RUNssel

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April 13, 2018 / Keine Kommentare

On point with Fredrik Axegård

Fredrik Axegård is no stranger to Swimrun podiums. Hailing from Bromma, a borough in the western part of Stockholm, the former swimmer is well-known throughout the scene. More than a few Ötillö Top-10 placings throughout the years paired with his compassionate and fair-minded racing mentality made him a widely respected and liked competitor. Last season Fredrik notched a 3rd place at Utö, won the mixed category at the Stockholm Swimrun, collected the Isles of Scilly title and placed 5th in the world champs as well as Ångaloppet. After leading big parts of last weekend’s season opener in Hvar, I caught up with him to talk about the race and plans for this season.

Striding out to a 2nd place finish at ÖTILLÖ Hvar (Picture: Pierre Mangez for ÖTILLÖ)

RUNssel: The ÖTILLÖ World Series course around the Croatian island of Hvar is known for its long and challenging swim segments. Although last year the sea was bumpy and difficult to swim, it seemed that conditions were close to perfect this year. As a strong swimmer it was no surprise that you guys dictated the pace straight from the start. How did the battle unfold for you? When and how did you lost the lead?
Fredrik: We took the lead from in the second swim and kept it until the small islands a few hours in the race. At this time we were three teams battling in front up until the two steep climbs. Team Garmin was really strong there and gained a few minutes on us. I was surprised when we ran/walked past Team Envol on the long run section after the ascents. We got some extra power and held the second place for the last two hours or so. Peter and I felt quite strong all the way. Particularly on the swims of course.

Fredrik leading Daniel Hanson out of the water at the 2017 Utö Swimrun (Picture: Jakob Edholm for ÖTILLÖ)

RUNssel: You mention your partner, fellow Swede Peter Aronsson. This is not your normal teammate. How did that partnership come about?
Fredrik: Peter and I used to compete against each other. This is a very long time ago, though. Both of us were breaststrokers and born in 1977. These days we train and hang out with other Swimrunners at lunch time at Eriksdalsbadet (Edit: Sweden’s major swim center in Stockholm). Once my regular partner, Alex Flores couldn’t come to Hvar I asked Peter if he was interested. I know he is a talent and since I was struggling with my Achilles I thought it could be a nice and relaxed start into the season. But the closer we came to racing day, the higher did we aim. I think it´s my “tävlingsdjävul” (Edit: Competitiveness). I believed we had a realistic chance to make the podium. The question was if we could hold a fast steady pace in the running sections. Peter didn´t train running since the ÖtillÖ World Champs last September till January. The top teams train significantly more. But he is a talent, no doubt about that!

Who said the 2nd place is the first looser? (Picture: Pierre Mangez for ÖTILLÖ)

RUNssel: The long and frosty Swedish winter time did not give the chance to get any Swimrun specific training in I guess. How did you train throughout the winter and how did you guys get ready for such an early race?
Fredrik: I got married in September, three weeks after ÖtillÖ and we went on our honey moon shortly after that. I also had to take some time off mentally. At the same time I had decided to get fully healthy with both worn-out Achilles’. I was struggling with this issue the last two years. I got well in February and I didn´t run much at all until then. But I swam a lot from November onwards. Round about 4 times a week. From February on I ran 3-4 times a week and did regular strength training 2-3 times a week.

Fredrik and Peter after a long swim section at ÖTILLÖ Hvar (Picture: Pierre Mangez for ÖTILLÖ)

RUNssel: What equipment did you use during the ÖTILLÖ Hvar Swimrun?
Fredrik: I used the new excellent Ark swimsuit, Seal calves, Strokemakers paddles, Head diamond goggles and the Head Swimrun top.

RUNssel: Which other competitions are on the schedule for this year?
Fredrik: I´m doing Utö Swimrun with my partner in crime Alex Flores, Scilly with Stefano Prestinoni, 2XU Island Challenge with Kenny Meijer, LED with Alex Flores, Ångaloppet with Henrik Wahlberg and finally ÖtillÖ with Alex. This is the main goal this season. Perhaps some more competitions between the ones I have listed.

