tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49330444152540615392024-03-12T23:09:25.224-04:00Running After the MilitaryA blog about running after finishing a 25 year career in the military. I go over local and regional races, life as a retired Army person, and occasionally review products that would help with running or work-outs. Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-49719228480434941552021-05-09T08:16:00.003-04:002021-05-09T08:16:54.888-04:00Virtual Treadmill Run - Get in the Pink 5k Road RaceHere is the latest video I made from running in the Get In The Pink 5k road race. It is an annual race that raises funds for breast cancer awareness and research.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/F4J89rodoW0" width="480"></iframe></div>Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-83658367951822012162020-11-11T19:54:00.001-05:002020-11-11T19:54:26.233-05:00The Ray Tanner 5k – Virtual<p> </p><br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2020 has not been a
good running year for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I planned to
participate in several races that I would run and record with my GoPro, but
this pandemic slowly caused races to go virtual, one by one. And that includes
races that I haven’t had a chance to run in and put on the calendar, Ray
Tanner’s famous Home Run series being one of them.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I registered for Ray
Tanner’s race months ago, though I could not find the email confirmation, maybe
this COVID can be a computer virus too, who know. But I was getting updates
about the race, and that made me feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When word finally came out that it would be a virtual race, I would be
remiss if I didn’t say I was sad that I wouldn’t be running in and around the
University of South Carolina baseball stadium.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the race was
virtual, participants had from 1 to 17 October to knock out their miles. I was
still nursing my hurt knee and waited until the 16<sup>th</sup> to do my run
for this 5k, and since I work later hours at the university, I went for my own
familiar route on the Lake Murray Dam at night.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was
relatively calm with a slight breeze coming in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I grabbed one of my smaller headlamps, chose my lemon colored On
Cloudflow over my somehow lighter Atrey shoes, and snagged a better fitting
phone holder strap to wear for this run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I drove out to the northside parking lot and passed a couple of cars
with people still partying in the picnic area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I slip on my gear and add the Aftershokz I keep in my car for the needed
tunes to distract myself on upcoming path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I walk and stretch to the starting line, which is just the big green
sign on the other side of the parking lot.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started my Garmin
and away I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Forerunner has a
tendency to push out a faster start time whenever I begin a race, and this time
it was telegraphing a 7:30 mile before settling on an 8:10 mile, but Strava
will say otherwise in its analysis; all the while, my right knee is screaming
at me that I needed to adjust how I landed on my feet.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My knee finally
stopped chastising me after a quarter of a mile into the run and I felt in a
rhythm; it really helped that Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” was playing by that
time and put me in a running groove. It was a slow groove with an average 8:48
for the first mile, but the ground was flat and I had a nice, though small wind
cooling me off during this easy autumn evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pass the five towers and notice the cars careening by in the
dark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the half-way point which is
a little before the ascent to the bridge with all the lover locks on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While there are no castles or mountainous
peaks, this scenic area with its promises of love will always remind me of
parts of Germany.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I turn around
before the bridge, I feel myself slowing down, if only for a second, though
again, Strava said otherwise.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At mile two, I
averaged an 8:59 mile and it was a big contrast to what I used to run, and a
reminder that I need to work-out more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
continue on, still feeling good, albeit slower, but as I get past the 2.5 mile
I had to slow down due to a family walking along the dam path and not hearing
my “runner on your left” comments until I was almost on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I past them, and exchanged “hellos” and
“good evenings,” I chugged along, but had to crawl to a walk because now my
right shoulder was locking up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had
shoulder problems for a couple of years now, but this was getting ridiculous
since 1) I was almost done with the 5k and 2) I wasn’t carrying anything in my
right hand so my shoulder should not have been acting up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I walked for good 30 seconds while doing
shoulder and arm rotation exercises and quietly cussing up a storm so that the
family behind me do not hear my misgivings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To make up for the time, I work on sprinting the last tenth of the 5k
distance and my Cloudflow did not disappoint me.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finish up with a
time of 28:06 and walk a lap around the parking lot before working on cool-down
stretches while trying not to disrupt the people fishing at night because that
is still a thing here.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go back to before
the race, Strictly Running did a knock-out job as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Participants had a wide time-frame to pick up
their shirt, for me it was a gray Under Armour tech shirt and I currently own
very few of those, and it was so easy to come in (with a face covering on,
course) and particular shout-out goes to Brady for his super friendly welcome
and taking care of my packet pick-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-53765270045175582462020-03-26T11:25:00.000-04:002020-03-26T11:25:18.616-04:00AAFES Goes Cashless in Wake of Coronavirus Pandemic<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to buy all my
running shoes from the local PX when I was in the military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t until my final years in the service
that I purchased my footwear from running specialty shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that time, I have not handed over any
physical bills for shoes in well over a decade… at least. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night, I
received news that AAFES, the Army and Air Force Exchange Services (think
Wal-Mart or Target, but for two of the branches of the Department of Defense),
is asking all its customers to minimize the use of cash and checks, and instead
go with credit/debit cards or gift cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will limit exchanging physical items since the Chief Financial
Officer of AAFES pointed out that bacteria and viruses can live on paper and
coins for a period of time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This kind of reminded me of my last several deployments when the base shops would not take coins, but instead use pogs as currency. Of course, back then reducing a type of money was not for sanitary reasons, but for dealing with funding shortages, because no one wanted to pay for a soda in nothing but pennies.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Needless to say, the COVID-19 pandemic is something to take seriously.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You can read the email I received below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #003f90; font-size: 19.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
How you can help keep military communities safe from COVID-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
Dear Soldiers, Airmen, military family members, retirees and Veterans,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It has been an honor to serve
you amid the global disruption caused by COVID-19. As the virus spreads,
the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is taking precautions to protect
the health and safety of our Nation’s heroes. But we need your help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Studies show that paper money
and coins can harbor bacteria and viruses long after they change hands. We
are asking Exchange shoppers to help in the fight against the transmission
of COVID-19 through increased reliance on bank-issued credit and debit,
MILITARY STAR® or gift cards instead of cash. Please note that cash-back
and check-cashing transactions may be unavailable during this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While some Exchanges may
transition to a card-only environment as local needs dictate, we ask that
shoppers minimize the use of cash regardless of location. Customers in need
of cash transactions or services can contact their local Exchange to
inquire about the status of such transactions at their nearest location.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On behalf of the Exchange,
thank you for joining us in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. We
are in this together!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jim Jordan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Army & Air Force Exchange
Service<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-26211048201546250582020-03-16T17:47:00.001-04:002020-03-16T17:47:35.611-04:00The Coronavirus Affecting Races is like the First Sergeant Cancelling Your Four Day Pass<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to be
a slightly funny article. Military humor can be a little sadistic and sarcastic
simultaneously in times of crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot
of my civilian friends and co-workers do not get my sense of humor, or lack
thereof according to my wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But back to the main
point, since the <a href="https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6" target="_blank">Coronavirus</a> became a real threat to people in America,
basically while college and university students went on Spring Break, race
directors and organizers have been reacting to the Coronavirus situation in
their own way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Events like the <a href="https://www.nyrr.org/races/2020unitedairlinesnychalf" target="_blank">NewYork City Half-Marathon</a>; the <a href="https://bragg.armymwr.com/programs/all-american-marathon" target="_blank">All-American Marathon</a> at Fort Bragg and
Fayetteville North Carolina; the <a href="https://tobaccoroadmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Tobacco Road Marathon</a> outside of Raleigh North
Carolina; the <a href="https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/#cities" target="_blank">Allstate Hot Chocolate 5k/15k series</a> in San Diego, Philadelphia
and Minneapolis; and the <a href="https://quarrycrusherrun.com/qcr-birmingham-registration/" target="_blank">Quarry Crusher series in Columbia, South Carolina andBirmingham, Alabama </a>have been canceled with most if not all organizers offering
to defer each participant to the next year’s respective events.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other races such as
the <a href="https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon" target="_blank">Boston Marathon</a> and the <a href="https://bridgerun.com/" target="_blank">Cooper River Bridge Run</a> (10k) in Charleston, South
Carolina have postponed their races from the Spring to late Summer or even late
Autumn in an effort to keep the event going that calendar year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running is a fickle
subject with a lot of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people
dredge running or outright do not do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the military, you are forced upon the activity of running and “you
will enjoy it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running is a key part of
each service’s physical fitness or aptitude test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a lot of people I know who get out of the
service do not run after leaving because they hated the way someone or some
people made them run “all the time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there’s people
like me, who love to run, who look forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And signing up for a race is a way of
expression for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get out there and I
feel free. Of course, I don’t feel completely free when a 12 year kid blows by
me, but I’m an old timer now and I’m here to enjoy myself, not beat everyone’s
two mile run time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is why when
the Coronavirus pandemic hit, it affected my running schedule harder than
expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife and I had things
planned to do after each race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now
that races are canceled until at least May, there is not much need to us to
travel to places like Charleston, Charlotte, Greenville, or even downtown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in each instance, we planned to visit
sights and eateries in the local areas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had things planned
out, I paid the expenses for events, I coordinated with the wife to make sure
we had no conflicting agendas (because we don’t need another day of “which race
did YOU sign up for?), and then Covid-19 put the kabash on that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the pandemic is serious, and it
affects a lot of people, some of them fatally, but watching each race I signed up
for get shot down is akin to me being a little E-3 and the first sergeant
figuratively kicking me in the reproductive organ area with a motor pool issued
steel toed boot and say, “Not today, son. Now go hose off the Bradley tracks on the ground with the pressure washer” while it’s raining. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Because I’ve seen that happen before. The last part, not a
1SG physically kicking someone in the balls.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-69494118255959423922019-11-15T19:41:00.002-05:002019-11-15T19:41:41.165-05:00The Veterans Day 5k Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most non-marathon
races happen on a Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But since it
was Veterans Day weekend the Veterans Day 5k was not on the typical Columbia
weekend run and I got to enjoy my sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I forgot to look at the race calendar to see what would be happening
on that Saturday, so there’s that, too.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran in the
inaugural USC Veterans Day 5k last year, and one of the much faster runners
inadvertently changed the course and everyone followed their lead, including
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made for an interesting time
while crossing Assembly Street with traffic coming at us both ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (see last year's race by clicking on the video.)<br /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i_emzjoTKyw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i_emzjoTKyw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, the
course route significantly changed, and it would start and end in different
spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The route started by the Long
Street Theatre, went around the Horseshoe perimeter, made a couple of turns,
and ended at 920 Lady Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday afternoon, I
headed out very relaxed and ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Packet pick-up started at 11:30 AM, and would go on for the next two and
a half hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I arrived at one of the
UofSC parking lots and dropped my stuff off at the library around 1 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hung out and talked with some of the
college kids working, to which one of them asked me about the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed that she got stuck in traffic
during the Tunnel to Towers 5k the other month and didn’t want to have that
happen again. I assured her that the race wouldn’t linger past her work
schedule, and that the end was off campus so she would have no issues.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a little bit,
I go outside and walk up for my packet pick-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I see quite a few Team RWB shirts surfing among the crowd which was
amazing because I do not recall anyone talking about it on the local RWB Facebook
page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, my RWB shirt was in the
wash because someone spilled a drink on my stuff and my Columbia Running Club
jersey was nowhere to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead,
and thankfully because of the slightly cooler weather, I would wear my cotton
Columbia Running Club t-shirt for the race, so at least I would represent one
of the two organizations out there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArprIojbZz8/Xc9CxGdXs0I/AAAAAAAAXkE/_KFz9JwSLLQfFVELmifEHgrVk0PdewukACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hellbringerx_75472272_142756663692146_4479237157582652757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArprIojbZz8/Xc9CxGdXs0I/AAAAAAAAXkE/_KFz9JwSLLQfFVELmifEHgrVk0PdewukACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/hellbringerx_75472272_142756663692146_4479237157582652757_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Prez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As I mingle among
some of the participants, I spot Bob Caslen, the President of the University of
South Carolina and retired Army three star general and he was ready to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cocky was out there, too, and it was hard to
figure out which one of the two ended up in more picture taking opportunities
for social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>#uofsc #cocky #gococks
#goarmy #toomanyhashtags.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, we all
make our way to the starting line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>According to raceroster.com, 388 people signed up for the race, but I
believe there were over 400 out on the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The national anthem is sung and once the buzzer goes, we are off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I follow the crowd
before me, and everyone makes a right after passing the Long Street
Theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my Halo 3 theme music
going in my Aftershokz, GoPro in my hand, and I’m weaving around strollers and
walkers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m enjoying myself as I get
close to the gate blocking vehicle traffic on Greene Street.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then several of
us hear a woman say we were going the wrong way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn Around, You're Going the Wrong Way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could see a long
crowd of runners still going forward, but those of us from the back only had
the minimal amount of turnaround distance to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel this certain energy coursing through
my veins and I somehow sprint back onto the correct route, and sprinting at the
beginning definitely goes against what I used to tell my Soldiers when I was
still in the Army.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got back on track
and there are very few people in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Eventually, I pass enough people that for a brief quarter-mile I am one
of the top ten runners of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Technicalities and mishaps aside, I took that in stride and ran a little
faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wouldn’t last.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly, and one by one, the fast pack of
runners catch up and surpass me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0yqT_MRfw/Xc9D5djjBiI/AAAAAAAAXkc/7nMiF4HzCuEyEuuvogZMJ2wAXR5P5RBlQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/The%2BDI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0yqT_MRfw/Xc9D5djjBiI/AAAAAAAAXkc/7nMiF4HzCuEyEuuvogZMJ2wAXR5P5RBlQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/The%2BDI.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You better run up that hill!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make it to Bull
Street, one of two uphills in the race, and this one is THE dozy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s steep and it has four Marine drill
instructors “encouraging” us get up that hill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were very animated. And vocal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I run up the hill past all four, and about 50 feet past the final one, I
slow down to a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hear the last
drill instructor behind me yelling that I should not be walking and that I
needed to keep running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point,
I’m near the apex the hill, and I spot two volunteers to which I tell them as I
start running again, “if I wasn’t retired, I might have been intimidated by
them,” meaning the Marines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
laughed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rg2Y6DeIU/Xc9EEMdYtaI/AAAAAAAAXkg/tz3YWbGh8TQ7A91ExrmrbuaAUiut1XJCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DS%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rg2Y6DeIU/Xc9EEMdYtaI/AAAAAAAAXkg/tz3YWbGh8TQ7A91ExrmrbuaAUiut1XJCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/DS%2Bshot.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hit the water
stops along the route and one of them was on Assembly Street, the other
not-as-steep uphill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After cresting the
hill, I run by what looks like at least three platoons of Army drill sergeant
candidates, who were out there actually encouraging us with signs, dancing, and
clapping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJbilo8HGEk/Xc9EURcKQQI/AAAAAAAAXks/u-NRypVE7cwSuxj-h2qNrKL4vJec-CSCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJbilo8HGEk/Xc9EURcKQQI/AAAAAAAAXks/u-NRypVE7cwSuxj-h2qNrKL4vJec-CSCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/Cheer.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span> The route had us
running in front of the state capitol grounds, and a squad of UofSC
cheerleaders followed suit with the Army by cheering us on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of turns later, I made it onto Lady
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lady Street felt
weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so used to driving on it,
that I never really get to take in how downtown Columbia looks like a normal
metropolitan area, and I do not mean that in a bad way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time, I’m running down it and soaking in
the building architecture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually, the
finish line is within eyesight and the crowd within earshot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sprint from the final traffic light and
pass Cocky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That bird is everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More cheerleaders line the finish line,
motivating people as they approach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
finish with one of my slowest times ever, but it was worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxgp3Cpn7rA/Xc9EnKmTUYI/AAAAAAAAXk0/sMt0CzidxnYqVr273B4BVUud69D0NlIYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Get%2Bthat%2Bsun%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmy%2Bface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bxgp3Cpn7rA/Xc9EnKmTUYI/AAAAAAAAXk0/sMt0CzidxnYqVr273B4BVUud69D0NlIYwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Get%2Bthat%2Bsun%2Bout%2Bof%2Bmy%2Bface.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not stay for
the after-party or the awards ceremony because I had some sick kiddos to get
back home to, but those who finished (and had the proper ID) got a free beer
and sliders from Carolina Western Pub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The race packet included a performance shirt and an FN America baseball
cap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll take a hat in a race packet
any day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv4SjtA_9Ls/Xc9Er1Uzu8I/AAAAAAAAXk4/4vc34jr8RtgX-AWPaHjzhmjZgSJdal80wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/action%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nv4SjtA_9Ls/Xc9Er1Uzu8I/AAAAAAAAXk4/4vc34jr8RtgX-AWPaHjzhmjZgSJdal80wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/action%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocky and the president crossing the finish line</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than the
initial hiccup at the beginning of the course, it was good; the crowd and
atmosphere were in happy spirits, and any chance to support raising money for
the Fisher House is a-okay in my book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /><br />The video for the race is below, check it out.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A935jCunyTo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A935jCunyTo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com1University of South Carolina33.997857497345905 -81.03096685198431733.982487497345907 -81.063925851984322 34.0132274973459 -80.998007851984312tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-4676755282191775572019-11-06T17:53:00.001-05:002019-11-06T17:53:55.107-05:00The Superhero 5k in Columbia Recap<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqgSois-N4U/XcNMN-RIVNI/AAAAAAAAXeI/0XG0zQzabcA_cFaSN7q8Nx7Gmh04ZuaXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/start%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqgSois-N4U/XcNMN-RIVNI/AAAAAAAAXeI/0XG0zQzabcA_cFaSN7q8Nx7Gmh04ZuaXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/start%2Bline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strictly Running is
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received a reminder email from
them about the Superhero 5k a little while back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked my schedule and saw that while I would
work at the library that day, I did not have a race scheduled on the calendar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran the DC Wonder Woman 5k the previous
week, so I figured that if I participate in the Superhero race, I could wear
that sweet red shirt I got from the previous run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then my
youngest, Tori, wanted to run in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Years ago, Tori dressed as “Princess Hulk” when we lived in Texas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amanda thought it would be a good idea for
Tori to reenact that again, but this time for a run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday afternoon, I
head to Strictly Running for packet pick-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have everything ready, as usual, and it was quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the bag was my bib, a bright yellow shirt,
literature on child abuse awareness, and a voucher for a free game of
bowling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAIDSKpMa8I/XcNMYJm_GsI/AAAAAAAAXeM/cpPOHRbkNk0FrS6N7xXsqEz50EOTpelHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Dog%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAIDSKpMa8I/XcNMYJm_GsI/AAAAAAAAXeM/cpPOHRbkNk0FrS6N7xXsqEz50EOTpelHwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dog%2Bin%2Bthe%2Brace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dog was ready for the race to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday morning
rolls around, and it is bitter cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
verbally ask Google for driving directions to “Segra Park,” but each time I do,
my Android phone insisted on giving me three day directions to Sequoia National
Park in California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for a traffic update, but at least I
know where I’m going. Tori and I drive down I-126 to get to the baseball
