearances like this every year.
On this particular afternoon, Santa spent time with more than 90 kids,
spoke with each of them individually while handing out presents, and hung
around afterwards to spread Christmas cheer to kids who sorely need it. So, yeah, he looks a little tired … but this guy
lives for this sort of thing, and it shows.
Maybe we should all be tired like that.
"Christmas is Coming", from A Charlie Brown Christmas

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Published on December 22, 2012 21:31
December 19, 2012
GoLite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pants Review; GoLite Cross Timbers Zonal Tights Review
It’s not exactly a coincidence that I’ve talked about GoLite
a few times in the past month or so, and today’s review is a perfect example of
why I’m such a big fan of the company.
I have to admit I wasn’t certain how the company’s “no marketing,
no retail sales, just rock bottom web pricing across the board” strategy would
play out when they announced the paradigm shift earlier this year. Based on initial results from the first
several months, I’d be terribly disappointed if it doesn’t succeed – and you should
be too. The reason why is simple: you
simply cannot get better gear for lower prices anywhere. Period.
Two perfect examples are two pairs of cold-weather running apparel
I’ve been using: the Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant, and the
Cross Timbers Zonal Tight. You may recall that I
mentioned receiving these earlier in the fall, but our temps weren’t yet
cold enough for me to test them. Well,
the weather has finally cooperated here – I guess that’s how I’m referring to
it - with overnight temperatures into the low 30s and upper 20s, so I’ve had plenty
of opportunities to try them.
The ornament says "Winter is Coming", and belongs to my 14-year-old son. Apparently it's a Game of Thrones thing.
However, one disclaimer on the product photos in this post:
I don’t have action shots, because I’m much less inclined to arrange self-timer
photo shoots on dark freezing mornings than I am when the sun is out. So you’ll just have to take my word for it
that I’ve run in these things.
GoLite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant
First up is the Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant, which I
was somewhat anxious to try, primarily because I haven’t had a lot of luck with
non-tight bottom garments in the past.
The fit always seems too baggy here, too tight there, and I eventually end
up going back to wearing tights again.
But with the Black Mountain pants, the fit is pretty well dialed in from
waist to ankle. There’s just a bit of
roominess through the thighs and calves, but not so much that the pants feel
baggy or bulky.
The Black Mountain pant is also super-duper warm, thanks to
material construction that’s hard to assemble with traditional tights. The exterior front panels are made of windproof
polyester that’s been treated with DWR for water resistance, but the interior
front surface has a soft fleece material for comfort and additional
insulation.
Fleece interior lining, drawstring in front, rear zipper pocket
Brushed microfleece lines the entire interior surface on the
front and back side, and it stretches very nicely to provide full range of
motion. Another cool construction
element for comfort and range of motion are fully articulated clamshell knee
joints, which prevent the stretching of material on the front of the knee and
bunching on the back side.
Articulated clamshell knees;
Because they provide outstanding protection from the
elements along with comfort and freedom of movement, the Black Mountain pants
would probably be good for a variety of winter aerobic sports such as cross
country skiing or snowshoeing in addition to cold-weather running. And here’s where GoLite’s new business
strategy is a wonderful thing, because pants like this would normally retail
for close to 200 bucks, and at this time last year, GoLite would have sold them
for $150. Today, the Black Mountain
Thermal Wind Pants retail for $64 from the GoLite website – trust me, you won’t
get a better running pant for less money.
**
If you’re looking for traditional tights, the Cross Timbers Zonal Tight is a lightly compressive legging that provides a good combination
of warmth and breathability. It has
brushed stretch fleece throughout the front of the legs (but not the back), and
soft flatlock seams that minimize chafing. Overall comfort is pretty nice; these are the
kind of tights you can wear to start a multi-hour run in the dark, but still be
comfortable when the sun comes up later in the morning.
GoLite Cross Timbers Zonal Tight
All the other basics of traditional running tights are
included as well: ankle zippers, a drawstring waist, a zippered rear pocket,
and reflective accents and logo.
Basically, it’s a solid high-performance piece for a bargain price;
instead of a pre-business model change price of $120, GoLite now sells it for
$48 from the company website.
*Products provided by GoLite
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
a few times in the past month or so, and today’s review is a perfect example of
why I’m such a big fan of the company.
I have to admit I wasn’t certain how the company’s “no marketing,
no retail sales, just rock bottom web pricing across the board” strategy would
play out when they announced the paradigm shift earlier this year. Based on initial results from the first
several months, I’d be terribly disappointed if it doesn’t succeed – and you should
be too. The reason why is simple: you
simply cannot get better gear for lower prices anywhere. Period.
Two perfect examples are two pairs of cold-weather running apparel
I’ve been using: the Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant, and the
Cross Timbers Zonal Tight. You may recall that I
mentioned receiving these earlier in the fall, but our temps weren’t yet
cold enough for me to test them. Well,
the weather has finally cooperated here – I guess that’s how I’m referring to
it - with overnight temperatures into the low 30s and upper 20s, so I’ve had plenty
of opportunities to try them.

The ornament says "Winter is Coming", and belongs to my 14-year-old son. Apparently it's a Game of Thrones thing.
However, one disclaimer on the product photos in this post:
I don’t have action shots, because I’m much less inclined to arrange self-timer
photo shoots on dark freezing mornings than I am when the sun is out. So you’ll just have to take my word for it
that I’ve run in these things.