März 31, 2018 / Keine Kommentare

shoeporn: Hoka One One – Challenger ATR 4

Hoka One One takes its most popular road model to the trails. The latest Challenger ATR4 could be considered the dirty and rough brother of the Clifton 4.

By now it is no secret that the bulky Hoka One One-style does not mean your are dealing with a lot of weight. With a mere of 265 gram (in my size US13) the Challenger ATR4 continues what runners admire about the brand. Loads of cushion with less weight.

As mentioned in earlier Hoka One One reviews, the brand name origins from the Maori language with the loose meaning “fly over the earth”. Knowing this, it might explains the logo. Here placed on top of the romy toe box.

If Salomon would have known what their previous employers were up to. Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard found the Hoka One One as they were seeking for more comfort and better protection while running long and on trails. They developed the bulky shoes in a time when the Minimalistic trend had its peak (anno 2009). The unusual design quickly caught the attention of the ultra trail running scene. Thanks to the open-minded community the trend spread fast.

Active Foot Frame – The fourth version of the Challenger blends into the previous version as a properly cushioned off-road shoe. This time though the sole feels more rigid and liked it even more. Also the quality of the outsole is significantly better. While i had my issues with the rubber quality on the older versions, it seems that this time the sole does not show as much wear as before. The internal heel counter is another new feature. I like the additional support.

And this is the design of the outsole. It is not an aggressive style and definitely not made for highly technical trail or off-trail adventures. I life in a town and need to get to my local trails via cemented roads. The Challenger combines my needs of trail and road running perfectly.

Meta – Rocker – A detailed look at the oversize EVA midsole of the Challenger ATR 4. The base of a well well-cushioned shoe.

Hoka One One gave the new toe box a little update. They enlarged it and incorporated thicker material on the overlay. While this makes the toe box a bit stiffer then the previous version, it also ensures more safety for the feet.

Quick facts: Offset: 5 mm Forefoot: 24 mm Heel: 29 mm

A thinner and more breathable upper create a pretty comfortable feeling. Dual-layer mesh balances support, durability, and breathability.

The stack height of the new Challenger model is 2mm thicker. This adds up to a mere of 31mm in the heel.

The Challenger Series can be seen as the trail flagship of Hoka’s product range.

While older models felt a bit spongy and insecure on the trail, the new midsole material creates a super supportive and firm ride. Long days on the trails take less out of your body. Hoka established the this new way of cushioning and still pushes the development. My quads and back certainly enjoy it.

The re-designed upper definitely earn some style points.

A daily workhorse and a slick and reliable shoe for trail outings. With the 4th installment of the Challenger ATR series, Hoka One One made a great shoe even better. It is hard to overlook the benefits of this comfortable yet light and fast shoe. Racing longer distances does make this shoe a great partner, daily training, commute and mixed terrain is something where i use the Challenger ATR 4.

Tune of the day: Sean Price and Illa Ghee – The Bryan Song feat. Rim

März 21, 2018 / Keine Kommentare

In Pictures: Neckarsteig

Tune of the day: Ice T – New Jack Hustler

Januar 17, 2018 / Keine Kommentare

shoeporn: New Balance – FuelCell

New Balance hits the market with a spectacular designed approach on a neutral cushioned road-allrounder. The new entry into the running shoe portfolio goes by the name of FuelCell. This could be seen as the advancement of last years Vazee 2090 release.

With only 295 grams, the FuelCell offers a lot for less weight.

A slick and definite design approach makes the FuelCell a special shoe.

I dig the highly comfortable mesh upper with well placed seamless overlays. The design creates a snug and safe sock-like fit around the foot.

Inside look – the base for a neutral, light and responsive ride. The foam is basically NB’s nitrogen-infused N2 material with a new name. It is the firmest the company offers. Pronators will enjoy the design of the sole.

Front – The toe box is sheltered by a lightweight breathable mesh material. While some of the other parts miss proper air circulation, this part of the seems to compensate the lack of breathability.

