July 30, 2012

Review : VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail




  • Type : Barefoot / Minimal
  • Use : Trail running
  • Price : About $120






Introduction
The Breatho Trail looks to me like the next evolutionary step from the Neo Trail model. Taking it out of the box, the first thing I noticed was that VIVO changed the lacing, something I had done early on with my Neo’s, whose ribbon-style eyelets are abundant and close together.

The Breatho features the same “zigzag webbing”, but has only 3 contact points and one plastic eyelet, which works much better. The shoe’s tongue has a sewed-on weaving ribbon that allows the laces to go through at every contact point, making it impossible for the tongue to slide around while running.

The sole has been modified, too. While it keeps the same lug pattern, it has less of the grainy, super soft texture of the Neo that wore so fast on hard surfaces. Only time will tell for sure, but the Breatho’s sole material looks like it’s going to last much, much longer, which is another welcomed improvement.

First impression
The Breatho runs exactly like the Neo Trail. It offers very good protection while allowing surprising proprioception (ground feel), feels solid on slippery surfaces and features a roomy toe box with a TPU toe guard that will help you keep your toenails where they belong. Protection comes with the price of added weight, however: at 9.6oz, it’s not the lightest minimal shoe around.

Where I think the Breatho is superior is in the lacing; the improvements VIVO made over the Neo really impressed me. And if the sole does last longer because of the new material, I think the Breatho will impose itself as the de facto hardcore trail shoe.

Trail test
I ran in the Breatho over several types of trails, from gravel paths to gnarly technical single track. They provide a sure footing while maintaining the “minimal” or “barefoot” feel, which is not an easy feat. The Breatho succeeds where a lot of minimalist trail-wannabes have failed. The removable insole system allows the runner to play around with the level of cushioning (although minimal) they want, and offers the added benefit of making the shoe last longer. Last but not least, the upper fabric is definitely on the thicker side, a blessing for us trail runners who live in the cold and run through the hardships of winter.

Conclusion
With the Breatho, VIVO demonstrates that they can improve an already impressive shoe and deliver a solid choice for the serious minimalist trail runners out there.


High points
  • Zero drop
  • Improved lacing
  • Aggressive traction
  • Excellent proprioception
  • Can be used for winter running
  • Replaceable / removable insole

Low points
  • Waterproofing fades as usage increases
  • Puncture resistant, but not rock-plated


The equipment for this personal review was supplied by VIVOBAREFOOT, free of charge, without any conditions.

July 27, 2012

Limberlost Challenge 2012 - Race Report


Limberlost Challenge Ultra Marathon
Some of you might recall the Limberlost Challenge, my first-ever rendezvous with ultra running. The first time around, it was an epic, transcending, life-changing extreme that solicited every last bit of energy and will I could muster.

This year, things were different. I now had a couple ultras under my belt, ran distances far superior to this one (56K) and built some confidence about my capabilities as a runner. I had taken a nice, long break from running to travel to Portugal with my little Street Gang. I was fresh, I was excited, I was eager to run and I was with my good friend Augusto, who was venturing into the ultra world for the first time. Things were awesome.

We drove together up to Muskoka, a long, but very nice forest road through Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. We had ample time to catch up on our lives and daydream about future running adventures and travels. We camped out and laughed at each other for all the things we’d either forgotten (like forks) or had a hard time remembering how to use (like a certain camp stove). We took everything with a light heart and were both very pleased to just be there, in the beautiful Limberlost Forest.

Race morning came quickly, even though this ultra has one of the most civilized starting gun times at 8:30. The sun was up and the morning mist was gone, and it was easy to see we were in for a hot, very hot day. A nice, freshly-ground coffee and a Clif Bar later, I was headed for the trail with the 56K corral.

If things were going to be like last year, I would be out for a whole day by myself, only seeing my friend after the race. This year, however, things were different. My running was solid, my downhills on the two first loops were killer. I felt like flying!

I was surprised to finish my first loop close to the 28K lead pack, and even more surprised when, after stopping to help a fallen comrade (poor dude twisted an ankle and suffered cramps at the same time), I saw Augusto catching up on the trails, all smiles.

Holy crap! That wasn’t the same Augusto I’d ran with in Mexico. No more signs of his past injuries, light on his feet, sporting a pair of minimal trail runners… and fast! “Dude!” I exclaimed. “What ever happened to your running?”. “I joined a trail running group, I think it’s doing me good”.

