Vintage Running

The other day, I decided to go old school and lace up my Nike Oregon Waffles on for a 13 miler along the Lakefront Trail heading north from Navy Pier to ... wherever it was I turned around.  It was a good run, but I rolled my ankle on a break in the sidewalk around mile 10 -- not pleasant.  Some people wonder if it's a problem running in vintage shoes with their lack of modern cushioning.  It doesn't bother me at all since I enjoy running in minimal shoes such as racers and barefoot designs, and I figure, if it was good enough for those great runners of the past, it should be just fine for me.

Running Blues

The starting line of the 2012 Big Sur International Marathon is something I will miss in a few weeks.  I've decided not to participate, because airfare is ridiculously expensive.  It was a difficult decision to make.  One which I am still coming to terms with.  Since, I have been in a running depression where I just don't feel like running.  Even when I do run, I just don't get the same satisfaction from knocking out a good distance.  I think I need a good race to lift me up.  Till then, sometimes you've got to just get out there and run.
This is how I get my fix.

Gear Geek: Try These!

THE NORTH FACE SINGLE-TRACK HAYASA

Baylor Lady Bears 40-0 Undefeated Champions

Nike 2012 NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship Locker Room T-Shirt

Images From The 2012 Chicago Shamrock Shuffle 8k

The Shamrock Shuffle 8k marks the beginning of the running season here in Chicago, and three years ago, it was the first big race I had ever ran.  This is my third year in row to participate, and the excitement leading up to the Shuffle is just as intense as the first time.  Good luck to everyone running this weekend wherever you may be, and make every race special.  You've trained hard to get where you are, so enjoy it.  See you at the finish line!

Nike Pre Montreal Racer Vintage, Nike iD Pro long sleeve shirt, Sport Kilt All Ireland Works Kilt

Pack It Up Pack It In

I've recently become fascinated by jackets that fold into their own pockets.  They're great  for travel or just to have on hand while out and about town.  The North Face Verto jacket is a great one that folds small enough to fit in your pocket.  The material is very light weight, but durable.  Don't expect it to resist rips from sharp objects just like any other light jacket.  The black one looks a little like a trash bag, but most of the wrinkles smooth out enough to make this jacket look really good.  The North Face sells this for $120 online, but you may get lucky at North Face Outlet Stores and find it for much cheaper.

The Eddie Bauer Sirocco Wind Shell is on sale now on their website for $39.95 and comes in nice colors for men and women.

Nike's Hurricane Vapor Jacket sells for $115 online and comes in 11 different color options.  If you're near a Niketown, I've seen some colors marked down to $68.  For women, Nike offers the Cyclone Vapor Jacket in 10 colors for $115.

All of these jackets are lightweight, water resistant, comfortable layers to have on when running in chilly weather or light rain and they of course fold and unfold nicely keeping you prepared for whatever the weather throws in your path.