USTrailrunner::Trail Running Trail Reviews, Race Info, Trail Running gear and Trail Running Community
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Friday, 16 January 2009 12:23 |
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Bandera 2009 25K Race Report January 2009 by Tim This race really started the night before...at midnight. Which is the time that I finally got to sleep. I can recall a time when I had to be in bed by 9 the night before a race. I had to eat exactly the right food..or else. And yet here I am several years into my trail running pursuits(after many more of road running) going to bed at midnight after having burgers, fries, cookies, pop, all of it. Well I'm glad I've grown. I awoke even before the alarm at around 4:20 am. Walked into the kitchen where I had my usual pre-race meal of a bagel with peanut butter, coffee, banana...and whatever else I could find that wasn't dairy or eggs. The weather was still on the warm side at this point (probably 65 and humid). Everyone else began to stir and eventually we were out the door around 5:40. As we walked outside we were stunned by the abrupt drop in temperature. It was probably 40 and windy. Into the truck and off for the hour ride to Bandera. We had one newbie, one 2 time Bandera, one 3 time Bandera and one 4 time Bandera with us. Those of us that had run it before kept trying to spook the newbie. Of course she was having nothing to do with it. Upon arrival I was amazed at how much this race has grown. The last time I ran Bandera was 2005 and it's "huge" compared to then. The great race volunteers quickly had us parked. And we hopped out of the truck for check-in to a stiff strong breeze that was COLD! Luckily this is the weather I run in most of the time in San Francisco; so, I was prepared. Packet pickup went without a hitch. There was a separate process for runner "check-in" I wish I had done that at the time of packet pickup. (Instead of waiting until the race start.) We headed back to the truck to get race ready. For me that means putting my number on my belt, plenty of vaseline on all the essential areas, a double check of gu, etc. Then a little dancing at the truck with no warm-up. Race time was quickly approaching so I went to check-in while I waited for Trey. It was a 5 minute walk to the starting "line". |
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Last Updated on Friday, 16 January 2009 12:29 |
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Wednesday, 10 March 2004 14:08 |
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REVIEW - Velocity 7600 by Vasque This review was written by
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March 2004 Updated January 2009 by Tim Heavy for a trail runner the Vasque Velocity is great super duty trail running shoe. The Velocity features a heavy well lugged sole which is ideal for runners looking for stability and traction. Vasque is known more for their hiking boots than their running shoes, but they have done a fine job adapting to this new market. When I first stepped into the Velocity I noticed the Velocity's deep toe box and wide front section make it feel more like a hiking boot than a running shoe. But after a few minutes they began to grow on me, and now I feel cramped in my old trail runners. The above benefits, combined with a protective forefoot and toebox, make the Velocity an excellent trail runner for a veteran trail runner, but might not be the best choice for those accustomed to a road shoe. Update: In the last 5 years I have gone through 7 pairs of these amazing trail shoes. Just this last weekend I was reminded why they remain my favorite and most versatile trail shoe. As I was running a 25K in the rocky terrain of the Texas Hill Country the solid foot bed and bullet proof toe box. The foot bed is essential in rocky terrain to protect the sole of your foot from the rocks that protrude upwards, sometimes sharply. And the toe box is wonderful benefit as the miles wear on and it becomes more difficult to lift your legs; the inevitable toe stubbing then occurs, and the Vasque Velocity provides more than ample protection. While these shoes may seem to be overkill for groomed trails or fire roads, they are absolutely essential when tackling rocky, or wet muddy terrain. These are becoming more and more difficult to find; however, I will continue to try Vasque first when seeking new trail shoes. Pros: A solid sole allows you to tackle any terrain you are faced with, except road of course. A deep and wide toebox adds to the Velocity's comfort and protection. Cons: The heavy sole took longer than usual to break in, giving me shin splints during the break-in period. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 16 January 2009 15:12 |
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Thursday, 29 May 2008 08:51 |
USTrailrunner Partner Store Open for Business
USTrailrunner has opened it's new and improved store in association with Amazon. The store currently offers watches, trail running shoes and clothes for the beginning to advanced trail runner.
To visit the store click here
If there are items that you'd like to see in the store please
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and we'll do our best to add them.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 June 2008 13:34 |
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Tuesday, 10 June 2008 12:03 |
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Interested in finding your race times for multiple races in one site? Then visit ATHLinks and search for your name. Want to train to beat that friend of yours? Then visit ATH links and type in their name to see the times you need to beat. This site offers race results from both trail and road races. Check them out now ATHLinks. |
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Thursday, 29 May 2008 09:25 |
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Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Running Watch
Review by Tim
January 2008 Forerunner 305 is a great improvement over the 201 for trail runners and a slight improvement over the Forerunner 205. First, the GPS receiver maintains coverage much better in canyons and heavily forested than the Forerunner 201 or 205 did. (It is my belief that this has been greatly improved due to firmware updates.) Second the controls have been better positioned on the watch to aid in use while running on the trails. The last great improvement with this watch is that it seems to synch up much more quickly with the satellites than the Forerunner 201. Additional improvements are that it can now be charged and connected to the computer using a USB connection (versus the serial port connection of the Forerunner 201). The Forerunner 305 also comes with much better training software and the ability to create "courses" on the watch. I have only created a limited number of courses on the trails and find that I primarily like to use them when I am trying to meet or beat my performance on a particular trail or run. The biggest difference between the Forerunner 305 and the Forerunner 205 is the HR rate monitor. I did not buy the watch for the HR functionality but I have definitely learned the great value to having that information available both during the run and post-run in the software. My biggest recommendation to all users is to frequently check for updates via the computer software for the watch's firmware. I have noticed that Garmin is very good about releasing firmware updates that help the watch's performance.
Pros: Heart Rate Monitor, Faster synch (over the 205), better coverage in canyons and densely forested areas, more usable controls, better handling of highly twisty trails.
Cons: None.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 29 May 2008 09:28 |
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