Lucky Sevens

Time: 49:50
Distance: 12.70 km
Pace: 3:55/km
Map

I spent most of the day at Fleet Feet Rochester's second location talking to staff about Karhu. Before taking off for the day, I laced up the shoes and headed out on a run from the store called "Lucky Sevens" as it is supposedly 7.77 miles. I kept the pace honest and thought the wind would be more of a factor in the neighborhoods. I ended up clipping along the second half of the run with splits under 3:44/km.

Morning Run in West Hartford

Time: 57:26
Distance: 13.28 km
Pace: 4:19/km
Map

I met up with one of the employees of Fleet Feet Hartford for a run through town. We ran in the neighborhoods near the store and in a cemetery that is a popular running spot free from traffic. There was a huge wind storm last night and many tree branches were down. I was expecting there to be more damage given the view outside my hotel last night:

It was a little windy on my run this morning... twitter.com/JoKinRuns/stat…
— Jordan Kinley (@JoKinRuns) January 31, 2013

The body was feeling more recovered from the travel, but still a little tired. I could use a really good night of rest which would help my sore legs get back to normal.

Snow Run in Rochester

Time: 42:41
Distance: 10.05 km
Pace: 4:15/km
Map

It snowed a little last night and I didn't want to risk running too much on partially paved streets. I only ventured out for a little over 40 minutes to get in my morning 10 km. I thought that I would run again in the evening with the Fleet Feet training group, but reconsidered when it would mean driving back towards MA in cold, wet clothes.

The run this morning basically repeated what I did yesterday simply because I knew the route. I slipped a little on the snow, but didn't notice anything alarming with regards to my achilles. I've really liked running in the new Flow Trail as it provides enough grip for the snow, has a waterproof guard near the toes and doesn't feel like most clunky trail shoes. Karhu might be onto something here.

Cold Run in Rochester

Time: 68:13
Distance: 16.01 km
Pace: 4:16/km
Map

I popped into Fleet Feet Rochester to ask where I could find a quiet neighborhood to put in roughly an hour of running. While yesterday's run was just cold, today's run would be cold and windy. I was given some instructions and sent out to find a route through the mostly cleared roads. My run took me off in the direction of Cobbs Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods. The first half of the run was mostly into the wind and I could only press on with a cold face waiting until the 8 km mark. It finally came and I turned around with a gentle push back to the store.

This week of cold weather and sometimes slippery conditions have forced me to pay a little closer attention to my calf and achilles. I could tell at the end of today's run my right achilles was feeling a little tender. It's something that I will have to closely monitor while the temps remain below 20 degrees.

Wegman's Trail

Time: 38:01
Distance: 7.93 km
Pace: 4:48/km
Map

After coming back to Fleet Feet Syracuse, I helped get staff in the proper size of the Karhu Fast or Strong. A brave group of about 7 headed out for a 5 mile run along a short trail that ends in the parking lot of Wegman's. I chatted with the general manager about all things running while having to fight the fact that my gloves were freezing. My fingers had warmed the gloves and become a little damp after the first run and become nearly frozen at the tips on the second run. I spent sections holding them in my jacket which helped prevent my fingers from form frostbite. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

On a day when I might have had to take a zero, I ended up logging over 24 km. I'll take it.

Coldest Run Ever?

Time: 68:55
Distance: 16.90 km
Pace: 4:05/km
Map

I've had my fair share of cold runs this winter and braved quite a few while in college at Brown. There were even days back when this blog started in Oklahoma when the temps reached below freezing and the wind whipped across the plains. However, I can't ever remember starting a run when the thermometer read 6. Now I know there are much colder places in the US and on the planet than 6 degrees and understand runners head out the door when it's below zero, but until today I had never had actually had the pleasure.

I left Salem this morning early so that I could arrive in Albany for a footwear showing around 9:30 AM. I had hoped to run with the footwear buyer, but he wasn't running until later in the afternoon. I then ventured on through Utica and arrived in Syracuse to meet with the local store. I had about 90 minutes before a planned staff run that almost didn't happen due to the snow and cold weather. I opted to lace up my shoes and head out for about an hour before the staff run and just see if I could boost the weekly total.

From the store, I headed off in the direction of the Erie Canal Trail hoping the snow was packed down enough to run along. It wasn't. I slipped and fought my way through 100 meters of the surface only to pop back out on the road. I then found the remainder of my run on neighborhood streets and side roads of East Syracuse. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic and the wind was remarkably calm. I ended up feeling surprisingly good on most of the run despite forming a sweet ice beard.

Ran today on a street called Summer Haven. It was nothing like June twitter.com/JoKinRuns/stat…
— Jordan Kinley (@JoKinRuns) January 24, 2013

I ended back at the store with a full 16 km on the legs and was ready to chat with staff and run again.