A closer look at the nitrogen foam.

The sole of the FuelCell provides an excellent responsiveness. When it comes to grip, this shoe is made for the roads and provides great traction. For a shoe with that amount of weight, the FuelCell provides proper cushion.

The sole is the key element that makes this shoe a proper allrounder. From daily jogs to workouts. The sole provides enough protection and absorption without being to slow and damp.

The brand logo is prominent featured on the heel section. Throughout the last couple of years NB developed a innovative approach to shoe design and style. The FuelCell might not be everybody’s favorite style-wise, but is surely knows how to perform.

Definitely a feature that can not be overseen. Little diamond-shaped dimples can be found all over the mid-foot part of the FuelCell. I’m not sure what the purpose of these diamonds is.

Measurements: 26mm heel, 20mm forefoot, 6mm heel-toe offset

While the FuelCell offers a wide range of play, runners with wider feet may find themselves a bit restricted.

It did not take me long to fully appreciate the new FuelCell. I became a fan of the brought spectrum this shoe offers. I trained on the track, ran long and slow runs and tempo workouts. Throughout all the sessions the shoe was fun. While it took a bit of time to “break-in” the sole, the actual perforamce was great.

Tune of the day: Kemistry and Storm with MC Justyce @ Metalheadz Sunday Sessions (Blue Note,London 20.01.1997)

Dezember 5, 2017 / Keine Kommentare

racereport 2017-11: Hellas Frostbite

I get a message on my phone: “What is the last chance to race a SwimRun this year?” It is my pal Basti texting from Germany. He is keen for some exercise and a leisure stopover in Stockholm. However it is already late September there is still one competition left in the calendar.

The first Saturday in December is the traditional day for a classic in the SwimRun diary. I had seen the photographs and I had heard the anecdotes. What sounded like a entirely absurd idea caught my attention and those of several of my group of friends. SwimRun itself is pretty distinct as you possibly face all kinds of weather conditions, but a SwimRun in Swedish wintertime sounded like the satirical icing (!) on the multisport cake. The decision was made quick and a group of friends was organized to come over to Sweden. The apparent choice of activity: Hellas Frostbite SwimRun – conceivably the frostiest Run-Swim-Run competition on the calendar.

As soon as you face extreme circumstances, the equipment talk goes into an extreme as well. With an outside temperature of about +/-0 degrees combined with a water temperature of just about +1 degrees we had some extended debates on what to wear. From experienced Frostbite competitors I heard that it was pretty common in the last few years that people did overheat. The running chunk of the race around Hellasgården is significantly longer then the swimming fragment. Dependent on the water temperature the distance of the swim will be altered by the race-directors. Albeit there was no snow this year, layers of ice on the shorelines of Källtorpssjön combined with frost in the forest and on the footpaths was clearly visible.
I picked some finger paddles, neoprene swim gloves, a neoprene thermal skullcap and the mandatory swim cap. All of this matching an ARK SwimRun suit with long sleeves and short legs. Under the suit I was wearing a sleeveless compression shirt and an old prototype SwimRun suit with no sleeves. Looking back this was way too much. After about 2 kilometers I could feel my body boiling but the thought about the forthcoming swim part was way to imminent to get rid of some shelter against the frosty waters. At the end of the first out of three loops I was actually looking forward to enter Källtorpssjön.

The crowds were already lined up to observe the main spectacle of this race. This left not much time to think and rest. Straight in and high turnover crawling towards a jetty that was approximately 40 meters away from the swim entrance. It was nice to get some agreeable body temperature back and the cold water was not too crazy on the skin. I climbed out of the lake and opened up both of my wetsuits to allow the body to keep the good temperature.

Just a couple of weeks after my end-of-season break the running form was not really on top and I lost some places in the last rounds. Overall it was so much fun to be out there, experience such a unique event and see how much fun everyone had. Wrapping up such a race with good friends in the neighboring sauna and cooling off stark-naked with a jump into the Källtorpssjön makes it even more special. The Hellas Frostbite delivered and can straightforwardly be called “The mother of Winter SwimRun”.

