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First Impressions: Hoka Mach X

mach x

Fast Facts

  • Classification: Trainer
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Stack Height: 39 mm in heel, 34 mm in forefoot (men’s), 37 mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (women’s)
  • Weight: 9.40 oz
  • Stability: Neutral
Hoka Mach X running shoe

Looking for a speedy, high cushioned training shoe? Take a look at Hoka’s Mach X.

According to hoka.com, the Mach X is “a cross [of] the comfort and support of the Mach with a propulsive Pebax® plate.”

For those unfamiliar with the simple Mach, this shoe is a high-cushioned yet streamlined, responsive trainer from Hoka. Unlike the Mach, the Mach X is a plated shoe.

A plate within a shoe is meant to provide propulsion and durability. As Hoka’s Mach series is aimed at speedwork and training, the Mach X is specifically intended for speedier training runs, or for anyone simply wanting to run faster.

A Little Context

I’ll be honest: high cushioned shoes aren’t my thing, and this isn’t for lack of trying. Working in running specialty, I’ve demoed and tried on plenty of Hokas. It’s just that I naturally prefer less cushion to run on. For example, my usual go to shoes are mid-cushioned models such as the New Balance 880, or low cushioned shoes like Topo Fli-Lyte and Topo Mtn Racer. However, as a running nerd I am always open to trying different brands and new shoes, and putting them through their paces (pun intended).

Let’s share my first impressions of running in Hoka Mach X!

Women's Hoka Mach X
Mach X is a speedy shoe.

Sizing and Fit

Mach X has a more streamlined appearance, especially when compared to Hoka Clifton and Hoka Bondi. The tongue is flat and the shoe has a rocker profile (toes and heels angled up) to provide a smoother heel to toe transition when walking and running.

As a trainer, Mach X has a slightly narrower fit, noticeable in the toe box. For reference, I typically wear a women’s 8 to 8.5 medium in most running shoes. As several Hoka shoes tend to run long, I opted to wear a women’s size 8 medium. If you prefer/ require a roomier toe box or shoe overall, such as Hoka Bondi 6, you may find Mach X runs a bit too snug in the width.

The midsole cushion is comprised of ProFly X, “a special combination of foams, employed with our trademark geometry,” according to hoka.com, and highly resilient PEBA foam (a high performance foam consisting of polyether block amide). In fact, the PEBA foam used in Mach X is 34% more resilient than the Carbon X, another plated Hoka shoe.

Mach X, a plated Hoka shoe
Hoka Mach X’s neon green Pebax plate is visible on the underside of the shoe.

Feel

Cushion wise, this shoe provides a firmer feel, given the Pebax plate. This was my first time ever running in a plated road shoe, and as a result of the plate, I found Mach X to be the firmest Hoka I’ve ever run in.

But don’t worry–firmness doesn’t mean this shoe lacks cushion. Afterall, what would a Hoka shoe be without cushion? Mach X has a stack height (midsole thickness) of 39 mm in heel and 34 mm in forefoot for men’s, and 37 mm in heel and 32 mm in forefoot for women’s.

As a neutral shoe, Hoka Mach X does not provide a medial support to counteract pronation (inward rotation of the ankles). If lack of support is a concern, I recommend wearing inserts (Currex Run Pro are my personal favorites) for added support and customized fit.

The upper (material) of the shoe is composed of Creel jacquard upper, a firmer and more durable material than traditional mesh uppers. The heel cuff has moderate cushioning and hugs the heels nicely–I noticed no pressure points or chafing.

On the Run: How Does the Mach X Perform?

I ran a fast (for me) mile and a half in these shoes, averaging a 8.9 mile pace. My first impression was how snappy this shoe was. In other words, I could feel the combination of the Pebax plate and the rocker profile propelling me forward.

How’s the support? As mentioned above, Mach X is a neutral shoe. For context, I pronate heavily, especially on my left foot. I ran without inserts, so I had nothing to lift and support my arches. However, I found that the firmness of the shoe provided enough support and structure for me.

