The New Balance 1210 (aka Leadville) busted in this year as an ultra trail shoe ready to toe the dirt line next to the Brooks Cascadia. With a smooth transition, 8mm offset, and 10.4 oz on the Rogue scale  (size 9), I really like this shoe.

The 1210 was designed for ultra running, and named after the Leadville 100 mile trail race. It was created by NB after testing and measuring how runners’ feet respond to Leadville itself. New Balance increased the volume of the upper to allow for foot swelling over longer distances. It also offers a slightly denser foam on the inner heel to provide some stability for tired feet, while the tongue is fairly protective and keeps the laces from adding pressure to the top of your foot.

Over the past few weeks I have spent a lot of time in this shoe as I rebuild my mileage. I logged 75 miles last week, with most of my runs on the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Bull Creek here in Austin,TX.

One run that stands out is my new Wednesday adventure run from the 360 access, The Hump-day Hump Run. This is a run open to the world! We meet at Taco Deli (Spyglass) and run 75 minutes (give or take a few miles) at 7:15 am on the Greenbelt. There are no trail markers or restrictions to where we go: we run, we talk, we eat tacos.

This past Wednesday we headed through the “Sweet 16″ where the trail crosses the creek 16 times within a few miles. This was the morning after more than 2″ of rain, so we were having fun! The shoe has a ton of room, and some would say it feels too wide. Being the “Leadville” I would say there is adequate space for 100 miles of foot-swelling mountain running. The shoe did drain really well, even with the multiple creek crossings.

As a lighter “ultra shoe”, I still don’t consider this a minimal running shoe. 8 mm offset is less than the Cascadia for sure, but she still has some girth. The Vibram tread is pretty grippy, as I found on some of the steeper sections, and I didn’t have to be overly cautious. Even on the wet limestone it stuck better than other trail shoes! The tread on the heel is reversed to keep you from slipping while braking on the downhills.There is some rock protection, but I still feel sharper rocks poke through a bit. For the most part, this provides enough protection for me.

I did pick up quite a bit of mud, as the trail was a fresh, soggy mix of mud and clay. No shoe could have kept the mud from sticking! I had to stop and tie my shoe a few times; it’ll take some knot experimentation to find out what works best to keep these laces tied.

I’d been dealing with pain and mild swelling on the top of my right foot since Cactus Rose, and the tongue on the 1210 does a solid job keeping off the pressure on that area. It’s not a fluffy pillow, but more like a Tempur-pedic pad that evenly distributes any pressure.

We hit Travis Country and ran the road for a mile or so, which was fine – I didn’t slip or have any problems on the asphalt. We ended up hitting a few creek crossings on the way back from Rattle Snake, and I had one more shoelace tie to take care of before finishing at Taco Deli.

All in all, the 1210 is a great shoe that everyone should consider as their next trail purchase!

(Next week. You be there. Hump Day Hump Run from Taco Deli. 75min at 7:15am. Come explore!)

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A huge thanks to my new sponsors! 2XU and Hops and Grain! With your support, this will be a great year on the trail! 

Offers the best in compression and running apparel. Their compression gear keeps me recovered as well as helping me finish those long long trail races. Check it out at RogueRunning!

My friends at Hops and Grain have the coolest brewery in town. These guys do a ton to support the community with their love and delicious brew, and I am pumped to be working together!

This was by far the toughest race I have done physically and mentally. This was almost the first time in my life I dropped out of a race. I had high expectations, and when I felt those results were lost I fell into a dark hole. Here is my first 100K. 

(photo from Lise Plantier)

Everyday the week prior I woke up knowing the race was getting closer. I was nervous. Nervous because this was the most competitive trail race I have attempted and a new distance (This was my second ultra by the way). I was also nervous from the pressure I was giving myself to make a big jump into the ultra trail world. 

