Fisan

But first you need to "active" it - as in choose between Kauai or Vida. Once I've done that I immediately screen capture the code so I can access it without the app.

All the new benefits sound promising, but first, fix the basics. The website. And FFS: the app. It took me 8mins today from opening the app to get to my Kauai voucher. #firstthirdworldproblems This is how I imagine the coding department http://media1.notapipe.biz/2015/06/Monkeys-typing-Shakespeare.jpg ...the smoothie was great though...

I ordered a 9 (currently wear 9.5 Pro with socks) hoping that I might squeeze in a sockless (as they are intended) 9. Got lucky

The grip on this shoe has it's ups and downs, but more ups in my opinion. I haven't really tested in on wet rock, but I find the grip a bit dodgy to go down a slanted, smooth rock faces (the rocks of Platteklip Gorge to be exact. Otherwise I found the grip to be "adequate". Apart from loose ground (those thin layers of gravel on hard pack soil ) and the case of Platteklip I never had any real grip issues. Using a stickier compound may have solved those issues, but then the grip will wear down much faster. I prefer lasting grip - if it's at the expense of some of the grippiness.

Just received my Ultra's (it's about time to phase out my Pro's). Funny thing the website only allows to order full (integer) sizes, but I'm a half. I ordered a pair to see how it will fit (return policy FTW!) but by lucky mistake they sent me the correct half-size! It'll be interesting to see how these hold up against the lil-brother.

That's why I'm asking what went wrong ^^^. I've only heard good things about them (the Skin range), but they are really really expensive. Apparently they won't last as long (as my immortal Camelback) due to the lightweight / stretchy fabric.

Which one? And what went wrong!? (seeing that they cost R2k+...)

Awesome pics as always! Is it possible to #enduro with a hardtail? Like a 100mm-front one...? I want have a go at this - and the enjoyment factor always seem to be way up there (compared to the the typical post-race-singletrack-congestion-complaints of your average MTB race). I just don't want to write off another wheel...

Here's a teaser for next weeks first-look-Friday

I also wondered. Strap the watch to your dog?

I hope Cape Town's flat whites are better. Stellenbosch's Vida sucks. The staff is uber friendly and I like that, but the coffee is very average. Outside Vitality Active: R26 for a bland flat white at Vida or +- R20 for an excellent flat white at most coffee shops in Stellies (with a bonus of ambiance). I'll use my vouchers at Kuai. I probably need to de-link my pessimist mode.

No app. The website. The only way Discovery allows my Suunto watch to upload... (okay, except via Strava...). But why did they do away with direct connections? It goes like this Suunto watch > Movescount > MapMyFitness > Discovery

Went to MapMyFitness again - wanted to screenshot the process...but....my account has been de-linked. WATAFARK discovery? But my workouts have somehow showed up on the app (Strava I think) BUT on the website it shows my Strava is de-linked. Attempting to re-link "Your account cannot be linked at the moment. Please come back and try again later." Discovery, sort your excrete Edit: now Vitality website says; "We are unable to connect to devices and apps at the moment. Please try again later."

On Points There is a lot of inconsistencies between different watches. I've noticed for example that on a Fenix watch you get your 150 + 50 "normal" points for HR-based targets, and then an additional 200 points or something based on your average speed. On my Suunto I only get HR points and nothing based on kcal or speed. I guess there is still a lot of stuff to sort out. On lost workouts / syncing issues I had an issue where only 25% of my workouts were logged. Turns out that the MapMyFitness auto-migration (Discovery links to Garmin, Polar, Suunto etc. indirectly via MapMyFitness) did not properly link to my watch. So I had to log into my auto-created MMF account from where I had to re-link my Suunto account before it logged everything 100%.

Cape Union Mart (online) is selling Salomon's Sense Ultra 3 (SG and HG versions) for R1200.

I wish... But I have to keep the legs fresh and fit for the Lionheart 6 Dec

Great stuff. Nou for the Western Cape version...

Have a look at http://www.runnersworld.com/. Google (either your old shoes or wanted-new shoes) + "runnersworld". They should have a see how it fits button near the bottom. http://d2nzezaqmc2hne.cloudfront.net/sizeGuideStatic/242_a5678cb6/images/entryPoints/default-over-20111207.png I found this to be fairly accurate and quite handy for ordering shoes online - if you really can't fit it in-store.

"Paradise Gorge" http://i.imgur.com/dYUgcyS.jpg

Couldn't agree more! Since I started running lower drop / forefoot I set more Strava RecordsTM on descents... The control feels amazing.

On the note of cushioning, minimal, pronation etc. this guy seems to have a good understanding of what's going on. It's quite an interesting (and lengthy read) - and the rest of his wiki as well! Outpost Running stock them online. I may have a 10% discount laying around somewhere. Runner's Rest, Outdoor Escape (both in Stellenbosch) and Somerset Sport generally like to keep old stock - they shoul'd have the old - meaning the one's that were still meant for trail - Mantras. The new ones are more road focussed. Even more reason to stick to the Pro's

+1 On the Peregrines. Old models always go for dirt cheap and they are damn good shoes. The thing with Salomon shoes are....they're not really meant for SA terrain - especially the WC terrain which is very dry with jagged-ish rocks. As mentioned before - the Speedcross and Fellraiser shoes are actually meant for Fellrunning - AKA running on softer / wetter terrain which requires aggressive grip. Both are excellent shoes - and I like the Fellraiser especially - but the tread will run down very quickly. But while they last, they'll be @#!% fast. The Sense (Mantra, Pro, Ultra, etc) range on the other hand does not like the really tough terrain. The uppers wear out before the grip. BUT, when my shoes are due for replacement....I'll stick with the Salomons. Can't seem to find a worthy replacement...yet.

I *was* pretty keen on doing that one. Not so sure about the tunnel section...like 40 minutes or whatnot of running STRAIGHT and staring at NOTHING except for that spot of light in front of you (*ever noticed how hypnotizing night running can be?*). Anyways...scored myself a physio appointment - so I'm out. Have to rest that foot for the Red Bull Lionheart (still not qualified though)

Eish. Would not recommend expect if you are very familiar with shoes that fit your foot type. ESPECIALLY when it comes to minimalist or low heeldrop shoes. Compared to traditionalist shoes (where fewer things can go wrong IMO). Things to take note of: General "feel" of shoe - can't get that on the interwebs.Size - within a shoe brand, sizing may differ across shoe ranges (looser trainers vs narrower racers)Shoe gait - do you know what type of pronation control you need - if any?Paying that R200 more at a specialist running store (no, not Sportman's or TotalSports...), can save lot's of $$$ from running injuries due to wrong shoes...Depending on where you are in the WC we could recommend a couple of places to have a look at. That said, have a look at: The Sweat Shop: Good selection of shoes Outpost Running - another alternative, but not necessarily cheap Poobie Naidoos: Cheaper than most stores - can recommend - I've bought from them a couple of times, but sometimes very limited stock. Sportmans Warehouse - only worth it if you have Discovery Vitality discount Cape Union Mart: Old version of the Salomon S-Lab's for cheap!

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