Hoka's Mach X
Mach X features a very firm cushioned midsole.

As with most Hokas, Mach X is entirely rigid throughout the midsole, making it an ideal shoe if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. *Hot tip: if you’re currently dealing with plantar fasciitis, remember this rule: avoid all flimsy footwear. If you can bend or twist your shoe in half, stop wearing it and get a rigid shoe ASAP.

I liked the firmness of the cushion, and believe with repeated miles the shoes will mold more to your feet. The jacquard upper I found to be a little too stiff and a little snug on the tops of my toes, but with repeated wear should soften.

While I still found the cushion level to be too much for me, if you love Hokas and high cushioned shoes overall, Mach X is a nice addition to your running shoes collection.

Final Thoughts

My verdict: Hoka Mach X is ideal for speed workouts, but can also be used for longer runs as well. The rigid midsole provides adequate support, while the Pebax plate and rocker profile aid in faster running times.

Hoka Mach X is available in several colors in both men’s and women’s, and retails at $180.

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items reviewed in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.

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Remembering Romeo

“Roam:” the perfect theme song for Romeo!

Today is National Cat Day, and I want to pay tribute to a special feline.

Earlier this year I lost my friend Romeo–RoMEOW, Studster Cat, THE Roamster–who passed away unexpectedly.

Neighborhood greeting committee: the first time I met Romeo.

As would luck would have it, my neighborhood had not one, not two, but three outdoor cats. I loved all of them, but by far my favorite was Romeo, the coolest cat in the entire town.

An utterly beautiful, striking orange tabby, Romeo was the first to greet me, my first acquaintance on the street. He made me feel at home. He was king of the neighborhood, and his name couldn’t have been more perfect: Romeo, a real life charmer who stole everyone’s heart. A true Puss in Boots!

The real life Puss in Boots.

Romeo’s owners lived across the way, and let him roam wherever and whenever he wanted. Blazing Western CO summer heat? A sudden cold snap? Romeo would be out and about, exploring, climbing, and chilling with the neighbors. Everyone loved him.

If Romeo were a Beanie Baby.

As a cat person, I especially adored Romeo. He was a specimen—a large, muscular cat with the healthiest short hair coat. I often joked he liked to lift, as he was so healthy and brawny for a feline. It didn’t matter where he wandered; he was always immaculately clean.

I always enjoyed his visits. I loved announcing in the silliest voice, “Romeo, oh Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” And sure enough, more often than not he heeded my call and bounded out of the bushes. Countless times he’d be waiting at the curb when I arrived home from work—a real gentleman.

Such a handsome fellow.

What I especially loved about this amazing creature was that he just wanted to enjoy my company. Though I always had treats on hand, oftentimes he’d bypass the food and went straight to sitting with me. A cat of very few meows (he meowed only 5-6 times in the years I knew him), he calmly surveyed his domain, his tail gently swaying.

I will forever miss his calming presence. Whenever I was writing away or studying, Romeo was often nearby, supporting my endeavors. Here are some of my favorite Romeo moments:

  • Attempting to sneak a bite out of someone’s lunch in the back of their pickup truck
  • Inspecting my car (climbing the seats and dash)
  • Scaling the sky high new house behind the property
  • Sheltering at my place whenever it rained
  • “Breaking into” neighbors homes and the second floor
  • Inspecting the beds of pickup trucks parked on the street
  • Sitting directly under my chair as I worked/ studied
The gang’s all here. As my best friend joked, “You manifested all these cats!”

And of course, watching Romeo interact with fellow outdoor felines Mochi and Bob Ross was always a laugh. If Romeo was the silent jock, Mochi was the class clown/ social butterfly and Bob Ross the lovable spazz. And to his credit, Romeo patiently tolerated the high energy antics of the wannabe BROmeos. Since Romeo’s passing, Mochi has some big shoes to fill.

