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