stadium, and the Broad River had a thick layer of fog slightly rising around
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made the Columbia skyline look
amazing as we drove closer to town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
haven’t been to Segra Park since it was renamed, and construction happening
around it threw me off for a bit.<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived and parked the car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it was still cold and we had 15
minutes, Tori and I sat inside for a few minutes before we braved the 37 degree
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had her Hulk outfit on, but
she put Amanda’s old high school cheerleading sweatshirt on over it, and decided
to wear a Stranger Things’ Scoops Ahoy hat instead of a tiara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess season three of that Netflix series
needed someone to get angry and go green.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, I
watch several people wearing bibs get out of their vehicles and walk around the
stadium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the ten minute mark, Tori
and I get out of the car and start walking to where the others headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make it five feet when a woman stops me and
asks if my daughter and I were going to the race, and I reply yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I answer, I turn completely around and
both of our bibs are in clear view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
woman asks us if we are running in the race or if we are here to show support,
and I say “yes we are,” thinking the bibs are a dead giveaway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She then tells us that she thinks we are
going the wrong way because someone told her that the race started somewhere
“north on Turner Street.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I’m so confused after watching
at least 15 people walk around the north side of the stadium heading west and I
have never heard of Turner Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tell her that I watched several people walk around the stadium, and she replied
that maybe I should ask the people at the stadium to make sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tori and I hurry towards the stadium and we
see other people trickle out of their cars and head westward… like slow moving,
cold shivering miners looking for gold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrhJ8CZwMXM/XcNMnJSDjVI/AAAAAAAAXeQ/xs_t-VZ0RfISmD1xRzJj-FDARZWQiIb4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Walking%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bstart%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VrhJ8CZwMXM/XcNMnJSDjVI/AAAAAAAAXeQ/xs_t-VZ0RfISmD1xRzJj-FDARZWQiIb4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Walking%2Bto%2Bthe%2Bstart%2Bline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make it to the
starting line with about five minutes to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I spot Alex McDonald (pulling picture taking duties), Naomi Rabon, Jen
Kryzanowski, Rocky Soderberg, Kerri Stubbs, and Clara Nance among the mass of
running attire and costumes flowing throughout the start line assembly
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tori initially wanted to walk the
course, once the race started, she was right behind me running along. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2kk-XSES0w/XcNNHnOWfgI/AAAAAAAAXeg/e0pCnUspebEJd50mWu_Z-MpxM-TD-QF7QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/getting%2Bthat%2Bpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2kk-XSES0w/XcNNHnOWfgI/AAAAAAAAXeg/e0pCnUspebEJd50mWu_Z-MpxM-TD-QF7QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/getting%2Bthat%2Bpose.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We head north
running around many costumes and capes along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the half mile area, there’s this hill that
looks a little intimidating, especially for a kid who doesn’t like the cold
weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep telling Tori that we
need to keep a good pace, especially since other children her age are sprinting
and wearing themselves out before the first mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We trod up the hill and make it, but
eventually Tori needed to walk near the 1 mile mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make the corner
at 1.5 miles and I notice a bunch of people in blue shirts walking towards
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t remember seeing a mass of
powder blue shirts at the starting area, but Tori had slowed down quite a bit
since the 1 mile mark and I just chalked it up to… fast walkers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQmfe-5IAqY/XcNNVQvjj3I/AAAAAAAAXek/JldzY24AMIMe4WHpRfodESM4leP5bo7CACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Heart%2BCheck%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BSuperhero%2B5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQmfe-5IAqY/XcNNVQvjj3I/AAAAAAAAXek/JldzY24AMIMe4WHpRfodESM4leP5bo7CACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heart%2BCheck%2Bwith%2Bthe%2BSuperhero%2B5k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Check participants </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we pass the third
group of blue shirts, Tori remarks that the shirts all say “Heart Check” and
both of us thought it was pretty neat that two events cross paths around the
same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet the police and both
event volunteers had an interesting time keeping streams of traffic from both
events safe and on the right path.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we continue past
the sea of blue shirts, Tori and I push up a hill and keep going, and the next
mile was so flat that was quite refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I run along, I reminisce on the Bunny Hop 5k that Tori and I did
around there a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go
around a few corners and make it down Calhoun Street, and I mean down because
of the decline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tori and I turn left
towards the stadium, and at this point, I have to remind Tori that we are
almost done… because she IS done. It’s cold, she hasn’t run in a few weeks, and
she wants to go get a Cherry Icee (Stranger Things reference).</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Im140yfPnc/XcNN7tfU15I/AAAAAAAAXe0/O6d5yi4j_ZIPwOwehLVy-U5UCZwAGPZ_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/not%2Ba%2Bhappy%2Bcamper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Im140yfPnc/XcNN7tfU15I/AAAAAAAAXe0/O6d5yi4j_ZIPwOwehLVy-U5UCZwAGPZ_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/not%2Ba%2Bhappy%2Bcamper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where is my ICEE?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make a deal with Tori that she will get an
Icee if we finish strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She agrees,
and I try to pump her up mentally as we round the corner and head along the
walkway to the stadium interior grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tori didn’t care, but we sprint to the finish line and walk to cool
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and I finish around the 36
minute mark, but that didn’t matter; we stayed together the whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a few minutes
before Tori and I had to meet up with Amanda at the Soda City Saturday Market
on Main Street, so we checked out the stands, grabbed several bottles of water,
a hot dog, and some nachos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We couldn’t
stay for the awards ceremony because I had to get ready for work at the library,
and a sick Amanda was probably waiting on Main Street, thus Tori and I took
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, and out car was so warm after
standing around in a slightly higher 40 degrees for 10 minutes or so as we left
the stadium and made our way to Main Street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekSFzbBVMDw/XcNOJFDhVaI/AAAAAAAAXe8/p1q3ftb36e4ev9-0Exc0THf094nHe3zcwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/the%2Bwalkway%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekSFzbBVMDw/XcNOJFDhVaI/AAAAAAAAXe8/p1q3ftb36e4ev9-0Exc0THf094nHe3zcwCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/the%2Bwalkway%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leading up into the stadium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqy5kn-sObE/XcNOJAp9IrI/AAAAAAAAXe4/3_EkhWrFlVAvF5ZVH29OaIdU3Gg0rGpKACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/the%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqy5kn-sObE/XcNOJAp9IrI/AAAAAAAAXe4/3_EkhWrFlVAvF5ZVH29OaIdU3Gg0rGpKACNcBGAsYHQ/s200/the%2Bfinish%2Bline.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line is in sight!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Please check out my video showing the course, capes, and costumes for the Superhero 5k.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9kqmVTIM51I/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9kqmVTIM51I?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0Columbia, South Carolina34.003654119871157 -81.04331910252892633.513401119871155 -82.098006602528926 34.49390711987116 -79.988631602528926tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-62255483314368167142019-10-30T21:59:00.000-04:002019-10-30T21:59:20.753-04:00DC Wonder Woman College Run Series at the University of South Carolina Recap<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNVknA-sVyQ/Xbo-TiQOkCI/AAAAAAAAXYA/xrNdbwIlCSgCrS5-SQg_N9LthAxX1L6CwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0049-9737.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dNVknA-sVyQ/Xbo-TiQOkCI/AAAAAAAAXYA/xrNdbwIlCSgCrS5-SQg_N9LthAxX1L6CwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0049-9737.jpeg" width="213" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Columbia has a
running problem: people love to run. So much so that on 26 October, I counted
at least three races around town and one happening up in the
Greenville/Spartanburg metropolitan area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strictly Running had their Halloween Run 5k, the Go Leo Go 5k would take
place at Saluda Shoals Park, and the DC Wonder Woman College Run Series
happened at the University of South Carolina. Since I would work at the
university library that day, it made sense to me to go for the Wonder Woman
race and head to work afterwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4Aw4HqH3w/Xbo-P8gpZgI/AAAAAAAAXX4/blDAuegmja08sn44aePChcUiTk90mHjKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/hellbringerx_74893080_143698047010476_3460076821316379255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tp4Aw4HqH3w/Xbo-P8gpZgI/AAAAAAAAXX4/blDAuegmja08sn44aePChcUiTk90mHjKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/hellbringerx_74893080_143698047010476_3460076821316379255_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I head out and park
at the Bull Street Garage, which is free on weekends, and walk down to Blatt
Fitness Center where the start/finish line and assembly area are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At packet pickup, I am greeted by Erin of
Grit Endurance and get my shirt and bib.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I love this shirt; it is a red performance shirt with the Wonder Woman
logo on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the people around
me were college aged, which passed muster because the university had been
promoting it, at least in the library. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And speaking of the Thomas Cooper Library,
they showed their support by having a table set up to talk about its recently
acquired vast comic book collection along with a Wonder Woman display on hand
for picture opportunities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I got to
the back of the start line, as per my usual ritual, I noticed that I am
basically one of five males in a sea of red wearing women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t bother me much, because as the
run promotes, “#IAMWONDERWOMAN.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pkux-9FS8w/Xbo-ThxG-OI/AAAAAAAAXYE/lfAksGjo9VwIG9JSTyeInhDh1-TGyW_QQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0242-8806.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Pkux-9FS8w/Xbo-ThxG-OI/AAAAAAAAXYE/lfAksGjo9VwIG9JSTyeInhDh1-TGyW_QQCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0242-8806.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The run kicks off
with the DJ counting down and Erin also letting us know to get ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The course we run is the same course that I
ran last year from the UofSC Family Weekend 5k.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And then I remember the hills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The course route looks like squished Big Dipper constellation, but with
an uphill built into the beginning and end of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That second mile is nice and flat, especially
since it goes around Hand Middle School, and unlike last year, directions along
the course were better because I did NOT take a turn a street or three early
(like a few others and myself did last year).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Throughout the course, the sea of red shirts from the start of the race
would trickle down to a stream before culminating into a little pond of crimson
at the finish line.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB8NAmngfio/Xbo-TQYMF2I/AAAAAAAAXX8/jqslU8RLv58tM9MW7rpMf6ooDgWw1u86gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0246-9008.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB8NAmngfio/Xbo-TQYMF2I/AAAAAAAAXX8/jqslU8RLv58tM9MW7rpMf6ooDgWw1u86gCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/dl_cp20x30-1066-WUSC0246-9008.jpeg" width="133" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finish line had
the usual assortment of refreshments and snacks for participants, with one
exception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, Honey Stinger is
a sponsor of the DC Wonder Woman race series, and that made me pretty happy. I
will eat their waffles all day long and seeing them at the event really made my
day because that meant I didn’t have to break into my own stash of Honey
Stinger goodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice fun
run, the medal was very bling-y since the middle spins around, the shirt was
great, and it was a great chance to go through a part of the Gamecocks’ campus
all in one stroke. No pressure to win, just good times to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you would like to see what the event looked like, check out my YouTube video here:</div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0University of South Carolina34.003301651955411 -81.02339239999997729.971427651955409 -89.460892399999977 38.035175651955413 -72.585892399999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-85775836723348555402019-10-17T06:00:00.000-04:002019-10-17T06:00:03.477-04:00The Hoka One One Sky Arkali - Best of Both Trail Worlds Or a Jack of All Trades?<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynfRTHf286Y/XafJZ_S6vBI/AAAAAAAAXPQ/TapcRpBf4pslyR_BgjbMUdegzu9FYKwKQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blog%2Bhigher%2Bshoe%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ynfRTHf286Y/XafJZ_S6vBI/AAAAAAAAXPQ/TapcRpBf4pslyR_BgjbMUdegzu9FYKwKQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Blog%2Bhigher%2Bshoe%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{170}" paraid="653767175" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> The </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. A shoe that combines attributes of a trail running shoe with a low-cut hiking boot. The theory is that taking the best features from each category would yield a jack-of-all-trades shoe for hitting the outdoors. The idea is sound, but in a vein </span><span class="AdvancedProofingIssue BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">similar to</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> hybrid bicycles, which combine of a road bike with a trail/mountain bike, it does not always go as planned.</span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{174}" paraid="1066407594" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Don’t get me wrong, the </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> is a great shoe, but as I go over my findings, it will become more clear which activities one should undertake with these shoes.</span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{182}" paraid="1134838128" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I originally received my pair of </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> One </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">One</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> from the folks at </span></span><a class="Hyperlink BCX0 SCXW104772265" href="http://www.runrepeat.com/" rel="noreferrer" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; user-select: text;" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">www.runrepeat.com</span></span></a><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">and I wore the shoes for about a month. I hiked, ran, walked, cycled, kayaked, and worked in them and this is what I found.</span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMC_xHUOrIk/XafJuX4OGLI/AAAAAAAAXPc/0jW_3d9VGksEk4V3HjIrKgioyfp0WhpSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Blog%2BUp%2Ba%2Bhill%2Baction%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMC_xHUOrIk/XafJuX4OGLI/AAAAAAAAXPc/0jW_3d9VGksEk4V3HjIrKgioyfp0WhpSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Blog%2BUp%2Ba%2Bhill%2Baction%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{201}" paraid="1300492291" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> For hiking, these shoes are wonderful. They are lighter than other hiking shoes I’ve worn, they appear very durable, and they grip the ground so well. My feet felt great while hiking and walking about in the woods, partially due to </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka’s</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> cushioning, and partially due to the breathability of the upper.</span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{209}" paraid="1408879189" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> However, the Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> are a different story when it comes to running. </span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Don’t get me wrong, these shoes are well constructed, but the breathability factor severely goes down because you are moving so much quicker and often. Also, the Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> are heavier than my other trail running shoes, which is weird to me because as a pair of hiking shoes, they are lighter than my old hiking boots. </span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{215}" paraid="1747910232" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF080efjn-I/XafJuTlZ6NI/AAAAAAAAXPg/ueIk_Sh5Tb06zc7ZkhZ1wXDSMhqOxKbLACEwYBhgL/s1600/Blog%2Bdownhill%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF080efjn-I/XafJuTlZ6NI/AAAAAAAAXPg/ueIk_Sh5Tb06zc7ZkhZ1wXDSMhqOxKbLACEwYBhgL/s320/Blog%2Bdownhill%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{215}" paraid="1747910232" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{215}" paraid="1747910232" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{215}" paraid="1747910232" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> One </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">One</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> has several features that make it stand out from other trail shoes. From the top to the bottom they are:</span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{215}" paraid="1747910232" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{227}" paraid="740887856" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The MATRYX upper, which includes strands of </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Kelvar</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> for durability and strength. Being a former Army guy, I can tell you that </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Kelvar</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> is not breathable, but it takes a whole heck of a lot to rip and tear. Fortunately, the MATRYX upper is </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="AdvancedProofingIssue BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">really just</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> a sleeve-like layer that goes around the shoe and not on top where the tongue and toe box are located. </span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{227}" paraid="740887856" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{243}" paraid="811743993" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The front has a high-abrasion rubber toe cap to protect that area. I</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">t is not the same at a steel toed boot, but I did appreciate the small extra padding whenever I did hit fallen branches or more roots.</span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{243}" paraid="811743993" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{f8cfd4cb-6fe5-4224-bd27-4f91f35645a7}{249}" paraid="776268991" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The PROFLY midsole appears in other </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> shoes but I personally don’t know of any of my friends using them, but the PROFLY’s usage shows up in the Mach 2, the Cavu 2, and the Elevon. All I know is that I had a very cushy ride while wearing the Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{2}" paraid="2065027268" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y17QdU4ve50/XafJwA-HuMI/AAAAAAAAXQM/7T3lxhDDiio8N2fSz262NGGgp6syzN7-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Blog%2Bside%2Bshot%2Bon%2Bwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y17QdU4ve50/XafJwA-HuMI/AAAAAAAAXQM/7T3lxhDDiio8N2fSz262NGGgp6syzN7-wCEwYBhgL/s320/Blog%2Bside%2Bshot%2Bon%2Bwood.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> T</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">wo Velcro straps to fitting the shoe around your ankle and heel. T</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">he forward and back Velcro straps are a great boon since they help lock in how tight, yet comfortable, you want the shoes to be. Only once did a strap come loose, and that was when I tripped over a root and almost fell hard. Almost fell, but twenty feet of stumbling later I recovered. </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Because of the location of the Velcro straps, the Sky </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> sits like a high-top shoe, and this greatly helps with reducing debris coming into the shoe and I </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="AdvancedProofingIssue BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">definitely did</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> not need a gaiter while out on the trail. </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">The shoes also feature the longest length for shoelaces I’ve seen yet; I’ve never owned or seen a pair of shoes where the laces start at the top and end almost where my toes end. </span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{22}" paraid="1601024037" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEVrJHwTuQc/XafJvLxUKJI/AAAAAAAAXQE/tLyxahxKt_wvLA4lGcBFjCYZhhYJjsGnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Blog%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bair%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HEVrJHwTuQc/XafJvLxUKJI/AAAAAAAAXQE/tLyxahxKt_wvLA4lGcBFjCYZhhYJjsGnwCEwYBhgL/s320/Blog%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bair%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bbridge.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> The outsoles are the best part of the shoes, in my opinion. I have been a huge fan of Vibram outsoles since my deployment times in the military. Over half my boots had Vibram outsoles and they lasted a lot longer than other boots’ outsoles in Middle Eastern dirt, sand, and rocks. Vibram outsoles have a history of durability, reliability, and dependability. They will outlast any other outsole that I have owned or worn. The grip is pheno</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">menal, but I would expect nothing less from Vibram.</span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{22}" paraid="1601024037" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;">
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{28}" paraid="1786652288" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> While the hiking and running are what most people would be interested in, I do like the </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">when it coming to cycling as well. I do not own clip shoes that most cyclists wear, but I absolutely love wearing trail shoes whenever I ride my bicycle because the outsoles grip the pedals so well, I never have to worry about losing traction while pedaling. </span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2GfpZLjskM/XafJvt2X_eI/AAAAAAAAXQI/hiICycqLeiUvIpitva-gHykV5GbXtWX5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Blog%2Brun%2Bup%2Ba%2Bhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2GfpZLjskM/XafJvt2X_eI/AAAAAAAAXQI/hiICycqLeiUvIpitva-gHykV5GbXtWX5gCEwYBhgL/s320/Blog%2Brun%2Bup%2Ba%2Bhill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{38}" paraid="1677850518" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> The shoes are not waterproof, but I still wore them while kayaking. I had a few muddy areas that I had to traverse before getting in and getting out of the kayak, and the Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="AdvancedProofingIssue BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">definitely helped</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> keep me upright and not fall while getting in my little ride.</span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<div class="Paragraph BCX0 SCXW104772265" paraeid="{17d5dce4-c8ae-40a0-91a3-d179834d327b}{42}" paraid="409113542" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Besides the shoes not being the best suited for long distance running, my major sticking point with the </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hoka</span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Sky </span><span class="SpellingError BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/gif; background-position: left bottom; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Arkali</span><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> is the price point. At $200 USD, </span></span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">£170.00</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> UK, and </span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">200,00 €</span><span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> EU, you need to be sure that you want these shoes. They make great hiking shoes, especially in cooler weather, but considering I live in in the southern United States, I am reluctant to wear them in warmer temperatures. When winter comes, there is no doubt that I would break these shoes out for a winter trail run or hike, though. </span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun BCX0 SCXW104772265" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></span><span class="EOP BCX0 SCXW104772265" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-family: Calibri, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19.425px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> You can see my first impressions of the shoes here:</span></div>
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Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0United States37.779197833925735 -96.31692205000001611.782475833925737 -137.62551605000002 63.775919833925734 -55.008328050000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-83014975873433166992019-07-29T16:22:00.000-04:002019-07-29T16:22:04.461-04:00Guardians of the Night 5k - Running MontageThis is the result of running the Guardians of the Night 5k with a GoPro Karma Grip in my hand and recording with a GoPro Hero 6 Black.<br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Guardians of the Night K9 5K Race/Run is a true night event that offers a fun, flat, fast-paced race -- giving runners the opportunity to run alongside Richland County Sheriff's Department K9 Deputies and their own K9 partners. This year the event moves to a new venue - the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. This is a certified race course and chip timing will be used for scoring. Awards will follow along with the opportunity to meet and greet with the K-9's and Deputies.
