There was little to no break-in period with these shoes. I took them for a trail run right out of the box and had neither hot spots nor any pinching. The elastic scree collar in the tongue provides protection from trail debris. It is also in large part to the scree collar that these shoes wrap your foot like a glove and are as comfortable as a pair of slippers.

The Single Tracks are comparatively light, weighing in at 11.5 ounces, making them heavier than my training flats, but lighter than my road runners. However, at this weight these trail runners are a veritable lightweight when compared to other trail runners. I also find the Single Tracks to have a low profile (12mm heel to toe drop compared to my training flats at 8mm heel to toe drop). This low profile allows for a good feel of the trail and yet at the same time provides an ample amount of cushioning to do some road running; which is helpful if you have to get over some pavement to reach the trailhead.

I am a Clydesdale runner (hovering around 210 pounds) and I have had no problems using these as my everyday trail runners as well as my go-to race day runners. These Single Tracks will leave big shoes to fill when they need replacing.

Chad Sawatzky is a Saskatchewan trail runner and The North Face Canadian Trail Ambassador for Saskatchewan / Manitoba. Photo credit:  Carla Sawatzky

Mon évaluation des souliers Single Track de North Face

Ça fait plusieurs années que j’utilise les chaussures North Face. Ma première paire de chaussures de trail TNF était une paire de Fire Roads que j’ai trouvé dans une boite de vente lors de ma lune de miel à Maine en 2001 (choisi principalement pour leur jeu de couleurs chic!). Depuis cette paire de Fire Roads,  j’ai essayé plusieurs modèles de chaussures de North Face ; les Rucky Chucky, les Endurus XCRs avec système de laçage Boa et les  Double Tracks. Cependant, ce n’est que quand j’ai couru dans les Single Tracks que j’ai trouvé mon Shangri-la de chaussures de trail.

Je suis parti sur la piste pour une randonnée de 10km la première journée que j’ai eu ces  souliers. Les souliers n’ont pas pincé mes pieds et je n’ai pas eu d’ampoules. Il y a un collier élastique incorporé dans la tige qui offre de la protection contre les débris de la piste. C’est à cause de ce collier élastique que ces chaussures enveloppent votre pied comme un gant et sont aussi confortables qu’une paire de pantoufles.

Les Single Tracks sont relativement léger, pesant 11,5 oz, ce qui les rend plus lourds que mes chaussures de course (Brooks Green Silence), mais plus léger que mes TNF Double Tracks. De toute façon, à ce poids, les Single Tracks sont les plus légers de toutes les chaussures de trail que j’ai déjà utilisé. Je trouve également que les Single Tracks ont une semelle mince (12 mm du talon/coup de pied comparé à mes chaussures de course qui ont une chute de 8 mm du talon/coup de pied). Cette semelle mince permet de sentir la piste mais fournit une bonne quantité de coussin pour courir sur la route ; utile si vous devez courir sur le pavé avant d’arriver à la piste.

Je suis pesant (plus que 200 livres), un vrai Clydesdale et je n’ai eu aucun problème à utiliser ces chaussures tous les jours pour m’entrainer sur les pistes ou pour courir des courses. Mes Single Tracks vont être difficile à remplacer.

Avant d’aller plus loin, je me présente Sébastien Côté nouvellement organisateur de course en sentier et, bien sûr, je suis aussi trail runner. La majorité des gens me connaisse comme un randonneur, un marcheur, un hiker ou un trekker, mais je vous dirais que je suis plutôt un amant de la nature sur toutes ses formes.

Bref, j’ai passé l’hiver à courir sur la glace d’un grand lac du nom de Lac des Deux-Montagnes, en passant ne chercher pas les 2 montagnes. J’y ai couru de belles petites distances accompagnées de motoneiges avec de gracieux moteurs 2 temps et 4 temps. J’avais aussi prévu m’initier à la raquette de course dans un club d’entrainement de Montréal, mais le manque de neige m’a vite fait délaisser cette idée. J’avais pourtant plein d’ambitions, dont celle de devenir champion du monde. Finalement, pour contenter mon besoin d’adrénaline, je me suis retourné vers ma fidèle planche à neige, une Volkl de race. Maintenant que mon bilan de saison d’hiver est terminé je peux me tourner vers l’avenir, je regarde le calendrier des courses et je songe enfin à reprendre l’entrainement spécifique au trail running.

