My love for trail running grows more and more every week and so I thought it was time to finally get some new trail running shoes.
The Cascadia 9s are the shoes that will spend many hours with me on the trails.
One thing that I noticed right away with these shoes is how well they held my foot in place as I was running on the trails. The shoes offer incredible support on the uneven trails/rocks. I felt like they really gripped the many different surfaces as I was going along. No sliding around in these babies. The upper part of the shoe is incredibly comfortable and I loved how the tongue of the shoe is really padded.
The Cascadia 9s have a 10 mm drop which is more than I usually wear but I really like having extra shoe because they give more padding and more protection on the trails. They weigh 9.7 ounces which is more than my normal running shoe but I still feel like I can go fast in them. I actually prefer a more stable/bulky shoe on the trails compared to a lightweight sleek shoe. I was surprised by how flexible they were too. Overall, my feet were very happy in them.
They are said to be really good on snowy pavement too which I am excited for because I can’t tell you how many times I have fallen while running on the snow.
One thing though—> The first few times that I wore them the sides rubbed my feet a little funny because there is more support/cushioning than what I am used to but after wearing them about 3 times my feet got used to that.
For lunch yesterday I made my favorite thing to make at home. Sliced up a sweet potato and rubbed some olive oil and garlic salt on them. I baked them at 425 for about 30 minutes and then topped them with some cheese, a shredded chicken breast, 1/2 an avocado, tomatoes and red peppers (I was out of salsa.. rude).
Speaking of avocado, I feel like the below picture is very accurate.
I went with a friend (that I met through my spin classes a few years ago) to a bbq and they put chocolate covered raisins in the trial mix… um BRILLIANT.
They also put a big bowl of eggless cookie dough and a bunch of spoons on the table. Doesn’t get any better folks.
And finished off the night with the girls.
And at around 11:17 pm I was reunited with the one and only Brookers.
———————————————–
Monday- Hill repeats! 4 mile warm-up and 10 x .2 mile hill sprints up and jog back down. KILLER workout. 8 miles total.
Tuesday- 7 easy miles on the treadmill @ 7:58 average pace
Wednesday- OFF —> except I worked up quite the sweat shoveling chocolate chip pancakes into my mouth for breakfast.
Thursday- 22.1 miles. Last LONG LONG run before the marathon. Great confidence building long run for me. 15 with friends and 7.1 on my own. Overall pace= 8:20
Friday- 7 miles at a recovery pace of 9:00
Saturday- 7 miles with Candice during her marathon. No idea what our pace was.
Sunday- OFF
55 miles! TIME TO TAPER!
———————————————–
Tell me about your hardest workout recently? What was your best workout last week?
-Those hill repeats nearly killed me off. My long run felt surprisingly really good!
Trail runners—> what shoes do you wear?
Best thing you ate this weekend?
Marathon people—> what are the two last long runs that you do during your taper?
-I think this week I will do a 15 miler, 9 next week and then the marathon the following weekend!
73 comments
Rebecca@Runningfoodbaby
As of right now, my last two runs before taper are a 29K and a 32K – then tapering with a 20K and a 10K. We will see how that goes :-)
My best run last week was yesterday’s long run – a beautiful 20K long run with negative split action and no hurts or worries. It was a great run! The best thing I ate was chinese food directly after that run!
Ashley @ KickAshMom.com
I have fallen in love with trails too! I can’t run them yet but walking/jogging them is so much fun! I’m completely dumb to the shoes to get so I may have to take your word and test these out! I’ve always been a mazuno girl so the trade to Brooks may be happening.
P.s. cookie dough for dessert in purpose… Why don’t more people do this?
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I usually like to do a 22 miler as my last long run 3 weeks before. Awesome on the hill repeats! I usually avoid those entirely and just try to choose a route with hills once a week. That last long run is definitely a big confidence builder and great to go in like that.
ga
Brooke’s cheeks are superb :)
I ll try this sweet potato dish tonight, it looks delicious
Christa @ Living Unbalanced
YUM love your idea for sweet potato nachos.
Have you ever made carrot fries? I used to do the same thing and bake sweet potato wedges until I find about carrot fries — they are even better. Just buy the full-size carrots and slice them into fries, olive oil, salt and bake. They are SO good.
