Despite being gratefully associated to Brooks, I do get the chance to exam additional footstuff from other companies of the industry as well. On one side this shows that the folks from Seattle know that they are delivering a fantastic service to the running community and on the other side it leaves me the freedom to be a dedicated and eager for knowledge shoe geek. This world is such an interminable residence!

Straight outta Ziano di Fiemme, positioned in Italy’s autonomous province of Trentino, hails La Sportiva. Genuine mountain supermen such as Reinhold Messner and Walter Bonatti were amongst the clients of La Sportiva’s gear. The company is well known for their true-to-the-core mountain equipment. A couple of years ago they extended their climbing and mountaineer assortment and joined in on the mountain running InterCity. The outcome is a small range of fine off-road running shoes that seems to get raving reviews wherever they turn up.

I was looking forward to have a go with the hottest part of the gang – the Anakonda. No, not a member of the genus Eunectes this shoe is a single minded missile for running beside the paved street. From all shoes in La Sportivas series the Anakonda has the least cushioning of all available models – pretty erotic for my likes. The narrow and close-fitting composition makes it even more natural to run. This shoe clearly and naturally inquires for a jog beside the road. As I have to run a couple of meters on paved roads to join the next trails, the Anakonda asks for wet grass and mud like a real Anakonda asks for water as the biological milieu.

With a 4 mm variance you always feel the ground. Going up and downhill on wet and muddy terrain the traction is impressive. As the product description says – This shoe is made for true fell running. And the Italians did just that. Once you get used to the very hard Frixion rubber of the sole you don’t want to go back to the road and waste that direct feeling of the ground. However this shoe is categorized in the “Short Distance” section it is possible to use it on longer runs when you are used to a “natural running” vibe. Saying that I would not recommend this piece of equipment to users with zero experience with minimal shoes, as it needs a well-trained muscular basis to hold the body.

Another feature that needs to be pointed out would be the double mesh upper with added durability. It is designed to shed water and that is exactly what it does. No need to avoid minor potholes or wet grass climbs as the shoe absorbs the water pretty good and also dries fast. Even during rain there is no such thing as a wet socked sponge like cluster on your feet.

A lot of positive attributes bring me to the unenthusiastic side of this shoe. Sadly I got heavy blisters on both feet. The aggressive and stiff heel with the rigid TPU material gave me some difficulties. I recommend people exercising that shoe to use a hair drier to soften the stiff back of the shoe before every run during the first sessions. As stupid as it sounds, it worked for me.

I signed up for this race shortly after it got announced at the start of this year. There is no need to go into any additional detail when it comes down to Heidelberg. One of the most fine-looking towns enclosed by one of the most beautiful settings this world has to over. Well, and just a couple of minutes drive away from my homeland. No need to hold back and not to race. At least that was my thinking procedure when I sat down to register myself for those 42k around Heidelberg.

In the post-Transalpine Run melancholy I lacked the drive towards goal-oriented running and consequently of racing at all. I jogged around for enjoyment, I rode my mountain bike and I played a lot of 5-a-side football (stateside note down: soccer). The game face did not really defined itself and so I was pleased when my pal and midweek jogbuddy Wagster sought after racing the relay contest that was on tab in conclusion with the event. We decided that I would run the first 28k juncture and Steffen to undertake the final part to the summit of the Königstuhl and back down to the old town of Heidelberg.

As foreseen I took it easy from the start. When the climbing started behind the 4k mark I had to fight right away but I was still able to enjoy the great course and the outstanding autumn conditions. The organization entitled this thing “Trailmarathon”. They also had the “German Trailmarathon Championships” on offer. Nobody really knew about that. To describe this baby a trail race is a harsh one. I do not want to be overly unenthusiastic but this run is as far away from a trail competition. Obviously this does not imply that this track is unexciting or understated. It is definitely one of the most varied and exigent routes I ever ran on.

The present hype in off-road running wants to be used to make cash. But this is kind of a miss-use in my belief. Just call that thing “Heidelberg Marathon” and keep it easy.

Nevertheless we had a “grand” day out. Steffen ran close to decease as he was entering the uppermost part of the route close to chock-full debility. My buddy Shane, who came over from Ireland to race with Steffi in the mixed relay came in 3rd place. Steffen and I came in 7th. A excellent finish to a extensive season. Now it is time to loosen up the legs, the mind and charge up the battery for an by now astound looking 2014 term.

Until then dearly loved blogworm.

Tune of the day: Ben Howard – Only Love (Chrome’s Soulmate Trap Rmx)

I was crewing for a friend at the first two stages of the Bécs-Pozsony-Budapest Ultramarathon during the weekend.

Pretty scenic area the route was winding through. I had time to take some shots during the race.

Just click the picture for some visual stoke.

Tune of the day: Garish – Junge Römer

I cannot get enough of this 2:34 clip from Andrew Pattison. That’s how it should be done. Outstanding work.

Also stumbled past a stunning audio download. The great Chilly Gonzales gives away a recording of his Solo Piano II performance in Munich. How good is that?

Strava / Instagram

Tune of the day: Anders Trentemøller’s recent mix for RA. “I just wanted to mix in some of my favorite tunes. I was more concerned about mixing tunes that would fit pitch-wise rather than beat mixing.” You might as well check out the warehouse session with Kiev. Pretty special vibe!

Yes. It definitely is SUNday. Cruising away with @avoncrew

“Trunkload, ready to hit the highway,
Don’t let the eye in the sky fly my way”
Cypress Hill