This annual event raises funds to benefit the RCSD K9 team. These funds pay for the dogs' food, medical care, safety equipment, collars, leads and the very costly ballistic vests they need to do their jobs.</span></span>Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-69696664886210937182019-07-16T18:49:00.001-04:002019-07-19T13:31:22.120-04:00Everything I know about the Cloud Edge Moon<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0hZ8j3tq5c/XS4sVrxktUI/AAAAAAAAV5M/-8tPtljuUr4w3WKyj74bDj2wnBEO8A5qACLcBGAs/s1600/On%2BCloud%2BEdge%2BMoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1200" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0hZ8j3tq5c/XS4sVrxktUI/AAAAAAAAV5M/-8tPtljuUr4w3WKyj74bDj2wnBEO8A5qACLcBGAs/s400/On%2BCloud%2BEdge%2BMoon.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On's Cloud Edge Moon, Collector's Edition Shoe</td></tr>
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***19 JULY UPDATE***</div>
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If you sign up for their email, On will make the purchase for the Cloud Edge Moon available at the following time on 20 July:</div>
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<strong>9:00 am Pacific Time</strong></div>
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<strong>12:00 pm Eastern Time</strong></div>
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You can check out more from them here: <a href="https://www.on-running.com/en-us/products/cloud-edge-moon-white-m" target="_blank">On's CLOUD EDGE MOON Pre-Order</a><br />
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***Original Post***<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I received an email
from On this morning that they would be releasing their first collector’s
edition shoe, the Cloud Edge Moon to commemorate the 50<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I bought the regular Cloud Edge when it first came out over a year ago
as a limited edition shoe, so my interest peaked when I saw this, especially
since the Cloud Edge is such a durable shoe that I still wear to this day.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBAdOH87f6I/XTH9GZ6F1uI/AAAAAAAAWAc/0YuoF0V5g6k1perjy0HHPqnJ8MO4-W9YACLcBGAs/s1600/Cloud%2BEdge%2BMoon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DBAdOH87f6I/XTH9GZ6F1uI/AAAAAAAAWAc/0YuoF0V5g6k1perjy0HHPqnJ8MO4-W9YACLcBGAs/s400/Cloud%2BEdge%2BMoon.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I’ve
learned so far, the Cloud Edge Moon will be limited to 999 pairs available and
will only come in white and metallic gold. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtTX2NRdBo8/XQ0dXuDoW6I/AAAAAAAAU2w/havt7B_FIv4VLuPz6bUL9HKnmxhsqVAuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Cloud%2BEdge%2Baka%2BCloud%2BTerry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="812" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtTX2NRdBo8/XQ0dXuDoW6I/AAAAAAAAU2w/havt7B_FIv4VLuPz6bUL9HKnmxhsqVAuwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Cloud%2BEdge%2Baka%2BCloud%2BTerry.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Original Cloud Edge</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the shoes are
based off the Cloud Edge, now known as the Cloud Terry, they have a great
foundation. You can see my initial review of the Cloud Edge here:</div>
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and my follow-up review of them here: <o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to the Cloud Edge Moon, the shoe is mostly white with a
metallic gold tongue and gold back heel pull tab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The white and gold shoe laces are the speed
laces that are typical for the On Cloud and the Cloud Edge/Terry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means that you don’t tie the laces, but
instead you do the initial adjustment before putting a knot at the end of the
laces to keep them in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
these laces and wish more shoes would use this design. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoOqhRfqxTY/XS5T8lg0-DI/AAAAAAAAV50/8gc2dTJ776k2-9r1b15MnDQnWwNitpFcACLcBGAs/s1600/Back%2BVelcro%2BStrap%2Bwith%2Bpersonalization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="882" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoOqhRfqxTY/XS5T8lg0-DI/AAAAAAAAV50/8gc2dTJ776k2-9r1b15MnDQnWwNitpFcACLcBGAs/s200/Back%2BVelcro%2BStrap%2Bwith%2Bpersonalization.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are two spots
that On added a Velcro tab, as inspiration from the astronauts’ gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The front Velcro strap will feature the
number of the shoe along with the total number of shoes made. So, if your order
was 573, you should see “573/999” printed on the front strap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back strap is for some sort of
personalization that you can send to On when you order the shoes, but I don’t
know the number of characters can be used.</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qypF3wY7Czk/XS5RF1qw3yI/AAAAAAAAV5c/nmwn1x5zBzoEOnx13T4PQzPjMjVNQyk9wCLcBGAs/s1600/Limited%2Bnumber%2Bon%2Bfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="798" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qypF3wY7Czk/XS5RF1qw3yI/AAAAAAAAV5c/nmwn1x5zBzoEOnx13T4PQzPjMjVNQyk9wCLcBGAs/s200/Limited%2Bnumber%2Bon%2Bfront.jpg" width="200" /></a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the features
is a great nod to the lunar landings, but not everyone will see it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the inside, the sock liner has a partial
picture of the moon, earth’s only natural satellite printed on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s pretty cool, but again, how many will
see it unless you take the shoe off to show people?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czWUfg-qlhs/XS5Sq4YphpI/AAAAAAAAV5o/kdDxvC62gD4yWWQgwkai77LAqBQ6MM8CQCLcBGAs/s1600/Inside%2Bof%2BShoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czWUfg-qlhs/XS5Sq4YphpI/AAAAAAAAV5o/kdDxvC62gD4yWWQgwkai77LAqBQ6MM8CQCLcBGAs/s200/Inside%2Bof%2BShoe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You could be stepping on the moon<br />
when you wear these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, this
wouldn’t be an On shoe without their Cloudtec pockets, and it looks like the
Cloud Edge Moon is definitely aligned with the On Cloud's outsole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only issue I
have with the shoes is the price. At 250 U.S. dollars, these are definitely a
collector’s edition shoe, but for that price I could own two pairs of the On
Cloud or even get that Nike Vaporfly 4% that everyone has been raving about for
the past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still these shoes look
phenomenal from what I’ve seen, but it would be very strange to casually race
in them or wearing them every day on non-special occasions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-34639659012735813512019-07-07T07:00:00.000-04:002019-07-07T07:00:06.984-04:00The On Cloudstratus Review: A Week of Testing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyone who has known me for the past two years or so will
know I love trying and wearing On’s running shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Earlier this year, On released the
Cloudswift, their first shoe made with their own Helion superfoam and now On
has made their second new release shoe available, the On Cloudstratus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssrOroZ17ww/XSFRoZsZfvI/AAAAAAAAVv4/kljKmY__0RUiEq4eULOiuqyxC2IFlVhNgCLcBGAs/s1600/Crush%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssrOroZ17ww/XSFRoZsZfvI/AAAAAAAAVv4/kljKmY__0RUiEq4eULOiuqyxC2IFlVhNgCLcBGAs/s320/Crush%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudtec pockets in action</td></tr>
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When you look at the Cloudstratus from the side, the double
layer of Cloudtec pockets look like they are designed specifically for heel
striking runners like myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
if you were to watch any of On’s videos, you’ll notice that every one of their
model athletes are mid-foot strikers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
these shoes are good for either type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Cloudstratus’ pockets will provide support and comfort no matter how
you run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <br /></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cloudstratus
combines features from other models of On’s shoes and makes them its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cloudstratus is also the first shoe to
have a dual layer of Cloudtec pockets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I first heard about On doubling the Cloudtec pockets, I immediately
thought of the razor business where shaving companies would add layers of
blades “for the closest shave ever.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
did sound a little gimmicky, but the thought of having two layers of Cloudtec
pockets beneath my feet sounded great with comfort and cushioning. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So on 20 June, I
ordered a pair of the On Cloudstratus.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have worn these
shoes every day since I received them in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done several runs and even a four mile
race in the Cloudstratus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wore them
every day at work, and considering I work in a seven story building and I have
to be on my feet for the majority of the day, I think I broke them in for my
running.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAhu65eAYB4/XSFTJT_A3hI/AAAAAAAAVwc/BQeBSpnOAY4EIc9asMwIzrudeIZGLCHWQCLcBGAs/s1600/Side%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAhu65eAYB4/XSFTJT_A3hI/AAAAAAAAVwc/BQeBSpnOAY4EIc9asMwIzrudeIZGLCHWQCLcBGAs/s320/Side%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Cloudstratus is built for medium to long runs on
road-like surfaces. Besides the double layer of Cloudtec pockets made with On’s
Helion superfoam, the Cloudstratus also has a speedboard built in it, uses a
modified version of the On Cloudflyer’s star lacing pattern system, features an
asymmetric front and back, has a ribbed insole, and oen of the more breatheable
uppers I’ve seen for a running shoe. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an unusual move
for On, the Cloudstratus has an 8mm drop. I’m used to On shoes having a 6mm
drop, with the Cloudswift going with a 7mm drop instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think one or two millimeters will
matter, but eventually they add up, so hopefully On doesn’t go any higher on
the drop distance.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cloudstratus is
the heaviest of all the On shoes I own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t have a weight for the Cloudace shoes that I tested when I did a
demo run with Fleet Feet, but my US men’s size 10 Cloudstratus shoes weigh 11.7
ounces or 337 grams each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Cloudswift
are in second in terms of weight with each shoe weighing 10.75 ounces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Compared to my Cloudflyer at 9.5 ounces and
my On Cloud at 8.6 ounces, it would seem the Helion feature allows for more
substance to be added, thus increasing the weight of the shoe.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEMKtxPq40A/XSFSp7Ws98I/AAAAAAAAVwI/Zlohld4xU2wPh5BMUmMRuH0AQMQRPWKXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190701_110152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEMKtxPq40A/XSFSp7Ws98I/AAAAAAAAVwI/Zlohld4xU2wPh5BMUmMRuH0AQMQRPWKXgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20190701_110152.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to the dual
layer pockets, On’s Helion foam is supposed to be light, yet durable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can easily say that the Cloudtec pockets
are doing their job with collapsing and bouncing back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on my second run, I did notice little
cracks or creases forming on the underside of my shoes. I fully intend on
keeping an eye on that area to see if anything happens. Also, I already sent a
message to On’s customer service along with the picture you see here. </div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The On Cloudstratus
has a speedboard built into it, just like the Cloudswift and most other models
from On. The speedboard acts very similarly to the spring board found in the
Nike Vaporfly 4%, but the Cloudstratus is less expensive and a good alternative
for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The speedboard is supposed to
help propel you forward so you use less energy with each push off the
foot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be the hype, but I did feel
a little more spring in my step when I sprinted in these shoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On made the front
and back in an asymmetric pattern so that the shoe would be more fit to the
foot and to keep the foot more stable as you run. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The star lacing pattern that I love on the On
Cloudflyer makes its return here, but in that aforementioned asymmetric design.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The back of the asymmetric shoes have a hardened ridge that
helps keep the ankle and back of the foot upright and where it needs to
be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The insole has a special ribbing where the arch of the heel
meets the shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On touts that this
feature helps with proprioception, the act of improving sensory feedback and
aiding the body in know where it is in space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All I know is that I feel better with the ribbing there because it grips
my sock and keeps my feet from sliding about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the actual running, here is how they went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The initial test run
felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back part of the shoes
cushioned my feet so well, I thought these shoes were better than the
Cloudflyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The front felt alright; it
was still cushioned, but not as much as the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a 2 mile run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second run I
did, I ran a little faster, and had a sprint session towards the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was also a 2 mile run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The back area still felt great, but this time
the front felt a little more cushioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it’s because I kept breaking in my shoes by wearing them to work
and walking around all, but the front was a lot better the second time around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sprinting felt a little faster, too, and
either that’s me believing the speedboard helped or the speedboard actually
helping. I did notice the creases at this point, though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third run I did
was a slow 1 miler in order to get my dog ready for an upcoming 5k race at the
end of July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t notice anything
out of the ordinary with the shoes while I was running at a much slower pace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fourth and final run I did the Born in the USA 4
Miler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This race had hills, people as
slow-down obstacles, a few water stops, and a downhill sprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started a steady pace, but would have to
slow down and then speed up as I passed groups of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped during the water breaks, mostly
because of the humidity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after
trudging up the hills and enjoying the downhills, I finished the race and I can
easily say that the Cloudstratus performed better than expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did look at the bottoms of my shoes
afterwards and the cracks are a little bigger than before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, this is something I need to have On
address.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, they don’t look like
they are hampering my performance, but still it’s something I am going to keep
a close eye on. <br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5dCXCmjfzE/XSFT8iGlgjI/AAAAAAAAVws/Hz6gMStkODkzHHvqBXZmJFiae7LXx2ZCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG7453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5dCXCmjfzE/XSFT8iGlgjI/AAAAAAAAVws/Hz6gMStkODkzHHvqBXZmJFiae7LXx2ZCgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMAG7453.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cloudswift with a hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>One other issue that
is a concern for me isn’t from the Cloudstratus, but from the
Cloudswift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bought the Cloudswift
three months ago, and a UK Youtuber, Chris Ford of “Fordy Runs” noticed that
his pair developed a few holes in the heel area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several people commented on his video and in
other social media platforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a
look at my shoes and saw the holes forming on the inside of my shoes as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is something I’m not used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My old On Clouds and my Cloudflyer never developed
fabric tears like my Cloudswift.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t like to
paint the shoes in a negative light because overall they are doing their job
well and they feel great. They provide a lot of cushioning, perhaps even more
than the Cloudflyer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My only concern right now are the creases that formed on the Cloudstratus, but I will have several updates in the upcoming months regarding this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-23861504397506600732019-06-26T15:07:00.001-04:002019-06-26T15:10:01.397-04:00The On Cloudstratus: A First Look<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vTEvRakv0Gs" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I got the On Cloudstratus because it looked like a good alternative to the Cloudflyer, my favorite running shoe from On. The Cloudstratus features a dual layer of Cloudtec pockets and has a composite make-up of Helion superfoam mixed with another type of foam that On likes to use.<br />
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I will have a more in depth article on the On Cloudstratus after I run in the shoes more, but in the mean time, go ahead and check out my video above to see and hear more about the latest offering from On.Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-44216293276388165812019-06-21T14:16:00.001-04:002019-06-21T18:09:29.784-04:00The On Cloudstratus has been released!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Cloudstratus crushing it</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>On 20 June, On
released their latest shoe, the On Cloudstratus. It is a running shoe that has
a double layer of Cloudtec pockets, contains On’s latest superfoam called
Helion, and incorporates elements from other On shoes such as the star lace
pattern from the On Cloudflyer and the asymmetric upper that I’ve seen on the
On Cloud shoes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Cloudflyer's star pattern lacing system</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtTX2NRdBo8/XQ0dXuDoW6I/AAAAAAAAU2s/IpPMYggfSlEQZf0Lui1WVNYR6CSwJeBmACLcBGAs/s1600/Cloud%2BEdge%2Baka%2BCloud%2BTerry.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="812" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtTX2NRdBo8/XQ0dXuDoW6I/AAAAAAAAU2s/IpPMYggfSlEQZf0Lui1WVNYR6CSwJeBmACLcBGAs/s320/Cloud%2BEdge%2Baka%2BCloud%2BTerry.png" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been a fan of
On and their shoes for almost two years now. I’ve owned several of their shoes
and did reviews of them on YouTube. I even bought a pair of their limited
edition On Cloud Edge last year, which is now known as the Cloud Terry, and I
still wear them to this day because of their comfort and durability.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a hole formed on my Cloudswift...</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But recently, On has
had an issue come up with this year’s shoe models that have gotten several
groups and fans a little upset: the heel interior’s fabric will rub and form a
hole when your heel will come in contact with the shoe. A hole may even form on
the top of the shoe at the heel area. This all sounds like the fabric has
friction problems. My On Cloud Edge has this issue, but it’s from me wearing
them almost every day for everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
On Cloudswift are only three months old and they have formed a hole in the
inside. Nowhere near as big as Chris Ford’s On Cloudswift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is definitely an issue that On needs to
address, but I honestly don’t think it will be fixed until they release next
year’s models of running shoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and on the other shoe as well</td></tr>
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In the meantime, I
did debate on getting the On Cloudstratus. While the hole was a concern, personally it was
mostly a cosmetic one, even though no one can see it unless I take the shoes
off. Also, On has never disappointed me when it comes to the durability and
comfort of their shoes. As a fan of On,
I can overlook the shoes’ ability to collect rocks and burrs because I know
about it and can adjust my running habits (and routes) accordingly. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m hoping the
On Cloudstratus is another good substitute for the On Cloudace, arguably the
best cushioned On shoe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The On
Cloudflyer is a very good alternative to the Cloudace and I want to find out if
the Cloudstratus will rank there as well. I’m still a fan of On and their
shoes, but I don’t want to blindly follow them and buy everything they have
(and praise all that they do without checking and testing it out beforehand).
