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
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 Fly-Lite and Topo Mountain 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!
Mach X is a speedy shoe.
Sizing, Fit, and Feel
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.
Hoka Mach X’s neon green Pebax plate is visible on the underside of the shoe.
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.
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.
“For 2020, I’ll be running the Insane Inflatable 5k with my GJ Adventure Tribe, in May; so excited! I’ve also been itching to run a half marathon again, so I’m thinking of Grand Valley Half Marathon, also in May. I do know for certain I want to run a trail race or two, I just need to do some research for upcoming events...” —from my previous post Run Report: A Look Back, and 2020 Goals
Well, as you can imagine, none of the above happened. We all know how 2020 went, no need to go into painful detail…
With regards to running, however, this hobby experienced a resurgence, as folks turned to racking up miles on the pavement and trails, as both a physical and mental outlet from the chaos of ’20. With gyms closed and exercise classes cancelled, the lure of running prompted many, from intermittent runners to first timers, to lace up their sneakers and head outside. Those who had sworn off and detested running suddenly flocked to their local running stores, seeking advice for the best shoes, apparel, and nutrition. One upside to 2020: it was neat to observe more folks up and running, literally.
As I noted in my August post Running and COVID-19, this spike in running was clearly observed at public open spaces. For example, Front Range metro Denver parks and trails such as Deer Creek Canyon, Mt. Falcon, Green Mountain, etc. were suddenly inundated with hikers and runners. And let me tell you, these places were already popular long before COVID. Such increase in usage led to closures for several such recreation areas.
2020: My Year in Running
When it became clear that most running events were to be cancelled or go virtual, I just kept with my normal routine of running 3-4 times a week. As I was furloughed for a month and a half, I decided I ‘d use the time to further increase mileage, but alas! I was thwarted, by retrocalcaneal bursitis. Isn’t that a fun word? In a nutshell, I experienced sharp pain at the edges of both heels, as the bursa, or tiny fluid filled sacs that serve as cushion, were irritated. The pain was especially evident when running uphill…and as I much prefer running uphill than downhill, this may have been the cause of the issue. I experienced zero pain in my Achilles tendons, and (luckily) no pain on the underside of my heels (indicative of plantar fasciitis). But still, the pain sidelined me for several weeks. To combat the condition, I stretched my legs even more consistently, noticing the pain lessened especially when I stretched my calves. I am pain free now, but in retrospect, I wonder if a Strasbourg sock, used to treat plantar fasciitis, would have helped as well…
Love these shoes…and yes I pronate to a high degree. 🙂
I was wearing low to zero drop shoes when the pain first started, and I wonder if this is suspect. Once the pain went away mid-summer, I reverted back to traditional, high drop running shoes, such as Brooks Ghost, with a 12mm offset. Since then I’ve noticed no pain or irritation. The lowest drop I’ve worn since is Brooks Pure Cadence, with 4mm offset.
2020: 10 Years of Running
One good thing about 2020: the year marked a decade since I’d first fallen in love with running. I even remember the exact date: November 18, 2010, the day I ran 3 miles for the first time. That day I discovered that not only could I run, but I enjoyed it. And so a new passion was born; you can read all about in my post Run Run Run. As I am such a running dork, on the 10th anniversary of that day I ran Serpent’s Trail in Colorado National Monument, to celebrate. 🙂
Virtual Races
Now…POSE!Running 10k for Turkey Trot. Photo credit: Yoli H.
I’d resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn’t race at all in 2020, but in November and December, I ran the Turkey Trot and Santa “Cause” 5K with my adventure tribe! Both races had gone virtual, so my friends and I ran them together on our own. For both races we ran along Riverside Trail, with Jamie and Shanin marking out the route and turnaround points with chalk. With Turkey Trot my friend Jamie completed her first 10k! 🙂 I love seeing folks progress on their running journey!
Arms immediately raised! Jamie completes her first ever 10k. 🙂
And my Mom participated in her first ever 5k, with the virtual Santa “Cause” Run. This race is especially fun as runners are provided a Santa suit when you register. The weather was especially beautiful the day of that run, and as I PR’ed, shaving 12 seconds off my previous fastest 5k time, I was the fastest female overall in this event. The Santa Cause Run truly was a great kickoff to the holiday season. 🙂
Yoli and Keeva, ready to run.Andy and Rocko, all decked out for Santa Cause Run.
Thoughts…
2020 wasn’t my highest mileage year, but I still had a great time trail and road running, once I was pain free. And I ran my first ever virtual races, with a great crew of people. 🙂 It was especially heartwarming for me to walk alongside my Mom the last half mile towards the finish line. It was a great experience for her and she told me several times how much fun it was. 🙂
One thing I accomplished in 2020, per my goals in Run Report: A Look Back, and 2020 Running Goals, was that I started mountain biking again. I was even participating in the Great Cycle Challenge, which raises money to fight childhood cancer, with my goal to ride 200 miles. I ended up raising over $100, but unfortunately, I was unable to meet my mileage goal, as I totaled my bike: I swerved to avoid a deer that had suddenly jumped in my path, and hit a big rut that sent me and my bike face first into the dirt. Luckily, I came out only bruised, but my trusty Trek of 15+ years is finally done. 🙁 Time for a new bike, I’m thinking full suspension…
2021 Goals
For 2021, I’d love to run a half marathon again! As of this writing, Grand Valley Half Marathon is scheduled for May…will it go virtual? I guess we’ll see. My main running goal for now is to run consistently, and so far I have, having run nearly everyday this first week of January. A few days ago I ran 10 miles in 1 hr. 28 min., and it felt easy. I plan on running 13.1 miles–my own half–sometime soon. Just as with 2020, we’ll see how this new year unfurls…Fortunately, we now have the vaccine! Regardless of whether I race virtually or not, I know running is always there for me. As I like to say, a runner’s got to run!
At the start of this year, I enthusiastically outlined my running goals for 2020.
How quickly things change. Life is…different.
Running, thankfully, is one of the few activities still available during this bizarre time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintain 6+ feet of space away from others, and run to your heart’s delight. I’ve been running four times a week, the usual mix of road and trail. Depending on where you live and your accessibility to trails/ open space, social distancing can be a challenge, especially on public open space. Daily I hear the reports of Colorado’s public parks being inundated with walker, hikers, runners, mountain bikers: folks seeking a respite from being indoors.
