Everyday Trail Running on Sunday Afternoons

Hey Trail Heads,

There’s so much happening now with great weather, the Fall racing season is in full swing. School’s back in session, football is here, and guess what? The holidays are right around the corner. If I had hair, I’d probably start pulling it out right about now.  I need a stress reliever.

Now I have it and you can too. Sunday Afternoon Trails (SAT) is here! Starting this Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm at Red Mountain Park, Alabama Outdoors will be continuing our popular TNT series with a monthly group run. Held on the first Sunday afternoon of the month, SAT will offer a variety of paces and distances along with all the fun of the regular Tuesday Night series. Following the run we can adjourn to Overtime and enjoy great food and drinks, plus that other football league (the NFL) for a little good camaraderie.

Crusher Ridge 21K/42K/63K on October 12^th

Come on out to Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve to enjoy one of the most challenging, yet rewarding race courses in the state of Alabama and possibly the entire Southeast.

This is a challenging 21K loop with multiple loop options for 42 and 63K distances.  Consisting of approximately 10 miles of single track trail, 2.5 miles of rolling jeep road and less than a mile of pavement.  Trails are technical and incorporate 4,500′ of elevation change across the single 21K loop.  Ruffner Mountain is an old mining site in urban Birmingham that has been reclaimed by nature and is now maintained for recreational use.  Even though it’s surrounded by neighborhoods, it’s large enough to make you feel you’re in the middle of a national park, without the chance of getting too lost.  Course will be marked with sprinkler flags, survey tape and signage at turns.

Come test your mettle on the mountain. Races start at 8:00 am on Saturday, October 12^th and will be followed by awards and post-race party. To register, go to Ultrasignup.com and choose your distance.

AO Run Store

Whether it’s the casual Sunday Afternoon Trails run or something more challenging like the Crusher Ridge, come by AO for a great professional fitting for trail shoes. You can also pick up all your accessories, socks, apparel and nutrition needs here as well.

Alabama Outdoors is committed to our outdoor heritage including trail running.

See you in nature!

greg

So, it’s officially summer in Alabama and that means that it is hot and humid. It also means that everyone who complained about how cold the winter was will now be complaining about how hot the summer is. Even if they’ve lived here 137 years. But not me brother (and/or sister), not me. Never had a running shoe melt.

Summer is the time to get a step or two ahead of runners from other areas of the country that are milder and more temperate. I don’t want mild or temperate in pretty much anything. Give me wild and extreme any day. As long as I’m hydrated and not stupid about running in the heat, let me revel in the head shakes, stares, honking, and finger-pointing that occurs when people who don’t get it see a runner soaked to the skin in sweat “humping it” over a hill at the end of June or July.

And what is one thing that keeps me going? New shoes. Now, I don’t want to sound fancy or anything, but I really like a new trail running shoe. They make the world feel better when your contact with that world occurs 180 times a minute for a couple of hours at a time on packed earth or pavement.

Running Shoe Destroyer!

The last couple of weeks I have been able to spend some time with representatives from some of the shoe companies that we carry (or are thinking about carrying) and their new shoes. This has given me incentive to run. I want new running shoes and I need to be able to justify them by completely running through my current shoes. They must be destroyed. Should I choose the New Balance 1210 Leadville, La Sportiva Helios, or maybe a nice Pearl Izumi N1? What about some of the new brands and styles that we are either bringing in or looking to add? Looks like there could be some great big surprises with new trail running shoes. Sorry, can’t divulge the details yet or else!

At any rate, I’ll be out on the trails (and the roads) a lot this summer training for some fall races and just trying to wear out my running shoes. If you’re doing the same stop by Alabama Outdoors and let us help you get the right trail running shoe for you to destroy!

