Testing New Shoes and Enjoying the Windy Woods

So the plan today was to get up early and take the dogs for a short run at AEDC mountain bike trail then join my buddy, Matt, for a longer run at Tims Ford State Park Shoreline Trail later in the day. Sometimes plans get changed. I made it to bed by 10 pm, but when that alarm went off at 6, I slapped snooze and didn't even here it go off the second time. So I guess I needed rest more than I needed an early run. I had a new pair of shoes to test out today, the Salomon Fellraiser. These shoes are designed for muddy, sloppy conditions. I never again want to go through what I went through at the Lookout 10K. I wore Salomon XR Missions. It's advertised as their "door to trail" shoe and that's exactly what it is. It was NOT designed for the wet, muddy conditions in Chattanooga. So enter the Fellraiser. I met up with Matt and we hit the trail at Tims Ford. The first mile is paved and I could definitely tell that these shoes are made for MUD. They are very lightweight and flexible. Just enough padding but there isn't much medial support. I overpronate on my right foot quite a bit and was worried this would be an issue. After we left the pavement and hit the real trail I fell in love with these shoes. They grip everything! Rocks, mud, roots, it was like I had 4x4's on my feet. But they also have good trail feel and never felt clunky. Where they came up a bit short was in keeping stuff out of the shoes. They are a mesh-like material across the top and some small twigs and dirt found their way in. The fit is true to size but they are a bit narrow. I have long skinny feet so it's not an issue, but runners with a wider mid to forefoot might find them too tight. They also cup the heel well. These will be my go to shoe for wet conditions.

It's always fun to be out in the woods running. It's double fun when it's a purely social run with a good friend. Matt and I kept a mellow pace and talked our faces off. We walked when we wanted and ran when we wanted. I truly enjoy this special young man's company. It was especially windy today. I purposely waited until the "hottest" part of this cold winter day to go run. Even the trees couldn't block all the wind. UnderArmour is a gift from the gods! Out in those woods is the best I've felt all week. But a promise is a promise, so tomorrow I take the dogs to AEDC for more shoe testing and to let them run loose in the woods. Watching their enjoyment of the trail never fails to make me smile BIG. Till next time, do what moves YOU!