After I injured my hip I started swimming. It seems to me to really push the cardiovascular system more than running. I also noticed strength gains in my shoulders and chest. The hip is healed now and it's time to get back on the road.

Chewbacca wrote:Anyone tried these "skins" one can wear instead of running barefoot? I not sure what they are called or where to buy them. They are apparently similar to the Vibram FiveFingers.

When would you wear them - on the beach?
Cheers

Chewbacca wrote:

charles wrote:

Chewbacca wrote:Anyone tried these "skins" one can wear instead of running barefoot? I not sure what they are called or where to buy them. They are apparently similar to the Vibram FiveFingers.

When would you wear them - on the beach?
Cheers

They are worn for running basically everywhere.

Running (almost) bearfoot makes one run in a slightly different way which apparently means fewer injuries.

Depends if you tread on the broken bottles or not...

It's that time of year in southern Cal. again: Mt. Baldy Run to the Top on Labor Day. Who's gonna do it? I'm registered, but not ready. But that's never stopped me.

Also, it's exciting that the L.A. Marathon course will be changed to go from Dodger Stadium to the ocean next March.

Just registered for Avenue of the Giants marathon for this coming May 2nd. Needed a carrot to dangle out there. Keep me motivated.

Sean Kenney wrote:Just registered for Avenue of the Giants marathon for this coming May 2nd. Needed a carrot to dangle out there. Keep me motivated.

Sounds pretty. Any significant elevation gain?

I guess in reality I don't run that much. i probably do about 3 or so miles twice a week...but it's at 10% - 15% grade, for 30-40 mins. given the intensity, it is more than enough to go use for races.

last race I did was Mt Baldy race over a year ago. I did do a 17 mile, 5000 ft trailrun last weekend and went quite well (except for the soreness after).

The Avenue of the Giants does sound interesting. It looks like it's a fairly gentle course:

http://www.theave.org/course.htm

On the topic of runs, is anyone doing the Death Valley Trail Marathon in February 2010?

wingding wrote:On the topic of runs, is anyone doing the Death Valley Trail Marathon in February 2010?

A friend of mine at work has been asking me to do it with him. We ran the Silver Strand Half marathon last Sunday and he's still on a runner's high. He wants me to commit because they only allow 300 runners. I told him maybe in 2011. My priority this winter will be getting some more time backcountry skiing. February is the best time to hope for good B/C skiing conditions in Southern California.

wingding wrote:The Avenue of the Giants does sound interesting. It looks like it's a fairly gentle course:

http://www.theave.org/course.htm

Ran it in 1998 and managed a Boston qualifying time. The road camber in the second half of the race gave my ankles a tough time. Had to focus on finding level treadway to run on.

The Avenue of the Giants does sound interesting. It looks like it's a fairly gentle course:

A pretty easy course and uncrowded.

Mountain Impulse wrote:Also, it's exciting that the L.A. Marathon course will be changed to go from Dodger Stadium to the ocean next March.

I registered for L.A. This should help motivate me to avoid spending too much time couch potato-ing this winter.

zodis wrote:Is there a good no-slip shoe attachment for trail running on snow besides Yaktrax?
Thanks

Howzabout a do-it yourself with the Screw Shoe?
http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm

Wouldn't that off-weight your hands so that your running form is a little bit lopsided?

-Mark