Thank you Romeo for your friendship. I will forever miss seeing you stroll down the street, then bounding my way whenever you spotted me, tail high, whiskers forward, a happy fellow. Just as you roamed the neighborhood, may you forever explore the heavens.

LONG MAY YOU ROAM!

–LMC

These stairs are forever Romeo’s stoop.
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Happy 50th Birthday Kelli Ali!

“She’s wet and wild

A typical 90s child”

–“Post Modern Sleaze,” Becoming X, Sneaker Pimps

“Generation X

Is doing fine

We don’t care what’s next

We just wanna blow our minds”

–“Ideal,” Psychic Cat, Kelli Ali

Happy 50th Birthday to one of my heroes, singer and songwriter, Kelli Ali, aka Kelli Dayton!

Best known as the vocalist of the Sneaker Pimps first album Becoming X, I was 9 when I first heard Kelli’s distinct voice on the band’s most famous single, “6 Underground.”

When I first watched the music video for 6 Underground, I wouldn’t be the only one intrigued by the tiny girl sitting in a revolving dentist chair. Spiky haired, crimson lips, and with vampire fangs to boot, one muses, who is this girl? This vampy punk who oozes sex appeal with the sultry vocals to match?

Discovering Becoming X

Becoming X still sounds far more fresh and original than any music produced today. Not an exaggeration when I say I listen to songs from this album daily.

My Dad, a true David Bowie aficionado, would always play music while working from his at home office. I always loved whatever he listened to, which were usually soothing instrumental pieces.

When he started playing an album I’d never heard before–spacey electronic mixed with hip hop beats, paired with a girlish, elastic, pixie-like, soothing yet sultry voice –I’d just discovered Becoming X, Sneaker Pimp’s most successful album, in my humble opinion.

I asked my Dad about the band and the singer. He told me Sneaker Pimps were from England and the singer’s name was Kelli Ali. Looking at the liner notes, I saw Kelli for the first time–a girl with short black hair and red lipstick. I’d just discovered not just one of my all time favorite albums, but one of my heroes.

US Becoming X Tour, 1997. Image from kellialiofficial Instagram.

Dazed Magazine interview, 24 September 1996

I did more research and discovered a real punk–a badass, mixed-raced girl who dropped out of school at 14 to pursue music, singing and songwriting for bands in her hometown of Birmingham, UK. From the beginning, music was always central in Kelli’s life, as she grew up listening to David Bowie and X-Ray Spex (there’s no doubt Kelli is inspired by punk vocalist Poly Styrene). In 1996, she was asked by trip hop band Sneaker Pimps to be the lead vocalist for their upcoming album, Becoming X.

I’m certainly no punk myself, but I’ve always related to Kelli as I’m mixed race as well (Filipina-English), with my Dad’s side hailing from England (my Dad is first generation American and his parents are from London). And I’ve always admired Kelli’s aesthetic. In fact, my cat eyeliner and red lip gloss/ lipstick look I rocked in high school and college were directly inspired by Kelli. 🙂

“And they’ve got the diminutive, drop-dead unconventionally gorgeous, heavily Brum accented, Goth eyelinered and recently cropped n’ bleached 22 year old Kelli Dayton, a singer with the voice of Billie Holliday taking lessons from John Lydon.”

–I.D, Magazine interview, January 1997

Upon discovering Becoming X, I was so excited to follow up listening to Sneaker Pimps other work. After all, Becoming X was commercially successful in the UK, with “6 Underground” and “Spin Spin Sugar” hitting the US airwaves, and the band toured both the UK and US. Though my Dad and I were several years late to discovering Becoming X, we were more than eager to listen to the Pimps latest works.

Alas, what disappointment for the both of us, and Sneaker Pimps fans all over, to learn that Kelli was sacked (British slang for fired) from the band. What madness! To this day, I’m still angry the band rid itself of its secret weapon, its element X, the voice that made the music.

