Category: Thoughts

This weekend I bought a new pair of road running shoes and testing them out today. I bought the Altra Torin. I wear a size 11 shoe and the men’s shoe fit the best.

When I lived in Tucson, I ran in a pair of Lone Peaks for trail running. I like them, but didn’t love them. But giving the road shoe a chance.

On Saturday I actually bought these from a running store, Runner’s Alley in Concord. The sales person was great and offered his advice on different options. Originally I wanted to buy a pair of Hoka’s but they didn’t fit well. I have some issues with my left foot: neuroma and a bunion so I need a bigger toe box. I’ve run on Asics and Pearl Izumi’s for so long and they have been good to me but it was time to try a different road shoe. And, as you know, Pearl Izumi isn’t making running products anymore ;-(

The Altra brand says that their Zero Drop running shoes can help improve technique and with the Toe Box will maximize shock absorption – all things that will be good for me.

I’m trying them out this morning and will let you know.

Things I do: Every time I buy a new pair of shoes I buy a new pair of socks. This time I bought a pair of Darn Tough socks made in Vermont.

Buy Local, Run Local – that’s my new motto. I don’t buy from Amazon anymore. Even though I could buy a few last pairs of Pearl Izumi road shoes from Amazon I chose not to. I’m buying from my local stores and local products. Speaking of making changes, I saw this online yesterday about The Small Change Initiative – geared to trail runners. “The idea is our small change, be it $5, $10, $20, or more adds up to big impact for organizations making a difference in the places we visit for our races and other adventures.” I think it’s a pretty cool idea. Here’s Adventures in Thumbhole’s blog.

Do you ever make bets with yourself and as a reward you sign up for something fun?

I do it all the time. Sometimes it works for motivation, sometimes not. Last night I found out from Facebook that there is a trail marathon in Bear Brook State Park; 11 miles from my house. I’m so used to driving hours for a race and don’t want to do it anymore – I want to run local. One of the many benefits of living in Concord is I’m central to so many events and activities. Plus, I need to sign up for a race that is long and on a trail, that is half way to my 53K race in September. I told myself if I got up today and ran the 7.5 mile loop I would sign up for it. I’m ready to hit the road with my new gear and to sign up for more races!

As part of the North Face Locals Ambassador program they send athletes a box of products to try each year. This year when I received it I was living in Colorado. It doesn’t rain as much as it does there as it does here in New Hampshire where I now live so I didn’t get much of chance to try rain hear. Now, I wear the Women’s Isotherm jacket almost every run and it’s my go-to running jacket to stay warm and dry.

Here’s me in my jacket in February when I ran a loop near Rye Beach.

The jacket has always kept me dry and warm. I’ve been running in all kinds of weather: wind, rain, misty rain, rain and wind and earlier in March snow.

With all the rain and cold temperatures, I wear this jacket, a long sleeve shirt, running tights and I’m good for any distance. This morning, Tuesday, May 9, 2017 it is 32 degrees. I will be adding a beanie and gloves.

I’m a bit biased when it comes to The North Face products because I’ve tried so many of their winter jackets, running tights, hats, vests and backpacks. The products have never let me down and I’m proud to be an ambassador.

Today’s run.