GoLite Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant
First up is the Black Mountain Thermal Wind Pant, which I
was somewhat anxious to try, primarily because I haven’t had a lot of luck with
non-tight bottom garments in the past.
The fit always seems too baggy here, too tight there, and I eventually end
up going back to wearing tights again.
But with the Black Mountain pants, the fit is pretty well dialed in from
waist to ankle. There’s just a bit of
roominess through the thighs and calves, but not so much that the pants feel
baggy or bulky.
The Black Mountain pant is also super-duper warm, thanks to
material construction that’s hard to assemble with traditional tights. The exterior front panels are made of windproof
polyester that’s been treated with DWR for water resistance, but the interior
front surface has a soft fleece material for comfort and additional
insulation.

Fleece interior lining, drawstring in front, rear zipper pocket
Brushed microfleece lines the entire interior surface on the
front and back side, and it stretches very nicely to provide full range of
motion. Another cool construction
element for comfort and range of motion are fully articulated clamshell knee
joints, which prevent the stretching of material on the front of the knee and
bunching on the back side.

Articulated clamshell knees;
Because they provide outstanding protection from the
elements along with comfort and freedom of movement, the Black Mountain pants
would probably be good for a variety of winter aerobic sports such as cross
country skiing or snowshoeing in addition to cold-weather running. And here’s where GoLite’s new business
strategy is a wonderful thing, because pants like this would normally retail
for close to 200 bucks, and at this time last year, GoLite would have sold them
for $150. Today, the Black Mountain
Thermal Wind Pants retail for $64 from the GoLite website – trust me, you won’t
get a better running pant for less money.
**
If you’re looking for traditional tights, the Cross Timbers Zonal Tight is a lightly compressive legging that provides a good combination
of warmth and breathability. It has
brushed stretch fleece throughout the front of the legs (but not the back), and
soft flatlock seams that minimize chafing. Overall comfort is pretty nice; these are the
kind of tights you can wear to start a multi-hour run in the dark, but still be
comfortable when the sun comes up later in the morning.

GoLite Cross Timbers Zonal Tight
All the other basics of traditional running tights are
included as well: ankle zippers, a drawstring waist, a zippered rear pocket,
and reflective accents and logo.
Basically, it’s a solid high-performance piece for a bargain price;
instead of a pre-business model change price of $120, GoLite now sells it for
$48 from the company website.
*Products provided by GoLite
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 19, 2012 23:12
December 16, 2012
Random Shots of Christmas; Injinji Sock Contest Winners
Apologies for another late weekend post … and let’s get right into things. In honor of the season, I’m converting the customary weekend fare into a Random Shots of Christmas:
(click to enlarge)
This one’s a family tradition: a table full of decorated sugar cookies that my wife spent a full day baking, and all of us spent most of the evening decorating. Unfortunately, the “eating” part doesn’t last nearly as long as the preparing part, but we at least manage to save a few of these to pass around as gifts over the next week or so.
Longtime readers will recall there’s often some imaginativenonsense involved with my cookie decorating, but this year the creative torch was passed to our kids, who came up with some pretty clever things …
… such as these, clockwise from top left: a Rastafari snowman, an apparently quite overweight Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes fame), Beaker and Dr Bunsen Honeydew (from my 11-year-old Muppet freak). The last one is something called Steve the Minecraft Player, courtesy of my 14-year-old son. No, I didn’t know that one offhand – and the fact that I have to Google my kid’s Christmas decorations is a sign that I’m getting either too old or hopelessly out of touch. Probably both.
Thankfully, my kids managed to keep in mind the reason for all this holiday busy-ness:
As you see in these Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus cookies. Sure, it’s a beautiful thing – but I’m already cringing at the inevitable debate in the near future about who gets to eat Baby Jesus.
**We also have one order of business to wrap up: announcing winners of the Injinji sock giveaway contest. Running Farmer, Jessica (Book of Life), and Maggie Wolff: e-mail me your contact info – you’re the winners! Thanks very much to everyone else who entered; normally I’d say to stick around for the next one … but with the current state of things here, I’m afraid this is probably the end of the contest posts.
So, um … yeah. I guess goodbyes are awkward sometimes. I’ll try not to make a fool of myself over the next couple of weeks – but there’s probably as much chance of that happening as those cookies making it past Christmas.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.

This one’s a family tradition: a table full of decorated sugar cookies that my wife spent a full day baking, and all of us spent most of the evening decorating. Unfortunately, the “eating” part doesn’t last nearly as long as the preparing part, but we at least manage to save a few of these to pass around as gifts over the next week or so.
Longtime readers will recall there’s often some imaginativenonsense involved with my cookie decorating, but this year the creative torch was passed to our kids, who came up with some pretty clever things …

Thankfully, my kids managed to keep in mind the reason for all this holiday busy-ness:

**We also have one order of business to wrap up: announcing winners of the Injinji sock giveaway contest. Running Farmer, Jessica (Book of Life), and Maggie Wolff: e-mail me your contact info – you’re the winners! Thanks very much to everyone else who entered; normally I’d say to stick around for the next one … but with the current state of things here, I’m afraid this is probably the end of the contest posts.
So, um … yeah. I guess goodbyes are awkward sometimes. I’ll try not to make a fool of myself over the next couple of weeks – but there’s probably as much chance of that happening as those cookies making it past Christmas.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 16, 2012 21:52
December 12, 2012
Injinji Performance 2.0 Sock Review; Injinji Sock Giveaway Contest
Before today’s official review, a cool sale offer to pass along: GoLite is in the midst of a 12 Days of Savings campaign, featuring a killer deal on at least one item each day. I receive banner links to a new item each day, but since I’ve long since stopped posting every day around here, I’m just including a direct link (on the photo below) to their site so you can return back later and check out the savings for yourself.
And now we resume normal programming …
**Even before embracing minimalism a few years ago, I was familiar with Injinji socks. They were something of a novelty among ultrarunners, although those who used them seemed completely enamored with their ability to prevent blisters on or between your toes.
Shortly thereafter, the whole minimalist thing exploded, and Vibrams became the sexiest thing going – sometimes literally. And since most of us live in places where the weather gets cold – yes, even here in California – Injinjis soon became the cheese to Vibram’s macaroni, and surged in popularity along with the FiveFingers.
Here’s the thing, though: I wasn’t exactly wild about Injinji’s early offerings. They were fairly comfortable and great at keeping grit from grinding against your bare skin during a long trail run, but I wasn’t really impressed with their insulating capacity or ability to dry quickly. They also seemed to stretch out and lose their shape fairly significantly after a handful of wash cycles.
So when I was offered a few pairs to try again this fall, I made sure to ask the rep if something had changed from the pairs I tested from a few years ago. It turns out, something had – and the new Injinji Performance 2.0 series will be available in early 2013.
Injinji Performance 2.0 series socks
The new line has less of a cottony feel than the previous versions, with improved CoolMax fabric that is more similar to technical running socks in its wicking ability and moisture management. They use a variety of fabric combinations and weave patterns to improve the fit, and they seem more compressive than the previous line. I’ve washed mine several times, and so far they are holding their shape quite nicely.
Injinji classifies the Performance 2.0 line according to activity, such as Run, Trail, and Sport. They are further categorized by height – from knee high all the way down to micro - and by fabric weight (lightweight, original, and midweight). In other words, there are a lot of options, which should make it easy to find a variety you like.
My favorite of the new collection is a wool model from the trail line. Although it isn’t as comfortable as some other materials, I’ve gradually become a fan of wool socks during wet or cold-weather outings, mainly because of its ability to maintain insulation even when wet. Injinji’s wool socks are thicker than its other fabric blends, but they are quite effective at keeping your toes warm in shoes with highly breathable uppers. The only downside is that if your FiveFingers are a snug fit, you may need to size up for winter running.
I suppose the bottom line is that if you liked Injinjis in the past, you’ll like the Performance 2.0 line for sure – and if you (like me) weren’t wild about Injinjis in the past, it may be time to give them a second look. And following this post, a few readers will get the chance to try Injinjis for themselves. The company is offering three winners a running sampler pack including a road model, trail model, and wool Injinji sock. There’s no criteria to enter – it’s simply a luck of the draw thing of this one. Leave a comment below to enter, and I’ll announce the winner on Sunday night.
Thanks very much to Injinji for sponsoring this giveaway, and good luck to everybody!
*Products provided by Injinji
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.

And now we resume normal programming …
**Even before embracing minimalism a few years ago, I was familiar with Injinji socks. They were something of a novelty among ultrarunners, although those who used them seemed completely enamored with their ability to prevent blisters on or between your toes.
Shortly thereafter, the whole minimalist thing exploded, and Vibrams became the sexiest thing going – sometimes literally. And since most of us live in places where the weather gets cold – yes, even here in California – Injinjis soon became the cheese to Vibram’s macaroni, and surged in popularity along with the FiveFingers.
Here’s the thing, though: I wasn’t exactly wild about Injinji’s early offerings. They were fairly comfortable and great at keeping grit from grinding against your bare skin during a long trail run, but I wasn’t really impressed with their insulating capacity or ability to dry quickly. They also seemed to stretch out and lose their shape fairly significantly after a handful of wash cycles.
So when I was offered a few pairs to try again this fall, I made sure to ask the rep if something had changed from the pairs I tested from a few years ago. It turns out, something had – and the new Injinji Performance 2.0 series will be available in early 2013.