Upcoming Events:

• July 4th Peavine Falls Run: The best 8.3 mile race on the 4th of July in Birmingham! register here.
• July 11th Big Benefit Run: This month’s 5K fun run will be hosted at Good People Brewing and raise money for Triumph Services. Registration starts at 5:30, run at 6 pm. Your $10 donation includes the 5K fun run with clock timing, first Good People beer free, giveaways, live music, and prizes!
• July 19th AO Party on the Porch: The second Party will feature a live band, a great food truck, Good People beer, and a rockin’ 5K fun run plus great deals in the store. This is the kick off for Alabama Outdoors’ $25,000 matching funds campaign for Red Mountain Park. Come join us and support a local treasure.
• July 20th Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Series at Turkey Creek: The inaugural 5K/8K trail run at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve features new trails, beautiful scenery, and the opportunity to jump into the refreshing falls immediately after finishing your run. Registration is only $15 and the link will be up soon!

Thanks,

-greg

Party on the Porch Makes a Difference

Those of you who know me, know that I believe every thing each of us does can make a difference in the lives of others. If you don’t know me I just told you, so now you have a little insight into how and why I do what I do at Alabama Outdoors.

This Friday, Alabama Outdoors is hosting the first of three summer “Party on the Porch” events. The party starts at 5:30 pm with a 5K fun run heading out at 5:45.

The Party on the Porch features:

• live music by The Hollows
• Good People beer included with your donation
• 5K fun run
• Cantina food truck to purchase dinner from
• great specials on trail running gear – shoes, apparel, socks and accessories
• store-wide Father’s Day specials

Party on the Porch to benefit Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

This is an opportunity to help an amazing organization/venue right here in Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. As you may know, in his proposed FY 2014 City budget Mayor Bell eliminated all funding for Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, even though approximately half the land managed by the facility is owned by the City of Birmingham.

According to figures in an editorial in Weld, in 2012 the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve served approximately 50,000 men, women and children from the Birmingham metro area and beyond. The recent Associated Press article, “Once Dying, Birmingham is Suddenly Hot” shows a city in renaissance. While it doesn’t point out the beauty of our natural green spaces, they can only be a crowning jewel on what is being done here.

At the party you’ll have the chance to participate in a 5K fun run, buy dinner from the Cantina food truck, enjoy some Good People beer, listen to some great music from The Hollows and get some great deals on trail running gear – shoes, socks, apparel and accessories as well as Father’s Day specials throughout the store. All of this for a $5 donation (an extra $5 for the 5K) which all goes to Ruffner Mountain.

Just as importantly, we’ll have folks from Ruffner here to give you information, allow you to sign letters and petitions, and generally help you learn more about this very cool piece of nature that’s helping make Birmingham so HOT!

Come out and join us at the Party on the Porch for a cool time on a hot day!

Thanks,

greg

Alabama Outdoors Presents “Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series”
Sponsored in conjunction with Birmingham Track Club and Resolute running

Alabama Outdoors is pleased and proud to announce our partnership with both the BTC and Resolute Running to put on the “Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series” offering three great races this summer. The first is an old favorite run by hundreds every year, the other two are brand new and will offer fun and challenges to both seasoned veteran trail runners and newcomers alike.

The races are designed to highlight some of the great trails and natural resources available to Birmingham residents and are priced so that they won’t break your summer budget.

Peavine Falls Fourth of July 8.2 Mile Race

This race is a Birmingham Fourth of July tradition and is done by hundreds of intrepid runners. The course is mostly downhill from the turnaround at the Falls back to the finish, with the final 1.2 miles on beautiful single track trail through Oak Mountain State Park. Start time is 7:00 am at the South Trail head.

The top 3 Overall Male & Female runners, Top Overall Masters Male & Female will receive a special collector’s edition medal.

Turkey Creek “Float Your Boat” Festival 5K/8K Trail Race, July 20th

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve was established through a partnership between Alabama’s Forever Wild Program and the Freshwater Land Trust and is co-managed by the Southern Environmental Center (SEC). This amazing nature preserve is home to several endangered species and a beautiful, natural waterfall and swimming area.