Pourquoi faire un calendrier de courses? C’est une question personnelle, pour certains c’est pour s’assurer d’avoir un objectif pour obliger l’entretien de son petit body, un peu mon cas, et pour d’autres, c’est une question de performance et de programme d’entrainement. Mais attention, le calendrier de course c’est aussi pour s’assurer une place lors de l’évènement. Généralement, le trail running n’est pas très achalandé, à quelques exceptions près, mais de plus en plus d’adeptes y participent, c’est une joie pour les organisateurs. La hausse d’achalandage aide à diminuer le prix des inscriptions et à offrir un évènement de meilleure qualité. Les raisons souvent citées pour participer à une course en sentier sont les suivantes : l’ambiance, la camaraderie et essayer d’autres types de surface. Une note pour vos entrainements, chaque surface a ses avantages et ses inconvénients, à vous de sélectionner convenablement, et n’oubliez pas le dénivelé (D+).

Toujours est-il que pour la majorité des trail runners, le cycle des saisons ne change absolument rien à leur pratique sportive. Ce sont des coureurs des bois qui n’ont pas peur des intempéries, ils sortent jouer dehors en petits souliers de course entre 3 et 8 heures par semaine, voir beaucoup plus pour les ultra trailers. Un sport simple, un peu moins accessible dans les grandes cités urbaines, mais qui fait drôlement du bien au coeur et à l’âme. La saison de trail running 2012 est officiellement ouverte un mois en avance dans l’est, préparez-vous!

Sébastien Côté est administrateur des systèmes Web de Radio-Canada, Tou.TV et Espace.mu. Il est un sportif, trail runner, alpine snowboarder, hiker et organisateur du XC Harricana. Vous pouvez lire son blogue personnel au http://apasebastien.blogspot.ca

Last weekend, March 10th, I geared up and did the Dirty Duo for my 5th time. Rather than bore people with a race report about my race, I want to explain what makes the Dirty Duo unique and amazing, not just for me, but for many others as well.

So, what is the Dirty Duo and why is it so great? The quick answer: it is quintessential North Shore! What does that even mean? If you’re from the North Shore, or already love playing in the trail network, you know the answers already. If not, well here are five reasons:

1) Mountain biking and trail running: the Dirty Duo is THE event that brings together the two predominant and extremely overlapped, populations who use and maintain the trails – mountain bikers and trail runners (no offence to hikers and dog-walkers!). While I’m biased and use the trails predominantly for running, the North Shore is internationally renowned for its mountain biking. Over the years it has been the subject of many bike magazine covers. You don’t have to look far to see how well mountain bikers and trail runners get along. I live with a mountain biker, and I’m pretty sure if our dog could choose, he’d rather ride a bike. The race recognizes this friendly relationship, and common love of the trails by offering categories for runners (15k, 25k and 50k), mountain bikers (30k), relay racers (25k run and 30k bike), and solo racers (in which one crazy person does both the running and cycling events!).

2) Mud, roots, rocks, puddles, mist, moss and ferns! It is always muddy, slippery, and brilliantly green, usually drizzly, and often slushy in parts. Even if it has been brilliantly sunny leading up to the event, on the day of the event, it is almost always overcast and/or drizzling. This is the North Shore at its finest and exactly why runners and mountain bikers love playing here. Though the trails look brilliant under bluebird skies, they are truly at their best when it is moody and magical.

3) Lynn Canyon, the Baden Powell, Bridal Path, Ned’s Atomic Dustbin! This event weaves and winds through lower Seymour and manages to include all of the trails that are synonymous with this area. If you want to see maps and /or elevation profiles for each of the courses, go here: http://www.dirtyduo.com/raceinfo.asp?page=description. What is missing from these is a description of what to expect: Climbs, technical descents, and undulating terrain, all of which tests a different set of muscles. There is never a time to recover on the Dirty Duo, and it has something for everyone to love and to hate. While I personally find that the steady climbs (3k and 1000 ft at one point) destroy me, there are those who thrive on hills, but will likely be beat up by the technical descents. There are also false flats to make legs feel like lead, and undulating technical terrain to test those tiny stabilizers.

4) March! C’mon it’s early March – still officially winter! The trails are runnable and rideable! In fact, trail runners and mountain bikers can attack the North Shore’s lower trails year round! This is an early race however, and is a solid kick in the butt and honest measure of fitness and mental grit to use while planning the remainder of the racing year.