Dazed Magazine interview, 1996. Kelli with fellow Sneaker Pimps Liam Howe (left) and Chris Corner (right). Howe and Liam are incredibly talented musicians, but were envious of Kelli’s popularity.

The Infinite Stars

But enough has already been written and argued over the moronic sacking of Kelli. What makes Kelli all the more badass is her journey as a solo artist. After riding the short but bittersweet success as Sneaker Pimps vocalist, Kelli was suddenly without a band and without a contract. This was the late ’90s, before streaming, so having to leverage your music and artistry was all the more challenging.

It wasn’t easy, but the tenacious Ms. Ali eventually released several solo albums, my favorites being:

Tigermouth (2003) – R&B fused electro/ dance pop. My high school jam! Take me to the Infinite Stars!

Psychic Cat (2004) – Psychedelic rock and electro-pop. College anthems.

Rocking Horse (2008) – Psychedelic folk and dream pop. Another high school soundtrack. Proud to say I have a personalized autographed album from Kelli. 🙂

More than 25+ years after Sneaker Pimps shot themselves in the foot (pun intended), Kelli is still producing music. In addition to her singing and music production talents, Kelli is now also an accomplished oil painter. You can view her multitude of works at her Instagram, @kellialiofficial. She also wrote an e-book, The Modern Day Recording Artist: A DIY Guide to making and releasing your own record.

Nah, Kelli, we still love you.

Kelli, thank you for your brilliant voice and music! I will forever appreciate your individuality, determination, and creative spirit! Cheers to a wonderful day.

Just as your iconic tattoo states: VIVE LA ROCK N’ ROLL!

~LMC

Gen X are a different breed entirely…take me back to the 90s!

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A Tale of Two Bowie T-Shirts

These 2 David Bowie shirts each tell a story. The dark shirt on the left is a shirt my Dad got when he attended Bowie’s American Tour in 1978. 🙂 The white shirt on the right is the shirt I got the night I saw David Bowie perform live on his 2004 Reality Tour, 20 years ago on this very day, 25th April 2004 (thank you so much Laurie for this shirt)!

That night, I had the honour of wearing my Dad’s 1978 shirt. 🙂 Anyone who knows me well knows my deep love for Bowie, courtesy of father, Robert Campbell. That Reality Tour performance at Loveland’s Budweiser Events Center was my first and only time I saw Bowie live–for a girl who grew up listening to Bowie from practically the womb, this performance meant the world to me. My birthday was just over a week before, and getting tickets to see a David Bowie concert was by far the best gift–thank you Dad! It was only natural that a girl who grew up watching Bowie music videos would eventually see the man in concert.

3-4 year old me watching the VHS tape of Bowie’s 1987 Glass Spider Tour; also note the tennis racquet as a guitar, haha!

That night 20 years ago, Bowie more than delivered with a long set of both classic and new songs. My dad, his brother Iain and his wife Laurie, and I were all utterly spellbound by the man who brought the world Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust, Fame, the Thin White Duke, Let’s Dance, etc. For me, that night was utter magic, and yet bittersweet, especially for my Dad, as it would mark the 10th and last time he would see Bowie in concert.

We didn’t get home till about 1-2 AM in the morning, but I immediately set upon recording the experience in a journal entry. And the next day at school, I proudly wore my Reality Tour shirt. 🙂 This day lives forever in my memory, and I can’t thank my Dad enough for providing me the opportunity to see our hero. As Bowie would say, love on ya!

-LMC

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Desert Bloom Gardening & Hydroponics – Interview with Owners Nikki & Isaiah Tyler

Live interview with Nikki and Isaiah Tyler, the new owners of Desert Bloom Gardening & Hydroponics.

Desert Bloom is Grand Junction’s first established hydroponics center. Hydroponics is a simple yet very effective method of growing plants with a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. Benefits include healthier plant growth, improved produce taste, and the ability to grow plants year-round.