I’ll have something on it shortly after the shoes arrive in a few days.<o:p></o:p><br />
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In the meantime, check out my review on the Cloudswift and Cloudflyer running shoes.<br />
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-8081798882892571532019-05-29T18:58:00.000-04:002019-06-10T21:26:51.911-04:00Five Things to Know About the Cooper River Bridge Run Before You Sign Up<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cooper River
Bridge Run takes places in Charleston around April each year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s one of the most enjoyable road races out
there and has consistently drawn in over 25k runners for the past decade. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the Cooper River Bridge Run is one of
the top ten 10k races in the United States according to several sources to
include <a href="https://www.runnersworld.com/races-places/g21253155/best-american-races/?slide=6" target="_blank">Runner’s World</a>, <a href="https://www.active.com/running/articles/the-biggest-10ks-in-the-u-s/slide-3" target="_blank">Active.com</a>, and <a href="https://www.bibrave.com/thebibrave100/2018/10ks" target="_blank">BibRave</a>. I’ve participated in the race
the last four years and there's a bunch of reasons I come back each year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before you decide
for the Cooper River Bridge Run, here are five things you should keep in mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Sign
up as soon as possible</u></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
registration window opens about a month after the last event, and operates on a
timed tier throughout the year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
the most expensive registration is still cheaper than a lot of races I’ve been
to, I’m fairly certain people want to save money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below, you can see the pricing for the 2020
Cooper River Bridge Run and the time frame for each registration fee.
(screenshot the registration prices)</div>
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book up quickly several months before the race.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The very first year, I waited until about two
weeks to book a hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t go
well, because my family of five ended up at a budge motel about 10 miles from
the transportation site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since then, I’ve
booked a hotel near the North Charleston Convention Center each year months in
advance and haven’t regretted it once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, several hotels, restaurants, and a large shopping plaza are all
within walking distance of the Convention Center, which also doubles as
transportation hub for the day of the race (more on that later).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With roughly 30k people taking part in the
Cooper River Bridge Run, it definitely pays to book a hotel in advance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The
2-day Expo is one of the largest you will attend.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I just mentioned, the Cooper River Bridge
Run Expo takes place at the North Charleston Convention Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It happens on the Thursday and Friday before
the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most “locals” go to the Thursday
event, while the out-of-towners, and people from out of state and even out of
country, attend the Friday event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last
year, my wife and I managed to go early on Friday to the Expo and we were
surprised at some of the free samples and extras vendors gave away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up with a couple of moisture wicking
shirts, a few leggings, and little to no lines for the various alcoholic vendors,
such as Deep Eddy Vodka, Hooch mixture, and wines sampled by Harris and Teeter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Showing up Friday after 1 PM, though, will have
you see large crowds, long lines to try things, and certain vendors run out of
their best wares.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Plan
accordingly for race day transportation.</u></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cooper River Bridge Run is a one way
race, meaning that the start line (in Mt. Pleasant) and finish lines (downtown
Charleston) are in completely different areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The race organizers have arranged for transportation, and in at least
one of the places, free parking for participants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least four designated bus shuttle areas
are available for free. For a small additional cost while registering, one can
choose to take a boat shuttle to cross the river from Charleston to Mt.
Pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every year, I have chosen to
take the bus shuttle from the Charleston Area Convention Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Convention Center is probably the most
popular shuttle area since it has a very large parking lot, is close to the
Charleston International Airport, and about a dozen hotels are within walking
distance of the shuttle pick-up and drop-off point. Check out the CRBR shuttle information here: <a href="https://bridgerun.com/bus-boat-shuttle/" target="_blank">https://bridgerun.com/bus-boat-shuttle/</a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no parking available at the starting
point, but in the past couple of years, some of my friends have done
ride-sharing, i.e. Uber, Lyft to get to the starting line from where they
stayed the night before. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>You
have a voice in next year’s shirt design.</u></b> I don’t know how long the
race organizers have been doing it, but the past few years, they solicit people
to vote on submitted artwork and the winner’s artwork becomes the poster and
t-shirt design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For 2019, the artist
received 1,000 dollars as well as 100 posters and 24 shirts (presumably to give
away to friends, family, fans, and as giveaways).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For participants, it makes you feel even more
a part of something big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You can read up more on the CRBR blog page here: <a href="https://bridgerun.com/submit-your-vote/" target="_blank">https://bridgerun.com/submit-your-vote/</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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These are five things you should know before you sign
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike a local race, it does take a
little planning in advance to do the Cooper River Bridge Run, but it is well
worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live 90 minutes away from
Charleston, and with a little bit of foresight in advance, I make sure I’m
ready for race day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-14083003723663905842019-05-22T19:12:00.000-04:002019-05-22T19:12:18.656-04:00The Splash and Dash Adventure Race Recap<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2G5lR1JPoM4/XOXRFJiOOVI/AAAAAAAAUxM/w0VDKGjiBYgtmBIUmIeralqd_rVTP6zpgCLcBGAs/s1600/Obligatory%2BBridge%2BShot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2G5lR1JPoM4/XOXRFJiOOVI/AAAAAAAAUxM/w0VDKGjiBYgtmBIUmIeralqd_rVTP6zpgCLcBGAs/s320/Obligatory%2BBridge%2BShot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splash and Dash Adventure Race - Bridging parts together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission recently held the
Splash and Dash Adventure Race on 18 May. Originally scheduled for September,
Hurricane Florence upended any activities planned that week. Thus the ICRC
postponed the event with the aspirations that it would happen in the Spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became aware of
the Splash and Dash Adventure Race in April. I eyeballed the South Carolina
Governor’s Cup race which would take place the same day, but I could not pass
up doing a three part event with my wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ICRC advertised the Splash and Dash as a two mile trail run, a four
mile bicycle trek, and a one mile kayak paddle in Saluda Shoals Park.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-T-gSkC93o/XOXRZ8-se-I/AAAAAAAAUxU/ppOprUy2OsoaSgsfa4dro6oi3cMAiErSACLcBGAs/s1600/Looking%2Bat%2BTrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-T-gSkC93o/XOXRZ8-se-I/AAAAAAAAUxU/ppOprUy2OsoaSgsfa4dro6oi3cMAiErSACLcBGAs/s320/Looking%2Bat%2BTrees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These trees were spared by any bad weather</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely sounded
different than running a 5k or a half marathon, but still offered cardio
exercise through the entire duration. It also meant I work together with my
wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teams could be two or three
people, with “early” pricing being 25 dollars per person before the fifth of
May, and regular registration costing 35 dollars per person afterwards until the
day of the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our only preparation
involved bringing our own bicycles, preferably mountain type, and helmets for
the race. The ICRC would provide the watercraft, paddles, and life preservers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ran several races in Saluda Shoals Park
before, so hearing this would be a trail race, I got excited because it meant I
could wear my On Cloudventure shoes again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both of our bicycles are hybrids, so lowering the tire pressure a
little, should set us for the race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saturday morning, while
pretty much every runner headed downtown to take part in a fantastic race
Amanda and I joined just over a dozen others in our little adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We parked on the east side of the park and picked
up our packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We then proceeded to
move our bicycles to the transition station about 100 feet or so away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amanda is the triathlete of the family, so
she tried to prepare her bicycle on the bike bar as she normally would, but
someone built the bar too high, so she positioned her bicycle underneath facing
outward for easy transition. I followed suit, but noticed most others did not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnRIGZR-Rds/XOXRsPTSDfI/AAAAAAAAUxc/LsGUvC5SgQ0Rqk62gmuzqlqJOJ7NDsFsACLcBGAs/s1600/Splash%2Band%2BDash%2BStart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnRIGZR-Rds/XOXRsPTSDfI/AAAAAAAAUxc/LsGUvC5SgQ0Rqk62gmuzqlqJOJ7NDsFsACLcBGAs/s320/Splash%2Band%2BDash%2BStart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking Off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We head back to the
start line and listen to the overall scheme of events, the safety brief for the
course, and how the ICRC had to adjust the course due to recent rising water
levels from Lake Murray, thus modifying the run route, adding half a mile to
the bike trek, and preventing us from paddling a mile on the river. Instead, we
would paddle a canoe through a set of obstacles in Saluda Shoals’ pond. When
the announcer tells everyone that she will count down from “ten” and that’s
when we would start, people start going when she gets to “seven” (anxiousness,
I suppose), so she released all of us then started the official clock. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnOkGbSfaFg/XOXSa7P7v-I/AAAAAAAAUxk/hNVKzYPBdOIBq2wznaQTiMN3-CdwsvLBQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2B1%2BMile%2BTurnaround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnOkGbSfaFg/XOXSa7P7v-I/AAAAAAAAUxk/hNVKzYPBdOIBq2wznaQTiMN3-CdwsvLBQCLcBGAs/s320/The%2B1%2BMile%2BTurnaround.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1 mile turn-around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowd starts
running, but Amanda can only walk and we trail behind. However, never count out
a walker, especially one who can clocked in a 12 to 13 minute mile pace during our
5k and 10k races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We start down the road,
but the course transitions into a trail route for almost the entire trek. Once
we hit grass and dirt, I felt relieved that I wore my Cloudventure for this. The
two mile course ended up being a mile out and back because the river swelled up
and consumed a part of the return route from the original plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as Amanda and I hit two-thirds of the
first mile, we see a dad-son team run past us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About two minutes later, we see the rest of the pack coming at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do make it to the one-mile mark and turn around,
and scoot back. Along the way, we cross the paved road a few times, and see a team
on bicycles as we finish up the first leg of the race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OForJknGU/XOXTBDkGW8I/AAAAAAAAUx4/nRE4bjv0LWYbi0YCccshkeBSj1A458aEQCLcBGAs/s1600/Walking%2Bthe%2Bbike%2Bup%2Ba%2Bsteep%2Bhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OForJknGU/XOXTBDkGW8I/AAAAAAAAUx4/nRE4bjv0LWYbi0YCccshkeBSj1A458aEQCLcBGAs/s320/Walking%2Bthe%2Bbike%2Bup%2Ba%2Bsteep%2Bhill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had to walk up this hill. It was too steep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We make our way back
and get to the bicycle transition station. Our bikes sit alone, but once we
reach the area, Amanda and I quickly pop on our helmets and pedal off. The
bicycle portion consisted of part road biking and part trail riding. Before the
race, I set our bikes’ tire pressure to 65 psi because I wasn’t sure of the terrain
we would traverse, and I think 60-65 psi overall was a good choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We take off and follow
the white arrows to a path. We weave in and around on the trail before we hit a
couple of hills. I didn’t think Saluda Shoals could pack in such elevation
spikes and dips along the trail, but I was wrong. In fact, a few times I hopped
off my Cannondale and walked up steep inclines, with one time for a decline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part way through the trek, Amanda and I got
lost. That sounds crazy, especially since at that point we rode on a paved
trail, but somehow we missed signs for crossing the road. Instead, Amanda and I
veer right and pedal up to the main entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After wildly looking around, we circle the Environmental Center’s
parking lot. Thanks to a friendly patron, we head back and retrace our steps.
