Merrell Chameleon Arc Wind provides the support and stability I need

I found a pair of Merrell Chameleon Arc Wind at the local DSW. The fit was very good, even though they are not narrow (Merrell--please make narrow shoes!!). After having found a small fracture or bone spur at the base of my proximal phalange during a recent x-ray, these have been my go-to shoes. The vibram soles make the shoes more rigid (I think that's what does it?) than the Salomon's. They have created a less flexible place for my toes to heal. Good shoes!!

Choosing Trail Running Shoes

I wanted trail running shoes for Christmas this year, so I ordered several models from Zappos. My feet are flat, narrow and I over-pronate. (Unfortunately, I couldn't find any trail running shoes that come in narrow sizes.) I tried Vasque Aether Tech, Salomon XT Wings 2, Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX.  My reviews only reflect my impressions as I walked around my house and did a couple steps in place to mimic a run.

The Vasque Aether Techs felt good and I loved the dial-in Boa lacing system. They were light and nicely cushioned. They would have been a keeper if they had been narrow enough. Sadly, I couldn't tighten the laces enough toward the middle - front part of the shoe. They were overall a bit too roomy. 

The Salomon's sizing is quite long, so I ordered a half-size smaller than I usually wear. The Salomon Kevlar unique lacing positions continue almost down to the toe box. This created a better fit and more support for my narrow feet, than the Vasque's.

I was able to tighten the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX to be comfortable, and I liked the low profile, but the foot bed was a bit too wide--just a bit though. I think I could have made them work, but I found that the Salomon XT Wings 2 seemed to provide the most supportive fit. The XT Wings have a bit narrower profile than the XA Pros. They have a higher profile and nice ankle support/padding. They felt good, again, this is walking around my house. I have no idea how the high profile will feel when actually running trails. Some reviewers found it too high and rubbed their ankles. Although, I had to pull the laces pretty tight in order to get the supportive fit for which I am looking. It seemed like all the trail running shoes were a bit too wide/roomy for my narrow feet, but I was able to tighten the XT Wings 2 to be supportive.

I also tried on Brooks Cascadias. They felt so good. They tightened up nicely and have a super-cushioned sole. I thought they would be ultra comfortable as a light trail running shoe. They didn't provide enough support for my in step, though, and they weren't rigid enough for rough terrain with small obstacles.

I ordered the Salomon XT Wings 2 in the GTX (gortex) (Zappos didn't carry these, so I ordered from Altrec) since I was looking for warmer shoes for winter. I am able to tighten them enough for a comfortable fit (still wish they were more narrow, though), so I decided to keep them. I've run off-road in them twice, almost 3 miles the first day and almost 2 the following day. I loved the feel, warmth and support they provided. I didn't feel any rocks, twigs, nuts, etc. poking my feet. The high profile seemed to have nice padding for my over-pronating ankles. Overall, I was very pleased.

The third day I put them on, I could barely walk out the door! The pain on my talus (ankle bones) was awful. It felt like they were badly bruised, although no bruises appeared. I hope I can get back into them and maybe figure out a way to continue running in them.

Next I need to find a good podiatrist to resolve the pain in my great toe joint.

Tearing down the old shed

The big tear-down last month was lots of work. Thankfully we have willing and strong helpers.  That "shed", as it was known to us, had been standing for a long time. It was there long before we bought the land in 1967 or so. (I need to verify the dates.)

At some point early on (yet another particular I need to clarify), Dad entitled the land "The Wind in the Willows" and emblazoned it on the side of the shed, along with bigger-than-life-size particle board (I think?), full-colored characters from the Wind in the Willows. That sign marked the idyllic life Dad had created for himself, friends, and neighbors for many years.  It welcomed us home and watched over us, as we played and grew. Like everything, the letters and characters eventually succumbed to weather and time, and disappeared about 15 (?) or years ago. 

It's amazing that the shed didn't collapse in a previous blizzard, given the interesting construction at it's inception. I guess it was time for it to go, kinda like Dad.

 

Shed Collapse of 2010

Snowzilla claimed more than just our hockey rink, it destroyed our family shed. Now that the snow has finally melted, we are tasked with building a new shed. We have opted to go with a pre-fab-type of construction that looks like wood, but is actually a low-maintenance metal structure. We may go with ABCO Pole Barns, depending on the estimate.

We are planning to move contents under another roof, until the new shed is up. First, we will be demolishing and hauling away, maybe burning wood pieces, most of the old shed.

Snowpocalypse - 1 week later

Snowmaggedon Haiku:

One week after snow
Piles of it are all I see
In my dream it melts

Prince William Ice Center Roof Collapse in Snowmaggendon 2010

We are saddened by the news of our home ice rink roof collapsing. Having spent so much time there, it's hard to believe it's gone.

Richmond is donating ice time to our PW House Squirts team this weekend. Thank you Richmond!

Potentially, a new PW rink could be up in six months. Let's hope so. I have two players really missing their ice time.

Here's a video of coverage after the collapse.



(These photos are from http://www.extremeskins.com/showthread.php?p=7281239.)

Cable management

I tamed my cable mess using 3/4" pipe insulation tubing. Looks a little industrial, so maybe I can cover w/nice fabric (?).

This little fix has stopped my kittens from pulling down our cable modem and other pc devices.