Trail Run At Angel's Rest

Brooks Pure Cadence Running Shoes

I love my new road running shoes. They're minimalist, comfortable and loud as hell. The heel is squishy, so I get the little bit of comfort I probably don't need. They're very supportive, although would be destroyed within minutes on a trail. I overdid it on tonight's first run in a long time, but no shin splints. That tells me I'm on to something good. I have secret aspirations to run a marathon someday (even a half marathon would be a big deal for me) but for now I'm just galloping around the neighborhood at night to Depeche Mode songs.

$120 at REI. I tried to order from Brooks directly, in Pullman, Wash. but they were out of stock. Also, they run quite small. My size 9.5 gunboats fit a 10.5 comfortably.

Winter Scenes: A Biking Photo Album

Hagg Lake, Sauvie and the West Hills.

Tamanawas Falls Winter Hike

I said back in October that I wanted to come back and do this hike in the snow, so I did. It was even better than in the fall, with a couple inches of snow coating everything. The trail was easily navigable, with some fun scuttling under low-hanging branches. I used my new microspikes for the first time, and I was impressed. The snowpack was pretty firm, but I was able to travel quickly and sure-footedly. By no means did I actually need them, but it was great to speed along without worry.