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Since I was going solo, I wasn’t in any hurry to get out there.  I took the drive across the metro and pulled in to the parking lot at Afton about 9pm.  I grabbed my pack, donned my headlamp and took to the trail.  The half-mile hike from lot to site, felt a bit longer due to the several inches of snow on the ground.  The trail staircase descent into the valley was a little sketchy, especially with 30 or so pounds on my back.  I was surprised to find another group of campers in one of the first sites.  They were far enough off the trail that I don’t think the noticed me.  I hiked back a bit farther in to the backpacking area, grabbed a few chunks of firewood, and picked a site that would hopefully provide some shelter from the north wind.

I made a meager attempt to start a fire, got it going, and turned to set up the tent.  I cleared a patch for the Big Agnes Madhouse 3 and set it up in record-slow time.  I was in no hurry and was enjoying the evening.  Also, working tent stakes into frozen ground is a pain.  Just as I finished securing the rain fly on the tent, a pack of coyotes across the river let out their super creepy, cackle-howl thing that they do.  You have never had your skin crawl until you have heard coyote calls in the middle of the woods at night.  It sounds like an insane woman screaming… no offence to screaming insane women. 

Picnic table = wind block

So, I then turned back to my poorly built fire, which had extinguished.  I poked at it for a minute and then decided that I would rather hunker down in the tent and make some hot chocolate.  I climbed inside my new winter sleeping bag and fired up the stove.  I have had the Primus EtaPack Lite for about a year now, and have become a big fan.  My old stove (long-term borrowed from my brother) was a multi-fuel, bottle and pump, MSR WhisperLite Internationale.  I opted for the convenience of a canister style stove, which is especially nice during longer winter boils and melting snow.  I will admit that it isn’t quite as efficient as white gas, and you have to orient the canister upside down in the winter (make sure to use an butane-propane blend), but the ease of use is worth it to me.  However, if I was going on a long trip, the WhisperLite is bombproof and can run on most liquid fuels.

Canister Convenience

I used to make due winter camping with my 35 degree down sleeping bag and a cheap fleece summer sleeping bag from Wal-Mart as a liner (on top of a thermally dense sleeping pad).  I decided to get an actual winter bag and picked up a Mountain Hardware Switch 5 from my favorite local deal provider: Thrifty Outfitters, part of Midwest Mountaineering.  It’s not the most packable bag around, but it’s not bad.  I think I’ll be picking up a compression sack so this thing doesn’t take up so much space in my pack. 

One unique feature of the Switch 5 is an expandable baffle that runs most of the length of the bag.  This can be used to expand the size of the bag, or also lower the thermal rating of the bag.  I started out with the baffle open, but I got a little too cool in the middle of the night.  I zipped the baffle closed and snugged the neck baffle and hood up, and I was surprised how big of a difference that made.  I warmed up pretty quickly and was very comfortable.  It was easily warm enough for the night temps in the lower teens and the size was great for me at 5′ 10″, 165 pounds.  Also in the picture above is the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core sleeping pad.  It’s the most comfortable pad I’ve ever slept on, and packs down very small.

Just me and three snowshoers (the other campers)

I woke up to a windy morning and a snow peaked tent.  Cracking yourself out of a warm sleeping bag is one of the hardest things to do while winter camping.  Here’s a handy tip: bring along a disposable or easily cleanable bottle for you to do your midnight *ahem* business in, and save yourself that cold night trip to the tree next to the tent.  It may sound gross, but I assure you it’s awesome.  Back to the matter at hand: getting out of bed.  Keep a few of your clothes in the sleeping bag with you at night, that way in the morning you have a warm layer to put on before you put on a cold jacket and frozen boots.  Also, keep the stove nearby so you can still be in your sleeping bag and lean into the vestibule and make yourself a hot morning beverage.  It makes getting out of the tent slightly less annoying. 

Screw those shoes!

I’m pretty much a gear head, but for some reason I didn’t want to jump into the list of traction devices in my previos post.  I opted for the roll-your-own, screw shoes option.  This option has been professed for a while, but perhaps my less than young body has  convinced me this is a good idea (read: I fell on my ass, and it hurt). 

I ran to my local hardware store and grabbed twenty 3/8 inch hex head screws.  Since these are Nike Air running shoes, I wanted to avoid deflating the marketing genius inside of my shoes.  I kept the screws to the outside lugs of the shoes.  While this isn’t the most optimal traction pattern, it does prevent me from repeating the backside impact that I really wish to avoid.  The difference in grip is dramatic.  It’s not like running on dry ground, but it lends much confidence to my footing.  If I didn’t have the air pockets in my way, I would certainly add more screws to the mix.  If not for the traction, just to look and sound a little more like a badass.  Did I mention the unique crunch of metal on concrete this creates?  It reminds me of cross country races when you had to cross the occasional section of pavement in racing spikes. 

