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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.

HTFU Rain Ride at Hagg Lake

It was rainy and gloomy as befitting the Pacific Northwest, but our training ride at Hagg today made me happy. Exercise is a hell of a drug. The loop is too easy for us now, so we decided that the key is to build speed. It's still worth it to ride out there in bad weather, since it's safe and has easy access to water, bathrooms and the car for dry layers. We were equipped with full rain gear, which we've finally mastered. Dr. B has fenders and I don't, so my butt was soaked and eventually even my overpriced Rapha booties couldn't hold out any longer. Even though I barely rode in busy, stressful December I hopped back on like no time had passed. Every so often on the back stretches I'd get a whiff of pine and forest floor. Ah, Oregon.

December Is Crazy

We're both working a lot, which doesn't leave a lot of time for chilly bike rides and snowy hikes, but here are some current winter pics as a place holder:

Got a new helmet, but it's not as sexy as the discontinued Pneumo. Why do you hate me, Giro?

Despite the presence of this twinkly dead plant in my living room, I am still a Grinch at heart!