As with so many other things, races have been canceled or postponed. I was scheduled to run the Insane Inflatable 5k in May; it has now been pushed to October 10. As my everyday run currently averages about 5 miles, I’m more than ready to tackle a 5k. However, I feel for the folks whose training has been impacted by race cancellations or postponements. All that hard work…
With everything up in the air, I haven’t registered for any other races. Just this week the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission canceled this year’s Rim Rock Marathon, citing Covid concerns. 🙁 I guess at some point this year I’ll be running a virtual race…
Speaking as a runner to other runners, I say utilize furlough, quarantine or working from home to either increase your mileage/ training, or give your body a much needed break. Last month I ran a total of 55 miles, my highest mileage for this year. I’ve been practicing yoga , and began mountain biking again: one of my goals for this year. 🙂 With many gyms still closed, I’ve also been doing strength training work outs at home.
Pandemic or no pandemic, I’ll be running. With the current crisis, I’ll keep my distance, literally. Hopping off the trail, giving plenty of leeway to others. Be cautious however: this year I’ve come across rattlesnakes on several occasions.
Incredible camouflage.
And as if Covid-19 were not enough, several wildfires are currently raging in Colorado. The Pine Gulch Fire, burning just north of my old haunt Grand Junction, is now the state’s second ever largest fire, as of this writing.
View of the Grand Valley and western edge of Grand Mesa, obscured by smoke from Pine Gulch fire.Mill Creek Fire (foreground), and Grizzly Creek Fire.
As the photos show, Colorado is inundated with smoke. Ash coats the Grand Valley, the Grizzly Creek Fire sears through Glenwood Canyon, while on the Front Range visibility is quite limited. Whenever there is a slight lapse in smoke, I try to run. While others note of throat and eye irritation from smoke, there has been a dull throb in my temples these past few days. Looking out my window as I write this, with the foothills nearly invisible, my heart goes out to the Western Slope, a place known for its big blue sky, under which I have run countless miles.
So, yeah, this is basically my recap of running in 2020, a bewildering year. I am so grateful for my access to open space, in which myself and plenty of others can find solace, some sense of normalcy. May rain and a vaccine come our way. Stay safe everyone, and run strong!
Happy New Year! It’s the start of a new decade, can you believe it? The last 10 years have been one hell of a ride. 2010-2019 is significant as it is the decade I discovered and fell in love with running. A super quick recap: a college tennis player, I caught the running bug during training runs; my post Run Run Run further details the very start of my running journey. When I stepped away from competitive tennis playing, running served as a wonderful (and necessary) transition; a lifetime athlete, I could not, and still cannot, imagine life without athletics and exercise.
Photo courtesy of Buddy Bear.
I can’t tell you the exact number of miles I’ve logged since becoming a runner, but I would surmise in the tens of thousands. I’ve gone from running near obsessive circles around my alma mater, Colorado Mesa University, to running North Desert and the Tabeguache Trail System, all within the Grand Valley of Colorado’s Western Slope. I have fought my way up and down the Front Range foothills, and cruised along the strike valleys behind the Dakota Hogback. And yes, even on vacations I still run: gliding along the beaches and boardwalks of southern California, to running up the Las Ramblas to La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona, Spain. Without a doubt, running has, and continues, to provide plenty of wonderful adventures. My Race Reports, indeed this blog itself, serve as testament for my love of, and gratitude to, running.
The best part of running are the friends I have made along the way. By running and racing, I have met the most amazing people. Chelsea and Emily, and my Grand Junction tribe Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish, and Kale: love ya ladies and all our adventures. 🙂 If you are ever in need of a supportive, welcoming community of people, running folks are it.
2019 in Review
I am happy to say that per my post Run Report: 2018 Review & 2019 Goals, I achieved most of my 2019 running goals. I wrote that I wanted to run “more half and full marathons” and run “Grand Valley Marathon in May, a road race which winds through Colorado’s wine country, right by Grand Junction.” Sure enough, I ran both Grand Valley and Rim Rock Marathons. And though I did not run any half marathon races, I ran 13.1 miles several times throughout the year as training runs.
I also expressed that I wanted to “run on the beach in San Diego. I’ll be visiting California twice this year, so there’s a good chance of fulfilling that.” Check! As I actually visited California four times in 2019, I ran along San Diego’s Mission Bay in March, L.A.’s Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches in August, and the desert near Palm Springs in December. Being at sea level, California running is easy cardio wise, but running on sand definitely challenges the muscles!
I did not fulfill my wish of running any trail races, such as Desert Rats Trails Series in Fruita, or Grand Mesa Ultras; I didn’t have the time. However, that is not say I didn’t trail run, from far it: half my mileage for 2019 was on trail. I l equally love both road and trail running, for different reasons. I run road for speed workouts and sprints, and trail I love for the challenge of terrain, hill climbs, and scenery (and of course, dirt is nicer on the joints.)
2019 included the awesome running highlights of running Mt. Evans Wilderness near Bailey, with Chelsea and Emily. In October, I ran Hot Chocolate 15k/ 5k for a second time with Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish, Kale, and Emily. And though I neglected mentioning it in last year’s post, I fulfilled my dream of running in a kilt! For Hot Chocolate 15k I proudly debuted my Black Watch tartan. 🙂 Running in a kilt is surprisingly comfy and just plain fun, and I got confirmation of this as I observed several other runners wearing kilts. 🙂
Plus, in 2019 I purchased my first ever Garmin, the Fenix 5 Plus multisport watch, which I absolutely love. You can read my separate blog post Garmin Fenix 5 Plus Unboxing & Overview, to learn more about this amazing watch. 🙂
2020 Goals
For 2020, I’ll be running the Insane Inflatable 5k with my GJ Adventure Tribe, in May; so excited! I’ve also been itching to run a half marathon again, so I’m thinking of Grand Valley Half Marathon, also in May. I do know for certain I want to run a trail race or two, I just need to do some research for upcoming events.
Mountain biking Fruita Desert, 2011.