I have enjoyed the screw shoe experience to such an extent that I decided to toss them in another pair of shoes.  I had an extra twenty 1/2 inch screws and put them to use in an old pair of New Balance.  I think the half inchers are a little longer than necessary, so next time I’m at the hardware store, I’ll be picking up another twenty 3/8th inchers and loading up these winter runners.

In a  BackpackingLight.com article the author decided to see if he could get all of the basic equipment at Walmart for less than $100.   Click here to see how it went.

A few years ago, I purchased a set of Yaktrax Pro traction devices.  It was after a painful bounce on an ice cover sidewalk that I decided to break down and do something about my lack of friction on frozen running surfaces.

I’m no noob to running on ice and snow.  I had run year-round in Wisconsin for all of high school and college.  The frustrations of uncleared sidewalks and refrozen roads were all too familiar.  However, my aching backside convinced me to try out one of the traction devices the 21st century has brough us. 

Despite growing up in Wisconsin, the ice conditions in Kansas City were a surprise to me.  In a particular January a few years ago, we had a large amount of freezing rain, snow, melting and freezing, and therefore ice.  I strapped on my new Yaktrax and went for a spin.  As I ran along, I was skeptical of the traction capabilty of the wire-wrapped rubber web stretched across the soles of my shoes.  It wasn’t until my dog, with claws out, slid off the sidewalk that I realized I was running on ice.  Literally, my lab/shepard mix slid off the sidewalk.

So, that was settled.  Yaktrax do offer outstanding traction on ice and packed snow.  The catch ended up being the durability of the devices.  After a week, I had worn flat spots on certain areas of the wire tread: mostly the ball/toe area.  Within two weeks the steel tread had been worn through.  That wouldn’t have been a big deal.  I would gladly pay $20 or so a season for good traction, but the rubber framework of the Yaktrax then broke.  In about two weeks, I had killed a set on mostly ice and snow covered sidewalks and roads.  And for the curious folks, I was running about 25 miles a week. 

I’m still hoping to find an optimal solution for traction issues on frozen running surfaces.  It looks like durability will be the biggest issue with this kind of traction device.  The Kako ICEtrekkers  Diamond Grip (pictured) or Chains look like they may fill the role.  but the durabiltiy would still possibly be an issue.  I would also rather not spend $40 per season for this, but I would be happy if they could last at least a couple of seasons.

Then there is dedicated winter running shoe such as the Asics Gel-Arctic 2 .  The Asics has 10 replaceable spikes in the base of each shoe.  Having run in a number of cross-country and track shoes with these type of spikes, I know they can be a pain when they get stuck.  The spikes should be easy enough to acquire, but would they be durable enough for a season or two (or ten) of winter running?

Another more versitile winter shoe is the Salomon Speedcross 2 GTX.  It doesn’t have spikes but has a specialized rubber outsole claimed to “supply superior traction on snow, slush and mud”. 

Finally, there’s the “screw your shoes” option.  I have a hard time convincing myself to put screws in the bottom of a pair of shoes, but that may be a paradigm that I need to change.  It’s been recommended by several experienced winter trail runners.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on what I choose and how it goes.  I’m sure you’re on the edge of your seat.

Originally submitted at Sierra Trading Post

Closeouts . Goodhew hiking socks offer cushioned support and the itch-free comfort of merino wool to see you all the way up the mountain. Itch-free merino wool naturally regulates temperature, wicks moisture and doesn’t retain odor Turn welt top Arch support Flat toe seam Medium cushion …

Goodhew Hiking Socks – Merino Wool, Medium Cushion (For Men and Women)

Awesome, as far as socks go…

Fit: Feels true to size

Pros: Wicks Away Moisture, Comfortable, Good Design, Soft, Regulates Temperature Well

Cons: None yet

Best Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Daily Use

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

Was this a gift?: No

I’ve only had these for a little while, but they are perhaps the most comfortable socks to ever have been pulled over my feet. It’s like I’ve lined my feet with baby rabbits, without the hassle of baby rabbits. I have a few other merino socks, but so far these take the cake.

I picked up a couple for my wife, and she loves them too. They may have made up for “the hot sauce incident”. These aren’t just socks, they’re a marital aid. Perhaps the whole Middle East thing would be helped by sending a few truckloads of these bad boys over there. It’s a lot harder to disagree with someone when your feet are this comfortable.

I haven’t taken these out in the field yet, but I plan to have these in my pack next weekend for my first winter camp of the season.

(legalese)

Not bad for 10 year old running shoes

I have had a pair of Nike Storm Pegasus for years.  I think I purchased them in 1999 and have used them as a trail and winter training shoe.  The water resistant fabric has made them a great choice for cold and snowy conditions, but the breathablity makes them less than optimal for temperatures above 50 degrees.  I find that most waterproof or water resistant shoes are too stifling for for warm weather, but it’s really just a comfort thing.  Waterproofing is generally overrated for trail running shoes. 