The new line has less of a cottony feel than the previous versions, with improved CoolMax fabric that is more similar to technical running socks in its wicking ability and moisture management. They use a variety of fabric combinations and weave patterns to improve the fit, and they seem more compressive than the previous line. I’ve washed mine several times, and so far they are holding their shape quite nicely.
Injinji classifies the Performance 2.0 line according to activity, such as Run, Trail, and Sport. They are further categorized by height – from knee high all the way down to micro - and by fabric weight (lightweight, original, and midweight). In other words, there are a lot of options, which should make it easy to find a variety you like.
My favorite of the new collection is a wool model from the trail line. Although it isn’t as comfortable as some other materials, I’ve gradually become a fan of wool socks during wet or cold-weather outings, mainly because of its ability to maintain insulation even when wet. Injinji’s wool socks are thicker than its other fabric blends, but they are quite effective at keeping your toes warm in shoes with highly breathable uppers. The only downside is that if your FiveFingers are a snug fit, you may need to size up for winter running.
I suppose the bottom line is that if you liked Injinjis in the past, you’ll like the Performance 2.0 line for sure – and if you (like me) weren’t wild about Injinjis in the past, it may be time to give them a second look. And following this post, a few readers will get the chance to try Injinjis for themselves. The company is offering three winners a running sampler pack including a road model, trail model, and wool Injinji sock. There’s no criteria to enter – it’s simply a luck of the draw thing of this one. Leave a comment below to enter, and I’ll announce the winner on Sunday night.
Thanks very much to Injinji for sponsoring this giveaway, and good luck to everybody!
*Products provided by Injinji
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 12, 2012 22:16
December 9, 2012
Christmas Time's A-Coming
“Christmas time’s a-coming – and I know I’m going home”
- - Patty Loveless, “Christmas Time’s A-Coming”
(video after post)
Even though we don’t live in a winter climate, our little
hometown of Carmel Valley takes Christmas time pretty seriously. For proof, you need look no further than this
weekend’s annual festivities that never fail to draw virtually every man,
woman, and child in town – partly due to the fact that almost everyone is
involved in some capacity.
And since this is the weekend, we’ll use this as a starting
point for an extended Random Shots of Beauty, which may also be rightly called Random Shots of
Christmas, or even Random Shots of Life in a Small Town.
The fun gets underway with the approach of a helicopter to
the Valley’s abandoned old airstrip …
… that carries special passengers from the North Pole.
It’s Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, escorted by a fireman. It’s worth noting that in Carmel Valley,
firemen are right up there with Santa in terms of admiration from local kids –
which is exactly as it should be.
The Advantages of Being a Girl Scout in Carmel Valley, Part
1: the local troop gets first dibs at greeting Santa after touchdown. It’s a great advantage to have …
… because as soon as they’re done, Santa gets the complete
rock star treatment.
In case you doubted that Santa’s arrival is a big deal here:
See that guy in the Hawaiian shirt? He’s
a United States Congressman.
After the Fly-In, our one-street village hosts a Christmas parade
that tells you as much about the town as it does about Christmas …
… beginning with another star turn by the local fire
department in an old-school fire truck.
Advantages of Being a Girl Scout in Carmel Valley, Part 2:
the local Brownies get another featured role in the big day.
Then again, the local dirt-bike kids also get their spot in
the show …
… as do a lot of farm equipment, usually towing a load of
kids.
In an old ranch community, you know you’ll see a lot of
horses …
... and in our part of California, this is the only kind of
snowman most of us will ever see. Also,
did I mention the tractors?
Of course, the nicest tractor is reserved for the star of
the show, fresh off his helicopter landing, along with some lucky kids who get to share the ride with him.
I don’t know whether it’s the impending joy of the holiday
season, or the yearly reminder of what a special place this is to live – but our
annual Christmas parade is one of the many things that makes Carmel Valley feel
like home.
**
And continuing last weekend’s reference to our family’s
favorite Christmas songs is this one from a Patty Loveless album that – seeing as
how I never considered myself a huge bluegrass fan - took me completely by
surprise when it gradually became one of my most-loved collections a few years
ago.
“Christmas Time’s A-Coming” by Patty Loveless (click to
play):
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
- - Patty Loveless, “Christmas Time’s A-Coming”
(video after post)
Even though we don’t live in a winter climate, our little
hometown of Carmel Valley takes Christmas time pretty seriously. For proof, you need look no further than this
weekend’s annual festivities that never fail to draw virtually every man,
woman, and child in town – partly due to the fact that almost everyone is
involved in some capacity.
And since this is the weekend, we’ll use this as a starting
point for an extended Random Shots of Beauty, which may also be rightly called Random Shots of
Christmas, or even Random Shots of Life in a Small Town.

The fun gets underway with the approach of a helicopter to
the Valley’s abandoned old airstrip …

… that carries special passengers from the North Pole.

It’s Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, escorted by a fireman. It’s worth noting that in Carmel Valley,
firemen are right up there with Santa in terms of admiration from local kids –
which is exactly as it should be.

The Advantages of Being a Girl Scout in Carmel Valley, Part
1: the local troop gets first dibs at greeting Santa after touchdown. It’s a great advantage to have …

… because as soon as they’re done, Santa gets the complete
rock star treatment.

In case you doubted that Santa’s arrival is a big deal here:
See that guy in the Hawaiian shirt? He’s
a United States Congressman.

After the Fly-In, our one-street village hosts a Christmas parade
that tells you as much about the town as it does about Christmas …

… beginning with another star turn by the local fire
department in an old-school fire truck.

Advantages of Being a Girl Scout in Carmel Valley, Part 2:
the local Brownies get another featured role in the big day.

Then again, the local dirt-bike kids also get their spot in
the show …

… as do a lot of farm equipment, usually towing a load of
kids.

In an old ranch community, you know you’ll see a lot of
horses …

... and in our part of California, this is the only kind of
snowman most of us will ever see. Also,
did I mention the tractors?

Of course, the nicest tractor is reserved for the star of
the show, fresh off his helicopter landing, along with some lucky kids who get to share the ride with him.
I don’t know whether it’s the impending joy of the holiday
season, or the yearly reminder of what a special place this is to live – but our
annual Christmas parade is one of the many things that makes Carmel Valley feel
like home.