5) Organization and community. This year, I noticed another amazing thing. Previously, I have always participated as the runner on a relay team, which has meant an 8am start with the other relay runners, ultra-runners and solo participants. There is something blissfully satisfying about being finished a gruelling event when others have yet to begin. This time however, I did the 25k run only, which started at 10am. While I missed being part of team, I appreciated seeing just how well organized the event is. Much of the credit goes to the Race Director, Heather MacDonald, and the tireless volunteers, but credit also goes to the users of the North Shore trails. The timing is such that I was out there as the relay runners were returning and relay bikers were starting at varying times. Ultra runners were out racing, and Saturday hikers and runners were out and about with their dogs. I witnessed a display of trail etiquette at its best. Despite fatigue and very technical single track, runners gave way to faster bikers, and hikers held on to their dogs and cheered with enthusiasm as racers went by. It was inspirational.

The Dirty Duo packages the North Shore trails with something for everyone (as long as you like mud)! I would highly recommend that anyone who would like a fun tasting menu of the North Shore trails do this race, or simply run the course for fun. You will love it! You will hate it! Regardless, I predict that you will want to do it again!

Sasha Brown is a trail runner from North Vancouver. She is also The North Face Canadian trail ambassador for British Columbia. You can find her at www.playwithabandon.ca.

I put the Vivobarefoot Neo Trail Shoe through a couple of rigorous trail workouts and I must say I was impressed. The first thing I noticed about this shoe was it’s incredible traction on rough and loose terrain. The sole of the shoe is made of a tough flexible (recycled) rubber, complete with an intricate series of lugs providing the runner with unbridled traction, especially for a minimalist shoe. When the company says this is the “trail version” they aren’t joking. It held up quite well as you’ll see in the video below. The second thing I noticed was  how incredibly light this shoe is designed. There is simply no extra weight for this shoe, which provides a true almost-barefoot feel on the trails. Rarely do shoes live up to their lofty titles, but the Vivobarefoot neo trail is the closest any shoe may come. The shoe is also designed with a toe guard preventing any unnecessary blackened or bruised toes. In addition, the manufacturers have somehow rivaled this shoe with the most comfortable thing you ever have or will put on your feet. I’ve worn a lot of different shoes, but was surprised at the ’slipper-like’ feel of this shoe immediately. The break-in period for these shoes, in terms of comfort, is non-existent. Before I trashed them on the trails I wore them around the house for a few days just for fun.

The Neo trail upper is a light breathable fabric that works well with the standard lacing system. The lacing system may be my only partial complaint. The shoe has a standard lacing system, but given the rest of the shoe’s innovative feel, I felt they could’ve spent more time in this area. Perhaps something a little more slick, such as fewer laces and/or more of a strap (aka Five Fingers) or stretchable material. There was also way too much shoe lace for shoe, but that’s an easily solved problem. Nonetheless the shoe is everything a runner would want in a minimalist barefoot trail shoe – super lightweight, breathable, comfortable and with plenty of traction for all types of trails.

The Vivobarefoot company also espouses their shoes improve your ‘proprioception’ – which means your body’s sense of its own position. To a trail runner you can break this down to ‘Can I feel the trail’? I’d have to say the the Neo Trail shoes did give me a great feel for the trail, almost the closest thing I could imagine without using Five Fingers or going barefoot. Given our local trails and cold weather conditions my preference would still be the Neo Trail shoes. The traction lugs detract slightly from feeling the trail, but there’s gotta be some sacrifices for the incredible traction these shoes provide.

If you are not familiar with barefoot or minimalist shoes you should work into these shoes (or similar shoes) over a long period of time. Begin with short slower runs and gradually build distance and speed. The Vivobarefoot Neo trail shoes provide virtually no heel padding as would your typical trail shoes. Speed work and hills will put a significant amount of force on your lower leg and foot muscles and tendons, so take it slow and gradually ramp up your barefoot running. Too fast too soon can result in injury (and some sore leg/foot muscles you didn’t  know you had). Heed the warning or you’ll end up limping around for a few days after your first few minimalist workouts like I did, even if you’re a seasoned runner.

MSRP: $115 CDN

Product supplied by In-Sport Fashions – http://www.insport.ca/

Here’s a short video of one day trail testing the Vivobarefoot Neo Trail shoes.

Download PDF: Trail Runner Winter 2012 Volume 1 (8MB)

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I have been using compression calf sleeves since 2009. My original reason for not getting the sock style was that I worried about the longevity of it. I know how fast I can wear out a pair of normal running socks as a high mileage runner. As a result, I thought it would be wiser to spend the money on the calf sleeves. However, having run in the CEP compression socks now, I realized my initial concern was not an issue at all. I was pleasantly surprised how padded the CEP socks are. I have running socks that are similar in thickness and have lasted for years and survived countless rugged trail runs and ultra races. And I expect the CEP socks will too.  Just make sure to keep them out of the puppy’s mouth.