These shoes have lasted an incredibly long time, mostly due to the fact that they never see dry pavement.  The fairly large lugs have proven great for running on a variety of frozen surfaces.  The one complaint I have is that they feel a little floppy.  It might be that the full foot air pockets have deflated. 

I have since found a pair of Nike Air Zoom Trail S+ that are my primary trail shoes, but the Storm Pegasus still get time in the winter snow.

Psycho Map

I’m not sure what possessed me to agree to run a 50K, but it seemed like a good idea when my friend suggested it.   So last weekend I headed back to KC for the Trail Nerds’ Psycho Wyco Trail Run.

I rolled up to Brad’s house around 6:30 on Friday night. We decided it would be wise to visit the old neighborhood watering hole (and fine dining establishment), 75th Street Brewery.  The new menu was impressive, and the beer, as always, was great.

Anyway, after an easy going night and a quick sleep it was time to head to the course at Wyandotte County Park.  We arrived at the park, dropped our gear box at the main shelter, and took our morning constitutionals.  The 8:00am start time for the 50K and 20 miler arrived quickly.  With the sound of the horn, a couple hundred people stormed the trails (at a reasonable pace).  

The first 10 mile loop was a pleasant experience.  Footing was great, and the starting temperature of about 32 degrees allowed much of the damp ground to stay frozen.  There was plenty of good company and after a few miles I found a crew of runners that settled in to a common pace.  My main goal for the first lap was to stay aerobic and walk the steep climbs.

Carrying a little mud on my shoes, and feeling pretty fresh I hit the main aid station and filled my Perpetuem and water.  I started my second lap at 1 hour 52 minutes.

Thirty minutes after the start of the 50K/20 mile events the 10 mile runners hit the course.  The two hundred plus runners in the 10 miler might as well have been a herd of bison.  The trail that I experienced on the first lap was gone.  In it’s place was something that resembled a carpet bombed swamp.  There were sections of the trail that were great, either solid hardpack or frozen ground, but it was not the majority.  I was able to move pretty well on the flats and down hills, but the climbs had little mercy.  Short and patient steps had to be taken to avoid slipping down the climbs.

About halfway through the second lap, 3 hours of wet socks had started a hot spot on the inside of my right arch.  Other than that, I was feeling great.  I had managed my hydration and nutrition much better than my marathon.  Hunger, thirst, and cramping were not issues at 4 hours.  It wrapped up my second loop and hit the main aid station for a change of socks, Pertetuem, and a couple of chips (salty goodness).  The hotspot on my right arch had turned into a quarter inch blister.  I didn’t want to take the time to tape it up since the wet trail would probably make it a moot point, so double socks would have to do.

Muddy good times

I started the last loop at 4:06 a little tired, but not worn out.  The trail… was no more.  Where there used to be traction on the margins, everything was a soft mush.  Multiple laps by multiple hundreds of people had compressed the moisture out of the ground and was actually streaming down several parts of the trail.  Descents on tired legs were exciting to say the least, and the single-track sections were ridiculous.  Sections that were merely muddy had turned to shoe sucking, ankle-deep clay muck.

The last five miles were pretty intense.  I was struck with crazy urges for oranges and chips, which luckily were stocked at the aid stations.  It became incredibly hard not stop and stuff myself at the last aid station, but only 2.5 miles from the finish was close enough for me to feel excited about the end.  The hardest thing was convincing myself that I needed to start running again at the top of each muddy, nasty hill.

The finish has a way of sneaking up on you.  You climb up a short, steep hill,  and come to a rocky flat, and then make a left turn and it’s a smooth downhill 400 meters.  The only thing better than seeing the finish line was seeing the soup, chips, and cookies next to it.

The face of relief

My first 50K went as well as I could have expected.  No major chafe issues, no cramps, bonks, falling, sprains, or brain trauma.  The KC Trail Nerds and BadBen know how to put on one hell of a fun event.  A great thanks goes out to them.

Next on the race on the horizon?

• Trail Mix 50K, Bloomington, MN

Like courting a lady, finding a pub to call home is a delicate endeavor.  You have to look for the subtle hints to make sure she’s interested.  She has to have personality, individuality, and sexuality hospitality.  I’ll share with you one of the secrets of the game: the beer menu.

The beer menu that a bar presents gives you a sneak peek into her intentions into your relationship.  If she presents you a formally printed menu, fitted finely into a leatherbound folder, she will probably be high maintenance and of little depth.

If you show up and she provides a copied paper menu, folded in a container on the table or set on the bar, she is genuine and without guile.  She has definite potential.  Here, it’s all about content.  Does she show a single definition: light pilsner, or does she span the depths of human existance?