**
And continuing last weekend’s reference to our family’s
favorite Christmas songs is this one from a Patty Loveless album that – seeing as
how I never considered myself a huge bluegrass fan - took me completely by
surprise when it gradually became one of my most-loved collections a few years
ago.
“Christmas Time’s A-Coming” by Patty Loveless (click to
play):
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 09, 2012 17:01
December 6, 2012
Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon Review
At the rate Vibram is going, it’s almost hard to remember a
time when runners complained about the company’s lack of options. Like, you know … all the way back to three
years ago.
Back then trail runners had to make do with Vibram’s flagship KSO model, which effectively became a “one style does all” model that was
adopted by a wide variety of users for pretty much any purpose you can think
of. But as the minimalist running
movement exploded, Vibram remained at the forefront of innovation by cranking
out one new model after another, and focusing more intently on the unique needs
of various user groups.
Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon
As the product line increased, the differences between
models from either a design or performance standpoint become more refined – and
a perfect example of this is the FiveFingers Spyridon, which debuted this fall. It’s essentially an unlaced version of the
company’s Spyridon LS, which was one of my favorite minimalist shoes last fall
and winter.
Spyridon LS on left, new Spyridon on right
Instead of the quick laces that are employed on the LS
version, the Spyridon uses what can rightfully be called a throwback by Vibram
standards: a strap that warps behind the heel and attaches with a Velcro closure
on top of the midfoot.
It’s interesting that Vibram even created an unlaced version
of the Spyridon, considering that for most of its other running shoes – the Bikila, Trek, and SeeYa – the progression happened in the opposite direction: the
unlaced version debuted first, and the laced version came later. (*Note: I'll be reviewing the SeeYa LS soon as well.) The Spyridons went in the opposite direction,
which seems unusual in that the majority of Vibram users typically prefer
laced FiveFingers models to unlaced.
Laced systems have become my preference as well, and in that
regard the Spyridon doesn’t really compel me to ditch my LS version. In my testing, security of the upper through
the midfoot isn’t quite as locked in with the Spyridon as it is with the LS. However, there are a couple other design
elements that might position the Spyridon ahead of the Spyridon LS for some
users.
Uppers of the new Spyridon are composed of a thin,
lightweight stretch mesh that is noticeably cooler than the LS version. It also feels softer against bare skin than
the laced version. Despite the lighter
material, weight of the Spyridon is identical to the LS version at 6.8 oz; my
guess is that the weight that is lost with the lighter upper material is gained
with the addition of the strap.
Construction around the ankle collar is different as well,
with the Spyridon echoing the low profile and thin material of the KSO, while
the Spyridon LS has the more “traditional” (as much as you can say that about
anything Vibram makes) thinly padded
collar and higher Achilles contact that it first used with the Bikila running
models. This is another area of
individual preference; in my case, I happen to like the LS ankle collar better
against bare skin.
Below the upper, the Spyridon is virtually a carbon copy of
the LS – which is great news, because the lower half of the Spyridon LS is simply
awesome. There’s a 3mm polyurethane insole to provide added comfort and a tiny
amount of cushioning underfoot …
... and a super aggressive XS Trek rubber outsole that contacts
the ground. This aggressive,
multi-directional outsole was the second biggest innovation on last year’s
Spyridon LS, and from a performance standpoint it’s hard to imagine how Vibram
can improve upon it. Aside, perhaps,
from the very eye-catching color on this pair, which makes it look like you
just stepped on Kermit the Frog.
As for the biggest innovation on last year’s model, that
would be this:
A heavy duty polyester mesh layer between the outsole and
insole which functions as a flexible rock plate, providing additional puncture
resistance and dispersing sharp impacts across a broader surface area. Having logged hundreds of combined miles on
this plate (inclusive of Spyridon LS and the new model), I’m highly impressed
with the level of protection it offers despite being so thin …
… and still allowing the complete freedom of movement you
expect from Vibram running shoes. Of all
the shoes I’ve tested, it’s the Spyridon (LS or normal) that offers the most
ideal balance of ground feel and protection of the entire bunch.
So I guess my main takeaway from testing the Spyridon is
that these models are both near the very top of the class in minimalist trail
runners – but there may not be a strongly compelling reason to choose the new
version over last year’s laced model. If you’re one who prefers the fit or feel of
Vibram’s traditional upper and strap fastener over the laced versions, this is
definitely the model for you. For
everyone else, it’s kind of a coin flip.
Another determining factor may be cost, as the unlaced
version retails for $110 compared to $120 for the LS – not a huge difference,
but every dollar counts, right? And for a
limited time, you can get Vibram’s Spyridon models at an even better price from
TravelCountry.com, where the unlaced version is on sale for $88, and the LS version is on sale for $96.
*Product provided by Vibram
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
time when runners complained about the company’s lack of options. Like, you know … all the way back to three
years ago.
Back then trail runners had to make do with Vibram’s flagship KSO model, which effectively became a “one style does all” model that was
adopted by a wide variety of users for pretty much any purpose you can think
of. But as the minimalist running
movement exploded, Vibram remained at the forefront of innovation by cranking
out one new model after another, and focusing more intently on the unique needs
of various user groups.

Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon
As the product line increased, the differences between
models from either a design or performance standpoint become more refined – and
a perfect example of this is the FiveFingers Spyridon, which debuted this fall. It’s essentially an unlaced version of the
company’s Spyridon LS, which was one of my favorite minimalist shoes last fall
and winter.

