Testing

I want to see if the Ping.fm works..

ecotrippin' Pilot Trailer

Run, Forest, Run!!

As a 5' tall girl I am not exactly made to be a runner. I never enjoyed volleyball conditioning or running the bases in softball for the heck of it. I ran because I had to and only when I had too. I moved to STL after college and I was heavy - not just "Oh I gained a few pounds in college heavy" I started off college heavy and fluctuated up down and up and up a little more! Now, I was working an office job - on my bum all day long and catered to by sales reps. Not good...not good at all.

A friend from church kept asking to me go run and I declined every time. No way would I embarrass myself running along side someone I barely knew. I was too competitive for that. So, on the sly I started running alone. I started running a 1/2 mile at a time - literally a half mile. I kept finding new routes around my apartment. I was finally ready to do my first major loop - Forest Park. I mapped it out - I was terrified of getting lost - and drove their one Saturday morning early. I finished the 6 mile loop! I was so proud of myself and I was in love with running and Forest Park.

The following spring I ran in my first 1/2 Marathon - the Mini 500. When we crossed the finish line I said - "I can't believe people do that twice (full marathon). A few months later I started training with a group of girls to do my first marathon - Chicago's 25th Anniversary Marathon in October 2000.

Since then I have ran 3 marathons, countless 5Ks, 10Ks and half's. I have done a few triathlons and biathlons. I never win and so far I have not come in last - though it could happen one day!

What is great about running is you can do ANYWHERE! I almost always have running clothes and shoes with me. I have ran in every state I have visited - which is somewhere around 40 and every country I have been to which is only 4 including the US (lame!). I have some favorite loops and since I am a creature of habit I tend to do the same ones over and over. I am always open to running a suggested route though - please tell me if you have a favorite.

I prefer loops more than an out and back. I like trail running because the different terrain is good for my body and mind - keeps me on my toes.

One of the things that motivates me to run is getting a new pair of running shoes. If you have never been properly fit - GO!! If you have been fit but just got over an injury or have lost/gained weight - GO BACK! Running in the right shoes is key to loving the sport and avoiding injuries. Everyone loves getting a new pair of shoes - it is inspiring! Don't look at color or aesthetics. Go to real running shop - I can recommend one in almost every state - and let a pro direct you. Support and comfort is what is important. Just like finding a good mate - you will know the difference when you find the right shoe.

Okay...I am off my soap box...back to running loops...some of my favorites:
Pioneer Park in Mooresville, IN 2.9 Miles at the Park and 5 miles round trip from my parents, 6 if I go the long way.
Forest Park in STL
Forest Park in Portland, OR
Redondo Beach, CA - from Brad's condo to the beach and back - awesome
Mohonk Preserve, NY - Humpty Dumpty loop - beautiful
Wash Park Denver, CO
Mathew Winters at Red Rocks, CO
Rainbow Lake in Frisco, CO
Out and Back behind my old condo in Silverthorne, CO
Dillon Lake Dillon, CO
ummmm Colorado :)
Camel back in Arizona

Tell me your favorite loop - I know I have missed a couple of really good ones! And tell me what your favorite running shoe is...oh wait until I post about socks...oh boy!

Life in the Great Outdoor....Industry

 I have been in and around the Great Outdoor Industry for over 15 years now. I started out as a novice consumer who wanted expert gear. I remember spending HOURS getting fitted for my first hiking boots and backpack. I moved on to skiing and snowboarding - same long process sitting in a small independent specialty shop discussing the pros and cons of Flow Bindings vs the Burton P2's. Deciding whether I really need a pair of Superfeet Insoles in my Aslo Boots and if shape twin tip skis were the way to go for my first pair of skis. I debated back and forth on which wools socks were the best, which wicking shirt would keep me the driest and which water carrying system would be the best for me. I gained a very strong loyalty with the Alpine Shop in St Louis, Wildernest Sports in Dillon, CO, Boulder Running Company in Boulder, CO and those are just a few shops I love.

Then I got into the industry as a buyer at The Sports Authority and things started to shift. I got killer discounts on everything - skis, boots, sunglasses, running shoes, everything sports/outdoor related. But, I lost something when I started saving money - the connection to the shop and maybe even the sport to some extent. The independent retailer has a passion a big box does not. (This is generally speaking - there are very educated, passionate people working the floors at some of the sporting good/outdoor chains!).

I became a ski instructor in 2004 when I moved up to the mountains. I was working as a Sales Manager and started spending more time at the Specialty Retail shops. This is where we learn about what products are really working and why. If a customer is willing to spend a little more money on a pair of boots with no coupon - why? Is it because he can't find that style at a big chain so it is special? Is it the personal customer service? Has she developed her own loyalty? Is it the excitement of swapping stories about the hike you did last week or the last run of the day at A-Basin or the white knuckle ride down Mt Falcon? What is it that keeps the independent specialty retailer alive? What draws you back inside Tri-County Sports in Mooresville, IN vs Dicks Sporting Goods the next town over? Or Wildernest Sports in Dillon vs The Sports Authority across the street? If you don't - why not? I am curious.....