I also want to start mountain biking again. In high school and college, mountain biking was my other hobby outside of tennis. Once running, I set my bike aside for several years…it’s more than time to remedy that. The very same trails I run on the Front Range and Grand Junction are also wonderful for mountain biking, so I have no excuse to not be riding! I just need to tune up my bike again, and hit the trails. Mountain biking is a great complement to running and vice versa. 🙂
Regardless, I know I’ll have new running experiences this year, no matter the race, terrain, or place. As I wrote last year, as long as I’m running, I’m a happy girl. A runner’s got to run!
Just recently I purchased my first ever Garmin, the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus!
After doing plenty of research, I decided on this particular watch as it is a “[r]ugged multisport GPS watch with routable topo maps and music,” per the box description. Fenix 5 Plus more than meets my needs for a fitness watch: with wrist-based heart rate monitor and advanced mapping, this watch is perfect for running, and many other activities. Select which activity you’ll be doing—cycling, trail running, swimming, etc.,—and this watch will record your workouts. Check out my unboxing video below. 🙂
Rim Rock Marathon Run as recorded by my Fenix 5 Plus.
Specs
Garmin Fenix 5 Plus has a 47 mm case, the middle sized watch between the smaller Fenix 5S (42 mm case size) and the larger Fenix 5X (51 mm case size). Before purchasing I was able to try on both the 5S and the 5. The 5S is perfect if you have smaller wrists (like me; my wrist is 5 in. in circumference), but I found that the larger 5 sat well on my wrist. The larger the watch, the longer the battery life, so I opted for the 5. The 5X is just way too big for my wrist. Note I went for the Plus edition, which has pre-loaded routable topo maps, Wi-Fi connectivity, Garmin Pay, and music storage (up to 500 songs).
Regarding the battery:
Smartwatch mode: Up to 12 days GPS: Up to 18 hours GPS and Music: Up to 8 hours UltraTrac™ mode: Up to 42 hours
As you can see, battery life varies depending on which/ how many settings you are using. This watch is the Glass edition, or that it has a chemically strengthened glass lens. The other edition, Sapphire, is scratch resistant, and runs at a higher price point. You can buy screen protectors for the glass lens.
This watch comes with a 22 mm QuickFit silicone wristband: you can change it out for others colors available online. I’m thinking a navy blue band would look great with the stainless steel bezel. 🙂
This watch syncs up using Bluetooth, to the Garmin Connect App on your phone. Here you can view and analyze your stats, and with the Garmin Connect IQ App, change/ customize your watch face/ display.
Weekly stats as displayed on Garmin Connect App.
This watch is water rated at 10 ATM, perfect for swimming laps. The watch also features safety and tracking features, such as Live Track, so you can let others know of your location.
My Thoughts So Far…
So far I’ve logged 220 miles running on this watch, and I love it. 5 Plus is non-touch screen; instead there are five buttons on the outside edge of the stainless steel bezel. It takes some practice knowing how to use these to move between settings and displays, but I’m getting better. 🙂 I’ll admit I’m not the most “tech-y” person, so I’m still taking some time to fully know and utilize this watch…but so far I’m extremely impressed. 🙂 For a few years I used a Fitbit Charge 2, which has the basics: calories burned, steps climbed, several activity settings, etc. The one disadvantage of this particular FitBit is the small display screen. With my Garmin however, I now get to enjoy a full watch display! I’ve also used apps on my phone to record my running, but no longer. When running or recording an activity with my Garmin, if I stop or pause for a moment, all I have to do is hit the upper right button on the bezel to pause; this was a hassle when using apps on my phone. With my Garmin, recording exercise is much easier, so it was fun to wear this watch at last November’s Rim Rock Marathon in Grand Junction, CO. 🙂
Let’s work out!
I don’t swim much, but my Garmin survived just fine while I waded around in the pool at Glenwood Hot Springs, post Rim Rock 2019. I shower with it no problem, as it’s good practice to clean the underside of the watch, due to sweat. Once you record several dozen workouts over a sustained period, this Garmin can calculate your VO2 Max! According to my watch, my VO2 Max is at 51, or superior. Humblebrag, yes…but it is nice to see the cumulative effects of my marathon training. 🙂
VO2 Max, as displayed on Garmin Connect App.
So yes, I absolutely LOVE this watch; I wear it everyday. As I carry my phone with me when I run, I haven’t really utilized the music settings on my watch, but I can listen to music from my Garmin whenever I choose to. As for the wristband, I usually secure it on the last notch; there are shorter band lengths online for those with even tinier wrists. I usually charge my watch every 2-3 days, as there’s nothing more irritating when your watch dies as you exercise. Throughout the day I’ll review my stats on the Garmin Connect App on my phone, so I can see mileage, calories burned, heart rate, sleep, etc., by day or over a set period of time. As for tracking/ distance, I find this watch to be quite accurate.
Final Thoughts
I heartily approve of the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus! This device exceeds my requirements for a fitness watch. Aesthetically appealing, durable, and with countless capabilities, I am still learning, and very much enjoying, getting to fully know and utilize this watch. 🙂 Garmin just recently released the Fenix 6 Series, so now would be a good time to invest in the 5 series as these are on sale at certain retailers. If you’re looking to make the leap to a high quality and accurate fitness watch, you can’t beat a Garmin! 🙂
On Saturday, November 2, I ran Rim Rock Marathon for a second time. 🙂
2019 Rim Rock Marathon outfit. Note the awesome race tech tee in the upper right.
As this race was my first ever marathon last year, I was inspired to run this beautiful course once again. And just like last year, the weather for this race was picture perfect: sunny and blue skies.
About the course: located on Colorado’s Western Slope, Rim Rock Marathon follows up and along 23 mile Rim Rock Drive in Colorado National Monument, just outside Grand Junction and Fruita. The course gains more than 2000 ft. over the first 6 miles, flattens somewhat, then drops 2000+ ft. for the last few miles. Views from the Monument are superb: red rock canyons, the Grand Valley, Grand Mesa, and the Book Cliffs. The race starts just outside the park’s east entrance, by Grand Junction, and concludes at Fruita’s Circle Park.
Course map as marked out on my Garmin Connect app.
Quite obviously, not the easiest course! For an idea of the course and views, watch the video I made of driving Rim Rock, post race day 2018.
