Last Updated October 12, 2012
Running Shoes – All Saucony, All The Time (Find Your Strong!)
Training Shoe – Saucony Kinvara 3
Considering how much I LOVED the Saucony Kinvara 2, I was extremely nervous about all of the changes in the Kinvara 3. However I now think that the K3 is even more perfect for me than the K2. The new features I like best in the 3 include:
- Single layer upper. The 3-layer upper in the K2 sometimes would catch against my big toe, and was not a comfortable.
- Larger toe-box – It is only a touch wider than the K2, but feels much better.
- Sock-like fit is very cozy
Minimal Shoe – Saucony Hattori LC
About a year ago I started running one day per week in the very minimal, original Saucony Hattori (4.4 oz) with the goal of strengthening my feet and lower legs. Since adding these “barefoot” type runs to my schedule I have been able to get rid of all my orthotics and have moved from the bulky Nike Vomero to the Saucony Kinvara as my day-to-day training shoe. Now I usually run one or two days per week in them. The Hattori LC improves on the original with the addition of laces and a little more reinforcement on top of the toe (which was a problem for me in the original).
Trail Shoe – Saucony Peregrine
The Peregrine is made on the same last as the Kinvara, so this seemed like the perfect trail shoe for me when it came out last spring. Just like the “barefoot” runs mentioned above I also try to get in at least one trail run per week to help with lower body strength and balance. The only problem I have with the Peregrine is keeping the laces tied (I need to change them out), but otherwise love this shoe. Great traction and stability, even on rough terrain. Even though the Peregrine 2 came about this spring I probably will not need another trail shoe until next season. I’m curious about the Kinvara TR, but I wonder if it will be substantial enough to handle the trails at Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.
Apparel
Shorts, Tops, & Tights – Pearl Izumi & Lululemon
While I wear lots of different brands while running, by far my two favorite are Pearl Izumi and Lululemon. If I had to pick between the two I’d probably choose Pearl Izumi for two reasons (1) They have lots of colors for men (2) Their fabric tends to be a little lighter and dry faster. As much as I love Lululemon, it baffles me why they don’t have more colors for men. Most everything is only available in various shades of gray.
Socks – RRS DryMax Dry-As-A-Bone Medium Low
I LOVE these socks. Have been running in them almost since the beginning and have NEVER had a blister while wearing them. One pair tends to last me for about two seasons as long as I have several pair in the rotation.
Accessories
I switched from Oakley to Tifosi last year for three reasons (1) They are super lightweight and do not slip (2) The red lenses work well in lots of different light conditions, even when running trails under a tree canopy. They are also fototec lenses that get darker as the conditions are brighter. (3) There is a slit at the top of each lens which helps to prevent fogging up.
I have a love/hate relationship with this watch. The “touch bezel” is just horrible. It will not work when it is wet so I’m forced to keep the bezel locked while running. If I don’t lock it, it will just start doing random things as my arms move. Over time I’ve learned to manage the bezel, though it is frustrating to not be able to manually change screens during a run. Other than the bezel, it has a nice feature set, and does just about everything I need a running watch to do. It is much more comfortable and lightweight than my previous Garmin 305. At one point I was having trouble with the battery life, but corrected this by charging it only when it is fully drained. Note….The 410 corrects the bezel problem.