Once we neared the Broad River Road, we see an event volunteer and cones along
the road. We ask him where to go, and Amanda and I made it back on course. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LX6CTqujbsc/XOXSnP7CQ9I/AAAAAAAAUxo/lcy3EOcJY44ZAbK2af8R5ZtT70q5sOgtACLcBGAs/s1600/Where%2Bwe%2Bmade%2Ba%2Bwrong%2Bturn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LX6CTqujbsc/XOXSnP7CQ9I/AAAAAAAAUxo/lcy3EOcJY44ZAbK2af8R5ZtT70q5sOgtACLcBGAs/s320/Where%2Bwe%2Bmade%2Ba%2Bwrong%2Bturn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrong turn! Wrong turn!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlFo5xPR8MI/XOXSvbWO1_I/AAAAAAAAUxs/s9UeX8peoDwLwcLbk_XlRzvdOOnScwfggCLcBGAs/s1600/Paddling%2Bthrough%2Bobstacles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlFo5xPR8MI/XOXSvbWO1_I/AAAAAAAAUxs/s9UeX8peoDwLwcLbk_XlRzvdOOnScwfggCLcBGAs/s320/Paddling%2Bthrough%2Bobstacles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling is harder than it looks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we finished the
second leg, we reach the pond. They had a two person canoe ready for us and
informed us we had to maneuver three obstacles. I’m not the best seafarer, but
I can at least navigate a one-person kayak. A two person canoe is a different
story. I take the front and try to steer the canoe, but it was more comical
than anything else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to Strava,
we paddled the course in 3 minutes and 18 seconds. Not bad for a very amateur uncoordinated
person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We finish up by
cycling back to the finish line, which was about 300 meters away. While we were
the last to cross, and our time was 1:17 and some seconds, the ICRC awarded
Amanda and me for our efforts. We each received a glass with the “Splash and
Dash Adventure Race” logo on it and we each received a certificate to redeem
for either for a one hour canoe rental or a two hour tube rental. Combine that
with the t-shirt we got, and the Adventure race definitely seemed like a good
deal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcsYTQhqeVE/XOXS4jv4rBI/AAAAAAAAUx0/4rxbv7Pz_fgABbOlE6YjghIfJDpMnTCxQCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2Bglass%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rcsYTQhqeVE/XOXS4jv4rBI/AAAAAAAAUx0/4rxbv7Pz_fgABbOlE6YjghIfJDpMnTCxQCLcBGAs/s320/The%2Bglass%2Band%2Bthe%2Bcert.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spoils of the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-33530046529401734972019-05-13T19:50:00.001-04:002019-05-13T19:50:35.677-04:00WHEN YOUR BODY DOESN'T LIKE WHAT YOU DO<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was in the
Army, especially the last ten years or so, I could almost always run off of 4-6
hours of sleep a night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I regularly did
physical training, usually on my own or in a small group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could take a 10-15 minute power nap in a
chair during lunch if I had a particular rough day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But retired life has shown me that I cannot
do that anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been trying
to keep up my old set of waking hours with my current job, but I run into an
issue with sleep: it gets interrupted part way through, so that sets everything
else I have planned for the day off schedule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I work at a
university and I see that as a chance to make an impact in the next
generation’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, my job is not
teaching, but usually I am surrounded by college students and I get to ask
them what they studying, what they plan to do after college, and how they will
either improve themselves or make the world better. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, working there means that I had to
take the afternoon to evening shift, not the normal 9-5 day shift. That means I
get home around 12:30 AM and cannot fall asleep until between 1 and 2 in the
morning, and the only time I get to see my youngest is in the
morning when she gets ready for school. So I get up at 6 AM to help her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, I take her out to the bus while
other times my wife will. But once my daughter leaves, I head back to bed… with
the full intention of getting up an hour or two later to go run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That doesn’t happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lately, or rather
the past two months have shown me that my body craves sleep more than anything.
I have slept through alarm clocks, notifications from my Alexa Echo Dot, my
phone blaring music and messages, but unfortunately, not from
robo-telemarketers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This “need” for
sleep has reduced my speed and is bringing me back to cardio levels from when I
threw out my shoulder and couldn’t catch my breath after the second mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the positive note, though, my work does involve me moving about and with summer approaching,
my daughter will be on summer vacation in a month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that happens, I should be able to get
back into working on improving my speed and endurance more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, I need to focus on
maintaining what I have and definitely watching what I eat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-22223856402264697892019-03-20T13:40:00.000-04:002019-03-26T17:14:03.367-04:00That Time I Ran Two Races In One Day<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may have seen my
running videos. Usually I do a race every week or two and upload a montage of it
later that day or the next, but there are the rare days where I record two
events on the same day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>March 9<sup>th</sup>
was one of those rare days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I usually sign up for a race, I look at
my calendar to see if I’m free that morning, pay the fee, and block that date
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for March 9th, two races were
scheduled, and both supported great causes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3qwwr3P2M8/XJJ2l-1adxI/AAAAAAAAUi8/YUGUfSQW32sMdHQmqWL7mcncCrNbNGDzQCLcBGAs/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2BStart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3qwwr3P2M8/XJJ2l-1adxI/AAAAAAAAUi8/YUGUfSQW32sMdHQmqWL7mcncCrNbNGDzQCLcBGAs/s320/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2BStart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the start line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeUv09FFGk4/XJJ2nktTlMI/AAAAAAAAUjw/yqj-HuLn8sIm81znXtBSPfMwmW1kL2TeACEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bscenic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeUv09FFGk4/XJJ2nktTlMI/AAAAAAAAUjw/yqj-HuLn8sIm81znXtBSPfMwmW1kL2TeACEwYBhgL/s200/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bscenic.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLBgPvwTE0c/XJJ2nPk9nZI/AAAAAAAAUjo/n8SJQVef1VwxoZqPOEnGdUsexlomvHzHACEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bgreen%2Band%2Bbrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLBgPvwTE0c/XJJ2nPk9nZI/AAAAAAAAUjo/n8SJQVef1VwxoZqPOEnGdUsexlomvHzHACEwYBhgL/s200/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bgreen%2Band%2Bbrown.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first signed up
for the March for Meals 5k, supporting Senior Resources Inc. and their Meals
on Wheels program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done this
particular race off and on since 2015, mostly because Army commitments would
prevent me from running each year consecutively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the opportunity to donate and help senior citizens, this race takes place in one of my favorite running areas: the
Timmerman Trail.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcbrLqdFUww/XJJ2nUTqxfI/AAAAAAAAUj4/krhjoBX6wm8R9dQVCEU0iMiExCbqyn91wCEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Blong%2Bwooden%2Bbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dcbrLqdFUww/XJJ2nUTqxfI/AAAAAAAAUj4/krhjoBX6wm8R9dQVCEU0iMiExCbqyn91wCEwYBhgL/s320/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Blong%2Bwooden%2Bbridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden Foot Bridge</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a pretty relaxing
paved trail that spans over several wooden foot bridges and a few concrete & iron bridges as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The March for
Meals 5k starts in front of an activities center and has you running on a road
for the first half mile until you get to the Lexington Medical Center’s
administrative building parking lot. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RqalfnSt3w/XJJ2mhi3auI/AAAAAAAAUj8/33VQXWx9-kcKpOqqpNMyLXZw6NUitEzYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bbridge%2Bbehind%2Bme%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0RqalfnSt3w/XJJ2mhi3auI/AAAAAAAAUj8/33VQXWx9-kcKpOqqpNMyLXZw6NUitEzYwCEwYBhgL/s320/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bbridge%2Bbehind%2Bme%2Bview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a very nice,
scenic path through the woods and overlooks a few creeks along the way. While
the 5k route didn’t allow us, there are parts of the Timmerman Trail that also
run alongside part of the Congaree River for a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LvIzjK3t-Q/XJJ2oXjVqvI/AAAAAAAAUj0/0TA0RMBImfgV1hmP1zamN2IlUEdfAvWmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bthe%2Btrench.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7LvIzjK3t-Q/XJJ2oXjVqvI/AAAAAAAAUj0/0TA0RMBImfgV1hmP1zamN2IlUEdfAvWmgCEwYBhgL/s320/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bthe%2Btrench.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race itself was
nice, the medals are pretty distinct from others in that place winners get a
plate or a medal spoon. I did well enough a few years ago to earn one, and it
is still one of my more treasured trophies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This year, Senior Resources showcased their newly acquired taco truck
and all participants received a free taco, be it beef, chicken, chorizo, or
veggie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a big bonus for doing
the race. The shirt was an improvement this year as well. In previous years,
the race shirt was a long sleeve Hanes t-shirt. This year, the shirt was made
of a thinner material.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWz-RpYnMQk/XJJ2oB-XwlI/AAAAAAAAUj8/o6Dw8GV-u2wsgvPNbTJfKDHx1N1i4ZnqACEwYBhgL/s1600/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bthe%2Bcrowd%2Bracing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWz-RpYnMQk/XJJ2oB-XwlI/AAAAAAAAUj8/o6Dw8GV-u2wsgvPNbTJfKDHx1N1i4ZnqACEwYBhgL/s320/March%2BFor%2BMeals%2B5k%2B-%2Bthe%2Bcrowd%2Bracing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd. Just beyond them was the parking area.</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the only
issue with the race is the parking, and how to get to the parking area. Each
year, participants end up driving through the start/finish line to get to the
dirt parking lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most times, this is
not an issue, but as it gets closer to race time, people gather at the start line
and you always have one or two cars show up to park, in which everyone has to
get out of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is another way
to the parking area, so hopefully, volunteers at next year’s race can direct
people to go that way instead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the race, I ran
a decent 8:15 average mile. There were a few hills in there, but nothing like
downtown Columbia, Charlotte, or even Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I didn’t expect to push myself since I had a race that night
and halfway through the morning run, I decided that I should range-walk or jog
the second race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That didn’t happen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozOL67U6CFg/XJJ3y8xqhPI/AAAAAAAAUkU/jg5BPVQnAPo-3CFjS7B1kWzhCLpPz1jjACLcBGAs/s1600/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2Banthem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ozOL67U6CFg/XJJ3y8xqhPI/AAAAAAAAUkU/jg5BPVQnAPo-3CFjS7B1kWzhCLpPz1jjACLcBGAs/s320/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2Banthem.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Run for Her Life 5k Opening Ceremony</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVv3Z6EnO8g/XJJ3yUmpl7I/AAAAAAAAUk8/QPudz2-IjMQ73IOU0POAxZozk1ELwRnjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2BStart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVv3Z6EnO8g/XJJ3yUmpl7I/AAAAAAAAUk8/QPudz2-IjMQ73IOU0POAxZozk1ELwRnjwCEwYBhgL/s200/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2BStart.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Start</td></tr>
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The second race,
the Run for Her Life 5k, was a charity race for the Lighthouse for Life to raise
awareness regarding domestic underage human trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this race was a glow race which took place
in Saluda Shoals Park. There’s something about glow races that brings people
out of the woodwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was packed, but I could hear the DJ playing
in the starting line area, packet pick-up went great, and the race shirt was a
tech shirt (a big plus in my book).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race took place well after sunset and
they modified the course a little due to the rains from the previous night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, I started in the back,
but my wife and youngest started in the middle. And let me say that I planned
on running slow, <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIUCxHfxAWI/XJJ3zhUDUAI/AAAAAAAAUlI/xt7CECjXv50Vlv3ZYULJwqs_MS0p8lPnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2Bnight%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIUCxHfxAWI/XJJ3zhUDUAI/AAAAAAAAUlI/xt7CECjXv50Vlv3ZYULJwqs_MS0p8lPnwCEwYBhgL/s200/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2Bnight%2Brun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
but once the horn went off, I got swept up in the enthusiasm,
eagerness, and festive mood from other people and I started to run faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter wanted to run as well, so she
brought off from my wife.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzQ9hGsa6lQ/XJJ3yVj8nTI/AAAAAAAAUk8/iv4nv3iQvOkJJezMoBiPo1aVBXHoOC4_gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2BTori%2BHigh%2BFive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzQ9hGsa6lQ/XJJ3yVj8nTI/AAAAAAAAUk8/iv4nv3iQvOkJJezMoBiPo1aVBXHoOC4_gCEwYBhgL/s320/Run%2Bfor%2BHer%2BLife%2B5k%2B-%2BTori%2BHigh%2BFive.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Fiving at the the finish line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span>I didn’t catch
Tori until about half a mile into the race because of the crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I got alongside my youngest, I stayed
with her, and she was such a trooper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
enjoyed the glow lights along the course, partook in the water stations, and
most of it kept each company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I
averaged a 10:15 mile with my daughter, the important thing was that I ran
almost the entire race with her.<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tori walked a little, but she kept going and
finished strong. I got to see my little 10 year old cross the finish line with
the heart of a lion, and she made me so proud. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Tori</td></tr>
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If you would like, you can see both race videos here:<br />
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Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0Columbia, SC, USA34.0007104 -81.03481440000001633.5796499 -81.68026140000002 34.421770900000006 -80.389367400000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-1255361461068126332019-02-21T13:52:00.001-05:002019-06-14T08:36:04.339-04:00Running Shoes and AAFES: Now a Good Option<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdVRRNbRYaE/XG7w3qsKBAI/AAAAAAAAUc4/mppop6l9Zv4JRrcAPYUqDBMxBXG4OA8igCEwYBhgL/s1600/Under%2BArmour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AdVRRNbRYaE/XG7w3qsKBAI/AAAAAAAAUc4/mppop6l9Zv4JRrcAPYUqDBMxBXG4OA8igCEwYBhgL/s320/Under%2BArmour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under Armour. They make decent running shoes now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the vast
majority of my military career, I would go to the local Post or Base Exchange,
PX for the Army and BX for the Air Force, and just buy the cheapest pair of
running shoes that would fit my feet. I didn’t pay attention to tread, didn’t
know about quality, and definitely only cared about how little they cost. I
knew about brands such as Nike, Reebok, and Adidas and in my younger days
figured that name recognition would take care of quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard all about how to take care of my feet
from the Army’s fitness trainers, serious runners, and teammates who competed
in high school and collegiate sports, but figured that I wouldn’t worry about
my feet and legs unless they started hurting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifBy5Y17igQ/XG7w3L85rfI/AAAAAAAAUcg/HfZ2jRx1kwYn8Zu3OcGwMjhvcg2eVePPACEwYBhgL/s1600/New%2BBalance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifBy5Y17igQ/XG7w3L85rfI/AAAAAAAAUcg/HfZ2jRx1kwYn8Zu3OcGwMjhvcg2eVePPACEwYBhgL/s320/New%2BBalance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Balance. The first good non-Big Three shoes I would wear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thought process
changed about 10 years ago when I realized I was no longer the youthful,
energetic person I was at 17 and that while I had been more fortunate than most
of my military friends when it came to injuries, I need to take care of my body
to keep going.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aykGGJTR3TQ/XG7wuX8AFzI/AAAAAAAAUc4/Q6N2Hlq0xh4rrnZw_yM7MSbkpajhAPJewCEwYBhgL/s1600/Brooks%2BShoes%2BMore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aykGGJTR3TQ/XG7wuX8AFzI/AAAAAAAAUc4/Q6N2Hlq0xh4rrnZw_yM7MSbkpajhAPJewCEwYBhgL/s320/Brooks%2BShoes%2BMore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks. Even more models and colors than I expected</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong,
there’s nothing wrong with Nike, Reebok, or Adidas, but the local military
exchange used to carry some shoe brands that looked like running shoes but I
never heard of before. And it was about a decade ago, that I noticed the Army
and Air Forces Exchange Service (AAFES) started carrying running shoe brands
that the running world was familiar with. I saw Brooks, noticed Asics, glanced
at New Balance and it was the New Balance shoes that I started using because I
remembered some of the faster runners in my unit wearing them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also discovered that New Balance wasn’t as
expensive as I thought they would be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asics, a very good brand that gets overlooked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These days, the
local Base and Post Exchanges carry a good variety of running shoes. Running
shoes with name brand recognition and a reputation of performing well for
runners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Durability, quality, and
comfort need to be emphasized and the shoe section comes out swinging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBbweXGec20/XG7w1kPp-kI/AAAAAAAAUcc/Q18N5jEVLQ8PWLeos946rLO2aHKxUk54QCLcBGAs/s1600/Brooks%2BShoes%2BVarious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBbweXGec20/XG7w1kPp-kI/AAAAAAAAUcc/Q18N5jEVLQ8PWLeos946rLO2aHKxUk54QCLcBGAs/s320/Brooks%2BShoes%2BVarious.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks running shoes a plenty</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently visited
the local post exchange and saw a various of running shoe brands that would
give your average running store a run for its money, no pun intended.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides the usual suspects of Nike, Reebok,
and Adidas, I came across Brooks, Mizuno, Saucony, New Balance, Under Armour,
Hoka, and Asics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I have yet to try
running in Under Armour shoes, I know several cross fitters who swear by them
for their short distance running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
addition to road running, I also noticed that AAFES carries trail and hiking
shoes by Merrell. I’ve worn their gear before and love the traction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLbM7ZUBO50/XG7w3SGNuvI/AAAAAAAAUc0/iKca_RFi7owr7ViyPZOvy2EfAk7Xjj0-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Saucony%2BX%2BUltra%2BPrime%2Bfor%2B86.99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLbM7ZUBO50/XG7w3SGNuvI/AAAAAAAAUc0/iKca_RFi7owr7ViyPZOvy2EfAk7Xjj0-ACEwYBhgL/s320/Saucony%2BX%2BUltra%2BPrime%2Bfor%2B86.99.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salomon. Not a brand I was expecting in AAFES</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one brand that I
did not see, and I absolutely love is the On running shoe company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to be fair, I’ve only seen three stores
in my city carry them and one of them isn’t known for selling running shoes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoe prices ranged
from 40 dollars (USD) to over 120 dollars, with most shoes hovering around the
80 dollar price mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because shoe
companies seem to offset their yearly models from other companies’ schedules,
you can find some shoe brands models on sale or even clearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most AAFES employees don’t have
advanced knowledge on the various shoe brands, they are able to help determine
if you need a neutral, stability, or motion control shoe and there are even a
few minimalist shoes as options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recommend that if you don’t know what type of shoe you already need, you should
bring along a friend or someone from your unit or group who knows quite a bit
about running shoes to help you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the best part of
getting running shoes is that you do not get charged tax, which can save you
even more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---LS-oE-dyc/XG7w1ixjzXI/AAAAAAAAUcw/iyrQI9gcPromi738byVwoDVdxlPmHtyTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Merrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---LS-oE-dyc/XG7w1ixjzXI/AAAAAAAAUcw/iyrQI9gcPromi738byVwoDVdxlPmHtyTQCEwYBhgL/s320/Merrell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merrell. For those who like to go off the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-30056860621828573412019-01-31T23:38:00.000-05:002019-01-31T23:38:01.532-05:00Building a Linkedin Profile for When You Leave the Service<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linkedin has been
around for several years, and a few of my former colleagues have likened it to “Facebook
for Professionals.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is much more
than just another social network; it is a tool to help you find gainful
employment, build a network, and at the very least aid in recommending
subordinates, co-workers, and teammates in their future job hunts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years ago, I created
a Linkedin profile solely for the purpose of endorsing my Soldiers who had
completed their time in the Army. My profile was very bare bones, but I had a
skeleton of job titles and dates of employments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I thought more about retirement, I fleshed
out my profile and added more meat and substance to my profile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my year of casually looking for employment,
I noticed that my Linkedin profile was key to applying for several jobs in the
private and public sector, so I want to share what I have learned or told other
military people about Linkedin profiles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have
one already, the first thing you should do is create a profile. Besides the
reasons previously mentioned, a Linkedin profile helps you remember previous
job assignments and duty responsibilities… as long as you remember to add them.
