Cleaning out my closet

           I cleaned out my closet yesterday. I normally do not have these many shoes. BUT, they discontinued my favorite running show, Brooks Pure Connects. So I went on a hunt on Ebay...no, I've been hunting in Ebay for weeks and weeks finding every decent, size nine, women's Brooks Pure Connects I can buy. Then in this mix are the shoes I ran special races in.....like my first marathon, my first (and only so far) Ultra. Then, there are the shoes I bought during my uber minimalist stage, which sadly, did not last long, but it did dent my wallet quite a bit. During the cleaning I DID get rid of most of my heels by the way. I went through a stage of wearing sexy shoes with my sexy dresses, not I still wear sexy dresses, but sandals are the only accompaniment to those outfits. In the winter it's sexy dresses and boots. Below are some of the shoes I am getting rid of, if interested and you wear 8.5 women, write me, I will send you the Ebay links where they are listed. 

 

My North Face Endurance Challenge Half-Marathon in Sterling, VA

               This was my first trail race and it was so fun!! Lots of obstacles such as very steep hills going up and down, some muddy areas, and some areas where you had to cross a small body of water over rocks. 

At the beginning everyone waiting for the race to begin. 

Beautiful views all around

More beautiful views

A golf course...perfect skies

The sound of rushing water

Very calm view

Single track for most of the trails

More rushing water

Back inland for more single track 

almost there....

View of water from up above

up and down.....very hilly course

Dusty, dirty ankles....

My bib and my medal.....The race was actually more like 15 miles....

My 5 Mile Trail Run/Walk.....my taper....

     I know, I know I am supposed to taper before a race, but the anxiety was getting to me and I decided to get out on the trails and run/walk for 5 miles....it was so fun!!

This bridge was sitting quietly amongst the trees....

Deer jumped away as I came near and stood and watched me as I passed.

Gravel trails are fun to run in...

Nothing like walking in the shade of the trees...

My new trail shoes.....doing great...

View of bridge again....see the underpass?

The canopy above...

Bridge over water,,,

The bridge again...

wonder what all this rock is for?

Look what stupid people think the trails are for.....how awful!!

Here on the ground, the sun does not shine..

Streams

Loving My New Balance MT1010 Trail Shoes

                    I am loving my new trail shoes. They are fairly minimal compared to my Brooks PureConnects, which seem to have a bit more of an arch support. Needless to say, adjusting to new shoes is always difficult, no matter how RIGHT the new shoes are for you.  But overall, I have had relatively zero issues so far. The race is in 2 days and I am still debating whether to not to just go in my road sneakers since I am very comfortable on those already and if it does not race, it will not be technical trail run at all. I have also worn my new trail shoes to work as a way to see if I can anticipate any areas that might give me issues, so far none. It does feel quite liberating for someone with wide feet who has always gotten used to having tight fitting toe boxes, to suddenly be able to wiggle my toes; this takes a little time to adjust.

Just got my first pair of trail shoes!!!

                   I got myself the 1010 Minimus, New Balance. I have heard some mixed reviews on them, but overall they are the ones that felt most like my own sneakers at the store, so I needed to trust my instincts. They get shipped in tomorrow, so I will let you know how they turn out.....can't wait!!

Trail Shoes.....a search...(part 1)

     I am looking for trail shoes that are minimalist and come with a wide box....started with a question posted to Runner's World Forum and got some really good suggestions. Here is what I have found out so far....I am leaning towards Altras and/or Pearl Izumis based on these YouTube reviews. Check them out!!

NEW BALANCE MINIMUS TRAIL RUNNING

On Serious Running.com these were some of the positive reviews listed about this trail shoe:

* The midsole is very flexible which allows the shoe to bend like your foot does
* The toe area also seems to be wider than than the New Balance Trail 100s
* The upper is a synthetic mesh which keeps the New Balance 101 Minimalist Trail Running shoes dry and breathable


                                                    PURE GRIT WOMENS

INOV-8 TRAIL ROC Teaser

SKETCHERS GO BIONIC



ALTRA WOME'S LONE PEAK


PEARL IZUMI PEAK II TRAIL