I've been thinking about this shoe since last year. It's light with a great fit throughout and it's taken the lugs off the my favorite shoe ever. If Killian likes it, it must be fast too. A close second only to the mix that Reese found in peanut butter and chocolate, Salomon has combined the SLab and my personal favorite, the Speedcross 2.
Check it out.
Might have to wait 'til next year though. Sorry.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Door 2 Trail XR Crossmax 2011 Demo Tour
Over the next few weeks Salomon trucks full of gear and great people will be jaunting all over the country getting folks in Salomon's latest work of genius, the XR Cross Max.
This high mileage training shoe is meant for that trail runner that hits the pavement every so often, particularly on the way to a trail head. I posted a great promo video a few days back, check it out here.
If you want to get these light weight speedsters on your feet you can try North Shore Athletics, Forerunners, Kintec, or Mountain Equipment Coop.
I'm looking forward to a fabulous run in my new XR Crossmax this Thursday at Vancouver's Door 2 Trail Demo night; 6:30 pm at Forerunner's on 4th Ave. Maybe you'll be there? Think about it.
This high mileage training shoe is meant for that trail runner that hits the pavement every so often, particularly on the way to a trail head. I posted a great promo video a few days back, check it out here.
If you want to get these light weight speedsters on your feet you can try North Shore Athletics, Forerunners, Kintec, or Mountain Equipment Coop.
I'm looking forward to a fabulous run in my new XR Crossmax this Thursday at Vancouver's Door 2 Trail Demo night; 6:30 pm at Forerunner's on 4th Ave. Maybe you'll be there? Think about it.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Spring Weekends are here!
Hit the road Saturday morning with coffees in hand and headed up to Squamish for a nice soft, loamy run...as one might expect from Squamish. Parked the Red 'ru at Brennan Park Community Center and followed the first 30 k chunk of the Stormy course. The usual suspects were involved, Jack's Trail, Alice lake, around Stump Lake to Bob MacIntosh, Dead End Loop, Rock n' Roll, and down Rob's corners. At this point we, Duncan and I, went west toward Edith lake. We really wanted to get over to Mike's Loop and ultimately run Entrails down to Roller Coaster. From there we pounded pavement back to the car. A necessary evil that I can't wait to overcome in my new Salomon Cross Max. Should be here soon. Maybe even this week.
It was brilliant Saturday topped of with a visit to the Bistro for a turkey, bacon club. No animal sightings but the forest is starting to get Springy. The buds are out and things are greening again. Only a few short months and I'll be racing the Test of Metal up there. Which reminds me, I should probably get on my bike sometime.
This morning was a first in about eight years. I ran a 10k road "race" with Saje. Saje didn't do much of the running. She mostly slept in the stroller, while I cruised the Delta course. The run was in memory of slain teen Laura Szendrei, whose cousin I taught last year. If she only knew the sacrifice I made by running on the road to show my support. Anyway, it wasn't that bad and the turn out for Laura was amazing. I finished in 42 minutes and dazzled a few folks along the way with my stroller pushing speed. What a workout! One guy even shouted as I went by, "JESUS!". I said, "No, man. Tom Craik".
Looking forward to another spring weekend next weekend.
It was brilliant Saturday topped of with a visit to the Bistro for a turkey, bacon club. No animal sightings but the forest is starting to get Springy. The buds are out and things are greening again. Only a few short months and I'll be racing the Test of Metal up there. Which reminds me, I should probably get on my bike sometime.
This morning was a first in about eight years. I ran a 10k road "race" with Saje. Saje didn't do much of the running. She mostly slept in the stroller, while I cruised the Delta course. The run was in memory of slain teen Laura Szendrei, whose cousin I taught last year. If she only knew the sacrifice I made by running on the road to show my support. Anyway, it wasn't that bad and the turn out for Laura was amazing. I finished in 42 minutes and dazzled a few folks along the way with my stroller pushing speed. What a workout! One guy even shouted as I went by, "JESUS!". I said, "No, man. Tom Craik".Looking forward to another spring weekend next weekend.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Guts, Man!
Check out the Ethiopian in Green off the start. Within two seconds of the gun he loses a bright green shoe and the announcers don't even notice until the 2:40 marker. Heart, man. Live your life like this guy races.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Salomon XR Cross Max
Salomon is getting ready to reveal the 2011 secret - XR Cross Max. The perfect "door to trail" shoe. I have a funny feeling there's a box of these sitting somewhere, maybe even at Purolator, with my name on it. Can't wait to giv'em run.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Steed Defends Dirty Duo Title...WITH ME!
Maybe some pressure is just what I needed because I/we had a phenomenal day yesterday at Run the North Shore's first trail race of the season, Dirty Duo.
I woke up feeling all tight and visited the bathroom about 5 times. It wasn't pretty, but I just kept telling myself it was pre-race jitters. At least I was hoping that was it. After a quick coffee, pulling up my Zoot calves, and cranking up the Salomon Speed Cross 2's I started to feel like a racer again. I had no clue what the day would hold, but I knew my partner, Kim Steed, really did want to win this one. I would have to race hard, but also smart because the Dirty Duo course is not one where you can recover later.
