First "real" run in the Altras. Hit the Gully with Jun and Scott. I knew Craig had run it yesterday at a good pace, and I yesterday I had mentioned that I didn't think I had ever run it that fast with him - so...of course Jun seemed to be pushing the pace pretty good right from the get go, especially when we crossed 13th and started up the hills. I had forgotten my watch (OK, it was in my bag) and I didn't want to let Craig get ahead of me because I wanted to have an accurate time. :) When we got to the top of the horse trail Craig mentioned we were a little faster than he had been the day before...ha. Once we had Scott with us we headed up the road to the towards the Bells trailhead. Up to this point the Altras had already been feeling REALLY good, but once I hit the pavement, they were like "butta" - incredibly smooth and comfy on the pavement, while still allowing my feet and legs to do what they're supposed to. Moving on, hit the steep trail part and this is where Craig always gains a little ground on me - I run the whole way, but right near the top of the first climb I can't seem to hold the same pace as him...one of these days. Cruised down the little flat section then up the climb to the reservoir, getting there about a half a minute after Jun. Scott showed up shortly thereafter. We hung out up there for a few minutes, chatting it up and pounding a gel. Once it started to feel a little chilly, we headed back down. I was right on Craigs tail as we flew down the rocky downhill, and had to back off a little, cuz if you follow too closely to him you'll find yourself taking routes down, across, over, under, and through rocks that you probably wouldn't have selected yourself. Craig even leapt from one boulder to another at full speed in full stride...I thought for sure he was going to eat it because the trail was so wet. No such luck. As we hit back on the horse trail, Scott seemed to be runnin' hot, just pushing the pace as we were heading down. We just shrugged and kept the pace going. Just as we were getting close to crossing 13th, he started to say that he would be normally be cursing us by know if they're weren't so many houses close by. As usual, Craig decided that meant that we should really pick up the pace and he put the hammer down and we started our final couple mile stretch. He and I kind of took turns who would punish the other by setting the pace, and we ended up sprinting out the last couple hundred yards, to finish as a couple of heaps on the grass in front of the car. Fantastic run, with very nice running weather and a blistering (at least for me) pace. Speaking of blisters, there wasn't even the slightest hint of any on my feet! I was very impressed with the Instincts. Even though they are a road shoe, they would perform just fine on all but the most rugged trails (and even then they'd wouldn't be bad). Looking forward to having them as my go to road shoe (gotta wear something for the UV Marathon), and everything else shoe! I think they are a great shoe for those that want the benefits of barefoot or "minimalist" running (zero drop, foot shaped design, roomy toe box, etc), but still want some protection and *gasp* a little cushion. Now to see how they'll hold up with the miles I put on 'em! :) 13.3 miles - 1:51:35 - 8:23 pace - 1225 vert See Juns report for a couple of pics
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