Old Erie Canal & Green Lakes

Time: 69:55
Distance: 16.02 km
Pace: 4:22/km
Map

After running in Albany, we jumped back on I-90 and headed out to Syracuse. This morning we met up with Justin Wager who is the footwear buyer at Fleet Feet and a member of Stotan Racing until he leaves to head back to school at the end of the month. We met up at one of the parking lots along the Old Erie Canal which runs from Buffalo (Lake Erie) to Albany. The crushed gravel path is perfectly flat and wide enough to fit a fair sized group of runners. We headed out with a couple other members of Stotan Racing for about 10 minutes before we turned off for a loop around Green Lakes. It was Meagan's first time here and I always enjoy getting back to these sites.

Fleet Feet Albany Jaunt

Time: 48:14
Distance: 10.37 km
Pace: 4:39/km
Map

This run was supposed to consist of Jim, Meagan and me, but the servicing on my car took a little longer than expected and we ran into traffic along the Mass Pike. Maybe it was Fourth of July travelers or perhaps there was an accident. Regardless, it was good to show Meagan the store and then head out for an easy run in the neighborhoods and in the park I'll hit when I'm in town. There was nothing too crazy to report about the run other than some more time on the feet.

Dead Garmin in Albany, NY

Time: ~70 minutes
Distance: ~16 km

My travels today brought me to Fleet Feet Albany where I showed shoes for next spring. The store is great and has a strong footwear selection with a knowledgeable staff. I most enjoy coming to the store because the footwear buyer is quite the runner and has recently ventured into ultras (he took second at the Umstead 100 Miler earlier this year). I headed out watchless as my Garmin didn't charge in the car on the drive out.

We hit up the neighborhood and The Crossing which is a park near the store. He had to be at a local track where the marathon training group was meeting so that is where we departed. I ran a mile around the track that we arrived to at 45 minutes and then I added on back in The Crossing. The pace had definitely picked up the final 20 minutes but didn't get out of hand. The body is definitely feeling loose in the warm weather and enjoying putting in a lot of time on the feet.

Green Hope High School

Time: 69:50

Distance: 15.34k

Pace: 4:33

Map

I was invited by Fleet Feet Raleigh to speak at Green Hope High School's summer practice this morning in Cary/Apex. I had to be at Bond Park bright and early with two full coolers of chilled Nuun. It was fun seeing the enthusiasm for the sport in 100+ runners that day. Apparently the school is one of the best in the state and usually has over 200 kids come out for the team. I got to tell a few boring stories of glory days and run with the guys.

I had a hill workout on my schedule but the park didn't really have any hill that would work well for what I was trying to accomplish. Also, my foot is giving me some pain and pushing off on an uphill would probably put me over the edge.

My only beef with being at the practice is that I was out there for over 2 hours and only logged 70 minutes of running. I added on more than once to get to that number too. There is just a lot of standing around at practice and little running being done. It was probably the same when I was in high school but that was so long ago.

Fleet Feet Carrboro Hydro

Time: 36:10

Distance: 8.01k

Pace: 4:30

Map

This evening I was in Carrboro to give a hydration clinic to a group of runners looking to make the jump into the world of half marathons and marathons. I needed to be in attendance after the run so everyone could hydrate with NUUN so I decided to get in some kilometers with the training group. I ended up following a guy who had a slight hamstring problem and was taking a shorter route than the main group so I was left to find my way back. I have a fairly good sense of direction so I was able to still make it back to the starting point in time to talk with the runners.

Salem Lake Long Run

Time: 122:10

Distance: 26.21k

Pace: 4:39

Map

Meagan and I were graciously hosted by Rich Brandon who works at Fleet Feet Winston-Salem. He and I stayed up way too late sipping lime/cucumber vodka tonics which meant we were not going to be at Salem Lake at 7:30 am.

When we finally headed out the door it was about 9:30 am and the weather was pretty ideal for North Carolina in July. The clouds were out and blocking the sun, but it was still a little humid. We ran from downtown Winston-Salem, through Old Town over to a bike bath that goes directly to Salem Lake. Once at Salem Lake we ran once around and then headed back home.

Rich misjudged the distance on how long it took to get to the lake which meant my 13 mile run turned into a 16+ or however many 26.21k is. I was tired but feeling good at the end of 2 hours of running. Meagan, Rich and I had some good conversations out on the run which made the distance not seem so daunting.