I have used my Linkedin profile as my reference tool on several occasions when
I tweaked personalized job resumes by seeing which duties and responsibilities
fit and matched the specific job requirements.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next thing you
should truly consider the privacy and public viewing settings for your
profile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know several people in the
service who set their Linkedin profiles to private. I understand the need to
keep lives private, but when it comes to recruiters and job seekers, your
resume and parts of your life should be available. I’ve known people who worked
at some pretty obscure jobs who made it almost impossible to find on Linkedin,
which makes it that much harder to connect and build networks and
endorsements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand though,
if you don’t want your picture out there for Google and other search engines to
show anyone searching your name, you can set your profile up to not show it to
unregistered users. I do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot stress the
importance that you have to have a good portion available for recruiters and
head hunters to find you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your privacy
settings also help Linkedin find potential jobs that line up with your job
skills or interests.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of pictures,
you should make sure your Linkedin picture is somewhat professional looking. Or
at least, avoid all efforts to put in your favorite picture of something
blowing up in the background and you looking surprised. A good photo should
have your head and shoulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
Active Duty, having your profile picture depict you in uniform is not a big
deal, but once you get out of the service, change it. You don’t need to wear a
tuxedo or a suit and tie, but you wearing your favorite band t-shirt is not
going to help your prospects of landing that supervisor job with the county or
state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you think you
have your Linkedin profile built, Linkedin may suggest a “summary” as a part of
your profile’s introduction. I recommend building it yourself. I recently
started a new job in the library. Linkedin thought my summary should read as<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Veteran Library assistant with 25 years of experience in
supervision, management, and team building.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While those words are true, individually or in
phrases, they depict that I’ve been working in a library for decades rather
than a month. So, be careful when letting Linkedin or any website autofill or
complete your information.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Linkedin is a great tool, and it will help you find jobs in
cities you’re looking in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from what
I’ve seen in my previous job searches, Linkedin does not questionable job
offerings that I’ve seen on other websites such as Indeed.com and glassdoor.com
(though they are still ranked among the best in finding job opportunities). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the very least, use Linkedin to keep an
account of your military accomplishments (take bullets and key parts from your
NCOER or OER), and build out your professional profile so that when you are no
longer wearing the uniform you will have a good start on that resume. And use
Linkedin to take care of your subordinates and teammates by endorsing their
relevant and corresponding skills.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-35469870094081428202019-01-15T07:30:00.000-05:002019-02-03T16:04:28.915-05:00Race Shirts: Which Brands Runners Love and Which Ones to Avoid<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa9669NSnsc/XD1dzV-iRGI/AAAAAAAATpA/BeQl3FenFHEyuIpYk8QlAMlW0JmojXStwCLcBGAs/s1600/group%2Bshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qa9669NSnsc/XD1dzV-iRGI/AAAAAAAATpA/BeQl3FenFHEyuIpYk8QlAMlW0JmojXStwCLcBGAs/s320/group%2Bshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Collection from the Past Four Years</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I recently went
through all the shirts I got from races in the past four years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are quite a few I like, and some I’ll
wear when it’s almost time to do laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I do like them all, even if a few of the non-performance shirts are
pretty thick. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will however say
that there is an order of precedence when it comes to what kind of shirts a
runner would like to see coming from a race organizer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After sifting
through my collection of race memorabilia, I created my list of bottom tier to
top of the wish list when it comes to what kind of shirt runners like me would
like to see in our swag bags.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bottom tier contains
brands such as Gildan and Hanes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
consider these the mainstream and underwear brands because most people know
those two names has a part of their undergarment wardrobe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeuL6GGJEuw/XD1nCw0wPWI/AAAAAAAATrI/otgs1v3EZVkimesN9zUpPc-yQ26F3q2NQCLcBGAs/s1600/Disco%2BDash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeuL6GGJEuw/XD1nCw0wPWI/AAAAAAAATrI/otgs1v3EZVkimesN9zUpPc-yQ26F3q2NQCLcBGAs/s320/Disco%2BDash.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disco Dash (Gildan Heavy Cotton Blend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gildan has several
styles and brands that they use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Gildan
preference from first to worst are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anvil<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(a nice thin
shirt)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gildan Dry Blend (not thick, but not thin cotton blend)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alstyle (feels like Gildan’s Soft Style, but I rank higher
because of a particular race)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gildan Soft Style (not-so-thick cotton blend)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gildan Heavy Cotton Blend (thick cotton blend)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ7Mx8vrAJ8/XD1nh2xbwfI/AAAAAAAATrc/TrIGnxJ-MzI3IxWAXwqfEweQ653uEM61QCLcBGAs/s1600/811%2BRun%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ7Mx8vrAJ8/XD1nh2xbwfI/AAAAAAAATrc/TrIGnxJ-MzI3IxWAXwqfEweQ653uEM61QCLcBGAs/s320/811%2BRun%2B2018.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">811 Run (Gildan Soft Style)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gildan’s Heavy
Cotton Blend, Soft Style, and by extension Alstyle are a lot thicker than I
would like when it comes to running and cardio training. They aren’t conducive
to dealing with sweat; the tops get a lot heavier the more you perspire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-od1sIcbSWck/XD1nhq9T2jI/AAAAAAAATrY/pcVLpRWquBkY0GR89fdSLk7jMeH2xJdoACLcBGAs/s1600/Tunnel%2Bto%2BTowers%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-od1sIcbSWck/XD1nhq9T2jI/AAAAAAAATrY/pcVLpRWquBkY0GR89fdSLk7jMeH2xJdoACLcBGAs/s320/Tunnel%2Bto%2BTowers%2Bshirt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Siller Tunner to Towers 5k (Alstyle)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-SLO46ZTIE/XD1mh1vmtbI/AAAAAAAATq8/4nOSaCY2I9MIrwbGyX1xgB88A65OC3EYACLcBGAs/s1600/CRBR%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-SLO46ZTIE/XD1mh1vmtbI/AAAAAAAATq8/4nOSaCY2I9MIrwbGyX1xgB88A65OC3EYACLcBGAs/s200/CRBR%2B2018.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper River Bridge Run (Dry Blend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nS2tBJm_50/XD1mhvxyn-I/AAAAAAAATq4/bqICSrlogZ4kAO4fpfDpzmmMzbSQNrgSwCLcBGAs/s1600/CRBR%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nS2tBJm_50/XD1mhvxyn-I/AAAAAAAATq4/bqICSrlogZ4kAO4fpfDpzmmMzbSQNrgSwCLcBGAs/s200/CRBR%2B2016.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooper River Bridge Run (Dry Blend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gildan’s Dry Blend
is not thin, but it works a lot better than those others when it comes to a sweaty work-out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
find it noteworthy that the only Dry Blend shirts I’ve gotten come from the
Cooper River Bridge Run.<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anvil, on the other
hand, is a very thin shirt that breathes well and when it becomes full of sweat
or water, doesn’t feel anywhere near as heavy as any of Gildan’s other brands
and styles that I’ve received over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hanes is also used
quite a bit when it comes to race shirts, but it has not been as plentiful as
Gildan’s variety in the races I’ve done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From Hanes’ line of products, I have received five different types of
shirts to include one line of performance or tech shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRZUQUVr8uI/XD1ljfJQeOI/AAAAAAAATqc/YFpLY_5tN-YQnbjsssCRAULpKEs3vyBwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Guardians%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNight%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRZUQUVr8uI/XD1ljfJQeOI/AAAAAAAATqc/YFpLY_5tN-YQnbjsssCRAULpKEs3vyBwQCLcBGAs/s200/Guardians%2Bof%2Bthe%2BNight%2B2018.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guardians of the Night (Hanes Nano)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqCYQO6N22k/XD1ljUMnJ3I/AAAAAAAATqk/E5qzuvVwbkUYpQ99-gSDz77ElkHw9XBYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Hot%2BSummer%2527s%2BNight%2B5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqCYQO6N22k/XD1ljUMnJ3I/AAAAAAAATqk/E5qzuvVwbkUYpQ99-gSDz77ElkHw9XBYwCLcBGAs/s200/Hot%2BSummer%2527s%2BNight%2B5k.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Summer's Night (Hanes X-Temp)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said earlier,
Hanes and Gildan almost run neck and neck in their availability to race
organizers and the thickness of certain shirts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Hanes does produce a couple of lines of thinner shirts and the
aforementioned tech shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-of_VShG2noU/XD1ljTVr7vI/AAAAAAAATqg/jRWHuJoE2s8IIPPZqNRkN-R3NtRA-XokACLcBGAs/s1600/Mont%2BKemba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-of_VShG2noU/XD1ljTVr7vI/AAAAAAAATqg/jRWHuJoE2s8IIPPZqNRkN-R3NtRA-XokACLcBGAs/s320/Mont%2BKemba.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Kemba (Hanes Comfort Dri)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not a huge fan
of their basic shirt nor their Comfort Soft line, but the Nano and X-Temp are
acceptable in quality, fit, and comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Hanes Comfort Dry technical shirt feels very similar to A4’s thin
tech shirts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcdBMnE3uGA/XD1gNyHYlWI/AAAAAAAATpM/8wLc5IQoxA8EinKLJApUA8VPh-zIriHJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Red%2BShoe%2BRun%2B-%2BNot%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcdBMnE3uGA/XD1gNyHYlWI/AAAAAAAATpM/8wLc5IQoxA8EinKLJApUA8VPh-zIriHJwCLcBGAs/s200/Red%2BShoe%2BRun%2B-%2BNot%2B2018.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port and Company Shirt (Red Shoe Run)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a set of shirts made by Sport Tek and Port and Company. The Sport Tek shirt is a tech shirt that can easily be mistaken for an A4 performance shirt, while the Port and Company shirts feel very similar to Gildan's Soft Blend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8dIL76ZsAY/XD1hoV8yHYI/AAAAAAAATpo/wdSm5Qv8N002DhQAt73_FbIUdfj-tNTngCLcBGAs/s1600/Governor%2527s%2BCup%2B-%2BVolunteer%2BShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H8dIL76ZsAY/XD1hoV8yHYI/AAAAAAAATpo/wdSm5Qv8N002DhQAt73_FbIUdfj-tNTngCLcBGAs/s200/Governor%2527s%2BCup%2B-%2BVolunteer%2BShirt.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta Apparel Shirt (Governor's Cup)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoAhL5UolIU/XD1honM0KPI/AAAAAAAATps/pJDH4xf4JhcpiTOWnzC3CgWQk3VzjLwSgCLcBGAs/s1600/Savannah%2BBridge%2BRun%2BShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoAhL5UolIU/XD1honM0KPI/AAAAAAAATps/pJDH4xf4JhcpiTOWnzC3CgWQk3VzjLwSgCLcBGAs/s200/Savannah%2BBridge%2BRun%2BShirt.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delta Dri Shirt (Savannah Bridge Run)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I own two types of
Delta Apparel shirts. The first set is similar in to Gildan’s Soft
Blend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Delta shirt I own a Delta Dri shirt, and it is a thin running shirt that is smooth feeling
and fits really good on the body.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For performance
shirts, I have received race shirts manufactured by A4, Expert Brand, and
Recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpEq0Qsh-Xw/XD1kNbTxF3I/AAAAAAAATqQ/aHNU2WRC-N0McfuTLkqGu9PLA0khFdaaQCLcBGAs/s1600/Lexington%2BHalf%2BMarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EpEq0Qsh-Xw/XD1kNbTxF3I/AAAAAAAATqQ/aHNU2WRC-N0McfuTLkqGu9PLA0khFdaaQCLcBGAs/s200/Lexington%2BHalf%2BMarathon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run Hard Lexington (A4 thin)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URmXh704hJ0/XD1kNSEiFiI/AAAAAAAATqM/H8v-3mNYovI-FSG1dBjvjbrbdlP1975FQCLcBGAs/s1600/Run%2Bn%2BRide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URmXh704hJ0/XD1kNSEiFiI/AAAAAAAATqM/H8v-3mNYovI-FSG1dBjvjbrbdlP1975FQCLcBGAs/s200/Run%2Bn%2BRide.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run & Ride Carowinds (A4 thick)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My A4 shirts come in
two styles, thin and silky or thicker but sturdy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really like both since they have moisture
wicking capabilities, but for A4, I honestly prefer A4’s thicker shirts over
their thinner shirts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib8gxKHXqng/XD1g1vxj_JI/AAAAAAAATpU/sLk2_xMGfkM3hqX8HpaFXAitu-5Qv2vqgCLcBGAs/s1600/Zoom%2BThrough%2Bthe%2BZoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib8gxKHXqng/XD1g1vxj_JI/AAAAAAAATpU/sLk2_xMGfkM3hqX8HpaFXAitu-5Qv2vqgCLcBGAs/s320/Zoom%2BThrough%2Bthe%2BZoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoom Through the Zoo's Expert Brand Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one Expert Brand shirt I own is similar in
style to A4’s thicker performance shirts. In fact, the only reason I don’t wear
this shirt more often is because the race logo’s design is a little smaller
than I would have liked. It’s nick-picking, but when you own over 60 race
shirts, more than a dozen regular running shirts, and a plethora of pop culture
t-shirts, there’s just some shirts that don’t get worn much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJvmngPiA7c/XD1hLvafEsI/AAAAAAAATpc/WymaPIaa51sNBcstA1Ll6EaBcD2A9ZkzACLcBGAs/s1600/Great%2BChocolate%2BRace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJvmngPiA7c/XD1hLvafEsI/AAAAAAAATpc/WymaPIaa51sNBcstA1Ll6EaBcD2A9ZkzACLcBGAs/s320/Great%2BChocolate%2BRace.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Chocolate Race. Great Shirt, Not Great Race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The one Recover brand
performance shirt is in the same boat at my “Zoom Through the Zoo 5k” shirt by
Expert Brand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually love the feel
and comfort of this long sleeved, thin technical shirt, but it is the race that
I’m not happy with, or rather the race organizers, so I don’t want to give them
much publicity by wearing this particular shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the top two
brand for race shirts goes to Next Level and Tultex, with Tultex being the
champion. Both have a great thin shirt that gives great comfort and style with
little to no sacrifice to quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have yet to be
disappointed by a Tultex shirt and Next Level is an overall great shirt to own.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unqrzQFKNtU/XD1i0g6ao4I/AAAAAAAATp8/FzzvNhCwljY25YUzl9Xft9Qnd8ZCI843gCLcBGAs/s1600/True%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBrew%2B-%2BTultex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unqrzQFKNtU/XD1i0g6ao4I/AAAAAAAATp8/FzzvNhCwljY25YUzl9Xft9Qnd8ZCI843gCLcBGAs/s320/True%2Bto%2Bthe%2BBrew%2B-%2BTultex.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True to the Brew Half Marathon (Tultex)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39CaWGJzezo/XD1i0gO7IrI/AAAAAAAATqA/PaGJXQDUVCwxS6tZ2Oba0WlVwbg79cDRACLcBGAs/s1600/Get%2Bto%2Bthe%2BGreen%2B2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39CaWGJzezo/XD1i0gO7IrI/AAAAAAAATqA/PaGJXQDUVCwxS6tZ2Oba0WlVwbg79cDRACLcBGAs/s320/Get%2Bto%2Bthe%2BGreen%2B2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get to the Green (Tultex)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> However, if a running shoe company provides a shirt for a race, you can bet that will be the top tier for race swag. I've done races where Mizuno produced the shirts and I've done a run in which New Balance provided a shirt, but I've worn my Nike running shirt the most. Shoe companies definitely know what kind of shirts athletes, everyday runners, and fitness enthusiasts want to wear.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4aypz8Vza4/XD1oJRrBNaI/AAAAAAAATro/6cmdgz8jWsEIAz8Ok01CnofH-csfCenoQCLcBGAs/s1600/Day%2BBreak%2BMizuno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4aypz8Vza4/XD1oJRrBNaI/AAAAAAAATro/6cmdgz8jWsEIAz8Ok01CnofH-csfCenoQCLcBGAs/s320/Day%2BBreak%2BMizuno.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daybreak 10 Miler (Mizuno Performance Shirt)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-956f8zJBxPA/XD1oKdD-NPI/AAAAAAAATrw/P3-ueEovh5MZK8xZIc6098GBThZfYdhjACLcBGAs/s1600/New%2BBalance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-956f8zJBxPA/XD1oKdD-NPI/AAAAAAAATrw/P3-ueEovh5MZK8xZIc6098GBThZfYdhjACLcBGAs/s320/New%2BBalance.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Balance Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEaZ_iIXlFU/XD1oKS3tQMI/AAAAAAAATrs/Qhc47Mqo2CswKpuNBH1kCSgrelHqm0rjgCLcBGAs/s1600/RWB%2BFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lEaZ_iIXlFU/XD1oKS3tQMI/AAAAAAAATrs/Qhc47Mqo2CswKpuNBH1kCSgrelHqm0rjgCLcBGAs/s320/RWB%2BFront.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Team RWB shirt by Nike (well worn and washed)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can check out my
videos showing all my race shirts here:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rXao0P_s698/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXao0P_s698?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you can see the
full shirt review of each brand here:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XwiCzksam_I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XwiCzksam_I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com1Columbia, SC, USA34.0007104 -81.03481440000001633.5796499 -81.68026140000002 34.421770900000006 -80.389367400000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-11506805590277163032018-12-26T17:25:00.001-05:002019-01-05T22:13:44.615-05:00Five Heroclip Uses for Runners<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyRZYIeoW5A/XCP8C8L2lxI/AAAAAAAATlM/4j9W5g_-KLoARgr29U9CWZYPMYSByY7lACLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyRZYIeoW5A/XCP8C8L2lxI/AAAAAAAATlM/4j9W5g_-KLoARgr29U9CWZYPMYSByY7lACLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Heroclip (Medium and Small versions)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
I first learned
about the Heroclip earlier this year while looking for carabiners, or D-rings
most of us called them in the military, for some of my camping gear. I saw Heroclip on Amazon and their product
immediately intrigued me. I bought one
and got it a few days later.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_6wv68XmE0/XCP8CtnRwTI/AAAAAAAATlI/nq0PKEQDuikYn1SVUq29pzB1AGFrktNewCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_6wv68XmE0/XCP8CtnRwTI/AAAAAAAATlI/nq0PKEQDuikYn1SVUq29pzB1AGFrktNewCLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2Bsmall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Small Heroclip: Backed with an Indiegogo campaign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I later backed their
expansion campaign on Indiegogo in which they wanted to create and offer
smaller sizes and test out a variety of colors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also took
advantage of a Black Friday discount code and picked up a regular one on Amazon
as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So both came in
within a few weeks of each other and I tried them out with some of my running gear
to see what additional purposes a runner could use them for.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMQeC0QqUFc/XCP8ArAPkVI/AAAAAAAATkk/hRxS6VkAgnImlCE40N4xnyqMNLYx59t5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BFully%2BOpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMQeC0QqUFc/XCP8ArAPkVI/AAAAAAAATkk/hRxS6VkAgnImlCE40N4xnyqMNLYx59t5ACLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2BFully%2BOpen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swiveling Hook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main feature
that separates Heroclip from other carabiners is the swiveling hook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This hook is very handy to have since it
creates a hanging spot almost anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it is this feature that makes the Heroclip a great asset for my