Friday night I didn’t want to fall asleep because I didn’t want to face the next day. I fell asleep at 10:30 and woke up around midnight wide awake and anxious about the next morning. It had rained a few days following up to the race and it was supposed to rain again that night and in the morning. The low was only mid 60’s and the high was mid 70’s. Pretty warm for early January. The rocks turn into ice and the clay based mud turns into weights clinging to your shoes. So, I finally fell asleep around 1 after Ashley had to help me rationalize through my negative ways of thinking. 

I got up at 5 and had a big bowl of oatmeal which was hard to get down. We drove to the race and it was lightly raining and foggy and warm. I thought, “This is going to suck.” We got to the park at 7 and I drank a bottle of UCAN. The line to park was long. I had to have Ashley let me out and finish waiting to park so I could make it to the line. I got there with 90 seconds before the start. My adrenaline was pumping. I hopped up front and said hello to friends and the gun went off. 

The start reminded me of a cross country race. We were out in under 7 min pace. For some reason my quads felt like jello, and then we went straight into the hills. I decided to hold back and let myself warm up a little. I was running with Gary and a few others and after the first aid station I moved up a little as I knew Paul T was up ahead and would be nice to have someone to run with. My legs and mind did not loosen up for a while. I caught Paul and David James around mile 8 and was super excited to have caught them. I yelled out in joy to them up ahead. We hit the flats where the mud was a disaster. It was slick and there was a mix of mud and clay and sand that glued to your shoes. My hip flexors and hamstrings were already feeling done. I had been swigging on Accelerade, but not enough. We were still clicking off 8 min miles or less and that felt OK. I tried to continue to make more conversation to keep my mind off how I felt, but I kept remembering how good I felt at Cactus Rose and had no struggle until about 35. 

(part of the crew!)

The next 5-10 miles were pretty uneventful. My nutrition was an issue all day going from nausea to cramping legs. I probably was too light early on with the salt. I believe I had 1 bottle of Accelerade and 1 gel the first 10 miles plus a few bits of banana and orange at the aid stations. I definitely needed a little more with the warm humid weather. At one point I asked Paul if I should be taking more salt. “Depends how you feel,” he said. I felt pretty bad, so I took another salt tab. The fog was so thick I could only see right in front. The first time I would see my crew would be at mile 20. Ashley, Dad, Les, Nyleva, and Eric were all there and it was a welcoming sight to see them all. I wanted to tell them how bad I had been feeling, but tried to make it quick and get in and out of the aid station.

(Eric,Nyleva,Ash,Dad)

We had a rough stretch leading into Lucky Peak. David fell off somewhere on the ascent and I was struggling to stay with Paul. He motored right up and I had to spend some time walking up. I caught back up but was hurting. The fog became thicker around us and even thicker in my head. We got to Last Chance aid station and I changed shoes. My feet were already hurting. I grabbed some coke and snacks and headed out and caught back up to Paul. I started doubting myself and questioning how I was going to finish. I felt terrible and I wasn’t even half way. I had taken 2 salt tabs in the first 3 hours and Paul’s wife told me I should be taking 2 every hour. I started taking them more religiously and that may have helped with the nausea. I was also taking a Honey Stinger gel about every hour.

Pacers from 50-100K were originally not allowed, but Paul mentioned a new rule that was announced the previous night at the course briefing (which I missed). That sounded good, but I didn’t have anyone set to pace and even then I didn’t know how it would help. I hung onto Paul through 50K and was considering dropping. I had another whole loop ahead…Dum Dum dum

Paul was in and out of the aid station. I took my time and ate up and continued to focus on wanting to drop. I mentioned to everyone how much I was struggling. Joe P (race director) came up and told me I was doing great. I thought, “Great? I am falling off this wagon!” I said with doubt in my eye, “I don’t know, Joe. I am really struggling.” Joe told me that everyone in the race was struggling and that struggling is part of the race. The conditions sucked, but you have your peaks and valleys and that I would come around. I started feeling a little emotional and decided to just get back out and keep running. I would focus one the next aid station. Jet get to the next aid station…I got a few miles in and put on the headphones (which I never do) to see if I could distract myself. 