Doing him good? It’s doing awesome! What a blast to watch him go over rocks and hills like there’s nothing to it! We ran for a bit together, but as things were turning uphill, he started to lose me. Ah, well. At least I ran a bit of the course with him.

As you know, everything that goes up… must let Flint fly back down eventually ;) So as I took off from the last aid station and started running down to the start/finish, I started passing runners again. I was really happy when I finally caught up with my friend, and we started running together one more time. The heat was getting intense and fatigue was slowly setting in, but we managed to keep a decent pace until the end of our second loop, where a nice surprise awaited.

Just as we crossed the start/finish line for the second time, the race photographer was right there, shooting. We went in stride-for-stride, all smiles. The pics are just awesome, definitely some of the best this season. A nice treat :)

I started out on my third loop by myself. Augusto went somewhere, I thought he was changing or something, so I left on my own. Right from the beginning, I started to feel the heat. It was midday, the sun was high up and the humidity was, well, heavy. By that time, the mercury had reached the high thirties, and the overall humidity factor made it feel like mid-forties.

Even the cool shade of the forest didn’t feel fresh. Every open patch was like running in an oven. Hardcore summer heat, but anyone who knows me knows that I have no problem with high temperatures. I was pretty sure I could take it, but I was also dreaming of the next aid station, with its coolers full of beautiful, crisp ice…

I came out of that dream crashing. “Uh, there’s no more ice, man, I’m sorry”. What? The young man apologized and assured me the next aid station would have some. Considering they were not too far apart, I didn’t think it was that much of an issue. I thanked him and went on my way, taking things a little slower.

Next aid station, same scenario: no ice. I was starting to overheat slightly, but I knew I could press on. I also knew that if things got out of control, there were several accesses to lake shores and cascading creeks. But I have to admit I wasn’t very happy.

The third aid station almost saw the end of me when they announced they didn’t have ice, either. It was the first time in my running career that I was faced with a concrete, external risk high enough for me to consider calling it a day. I took a minute to consider my options. Quit or go. I chose the latter.

My third descent wasn’t pretty. Overheated and a little dizzy, my legs started to be less responsive and felt weak. I had to actually walk some of the steeper parts and I drank much more on that section than I had before. It felt like reaching that start/finish line took half the day.

When I finally emerged from the forest into the open field, the heat was unbearable. I realized I was dizzier than I thought. I reached the tent, and the look on the crew man’s face spoke volumes about how crappy I must’ve looked. “Ice?”, I babbled. “Yes.”

Then the whole universe rapidly shrunk into an increasingly small dot and my legs gave. I only had time to reach for the tent’s metal poles and hold myself. “Whooaaa. Dude, you OK?”. “Yes. Please, give me some ice”.

“I’d like that chair, too”.

As the fistfuls of ice melted on my head and neck, I quickly regained my awareness. Augusto was there, beat up but happy. His day was finished, he had completed his first mountain marathon. What an achievement! [I think] I congratulated him. We exchanged a couple words, than I told him I needed to be on my way. He ran the first couple steps with me, snapped a pic or two and then let me go.

Only after the race did he tell me that I was talking nonsense on that chair and that he was worried. “I don’t know what the hell you were saying, man, but it didn’t make much sense. That’s why I stayed with you until the road”.

I took it easy at the beginning of my fourth loop, making sure I took in some calories before heading for the forest trails again. That third loop had been very tough and, for a while, I thought I’d walk more than I’d run. I had seen some overheated and discouraged runners drop out and that last episode under the tent made me realize I needed to be more clever if I wanted to finish the race in one piece.

All aid stations on my last loop had been restocked with ice, a genuine blessing. I even had the extreme privilege to meet with the aid station woman that saved my race last year, pumping me full of energy gels like a worried mother and sending me off on a 5K rampage to make the cut-off. I wanted to hug her, but, well, ultra running.

A little before half-way through, my energy started to come back and I happily trotted along the trails, even allowing some uphill running. I took in the scenery and fully appreciated the gorgeous environment. The Limberlost Forest is a magnificent place.

I managed to pass some runners again on my way down and was pretty convinced I’d make it inside 8 hours. As I completed my last loop and entered the open field leading to the finish line, I passed by the clock. Dammit. 9:05:13.

Hey, it’s still 45 minutes faster than last time :)

The best news of the day was when Augusto, all smiles, proudly exhibited his third-place trophy. How awesome is that? A first mountain marathon and he finishes third. Way to go, hombre!