Fun Fit Girl
trail running is where it’s at – hills & trails make you stronger which translates to speed on the road. oh and it’s beautiful and easy on your legs. win win win.
hardest workout last week was my long run – 1:45 minutes of hills. it’ll make me stronger, right?? or just crazy.
Flower
I’m embarrassed to say that the best workout I got this week was a marathon I did on Saturday. Even though it took 12 hours to complete, it probably doesn’t count though because it was a shopping marathon. :(
Kristina @ Blog About Running
My hardest workout last week was definitely my first 20-miler! Whoooo! It was hard but it felt sooo good at the same time, does that make sense? Let the taper begin! This weekend I am doing 12 miles (with 3/miles fast finish) and then 8 miles! :)
Those two rest days a week have kept you injury free through this (short) marathon training cycle!
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
My hardest run last week = my half-marathon. Every mile I kept saying to myself, “dont let this be the mile where you slow down” and my calves wanted to die at the end, but so worth it =).
Falling on the ice may as well be my second job, so I may have to try these bad boys!
Hollie
We sell a lot of cascadias at work. I’ve put them on a few times and they are def a shoe I would use for trails. We don’t really have a lot of trails out east that really require them. My best workout was the fact I made it to the gym and pool a few times. The best part of recovering from an injury is that it doesn’t reay matter whether you make it to the gym or not…as long as you are smart about recovery, eventually you’ll make it back to where you were running…so every workout I my best workout. Ha!
Sarah @ KS Runner
I had a pretty tough speed workout last week. It was tough, but so glad I was able to finish it out!
I wish I had trails to run on!
Best thing I had this weekend, fresh cookie with ice cream sandwiched in the middle. Perfect!
I think the last two that I’ll do before my next race (NYCM!!) will be 14 miles and 10. They feel like such short runs after all the long weekend runs during the rest of the training period!
Happy Monday! :)
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
Wow great week of running before starting the taper! Hill repeats kill me as well, but I haven’t done more than 8 repeats. I usually do 12-14 and 8-10 miles during the last 2 weeks of my taper.
Kaella
Best thing I ate this weekend was a huge brunch at my half marathon Sunday!! Omelet, hashbrowns, toast and fruit! Mmmm
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
UMMMM that sweet potato concoction sounds amazing! Like healthy nachos- that’s awesome! Thanks for the idea :)
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
That hill repeat sounds really hard! I’ve never done trail running before , but do a ton of hiking. I need news shoes for that and these may be ones to look into. Any recommendations on socks? I know this sounds weird but I seem to have a lot of issues finding supportive ones.
Nessa @ Ness Runs
I’ll definitely check out those shoes now as I’m doing more trail running than ever! I never want to go back to concrete! Hardest workout is always the speed workout! Can’t beat the burn though.
Heidi @ Idlehide
Love the new shoes! 22 miles is a really long run!! Nice pace, too!
I have a bone to pick with hill repeats because that’s how I got an achilles injury I’m still recovering from :( I love doing them, but my Physiotherapist thinks they are to blame (esp. with stroller running up hills. oops!!)
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
Brooke all tuckered out is adorable. And that’s basically how I feel after a whirlwind weekend too!
I love reading your quick weekly workout recaps, it makes me pause to think about mine too! My hardest workout last week was a hill run too, even though it was the same route I’ve been doing for awhile, it was SO HOT and I did it in the evening as opposed to the morning like I’m used to. It was pretty miserable, but I worked up quite a sweat.
I like my shortest long run while tapering to be 10 miles, something about staying “double digits” still gives me themental confidence I need going into “race mode.”
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
My last two long runs are usually 10 and 7.
I don’t run on trails much but I have been hiking a ton lately. I want to get some good trail running shoes that work for both. I’ve been eyeing some merrels.
Every run seems hard for me these days. But Friday I ran twice and my second run was much stronger than my first. That’s a good sign since I’m running Ragnar napa in 5 days :)
Amanda @ Positively Amanda
Hahah love that avocado picture. So true!
Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit
I’m a hill lover–since I grew up on the hills, seems like my legs just kinda accept it–but speed will drop me SO fast!
It’s fun to see the foothills in your pics! Those hills ARE KILLERS!!!
PS–Your sweet potato nachos totally inspired me btw–and I share that idea with others now!