Visit Desert Bloom at 445 Pitkin Ave to view their incredible assortment of plants, pots, soils, and products from local vendors. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb growing tiger tail mushrooms or a gardening beginner who’s interested in succulents, Nikki and Isaiah are highly knowledgeable about all things gardening and can help you!

To learn more about Desert Bloom Hydroponics , call 970-245-6427 or visit https://www.desertbloomhydro.com/.

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Reddirt Remodeling LLC – Interview with Owner Doug Linebarger

Live interview with Doug Linebarger, Owner of Reddirt Remodeling LLC.

Reddirt Remodeling LLC is a veteran and family-owned business for 18 years. Doug moved here from Florida about 6 months ago and looks forward to serving all of your residential renovations, decking, fencing, and rental property make ready and maintenance needs. Licensed and insured, Reddirt Remodeling LLC approaches all projects with high-quality results and attention to detail in mind.

For your remodeling and renovation needs, give Doug a call at 970-424-8762, or visithttps://www.reddirt-remodeling.com/.

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The Gift Of Love INC- Interview with Founder Brittney Bade

Live interview with Brittney Bade, Founder of The Gift Of Love INC.

The Gift Of Love is a 501(c)e nonprofit organization that provides care packages for places such as Latimer House, Karis Teen Shelter (The House) and several retirement communities. Founded in 2018, Brittney has created and donated thousands of care packages throughout the years, for people of all ages, from children to seniors.

Dedicated volunteers and fundraising are what make The Gift Of Love INC possible. To learn more about this wonderful organization and how can you help, call 970-270-9079 or visit  https://www.facebook.com/brittneybadethegiftoflove. To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/gofundmecom2098c52e.

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Check Out Support Local Business Grand Junction Initiative

support local grand junction

Are you a local business located in Grand Junction, CO? Be sure to check out the Support Local Business Grand Junction Initiative!

 The mission of Support Local GJ Initiative is all about helping local businesses thrive and succeed. Our story begins in 2020, when many businesses were struggling due to the pandemic. For many small businesses especially, it was the first time they heavily relied on digital marketing and sales, to keep their businesses alive. During that time, we launched a “Support Local Business” Facebook page for our hometown of Grand Junction, CO. We provided an informative platform for businesses to promote themselves, by interviewing dozens of local businesses, and creating an online community so that businesses could share products, services, and updates.

Three years later, as the group only continues to grow in size, as well as in interest in the initiative, we’ve expanded in other areas. Just as before, we’re still here to help local businesses not just survive but thrive. So we’ve moved the platform to our website to best serve the community, by offering live interviews and sponsorships to promote your business. For more information, visit the Support Local Business webpage.

Support Local Business Grand Junction Facebook Page

Businesses local to Grand Junction are encouraged to promote themselves on this page, as well as to help the group with whatever relevant content they have for the benefit of other local businesses and business owners. There are a lot of those sort of groups. What will make this one different is that we plan to have regular posts/ education/ help/ interviews from local business owners.

Support Local Business Grand Junction Newsletter

The Support Local Business Grand Junction newsletter is a source that promotes local businesses and the Grand Valley Community via live interviews, local happenings, fun facts about GJ, and more. Our is audience is you, the local community. And this newsletter is truly a celebration of this community, of the things that make Grand Junction unique, namely the people and businesses who make the “West Slope, Best Slope.”

Contact Third Loft Marketing: Your Local Marketing Company

Help your business thrive with Third Loft Marketing. Our services include:

  • Local & National SEO
  • Website Design
  • Blog, Email, & Article Writing
  • Boutique Backlinking
  • and more!

For more information, call us at 970.822.0735.

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Godspeed, HRH Elizabeth II

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.” –Official announcement of the British Sovereign’s death, 8th September 2022

Anyone who knows me well is aware of my love for my British heritage, as my paternal grandparents are from London, and their son (my father) was born there. In particular, I love British royal history, and as a child, I especially loved the first Queen Elizabeth I. So naturally, I loved her descendent, Queen Elizabeth II (as these 2002 journal entries from 9-year-old me show).