Training wise, I did not run quite as much as last year, as I focused more on incorporating strength training (going to the gym about 3 times a week). Whenever I did run however, I ran more downhill as to be prepared. Rim Rock is a road race, so I transitioned off trails to street surfaces. The longest distance I ran was 16 miles; in September I ran a total of 70 miles, then tapered down to 43 miles total in October. There is a common misconsception that one must run a 26.2 training race, but not so; with the cumulative effect of training and added adrenaline of race day, save the long run for the actual event.
Looking determined. Selfie the morning of the marathon.
Per tradition, the night before the race I carbo loaded at Enzo’s Italian restaurant: I highly recommend their spaghetti. 🙂 Later that evening, I prepped all my racing apparel and gear. Before sun rise, my friend Jamie drove me to Fruita Community Center for the pre-race meeting; runners were on the buses by 7 AM and transported to the starting line just a mile outside the east entrance of Colorado National Monument.
Hurry up sun! Looking east while waiting for the start.
This time around, the buses remained for about a half hour, so runners didn’t have to wait out the pre-dawn cold—last year we shivered outside for about 45 minutes, waiting for the start. Apparel wise, I took the same approach as last year, wearing a tank top and arm sleeves under my light shell jacket. For bottoms I wore my running shorts under my trusty Mesa State tennis sweats—I like the option of being able to shed layers. I wore the same running vest I’ve used on my other marathons, the pockets filled with GUs, waffles, and gels.
With my time chip secured to my shoes, Mizuno Wave Inspire 15, I joined the racers at the starting line. At 8 o’clock sharp, the race began. Last year, I cruised easily uphill; I’m not being sarcastic when I say I love running uphill. Perhaps to my detriment, I expelled too much energy on the uphill last year, and had too little in the tank for the loooong descent. This time around, I forced myself to go at a slightly slower pace uphill, the idea being I’d reserve energy to blaze downhill the last few miles. Now that I have my Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, for this race I could monitor my pace.
View east, approx. mile 9.
The uphill climb I found once again to be easy, and I kept myself in check so I wouldn’t go too fast. Last year I hit Cold Shivers Point, mile 4.5, in about 45 minutes; this time I arrived 2 minutes later, so I was certainly pacing myself. Once the course topped out around mile 6, I picked up the pace a bit. The sun had since risen, and it was a beautiful, cloudless morning with no wind.
View of Coke Ovens.
My anticipation, and actual participation, in the last year’s Rim Rock was unbridled. I truly was excited to run my first ever marathon on such a beautiful course. Being my first marathon, I felt no pressure. This being my third, I (understandably) wanted to PR…however, I just wasn’t feeling quite the fire on this run. Cardio wise, I could run all day. My Garmin calculated my VO2 max at 51, or superior, which is the top 5% for my age and gender. Mentally, however, I could already feel burnout creeping in: not from this race alone, but running overall. Running is my primary sport, and when you do it so intensely and so consistently, burnout is not only normal, but expected. This was my second marathon in 6 months, so yeah, the training load on my body was a lot this year.
Looking N/NE towards the Book Cliffs and Grand Mesa, approx. mile 10.
Despite feeling that lack of fire, I continued. I had no doubt I would finish and enjoy this race. Getting to run the Monument is an absolute privilege. What other course affords you such magnificent views, where some spots you are literally running along the edge of a 1000 ft. cliff? Driving along Rim Rock Drive never fails to impress, and I’ve driven this road plenty of times before. But getting to experience it entirely on foot? Quite unforgettable.
Despite the mental lag, energy wise I felt great. I made sure to grab water at every aid station, set along every 3 miles or so. I wore my wireless Trekz Afteshokz headphones, which are astounding: they lasted the whole duration of my race. Using bone conduction to transport sound, these headphones sit outside your ear, so you can still hear your surroundings as you exercise. Super lightweight, they do not bounce and provide quality sound. I HIGHLY recommend them.
Despite my training, my left IT band began to whine again, just like in my other marathons. The dull ache on the outside of my left knee flared around mile 15, and soon was a sharp, tingly pain. As much as I naturally overpronate (my ankles roll in), I did not experience any ankle pain this race. Nope, once again it was that IT band, and did it hurt. Gritting my teeth, I steeled myself for the agony of the long descent on the highly cambered, or sloped, road. Looking at my watch, I knew would be unable to PR this race: my finish time would be over 5 hours, whereas last year I finished just under 5.
Along several spots on the course I slowed to a walk due to the pain, especially on the downhill. At one point another runner caught up to me and, determined not to let her pass, I resumed running. We kept pace for well over 2 miles, finally arriving at the west entrance and very bottom of the Monument. The last 3 miles into town are still downhill, though much more gradual. But at this point, my left leg was trashed; my right leg was fatigued but felt no pain. Like last year’s race, these last 3 miles are in their own way the most grueling; you just want to be done at this point!
Approaching the finish. Photo courtesy of J. Cucuiat
During the race Jamie texted me encouragement, and I let her know my course location. Knowing my adventure tribe—Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish, and Kale—would be at the finish line to cheer me on, I somehow churned out the last 2 miles. Crossing the bridge over the Colorado River, a bald eagle soared overhead, giving me inspiration to run the last incline up and over I-70, and onto the straightaway toward Circle Park. Approaching the finish, I spotted the girls to my left, shouting my name and ringing a cowbell. With one last burst of speed, I crossed the finish, completing Rim Rock Marathon for a second time.
Photos courtesy of J. Cucuiat
I hobbled to a stop, and a race volunteer removed my time chip. I received my finisher’s medal, a striking medallion featuring Independence Monument. My friends hugged and congratulated me. As they have for my other races, they basically take care of me post run: they remove and hold onto my race vest, jacket, and sweats, and usher me over to the massage tent. Pointing to my left knee and quad, the PT gave a me free 5 minute massage on those spots: immediately I felt better.
For several minutes afterward I cheered on runners to the finish. My race time was 5.5 hours…oof. Damn that IT band, I cursed in my head. Yet despite the disappointment of not PRing, I reminded myself that I had just run Rim Rock for a SECOND time. I may have not been in the “flow zone” like last year’s race, but I had yet again completed another marathon. And of course, the best part is having my friends’ encouragement in my running endeavors. Having my support crew, and seeing them at the finish line, is by far one of the best things about running, hands down. Ladies: THANK YOU!!!