The 5K/8K route will highlight the natural beauty of the Preserve and will take runners along the creek then up into the hills on a fun, yet challenging, set of new trails. The finish line is directly at the Falls, allowing runners to finish and then head directly into the refreshing, cool spring-fed waters of Turkey Creek. Start time will be 8:00 am and the race will be followed by the 4th Annual Float Your Boat balsa wood boat race with food, entertainment and prizes.

Ruffner Mountain Adios Summer 5K/10K/15K Trail Race, August 10

Amazingly this is the next to last weekend before school starts up again (and more importantly only four weeks before opening kick off) and to celebrate Alabama Outdoors is presenting the final race of the Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series. This one has something for everyone so plan on being there.

Start time is yet to be determined (morning or evening?), but either way following the races we will have an awards ceremony/cookout/party on the Pavilion at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series Registration

Check the Alabama Outdoors, Resolute Running or Birmingham Track Club website for more information about registration. The cost will be $15 or you can register for Peavine Falls/Turkey Creek/Ruffner Mountain together for $40.

Everyone who completes all three races will receive a special, limited edition Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series tee shirt.

Need to get some gear before you go? Check out the running gear section of our online store, or stop by a store near you!

See everyone on the trails!

greg

Alabama Outdoors Sets Sights on Becoming Your New Running Gear HQ!

Alabama Outdoors has opened a full technical Running Gear section in our Homewood location.

We have everything you need to optimize your running experience – whether it’s on the trails (our favorite!) or on the roads. Check out our running gear section online, or come in and see what we have that can help make your run easier and more enjoyable.

Feet are Kings (or Queens)!

OK, so we don’t sell feet, but we do have everything that will make them feel royally wonderful. Starting from the skin out, AO has a variety of great technical socks including FITS merino wool-based and Swiftwick technical socks. We also carry a full line of Superfeet trim-to-fit inserts.

Shoes are the Crown

Trail shoes make your runs far more efficient and pleasant. They provide better traction, protection against roots and rocks, and better drainage for people running through creeks and streams than road shoes.

Whether it’s Salomon, Pearl Izumi, Saucony, La Sportiva, Inov-8, New Balance or another great brand, AO carries a wide range of shoes to meet the specific needs of trail runners, as well as those needing door-to-trail shoes.

Since the best shoe is the one that fits, we will take everyone through our fit process to make sure that shoe you run out with is the best one for your foot.

Apparel Fit for Royalty

What you wear on your body can be almost as important as what’s on your feet. Try some of the amazing technical apparel from The North Face or Patagonia. They may not seem like your “traditional” running gear brands, but they have been making technical apparel for far longer than most “traditional” brands.

The key to their products is that they have taken everything they have learned from making technical apparel to keep people warm while climbing mountains and keep them cool in jungles and deserts, and applied it to running.

Accessories – Royals have to have stuff, right?

Garmin GPS watches, Triggerpoint rollers, The Stick, GU nutrition, Buffs, Nathan hydration belts and hand helds, and Body Glide are all available here at our Homewood store in the Running Gear section and in our online store.

Upcoming events:

• Thursday, May 23: Big Benefit Run at Good People Brewing Co. benefiting Friends of Red Mountain. A $10 donation (100% goes to the charity) gets you a 5K fun run, your first Good People beer free, live music, lots of great giveaways including two Zip Line tours for 2 and two Beanstalk Forest tours for 2
• Saturday, June 1: Choccolocco 50K/21K
• Friday, June 14th: Party on the Porch at Alabama Outdoors Homewood, 5:30 to 7:30 pm with live music, food truck, trail running specials, a 5K fun run, and a benefit for Ruffner Mountain
• Saturday, June 15: Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Series Inaugural Run 5K/21K at Oak Mountain State Park.presented by Alabama Outdoors and sponsored by Resolute Running and Birmingham Track Club

We look forward to seeing you soon here at AO!

