As days shorten for winter, many runners are without choice: either give up daily runs, or run in the dark. Here are some tips to safe and enjoyable running when the sun isn’t out.

1. See what is in your path with a headlamp. With recent advances in LED technology, headlamps are brighter, lighter, and less expensive than they were just a few years ago. Many, like the waterproof Storm from Black Diamond also offer dimming beams and safety modes that can strobe in an emergency. You’ll want a headlamp that is bright enough to blaze the trail ahead, while also illuminating obstacles like rocks, stumps, or uneven terrain.
2. Let others know that you are in their path with proper attire. Look for clothing and accessories with reflective elements (known as “hits”) built into the design. These can be a small as a reflective logo on a shirt or reflective piping on shoes and are illuminated by automotive headlights or other runners’ headlamps. If you frequently run in fog or near roadways, consider a flashing beacon to increase visibility to automotive traffic.
3. Treat your body right, in heat OR cold. Cooler weather demands a longer stretching time to ensure muscles are warmed up correctly. Don’t forget your cool down period and remember to stay hydrated! Your body loses fluids as you exercise even in cool temperatures. Consider a Camelbak or Osprey hydration pouch; they’ll allow you to store gloves and headbands when not needed, and many feature reflective elements for safety as well. (Camelbak Octane XCT)
4. There is safety in nighttime numbers. Consider running with a group when the sun isn’t out. Not only will this provide peace of mind from strangers on the trail, but you’ll gain the benefit of others’ lights and eyes watching for hidden obstacles and tripping hazards. Groups also make more noise than solo runners, making wildlife aware of your presence and less likely to be startled into an altercation. (See our weekly trail run below)
5. Enjoy the outdoors in the best light. Running during a magnificent sunrise or sunset will enhance any environment and make your run that much more enjoyable. Grab a quick photo with your cell phone and share with your friends on Facebook!

Outdoor Brand of the Week INOV-8 Performance Shoes

ON THE WALL IN ALL ALABAMA OUTDOORS LOCATIONS!

We’re thrilled to offer a range of performance footwear from INOV-8 at all of our Alabama Outdoors locations! Less is more in the case of these excellent shoes. Inov-8 footwear is designed to allow a more natural running and workout form, letting nothing alter the biomechanics of the foot and body. Natural form relies on strength rather then over the top cushioning or unneeded support. The foot and body should control the shoe, not the other way around. Inov-8 products are lightweight, minimal, and functional over any terrain, over any obstacle, any distance, and at any speed. Each shoe is designed with the optimum cushioning and features for grip and comfort over the intended terrain – from rocks to dirt, mud to sand, pavement to the gym. Our buyers purposely picked only 3 models to carry at our stores, each with a distinct intent and function. Lets spotlight those 3 models and give a little information on each;

THE F-LITE 195
A highly breathable – very stable – low profile (3mm heel to toe drop) extremely lightweight (6.9oz) workout shoe perfect the athlete requiring a natural minimal platform. This unisex shoe is made for sprinting, weightlifting, rope climbing and intense gym workouts. Our crossfit go to model. We’ve also like it as a good looking everyday shoe to help strengthen the feet and legs.***FYI – SELECT MODELS OF THE F-LITE ARE ON SALE AT OUR HOMEWOOD LOCATION FOR 30% OFF!!***

TERRAFLY 303
This is your all purpose runner designed for those wanting a door step to trail head shoe designed to do it all. Minimal cushioning for road running, low profile tread pattern for trail running, and a low 6mm heel to toe drop for a stable and comfortable platform weighing in at just 10oz. One shoe to rule them all! This shoe is also ideal for those just getting into wearing a more minimal shoe, or those looking to start running trails but still put in a good amount of road miles. The upper is also one of the most comfortable we’ve worn.

TRAILROC 255
Specifically designed for the riggers of tough trail running, this lightweight 10oz shoe can stand the test on the roughest trails over the longest distances. This comfortable and tough shoe sports a 6mm heel to toe drop for a natural running form, a meta-shank rock plate for underfoot protection, small widely spaced lugs for grip in the gnarliest of conditions, and a comfortable wide toe box for flex and support. Quite simply this shoe rules the trails. A true dirt runner.