Trail testing the CEP socks

The first few times, I only used my CEP compression socks after runs for recovery purpose, or wore them at home while on the bike trainer. My first impression is that the CEP compression socks provide a much greater compression than my calf sleeves.  Which I love! One advantage the sock style has over the calf sleeves is the compression over the ankle area which often is my trouble area. However, I would like to see more pressure around the arch area of the foot rather than around the toes.  Initially, I felt my toes were being squashed but after a few more times wearing them, I didn’t notice this anymore. When I finally wore them for long runs I found these knee high socks can get quite warm even during November. Makes me wonder if my black pair would get too hot for summer runs? Fortunately, CEP compression socks come in several colours, including white ones. But as trail runners, we know white socks are like muddy trail magnets.  Unlike the calf sleeves, if you do get overheated during a run with these knee high socks, you can’t just take them off, unless you have another pair of socks handy. Simply rolling them down won’t solve the problem either as the tightness would cause discomfort, or even numbness. If you feel this may be an issue in your climate, CEP also offers calf sleeves that utilize the same technology as the compression socks. As for sizing, I got mine based on the sizing chart on the package and found they fit just right. However I have two friends (both female) who mention that what they got based on the sizing chart seem too small. My suggestion is to quickly try them on at the store.  Most reputable running stores would not have any issue with that.

At the present time there is still scientific debate on whether compression socks result in improved performance. CEP cites a study by Friedrich-Alexander from the University of Erlangen/Nuremberg stating proven benefits including: increased blood circulation, more oxygen for the musculature and enhanced performance. Most users including myself, can attest to benefits from compression clothing that include reduced muscle fatique/cramping/stiffness and improved recovery. Given the increasing popularity of compression socks among elite and recreational runners alike, it seems few people are waiting for clear scientific proof before giving the technology a chance. In addition to running use, the socks can also be worn to improve lower leg blood flow during long vehicle trips or long flights.

Suggested Retail Price: $80.00 CDN
Product supplied by: Entrix Sports - http://www.entrixsports.com

Alan Lam is an experienced ultra runner from Calgary, Alberta. In 2011 he completed the TransRockies Run and won the Lost Soul Ultra 100k.

There was a great response to the request for applicants with many qualified submissions from across the country. The five chosen ambassadors represent a spectrum from mid-packers to front-packers, great writers and film makers, two female, three male, and both french and english language skills represented. The North Face and Trail Running Canada are excited about the contribution these ambassadors will make to the Canadian trail running community in 2012. The North Face Canadian trail ambassador initiative represents a significant milestone in the promotion of trail running in Canada. Catch the ambassadors at your local races and be sure to visit www.trailrunner.ca to read and watch their regular news posts in 2012.

Region: British Columbia
Running Accomplishments: Kneeknacker 30 miler 3 top 5 finishes, Seven Summits ‘08, Stormy ‘04 – 3rd

Website: www.playwithabandon.ca

Quote: “I’m not elite, but I have been a part of the North Vancouver trail running community for almost a decade. Over the years, I have helped to indoctrinate many others into the trail running cult, by volunteering as a run leader for a local adventure race. I love seeing the many people I helped train, covered in mud and sweat with joy in their eyes and smiles on their faces…I have a passion and enthusiasm that I am told is infectious”

Region: Alberta
Running Accomplishments: Fast Trax 50 mile female winner, Lost Soul 50k female winner ‘09, ‘10, Blackfoot 50k female winner ‘10, 2011 member of Team Canada for Commonwealth Trail Championships

Quote: “Starting to run was my biggest accomplishment, as I used to be a smoker, have been hit twice by cars-once as a pedestrian, and once on my bike,and have had many health issues to overcome…But more than running accomplishments, running has helped me to accomplish other things–running has helped me see the world, and wonderfully out of the way places in countries such as Taiwan, Wales, China, Mongolia, and Canada, has allowed me to meet wonderful people from just as many places, and has given me a way to handle life.”

Region: Saskatchewan / Manitoba
Running Accomplishments: Saskatchewan Ultra 50k, 5 Peaks COP 10k 2011, 5 Peaks Nakiska 13k 2011

Website: http://skclydesdaletrailrunner.blogspot.com/

Quote: “I believe in the North Face brand, I have owned and used their products for the last 20 years. I already do a lot of promoting of local races to my students and school community. I have also helped train many friends who are beginners to the sport and watched them compete in local races of all distances. I am a friendly, local flatland trail runner and many people in Saskatoon would recognize me from my hours on the trails.”

