I got back to running regularly in 2009. The credit goes to catharsis over fitness, albeit just slightly. I was in the worst work situation of my life and was going through what might best be described as a one-third life crisis. I was falling apart and not sure of much except this: I loved being in the woods and running made me feel like I was going somewhere at a time when I felt stuck. So I became a trail-runner — a very passionate one.

Many changes followed, including leaving a 12 year career and becoming Paddlesports Manager at Great Outdoor Provision Co. Now my trail-running has become a significant way to speak from experience with customers about what they should consider when it comes to footwear.

The recent return to natural running forms and experiences is a good one. While a lot of folks around me were jumping into the minimal experience with both feet (pun intended) I hung out on the sidelines. I was already a middle/forward foot striker and I was perfectly content with my Brooks Cascadias. What I was missing out on was the feel-response experience. I patiently held off, reading and processing the new and growing conversation about minimal shoes. By this time professors of biomechanics were weighing in on the discussion. That’s when I came across the Brooks PureProject.

The Brooks attitude toward minimal running mirrored my own. Instead of following the crowd and the hype, Brooks was patiently and thoughtfully considering what would be best for a runner’s body. Philosophically that meant a lot to me. Finally, this March I got my first pair of minimal shoes. The Brooks PureGrits. Just when I thought my run experience couldn’t get any better, it did.

The lightness of the shoe, paired with its soft 4mm midsole offset is like having nothing on. Yet the duo of BioMogo and Brooks DNA allow your foot to hug every root and rock without discomfort. The cushiony ride along with the Ideal Heal allows for an explosive kick with each step. Then the Toe Flex design allows for good push without stressing the toes. I have chronic metatarsal dislocation in my right foot, and this has alleviated it significantly.

Light, comfortable, and explosive. These are my top three adjectives for this shoe. I feel more nimble and confident moving through varied terrain and over rocks, roots, and the occasional fallen tree. I also have a greater sense of contact with the trail. These shoes bite and launch which translates into greater run-efficiency. If you’re a trail runner looking for a minimal shoes that doesn’t sacrifice on comfort and packs in a load of technical benefits, the PureGrits are the shoe for you.

My favorite way to start the day is to get in a trail run. For this southern boy the best thing on the menu is Grits…PureGrits.

By Zach Roberts, Trusty’s Paddlesports Manager in Greensboro and contributing editor of www.thetriadadventuregroup.wordpress.com

Hiking for the Stars- Celebration for AT Thru-Hiker Tommy Freeman

Tommy, his Mom and Cousin Megan

JY Joyner Elementary 5K Run

Andrew Skurka speaks at The Summit School. Photo by Student J. Golden

Ashley Williams just got back from his initial paddle of the Jackson Cuda and he was most impressed. Read on to learn what GOPC Kayak Fishing Team member, “The Druminator,” says about this new boat from Jackson.

This thing does it all! It’s quick off the start, turns and tracks very well, and is a great stand & fish kayak. Definitely use a 230cm paddle to accommodate the high or low seating position. Rod stagers kept two fly rods out of the way but in a ready position. Two rigged 7.5′ spinner rods were easily stowed away inside the rod hatch. The seat is super comfortable and it’s rear pocket held all my tackle. Goodbye milk crate!

Jackson Cuda Seat

Mine has a rudder for those nasty situations I may encounter, I paddled the Cuda with and without it deployed for some time today to get a good feel of it.

I think that most kayaks paddle “straight” at around 70-80% effort and with proper technique. When most people talk about their kayak not going straight they are generally pushing it too hard. Therefore, the kayak locks into an undesirable line and is hesitant to corrective strokes.

Rudder up this kayak paddles well and can hold a line so long as you don’t go overkill with the stroke. I found the sweet spot to be less effort than other kayaks I’ve had experience with. I felt I was only putting 60% effort into it and it reached maximum speed and stayed in line while also allowing sudden turns as needed. I found the Cuda to be more responsive to edging than other sit on tops. Turning was quick and there was a great amount of return for each stroke made.

