Not a bad run this morning. Managed about 9.5mi. I went at a 7:30 pace for the second 3.5 miles and it felt alright. The 3rd loop that little tightness came back in my left calf. Taking shorter steps at about 9/9.5min/mile helped but I didn't push it.
I went to the Benchmark Outfitters in Cincinnati tonight. I remember The Benchmark from high school when me and my buddies would go up to the Farmington Hills shop and climb their 16ft wall. It was my introduction to climbing and I loved that shop. We went up there all the time. Well, turns out the only Benchmark shops left are in Kentucky and Ohio! Some people bought the chain through mismanagement almost ran them all out of business. Sad, sad stuff. BUT! The staff at the Cinci Benchmark are top notch. Very knowledgeable about shoes and helped me out. I went in with the idea of trying on some Montrail Continental Divides and then buy them at REI to get a discount, but the staff was so good I wanted to throw some business their way. I got a pair of shoes and some incredibly nice Smartwool socks. Wow those are some comfy socks. I tried on a 11.5 (I wear a 12) in the CD and the Hardrock. Well, way too small as expected. Then I tried on a 12 in the Hardrock but it was again too small. It was explained the Hardrock has a bit rounder toe, and generally run a tad smaller than the CD but I didn't expect the 12 to fit much better. I tried on a size 13 CD and they felt good. I have a long narrow foot, with very even arches that are somewhat high. My food is about a B width with my middle toe being a bit longer. The 13 definitely has room in the toe box, but its not so big I think it's going to be a problem. I have to take into account going downhill and swelling as I run longer distances. However, there was no shifting on the sides and no heel slipping. I've heard some people say that the CD can hurt heels and ankles but I didn't get that. I ran around the store, did some backwards climbing up the fake rock slab thing, and then walking up the slap sideways. All felt good. I feel they fit really well, and aren't nearly has heavy and, just, out of control as my Hi-Tec shoes. These Montrails make the Hi-Tecs look like some janky monster truck. Where the CD is like a tricked out baja truck. I'm still concerned so I'm going to wear them in the office this weak. If they feel too big I'll take them back and try the 12 but I think the 13 is going to work. These are going to be my long distance work horse from now on. They should be nice and broken in by McNaughton!

http://www.benchmarkou...
https://www.smartwool....

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8 months, 3 weeks ago by Adam P.