Thursday, March 19, 2009

New "Rides"



Well, it was time to get a new pair of shoes or "rides" since my current pair of Vasque Blurs have nearly 1000 miles on them. Plus, with the Zumbro 100 coming up in a few weeks, I didn't want to wait too long to break a new pair in. This year, I ended up switching brands. For some reason, Vasque changed their lasts which now have a funky and noticeable arch on the insole. Having flat feet, this is very bothersome. As a result, I tried out some Montrail Hardrocks and The North Face Rucky Chuckys. The Montrails were pretty nice, but had rather stiff forefoots. Otherwise, a pretty nice shoe with plenty of toe room (extremely important to me). However, the winner was Rucky Chuckys. They had it all - flexibility, comfortable footbed, good construction, and plenty of toe room for feet that will swell during ultras. Plus, you gotta love the funky green and yellow colors. Well, at least I do. I'll be putting them through the paces the next several days, with a long trail run planned for Sunday (weather and trail conditions permitting).

Overall, my training has been continuing to go well. I feel really strong and incorporated yet another 20-minute challenge to my workout routine. This week it was burpees or otherwise known as squat thrusts. Only difference with these is that you have to do a pushup after you kick your legs out. I completed a surprising 106 in the 20-minute time limit. I will tell you, they are extremely exhausting and will work your back and abs in addition to your arms and legs. I've also been continuing on they Paleo Diet for almost 4 weeks. So far, it's been easier to stay on than I thought and I've had no ill effects. In fact, I feel pretty darn good!! I haven't really lost nor gained any weight, but then again, I'm 6'1" and 170 pounds, so there's not a ton to be lost. However, I do feel like I look a little leaner than before, so perhaps I'm trading fat for muscle. Who knows? It's too early anyway to truly tell. The main thing is that I'm eating A LOT more veggies and protein, which I needed to be doing anyway.

Hope to see ya on the trails!!

3 comments:

SteveQ said...

So where'd you score the new kicks? I'm planning on doing Zumbro on very worn-out Blurs.

Steve said...

Steve Q,

I bought them at the Bloomington REI. They hadn't even put them out on display yet, so I was told I probably bought the first pair. I'll be bringing along my worn-out Blurs as backups to Zumbro, in case it gets really wet or my feet just need fresh shoes.

brothergrub said...

Must be new - I was at our REI here and they didn't have them last week...