Beware the T-Rex at Circle Park! 🙂 L-R: Yoli, me, and Jamie.
Shortly afterward, Jamie, Yoli, and I headed to nearby Hot Tomato. Like last year, I ordered a whole pizza for myself and ate half of it. The rest I scarfed down the next day as I walked around downtown Grand Junction.
After a shower and a long nap, it was time to celebrate! Last year we ladies attended a Halloween party, and this year was no different. That evening Jamie, Yoli, and I went to Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five. With live music and plenty of folks in costume, it was a lively evening. Somehow, I managed (barely) in my heels, after 26.2 miles on my body.
Jamie dressed as a hippie in 1970s authentic bell bottoms and peace sign necklace. 🙂 I’m dressed in yet another variation as a cowgirl. Yoli dressed up as a super cute scarecrow. Photo courtesy of J. Cucuiat.
The next morning, Jamie surprised me with a lovely homemade breakfast: an oatmeal bake and omelets. And not only that, she baked several batches of cookies with my all-time favorite ingredient, white chocolate–you see why I absolutely LOVE my support crew? Jamie is one amazing cook, and I devoured plenty and still had leftovers. 😊
The day after the race I enjoyed a much needed soak at Glenwood Hot Springs. 🙂
This marathon weekend was incredibly fun. I may not have PRed, but it doesn’t matter. I completed a race in one of the most scenic areas in the world, with my friends to cheer me on and spoil me with delicious food, and celebrated Halloween. Doesn’t get any better than that! To my friends and family on both sides of the Divide, much love and gratitude for your continual support in my running journeys. 🙂 For those interested in running a challenging course, I strongly recommend Rim Rock. Featuring marathon, marathon relay, half marathon relay, and newly added 12k, take your pick. 2020 Registration is now open at http://rimrockrun.grandjunctionsports.org/. Hope to see you there!
Last month, my friends and I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k/ 15k in downtown Denver.
We all ran Denver 2018 Hot Chocolate, so this was our second time running this race. A highly popular event held in various cities all over the country, Hot Chocolate benefits Make-A-Wish® Foundation. At the Post Race Party, runners receive a finisher’s mug filled with hot chocolate and other tasty goodies, hence the race motto, “Run for Chocolate.” In addition to receiving a finisher’s medal, you receive a custom race hoodie with the Hot Chocolate logo. A race where you receive chocolate, sweet swag, and help an awesome charity? It’s easy to see why “[s]ince its inception [in 2008], over 200,000 participants have run for chocolate, making [Hot Chocolate] the fastest growing race series in the nation!” according to Hot Chocolate’s official website, https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/. So yes, sign us up. 😊
My friends Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish and Kale, and I all stopped at the Hot Chocolate Expo the day before the race to pick up our race packets. Held at the National Western Complex, this expo is super fun, with plenty of vendors, race merchandise and gear, with volunteers handing out chocolate. I was unable to attend last year’s expo, so I was glad to go this year.
That evening, Jamie, Yoli, and I carbo loaded at Giodano’s on 16th Street. We then attended the Denver Zoo’s Enchanted Hallows Night Walk. Elaborately carved pumpkins and spooky music set a mystical atmosphere, and we observed tigers, elephants, and seals. 😊 Cate, Trish, and Kale had an entertaining evening at that night’s Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center.
We all stayed at a hotel right off Federal and 6th, a super convenient location to both the highway and downtown. Before bedtime, I prepped all my gear, ready to reveal a surprise, fun element to my race apparel: my Black Watch tartan, ie., Campbell plaid.
I’ve always wanted to wear a Campbell tartan while running, and this was the perfect race to debut it. I received it a week before the race and did a 6 mile test run in it, and it wore beautifully. When 5:15 AM rolled around, I dressed in a blue tank top, light shell jacket, arm sleeves, with my kilt over my black running leggings. With the 5k scheduled to start at 7:10 AM, Jamie and Yoli headed out before me to the race site at Civic Center Park. After a quick bite to eat in the lobby, Cate, Trish, Kale, and I departed to line up for the 15k.
Haha check out the photo bomber on the far left. 🙂
The morning was clear and calm, much better than last year’s overcast, cold conditions. Our race was scheduled to start at 7:50 AM, and we arrived with enough time to make last minute checks on our gear. With so many thousands of runners, both events feature a wave start, based on one’s estimated pace/ finish time. I made my way into the first wave, with a goal of running a sub 8-minute mile pace. Pacers held signs designating pace times, so it was easy to know where to stand in the mass of runners. The start was right in front of the stately Denver City Council building.
This race has such a lively, fun atmosphere! By nature, I am not a morning person, but from the ambiance alone I was feeling alert and ready to run. At the call of “GO!” I just felt it: I was going to nail my goal time for this race.
Course map from https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/denver/course
Besides debuting my kilt, I also debuted two new pieces of technology during this race: my Garmin Fenix 5 Plus and Trekz Aftershokz Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones. The Garmin in one amazing fitness watch with so many incredible capabilities, and it especially came in handy this race as I could view my pace per mile. And the Aftershokz headphones are BY FAR the best headphones I have ever used. A concept originally developed by the military, the speakers of this device sit outside your ear and transport sound via bone conduction; that way, you can still hear your surroundings while listening to music. Lightweight and with plenty of battery life, I LOVE these headphones and cannot recommend them enough.
Back to the race: with 9 miles ahead of me, I made sure to keep my pace no faster than 7:30 min. per mile; any faster and I feared burnout in the last miles. My Garmin relayed both my live pace and pace I hit at the end of each mile. Energy wise I was feeling great and knew I’d knock this race out of the park. I was concurrently gearing up for Rim Rock Marathon, so 9 miles was a standard training run for me at this point. As I train primarily on hills, my pace would only speed up as Hot Chocolate is overall a flat course through the streets of Denver.
I consumed 2 GUs and several Honeystinger Chews before the race, so I opted not run with my race vest. There were several aid stations and I made sure to grab water and some M&Ms for sustained energy. I wore my Brooks Pure Cadence 6 shoes, my all-time favorite running shoes. With a 4mm drop and contoured fit, these shoes are perfect for racing. I wore them at DreamCatcher Half Marathon last year, and they performed beautifully…so yeah, I admit that these kicks are nearly two years old. Yikes! you might say. But despite their age, they still felt incredible this race. For me, I find the lower the drop (the less my heel is elevated), the more efficient my foot strike, leading to a higher cadence. Hence, “Pure Cadence.”