Truly, the greatest introduction is a display of true passion: the chalkboard.  This shows she has pride in herself, but isn’t afraid to try new things.  She won’t hide things from you and will gladly share her newest and greatest discoveries.  This is a girl to hold on to.

New Balance MT100, REI Trail Running Gaiters

It was a perfect Minnesota fall morning for trail running.  A light rain the previous night had dampend the ground and all of the leaves have left the trees.  The trails in Theo Wirth Park are fairly well used, so they are mostly hard pack dirt.  The mountain bike single-track trails are a blast and make up the majority of the trail mileage.  The cross-country skiing trails are much more challenging as far as the hills go, but are set up for groomed skiing so they are wide and well maintained (boring?).

The conditions proved a great testing ground for my new trail runners: the New Balance MT100s.  We covered a great combination of ground conditions, mud, sand, hard-pack, grass, and blacktop.  The only surface where I noticeably lost my footing was on wet leaves, but spikes are the only thing that will beat a layer of slick leaves.  The low nubs (see pic in previous post) provide ample traction in all directions.  In fact the heel seems to be designed perfectly for braking or controlling descents.

The biggest thing about these shoes is their low profile and minimalist feel.  They feel like a set of cross country flats with a (very) slightly more developed heel.  The low heel provides outstanding control and stability, minimizing the risk of the dreaded ankle roll.  (Just say no to high heels! -I’m talking about running shoes.)  If you are a heavy heel striker, these probably won’t work for you; the NB MT100s are designed for the mid to forfoot striker.

The forefoot of the shoe contains a flexible plastic plate “RockStop” designed to prevent stone bruses, etc.  It certainly performed that well.  In fact, that was probably the biggest thing separating these from a set of cross country flats.  It does prevent some of the trail feel that purists may desire, but the protection may be worth it.  Personally, I hope it breaks in and softens up a bit.

My last set of trail shoes were a water-resistant fabric, so the first puddle that I stepped in surprised me when my foot immediately felt cold and wet.  But the shoes were dry (enough) by the next time I thought about it.  I’m still weighing the water-resistant vs quick dry attributes.

Overall, I’m really happy with the MT100s.  I’m excited to get them really dirty at the Living History Farms Cross Country Race this weekend.

Sorry for the long post, but if you made it this far, you might be interested in the other component of the test run:  the REI Trail Running Gaiters.  Now this is probably over the line of necessary running accessories, but something I thought could be a worth while addition.  My wife likes to call them leg warmers.  Another friend offered to knit me a set of leg warmers.

Anyway, nothing sucks more than a handful of sand, twigs, bugs, snow, grit, tears of loneliness, and other such debris of the trail getting in to your shoe in the midst of a beautiful or competitive trail run.  So I have decided to employ a set of gaiters.

It came down to the Inov8 Debris Gaiter and the REI Trail Running Gaiter.  I chose the REI gaiter for versatility and availablity.  I can also use these while winter hiking to keep snow out of my boots, and they were sold at my local REI.  Depending on the weather, I may pick up a set of the Inov8s for my ultra in February.

The REI gaiters are made of a softshell material that is very flexible and feels great against the skin.  One of my concerns was that this would be irritating on my legs when worn for a long period.  I don’t have any concerns about it now; the material is quite soft and compliant.  They are water restant and breateable, but I think they would be a little too hot in the summer.  I imagine these are going to be awesome in the winter, keeping the Minnesota snow out and the heat in.

Wow, I let this one get a little long.  Thanks for those who stuck around to the end.  Let me know your thoughts.

New Balance MT100 Trail Running Shoes

As part of my efforts to move towards the minimalist running style, I am moving to simpler, lower heeled running shoes.  In need of a new set of trail shoes, the New Balance MT 100 trail shoes were perfectly in line.  These were actually developed for minimalist ultramarathoners.

I found the best price and free shipping at RunningWarehouse.com.  Did I mention this was free two-day shipping?!

Out of the box they are simplistic and light weight.  On the foot they remind me of the fit and feel of my old school Nike Waffle Trainers.  The uppers mostly a breathable fabric with reinforced areas in the toe and arch.  I’m glad to see the stronger fabric in the arch, a point where I have had sticks painfully poke through into my foot while on the trail.  The heelcup is formed by a semi-rigid foam, and the inside seems to be designed with the sockless runner in mind.

The thinner sole could pose some issues for sharp rocks and other trail hazzards, but a thing flexible plastic plate “Rockstop” has been incorporated into the forefoot to add to the protection.

The shoe is designed for the “minimalist”, mid to forfoot striker with the traction on the front half of the sole.  I’m planning my first run in these trail hounds this weekend.  I’ll post a followup after a test drive.