So, I am quite sad with today’s news of the Queen’s passing at the age of 96. She reigned 70 years, the longest of any UK monarch. Just as I am fascinated with the Tudor Elizabethan age, I am honored to say that I lived in a second Elizabethan age. RECQUISCAT EN PACE ELIZABETH REGINA. A monarch who embodied British stoicism, duty, honor, and integrity: a class act. So the world loses another of the greatest generation… :’(

~LMC

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Hike Report: Miracle Rock, aka Potato Rock

Length: 1 mile roundtrip

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation: 6500-6800 ft.

Time: <1 hour

Restrooms: 1 vault toilet

Dogs Permitted: Yes

Did you know that Western Colorado has its own version of Balanced Rock?

Like the famous Balanced Rock of the Front Range (located in Garden of the Gods), Miracle Rock, aka Potato Rock, is another large boulder with an incredibly small pedestal. However, unlike Balanced Rock, Miracle Rock is far less well known, far more remote, and is even taller.

L: Miracle Rock, near Glade Park (my photo.) R: Balanced Rock in Garden of the Gods (photo from Uncover Colorado.com)

Located southwest of Grand Junction, outside the tiny community of Glade Park, Miracle Rock is tucked away from civilization. The area is a popular local spot for field trips and picnics.

Located just a mile off 9.8 Road, the Miracle Rock Trailhead consists of a dirt lot, several picnic benches, and a vault toilet. The hike up to the rock is short, about 1-mile roundtrip. The route is initially hard to distinguish, as there is no signage. During my visit, I made my way down the middle between the picnic tables and past pinyon and juniper trees for a few yards. The trail then becomes easily visible and continues up a short but steep slope.

The so-called “potato” is perched on a ridge with a commanding view of the Little Dolores River Valley. While not as vivid a red as Balanced Rock, Miracle Rock is twice as tall as its Front Range cousin, rising 85 feet above its base. Weighing 12,000 tons, the rock is truly a miracle, perched on a sandstone base only 1 ft. wide. To make the situation more precarious, a solid crack runs the entire length of the pedestal. There is even a gap where you can see all the way through.

Miracle Rock appears ready to topple at any moment. However, as my fingers traced the many inscriptions on the rock, the monolith didn’t budge a bit.

Graffito or inscriptions? The oldest I found dated from 1928.

Just a few yards southeast of the boulder the ridgeline further continues. Located along the cliffside are beautiful alcoves.

Returning to Miracle Rock, I sat near the edge of the ridge and soaked in the solitude. The peaceful atmosphere up there is a great place to read a book, sketch, paint, or photograph the natural surroundings. As I visited later in the day, I watched the sun set as I returned to the trailhead.

I was the only individual up there my entire visit. Can’t say the same of Balanced Rock, which is a tourist attraction. If you’re looking for a short, quiet trek, visit Miracle Rock! I highly suggest going up there to watch the sunset, as I did. For more adventure, Little Dolores Falls is just 1.3 miles further down the road. Featuring natural swimming pools or “potholes,” this is a popular local spot to cool off in the summer. Caution: avoid the water during the spring or during thunderstorms as several fatalities have occurred due to strong currents. The next time I visit the area, I’ll visit Potholes and blog about it. 🙂

Map from Exploring Grand Junction: A Recreational Guide to West-Central Colorado by Glen D. Weaver

Getting There: To get to Miracle Rock Trailhead, drive up to Glade Park, which is located 16 miles southwest from Grand Junction. Glade Park can be reached by taking either Little Park Road, or Colorado National Monument’s Rim Rock Drive via the park’s east entrance. From Glade Park Store continue west on DS Road for 8 miles, then turn left onto 9.8 road. Continue for 1 mile and park at the trailhead.

~LMC