The incredible race director, Heather briefed us on the course and we were off and heading up Lynn Canyon. I started with serious fasties Dario Herrera and Mel Bos, and thought maybe I should ease up a bit. I chose not to and heading into our first hill set I felt great and hooked up with a few others. One being Geoff Watts who carried our pace almost the entire race, particularly on the downhills. The two of us ran nice and easy up Lynn Canyon, Geoff took off down Twin Bridge hill to fisherman's, and then I caught him going up Bridle path and across to Old Buck. Going through one of many amazing aid stations at Old Buck, I looked at my watch and I knew I had been going too slow - it said 1:06 and I figured if I wanted to come close to my goal of 2:20 I'd have to get moving. For me the race really began here because I started realizing how strong Geoff was and that my hope of wearing him down wasn't happening. I tried to push him to red line on Old Buck and up to Mushroom Parking lot at the entrance to Ned's, but no dice. I needed to beat him to get Kim out first. Geoff was strong and we started downhill together...and stayed together. I don't think I've ever gone down Ned's so fast and I was able to hang on until the Bottle Top descent where Geoff stopped to tie a shoe lace. I reeled in another guy and kept a great flow until the bottom of Homestead when Geoff ran by and passed another racer. Knowing what was coming up I geared down and wondered if these two guys had any clue what was up ahead. About half way up the steepest section I left them walking and hoped that was the last time I'd see them again...until the finish that is. The race back through the canyon was fast, I felt light, and I had an eye open over my shoulder for Geoff. I'm not stupid. I knew enough not to count this guy out. The climb out of the creek was hell and what was to come was even worse. Diamond trail to the cemetery was so messy it was difficult to get any sort of rhythm happening. I couldn't tell if I had the stupids or if the trail was just in bad shape. Emerging from the trail on to Lilloet Road was the second time I looked at my watch and I saw 2:18 and some seconds. Since half way up Homestead I'd been using all the energy I should have used earlier so mustering anymore wasn't going to be easy. Through the cemetery, passed the equestrian center and I could see Lara and Saje. At 2:21 I crossed the line and handed my timing chip to Kimbo who took off to have an incredible ride. The ride we needed.
I had the fastest relay run time of the day which brought me over the line second. to Mike Murphy. It didn't matter though because Kimbo's time of 1:52, and our total of 4:14, was fast enough to bring us a couple of 1st place gold medals. Full Results here.
Although I viewed this race as a whole lotta' pressure to begin with I can now look back and determine where I need some attention for the upcoming season. Thanks to Curb Ivanic from Core Running, who had an awesome race, I climbed better than ever before and felt super strong across the core, even at the end of the race. The most important thing to focus on before the season continues is some turn over. It would be great to be quicker on the flat sections.
I woke up feeling all tight and visited the bathroom about 5 times. It wasn't pretty, but I just kept telling myself it was pre-race jitters. At least I was hoping that was it. After a quick coffee, pulling up my Zoot calves, and cranking up the Salomon Speed Cross 2's I started to feel like a racer again. I had no clue what the day would hold, but I knew my partner, Kim Steed, really did want to win this one. I would have to race hard, but also smart because the Dirty Duo course is not one where you can recover later.
The incredible race director, Heather briefed us on the course and we were off and heading up Lynn Canyon. I started with serious fasties Dario Herrera and Mel Bos, and thought maybe I should ease up a bit. I chose not to and heading into our first hill set I felt great and hooked up with a few others. One being Geoff Watts who carried our pace almost the entire race, particularly on the downhills. The two of us ran nice and easy up Lynn Canyon, Geoff took off down Twin Bridge hill to fisherman's, and then I caught him going up Bridle path and across to Old Buck. Going through one of many amazing aid stations at Old Buck, I looked at my watch and I knew I had been going too slow - it said 1:06 and I figured if I wanted to come close to my goal of 2:20 I'd have to get moving. For me the race really began here because I started realizing how strong Geoff was and that my hope of wearing him down wasn't happening. I tried to push him to red line on Old Buck and up to Mushroom Parking lot at the entrance to Ned's, but no dice. I needed to beat him to get Kim out first. Geoff was strong and we started downhill together...and stayed together. I don't think I've ever gone down Ned's so fast and I was able to hang on until the Bottle Top descent where Geoff stopped to tie a shoe lace. I reeled in another guy and kept a great flow until the bottom of Homestead when Geoff ran by and passed another racer. Knowing what was coming up I geared down and wondered if these two guys had any clue what was up ahead. About half way up the steepest section I left them walking and hoped that was the last time I'd see them again...until the finish that is. The race back through the canyon was fast, I felt light, and I had an eye open over my shoulder for Geoff. I'm not stupid. I knew enough not to count this guy out. The climb out of the creek was hell and what was to come was even worse. Diamond trail to the cemetery was so messy it was difficult to get any sort of rhythm happening. I couldn't tell if I had the stupids or if the trail was just in bad shape. Emerging from the trail on to Lilloet Road was the second time I looked at my watch and I saw 2:18 and some seconds. Since half way up Homestead I'd been using all the energy I should have used earlier so mustering anymore wasn't going to be easy. Through the cemetery, passed the equestrian center and I could see Lara and Saje. At 2:21 I crossed the line and handed my timing chip to Kimbo who took off to have an incredible ride. The ride we needed.
