Some people on here may know that I have been one of the biggest proponents of Newton running shoes. I have really enjoyed my two pairs (one was a replacement), however I have not enjoyed the price. I have been looking for an alternative as of late (I still have plenty of mileage left on my Newtons, just pre-planning).

I was able to test out a pair of the new Pearl Izumi Streak. I found out that they run about 1/2 small. I wear a size 9 normally and got a size 9 1/2.  If you check my training log I have been putting a few miles on them. Normally I write reviews of shoes after my first run in them.

I moved from stability shoes (Brooks Adrenaline 6,7,8) to Newtons. I find it hard for me to go back to my Brooks if even just for the weight, they feel like too much shoe almost.

My first run in the shoes was for 1mile, just a quick run before one of my trail runs. This was followed by 4 more run from 4miles to just a bit over 5miles. I have not been running as much due to other time constraints however so far they have been holding up great and at about 19miles show little to no wear.

Unlike my Newtons I can wear my orthotics in my Streaks.

One of the coolest things about the shoes are the laces. While they are not quick release/tie they are slightly elastic and stay tied nice and firm. The laces are almost ‘cushioney.’ I also love that they have a single upper and that there are not 300 seams along the sides. The PI website talks about some sort of forefoot propulsion pad. I am not quite sure what this is. So far the shoes are great.

Pros:

- Super Comfortable

- Lacing System

- Single Upper

- Insole breathing holes

- Cushioned forefoot

- Unknown SKYDEX ‘technology’

- Price

- Great width (I have fat flat feet)
Cons:

- Run about a 1/2 small

- Unknown SKYDEX ‘technology’

SKYDEX

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I now have four pairs of running shoes. I have my Newtons, my Brooks Adrenaline, the Saloman Trail Shoes, and a new pair of Pearl Izumi Streaks. I am hoping that the PI will replace the Newtons and that the Newtons will become training only. While I like the Newtons they are expensive and I have flat, fat feet and have even been told by Newton that their shoes were not made for my feet.

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After I returned my North Face shoes, that I had previously reviewed. I replaced the m with a pair of Salomon XA Pro XCR Trail Running shoes, they were just about as expensive. They were on sale for the REI Anniversary Sale. I had my first run in them today. I wear carbon fiber orthotics on a daily basis. These shoes are narrow. I have fat flat feet. In most shoes I can remove the insoles put my orthotics in and put the insoles back over them. In these my I could not. I have a pair of the black (narrow) SuperFeet, I put those in for arch support.

I did two loops around a lake at a local state park. A total of 3 miles, I am also coming off an injury. The shoes are very light, I experienced no hotspots, and I did not roll my ankle or have any support issues. It was mainly dry out on the trail. I ran through some mud, a lot of rocks and roots. The hills on the loop are not very bad, but the trail is technical. My feet stayed dry.

So far so good. I like them more, better support and GoreTex to keep my feet dry. I am worried that my feet may get hot later on during the summer as it gets really hot out.

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‘It doesn’t get easier, you jsut get faster.” Greg LeMond.

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I had bib 248: Duathlon Pictures. I placed 121 overall and 18th in my AG, I placed 5th in the fall, but there were triple the amount of people in my AG, more than twice as many overall and I was 7:30 faster than in the fall. While I am happy with my time, I am not happy with my placing. My AG took 6 or 7 of the top 20 spots overall. Very competitive event.

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While I do truly love training and racing for triathlons, I also love the outdoors. If possible I may try to do some sort of adventure race if I do not need a large team. I have a race in my head that I would love to start but it would be at least a year away.

Really I would just have to start getting off the roads some and training off road a bit.

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From Men’s Health regarding the Tarahumara Mexicans and their ability to run and live longer than most people. A quote, “You wouldn’t jump off a ladder and land on your heels, right?” Mierke asks. “Same with running. If you land on your heel, your leg is straight, and the impact is smashing into one joint after the other. If you land on your forefoot, however, with the leg bent, it absorbs shock using elastic tissues instead of bone.”

The second is from Sport’s Illustrated and their coverage of the first & second Ironman races. It really puts into perspective what it is people accomplish and go through. A quote, “The 1978 event began as an experiment and included a mixed bunch of casual entrants. One fellow could barely tread water. Another bought a bicycle and learned to ride it the day before the race. In the run, a contestant stopped at McDonald’s for a soft drink. The man who won the swim had a bad knee from an old karate injury and needed eight hours to complete the marathon.”

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While Carb BOOM! is my official sports drink/gel sponsor I now have the opportunity to be an official reseller/coach for Infinit Nutrition. The thing that is cool about their product is that you can completely customize it for your own unique needs.

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