Aimee @ aim for healthy bites
Trail runs are the best. So much better on the ol knees. Love sweet potato with avocado. My absolute favorite breakfast is a baked sweet potato with avocado and eggs. Yum! Will definitely have to try out your nachos. Sleeping babies are the sweetest.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
The best thing I ate this weekend was a raspberry beer at book club yesterday. I didn’t have very high expectations, but it was better than I was expecting.
Sam
The weather is perfect for trail running right now!
My favorite thing I ate this weekend was ice cream… Chocolate chip cookie dough.
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
Hmm, best thing I ate all weekend. Tough one…Red Mango twice, homemade onion rings, a banana crisp and chocolate chip cookies. How can I pick from that?!
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
How you can tell if it’s ripe, is if you take the little stem pit off and it’s. yellow, your avocado is just right. :)
Erica { EricaDHouse.com }
When I taper I will do a 16 miler and a 12 miler the two weekends before.
Katie
I did my 20-miler this weekend (four weeks out); next week I will try to do 14-16 miles with a good deal of tempo-pace in there. 2 weeks before I’ll probably do 12, and 8 one week before. Yay for almost tapering :)
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
I officially need to make eggless cookie dough batter! What a great idea!
Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere
I am debating right now on how many miles to do on my last two weeks of taper!!! In two weeks, I start mine! EEEK!!!
I seriously love that nacho idea, omg BRILLIANT… YOu are the smartest!
Happy happy day that BRooke is back!
My fave workout of the week was my t empo yday. I was out dancing until 3 am and barely got any sleep for three days and managed to get up and run my butt off! How weird and awesome!
Christine
How do you do your hair? It’s gorgeous!
Kathy
Isn’t it funny ….. as much as I enjoy my time out with hubby, friends, or away from home there is nothing like getting home….going to bed (for me) and waking to coffee and the kids retelling there night as we share ours.
I guess that’s why the saying is so true….”It’s good to be HOME”! ;-)
Kristen @ Glitter and Dust
I run in the Cascadia too! They are perfect for the uneven trails and winter weather. Your entire outfit is super cute. My best run this week was a progressive long run I did yesterday. I was able to increase my speed with each mile and felt in control the entire run. It was a confidence builder for sure. I am training for the Portland marathon, which is three weeks away (from yesterday), and my long runs for the next three weeks include 17 miles (yesterday), 16 miles (next weekend), and then 10 miles into taper week. What about you!?
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
My hardest workout last week was 11 miles with 5 at my goal half marathon pace. I was nervous beforehand but the run went great!
Those Casacadias are so tempting to buy for the winter months. I don’t run trails yet but winter running is rough here since we get lake effect snow from Lake Michigan. Thanks for the great review of the shoes!
Emily
Lately I’ve been all about the walking. I can’t wait to get back to “real” workouts after this baby is born!
Jasmine @ A cupcake for my thoughts
Those shoes are super cute!! I haven’t been able to run for a week now because of super bad back pain and it sucks, I can’t wait to get back out there soon, hopefully!! Best thing I ate all weekend was a pizza at Pizza Hut, I had been craving pizza for forever! Yay, Brooke’s back, she looks adorable in that picture!
Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift
Eggless cookie dough??! Omg. That’s all I want in life. Just a bowl of that goodness and a big ol’ spoon. And maybe some comfy sweatpants.
Your sweet potato thing looks so good, too. It’s like nachos, but with sweet potatoes. Way to be tricky! ;)
Kristen
I didn’t feel like either of this weekend’s workouts were exceptionally hard. Until last night when I could barely walk down the stairs.
I don’t have special trail runners. I use either my mizunos or my reebok gym shoes, neither of which are especially good for trails. Maybe this fall I’ll finally get some.
The best thing I ate this weekend? Homemade apple crisp with caramel swirl ice cream. mmm
Christina
I’m training for my first full and according to my plan after my longest at 20 my longest during taper is a 12 and an 8 miler.
I did a 15 on sat and feel really tight today gonna do yoga and stretches today.
Best thing I ate was a yummy spicy tuna sushi roll!
jill
Hardest workout recently was a noon-hour trail run with my buddy. It was so freaking hot, I wanted to lay down and then have someone bring me an icy drink immediately. The trails we have are former train tracks, so they’re pretty basic. I just wear my regular running shoes (Mizuno Wave Riders).