Thanks,

greg

Free Pair of FITS Socks

Friday April 26th through Sunday May 5th, Receive a Free Pair of FITS Socks with the purchase of any pair of shoes priced $100 or more!*

Why FITS?

FITS socks feature unique construction that gives your foot the perfect fit. Wool blends are selected to ensure comfort and durability for running, hiking and other outdoor activities. Your feet connect your body to the rest of the world – take care of them!

Full Contact Fit

Have you ever wondered how a flat pair of socks can fit your foot? They can’t! When you take a pair of FITS socks out of the packaging, they look just like feet. This sculpted design ensures that the sock is comfortable and stays put. No movement or slipping reduces blisters. It’s called the “Full Contact Fit!”

The Full Contact Cuff gently hugs your leg. This prevents the sock from sliding down your leg, creating slack in the ankle area. When you’re out on the trail, you won’t be constantly tugging at the tops of your socks to keep them in position.

The Dynamic Toe Cup allows for a close, comfortable fit with no bunching or extra material. Top stitching is soft and positioned so that there are no hot spots. The toe cup allows the toes to perform their job and keeps the sock out of their way. No unlacing shoes mid-run for an adjustment.

The Heel Lock is constructed with Y-shaped stitching. This creates a deep heel pocket that anchors the entire sock – no slipping! This ensures that the sock maintains its shape and stays put.

The Perfect Fit

Finding your perfect fit is important and easy with the FIT Finder. The sculpted design of the sock perfectly conforms to your foot, even if you’re between sizes. Color coded top stitching on the toe box and inside the cuff make storing your socks a breeze, and the fit is guaranteed by FITS!

SHOP FITS SOCKS NOW

*Excludes Chaco Sandals. In store only, not available online. Not valid with any other offer or discount, including Buy 3 Get 1 Free socks. Certain exclusions apply. See store for details.

Join Alabama Outdoors at the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble

The Cahaba River Society and Alabama Outdoors invite you to the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble! Runners travel from around the Southeast every year to participate in these spectacular 5k and 10 mile races. The Ramble will be held on Sunday, May 5th, and the Cahaba lilies will be in full bloom!

The Races

The 10 mile course will challenge experienced runners. Those looking for a more relaxed course can opt for the 5k. The rolling topography of the region allow for an outstanding course layout. Interesting educational programs will occur during and after the races. There is lots for the whole family to enjoy!

The Refuge

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is home to five federally listed listed species including the Cahaba shiner, goldline darter, round rocksnail, and cylindrical lioplax snail. Enjoy running alongside the river through stands of loblolly and mountain longleaf pines. The beautiful surroundings help to make the Ramble one of the most unique running experiences in the South.

CLEAN

The Cahaba River Ramble is the annual fundraiser for the Shane Hulsey CLEAN program. The environmental education opportunities created by CLEAN have served over 26,000 students and teachers in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Bibb, Perry and Dallas County.

Location

The 2013 Cahaba River Ramble takes place at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near West Blockton, Alabama. From Interstate 20/59, take exit 97 to Bibb County Road 24. Print directions here.

Registration

Registration is now open! You can register online here. Race day registration and check in begins at 6:30 a.m.. Registration for the 10 mile race is $40, the 5k is $30.

Need some gear?

Shop in our online store for women’s trail running shoes or men’s trail running shoes.

Join Alabama Outdoors on Saturday, April 27th for the 2013 Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival!

Starting at 8:00 am, a variety of distances to chose from including a 5K, 10K, and 15K.  And starting at 7:00 am, an 8 hour option for those wishing to enjoy the entire day on the trails of Ruffner.

The course is entirely on 1,036 acre Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in Birmingham, AL.  All races begin on the service road adjacent to the parking lot and Nature Center.  All races will start at the Pavilion/parking lot and will head up the service road with the different distances splitting off.  The 5K will head straight on the Quarry Trail going around Possum Loop, back on Quarry to the finish.  The 10 and 15K will start with a bit more service road spurring off to the right onto the trails headed down the Buckeye to Lizard Loop.  It will double back to the Ridge and Valley, then around Possum Loop and back on the Quarry to the finish.  The 15K will split off from the 10K to add the additional distance.