Hydration Double

Time: 55:40
Distance: ~7.2 miles

After a successful day of account visits and a hydration clinic at Fleet Feet Carrboro, I got to run with the half-marathon training group. Meagan was along for the ride and joined us as well. I ran through the dark neighborhoods with several people dressed in their neon running gear. It was a lively group that had many questions for me to answer. We completed one loop and then headed out for another. Two loops is how I roll. There is a story about running two loops that is worth being told at some point. It involves Kenyans, Kansas and a 40 mile run. I don't have time to go into details now, but hopefully soon.

Exploring New Orleans

Time: 60:10
Distance: ~8.5 miles

I booked my return flight to Charlotte prior to knowing the full schedule for the Fleet Feet Conference. I couldn't go wrong with opting for a late afternoon departure to the Q City. I basically had the entire morning to run and catch up on work which was huge for my focus. I hammered away on the computer all morning keeping an eye on the clock. I wanted to time it where I would have enough time to shower before leaving for the airport.

When I stepped out onto Canal St. I ran in the direction of the mighty Mississippi and soon found myself overlooking a muddy industrialized icon of the South. I had hoped there was a path or road that ran along the banks where I could run out and back. Not so much. I had to piece together a few small parks and parking lots before I got bored. The French Quarter wasn't too far away so I ran through it. It didn't provide me with that many miles either.

Somehow I ended up along Bourbon St. I saw it for the first time last night, but in the morning it's so different. The sidewalks were being sprayed down and the bar mats cleaned. The filth from the night before was washed away. The beer trucks were also present and kegs were being delivered. The preparation for the night's debauchery was arriving steadily. Last night was low key as I met up with a friend from junior high. She's lived in NOLA since 2004 and it was nice to have a local show me around. I didn't much care for Bourbon St. but see how it could be a fun time if you're into music, mechanical whales, strippers and beads.

After Bourbon St. I headed out along Magazine St. just looking for extra time. I found another 30 minutes and arrived back at my hotel with time to check out and head off.

Inefficient Run

Time: 41:23
Distance: ~5.5 miles

I got up early so that I could find my way over to the Roosevelt Hotel and meet up with all of the owners, equity operators and managers of the Fleet Feet franchise. Once we got going I ended up having a great run with the assistant manager of Fleet Feet Raleigh. She ran at High Point and then transferred to NC State where she would graduate. Jemissa and I talked training and racing mostly as we ran in the chase group. The group up front was having a half-stepping contest so we just kept them in our sights.

The run temporarily ended at Cafe du Monde where everyone was going to be served beignets. I didn't feel like I had run far enough to fully enjoy a fried dough treat at 6:40 in the morning. Jemissa and I opted to head back the hotel and get ready for the expo.

I got back to my hotel room having been gone for over 90 minutes, yet I only managed to log just over 40 minutes on the watch. It was just one of those types of runs. However, it was good to be out mingling with everyone, but my running took a hit.

Lesedi Pub Run

Time: 30:11
Distance: ~4 miles

This evening I had the pleasure of helping out at Fleet Feet Columbia's Lesedi Pub Run. The sock brand that I rep, Balega Sports, fosters a unique relationship between the U.S. and South Africa. Essentially, one of the company's owners had the idea of a high quality sock he wanted to have produced with some of his yarn. Just up the road in Hickory, NC is where Balega is headquartered. The office sits in the heart of the old textile industry which still has ties to the socks, though it is a dwindling industry. While more manufacturing is being outsourced to Asia, Balega's owner traveled the world visiting textile factories capable of making this special sock. He fell in love with one such facility in Cape Town. The owners, workers and product quality all fit the requirements. And that's how Balega's socks came to be produced at the tip of Africa. Well, that's the short version of the story.

Balega does a lot for the community here in the U.S. and in South Africa. One such initiative is the Lesedi Project that was started to help the Ethembeni School. In partnership with Fleet Feet Inc., Balega Sports donates all the proceeds from a special series of socks and beads back to the school. Additional fundraisers are held throughout the year to help the students. The event this evening was one of these efforts to raise money for a playground. Previously, the Lesedi Project helped purchase a bus for the students to travel on field trips.

Fleet Feet Columbia invited its customers to attend a pub run to buy/donate $10 for a pint glass and t-shirt. The money is split between a charity of the store's choice (Girls on the Run) and the Ethembeni School. This was the second event I've done this summer/fall where 40 to 50 people showed up and helped out for a good cause.

Tonight I ran with various people at a nice easy pace through the University of South Carolina campus. There were lots of stairs on the run and even a couple walking bridges. I had no idea where we were in relation to the finish point, but I was able to keep up with everyone. Meagan tagged along too and chatted with everyone. It was a fun way to spend the evening with an account and earn some money for two good causes.