(photo from endurancebuzz.com)

I got to the start of Ice Cream Hill and felt awful. I was feeling sorry for myself, and depressed about the factors I had no control over such as the weather and climate and course conditions.” I was worried that my heart rate was too high and continued to focus on the worst possible outcomes. The doubt and anxiety had taken control along with the lack of proper nutrition. I stopped at the intersection and just looked around ready to quit.

There was no one in sight. One way led me up the course and the other would take me over to Crossroads aid station. I looked around and tried to relax my breathing. I started to turn off to head to Crossroads to quit. So much was going through my head. I had never quit a race before from 800m -50 mile and today was going to be it. Again, I felt emotional. “What a puss!” I thought. I stopped and looked around more..for what I don’t know. For some reason I decided to turn around and keep going. I started up the hill and my heart rate felt like it spiked. I felt weak and concerned that I was not ready to continue. I looked around and saw Karl and Chris coming up. I turned around and decided to call it a day. I started walking back to head off to Crossroads. Karl looked at me with confusion. Chris asked if I needed anything.”No, I’m done.”

Being irrational I decided to check my pulse. It felt high (I guess I thought it would be low?) So surely I should drop out. As I started walking back I realized it would be a hassle to quit at Crossroads. I would have to get there and somehow find my crew to let them know. Then I would have to get someone to call them when there is no cell service out there. Sounded like a bigger pain in the ass. I decided I would just walk for a while and make my way to the Nachos where I could drop there. I lost track of my nutrition for a while during this process…

I walked for a bit and started jogging the flats when I felt like it was safe and I wasn’t dead. I was running over 12 min/mile but at least I was moving forward. I put back on headphones and kept puttsing along. I was lonely and could not figure out how this was fun or enjoyable or anything I wanted to do. All of a sudden Gary came running behind. We talked for a minute. I asked him if it was true we could have pacers. He said he didn’t know and didn’t care. “Whatever keeps you goin!” he said. He yelled back “Why don’t you come pace me?” I thought there is an idea. Instead of trying to figure out how I could get a pacer or why I should quit, I should just hang with this guy. I tagged along and we made our way to Nachos. I was still not sure if I would finish, but started to get out of my funk. My legs and all were in pain. I figured I could not feel any worse than I did already. We got to Nachos and the crew wasn’t there (because crews were not allowed), and I decided to get in and out quickly. 

(Gary and I at Last Chance- photo from Olga King)

Gary and I talked back and forth, and he was awesome. Anytime I started talking or doubting he would tell me not to. Through the next 20 miles we stayed together. The muddy sections were a little better on the second loop as hundreds of runners packed it all in. Gary was quick in and out of the aid stations but we were still able to stick together. I told Ashley that Gary was like an Angel out of nowhere! We had Ashley keep tabs on how far back the next runner was. Only 3 minutes back! Gary told me we needed to keep on the pace! 

The last 10 miles were tough, but I knew the end was getting closer. On the way down from Lucky I slipped and felt like I tore a blister on my toe. It burned really badly and almost felt like my toes was broken. Gary told me to think about something else. He gave me plenty of examples of other things to think of! We got to Last Chance aid station and I was ready to finish strong! I wanted to make sure we did not get caught by Jeff. Gary told me not to wait for him. I felt cowardly though, because if it were not for him I likely would have not finished. He told me again not to wait.

I picked up the pace and finished strong. We still had two big climbs. I forgot about one of them and struggled a little bit. I was able to run almost every bit of the last section. I crossed the line and was 5th overall and 4th for USATF Champs. I was super grateful that Gary appeared when he did. His enthusiasm pulled me from that dark place I dug myself into. This showed me though that even when you think you are completely done, don’t ever quit. It was special and encouraging having Ashley, my family, Nyleva, and Eric helping crew and the rest of the Off Rogues cheering at the finish. The aid stations were much quicker than at Cactus Rose. All of the volunteers were friendly and motivating. I plan to build on this race. Sticking it out on Saturday will give me a big confidence boost for my next opportunity. 