I had the fastest relay run time of the day which brought me over the line second. to Mike Murphy. It didn't matter though because Kimbo's time of 1:52, and our total of 4:14, was fast enough to bring us a couple of 1st place gold medals. Full Results here.
Although I viewed this race as a whole lotta' pressure to begin with I can now look back and determine where I need some attention for the upcoming season. Thanks to Curb Ivanic from Core Running, who had an awesome race, I climbed better than ever before and felt super strong across the core, even at the end of the race. The most important thing to focus on before the season continues is some turn over. It would be great to be quicker on the flat sections.Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Steed to Defend Dirty Duo Title
Usually this time of year I'm thinking about "am scraying" off to Mexico or Hawaii and I never have the opportunity to race the Dirty Duo. This year's a bit different in that I'm heading off to Mexico the week after the Duo. Back in December I realized this and I just needed a partner.
I was ready to run, but who do I know that's willing to rock out on the bike at any moment? Welbourn, Bob Welbourn! Not only would this guy want to ride, he'd kick ass. This guys a lung with legs and he keeps a pretty strong cyclocross rivalry going with Kim Steed. In fact, these two duked it out for top spot this year right until the last race of the year.
This was terrific. Bob was interested and again he wanted to beat Steed, last years winner. I figured he'd have a brilliant chance, but I'd have to beat Chris Downie. Yeah, I know...Chris Downie. No such chance in that one, I thought, so I told Bob he'd have to do some serious catching up after I came in off the run.
Two weeks ago I get an email from Bob saying he lost a fight with a car door and a broken hand has him off his bike for six weeks. Guess what? I felt bad for Bob, but the burden was lifted. I had no pressure to try and run with Mr. Downie anymore and things were feeling good.
I still wanted to race however, so I contacted a few people to see about getting another cyclist for my team. I explored a couple options and nothing was too promising until I got an email from Kim Steed. Downie is injured and Kimbo needs a runner for his team. Seemed like a perfect set up to me until Steed laid down the pressure - Being last years relay winner, "I got a title to defend", he says. So either way, if I race with Kim I get pressure or against Kim I get pressure.
Anyway, I'm pumped and proud with my new Steed jersey in hand regardless of the pressure. Although not fast, I'm feeling fairly good for a March race and I'm sure things will go well. I've never raced this course before so I have no idea what I'm capable of out there. Having run most of the courses trails I can say it is easily the hardest 25km course in North Vancouver so suffering is inevitable. The Lazy Trail Runner is running the solo run course so I don't have to worry about racing him too much - other than his overall time of course. I can't have that off-the-couch, potato chip eatin', Lazy ass beat me too badly.
Race report to follow after this weekend's race.
I was ready to run, but who do I know that's willing to rock out on the bike at any moment? Welbourn, Bob Welbourn! Not only would this guy want to ride, he'd kick ass. This guys a lung with legs and he keeps a pretty strong cyclocross rivalry going with Kim Steed. In fact, these two duked it out for top spot this year right until the last race of the year.
This was terrific. Bob was interested and again he wanted to beat Steed, last years winner. I figured he'd have a brilliant chance, but I'd have to beat Chris Downie. Yeah, I know...Chris Downie. No such chance in that one, I thought, so I told Bob he'd have to do some serious catching up after I came in off the run.
Two weeks ago I get an email from Bob saying he lost a fight with a car door and a broken hand has him off his bike for six weeks. Guess what? I felt bad for Bob, but the burden was lifted. I had no pressure to try and run with Mr. Downie anymore and things were feeling good.
I still wanted to race however, so I contacted a few people to see about getting another cyclist for my team. I explored a couple options and nothing was too promising until I got an email from Kim Steed. Downie is injured and Kimbo needs a runner for his team. Seemed like a perfect set up to me until Steed laid down the pressure - Being last years relay winner, "I got a title to defend", he says. So either way, if I race with Kim I get pressure or against Kim I get pressure.
Anyway, I'm pumped and proud with my new Steed jersey in hand regardless of the pressure. Although not fast, I'm feeling fairly good for a March race and I'm sure things will go well. I've never raced this course before so I have no idea what I'm capable of out there. Having run most of the courses trails I can say it is easily the hardest 25km course in North Vancouver so suffering is inevitable. The Lazy Trail Runner is running the solo run course so I don't have to worry about racing him too much - other than his overall time of course. I can't have that off-the-couch, potato chip eatin', Lazy ass beat me too badly.
Race report to follow after this weekend's race.
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