Tune of the day: Humate and Rabbit in the Moon – East (Humate Mix)

Dezember 1, 2017 / Keine Kommentare

shoeporn: Saucony – Liberty ISO

Fresh and Clean – Saucony expands their product line with a brand new model. The 275 gram Liberty ISO is the newest addition to their performance line. With its slick and clean light-weight design it certainly draws the attention. This model can seen as the robuster and more stable sibling of the popular Freedom ISO.

Saucony aims to provide a broad set of running options. A medial TPU guidance frame in the inside of the midsole aims to limit lateral motion and therefore provides some extra support to this light shoe. For a shoe in this weight category the Liberty provides amazing cushion and a decent support for overpronators without making the shoe to stiff and clumsy. A big part of the active feeling is down to the Everun TPU midsole. Apparently this EVA material delivers a 83% energy return. I did not had the chance to measure it but the responsive feel is definitely there.

The prominent Logo pattern on the medial post of the sole highlights the structured support frame of the Liberty. A comparison to the Freedom is imminent. While there are certain similarities the overall support is way better in the Liberty then it is in the Freedom. With the Liberty being only a couple of grams lighter, the difference in weight between the shoes is very little though.

Saucony stays true to their style. The appearance of the shoe is fast and classy with the distinctive outfit that is known throughout the scene. A full-length Everrun midsole ensures that the comfort is there. While the Freedom was the first shoe with a full on Everrun protection, the Liberty adds on this feature. Saucony calls it “lively cushioning”. That pretty much hits the note.

A short history lesson – Saucony started their shoe production back in 1898 in a place called Kutztown, Pennsylvania. At the beginning they were specialized in kids shoes. The factory building was situated on the high banks of the Saucony Creek. The distinctive brand logo represents the reek’s constant flow, and the boulders lining its creek bed.

Isofit – More and more companies offer shoes with an sock-like inner sleeve inlay. At an performance based running shoe this helps to avoid possible movement of the tongue. Despite that the overall feeling while running with the Liberty feels amazing as the thin stretch mesh adapts to the shape foot and holds it perfectly in the shoe. I can also see a big advantage for Dua- and Triathletes when it comes to fast transition times.

Late Starter – Until 1977 Saucony was pretty unknown to the masses of the running community. In that year the running media turned the spotlight on the brand as it continued to surprise runners in tests and reviews.

The direct 4mm heel-to-toe offset totally hit the note for me. While it helps to maintain a natural and efficent stride, it makes your body work and creates a direct feeling throughout the run. Throughout the years i experienced this with a lot of performance based Saucony shoes. Also the Liberty will make the Saucony fanbase happy and will surprise runners that are experiencing Saucony for the first time.

If you ever ran in Saucony shoe you will remember that softish feeling. It is down to this outsole. I think the sole feels great and with its softer approach the grip is nice and controlled maybe sometimes a bit to spongy on the ground.

Nice little details can be found all over the shoe. Saucony not only knows how to please runners feet, they also add some nice visual features.

Sauconys midsole technology goes by the name Everun. The Technology ensures a sweet and responsive feeling and the energy return can be felt, especially during high paced runs. The lively material is used throughout the full lenght of the shoe.

Fact sheet – Offset: 4mm, Heel: 22mm and Forefoot: 18mm

Very durable, comfortable and soft mesh material in the front part combined with thicker and rougher mesh, which includes the ISOFIT bands, in the back offer a great overall feeling while striding. The construction is very supportive without being to stiff and dense. Saucony places the ISOFIT bands in the right places to ensure a comfortable and safe feeling.

It did not take me long to get friends with the Liberty ISO. It is a go-to everyday training shoe which i can see myself racing in over longer distances. Saucony delivers the known feeling in a shoe that combines lightness with stability and comfort. A mix that is pretty hard to achieve but well finished.

