But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will RUN and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

OK, how inspiring is that!!!

Posted the latest and last photos from my trail run last Saturday (this week was an easy week) on the Trail Run Photo page. Unless something amazing happens on my trail runs, I’m going to be taking less photos and do a little more running. Enjoy.

When ORB started, I was running it alone – I am alone no longer. Troy Schrenk, one of my running comrades and an inspiration for ORB has joined me on this narrative journey. Troy brings another competitive level to this running blog. A couple of years ago, I gave him a push in the right direction and he’s taken it to the Nth level. For those of you “Boston Qualifier” types, Troy’s your guy. He’ll share his serious mileage and insight as well as off-the-wall brain type stuff ORB is noted for.

I turned on ESPN this morning after a quick run before church. I really wasn’t paying attention until they mentioned a race. My ears perked up, my head swiveled a little too fast and I almost knocked myself out against my office wall – I now wish I would have!!!

There in full living color, was an expose on the Krispy Kreme Challenge. The what? Yes, that’s what said as the blood rushed back into one runner’s brain. Here’s the gist:

The event takes place in Raleigh, North Carloina where runners toe the line like at any race start. When the gun sounds, runner’s run 2 miles to Krispy Kreme, scarf down 12 donuts and run 2 miles back to the finish. Yeah, that’s right, 12 FRICKIN’ DONUTS. For you calorie counters out there, that’s 2,400 calories (144 g. of fat – 216% of your daily value).

I started shaking my head (which reduced blood flow to my head once again) and wondered why. Now the event aids a good cause, the North Carolina Children’s Hospital, but seriously, why donuts? If you want to puke your guts out, try running hill repeats until you puke. At least that’s constructive. 2,400 calories?

Every person I know considers Krispy Kreme donuts a very seductive enemy. One not to play around with lightly or else suffer the consequences. Running and exercise are our defense against those rings of evil. Even after researching it for this running blog, I still don’t get it. To each their own I guess.

RMFR

I just received my Running Times magazine today. Not having time to read it cover to cover yet I just skimmed thru the pages. Being a runner and working in advertising, one page just jumped out of the magazine. It just so happens to be an ad for my new Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII (no this is not another shameless plug) and the subject of the ad? URINE. To non-runners the pure mention of urine is probably vial and has no place being in an ad. For a runner on the other hand urine has a lot of meaning. It’s our hydration guide and this ad is has a lot of meaning for runners.

Just thought it was funny when I showed it to my wife and she rolled her eyes. Absolutely something I had to share in a running blog.

RMFR

Took the new Pearl Izumi Syncro Float treads out for their first real workout yesterday. I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable shoe (not just running shoe) that I’ve ever owned. I’m actually contemplating getting another pair just to wear. Now with this sort of glowing review, I’d like my Pearl Izumi sponsorship to start any minute now. Ever sponsor a running blog? No seriously, have you? I’ll let you know if I receive an answer, but don’t hold your breath.

RMFR

Today was a great day. Anytime you go get a new pair of running shoes is a great day. I now know the obsession some women have with shoes. I was down right giddy driving to Red Rock Running Company (RRRC). I haven’t committed to one shoe/brand since I’ve been running. This is like a kid walking into a candy store and getting to sample each tasty morsel before leaving with a bag under their arm.

The thing I love about RRRC is that they “insist” you leave the store and run in them first. There’s no rules. No minimum. “Go hit the road, come back and then let us know if you like them or not. Don’t like that pair…then go hit the road in this pair”. This goes on until you’ve found “the ones”. Think about it…can you waltz into a restaurant sample all the dishes and then place you’re order? Don’t think so. Even when you’re buying a car the salesperson rides with you. This is all solo. I freakin’ love it!!!

Yes, there was a winner in today’s matchups and in honor of the “Greatest Sporting Event Ever”, today’s running blog presents my version of March Madness.

Going into todays tournament, the New Balance 800 was the #1 seed. I have been playing around with a midfoot stride and this shoe is geared for just that.

The #2 seed was the Asics Gel Phoenix. I had a pair of Asics when I first started running and the Gel Phoenix has great cushioning. It was affectionately dubbed “the Spiderman shoe” by my boyz.

Coming in at the #3 seed was another New Balance shoe, the New Balance 1063. Like the Gel Phoenix, this shoe has a very nice cushioning ride.

The dark horse in this field was the Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII. Hadn’t read anything about it, but I trust RRRC and their opinions so I decided to let it into this elite field.

GAME SUMMARIES

The first game was a no-brainer. Since RRRC didn’t have the New Balance 800 in stock, the Syncro Float won by forfeit. I have to find that shoe and give it a spin.

In the second contest of the day, both shoes were neck in neck. The Gel Phoenix just edged the 1063 in an instant classic.

So the championship came down to the Syncro Float and the Gel Phoenix. The Syncro Float kind of freaked me at first glance. It reminded me somewhat of the old Chuck Taylor’s in appearance – minus the high top. The best thing about this shoe is that it fit my arch like a glove. With the Gel Phoenix, I felt pressure on my arch – plus the tongue seemed like it was lapping at my shin. In a major upset, the Pearl Izumi Syncro Float came out victories – one for the ages kids.

Happy Shoe Shopping!!!

RMFR