Spyridon LS on left, new Spyridon on right
Instead of the quick laces that are employed on the LS
version, the Spyridon uses what can rightfully be called a throwback by Vibram
standards: a strap that warps behind the heel and attaches with a Velcro closure
on top of the midfoot.
It’s interesting that Vibram even created an unlaced version
of the Spyridon, considering that for most of its other running shoes – the Bikila, Trek, and SeeYa – the progression happened in the opposite direction: the
unlaced version debuted first, and the laced version came later. (*Note: I'll be reviewing the SeeYa LS soon as well.) The Spyridons went in the opposite direction,
which seems unusual in that the majority of Vibram users typically prefer
laced FiveFingers models to unlaced.

Laced systems have become my preference as well, and in that
regard the Spyridon doesn’t really compel me to ditch my LS version. In my testing, security of the upper through
the midfoot isn’t quite as locked in with the Spyridon as it is with the LS. However, there are a couple other design
elements that might position the Spyridon ahead of the Spyridon LS for some
users.
Uppers of the new Spyridon are composed of a thin,
lightweight stretch mesh that is noticeably cooler than the LS version. It also feels softer against bare skin than
the laced version. Despite the lighter
material, weight of the Spyridon is identical to the LS version at 6.8 oz; my
guess is that the weight that is lost with the lighter upper material is gained
with the addition of the strap.

Construction around the ankle collar is different as well,
with the Spyridon echoing the low profile and thin material of the KSO, while
the Spyridon LS has the more “traditional” (as much as you can say that about
anything Vibram makes) thinly padded
collar and higher Achilles contact that it first used with the Bikila running
models. This is another area of
individual preference; in my case, I happen to like the LS ankle collar better
against bare skin.

Below the upper, the Spyridon is virtually a carbon copy of
the LS – which is great news, because the lower half of the Spyridon LS is simply
awesome. There’s a 3mm polyurethane insole to provide added comfort and a tiny
amount of cushioning underfoot …

... and a super aggressive XS Trek rubber outsole that contacts
the ground. This aggressive,
multi-directional outsole was the second biggest innovation on last year’s
Spyridon LS, and from a performance standpoint it’s hard to imagine how Vibram
can improve upon it. Aside, perhaps,
from the very eye-catching color on this pair, which makes it look like you
just stepped on Kermit the Frog.
As for the biggest innovation on last year’s model, that
would be this:

A heavy duty polyester mesh layer between the outsole and
insole which functions as a flexible rock plate, providing additional puncture
resistance and dispersing sharp impacts across a broader surface area. Having logged hundreds of combined miles on
this plate (inclusive of Spyridon LS and the new model), I’m highly impressed
with the level of protection it offers despite being so thin …

… and still allowing the complete freedom of movement you
expect from Vibram running shoes. Of all
the shoes I’ve tested, it’s the Spyridon (LS or normal) that offers the most
ideal balance of ground feel and protection of the entire bunch.
So I guess my main takeaway from testing the Spyridon is
that these models are both near the very top of the class in minimalist trail
runners – but there may not be a strongly compelling reason to choose the new
version over last year’s laced model. If you’re one who prefers the fit or feel of
Vibram’s traditional upper and strap fastener over the laced versions, this is
definitely the model for you. For
everyone else, it’s kind of a coin flip.
Another determining factor may be cost, as the unlaced
version retails for $110 compared to $120 for the LS – not a huge difference,
but every dollar counts, right? And for a
limited time, you can get Vibram’s Spyridon models at an even better price from
TravelCountry.com, where the unlaced version is on sale for $88, and the LS version is on sale for $96.

