Gear 2.0: Cloudsurfer by on_ running

Enter a new weapon in the running arsenal,  Cloudsurfer by on_running. XTERRA   Power couple and friends Jacqui Slack and Ben Allen have been running on these shoes for a while.  I was always curious So I finally got a pair of Swiss runners.  When I think Swiss I immediately think German precision, Italian passion and the French love, which is pretty much what I got in the shoe.  The Cloudsurfer by on_running is all that and more.  Sizing was bang on for me but that said I wear the box, size 12 which it seems that when you get there, all shoe compagny merge into singularity.  The Cloudsurfer is one of five shoes that on_running sells.  The Cloudsurfer is aimed at increasing your performance and can be used both for training and racing.  The shoe itself was very comfie as I put it on and the cushioning was great.  I have been on some short and long run and found that there were no "breaking period" required and that my stride felt a bit bouncier that usual.  There is a cool " I unleash your speed" motto written inside the shoe so bonus for giving me encouragement.  The toe box is generous and did not have any issues.   I don't have a large foot but I found that the top of the laces could feel a bit tight even thought I hadn't thight it too much but it has not affected my running.  On_ running will ship free which is nice as there are not many retailers in Canada.  I haven't had the chance to try any off thre other shoes ( I'd be happy too if they send me a freebe?) but I would say that if your I the market for runners to increase your training and racing performance, give it a shot.  I also have found that my running split have increase in training, although I have no scientific proof that it's based on the shoe alone. I have been very happy with mine I plan to race with them next week. In Grand Rapids for the US 70.3 qualifier to see how they perform in race condition.  Like the name say, it feels like I have been running on cloud.   Happy trails!

Carpe Diem

Stottlemeyer 30

This weekend I went with Roy to race the Stottlemeyer 30 miles Mountain Bike race in Pouslbo, WA.  It's been a while since I have done a mountain bike race and I was sold with the lure of single tracks and a short drive from home.  The drive was not too bad but we had to take a ferry which added some times.  We decided to stay in a hotel the night before, that was the best decision we ever made!  It had been raining all night so you can imagine the kind of riding conditions that would be awaiting us.  Mud and more mud.  This race had a big field, around 270 for the 30 miler and another 100 or so for the 60 miler.  The 60 miler were sent off 30 minutes prior to our start.  I decided to seed myself upfront, knowing that if there were faster riders they would pass me before the single track begins but it would save me to have to fight slower riders.  The gun went off and for first little while, I was hanging on to a pace line of about eight guys making our way you the single track.  They slowly made their way and I stayed with about three guys, trying to navigate the muddy course, blind as I had never ridden this course.  I can tell you this, on a drys day, this would be a fast course.  In the mud it's a bit of a different story.  It was so muddy that during some section I would have to slow down my cadence dramatically or my wheel would just keep turning without being able to move forward.  The dry section were fast.  The race course was two loops so you can imagine by the second loop how much more churned up the course was.  I was quite happy to cross the finish line in 16th overall, good for 6 in my age group.  The times were 20 minutes slower than last year which is considerable in mountain bike racing.  This was a fun race and very well put together.  Plenty of stuff at the aid station to choose from and great spread at the end of the race.  I really recommend to add this race on you calendar next year, Roy and I sure will.  Now it's time to focus on the Grand Rapid 70.3, US national qualifier on June 6.  Than I hope to make my way to Victoria for Xterra Victoria.  I was also lucky to be selected to race for Canada for the ITU world championship in Zittau Germany and I am hoping toy link that with Xterra Czech the week before.  Stay tuned for Gear 2.0 with Steph feedback on her fitbit flex.  Happy Trail!

Carpe Diem

SUN RUN

I apologize for the late blog, just been busy.  The Vancouver Sun Run was two weeks ago.  This  Vancouver staple is a 10 km starting downtown Vancouver.  It has been running for 35 years and my work was putting a team in so I told myself, why not.  Now you have to understand it's a big race, 45000 plus runner from all walks of life come to do the run, some fast, some slow and of course some pros.  Steph and I were able to make our way close to the front of the start.  Not that I'm the fastest but it makes it easier not to have to dodge people while running.  It's been a while since I ran strictly 10 km on its own and I was hoping for a good tome, despite the cold morning with some rain.  As the gun went off I was able to position myself on the side and not having to fight with anyone to get to my pace.  The first km is down hill which can be a bit deceitful when you start looking at your running pace.  As I settle I am always amaze at home many people were present to cheer runners on.  As I weave my way to the finish line, I was quite please with my result.  Steph wasn't too far from me and it was nice to have been out together.  Happy trails!

Carpe Diem