The fog was extra thick near the river crossings. I made a quick trip before dawn Saturday to
Monte Sano State Park in Alabama to preview the Mountain Mist 50k course. I was excited to try out my new kicks-
Fleet Feet Nashville now has the new
Brooks Pure series in. The awesome FF team set me up in a pair of their trail version of the new minimalist line- the Pure Grit. Here they are, waiting to leave, at about 4:35 am...
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| vroom vroom |
I arrived at the park just at sunrise and the fog succumbed to the warm light. I had no true route plan, just an idea to warm up for 30 minutes, hammer for 2 hours, and cool down for 30 minutes. I figured to get about 21 miles.
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| smiling on the inside |
I ran trails as they came, figuring things would either make sense for a big loop or I would make it an out and back. I ended up doing some of both. The terrain was rocky, wet and covered in leaves. The Grits held form. They have a snug fit everywhere but the toe box, which opens up to allow for greater toe spread and push off. They felt light and kept rocks from entering. Although they are a minimal shoe, I did not feel compelled to watch for every sharp little rock. All in all the shoes performed in an exceptional fashion and after 10 miles I forgot they were new.
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| Swiftwick Aspire 12s |
A great run, got 21+ miles checked out the course and found out in a hurry I am gonna have to return to my TRT training routes, looking for hills and gnar whenever I can. This course is going to challenge me. I want to be ready.
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| Fall |
