Do I need a Trail Shoe?

I've been running the street to trails for over a year now. I have two pair of shoes that I switch between (Asics 2140 and Gel Kayano), neither of which are trail running shoes. I don't run extremely technical trails and, as of yesterday, have not lost my footing or any other problem related to improper shoes. However, I've been wondering if I should be using a trail shoe instead of a regular running shoe.

I've compared the two shoes that I currently run with. The less expensive 2140 is more comfortable on the trails, because it seems to have a more rugged construction and doesn't distribute as much "feel" in the sole, which translates to less rocks poking my feet. It has sufficient impact padding, but not quite as good as the Kayano. I am also wondering if a more ridgid shoe would be less stressfull or more stressful on my feet.

So, I'm going to do some more research and hopefully get some information from those that have used both. Ultimately, I'd like to move away from paved roads entirely, but that doesn't seem likely. Maybe a good shoe that works both paved a trails is in order. Time to do some more searching.

The Single-Track Mind

If you ask any mountain biker "what is your favorite type of trail to ride," most will immediately tell you "single-track." As a mountain bike rider myself, I would have to agree. However, most single-track trails are usually limited or prohibited for bikes, especially in the SF Bay Area where I do most of my riding.

Now, I am also a trail runner and enjoy running all the trails, especially the single-track trails. I get to experience all the trails in one way or another. Often I wonder what it would be like to ride some of the trails that I can currently only run. Then, I think about what these single-track trails would be like if they were open to mountain bikers as well. And, quite honestly I would not be very happy. I like knowing that I can run on some very nice trails and that there won't be a rider barreling around a corner coming straight at me. My passion for mountain biking and trail running are equal and I am happy keeping them separate on the trails as well.

So, if someone asks me, I would have to say that they should be separate. In my opinion, we should be able to have enough trails for everyone. Shared trails for everyone, single-track for pedestrians only, and then some single-track for bikes only. It's the only way to make everyone happy...and safe.

Close Encounters with Wildlife

Whenever possible, I do all my trail running and mountain biking on the trails at my local park. Since the park is part of the large regional park district, the area is a preserve for plants and wildlife. I've seen countless turkey vultures, rabbits, geese, wild turkeys, and even a dear or two. However, being in California, one thing you must always be on the look for, especially on sunny days, are snakes.

Yesterday I was running down one of the trails on my usual route when I encountered a three-foot snake stretched across the trail. From a short distance it was difficult to tell if it was a rattlesnake or the harmless gopher snake. Fortunately, it was the gopher snake so I was able to safely pass by. I've added a couple of pictures here for your comparison.

I've seen many other gopher snakes over the years, but this was the first that I had to hop over. I've also come way too close to a rattle snake coiled and defending its territory.

In my park, there have been lots of deer, snakes, and even mountain lions. This is just a reminder to all the other trail adventures out there; always keep you eyes open. Most of these parks are still very wild, and contain lots of wild and potentially dangerous animals. Here is a link to help you identify dangerous snakes in California.

The Sh*tbike Challenge

I've been following the adventures of the Sh*tbike in Bike Magazine. This is the first video I've seen of this poor old SoftRide mountain bike.

Getting Chased by Dogs

If you run or ride, you’ve probably been chased by a dog at least once in your life. I’ve been chased by many dogs from big ones to little ones, and from past experience the little ones are the one most likely to bite…ankle or shin biters. Now, I’ve also been chased, pursued, or followed by many dogs that had no ill will but to go fast because I was going fast. Dogs like to run; its in their blood.

When I am on the trails, a lot of owners like to let the dogs loose and walk off the leash. I’m all for doggy freedoms, but when the owner can’t control their dogs and they get in your way to the point where you are either going to trip over them (running), hit them (biking), or they decide that they want to “go fast” too, then enough is enough.

As an owner of a dog, we (humans) are responsible to also controlling them. Dogs are pack animals and respond to the pack leader. If the owner isn’t able to control their pack, then keep them on a leash or keep them at home. The trails are for everyone, dog, horse, and person alike. But, people don’t typically chase you and attempt to bite you. People on the trails should respect one another as well, but that is a learned practice. An out-of-control dog is not.

Trail Etiquette

I been riding and running the trails near my home for over 15 years, and in all those years there is one thing the fails to grasp the minds of many others that also share the trails...Trail Etiquette: the common courtesy you oblige to those around you that have just as much right to be there are you.

I have a unique view on this matter because I both run and ride on the trails. As a rider, I know what it is like to come upon a running/hiker on the trails. It can be startling when you turn a corner and suddenly encounter the single or multiple people blocking the path. You must slow abruptly without crashing or startling the people (startled people have a tendency to jump...in front of you). No one, runner, hiker, or biker enjoys this type of encounter, but it is unavoidable. Common courtesy in these type of encounters is required by both parties. Since, the biker is usually traveling much faster, they should be the one to offer any apologies if an encounter becomes bad. As well, a group of runners should not run the entire width of a trail to help avoid these situations as well.

When a rider approaches a pedestrian from behind, you MUST call out or ring a bell to inform them. Again, a startled pedestrian usually jumps IN FRONT OF YOU. As a runner, if you hear the rider coming from behind, make eye contact and some sort of hand gesture (no, not that one) to let them know you see them.

When I ride, I always call out and typically thank the pedestrian for giving way. As a runner, I appreciate it when fellow bikers call out and thank me that I gave way for them to pass. For the riders that don't call out and the runners that won't give way, you can only assume ignorance or arrogance, the latter can't always be fixed. Let's face it, showing appreciation for one another might pay back when you need it on the trails. I'm more likely to help a stranded rider/runner and mock the arrogant one as I roll past them.

Replacing a Treadmill Belt

Last year we were looking into getting a treadmill, preferable a good-quality used one. After missing the opportunity to get an older LifeFitness model for free (it was a huge beast of a machine), my father found one from a friend that was going to throw it out. It was pretty cheap model, but we gave it a shot. After trying to run on it for just 1 minute, and nearly tripping when it stuttered, it went to the curb.

A couple weeks later, a neighbor rolled out a Proform 995 SEL treadmill for a local donation pickup. I had told my wife about it earlier in the day and said they probably wouldn’t be able to take it because it was too big. Of course, it was too big for them to take, so it stayed on the curb with a FREE sign. My son went to look at it and the owner saw him and told him that it worked great, but might need a belt soon. So, my son dragged it home and we plugged it in. Yup, it worked great, but after about 1 month of use, we realized that it really did need a belt, and it should have been replaced a long time ago.

I searched in the internet and found The Treadmill Doctor. They have lots of replacement parts for many different brands of treadmill. On their page you can search by manufacture and model number. The replacement belt was about $100 delivered. It tool about 2 hours to install. The total time was actually longer because I have a fix a few things damaged by the bad belt (no cost) and had already disassembled the treadmill beforehand. Before you decide to replace the belt or any other part, be sure it is something you are comfortable doing yourself. Otherwise, you could end up with an even more useless treadmill...or end up damaging something. If in doubt, contact a qualified repair-person.

With the summer quickly approaching, the temperature can easily get into the 90s or higher in my neighborhood. Having a good working treadmill will now give us the choice of either braving the heat or running at home, as well the option to run at night without having to worry about cars or other obstacles that are difficult to see in the dark. But, for those of you that either like to run at night or have no other choice, please read these tips for running at night.