The trails of Ruffner include diverse terrain with rocks, roots, and ample elevation change.  The 10 and 15K distances include the most challenging trails.

Starting at 7:00 am, the 8 hour option will take advantage of all three courses to keep it interesting.  For those wishing to set up their own aid station, the course will loop back to the parking lot several times and there’s ample space for a chair, cooler, gear, and etc.

Fun Facts about Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve:

• There is 5,000 feet of elevation change in our Crusher Ridge 21K! It triples in the 63K.
• Ruffner’s Preserve was once a major mining site with 9 iron ore mines, 3 limestone, 2 chert and 2 brownstone quarries. Today it hosts a globally rare plant species and the only East off the Mississippi population of the Spring Water Dancer.
• 12 miles of trails cross the site with copious un-trailed area, our Urban Back Country.
• Our trees remove $471,000 worth of air pollution each year!

For more information, click here

Need some gear for the Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival?

Be sure to check out our great selection of trail running shoes  for men and women in our online store!

We are pleased to unveil the 2013 Alabama Outdoors Trail Series. Due to the popularity of the series last year, we’ve added several new events around the state. Make plans now! Most of these races will sell out quickly!

You can look forward to great prize packages, shoe and equipment demonstrations, register to win giveaways, swag and more! Plus, run right alongside the Alabama Outdoors Trail Team!

Browse the events below. Clicking on links will take you directly to the event page with registration information and more. Additional details will be added as they become available. Having trouble remembering the next race? Download this helpful Trail Series Wallpaper for your desktop! (Windows: right click, save link as. Mac:right click, download linked file)

• Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival
  • April 27th
  • Birmingham, AL
• Cahaba River Ramble
  • May 5th
  • Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, West Blockton, AL
• Choccolocco 50k
  • June 1st
  • Choccolocco, AL
• Rebecca Mountain 50 Mile (details coming soon)
  • September 7th
  • Sylacauga, AL
• XTERRA Alabama Red Mountain Park
  • September 14th
  • Red Mountain Park in Birmingham, AL
• Autumn Equinox Oak Mountain State Park (details coming soon)
  • September 15th
  • Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, AL
• Ruffner Mountain Crusher Ridge Trail Run
  • October 12th
  • Birmingham, AL
• XTERRA Henry Farm Park
  • October 19th
  • Jacksonville, AL
• Pinhoti 100
  • November 1st – 2nd
  • Heflin, AL
• XTERRA Alabama Oak Mountain State Park
  • November 10th
  • Birmingham, AL
• XTERRA Alabama Coldwater Mountain
  • November 30th
  • Anniston, AL
• Coldwater Mountain 50k (details coming soon)
  • TBA
  • Anniston, AL
• XTERRA Monte Sano (details coming soon)
  • (2014) January 11th
  • Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL
• Mt Cheaha 50k (details coming soon)
  • (2014) February 22nd
  • Cheaha State Park, Delta, AL

For updated information, product reviews, events, and more Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. And don’t forget about our weekly Tuesday Trail Run at Red Mountain Park!

Beginning Tuesday, March 12th – Birmingham Trail Runs at Red Mountain Park are BACK!

Alabama Outdoors, in partnership with Red Mountain Park and the Birmingham Track Club, is pleased to announce that our weekly Trail Runs will resume on Tuesday March 12th. This weekly run was extremely popular in 2012. Each week, meet us at the main gate at Red Mountain Park in Birmingham between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m.. The run will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.. We run rain or shine unless there is a threat of heavy rain or lightning.
Three guided four-mile runs are offered, with an option to make it six miles. All ages and skill levels are welcome!
We will provide hydration at the main gate, but bringing your own is advised. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Stay tuned for more information, and remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for the latest news!