*Product provided by Vibram
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Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 06, 2012 23:42
December 5, 2012
Run For Power (In a Hamster Wheel!)
Would you run in a hamster wheel to save the Earth? That was the question posed by Outside Magazine in response to a proposal by a Lebanese industrial engineer who presumably had a creative stroke of genius during one of the frequent power outages in his home town of Beirut.
His brainchild is essentially a modern treadmill that harvests energy – and if the technology is applied in large enough quantities, may pose a very viable alternative to traditional sources.
It got my friend Mike and I to thinking about whether or not runners and cyclists would embrace the idea enough to make it work – and it became the inspiration for the Monterey Herald column that follows below.
** Running Life 11/29/12 “Run for Power”
Last week was Thanksgiving – and if you ask any runner what he or she is thankful for, the ability to run will be fairly high on the list.
So how can a grateful runner pay that blessing forward? There are several routes you can take. You can volunteer at a race. You can invite a friend to go running with you. You can help a running partner train to set a personal record.
Or if you’re more globally minded, you can help to save the world.
All photos from YankoDesign.com
At least, that’s the idea a Lebanese industrial designer named Nadim Inaty proposed this summer to a website called Yanko Design, an online magazine dedicated to introducing innovative concepts in all walks of life. Inaty’s design was complete with specs and schematics, and the discussion that followed further clarified precisely how runners and cyclists can produce green energy and decrease our collective reliance on fossil fuels.
Click photos to enlarge
Yes, it’s ambitious, but the whole notion is actually quite plausible. Here’s how the Yanko site describes it: “Green Wheel is an exercise machine that transforms kinetic energy produced by the human body into electricity. Multiple machines are connected to a central energy storage unit where electricity can then be supplemented to road lights and traffic lights.” Essentially, the machine is a large (3 meter diameter) hamster wheel that is powered by humans; it’s not the most flattering exercise invention ever created, but then again, neither is spandex.
Inaty imagines that units could be placed in public spaces – his prototype features grassy rest areas surrounding the wheel - and that users could donate their jogging time in exchange for a place to run. Have you ever run along the coastline and wished the view could last forever? Well, if a Green Wheel was parked along the rec trail somewhere, you’d enjoy the same scenic vista throughout your entire run.
At the very least, a unit would be a step up from the treadmill, which has been antagonizing runners ever since the days of George Jetson. If your health club installed a few Green Wheels alongside the regular treadmills, wouldn’t you rather pick the one that had some external benefit? Don’t worry, someone will figure out a way to show your favorite TV program inside the wheel by the time we get there.
Health clubs can make an even more tangible impact if similar technology is incorporated into exercise bikes. Imagine a spin class full of energetic 30-somethings pumping their legs up and down like crazy, generating small increments of electricity with each pedal stroke. If nothing else, the power they create will offset all the hot water they’ll use when showering afterwards.
For the concept to succeed, Green Wheels need to be used in large numbers, because the power output is somewhat low. By Inaty’s calculations, a single unit used for 30 minutes will produce roughly 120 watts – which is enough to light a compact fluorescent bulb for five hours, or to charge 12 mobile phones. Yes, it’s small in individual doses – but think about how many treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes are in motion all day long in gyms and health clubs all over the country. If each of those machines contributed a small charge to the grid, the impact on city infrastructures could become significant.
Therefore, another necessary component is altruism, in that runners or cyclists will voluntarily contribute their efforts for the greater good – which is where the whole Thanksgiving thing comes back in. If you’ve been blessed with the ability to run, wouldn’t you appreciate a creative way to leverage that gift for a greater good? Or if you’re looking for a unique way to get in shape, would this kind of eco-friendly mission be enough to inspire you?
The Earth needs your help. Get out there and run!
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.
His brainchild is essentially a modern treadmill that harvests energy – and if the technology is applied in large enough quantities, may pose a very viable alternative to traditional sources.
It got my friend Mike and I to thinking about whether or not runners and cyclists would embrace the idea enough to make it work – and it became the inspiration for the Monterey Herald column that follows below.
** Running Life 11/29/12 “Run for Power”
Last week was Thanksgiving – and if you ask any runner what he or she is thankful for, the ability to run will be fairly high on the list.
So how can a grateful runner pay that blessing forward? There are several routes you can take. You can volunteer at a race. You can invite a friend to go running with you. You can help a running partner train to set a personal record.
Or if you’re more globally minded, you can help to save the world.

At least, that’s the idea a Lebanese industrial designer named Nadim Inaty proposed this summer to a website called Yanko Design, an online magazine dedicated to introducing innovative concepts in all walks of life. Inaty’s design was complete with specs and schematics, and the discussion that followed further clarified precisely how runners and cyclists can produce green energy and decrease our collective reliance on fossil fuels.

Yes, it’s ambitious, but the whole notion is actually quite plausible. Here’s how the Yanko site describes it: “Green Wheel is an exercise machine that transforms kinetic energy produced by the human body into electricity. Multiple machines are connected to a central energy storage unit where electricity can then be supplemented to road lights and traffic lights.” Essentially, the machine is a large (3 meter diameter) hamster wheel that is powered by humans; it’s not the most flattering exercise invention ever created, but then again, neither is spandex.
Inaty imagines that units could be placed in public spaces – his prototype features grassy rest areas surrounding the wheel - and that users could donate their jogging time in exchange for a place to run. Have you ever run along the coastline and wished the view could last forever? Well, if a Green Wheel was parked along the rec trail somewhere, you’d enjoy the same scenic vista throughout your entire run.

At the very least, a unit would be a step up from the treadmill, which has been antagonizing runners ever since the days of George Jetson. If your health club installed a few Green Wheels alongside the regular treadmills, wouldn’t you rather pick the one that had some external benefit? Don’t worry, someone will figure out a way to show your favorite TV program inside the wheel by the time we get there.

Health clubs can make an even more tangible impact if similar technology is incorporated into exercise bikes. Imagine a spin class full of energetic 30-somethings pumping their legs up and down like crazy, generating small increments of electricity with each pedal stroke. If nothing else, the power they create will offset all the hot water they’ll use when showering afterwards.