training runs and post-race antics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWz77ZS4_CI/XCP8CLtEz_I/AAAAAAAATlA/UCAc2CIypkE6NLGDptFscl66aK75SmXiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2Bhanging%2Bshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWz77ZS4_CI/XCP8CLtEz_I/AAAAAAAATlA/UCAc2CIypkE6NLGDptFscl66aK75SmXiQCLcBGAs/s200/Heroclip%2Bhanging%2Bshirt.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Heroclip: Hanging up a wet, stinky shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first way that a
Heroclip helps me is I can hang some of my running attire to air and dry after
a long run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My running shirts get soaked
with sweat if I run more than four miles so while I’m wearing my after-run
shirt, yes on most races I keep an extra shirt in my car, I hang up my used
shirt to dry and keep off my seats.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4MJhPZXiDM/XCP8Avd5bTI/AAAAAAAATko/i_Qhkyfy7RAcvkuRkCtv0Xz5WDkI0XS8ACLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BShoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4MJhPZXiDM/XCP8Avd5bTI/AAAAAAAATko/i_Qhkyfy7RAcvkuRkCtv0Xz5WDkI0XS8ACLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2BShoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooking my trail shoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can also apply
to hanging shoes if you hook the carabiner through the shoelaces on top of the
tongue or even use the back tabs of running shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This comes in great if you do a trail run and
the route is muddy or if you do an obstacle course race and you don’t want to
track race mud in your vehicle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emjkqROqBPY/XCP8BJjQmyI/AAAAAAAATkw/h69AbvRYyOYMn_d4Ls6Xl_hLPv_gZUjQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BTowel%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emjkqROqBPY/XCP8BJjQmyI/AAAAAAAATkw/h69AbvRYyOYMn_d4Ls6Xl_hLPv_gZUjQgCLcBGAs/s200/Heroclip%2BTowel%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good sweat towel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmauMFH5pZg/XCP8BfSuB8I/AAAAAAAATk0/_dPrP9JoO-wOSYjOGg15girB_7zF-P2AgCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BTowel%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmauMFH5pZg/XCP8BfSuB8I/AAAAAAAATk0/_dPrP9JoO-wOSYjOGg15girB_7zF-P2AgCLcBGAs/s200/Heroclip%2BTowel%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up the Heroclip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just like the shirt
and shoes, you can use the Heroclip to hang up a freshly used towel. This would have been very handy after my
obstacle course races that I’ve done in the past, and you can bet I will use it
at the Rugged Maniac OCR in Charleston next year.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5lYCOqI_s/XCP8BzXEZBI/AAAAAAAATk8/Qb1jgeeNyaYJOUPKMPnZLQtCeUMtKRGowCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BWater%2BBottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P5lYCOqI_s/XCP8BzXEZBI/AAAAAAAATk8/Qb1jgeeNyaYJOUPKMPnZLQtCeUMtKRGowCLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2BWater%2BBottle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It holds water bottles very well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also found having
the Heroclip on a water bottle to be useful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can hang my water bottle in a variety of places and have it waiting
for me with easy access.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYGoesjqNLg/XCP8AitzasI/AAAAAAAATks/2SCZL--8Kg0lbg_Ls8aycyjdTWRbQVYYQCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BBag%2BHolder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYGoesjqNLg/XCP8AitzasI/AAAAAAAATks/2SCZL--8Kg0lbg_Ls8aycyjdTWRbQVYYQCLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2BBag%2BHolder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the Heroclip on my backpack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The carabiner works phenomenally
to keep water bladders up while you wash your gear or yourself after a mud run
as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just attach the Heroclip to the
bladder or a backpack and then hook the ensemble to a high spot such as a tree
branch, a pole, or even a ridge on the roof or trunk of your SUV and you’re
set.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>BONUS:</u></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgOQIwcKto/XCP8BrigDZI/AAAAAAAATk4/aK2f6gLNMxcPlReZuDgflCMyFIuvzWxUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Heroclip%2BUtility%2BClip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTgOQIwcKto/XCP8BrigDZI/AAAAAAAATk4/aK2f6gLNMxcPlReZuDgflCMyFIuvzWxUQCLcBGAs/s320/Heroclip%2BUtility%2BClip.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And one added bonus
of the Heroclip comes with its versatility on running vests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just clip it through a loop and you have an
emergency hook or carrier with you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Check my YouTube video here: </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/d7_Q_tpZ6oQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d7_Q_tpZ6oQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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You can purchase the Heroclip at one of the links below:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heroclip (medium)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2rV2KmL">https://amzn.to/2rV2KmL</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heroclip (small)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Va3MsA">https://amzn.to/2Va3MsA</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer: this description contains affiliate links, if
you click & make a purchase then at no additional cost to you this channel
earns a small commission, which will go to support the production of the
content I make.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-373989491309981522018-12-09T19:03:00.000-05:002018-12-09T19:03:58.026-05:00Aftershokz Trekz Titanium - Headphones for Runners<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Black Friday came
around and I put my name on a list for a special offer from Aftershokz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aftershokz ran a special “BOGO,” meaning you <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>B</u></b>uy <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>O</u></b>ne set of Aftershokz Trekz Air or Aftershokz Trekz Titanium,
you can <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>G</u></b>ift <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>O</u></b>ne set of Aftershokz Titanium
for free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-Ezo0lbs_U/XA2iEp5KJ8I/AAAAAAAATig/t4CJtXnYpEUmog071RRIhS4VbpXq4kubQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMAG6394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-Ezo0lbs_U/XA2iEp5KJ8I/AAAAAAAATig/t4CJtXnYpEUmog071RRIhS4VbpXq4kubQCKgBGAs/s320/IMAG6394.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aftershokz Box (look, Priority Mail!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNWhGfBej6k/XA2iEtEkf7I/AAAAAAAATig/aJAuBzf8mZ8iFdVYzzE_j9CKTVLdvAbZwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMAG6398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="905" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNWhGfBej6k/XA2iEtEkf7I/AAAAAAAATig/aJAuBzf8mZ8iFdVYzzE_j9CKTVLdvAbZwCKgBGAs/s320/IMAG6398.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aftershokz’s
headphones are not the normal kind of listening device.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t go in the ear; instead, the
headset wraps around the back of head and the speakers sit in front of your
ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They produce vibrations that
travel through the cheekbones to the inner ears. This design allows for
uninterrupted sound for your enjoyment WHILE you are still able to hear your
surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I write this, I
currently have music playing and the people sitting next to me cannot hear a
thing coming from the headphones, while I on the other hand, can hear
everything they say. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first experienced
Aftershokz’s products when I attended the Cooper River Bridge Run Expo earlier
this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the bone conduction
technology fascinating, but didn’t buy a pair then for two reasons: 1) I still
run almost exclusively with my Microsoft Zune (if it’s not broke, don’t fix it)
which is not Bluetooth compatible and 2) the Trekz Titanium retailed for 99.95
USD and the Aftershokz Air for 149.95 USD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As long as my Zune stayed as my primary form of running entertainment, I
couldn’t justify paying for a set of headphones I would use occasionally, no
matter how great the Titanium headphones were.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b_8aE_3611w/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b_8aE_3611w?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fast forward to
Thanksgiving time, and I seriously contemplated getting a pair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Zune has lasted almost a decade now and
Microsoft stopped making that MP3 player several years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point, it will die on me, but I’m
still amazed at its battery life and functionality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3-hLR1uAs/XA2orr40K6I/AAAAAAAATis/afIRaa-Fp4IyG22hze6mJ-NPEccyNw-ygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zz3-hLR1uAs/XA2orr40K6I/AAAAAAAATis/afIRaa-Fp4IyG22hze6mJ-NPEccyNw-ygCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6415.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new in box</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I received an
invitation from Aftershokz for their BOGO #GiveGoodVibes campaign, I signed
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aftershokz set the initial limit to
the first 2,000 orders, and just because I registered for the event did not
mean I had to commit to the deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
during Black Friday, or rather Thursday evening before Black Friday, we
casually went shopping and the window opened for the BOGO offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought and thought, and after an hour, I
looked at their website and saw that not only did the BOGO offer was live, but
Aftershokz ran a discount on the Trekz Titanium and the Trekz Air.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Aftershokz Titanium went from 99.95 to
79.95 USD and the Air went from 149.95 to 119.95 USD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a discount AND the BOGO offer looming
over my screen, it didn’t take much to place my order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aftershokz later extended the deal for
additional 2,000 sets on Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less than two
weeks later, I received my order in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A nice blue, decorated box with the Aftershokz logo and priority mail
postage sat at my front door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opened
it and there sat two pairs of Aftershokz Titanium: one in a normal box and the
other in a gift bag marked with the #GiveGoodVibes tag.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-fhx7qVMD8/XA2qDIoSYEI/AAAAAAAATjE/yUOWm6kwaFEvYaUir3YTHACsb2GoTnG1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG6429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-fhx7qVMD8/XA2qDIoSYEI/AAAAAAAATjE/yUOWm6kwaFEvYaUir3YTHACsb2GoTnG1QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMAG6429.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I wanted
to rip into the box, that particular set was reserved for someone else in my
life, and I had no problem with taking the gift bag set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gift bag held the Titanium headset, a
pair of earplugs, a USB charging cable, spacers for the headphones in case
someone has a smaller head, the warranty card, a quick start guide, and a
multi-language maintenance and support sheet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aftershokz sends out
its headphones with half a charge, but I wanted to charge mine all the way
before I played with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7wQMSR6mrU/XA2qCi6-5wI/AAAAAAAATjA/kJfG_8UF3xwk-UN9V4KfZBxnKTNOONG9wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7wQMSR6mrU/XA2qCi6-5wI/AAAAAAAATjA/kJfG_8UF3xwk-UN9V4KfZBxnKTNOONG9wCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6432.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the multi-function button</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K7LwuoabEY/XA2qDixPwbI/AAAAAAAATjI/gvX3PQHA6tk0sLD7Vk9bnylbYLfeIsiMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6K7LwuoabEY/XA2qDixPwbI/AAAAAAAATjI/gvX3PQHA6tk0sLD7Vk9bnylbYLfeIsiMACLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6435.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the volume buttons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Titanium has a multi-function button on the left side of
the headphones and two volume control buttons along with the charging port on
the bottom of the right side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To turn on the Trekz
Titanium, you hold down the volume up, or “+,” button.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems pretty simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also keep finding out my Titanium’s battery
when I press the “+” button as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve tested the
Aftershokz in several different environments: leaf blowing, a phone call, music
from my laptop, a game on my cell phone, and general wearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While I worked on my backyard with noisy
equipment, I could easily hear my playlist with no distortion from the leaf
blower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the phone call, I
honestly did not know the Titanium worked as a speaker and listening device; I
thought I purchased just a listening set.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I tapped a button on the headphones and amazingly, the call picked
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also threw my brother off as
well, since as much as I love technology and trends, I am slow to actually buy
things for myself like that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nE8ugmcH0Ew/XA2qnEZF7cI/AAAAAAAATjY/TGt9iw5OCJY3udDWDF5zyw3dWRjAXbAxgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="905" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nE8ugmcH0Ew/XA2qnEZF7cI/AAAAAAAATjY/TGt9iw5OCJY3udDWDF5zyw3dWRjAXbAxgCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6447.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How the headphones sit on my head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After doing
yard work, I went inside, synched the Titanium with my laptop and listened to
music while I worked on some other things on my laptop and later around the
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bass on the Titanium is even
better than I remembered from the running expo earlier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I paired the headphones back to my
cell phone to play a game, I heard subtle sounds the game programmers put in
the game; sounds I couldn’t pick out on my phone’s own speakers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say that you
shouldn’t set the audio volume to full on the Titanium when playing music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listened to a particular Krewella song with
some good bass that vibrated a lot on my cheeks due to the Aftershokz’s bone
conduction method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt very weird
before I finally turned the volume down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really amazing
how I could listen to my music and hear my surroundings every time I used the
headset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They stayed firmly on my head
with no bobbing or bouncing around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
presume the spacers will do the same for people with smaller heads, if they are
properly placed on the headset.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These headphones are
great for hearing whatever I want to listen to while also letting me stay aware
of my surroundings because I can hear noises that would otherwise be drowned
out by normal headphones.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aN7S3Ds2G4/XA2qCqmI7MI/AAAAAAAATjU/15_Pv2oMOxkvDwfgA7GrqfmV3Con0OhpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMAG6428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aN7S3Ds2G4/XA2qCqmI7MI/AAAAAAAATjU/15_Pv2oMOxkvDwfgA7GrqfmV3Con0OhpgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMAG6428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are on the
fence about getting a set of Aftershokz’s headphones, any of them, I suggest
checking out a store that sells them because quite a few have a demo pair
nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, Aftershokz does run the
occasional sale and discount.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazon
sells Aftershokz products and if you have a gift card this Christmas, birthday,
or any other occasion, they would make a good choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=runningaftert-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B07G3JMPBZ&asins=B07G3JMPBZ&linkId=280d6ae6ed728ba37353eff6b9e45cf0&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-17902226527849545252018-12-04T09:00:00.000-05:002018-12-05T06:37:26.219-05:00The 2018 Savannah Bridge Run Recap<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Disclaimer: I received a free entry into the Savannah Bridge
Run because of my agreement to share footage I recorded during the race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I first learned
about the Savannah Bridge Run while I researched hotel accommodations for next
year’s Cooper River Bridge Run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Enmarket’s Savannah Bridge Run popped up during a search result, I dove deeper
and learned quite a bit about “the South’s Toughest Bridge Run.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular race offered three distances:
the 5k, the 10k, and “the double pump” which is a combination of the two for a
total of 15 kilometers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 5k race starts
on Hutchinson Island and crosses the Talmadge Bridge in a north to south
fashion before finish a block away from the Savannah Civic Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 10k starts at the Savannah Civic Center,
goes across the bridge to the 5k start point and turns around to complete at
the same finish line as the 5k. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Double Pump has participants run with the 5k crowd and then take off with the
10k people during the start time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working with one of
the organizers, I opted for the 5k race since the vast majority of the up-to
3,000 participants does that race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess
going over the bridge once is enough for most people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As usual, I had my
GoPro set up a week before the race. I studied the course map, looked at
previous years’ results, and prepared my race attire for a balmy run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as the week went on, a cold front took
hold of my city and had me a little worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I thought that if a cold front hit central South Carolina, what would
take its place when it finally lifted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
checked the weather and from Columbia down to Savannah, meteorologists
predicted warmth with some rain from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each passing day, I looked at updated weather
information for Savannah, and while prospects of delayed rain sounded good, I
added my GoPro selfie stick to my gear list in case the weather worsened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made our way down
to Savannah Friday afternoon and had rain showers teasing us along the
way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost got ran off the road by a
moving rental truck because the driver didn’t pay attention while changing
lanes; these were not good signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the
Savannah Bridge Run expo with 40 minutes to spare, but from planning ahead
earlier in the week, I asked a fellow Team Red White and Blue member to pick up
our packets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She worked a booth for the
Publix Savannah women’s half marathon & 5k and happily handed us our
shirts, bibs, and safety pins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After checking into
our hotel, I looked at the weather once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This time, weathermen predicted the rain would hit the Savannah area at
7 AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until that time, 7 AM on a
Saturday, looked like 20% chance of rain with 90-100% happening after 1
PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great, I thought to myself, I really
did not want to aim the GoPro at myself the whole race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is the only rain-proof set up I have
for my GoPro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, the Enmarket
Savannah Bridge Run uses an app to push out information in addition to having a
dedicated website.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to both, 5k
participants were highly encouraged to park at the Savannah International Trade
and Convention Center, located right next to the 5k starting line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trolleys would bring people from the finish
