The Trail Running Thread

[Fisan]

What options are there for ordering trail running shoes online? I'm leaning towards a more minimalist show or just a lower heel drop

 

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!

[SeaBee]

Agree with Koei's comments.

 

But to add some more options, if you want to go that ways:

http://www.nativesport.co.za/  (vivo's,  trail freak! (wait for them on special)

http://www.thetrailshop.co.za/ 

[SeaBee]

BTW, anybody else doing the Tunnel Run? 

 

Sounds like you basically go up from the toll gates outside Paarl through farms to run the service tunnel of the Hugenot Tunnel (in Du Toitskloof). Simply could not resist! With it being 21k's and apparently 8 of those in the tunnel, I presume we're going to have some interesting elevation change.

[Fisan]

BTW, anybody else doing the Tunnel Run? 

 

Sounds like you basically go up from the toll gates outside Paarl through farms to run the service tunnel of the Hugenot Tunnel (in Du Toitskloof). Simply could not resist! With it being 21k's and apparently 8 of those in the tunnel, I presume we're going to have some interesting elevation change.

 

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)

[Pieter1]

What options are there for ordering trail running shoes online? I'm leaning towards a more minimalist show or just a lower heel drop

www.nativesport.co.za

[RABUBI]

Did the Golden Gate challenge over the weekend close to clarens

27km/29km and 17km over 3 days

 

What an amazing experience, but my quads are shattered. The amount of mountain ascend and descends are just crazy, but was totally awesome

 

I did quite a few MTB stage races, but in terms of organising, food, comfort and being spoiled,  etc, this is by faaaaarrr the best I've ever experienced. Definitely one for a bucket list

[Skylark]

www.nativesport.co.za

I wanted to get a pair from them but no sizes, seems like since that bug sale they aren't getting new stock?

[StevieH]

I can recommend www.inov-8store.co.za    

Trailroc 255 

[Pieter1]

I wanted to get a pair from them but no sizes, seems like since that bug sale they aren't getting new stock?

Stuart is probably one of the most acomodating dudes I have dealt with. Send him a msg, mabey he can help out. He regularly reserves shoes for me as I have amazonian jungle claws for feet.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Coinciding with my newly arrived Fenix 3, I'm about to dive back into the world of pain Jogging. Trail running, though. None of this pavement stuff - it bores me.

[SeaBee]

With you there! I do pavement pounding mid-week, since it's dark when I run before work (4am).

 

Now training for a first (and likely only!) marathon a buddy told me to force myself to do long road runs. Oh... myyyy... hat! When you somehow get to 30k's and there's still 7 to go to home, Paarl heat and that black road just stretches out before you. I very quickly started questioning my sanity. Give me elevation any day above tar.

[SeaBee]

Did anybody else do the Tunnel Run on Saturday?! 

 

Not gone into it with a race-face attitude keeping next week and my healing calve in mind. Not very technical - despite which I managed to get my feet wet on the river crossing.  Stopped along the way (somewhere in the tunnel) for one of my numerous photos and a colleague caught up with me and we basically ran together from there. 

 

What a great experience! 

[Fisan]

Did anybody else do the Tunnel Run on Saturday?! 

 

I wish... 

 

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

[Raab]

Soooooooo, looks like I got an entry in the Retto next year. Sweaty palms already

[Skylark]

Stuart is probably one of the most acomodating dudes I have dealt with. Send him a msg, mabey he can help out. He regularly reserves shoes for me as I have amazonian jungle claws for feet.

Thanks man, dropped you a pm!

Edited November 11, 2015 by Skylark

[christinejvr]

What are you guys do in terms of hydration on training runs? I am looking for a way to carry about 1.5L of water for up to a three hour run. Are you using a race vests or hydration belt system? Which make and model is working for you? Maximum comfort, with minimum/no bouncing, is non-negotiable. Thanks.