Region: Ontario
Running Accomplishments: 2011 Haliburton 50 miler winner, 2010 Haliburton 100 mile 2nd place

Blog: http://keithiskiw.wordpress.com/

Quote: “We have this awesome wilderness that surrounds the City of Kingston and when I go running I see no one out there using it. It makes me sad. Letting people in this community and others know about our great trail systems and some of the great races in Ontario would make it all worth while, if even just a few people get into trail running and explore these trails.”

Region: Quebec & East
Running Accomplishments: Ultimate XC 58km, Jay Mountain 50 mile ‘07, ‘08

Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ilitout

Quote: I’m taking every chance that I have to educate people about the pleasures of running and particularly running on trails. As I was first a hiker then a climber and high altitude alpinist, my playground has always been the outdoors. I had the chance to travel to different mountain ranges and between the expeditions, running is the best way to get and stay in shape…As I am a photographer and athlete, I had multiple occasions to present slideshows in schools and in local theaters about my running achievements.”

The HPL #020 is definitely more of a vest than your typical backpack. The biggest difference is the lack of a hip belt.

Nathan HPL #020 back

Normally a hip belt is an essential component of any running pack as it prevents unwanted bounce. Nathan instead has opted for a series of adjustable side straps and a chest strap. As a smaller individual (5′6″) I found the vest required a significant amount of adjustments and a few test runs in order to fit as designed. The two side straps on each side needed adjustment as well as the chest strap. Unlike more simple running packs with just a hip belt, this cannot be done on the trail, so I’d advise testing your HPL #020 before a race. I guess this is the disadvantage of having a one-size-fits-all product. Following all of the necessary adjustments the vest fit snug and didn’t bounce as it did during my first test runs.

The next thing I adjusted was the hose. Some runners have complained about Nathan’s earlier bite valves, but for me it was the hose. It was simply too long and was constantly coming out of the pack and ending up around my ear, liable to get caught on a low-hanging branch and just annoying. But alas, a quick email to the supplier and I learned that the hose can easily be cut to fit your body size. After this final adjustment the HPL #020 was ready for action.

Nathan HPL #020 front

The #020 vest comes with a two litre hydration bladder that is easy to open and refill (#008 comes with 1.5 L). Instead of the standard circular screw cap typically of many bladders, Nathan uses an open top sealed with a lever contraption. This allows easy refills, but if you’re not careful it’s also easy to spill. Many running packs have opted to leave the hydration bladder to the choice of the consumer and not include one with the pack. Nathan has opted for the one-stop shop idea, likely wondering why a consumer should have to purchase two separate items when one can include both. This results in a higher MRSP ($110), but you also get a 2.0 litre bladder with the vest.

Nathan bladders

On the trail the #020 feels light, secure (if all adjustments are made) and airy. Many packs create unnecessary added weight and result in increased sweat on your back. The #020 addresses these challenges head-on with lightweight and very breathable mesh resulting in noticeably less sweat build up than other race packs or vests. Possibly the best feature of the vest is the dual front stretch mesh pocks. For gels or bars these pockets are ultra convenient compared to some of the more cumbersome hip belt pockets on other packs. One of the two front pockets is zippered allowing for storage of a cell phone, ID card or extra cash on your longer training runs.

After the adjustments to fit my body size the Nathan HPL #020 performed very well on the trails. It took a little getting used to the switch from a backpack to a vest, but in the end I preferred the vest because it didn’t put any unwanted pressure on my stomach, which can be an issue during races and long intense runs where calories must be consumed. The Nathan HPL #020 is a high-quality race vest that provides all the essentials needed for race day or a long training run.

A runner wearing the #020 vest

Manufacturer Specs:

Suggested Retail Price – $110 CDN
3-way Propulsion Harness
2 liter Hydration Bladder with a Slideseal™ top closure
and bite valve
Dual front Power Stretch Mesh pockets –– one with zipper closure
Two zippered rear compartments
Shock Cord with one-pull tension lock for jacket or gloves
Vertically adjustable sternum strap with tube clip
Lightweight, breathable Wall Mesh with soft perimeter binding
Weight: 14.0 oz. - Adjustable fit – one size fits all

Product supplied by In-Sport Fashions – http://www.insport.ca/

~JS