For the concept to succeed, Green Wheels need to be used in large numbers, because the power output is somewhat low. By Inaty’s calculations, a single unit used for 30 minutes will produce roughly 120 watts – which is enough to light a compact fluorescent bulb for five hours, or to charge 12 mobile phones. Yes, it’s small in individual doses – but think about how many treadmills, elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes are in motion all day long in gyms and health clubs all over the country. If each of those machines contributed a small charge to the grid, the impact on city infrastructures could become significant.
Therefore, another necessary component is altruism, in that runners or cyclists will voluntarily contribute their efforts for the greater good – which is where the whole Thanksgiving thing comes back in. If you’ve been blessed with the ability to run, wouldn’t you appreciate a creative way to leverage that gift for a greater good? Or if you’re looking for a unique way to get in shape, would this kind of eco-friendly mission be enough to inspire you?
The Earth needs your help. Get out there and run!
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 05, 2012 23:24
December 3, 2012
Merrell Big Sky Jacket Review
Hey, guess what? It’s
Vendemmia season! One of the sweetest
events of the fall, and I feel kind of bad that it’s taken me this long to acknowledge
it.
OK, I had to Google it; I had no idea what Vendemmia
was. But that’s why I like doing
research for these product reviews: because I never know what sort of
interesting information I’m going to stumble across. I got to Vendemmia via
Merrell’s Big Sky jacket, which of course I’ll tell you about shortly – but first,
a bit about its inspiration.
Merrell Big Sky jacket
Vendemmia is the fall grape harvesting and crushing time in
the historic wine regions of Italy. It’s hard to predict the exact dates, as the kickoff depends on the grapes
reaching their peak ripeness, which can vary by vineyard throughout the country.
Vendemmia is the time of year when wine-making
families stop whatever else they're doing to focus all their attention on getting grapes off the vine and processed
– it's a period that entails long days of labor and careful attention to detail. Nights are spent relaxing, and by late fall
the first editions of new wines are available in restaurants and tasting rooms
for the public to enjoy.
Merrell used the traditional Vendemmia as the inspiration
for a line of fall apparel that combines Old World materials and styling with
performance and comfort features. The
Big Sky jacket comes from that collection, which the website says is made for “long
days on the trail and longer nights with friends.”
Interior fleece on left, exterior wool on right
The exterior of the Big Sky is about as traditional as you
can get, with an all-weather wool fabric blend that is brushed smooth and soft,
with practically no itchiness that wool sometimes causes. However, the interior layers bring the jacket
into the 21st century, with super soft fleece interior lining, and
Merrell’s Aeroblock fabric that provides high wind resistance and
breathability.
There’s also a bit of nylon to provide stretchiness and full
range of motion, resulting in an overall fabric blend of 62% polyester, 27%
wool, and 11% nylon. Wind resistance of
the jacket is 12 cubic feet per minute per square meter (or CFM – I had to look
that one up too), which places it squarely in the 10-15 CFM range of most midweight
softshell jackets. However, the Big Sky
insulates better than soft shells, as the wool combination maintains body
heat much more effectively than many synthetic materials.
Even more than the material performance, I’m most impressed
with the styling of the Big Sky. It’s
got a classic Old World look, and truly would be equally at home on the trail
or a fancy Italian restaurant. And since
the jacket is so cozy and comfortable, you can wear it for hours on end with no
problem. I wear it to church on Sundays, and keep
it on for lounging around the house the rest of the afternoon.
Sometimes there’s a lot to be said for the old ways, whether
it’s the longstanding art of winemaking or the stylish utility of well-designed
apparel. Merrell’s Big Sky is an ideal
casual option for cool autumn days and nights – whether you’re enjoying
Vendemmia in Italy or fall festivities closer to home.
It is available in four colors and retails for $139 from the Merrell website.
*Product provided by
Merrell.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.

Vendemmia season! One of the sweetest
events of the fall, and I feel kind of bad that it’s taken me this long to acknowledge
it.
OK, I had to Google it; I had no idea what Vendemmia
was. But that’s why I like doing
research for these product reviews: because I never know what sort of
interesting information I’m going to stumble across. I got to Vendemmia via
Merrell’s Big Sky jacket, which of course I’ll tell you about shortly – but first,
a bit about its inspiration.

Merrell Big Sky jacket
Vendemmia is the fall grape harvesting and crushing time in
the historic wine regions of Italy. It’s hard to predict the exact dates, as the kickoff depends on the grapes
reaching their peak ripeness, which can vary by vineyard throughout the country.
Vendemmia is the time of year when wine-making
families stop whatever else they're doing to focus all their attention on getting grapes off the vine and processed
– it's a period that entails long days of labor and careful attention to detail. Nights are spent relaxing, and by late fall
the first editions of new wines are available in restaurants and tasting rooms
for the public to enjoy.
Merrell used the traditional Vendemmia as the inspiration
for a line of fall apparel that combines Old World materials and styling with
performance and comfort features. The
Big Sky jacket comes from that collection, which the website says is made for “long
days on the trail and longer nights with friends.”

Interior fleece on left, exterior wool on right
The exterior of the Big Sky is about as traditional as you
can get, with an all-weather wool fabric blend that is brushed smooth and soft,
with practically no itchiness that wool sometimes causes. However, the interior layers bring the jacket
into the 21st century, with super soft fleece interior lining, and
Merrell’s Aeroblock fabric that provides high wind resistance and
breathability.
There’s also a bit of nylon to provide stretchiness and full
range of motion, resulting in an overall fabric blend of 62% polyester, 27%
wool, and 11% nylon. Wind resistance of
the jacket is 12 cubic feet per minute per square meter (or CFM – I had to look
that one up too), which places it squarely in the 10-15 CFM range of most midweight
softshell jackets. However, the Big Sky
insulates better than soft shells, as the wool combination maintains body
heat much more effectively than many synthetic materials.

Even more than the material performance, I’m most impressed
with the styling of the Big Sky. It’s
got a classic Old World look, and truly would be equally at home on the trail
or a fancy Italian restaurant. And since
the jacket is so cozy and comfortable, you can wear it for hours on end with no
problem. I wear it to church on Sundays, and keep
it on for lounging around the house the rest of the afternoon.
Sometimes there’s a lot to be said for the old ways, whether
it’s the longstanding art of winemaking or the stylish utility of well-designed
apparel. Merrell’s Big Sky is an ideal
casual option for cool autumn days and nights – whether you’re enjoying
Vendemmia in Italy or fall festivities closer to home.
It is available in four colors and retails for $139 from the Merrell website.
*Product provided by
Merrell.
Get updates as soon as they're posted! Click here to subscribe to Running and Rambling.
Check out the Running Life book for a collection of our most popular columns.








Published on December 03, 2012 23:52