THIS NEXT TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH join us out at Red Mountain Park for our Every Tuesday Group Trail Runs as INOV-8 will be on hand with us demoing and sampling shoes for all to try out! We meet between 5:30 pm and 5:45 pm at the entrance of Red Mountain Park for 3 guided pace groups. We were cautious and cancelled due to the threat of tropical weather this week, but we’ll be back out in full force on the 4th of September! For more information on our group runs, our sponsored races, and all outdoor events check out our Alabama Outdoors blog and like us on FaceBook.

See ya on the Trails!
Shop Locally, Eat Locally, Run Locally

NEW! New Balance Minimus Amp (MT1010) is on the wall in Homewood!

By Phil Croley | Thursday August 23rd, 2012

I haven’t been this excited about a trail shoe in some time and have been (patiently) awaiting it’s arrival (I’m a trail shoe nerd). Finally here, the New Balance MT1010 (also called the Minimus Amp) looks even sharper in person and feels exceptional on the feet (that perfect New Balance sock like fit; not too tight, not too loose).

This 4mm heel drop trail runner seems like a ton more shoe then it’s 7oz weight thanks to a carved out lugged Vibram sole and a generous rockplate up front, giving it the perfect amount of under foot protection (no more underfoot bruising) all in a light weight fast minimal package.

I have a feeling this shoe will become my go to long distance trail runner of choice! Stop by our Alabama Outdoors Homewood location for a professional fit in a pair of these dirt runners!

Like Us on Facebook to keep up to date on all our Trail Events, Trail Running Clinics, New Trail Gear, and Group Trail Runs. We’ve got your trail running needs covered all 6 of our Alabama Outdoors locations, your source for getting out in Alabama.

Eat Locally, Shop Locally, and Run Locally!

–Phil Croley

The SnowMiner headlamp from Snow Peak is one of those innovative pieces that makes you ask yourself “Why has this not been thought of yet?”. Snow Peak is not traditionally known for headlamps, but for lanterns. Trust me when I say I hope the transition to headlamps is permanent. This headlamp absolutely rocks!

As with any great piece of gear, the SnowMiner is multi-functional in use and sets a standard for performance. There are settings on the headlamp that range from 80 lumens to 8 lumens (and everything in between), and even a strobe setting. As evidenced in the video, you can also pull down the “globe” for a functioning lantern or push it back in to use as a headlamp.

The battery life is definitely a plus as well. On the high setting, you will not have to change the batteries for a full 55 hours. On the lowest setting, this thing will remain glowing for 140 hours. That’s nearly 6 days!

All in all, the SnowMiner Headlamp is a must have for those in the market for a new headlamp.  And at $56, you will not have to break the bank to own one for yourself!

The MicroRocket, successor to the MSR PocketRocket from MSR, is lighter and more compact than the PocketRocket.  According to MSR, “The new MicroRocket stove is not just our smallest and lightest, it also delivers the best mix of weight, size, performance and price of any stove in its class.” This stove gets no more ideal for the minimalist backpacker. The MicroRocket weighs approximately 2.6 oz and retains great stability.

The nifty Piezo igniter (shown above) that comes with the stove actually does a superior job of capturing gas for optimal performance in ignition….this is mostly due to the cylindrical shape of the igniter itself. The concave burner on the MicroRocket concentrates the flame well, boiling 2 liters of water in about 3 1/2 minutes time.  This is actually identical to the PocketRocket, so no performance was lost in this category.

In the next few weeks, we will be sharing a field test review of the MicroRocket, so stay tuned for that.  In the meantime, follow this link for more information about the MicroRocket from MSR.

Lock Laces are so simple and work better then any shoe lace we’ve tried. Whether your out on a long run, hiking the trails, in the middle of a hard workout, or busy on the job, you’ll never need to worry about your shoes coming untied again. Period. They’ll be tight and secure thanks to the simplicity of Lock Laces. We dig a product that works this well. Find them today at our Homewood & Huntsville store locations.

Experience Matters. We are Alabama Outdoors.