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20 miler on Massanutten Mt. VA

1/21/2014

Well, no pix this time. What a fun run though. This was the longest I have gone since Chignecto at 29 miles but I felt much better this time. Tired but no aches. I think I just showed myself what I can do if i take it easy, eat right and just keep going.
I started at the Buzzard Rock trail head and went up the ridge. there was only 2" of snow at the higher elevations on the north side of the mountains which was a nice treat for a northerner. I did it in 3:58 which I thought was good. I certainly was not ready for the hills.

Here is a Google Earth link for anyone who cares........ . . .

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Patapsco Valley State Park, Maryland, USA

1/21/2014

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The Cascade in Cascade Trail.

On a whim I decided to Facebook Ryan Seth of the Annapolis Running Shop in Maryland, USA for some tips on trail running in the area. Here is their FB page as well. Ryan rustled up some savvy trail runners and we headed out to Patapsco Valley State Park just to the east of Baltimore, MD. Check out their site as their PDF maps are printable and highly detailed.

Thanks again Ryan and Josh for coming with me, enduring my calls for reshooting pictures and worse, running that hill just one more time! I had a great run and hope to come down again sometime.

Heading down the Cascade Trail.

It was such a treat for me because of the 40-50 F weather and no snow or ice. The trails were in great shape as well.

Most trails are well marked.

Buzzard Rock Trail

Saw Mill Trail. We lucked out with glorious weather.....for a Canadian!

Saw Mill Trail, technical creek x-ing fun

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Icebug shoes

1/10/2014

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      These I cebug Hero carbide studded trail running shoes have been absolutely essential for me to train all winter long, especially with the crazy snow-rain-freeze-like-a-mother storm cycles we have been having here in the Maritimes and Maine. Icebug is a Swedish trail running shoe company that has been making studded trail shoes for over a decade and just like everything else Swedish that we see over here in North America, they make a fine product. I even have the fruity and well made gaiters for when the snow and slush are deep and manky.
       The 15 to 19 studs per shoe blow any other "winter" shoe off the ice. They also make a range of models from traditional, beefmo running shoes to minimalist floppers. Most models are available with or without studs for your trail running pleasure. Some models come in standard rubber, sticky rubber or "Outdry" waterproof, breathable membrane for where ever you go.
    The Swedes and the rest of Scandinavia are all such active cultures as well. They have a passion for the outdoors and breathing heavily at all times of the year.
They are definitely worth checking out, and no I am not sponsored by them. . . . . .yet.
      I put this post in two categories; "Rambles" because I ramble about in them, and "Injuries and Prevention" because they help you to stay on your feet. For me, I would rather feel safe on ice and run a regular stride than do the penguin run and have hip flexors that go all winter with out reaching their full range of motion.
     You can get them on Shoebuy.com. I hope to see you out there this winter!

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Bryan Gagner

I have been trail running for about 30 years and am rejuvinated by it. Breathing deeply in the woods and wild places is something everyone should do, what ever their capability.