Since I've been talking about Balega so much, it should be mentioned they are in the running for the IRRA Vendor of the Year Award. The Independent Running Retailer Association has recognized four brands for their: product consistency, commitment to specialty run and excellent customer service. The other three vendors are Asics, Brooks and Saucony so it's funny to think that a small company from Hickory, NC and Cape Town, South Africa could walk away with a big honor at next week's The Running Event in Texas.

Durham's Tobacco Road

Time: 40:31
Distance: 5.24 miles
Pace: 7:44
Map

I stayed with the Brooks tech rep last night in Durham. It's big time when you don't have to find a sketchy hotel to stay in and I'm glad to have Sarah as a resource. She took me on a short run from the house to the Tobacco Road Trail that would have eventually brought us to Bull City Running Company. I've run on the paved section several times in the past. On the run I also saw Victor Ornelas who runs for Saucony and works at Fleet Feet Carrboro. I would see him later on in the afternoon when I dropped in to show sandals.

Travels in the Territory

Time: 23:40
Distance: 2.90 miles
Pace: 8:10
Map

So after the early morning workout with Spada and Chrisman, I packed up and headed off to South Carolina. I first stopped in Columbia to visit a few bike stores and the Fleet Feet in town. Things were shaping up to be a really productive day in terms of account visits. The purpose of the trip was to be at Fleet Feet North Augusta for a Balega sponsored Lesedi Pub Run. The Lesedi Project is a really cool community based initiative to help the underprivileged in South Africa. While Balega is based out of Hickory, NC the product is assembled in South Africa and being a part of both areas is important to the company.

Balega supports the Ethembeni school in South Africa which caters to the physically and visually disabled. A few years ago, Balega purchased a bus for the school and the funds tonight will be used to build a playground. In addition to the school, the event tonight raised money for Girls on the Run by selling pint glasses for $10. Half of the money went to the school and the other to the new chapter of GOTR in North Augusta.

I got to run a few shakeout miles with Fleet Feet's training group and speak a little about the socks, the company and The Lesedi Project. It was a fun way to end the evening at Nacho Mama's who had agreed to fill the pint glasses for $1. Who could pass up helping two great charities, getting a pint glass and $1 beer? Not me. I had a few pints of Sierra Nevada and some nachos while enjoying conversation with other runners. The owner Michael and his fiance Jen did a great job organizing the entire event.

Around 8:00 pm the group dispersed and I regained a bit of focus as I had to get close to Charleston, SC. I drove and drove through the night eventually finding some sketchy lodging about 20 minutes outside of Chucktown. I quickly passed out after having a really successful start to the trip.

Fleet Feet Carrboro Marathon Group

Time: 86:18
Distance: 11.13 miles
Pace: 7:45
Map

After my big workout yesterday I jumped in the car and headed out to the Carrboro/Chapel Hill area. I was lucky enough to stay with Sarah Swiss, the Brooks Guru/Tech Rep in the area. The reason for the visit was this morning's hydration clinic at Fleet Feet Carrboro. I chatted with a marathon and half-marathon training group at 7:00. Since I was up and only slightly dehydrated from the previous evening's festivities, I put in a few miles with the group's members.

We ran a comfortable pace that ended up being a tad quicker than I would have thought. In the end we averaged 7:45 pace and I got chat with a couple of local runners and students. It was highly enjoyable and a good way to connect and hear about the local scene.

After the workout I spent about an hour at Weaver Street Market where I blogged, drank coffee and talked more with other members of the training group. The stores in the area weren't open so it gave me the perfect excuse to just hang out on a Saturday morning. Even though I'm new to North Carolina and I love Charlotte, I think Carrboro would be a pretty cool spot to reside.

Fleet Feet Inc.

Time: 30:04
Distance: 4.13 miles
Pace: 7:17
Map

This morning's run started and ended from Tom Raynor's house which is kind of a big deal. Tom Raynor is the Chairman and CEO of Fleet Feet Inc. and an old pal of my boss Paul Perrone. It wasn't a planned stay but during our conversation over drinks he asked what hotel we were staying at. We explained that we hadn't picked one yet and that's when Mr. Raynor offered his downstairs. I liked his thinking that there was no need to waste money on a hotel and we politely accepted. I had met Tom once before and I'm sure he didn't remember me, but hopefully now I can say hi in the future.

The run was just out and back along a country highway. It definitely wasn't the safest place to be running at 7:00 am but I was certain to stay way off on the shoulder so that I wouldn't be crushed by a crazed commuter. How's that for alliteration.

The rest of the day was spent visiting stores. We worked our way back from Chapel Hill through Greensboro, Winston-Salem and finally ended in Hickory where Balega is located. The dinner was fantastic at Youssef's as I went with the steak frites.