Europe 2012

Tomorrow I am off to Europe for 4 weeks of travel and fun before I start my full time job in July. Right now, I am still deciding what to bring...

The Gear
1. Backpack(s)

One for day-trips and one for my clothes.

The big duffle has straps on the back that tuck away so you can wear it or carry it over your shoulder. When buying this I had to remember, "bring only what you can carry." Let's hope it's not too heavy when full. It's an Osprey bag so it has a lifetime warranty. I'm pretty excited about it. 

2. The Shoes

I can't leave home without my New Balance Minimus Trail shoes or my Rainbows.



Any other shoes I might need? Should I bring my Five Fingers?

3. The iPad

I'm thinking I should leave the computer at home and just take this. My only concerns is: how will I update my blog without a keyboard?? Or upload photos?

4. The Boyfriend.



He's very helpful when I need someone to carry something for me. He will also help to ensure that no one will snatch me.


Any experiences travelers out there have any suggestions on things I should remember to bring??

Snow Running

It's started snowing here in Nashville today. Before this, it was just snow flurries that melted like rain. Here is what we are dealing with now:

So we're not collapsing any stadium roofs here like in Minnesota, but it's enough to keep me indoors and not training. So what to do to keep safe in these conditions?

I've researched the best shoes to wear this snow season to help everyone stay safe and warm.

1. Yaktrax - $30
Basically, they are cables that hook over your regular shoe and give you stability on packed snow and ice. According to the website the pro version is the best for running.
Positives: Affordable and easy to use
Negatives: Need some waterproof shoes

2. Kahtoola Running Snowshoes - $239
They are light weight, narrower snow shoes that help you trudge through deeper snow drifts.
Positives: Good for deeper snow drifts
Negatives: Cost, Takes some getting used to

3. Crampons (Can be purchased from REI, Backcountry.com or Kahtoola even makes some.) Varies from $100 - $200
Positives: Aluminum versions are very light weight, the fit right over your shoe like Yaktrax
Negatives: Depending on how often you use them, they can be a little pricey, need waterproof shoes

 4. Screw Shoes - DIY option, $5 + the shoes
If you have some older shoes that you are willing to commit to snow running, then this is a good idea. You can take the screws out once the spring hits, but I don't have any experience in how easy this would be or if the shoes would still be in good shape.
Positives: Inexpensive, supplies can be found at your local hardware store
Negatives: Could ruin your shoes

That's the re-cap on winter shoes. If you are thinking about trying to barefoot in the snow, you're crazy, but this guy tried it. So at least you're in good company.

Happy Snow Day friends!

Days to Nashville Half: 139, Days to Solar Eclipse: 701

Takes Trying to Find Shoes to A Whole New Level...

The entire month of December is going to be dedicated to shoes here at the Daily Marathon. Before we get to talking about barefoot running, shoe fittings, and climate control, I wanted to share an inspiring TED talk from Aimee Mullins.

Aimee is the first double amputee to compete in NCAA Division 1 track and field. This video is especially relevant right now because Aimee doesn't so much pick out shoes as she picks out feet. If you watch the video to the end, she actually changes out her legs to show off her carbon fiber gams. If that doesn't get you, then her amazing attitude and humor will.

Plus, she very cutely mentions the work she has to go through to find shoes!

Shoes!

I love shoes. In fact, I think I might like the act of shoe shopping more than the shoes. I often shoe shop online, constantly saving items for later or adding them to my cart, but never buying. The problem is that shoes are expensive.

So that brings me to my running dilemma, what should I wear on my feet?

Lately, I have been rockin' the Vibram Five Fingers. (Those are my feet.)

Totally funky and fun, right? I really like the idea of barefoot running and these shoes help me do that without getting quite so dirty and beat up. On the other hand, I haven't gone more than 4 miles in them. Plus, one has started to squeak, the seam started to come undone (which I suppose I could fix), and one of my toes seems to get beat up more than the others. They also don't keep my feet very warm.

My other option is the Nike Free's I've had for a few years now. They kind of look like this, but more purple and pink.

I like them since they allow me to wear socks to keep my ankles warm and they are pretty comfy. Unfortunately, they are pretty old so I would probably need to get a new pair which means spending $80.


I'd like to note that I am not really following the rules on how often you should change your running shoes. I like wearing minimalist shoes, but I've never really clocked the miles required to train for and complete an actual marathon. Will my shoe collection be sufficient?

My plan is to start out with the Vibram's since I have been running in those for a few months. The tricky part will be seeing how/when/if I will switch to Nike Free's. I guess it will be a fun little science experiment.