Newton MV2 Racing Flat Coming 2011

Update: 8-30-11: Yay, my MV2s have shipped and I should have them Friday. I didn't expect them to ship so soon. I also heard back from Newton about the sizing. Going up a half size keep the toe space the same. We'll see, can't wait to take them out for a spin.

Update: 8-26-11: Ordered my pair of MV2s today. As per recomendations, ordered a half size larger. I hope doesn't change the area from my big toe to the front of the shoe which fits perfectly in my size 9 Distance Racers. Can't wait to get them in. You can pre-order at www.newtonrunning.com/shoes as they are not listed on the main page yet.

Update: 8-10-11: Was told today by Newton that the MV2 will be released at the end of August and will ship early September. At least I will have them in time for Fall racing season!

Update: 5-24-11: I noticed on the Newton site that the Racers have now been listed as lightweight trainers. Curious, I emailed Newton to see if this meant the MV2 is close to being released. Tory informed me that they are looking at late Summer\early Fall for release and that the name change is in fact that the MV2 will be the only "racing" shoe.

Finally, Newton Running is coming out with a pure lightweight racing flat. I wonder if they used my suggestion from a survey card I sent back to them months ago or if it was already in the works.

I emailed Newton and it was confirmed that the MV2 is to be released in June 2011. I really hope I can snag a pair by then and can use at the Steamboat Marathon that month. Also confirmed was that the shoe will weigh in at a mere 5.5oz. and employ the same Newton technology as the rest of their line.

About the only thing I don't like about the shoe is the color...Cream sickle orange accents?? Reminds me of the old Buccaneers uniforms of the 70s. Good thing I run in Newtons for the comfort and not the colors although I don't mind my green racers.

Update 3-2-11: After seeing reports that the MV2 will now be released in the Fall, I emailed Newton and they confirmed this is the case. What a bummer. So much for having the shoes in time for the Steamboat Marathon in June. :(

Update 1-24-11: I found a little more info and a couple pictures on the New Zealand Newton site

Lunar Eclipse

Stayed up all night to catch the full lunar eclipse. Was interesting that the red color of the moon looks better off the camera than it did looking up at it.



Animation of all the photos done during the eclipse.



Lake Jovita Reindeer Run 5K Race Report

It was nice to sleep in a bit and run a local race. The race was held on the Lake Jovita golf course. This is one of the more challenging courses around will hills in the first mile and a big up at the finish. Finished this one in 18:59 placing 3rd overall and 1st in my age group. This time is over 1 minute faster than I ran the course last year. The race was better organized this year. The only complaint I have is that the winner's medal need to be better. Like last year, the medals were just generic off the shelf cheapies. They could at least pop a few bucks extra and at least have the race logo on them. I know they are trying to raise as money as possible, but reward the runners for showing.

Just a little more to go after the quad busting hill at the finish.

Happy "Married-to-a-Runner Appreciation Day"!!

Happy "Married-to-a-Runner Appreciation Day"!! http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2010/10/national-married-to-a-runner-appreciation-day.html

Maybe not official, but a good idea to show appreciation to those who support us runners and not roll their eyes too much at the dumb things we sometimes do.

To Jenny, my (Wife of almost 15 yrs.), thanks for hanging out at my many races and putting up with life dictated by my training. Chasing me at marathons on shuttle buses, driving through big city Louisville to meet me at different locations, considering waking up at 6AM on a race morning as sleeping in, considering waking up at 5AM race morning as normal, vacations that must include a marathon or other race (hope you enjoy the Tar Heel 10 for our anniversary!), fixing your awesome spaghetti the night before ALL races (even while camping or at a hotel), getting eaten by mosquitoes at the track, putting up with the kids whining at the track, your concern of telling me to be careful as I head out the door, asking when I will be back like you want me to return, not laughing when I go on a banana run, and the list goes on and on. So, thank-you for supporting me!

Deep down, I think you enjoy it. Especially when you are waiting at the finish line talking to another runner's spouse lamenting that they are waiting for their husband to finish and you get to look up and tell them "here comes mine now" with a big smirk! ;) I LOVE YOU!!!

Miracle Miles 15K Race Report

This past Saturday, traveled to Orlando for the Miracle Miles 15K race. This race was the first of my three biggies between now and the end of November. Here are the numbers before I get into my observations.

Time-1:02:56, pace-6:45/mile, 3rd place age group, 34th overall out of 1709 finishers. Scored two tickets to Sea World for the effort.

Miracle Miles was an enjoyable race. Started the morning out a little on the rocky side. Some ding dong rear ended our van as we were stopped after exiting I-4. Luckily, it was just a tap with no damage. At packet pickup, I my race number turns out to be 911. I figured that was a bad sign. The weather wasn't the greatest as it was 76 degrees and 100% humidity. I was hoping the rain would keep falling to keep a little cooler, but it was pretty much stopped by the start. Got to meet a couple people I know on the Dailymile website before the race. Nice putting faces to the people you talk to online.

My goal pace for the race was about 6:25/mile. The only mile I did that pace was the first. Started off easy enough, then went into a few miles in the 6:30s which wasn't bad. As the race went on, the weather took its toll on mile splits. Actually felt pretty good running a 6:45 6th mile and figured I was good the last 5K. Not knowing the course, I had no idea about the small rolling hills the last 5K. They were just enough to feel and ended up slowing me down some.

Overall, a good race. Considering the amount of people there, everything went smooth and easy. There was plenty to drink and eat after. Race fee was only $25, so a good for a longer race. Shirts are good looking tech shirts, decent finisher medals, and good on course support. Will definitely consider doing again next year!

Next up is the Komen Race for the Cure 10K in St. Pete this Saturday.

[caption id="attachment_916" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Good finishing kick to make a pass at the end."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_917" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I pushed a little at the end, I did not want to see 1:03 on the clock."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_918" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Posing with the Chik-Fil-A Cows at the awards. Hope the red cow doesn't remember me pushing him when he got in my way at Beach to Bayou!"][/caption]

HCSO Ranch Run 5K - Race Report

Ran the Ranch Run 5K in Temple Terrace this morning. Posted a time of 18:31, 1st age group and 5th overall. This was a good course that has some hills on it to keep everyone honest. Two hills in the third mile that had enough incline to slow you down a bit. If I would have had another 50-100 yards, I would have taken the prize for 3rd overall male. The guy in front of me had a pretty good gap and I wasn't worried about catching him until I could see him starting to struggle in the last half mile. I tried to catch him, but came up 3 seconds short. Had this been a flat course, I would have easily run a new PR. So, I am pretty happy to have run this time on a slightly hilly course.

The race was well organized with chip timing. They didn't have the color shirt I was listed for. Trying to figure out why the asked if they weren't going to have enough. Winner's medals were pretty cheap. They had a good turnout of almost 500 runners and raised $16,000 for the Youth Ranch. Plenty of food and drink after.

Two weeks until the Miracle Miles 15K race in Orlando. This one will be interesting as it will be a really good indicator of my fitness and being able to hold a fast pace over a longer time. The goal for this race will be to finish in under an hour and see if I can get lucky to place in my age group.

[caption id="attachment_912" align="aligncenter" width="266" caption="Pushing to another solid finish!"][/caption]

Watermelon Series Race #4

Had another good Watermelon Series. The final race was by far my best time with a new PR of 18:30. Improved every race and placed 1st overall in my age group.

[caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="A great finish and new PR! Looks like kid in front is gonna hurl!!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Got my picture taken with the Watermelon Queen with my 1st place trophy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_908" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="2010 Watermelon Series Trophy Winners."][/caption]