I am so fortunate to have the support from my trail class from Rogue Running, the Off Rogues! Lots of solid runs from the group yesterday! I’m so proud of these guys. Also, the support from my friends from Rogue. Thanks to 2XU for the gear and for sharing my page!

For those who are going to be at the race this weekend-here is some info that can be helpful. Times are estimated, but I will do my best to be there around those times. This is based off 8 min/mile. That may be ambitious, but I estimate anywhere between 8 and 8:30 miles..Thanks for the support!

aid station

Lodge

7:30am

Nachos- no crew

split- 5.60mi

Total-5.60mi

Est arrival 8:15am

Chapas

split- 5.44mi

total- 11.04mi

est arrival: 9:00am

Cross Roads

split-5.85mi

total-16.89mi

est arrival :9:50 am

Cross Roads

split: 4.96 mi

Total: 21.85mi

est arrival: 10:30am

Last Chance

split: 4.25mi

total: 26.00mi

est arrival: 11:00am

Lodge

split: 5.00mi

total: 31.0mi

Est arrival: 11:40am

Nachos

split 5.60mi

total:36.60mi

est arrival: 12:24pm

Chapas

Split :5.44mi

total: 42.04mi

Est arrival: 1:00pm

Cross Roads

Split:5.85mi

Total 47.89mi

Est arrival 1:45pm

Cross Roads

split 4.96mi

total 52.85mi

est arrival :2:25pm

Last Chance

split: 4.25mi

total 57.10 mi

3:00pm

Lodge -Finish

split 5.0mi

total 62.00mi

3:40pm

Tejastrails.com for more race info

Tuesday12/18- Personal training session with Paige- 6 miles easy, then track workout with Chass- 8x800 with 200 m jog at 4:40 pace =5 mi, Tuesday night @ Hill of Life to do Hill repeats to get 9-10 more miles

Wednesday 12/19- Med Long Run at Barton Springs Trailhead with Rogue Athletic Club- 13 mi

Thursday 12/20- 6 miles easy during personal training session with Paige, then trail run with Andrew for 4 mile

Friday 12/21- Personal training session with Hailey and Lilly on the track from 6-7= 6 miles, then tempo/fartlek with Leo at 5:40-5:00 min pace for 6 miles, then another personal training session with Ross on track for an hour = 4 miles easy

12/22- Emma Long Park- 36 miles- (24 on trail and 12 on road) hit a few rough spots and struggled the last few miles on road to finish up. Called Chuck at Rogue and Ashley to talk to while I finished to distract myself. 

12/23 Townlake- 13 miles @7-7:30 min/mile with Leo Manzano (felt really beat up, and wanted to stop) 

Weekly Total - 105ish

12//25 Barton Creek Greenbelt- 90 minutes with Andrew Leatherby easy

Thursday 12/27 on road- 5 mile tempo solo around Brentwood. Struggled to stay under 5:40 min/mile pace

Saturday 12/29 at Bandera with Off Rogues!- 25 mile pretty easy avg 8-9 min/miles 

Sunday 12/30 @ Townlake-15 mile @ 6:50-7:15 min/mile 

Weekly Total- 90-95miles

Thursday 1/3 Track workout with Rogue Athletic Club & Leo Manzano- 6x 1 mile at 4:57-4:40 with 400 meter recovery (felt really good. pace was fast but comfortable. Was great to run with the group. Top of foot sore on Friday and calves sore!)

Saturday 1/5 on Greenbelt with Off Rogues!- 90 min easy easy

What are some of your favorite workouts to prep you for the hilly races?!