Sailing through the streets, I was in the “flow zone.” I was relaxed and having fun, running efficiently. My kilt posed no problems, and I had chosen the right amount of gear to stay warm, but not overheat me. I observed about four other folks running in kilts, so I was in good company.
Once the course turned west onto 19th, I picked up my pace a bit. My goal was to finish under 1 hour and 15 minutes. With my Garmin keeping me honest about my pace, I knew I could do it. Turning south onto Broadway, I took off on the straightaway toward the finish line, visible just a third of a mile away, directly in front of the Capitol Building. Legs churning, lungs burning, I passed several folks. Just over the din of the crowd, I could hear Yoli, Jamie, and Cate cheering me on, and with their encouragement, crossed the finish line in 1 hour 13 minutes 44 seconds. My overall pace was 7:55, which meant I had accomplished my goal of running this 15k at a sub 8-minute per mile pace! 😀
I received my finisher’s medal, and made my way over to my friends. We stood on the side to cheer on for when Trish and Kale crossed the finish. At that moment my other great friend and fellow runner Emily found me in the crowd. We hugged and congratulated each other as we both PRed in this race. 🙂 Shortly afterward the mother-daughter duo Trish and Kale crossed the finish line together; it is always so uplifting to cheer on your friends and to see the look of relief on their face upon crossing. They did it!
Kale and Trish
It was a triumphant day: Jamie and Yoli both PRed in the 5k by several minutes, as did Cate in the 15k. Well done ladies, super proud of you! 😀
Jamie and YoliSo proud of y’all! 😀 L-R: Cate, Trish, and KaleHi Emily! Photo courtesy of Emily A.
Now it was off to the Post Race Party to claim our hot chocolate. The chocolate and other goodies—choco-straws, banana, and rice krispies—did not disappoint. Emily hung out with us and we all posed for pics: it was super fun to have Emily meet my Grand Junction Adventure Tribe. 😊 Emily was awesome in driving all us ladies back to the hotel so we could check out, and we all had lunch at Mimi’s Cafe. A successful and fun day indeed! Of course, I had to get ice cream afterwards, so off I went to Little Man Ice Cream on 16th Street.
Photo courtesy of Emily A.Photo courtesy of J. Cucuiat
Whether you’re an elite runner or a newbie, I highly recommend Hot Chocolate. Cool swag and yummy food, running for a great cause: it doesn’t get any better. And when you run with friends, it is an unforgettable experience. To Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish, Kale, and Emily: ya’ll are amazing! So very grateful to know and run with you ladies. Cheers to more adventures!
“Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible.” William Shakespeare, from the play Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1
Running is incredible.
Take it from a runner to say this. But it is true. I mean it. I am eternally grateful to this sport and all it has provided me. I’ve been a lifelong athlete—tennis player, mountain biker, gym rat, hiker—but running holds a special place in my soul. For the longest time, I always considered myself a tennis player (and I still am), but when I caught the running bug, I was overjoyed. The first time I ran three miles—November 18, 2010—I was not only amazed I had done it, but more impressed and excited with the possibilities of what my body could, and CAN, do. If you had told my high school self that one day I would A) like running and, B ) like it enough to run almost daily, and C) be so enamored of it to run marathons, I would have laughed in your face. I would not have believed all this. But lo and behold, here I am. Clad in running shorts, running shoes on my feet. App on my phone that keeps track of my mileage, Fitbit on my wrist. Researching my next race: which one? Better yet: which destination? Running in and of itself has, and continues to be a journey: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Running served as the sport, the transition, when I stepped away from competitive tennis play. From six to 20, tennis was my life. I knew I could not, would not ever cease to be an athlete, to be athletic, and running served as the new stepping stone. 2014 was my running year, averaging 40 miles a week for several months. Like clockwork, I was looping around Orchard, 12th, North, and 7th around my alma mater, Colorado Mesa University. Up to six days a week, there I was, still in my tennis gear, literally running around campus and beyond. To North Desert, the wide open expanse beyond town, to the popular mountain bike trails of Tabeguache. To Barcelona, Spain, running up Las Ramblas and to La Sagrada Familia…and of course, running in the shadow and slopes of my beloved foothills. To my dying day, many of my happiest memories will be of running in Colorado’s great outdoors—mountains, deserts, foothills. My terrain, my space, my place, where running allows me to explore and find solitude.
Running has given me both physical and mental fortitude. It provides discipline, and adventure. But best of all, running has given to me the best of friends, a support crew. We runners have seen, and felt, a lot. We know what it is to suffer; running has taught us that. From the physical pain of blisters, aches, sprains, injuries, to mental depletion, stemming from doubt, anger, fear of failure, running brings humility and perspective. I am grateful for the wonderful, positive people I have come to know and call friends, through running. Running has and will always be there, through the highs and lows, the ebb and flow that is life. We who run choose not to run away from challenges and obstacles, but to embrace them, and emerge stronger. So yes, bid us all run, and we will strive through the impossible.
The first weekend of this month I ran my second marathon, Grand Valley Marathon in Palisade. It was a great weekend, as I saw several of my close friends as well.
Tired but triumphant! Not my best run but I still did it. 🙂
Grand Valley Marathon is a road race that takes place at the far east end of the Grand Valley in Western Colorado. The course is an out and back route starting in downtown Palisade. Like Rim Rock Marathon , this race cruises through some of the most picturesque scenery in the state: Colorado’s wine country. Palisade contains a wealth of vineyards and lush peach, fruit, and lavender orchards that bloom in the spring: hence the race’s moniker of “Fruit and Wine 26.2.”
Before leaving for the Western Slope on Friday, race eve, my hiking buddy Jamie, whom I’d be staying with, was visiting Denver. Being both cat lovers, I suggested we visit Denver Cat Company, where, for an entry fee of $8 per person, you can sip tea and hang with, cuddle, and geek out over the 20 or so rescue cats roaming the establishment.
After hanging out for an hour and a half, I took off for Grand Junction. I stopped by Palisade first for packet pick up.