line back to their original spots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
we left our daughters back at the hotel, I parked near the Civic Center and we
caught a race trolley up to the starting line assembly area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the starting
line, I saw a plethora of ruckers, quite a few costumed individuals and
families, a handful of Team Red White and Blue shirts and apparel, and many,
many people gathering around and talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I almost felt like I was back in Charleston for their Bridge Run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The race announcer came on the speaker
systems several times to put out information and one of the biggest for everyone
out there was that runners should form up on the left side of the start line
and walkers should go to the right side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMTXRiCRa2U/XAYARHwAtuI/AAAAAAAATgs/KZluGOMggVoPAZN26y-qPnJTYGeDKFGPACLcBGAs/s1600/Start%2BLine%2Barea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KMTXRiCRa2U/XAYARHwAtuI/AAAAAAAATgs/KZluGOMggVoPAZN26y-qPnJTYGeDKFGPACLcBGAs/s320/Start%2BLine%2Barea.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the start. Runners to the left and walkers on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were supposed to
start at 8 AM for the 5k race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is
where I tip my hat to the race organizers; the last race trolley carrying
runners from the main land got stuck in traffic and they didn’t want the
runners to miss out, so the race organizers held off the start by almost 15
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this to be a good
decision on their part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may have
been almost 2500 people already at the start line, but that last bus of about
40 people would have missed out on an electrifying time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one complained or booed when the announcer
explained why the race didn’t start on time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As per usual, I make
my way to the very back of the crowd before the race started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really need to gauge crowds better, because
once the race officially started, it took me three full minutes to cross the
actual start line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AC/DC’s “Thunderstuck”
played at the signal of the race start, and it sounded almost done once I had
room to run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not fast anymore, but
according to Strava, it took me 10 and a half minutes to complete my first
mile, mostly from being around the back crowds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I still had fun because I knew I couldn’t compete with the likes of
sprinters, fitness fanatics, professional runners, and people still in the
military.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say that my mile times
throughout the race got better as I moved past people and as the crowds thinned
out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43Em81FGezI/XAYAQRx40iI/AAAAAAAATgg/9HZ2hhoLrD8IcgEGftIQbTN48Vpgx9ezACLcBGAs/s1600/BIBRAVE%2BSPOTTING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43Em81FGezI/XAYAQRx40iI/AAAAAAAATgg/9HZ2hhoLrD8IcgEGftIQbTN48Vpgx9ezACLcBGAs/s320/BIBRAVE%2BSPOTTING.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the 1st mile mark. Still crowded but thining.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That first mile may
have been very crowded, but it didn’t have the huge incline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second mile contained all of the bridge,
and while the top of the bridge was only 100 feet higher than the rest of the ground,
that incline got to a lot of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
thoroughly enjoyed it though, which is surprising because that incline is a
steeper angle than what takes place in Charleston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I crested the top of the bridge, that
steep incline gave way to a steep decline, but I still ran with a relatively
smooth pace or at least what felt like a good pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GD1m1Z44bs/XAYAQSBAVOI/AAAAAAAATgk/Ej1vHM5Y2NsM5KPX2VV4dfJklstxK2DtQCLcBGAs/s1600/Semi%2BTruck%2Bwith%2BLogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2GD1m1Z44bs/XAYAQSBAVOI/AAAAAAAATgk/Ej1vHM5Y2NsM5KPX2VV4dfJklstxK2DtQCLcBGAs/s320/Semi%2BTruck%2Bwith%2BLogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes the exhaust fumes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my time on the bridge, I paid sharp
attention to the traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
running in the race stayed in the marked-off right lane of the right side of
the bridge, with the left lane of the right side of the bridge allocated for traffic
going the same way as us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The left side
of the bridge had two lanes open for oncoming traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish the right side of the bridge was
completely shut down for just pedestrians and vehicle traffic restricted to the
left side of the bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This thought
came to mind as a semi-trailer rolled past a bunch of us and we breathed in its
exhaust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, that was the only big
vehicle going past us during the race.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The third mile occurred
during the off-ramp and contained the one other incline for the race, something
that mentally caught me off-guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
was uneventful and my third mile time jumped back to a somewhat normal 8:30ish
mile time. As I neared the finish area, I saw a supportive crowd behind pedestrian
gates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rounded that corner and saw the
finish line, got my finisher’s medal after crossing and looked for a bottle of
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overall atmosphere at the
finish line felt festive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the biggest
things I think about when it comes to a race is water station placement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am used to water stations near mile markers
or at easily accessible spots along the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This course had two stations: one around the .4 mile mark and again at
the 2.7 mile mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I presume the
organizers placed the water stations before and after the bridge due to space
limitations on the bridge itself, but I know I was not the only one who would
have enjoyed a refreshing drink after running a mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found the water table after the finish line
and two different size water bottles were offered to finishers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also got to eat some fruit; there was no
shortage of bananas, much to my delight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The medal itself
looks very nice and I’m quite impressed with the weight, feel, style, and
overall composition of the bridge medal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The long sleeve race shirt is a thin Delta Dri shirt and will definitely
be worn in cool weather while I’m running. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-au5AGdsE5v8/XAYAQWGZ_kI/AAAAAAAATgo/CN5F_ivTdr4tfOumfQ7iUQWoSxrvx1r3QCLcBGAs/s1600/On%2Bthe%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-au5AGdsE5v8/XAYAQWGZ_kI/AAAAAAAATgo/CN5F_ivTdr4tfOumfQ7iUQWoSxrvx1r3QCLcBGAs/s320/On%2Bthe%2BBridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a nice view up here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than the weird
water station placements and traffic driving in the lane next to us on the
bridge, this was definitely a nice experience and something I recommend to
anyone who would be in the Savannah area in early December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking or running over the Savannah River on
the Talmadge Bridge is not something that can not normally be done unlike the
Ravenel Bridge in Charleston.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when an
event like this happens, that is your ticket to conquer this particular bridge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can check out what the race looked like around me with
this video: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sNBplXtLq2k/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sNBplXtLq2k?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0Savannah, GA, USA32.0808989 -81.09120300000000731.6501759 -81.736650000000012 32.5116219 -80.445756tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-57123547836857468492018-11-28T22:00:00.000-05:002018-11-28T22:01:54.502-05:00What Is Inside A Honey Stinger Variety Pack?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently became a
Honey Stinger Ambassador and wanted to stock up on some of their products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been a fan of their organic honey
waffles for quite a while, but haven’t tried some of their other items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when I saw Honey Stinger offered a 10 piece variety
pack, I jumped on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Honey Stinger uses organic honey as their main ingredient for fuel and helps anyone who wants looking for that bit of energy for their outdoor enjoyment.<br /><br /> The other day, my Honey Stinger package arrived and I was pretty stoked to check out its contents. Opening the box, Honey Stinger packed my variety pack in a Cherry Almond Protein Bar box, but had markings indicating that this was indeed their variety pack.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 items to try, test, and enjoy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic Waffles. Love the Wildflower Honey.</td></tr>
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The first group of Honey Stinger goodness were four waffles. Two organic packs consisting of one pack lemon flavored and one pack vanilla flavored. The other two packs are gluten free and consist of one pack wildflower honey and one pack salted caramel flavored. Most people find Honey Stinger's organic waffles to be good before or during a run. </div>
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Next, I pulled out Honey Stinger's two bags of organic energy chews. I received two in their variety box: Pink Lemonade and Fruit Smoothie. These make for a perfect energy snack, either on the go or just to tide over hunger until a main meal. I tried the Pink Lemonade and they were so delicious, I was disappointed I only got one pack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHV9lGtdgew/W_89rbTaKiI/AAAAAAAATWI/-EmrnOtaf8AlbFg_7lALOMRsKcXXlVCmACEwYBhgL/s1600/GOPR4521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHV9lGtdgew/W_89rbTaKiI/AAAAAAAATWI/-EmrnOtaf8AlbFg_7lALOMRsKcXXlVCmACEwYBhgL/s320/GOPR4521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think Pink Lemonade will be my favorite energy chew</td></tr>
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After the energy chews, I grabbed their two packed-in snack bars. One is almond butter, dark chocolate, and sea salt while the other consists of peanut butter, milk chocolate, and sea salt. These are advertised as a good snack to have.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEKvs2vz7Ew/W_89ss49guI/AAAAAAAATWM/78lzDZz0ueAdK5hDgW2LSsOiQQ6RqQIRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/GOPR4523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qEKvs2vz7Ew/W_89ss49guI/AAAAAAAATWM/78lzDZz0ueAdK5hDgW2LSsOiQQ6RqQIRQCEwYBhgL/s400/GOPR4523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better than a granola bar</td></tr>
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Up next, I snagged the energy bar. Don't let the picture fool you, the rocket chocolate energy bar looks a lot better in person. This category of Honey Stinger products is great for during or after exercising. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better in real life</td></tr>
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And the final one is the Honey Stinger Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond protein bar. Protein bars are great for strength training and people recommend eating them during or after a workout. I, for one, will pass this particular protein bar to my wife, since I am not a fan of coconut in my food. But that is why a variety pack is good to get, for the variety and if there is something that is not to your liking, you can always give it to a friend, colleague, or a family member.<br />
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Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933044415254061539.post-10911024087702254132018-11-14T10:57:00.001-05:002018-11-27T20:19:52.213-05:00The Veterans Day 5k Recap<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veterans Day has
slowly become one of my more earnest holidays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This Veterans Day is the first one in which I finally hung up the
uniform after 25 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also the
100<sup>th</sup> anniversary to the end of World War I aka the Great War or The
War to End All Wars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Veterans Day
started as Armistice Day internationally in 1919, but the United States took an
extra step and decided to honor all its veterans in 1954.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year, the
University of South Carolina Student Government and the University of South
Carolina Student Veterans Association worked together to raise money for the
Fisher House in Columbia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fisher
House is a place for military families to stay while someone receives treatment
at a military hospital with duration lasting longer than a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son and I used the Fisher House at Fort
Hood in 2002 when my wife and later my daughter were hospitalized with a serious
case of the flu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not stationed
at Fort Hood at the time, so the benefits of staying at a place very close to
an Army medical center, especially for free, had its benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus I could get behind this cause.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This inaugural Veterans Day 5k was their way
to raise that money.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I did not
learn about this particular race until the week of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, this particular Veterans Day weekend
contained several races with the biggest one being the Lexington Run Hard
half-marathon, 10k, and 5k races, so I was pretty surprised to see over 180
runners and walkers out there in front of the University of South Carolina’s
Thomas Cooper Library.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I arrived at the starting point, I
saw the line for packet pick-up and registration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The line snaked and wiggled about but I
eventually got to the front.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
volunteers took my name but then informed me that they ran out of shirts in my
size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another volunteer heard this and
quickly pointed out that they still had a box of shirts to go through, so after
a few minutes, I eventually got my size large shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn’t get a goodie bag like those
before me, so I have no idea what promotional information the recyclable gift
bags contained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t upset about it,
but mostly perplexed since I saw so many bags behind the volunteers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fYNAtfCoxg/W-wvqDUcDAI/AAAAAAAATHQ/Db1Z5kc3WQslsnuHfKcmwX9tBG5N97aKwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Veterans%2BDay%2B5k%2Bcoursemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1342" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0fYNAtfCoxg/W-wvqDUcDAI/AAAAAAAATHQ/Db1Z5kc3WQslsnuHfKcmwX9tBG5N97aKwCEwYBhgL/s200/Veterans%2BDay%2B5k%2Bcoursemap.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original course</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I signed up, I
had no idea what the route would be, but one of my friends had a print-out and
let me look at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an entirely
new course for me, and I was thrilled about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started a couple
of minutes late, but that was no big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once the horn blared a couple of times, people moved across the start
line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Channel 10 had a news person out
there to cover the race, but somehow I missed that until a day after the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over 180 of us
marched past the starting point and ran down Greene Street before turning onto
Main Street. We had a nice half mile of
a downhill slope to help. When I rounded
the corner onto Wheat Street, I saw that we would go over Assembly Street via
the footbridge; I’ve always wanted to run on that thing, even though it doesn’t
look that special. After the footbridge,
though, is where a lot of us got lost, even if it was only for a little
bit. According to the map, we should
have climbed up the second footbridge, but instead we ran past it and went down
Park Street to circle back to Assembly Street.
I followed the runners in front of me and eventually they crossed
Assembly Street to get back onto Wheat Street.
But without any volunteers or police directing traffic, it felt a little
dangerous to do this. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf0a1Qrfm9c/W-wvpybwQsI/AAAAAAAATHM/fsCWvQIJnH4WoHTpw7qOQV_Z2fxKw4AXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Veterans%2BDay%2B5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="982" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rf0a1Qrfm9c/W-wvpybwQsI/AAAAAAAATHM/fsCWvQIJnH4WoHTpw7qOQV_Z2fxKw4AXgCEwYBhgL/s320/Veterans%2BDay%2B5K.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I ran the 5k course</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the run
stayed on course with little issues until right before the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I rounded the final corner towards the
finish line, I thought a police officer yelled at me to continue running in a
straight line, instead of turning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
apparently happened though, is that she tried to get the attention of two other
runners who just finished the race and were walking away from the finish line; she
thought they hadn’t crossed the last stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I spent a couple of seconds pretty confused about which way I was
supposed to go because I thought the policewoman wanted my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even with the
misdirection at the finish line and going a different route, I did manage to
run a complete 5k in distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
thrilled with my time since I hovered at 28 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been slowly losing my running speed
since I left the service, but I’ll work on that later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZroZLNH2Qzc/W-wx915_OOI/AAAAAAAATHc/8Vgi_e1FbOgH5-TzZuf5OYAL_-DgDGhGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZroZLNH2Qzc/W-wx915_OOI/AAAAAAAATHc/8Vgi_e1FbOgH5-TzZuf5OYAL_-DgDGhGgCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6287.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My buddy and me after the race</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The awards ceremony
took place just under an hour from the start of the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the ceremony, we watched as 91 year
old Thomas Peel, a World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran, rounded
the corner and pushed towards the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once the award ceremony resumed, I got a chance to see the medals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While only the top place in each division got
one, the medals looked nice and distinguished themselves from other race medals
by being made of wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX5v2hHvICs/W-wx-avrK6I/AAAAAAAATHg/V9V47IRq2fMGxoWwjh5lLvNMkWcNWYW2wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMAG6293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX5v2hHvICs/W-wx-avrK6I/AAAAAAAATHg/V9V47IRq2fMGxoWwjh5lLvNMkWcNWYW2wCLcBGAs/s320/IMAG6293.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick and Thomas Peel</td></tr>
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Before the awards ceremony, the race director acknowledged that
there were hiccups with this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
the first year for the Veterans Day 5k and even with the missteps, the 5k race still went well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the head of the
University of South Carolina Student Veterans Association also headed up the
ceremony and asked several participants how the race went, I feel assured that
next year’s race will go a lot smoother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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You can see a brief overview of the Veterans Day 5k here: <a href="https://youtu.be/i_emzjoTKyw" target="_blank">The Veterans Day 5K</a><br />
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<br />Will Rowanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576258412421431989noreply@blogger.com0Columbia, SC, USA34.0007104 -81.03481440000001633.5796499 -81.68026140000002 34.421770900000006 -80.389367400000012