I will do today what you won’t, so tomorrow I can do what you can’t

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First Impressions of the @Saucony ProGrid Peregrine Trail Shoes

The Saucony ProGrid Peregrine received the Runner’s World Editor’s Choice award in their April, 2011 Trail Shoe Guide.  They were designed in the same vein as the highly successful Saucony ProGrid Kinvara road shoe with a low profile sole and only a 7mm drop between heel and forefoot.

I had been in the market for new trail shoes for the past several months, as my Nike Pegasus Trails were just not getting the job done.  I saw the Peregrines in Runner’s World, and was able to talk to a a Saucony rep about them at the 500 Festival Mini Marathon Expo on May 6th.  We actually started off talking about my experience with the Kinvara, which I started using last fall.  He recommended that since I was such a big fan of the Kinvara that I try out the Peregrines as a trail shoe.  I received my pair a few weeks ago, and have now completed two trail runs of 6 and 7 miles on fairly difficult terrain.

The Peregrines only weigh 9.1 oz and the fit is very snug throughout the upper, which is vital for a trail shoe. The upper material is extremely comfortable, and the low profile of the sole makes the Peregrine feel extremely stable, even on very rough terrain.  The lug pattern on the out-sole does a great job of protecting the foot, and providing traction on most surfaces.  The only time I have slipped in these shoes was on a large smooth rock.

The tongue is gusseted to prevent debris from entering the shoe, and it is only selectively padded so as not to add undue weight.  What is amazing is that even though the Peregrine is extremely light-weight for a trail shoe, it doesn’t seem to have any of the drawbacks you might expect (e.g. limited cushioning, poor traction, etc.) The only negative thing I can possibly say about the Peregrine has to do with the laces.  I’ve had a very difficult time keeping them tied, even with a double-knot.

The fit of the Peregrine is fairly narrow, so it might not work if you have a wide foot.  Also, I would recommend going 1/2 to a full size up from normal as they tend to run small.

Overall, the Saucony Peregrine is a pleasure to run in, and I look forward to many trail runs in these fantastic shoes.

Fall and Winter Race Schedule

My Fall and Winter race schedule is beginning to take shape.  As of right now it tentatively includes 3 full marathons, 2 half marathons, a 5-miler, and a 193-mile relay.  I would like to add a 4th full marathon in the late November / early December time-frame, but I’m having trouble deciding which one to do.  Here’s what I’ve got so far:

  1. Tupelo 14.2 Miler – September 4, 2011
  2. Bank of America Chicago Marathon – October 9, 2011
  3. Murfreesboro “Middle” Half Marathon – October 15, 2011
  4. Ragnar Relay Tennessee (Tentative) – November 4-5, 2011
  5. Boulevard Bolt 5 Miler – November 24, 2011
  6. Nov / Dec Marathon ???
  7. P.F. Chang’s Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon – January 15, 2012
  8. Rock n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon – March 4, 2012

Anybody have a recommendation on a great full marathon in the late November / early December time-frame (preferably easy travel from middle Tennessee)?

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