Not only am I completely jacked about my new running shoe sponsor for 2010, SCOTT Running, but due to all the questions I have been having about this newly emerging (and quickly!) running shoe line I thought I'd give my two cents on the shoes as I have surely been putting them to the test!  From my experience with the shoes, and the great reviews SCOTT is receiving this year as one of the newest and brightest running shoes on the running, and particularly the triathlon scene (due to their bike division as well), I expect we'll all be seeing a lot more of these shoes this year, and in the years to come.

I have been doing the bulk (65%) of my training in the Makani 2, which is their uber lightweight stability trainer.  Although the shoe has an easy flex, it is also very supportive without feeling the rigidity that others can when in stability trainers.  When I run at slower paces or am doing drils I am often very much a forefoot striker.  Yet, when running at steady (or higher) paces my form changes to mid-foot.  This shoe DELIVERS in all areas.  I feel supported, but not confined by the shoe.  At 275 grams, this shoe may even be one I will choose to race in, as it certainly feels like anything BUT a trainer in terms of weight.  

     SCOTT Makani 2

The rest of my training (about 35%) and racing is done on the T2Cs.   At a mere 210 grams...these shoes are like comfy slippers.  And although used for the purpose of a racing flat, still reasonably stable.  The striking feature for this shoe (for me) is the wide toe width.  Often, in long runs or races my feet swell and I get discomfort from either blisters or just an overall tight feeling within the shoe.  Not with the T2Cs.  They emulate comfort, and when I am ticking away at mile 18 of the marathon in an Ironman, that`s all that matters to me.  Comfort...and of course speed!  The Ergologic ride midsole...although I don`t know exactly how it works...WORKS.  This shoe just feels different than any other shoe I`ve run on and I am, quite simply, blown away.  The T2Pro also shown below is a great option for those looking for a quick change in triathlon.  This shoe boasts a super nifty flip-back heel for a quick change option in transition!  Let`s just say you won`t be disappointed either way you go.

     SCOTT T2C                                     SCOTT T2Pro

For a touch of background info, the shoes were developed in Portland by I-Generator, which started up five years ago.  The shoes have been in Europe for 4 years and have only just been introduced into the US this year.  (But as with anything of high quality, they're not taking long to catch on to the running, and particularly, the triathlon scene!)  There has been substantial evolution in the shoes over the last few years, but the most significant has been the mild rocker technology called Ergologic Ride.  This was introduced on the T2 for 2010 and is a significant innovation in running shoes because it makes for a smoother, more efficient stride.

http://www.scottusa.com/fr_fr/category/8707/products

I came across this video sent to me today from Impact Magazine.  Love it.  Super fast running, great technique...and heart and soul slathered all over it!!!  Enjoy! Scroll down to find the video entitled, "Canadian Distance Project."  Nice one, guys.

http://www.impactmagazine.ca/running/news-and-articles/longlongrun.html

 After 2 weeks of recovering from the sickness I picked up at IM China, the jet lag, and the overall disappointment of the experience....it felt great to get rolling again.  A week of increasing intensity and volume (last week) in preparation for St. George was topped off with a great camp Factor 9 camp held in Penticton, B.C. this last weekend (April 2nd - 5th).

The weather, although unfortunately a little cooler than it has been in Penticton still managed to come around reasonably enough to allow for some super training to take place.  I didn't attend the first day of the camp, as it was a designated rest day for me instead after having some harder brick workouts throughout the week.  I am told, however, that Friday consisted of a solid day on the bike with an even 'more' solid climb up Carmi....the least forgiving of climbs (I think) in the Penticton area.  Good stuff.

I arrived instead on Saturday morning, and after a couple of Jenny's delicious homemade muffins to fuel up for the ride, I met up with the group for the day's ride (which was to be 5-6 hours in length.)  I knew right away that the camp would be fun, as everyone was super warm and friendly...and very enthusiastic.  Some with brand new rides all decked up for the season, and some borrowing bikes from friends to test out whether or not they would even like triathlon!  Because of this diversity, there was a great dynamic to the group and something for everyone with to meet their own individual goals for the season...and to have fun doing it.

The wind was impressive on the Saturday ride heading out to Osoyoos, but some good conversation helped to ease those woes quickly. (BTW... I am told that my new Orbea Ordu is now on its way...but unfortunately not here in time for the camp.  But stay tuned, because I can't wait to get the new ride out on the open road and tell you all about it.) This said, the rides were divided into three different groups, all with aid (thanks Al, Sarah, and Jenny!) The way back presented some sleet over the last of the climbs, but it was short and sweet.  Scott then wanted me to continue on and ride Carmi on my own.  Carmi at the end of 4 hours of riding in the wind and cold...is not an easy task.  But I bucked up and dealt with it.....after stopping to change my socks and have two MORE of Jenny's muffins before heading up that monster. Then a steady t-run to follow back into the wind....yep...it felt good to stop.  The day ended with a delicious barbeque at Marty and Laura's place.  Thanks guys!  Joy telling stories about being a paramedic at the Olympics, Brian talking about life in Whitehorse, Scott talking about his adventures at the Long Distance World Championships in Holland.  No shortage of interesting conversation.

The next day was hard climbing.  Windy again.  Scott told me to climb mod hard on all the climbs...and that wasn't a problem with the wind factor included, Brian Schroeder testing me at all times to continue to keep up my pace (that guy can RIDE and is going to obliterate the competition in his age group this year - again!!!), and then with the sheer number of climbs...it was tough.  Climbing over Twin Lakes (going backwards on the IMC course...so climbing up that big descent), Green Lake Road, the Observatory, and then of course THE WALL.  The WALL was saved for the end, and if you haven't ever ridden this climb, then the name surely gives it away.  It ends with a 15% pitch that nearly has you falling off your bike.  Then JUST when you think you've hit the top, you realize that there is another hump to get over.  Legs screaming, heart rate jacked....it hurts good.  It was here that I realized that I was tired, and Brian proceeded to drop me up that last pitch after riding side by side the whole way up.  You GOT to love climbing alongside someone who is testing you.  Nothing better! Then another t-run....back into the wind....sweet.  Finally a stretching session put on by a professional stretch therapist based right in Penticton - Cathy Walker.  Although our stomachs were growling for food by the end of it, we all benefited from the lengthy stretching session...vs. our 10 second effort we all MIGHT have done on our own - at best.  Ha.

Monday was a long run.  The KVR trail along the lake is GORGEOUS and I have now mapped out my all-time favorrite run!  Scott wanted me to run two hours so I decided to make the 'trek' to OK Falls and then run back along the highway.  The 'Around the Lake' run.  Gorgeous.  Amazing.  Not only was it a super scenic run, but I also had a great run and was very, very pleased with how my legs and body felt well into the two hours.  I actually ended up running a bit longer than the two hours, and although I kept waiting for that deep fatigue feeling to come into play, which is oh so familiar after around 1:45 of running even when you're fit - it never came!   After talking with everyone else at the Smith and Co. for coffee after all our runs were done, everyone agreed that it was a super way to spend the morning!!!

 All in all.  It was a very successful camp!  High energy people, great coaching, yummy food (the chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate Jenny brought for aid during Sunday's ride were the best!), amazing scenery, challenging routes and courses, good conversation, and weather that although wasn't great...it surely could have been much worse...plus it made us tougher;-)

Thanks everyone, it was great to meet you all.  Looking forward to the next camp....IMC Iron Blast camp in July.  Check out the link blow for more info:

http://www.triathlonfever.com/camps/94-iron-blast-camp-penticton-bc-july-18-24-2010/240-iron-blast-camp-2010.html