We’ll be back again in Limberlost, it’s just too damn beautiful to miss and the people are a total blast. If you have one ultra race to experience in Eastern Canada, this is the one.

Now I need to go training. I need to be able to keep up with Augusto ;)

July 9, 2012

Review: Luna Leadville




  • Type: Barefoot/Minimal
  • Use: Trail running
  • Price: 85$




Introduction
Among the amazing moments I experienced in the Copper Canyons, seeing the Raramuri run in their homemade huaraches (sandals) is definitely one of the most memorable. As I watched them fly up and down rugged trails in this simplistic footwear, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was some sort of hidden secret to the running sandal, so I went to SeƱor Ventura and asked him to cut and fit me a pair. I had to try it for myself.

Ouch.

There is really no way I could walk, let alone run, in a pair of heavy rubber soles clinging to my feet only with a thin leather lace. This would require weeks (and many layers of blistered skin) to get used to, and there was simply no perceivable incentive for me to do so.

So when I saw the “Luna-tics” crew come to town in their modernized huaraches, I really didn’t think they would be able to run the Copper Canyon Ultra with their super-thin, lightweight sandals. To my astonishment, they all did, and with a fair share of success.

I ran the last 8 miles or so with Scott Smuin, one of the founders of the Luna Sandals Company, and told him how impressed I was to see them all run on such rugged terrain with such little protection. “I could never do this”, I told him. “You should try”, is what he answered.

So I did.

First impression
He sent me a pair of the Leadville model, which I understand is their thickest sandal. It is designed for trail running and takes its name from the famous Leadville 100 ultra, where it was originally tested. At first, I couldn’t believe I would actually be able to run with a 10mm piece of neoprene rubber tied to my feet by only 3 points of contact.

So I went for a conservative, step-by-step approach. I started by wearing the Leadville for walking around, to break them in and get over my worries that I would stub the soles and tear them off my feet. I also had to be convinced that the strap between my big and second toes wouldn’t chew through my skin or provoke severe blisters. None of that happened.

I brought my Leadville on a recent backpacking trip to Portugal and ended up wearing them every day. I started really liking the soft cushioning they provide while still allowing terrific proprioception (ground feel). I wore them on day trips, long walks on cobblestone streets and small treks, and my feet never got bruised or tired. I thought that was pretty good.

The only thing that bugged me was the ribbon/plug system that holds the front strap in place. The plug moves inside the sole and eventually twists the lace in between your toes, significantly affecting your comfort. I plan on gluing the plugs in place to solve this issue.

Field test
When I got to Lagos and learned that the town was surrounded with cliff-top trails, I thought it was time to see if my Luna Sandals were meant for running after all. I had gotten used to the ATS laces, a mix of soft ribbon and elasticized straps that hold the sandal in place while allowing natural foot movement, so I felt secure enough to take them for a spin.

The trails atop Lagos resemble the ones in the Copper Canyons, although they are less rocky. I started running along the hard-packed, sandy trail and quickly felt at ease. The Leadville didn’t feel too loose or too tight, and reacted very well to whatever my feet did. I picked up the pace. The soft sole absorbs the sharp features of the terrain really well, so I wasn’t afraid to get hurt on pointy rocks or thorny roots.

On steep uphills, I was impressed with the Leadville’s firm grip. It behaved equally well on grainy descents, even though I wasn’t as brash in my running as I would’ve been if I wore regular trail shoes.

I ran several miles of rough trail that included some very sharp drops requiring light rock-climbing, and my Leadville never failed me. Although I didn’t feel ultra secure, I was able to run as free and as hard as I wanted, which greatly impressed me.

Conclusion
On my way back, I reflected on why, as a trail enthusiast, I would choose to run in sandals. Since I can’t use them year-round (there’s a real winter up here in Canada), I concluded that they could only complement my footwear options. However, they are fantastic to bring in backpacking trips (they are so light and thin) and I would seriously consider wearing them when running in high heat, as my feet never got sweaty. Needless to say, as a regular sandal, the Leadville is downright awesome.

High points
  • Qualifies as ultra-minimalist footwear
  • Surprisingly good traction
  • Sticks very close to your foot
  • Adapts to your every move
  • Enforces good running form
  • Very comfortable

Low points
  • Strap adjustment is a little finicky
  • Ribbon/plug system twists the inter-toe lace


The equipment for this personal review was supplied by Luna Sandals, free of charge, without any conditions.