Altra The One 2.5

Just bought a pair of Altra 2.5! I am a huge fan of the 2 's so expecting the 2.5 to wow me. Couple of noticeable differences, the 2.5 are not as wide and the heel isn't as padded. I felt a little heel slip when I ran today and I'm hoping it will get better with a few more miles.

I am loving the new colors,  the Red/Orange/ Yellow are pretty rad!

Injinji Socks

Got myself a pair of Injinji Toe socks and I like them alot.  Took them on multiple long runs and they have held up nicely. If you aren't use to the toe socks or toe shoes can be bit of a transition. Kinda of hard to get on at first but gets easier with practice.  I'm a fan because of no blisters and keep my feet dry!

New GingerRunner Hat!

So pumped to get my limited edition  #gingerrunner hat today in the mail! Can't wait to wear it in up coming races! #trainracebeer #shaggyrunner

Drank the Altra Kool-Aid!

I have been looking to try on the Altra One2 shoes for road running.  Found a store called Foot Dynamics in my area that carries Altra.  My plan was to try them on and decide if I wanted to buy.  I ended up leaving the store with not only the One2's but also the Superior 2's for trail running.  So far I have been very impressed with the limited miles I have but on both shoes this weekend.  I am definitely a fan of the light weight and wide toe box that both shoes possess!  I think I have drank the Altra Kool-Aid and I think I like it!

Go see McFarland USA!!!

The wife and I had date night last night so we took advantage of some alone time without the kid and did dinner and a movie. We were both excited to see McFarland because: A) who doesn't love Kevin Costner? B) it's a new running movie.  The story is based on a true story of a teacher/coach who gets a job in rural McFarland CA. Costner plays the coach who creates a success boys Cross Country team with Hispanic farm kids.  This story is very touching and does a great job of showing this tiny farming community and their pride.  The running themes in this movie are about hard work,  determination,  and rising about what you think you can do. Well done Disney, you did it again with another great sports movie!

Photo credit: Disney Theatrical Release Poster

Shamrock Shuffle Half Review

On Saturday March 14th I ran the Shamrock Shuffle Half at Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell, Idaho.  This is the first time running this event and the second Final Kick Events Race I have done in a row (ran the Run4Luv last month).

The race was at the Ste. Chapelle Winery and it was a really nice vineyard out in rural Idaho.  The weather was suppose to be nice but ended up being a little overcast and rainy.  The temp was around 60, so it comfortable for running.

I had planned to run with my buddy and take it easy because my big race is next month.  We planned to keep around a 8:30 pace.

The course started out a little tough with a couple tough hills the first 2 miles.  The course flattened out and took us out past Lake Lowell.  This is a route I would never run otherwise so I was enjoying running something new.

I felt strong this race and was encouraging my buddy to keep up so we could finish together.  It was nice to have a running partner because it makes the miles tick off faster.

We finished at 1:53.08 and placed 41 and 42 out of about 300.  It was a nice training day and fun to try a new course.  I was very pleased to feel so strong a month out from my big race!!!

Image take from: http://theshamrockshuffle.net

Nike you rock!

I use the Nike gps watch and although I have had some problems with it, Nike has been really awesome with their customer service.  My first issue with the watch was a year ago when some condensation got in the face and Nike replaced it with no issues. Yesterday I noticed my newer watch isn't charging so I called Nike up again.  I was informed that Nike isn't making gps watches anymore and that they would give me $ credit to Nike.com. They offended the full price of the watch $160!!! I have had the watch for 2 years and they are paying me back for it with Nike credit!  I also found out that Nike+ will now sync with Garmin and TomTom. Bonus! Now I can get another watch and keep my account going!!  I am pretty blown away with their customer service and excited to look a other watches.  Oh ya and spend some Nike money!

DIY Running Medal Holder

I got to work creating a couple medal holders for my wife and myself.  Found some scrap wood in the garage and with a little paint and energy they weren't too hard.  Finished project turned out nice and now all I have to do finish more races to fill it up!

I Googled "Shaggy Runner"

I picked "Shaggy Runner" as my nickname and blog title for obvious reasons, my hair and my resemblance to an 80's cartoon character. Couple days later decided to google it and found tons of pictures of carpet! Guess I need to change that and get my brand out there!  :)

"Hands go up, & they stay there"

My buddy and I ran the Valentines Day Half Marathon in our city couple weeks ago and when I got the downloaded the race pictures I found my buddy with his hands up in everyone! What's worse having a pained look or an over excited look? These made me laugh because I wasn't aware of his hand up antics!