Training Update - On The Road Again

Due to travel I was not able to get out of, I've spent the last twelve days in the Wasington DC area. While this has hindered my training some what it hasn't stopped it.  Believe it or not there are extensive "trail" networks through out the National Capital Region (NCR) which can be taken advantage of.  While many of these are paved, there are sections that offer trail running type conditions.

Two of the most significant trail systems include the Cross County Trail (CCT) and the Wasington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail.  These offer a refreshing option to the standard urban jungle runs.

I was able to cover a large portion (35 out of about 40+ miles) of the CCT about twice and spoty portions of the W&OD.  Since these trails are relatively flat, there were some good speed workouts.  Looking forward to getting back to New Mexico!

Gaiters Galore

A critical piece of equipment for the MDS is a good set of gaiters.  Their entire purpose is to keep sand out - period.  Sand = blisters.  Enough said.

My search for a suitable pair resulted in limited commercial options (Sandbaggers, MDS, Raidlight).   While I am sure these were most likely suitable for the event, none of these options appeared to meet my expectations.  Therefore I embarked on a R&D project to come up with my own design.  Never ending  thanks to my mother for her assistance with assembly consultations and professional sewing!

As with any design project one must first define the requirements of the product.  For my gaiters they were as follows (and not in any particular order):  Sandproof-duh!, Velcro attachment to the shoe, cover the entire upper of the shoe, extend above the ankle, adjustable at the top and around the shoe, breathable, durable and finally professionally constructed.

Based on these criteria my design incorporated a ripstop lower portion (durable and sandproof) that covered most of the shoe and an upper spandex component (breathable and "adjustable").  Loop Velcro was affixed to the gaiter with the hook component attached to the shoe (note: I am not too happy with the job the cobbler did on the shoe and may have to get this done over).  The back portion of the gaiter also included a small section of spandex to allow for adjustment around the circumference of the shoe.  No Velcro was attached to this piece and the spandex adheres to the hook Velcro on the shoe sufficiently well.  The top of the gaiter also includes a small bungee drawstring and lock to snug up if necessary.

After numerous attempts the final shape and dimensions were determined.  This give the gaiter a more foot shaped appearance and breaks with the ball of the foot.  This also minimizes weight and streamlines the design so as not to snag on the local flora.  Colors were selected to give a New Mexico flare (form and function)!

Initial field trials show no significant issues.  Be on the look out, I will be the only one there with them!

Back Detail

Front Detail

Side

Stylin'

Fitz Compression Wear

A chance meeting with Richard Berry and family up in Lapland has brought together the British manufacture Fitz Compression Wear and my MDS attempt.  I met Rich while on "holiday" in Saariselka when he was having difficulty with the lock on his apartment and came next door for assistance.  Discussions later in the week during New Years celebrations (at 68.9 degrees north latitude) reveled he was in the performance sports wear business and I was heading for Morocco.  What a coincidence!

Rich was extremely intrigued by the MDS and upon returning from the land of reindeer, follow up emails indicated that Fitz was interested in having me try out some of their gear.  Having satisfactorily used compression shorts during the 2012 Desert RATS stage race and many other ultra-marathons I am planning on using compression shorts during the MDS.  Compression tops my also be an option along with calf/shin sleeves.

Competing and training in compression gear is fairly standard for me, a hold over from my cycling days. I enjoy the support it gives and the improved recovery especially during high mileage weeks.  I am looking forward to shaking down Fitz performance wear and to see what works best for my training, competitions and MDS attempt.

The Fitz web site is:  www.fitz4sport.com




Thank you Rich and FITZ!

SUV Trail Run

Yesterday I competed int the Sugarloaf Ultra Vista (SUV) Trail Run, a great event put on by Mark Dorion.  The start was about midway between El Paso and Las Cruces and consisted of various out and back loops over varying terrain along the Sierra Vista Trail.  Not a lot of vertical but plenty of rollers.  I came into this with a "just a training run" attitude but competitiveness got the better of me.  6:16:30 for 60k and second place too (thanks for the award Mark)!  Quite happy even though I did not run with my pack.  Still a little early for that many miles with it.

Practice taping feet, worked out well - no blisters. The Kiensio Tex Gold tape works better than Elastikon.  Not as thick, better adhesive and the paper backing makes it easier to cut.  I also used "on the move food" rations for my race nutrition.  Even after only 500 calorie breakfast it was sufficient to get me through the event.   In fact I had some leftovers when I crossed the finish line.  GU recovery brew at the end went down well.

Overall a good day!

Tawny dog on the Sierra Vista Trail