Product review: Clif Shot Bloks

If you've ever had a Gu you might understand my need to find something more appealing to eat while running. I'm sure there are those that like the easy to digest energy gel. However trying to swallow this gooey substance tests my gag reflex. Not pretty.


About a year ago I came across Clif Shot Bloks at one of my favorite sporting goods stores, Sports Basement. They looked like a gummy cube and made me hope for a consistency akin to my favorite movie treat, gummy bears. After buying a few packages and taking them for a test spin I was not disappointed. Since then Clif has redesigned the packaging to be a linear tube-like wrapper but the product has remained the same.

A bobcat on Coyote

What is the best way to indulge in delicious superbowl party food without feeling guilt? How about running the furthest you have ever run before.

A clear sunny day led to spectacular views in the Marin Headlands for myself, my wife Alex and our friend Moira. Really there's nothing that could ruin this day. Well, maybe except for underestimating the hills there that make the elevation profile look like an EKG.

Kezar track rant

Been hitting up the Kezar track for some speed work on Tuesday nights this year. Well, apparently every runner in San Francisco had the same idea. You know the track is crowded when you're doing a recovery lap and a herd of 30 runners engulf you like an amoeba.

I might need to find a new venue because my competitive spirit has been taking over...

Product review: Nathan HPL 008

I finally decided to try out a different hydration system since I've been upping my mileage the past few weeks. Duh! I normally schlep a waist-belt water bottle system such as the Ultimate Direction Access. However, I had been thinking of using something more substantial.

So after having seen all the ultra runners using various Nathan products, I was easily swayed. I'm such a follower.

I went out and got the Nathan race vest #008. I was curious about trying something that wasn't attached to my waist--and who doesn't want to wear a vest? So I've done about three long runs with this vest and have been pretty pleasantly surprised. The main strengths are its weight and fit. The material is primarily mesh and extremely light. The fit has a single chest strap and two side straps. It is well weighted since it's a vest and not a a backpack. It seems to move pretty well and is not stiff. It has a couple storage compartments on the front of the vest which are nice from an access perspective during a run. Gels, gu's, triscuits, a Taser, it all fits!

Matt Davis trail

Today was finally a break in the rain and therefore a beautiful day for the Sunday 'long' run. I have a few places in Marin that serve as a good starting point for the long run (though they should all end at In N-Out). Today was time to head back to the Mountain Home Inn, just below the east peak of Mt Tam. The Matt Davis trail starts out here and heads towards Stinson Beach. I was shooting to run for about 2 hrs 45 minutes and so I had to get creative with the route. Check out my 'napkin-map' above that was used by my wife and friend to ensure we would all end up at the same place. Below is a summary of some of the trails encountered, the good, the bad and the revolting.

First post

i have finally broken down. i follow a few different blogs related to running, trail running, running products and the like. now i thought i would toss myself into the arena. nothing astounding or even probably very new, but this is my web real estate and i'll share my opinions, reviews, news and any gory details i can come up with.

content should follow shortly as i try to arrange my nearly 20 years of running stories and experience both past and present. beware.

Marin reservoirs

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Marin reservoirs

The above is a link to one of my favorite places to run. The area just outside of Ross contains a few reservoirs that serve Marin County. These reservoirs are at the north foothills of Mt. Tam and have hundreds of single track and fire road trails.

In the coming weeks I'll review some of my favorite trails in this area as well as others.

For now you can view this course via my Garmin GPS based map. Or if you're more analog you can check out one of my infamous throw away maps.