Tune of the day: Futuristic – What More Could You Ask For X Moses Pelham – Wenn der Schmerz nachlässt (Anthony Rother Remix)

Clip of the day: Jordan Hasay talks inspiration, marathon and running.

November 29, 2017 / Keine Kommentare

Stockholm to Norsborg

All flicks by YO RC

Tune of the day: Pete Rock – Lost Sessions

November 15, 2017 / Keine Kommentare

shoeporn: Nike – Zoom Fly

Nike’s spectacular “Breaking2” event in early May 2017 around the Formula 1 racetrack Autodromo Nazionale Monza was the prominent and highly stagged kick-off for a new distinctive style of running shoes. After several years of development with their leading athletes, Nike used the paced PR-marathon stunt to launch their Zoom Fly and Zoom Fly 4% models to the hyped-up public. Along the way the aim was to run 42,195 kilometer under the magic 2 hour mark. I had the chance to give the “cheapest” and heaviest version of the product line a go – The Nike Zoom Fly.

While the 4% model was used by most of the elusive 30 pacemakers throughout the event in Monza, Italy, the actual shoe that was worn by the main runners Eliud Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadese and Lelisa Desisa is a special version made for each indiviual foot. Until today this Zoom Fly Elite version is not available to the public but can be seen on several top road runners that are sponsored by the Oregon brand.

Love it or hate it. The Swoosh is huge and grabs the attention. A signature style of the whole product line. You better judge yourself. I certainly like the unique and fresh approach.

The backside of the shoe has the classic design that is popular amongst many of Nikes racing shoes. Albeit the sole. It is aerodynamically shaped to gain further advantage for each runners stride. Wired.com analyzed the recent NYC Marathon and found out that this shoe could be actually considered doping. You might check yourself – ARTICLE

This version of the Zoom Fly comes in four different colourways. I opted for the classic and simple Black, Anthracite and White. Some new color themes already got released and saw a wicked all-white version as well as a homage to the Chicago Marathon with a stylish Taupe Grey-style Zoom Fly. Knowing Nike, this won’t be last special release.

So what is the difference to the “bigger brother”, the 4% version? It is the midsole, and that is the new kid on the block where Nike tries to set the standard. The shoe has a carbon infused nylon plate. This plate however is a little bit heavier then the one Nike uses in the 4% version. Nike claims that the pricier shoe is stiffer and lighter. While i can judge the lightness i don’t feel that the Zoom Fly lacks stiffness.

The upper is feels great and has a comfortable and simple layout that i enjoyed a lot. The thin layer is engineered around a Flyknit like mesh material that helps to keep weight down. No overlays are used – i like!

Front End – Certainly the shoe is fun. I enjoyed the top speed range on the track and tempo runs and i also used it while running easy. The stiffness of the forefoot is there and makes this shoe a bit special until you get used to it. Once you “feel” the shoe you start to enjoy it and you can feel the spring-off that the sole delivers.

Im a fan of thin tongues. The Zoom Fly does therefore know how to please me.

Another shot that highlights the high, yes very high, back of the sole.

It is obvious that the new style of performance running shoe is an answer towards the cushioning trend that Hoka One One started a while ago. Nike intruded more cushioning and responded to the demand of their runners to have a more comfortable racing flat. The 10mm drop that the shoe offers is something that has only been witnessed with Hoka so far.

Strategically placed rubber pads and a full forefeet piece of rubber are the characteristic of the Zoom Fly. This shoe clearly is made for road running. The sole has the traction you want and supports a fast stride.

After several miles in this new-style running shoe im pretty much sold. While Hoka introduced me to the cushion based side of running flats, the Zoom Fly takes it to another level. I enjoyed this shoe during a wide set of workouts and it is fun. The sensation is certainly unique but after you get used to it you will use it. After this test im looking forward top what is coming next and im eager to get my hands on the Elite version of that shoe. It seems that Nike managed to release yet another memorable shoe after years of unspectacular releases.

Tune of the day: Too Short – Hella Disrespectful Bay Area Mixtape

November 3, 2017 / Keine Kommentare