As I have with Dream Catcher Half and Rim Rock Marathon, I carbo loaded with Enzo’s spaghetti laden with marinara sauce. As Jamie was not yet back in town, I decided to do something I hadn’t done in a few years: dinner in the desert.
Pondering on how to eat spaghetti when you don’t have utensils…
After picking up my order at Enzo’s, I headed straight to North Desert via 27 1/4 Road. North Desert is the broad, open expanse of land just north of town. Under the management of BLM, the area is extremely popular for dirt biking, off-roading, 4 wheeling, etc. I drove about two or three miles in, then parked my car facing west, to watch the sunset. Giddily I pulled out my dinner, only to find I didn’t have any utensils…I made do with a brand new ball point pen. Surprisingly, it was quite effective at scooping up spaghetti. It was a beautiful, calm evening; sunsets on the Western Slope never disappoint.
I headed home once it was twilight, prepped all my race gear per normal: Leadville tank, bib, Brooks shorts, Mizuno Wave Horizon shoes, basically the same apparel I wore at Rim Rock Marathon. You can call it my good luck outfit.
The marathon started at 6:30 am, so I headed to bed around 11, and woke up around 4:30 am, super excited for race day. For breakfast I consumed 2 Clif bars and drank plenty of water, arriving at the start line around 6. The sun had not yet risen, and it was gusty and cool out. I’d been agonizing over if I should wear my racing vest, and if I should wear leggings. I ultimately decided on sticking with shorts, and wearing my vest, containing GUs and gels, over my light shell jacket.
A runner friend of mine ran the marathon last year, placing second over all. He said Grand Valley Marathon is a small, old-school race: you’re provided a chip timer to place on your shoe, with total marathon runners averaging between 12-20 folks. Sure enough, as start time approached, I noted only about a dozen folks, give or take a few, gathering at the start line. My hiking buddies Trish and Cate, who ran the half marathon that started at 7, their first ever half, came to wish me luck and cheer me on. Right before lining up, a race official talked over race rules and the course. We’d be running for 2 miles east on N. River Road which crossed the Colorado River, then make our way southwest along G Road for 2 miles. Then we would continue onto the Fruit and Wine Byway, which zig zags through the vineyards and orchards, then turn around at the 13.1 mile mark.
Course map, from Grand Valley race website, www.grandvalleymarathon.com
The marathoners and I then gathered at the intersection of 3rd and Main, and at his shout of “GO!” the race began. Whereupon I did my first racing blunder… I lead the pack for the first few miles. Oops!
From start I was running at a decent pace, nothing that felt too fast. I didn’t have my Fitbit or any watch with me, so my actual pace is all conjecture. I was amazed I was leading, for I did not feel I was exerting myself at all–a side effect of all my hill running. This marathon course is flat overall, with one climb of 700 ft. or so; nothing like Rim Rock, with nearly 2000 ft. gain and loss. I kept looking over my shoulder, seeing I had distance between myself and the next runner…Yeah, you could say I was feeling way overconfident–I was. With such a small pool of runners, I felt I’d do pretty decent in this race. Never before had I led a race, and I slowed down a bit, but not enough. Just before the hill climb, the second runner started closing in behind me. He passed me on the hill, which didn’t bother me too much. Once back on the flat, I pulled back a bit, but it was too little too late. I had a new problem: I was overhydrated, and kept having to stop by several aid stations, starting at mile 7. And with every stop, someone passed me. 🙁
Despite my annoying bladder, I was still feeling good when I reached the turnaround point at 13.1 miles. Looking at my phone, I noted that, even with potty breaks, I ran this distance in 2 hours 4 minutes: 5 minutes faster than my time at Dream Catcher Half. “You’re doing great!” exclaimed one of the race volunteers. “You’re second place female overall.” So, yeah, I was still feeling pretty confident I’d run this course–flat, with fewer runners—faster than Rim Rock.
It was a beautiful morning, and by now the sun had been up for well over an hour. Turning around to race eastward, you face the looming mass of Grand Mesa, and the stretch of Book Cliffs along I-70. The wine vineyards and peach orchards were healthy and blooming, and a few locals had gathered along the course to cheer us runners on. Otherwise, the course was very quiet, very peaceful.
Heading back to Palisade, approx. mile 17. Mt. Garfield is the landmark in the background.The course passes by Alida’s Fruits: lovely place full of local goodies, such as peaches, jams, jellies, etc.
Unfortunately, my bladder continued to nag me, and my left knee began to whine around mile 16, a whole 4 miles earlier than it did at Rim Rock. By this point another female had passed me, so I was now in third. By mile 18, I had to walk a bit, for my left knee was stiff as a board. So lesson learned: don’t start off too fast! Duh! As I run primarily hills, this means I tend to run pretty snappy on flat terrain, sometimes to my detriment. Training wise for this race, I did include more flat work in weekly runs, but obviously not quite enough. Looking at the time as I continued on, I knew I’d be unable to achieve my (overly ambitious) finish time of 4.5 hours or under. Now I adjusted to finishing at under 5 hours. Starting at mile 19, I was all glorified walk/ run… yeah. Mentally, I was cursing at both my bladder and knee. My heart was just fine; the “engine” was running smooth but my mechanics were off this race. 🙁
Approaching the finish line. Photo courtesy of Yoli H.
At 5 hours 14 minutes, I finally crossed the finish line–a full 20 minutes slower than Rim Rock. Ouch. I’ll admit I was feeling a little disappointed as I approached the finish. But immediately upon seeing, and hearing, my friends Jamie (who drove back that same morning!), Yoli, Trish, Kale, and Cate cheer me on, I felt victorious and extremely grateful. 🙂 Without a doubt, I have THE BEST support crew.
I did it! Kale is at the far right cheering me on. 🙂 Photo courtesy of Jamie C.Photo courtesy of Trish W.Go Trish, Kale, and Cate! 🙂 Photo courtesy of Yoli. H.
Raising my arms in triumph, I immediately slowed to a walk. A race official placed a finisher’s medal around my neck, and removed my chip timer. Hobbling to the side, Jamie helped me remove my race vest; I was so tired the simplest tasks were difficult. We sat by the snack table run by race volunteers, where I greedily munched on trail mix. I caught up with Trish, Cate, and Kale, who all did great in their first half and 10k, respectively. 🙂 Later that evening I went with Jamie and Yoli to Ale House in Grand Junction. I feasted on fish tacos, and for dessert, fruit parfait.