With the rudder down was predictable. Turning was quick and flat as there was little lean needed when using the rudder. The rudder is also quiet and you hear very little disturbance from it. Jacksons’ choice of rudder allows for the cable length to be adjusted as needed rather than other rudder kits that crimp cables into a fixed position. I have this weird preference for having my left foot slightly forward of the right (don’t know why, don’t ask…).

High and low seating in the Cuda. At first I had to do some thinking as to how I was going to move this seat up into the high position. To solve this I put the seat in the high position and tightened the strap to about an inch of taunt. This allowed me to take the seat from the low position and move it up into the high position without it straying from the mounts. That inch of extra strap allows the seat to clear the grooves in the high position mounts.

Sitting in the high position felt awkward at first. It provides a noticeable change in center of gravity but it was not enough to worry about. I was able to reach the water and paddle with a 230cm paddle. Any shorter would have not worked.

The seat in itself is worth the price difference between the Cuda and others. I sweat just looking at someone being physically active. The seat in the Cuda provided venting and support like no other. You can feel the breeze coming through the back of the mesh paneling which will be a welcome relief when the heat and humidity come on full force. My Stohlquist Fisherman PFD cleared the back of the seat easily. As I always tell everyone, a full back PFD isn’t ideal for sit on top seats.

That’s it for now. If I think of anything I’ll add to this. Otherwise, ya’ll should respect this. After all, I found this important enough to type during The Walking Dead.

Ashley Williams is a pro kayak angler for Great Outdoor Provision Co and able assistant to Rick Grimes, former deputy sheriff of King County Georgia.

This is a great seminar for both beginner and experienced anglers/paddlers. We are grateful for the dedicated work of individuals like Mark and other NCKFA members who inspire us in this great sport of kayak fishing.

As a team participating in the 1st Annual Triangle Rock Club Climbathon, our goal is to raise $1,000 for Durham’s Ronald McDonald House Charity. We are currently half way to reaching our goal and are looking for help raising an additional $500.00.

If you are interested in making a donation please visit the site below. You can also gather more information regarding the event from the same link.

Team Page

Team Donation Page

You may also visit the Triangle Rock Club website at www.trianglerockclub.com for more information.

Again, our current goal is to raise $500 before the event date of March 2. We hope to have your support and if you have any questions about the event or the GOPC team please feel free to email Chance at dbeasley08@gmail.com

For more on the Duke Climbing Competition and general information about the indoor rock wall, please visit their page here.

For more information, please visit the official race site at www.riverboundrace.com.

>> Click here to register

Dates and Events:

• March 10th (5K)
• May 19nd (10k)
• July 21th (15k)
• September 22th (Half Marathon)

Sign up for all 4 races and save!

Kayak Fishing Team Member Mike Callahan in his Trident 13 Angler

Most tournaments are “photo catch and release” meaning you will need a digital camera and a means to measure the fish. Below are several resources that provide information on area tournaments. These include the increasingly popular “online tournament” which allow anglers to fish according to his or her schedule and participants can submit their catches online for judging. Probably the most recognized of the online tournaments is the Kayak War series.

Each of our shop locations is staffed with kayak anglers that can provide more details on the sport and offer suggestions as to how you can participate. It is lots of fun and provides a great way to be outdoors.

Click on the links below to find out more about kayak fishing and local tournaments.

North Carolina Kayak Fishing Association

North Carolina Angler Online

Hardcore Kayak Fishing

Carolina Yakfish

River Bassin Forum

Kayak Bass Fishing

Kayak Angler Magazine Online

Kayak Wars

Thanks to Gwen Crabtree for this resource. Gwen is the paddlesports manager at our Charlotte location and a member of the Great Outdoor Provision Co. Kayak Fishing Team. Follow Gwen @CLT_Kayaker.

Saturday- March 17 – Show You’re Green on St. Patty’s Day.
9:00am-11:30 am at Walnut Creek Wetlands Center, a wonderful nature preserve in downtown Raleigh. Contact Ranger Sean Higgins for details at sean.higgins@ncdenr.gov. We will need a health form and participation agreement signed for each young naturalist.