Yum!
The next day, Jamie and I attended the bridal shower of her friend, Sabrina. Held in the wide open desert by Fruita, it was the perfect way to cap off a great, momentous weekend.
Me, Sabrina, and Jamie. Photo courtesy of Jamie C.
If you’re a marathoner or avid runner, I highly recommend any of the Grand Valley races. For the spectacular scenery alone, it is absolutely worth it. And if you especially dislike big, crowded races, then this race is certainly for you. Despite not reaching my goal time, I still thoroughly enjoyed this race. Obviously, lesson learned: don’t start off too fast! Flat courses can be deceptive…pace yourself. But to be fair to myself, however, this is only my second marathon, so I’m still learning, maturing as a runner. Grand Valley Marathon truly is a little known secret of a race, which makes it special. Plus, you can feel good in that the Grand Valley race series gives back to the community as it is a fundraiser for Palisade’s unique Fruit and Wine Byway, a true Colorado gem.
~LMC
*As always, I would like to thank my friends Jamie, Yoli, Cate, and Trish for graciously contributing your photos to this post 😀. Love you ladies!
Hoka is currently one of the fastest growing brands in run specialty. Their radical approach of maximum cushioned shoes has and continues to win over countless runners, walkers, and those just simply looking for a comfortable shoe. With plenty of models in both road and trail running, Hoka have long since proved their popularity; they are no longer just a niche brand. Originating in 2009, during the minimalist/ barefoot running trend, Hoka was polar opposite in their philosophy, their shoes providing generous stacked cushion accompanied with a meta rocker. In keeping an open mind to the “maximalist” trend, I recently acquired the Hoka Torrent trail shoe, a new trail racer for the brand.
Specs
The Torrent is a cushioned trail racing shoe with a heel to toe drop of 5mm, and a stack height of 26mm at the heel, and 21mm at the forefoot. The shoe does not have a rock plate, given this thickness and firmness of the midsole. The shoe is very lightweight, with each shoe weighing at 7.5oz for a woman’s size 8B (which I own). The outsole features multidirectional lugs to provide traction on technical terrain.
Great traction!
The midsole is comprised of Hoka’s PROFLY midsole to provide energy return and shock absorption. The upper is engineered mesh to provide breathability, while rubber overlays on the toe box provide additional protection and durability. As with the majority of trail running shoes, the Torrent is a neutral shoe (it does not address pronation.)
Running Location: Bear Creek Lake Park, Morrison, CO
Starting at 8am, I ran an out and back route on a section of the Mt. Carbon Loop, a simple single-track trail. I started from Soda Lakes parking lot just outside Morrison, then made my way east along the sidewalk and under the C-470 underpass, then hopped onto the trail. It was a brisk but sunny day, with the trail still covered in snow. As it was early in the day, the snow had not yet thawed, and was still firm: no sloppiness or mud. Overall elevation averages 5,568 ft.
Firm snow, perfect for running.
First Impression
Immediately upon trying these, the cushion is noticeably firmer than the uber popular Speedgoat trail shoe, which I own as well. I always describe the Speedgoat as a pillow beneath my foot, with the midsole having a stack height of 32mm at the heel, and 28mm at the forefoot; the shoe is very plush. The Torrent on the other hand lacks this plushness, and has a stack height several centimeters lower. For those who prefer a firmer shoe, or are intimidated by the amount of cushion and stack height in the Speedgoat and Stinson models, this new model can be an option when considering Hoka trail shoes. And whereas the Speedgoat has a true meta rocker that provides a smoother heel to toe transition, I didn’t feel much of one while running in the Torrent. I do like the feel of the rocker whenever I wear my Speedgoats, but it is not necessarily something I always want to have while running; hence, the Torrent is a nice way to vary things up.
L: Hoka Torrent, R: Hoka Speedgoat 2
Size wise, I find the Torrent runs long. Normally I wear 8.5B, but for this shoe I went with 8B, and I still have plenty of room. With trail shoes especially extra room is ideal, to avoid jamming the toes when running downhill, and to accommodate for swelling. But to be honest, even wearing my thickest wool socks, the 8B still fits just a tad bit big. But personal preference always plays a huge role in selecting and trying on shoes, so if you really like a roomy fit, Torrent fits this bill. As with most Hokas I have tried, the width of this shoe is a little wider. If you found Hoka Challenger too narrow or Hoka Stinson too wide for your liking, Torrent is a good option. Wearing the Torrent and Speedgoat side by side, I find the width to be about the same.
I ran about five miles total, the snow underfoot a crunchy, dry consistency. The lugs provided great traction and I had zero issues with sliding; I felt secure the whole run. I felt snappy in these shoes and can see how they are trail racers, with their lightness and superior grip along the ground. Regarding route technicality, the section I ran is very flat, with a small rise of a few hundred feet or so. This incline posed no trouble for the shoes as I scrambled up to take in Bear Creek Reservoir. Running back down the lugs still did their job of offering great control.
Bear Creek Reservoir, looking west. The red object in the middle of the photo is an ice fishing hut.
Regarding comfort, I like the softness of the Speedgoat but like how the stack height is lower in the Torrent. Hoka shoes are about muting the feeling of the ground underneath; a rock plate is not necessary for these shoes at all with the PROFLY midsole providing plenty of protection underfoot. I ran in the Torrent with no orthotics, and as I have higher arches, I can see myself using my Currex insoles with the shoes to further customize the fit. The Torrent’s mesh upper sits a little higher above the foot, giving a some wiggle room for the feet, while the Speedgoat upper hugs the foot more. I did not experience any heel slipping.
I am quite impressed with the Hoka Torrent. I appreciate the lower stack height and the firmer cushion is a nice break from higher cushioned Hokas. The tread performed wonderfully in the snow, so I can only assume that on dry conditions the lugs would be just as efficient on dirt and technical terrain. The sizing I find a little big, but then again that may be due to preference. If you are wanting to try a Hoka trail shoe but don’t want to commit to a greater stack height or higher cushioning level, drop by your local running store to give these shoes a try! They are ideal not just for running but can easily be used for hiking as well. The Torrent is available in various color options for both men and women, and retails at $120.
~LMC
*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items mentioned in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.