The best thing I ate this weekend… Oven-baked beef and bean tacos.
No marathon running for meeeeeeeee! But enjoy your taper. You deserve some rest!
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I usually do a 16 miler and then a 12 miler the two weeks before a marathon.
MiKayla
I’ve been following you for the past few months. I love your blog. I check in just about everyday. You have been quite a fitness motivator! Thanks for all that you do!
Lindsey C
I did a spin class and a power yoga class this weekend, and I gotta say… I am so sore from yoga! It seriously kicked my booth and made me sore in muscles I forgot I had! It feels good :)
Yay for a sleepy Brooke on your shoulder, there’s nothing better :)
Jennifer
I’ve been trail running in the Nike Terra Kiger. I was really surprised by how great it is!
This weekend, I baked pumpkin spice and honey cookies…so good! I’m about the post the recipe on my site.
My last two long runs will be a 15 and a 13 as long as everything feels good:)
Brianna @ I run He tris
I have the Cascadia’s too (I think the 8’s) but don’t get to run as many trails as I would like. I know what you mean about the rubbing the side of the foot. I started having some toe pain after wearing them in a trail 5k a few weeks ago, so I’m hoping I stepped on something weird and it wasn’t the shoe!
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
For my last marathon my last “long long” run was 22 miles, the next weekend was 16 miles, and the final weekend was 10 miles, then the marathon! It was a perfect taper!
Best thing I ate this weekend: chocolate pudding with bananas.
tess
Good Lord, that child is out.
I ate Hot Tamales for breakfast. Perhaps a few too many. I have a stomachache now. LOL
That avocado picture is so freaking true. I just went for my avocados yesterday and all three were bad. I was grumbly sad.
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud
yum best thing I ate all weekend was def hibachi – we had some family in town so we went there for a big group dinner and it was fabulous! Not something I eat a lot so it was extra good
Lesley @ the Breakfast Runner
I’m about to start tapering too! For my marathon on the 27th.
My last 2 long runs are pretty similar to yours–16, then 12, then marathon.
The weekend before when I have 12 I sometimes cut it a little short if I’m feeling like it, so I usually end up doing 10-12.
Brenda @ Don't Lose the Trail
My hardest workout was also my best workout this week – I ran 10 miles Saturday on mountain trails + the beach.
I wear the Nike Terra Kiger for trail running but if your evaluation of the Cascadias is honest, you wouldn’t like them. They are pretty minimal as far as trail shoes goes. I find them super comfortable though – they have that Nike “sock” upper part, and the tread is really great. They are super lightweight and breathable!
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
Ooooooh those sweet potato nachos look good! :)
NJ @ Nerdy Jock
Eggless cookie dough recipe??! Pretty please?
Carolyne Chen
I love your review about trail running shoes! I’ve been a fan of Brooks running shoes for the past year and am definitely looking for a pair of trail shoes now. Slipping and sliding downhill in PureFlows is not the business!
Bobbi
Best run was a 20 miler yesterday hitting all the scenic areas of Seattle. It was a sunny, beautiful day and we started when it was still dark so it wasn’t too warm. After that run we ate at Boundary Bay Café. We (my running peeps and I) like to plan our long runs backwards based on where we want to eat afterwards. That fruit bar and …oh my…heavenly taste buds was it phenomenal. And the bacon…I can’t relive it right now…too soon, I might start drooling. We have some amazing trails in the Seattle area. In fact the first half marathon I ever ran was on trails, it got me hooked on running. I like the Pure Grit, since I run in the Pure Flows mostly and the Grit is basically the same shoe, different sole.
Doni
I ran 19 miles on Saturday. Yesterday was cross training, then today I did a “speed” workout. I wasn’t sore after Saturday, but boy could I feel my legs screaming today when I was trying to run fast. So, today was probably my hardest workout in a long time. I almost quit halfway through. Proud of myself for finishing (even though “speed” was rather relative today).
My schedule has me running a 15 and then a 10 the last two weeks before my marathon.
I currently run in a Nike trail running shoe. I couldn’t even begin to tell you the “model”. Something I found on the clearance rack and decided was comfortable. Most of my street running shoes are Brooks (with a K-swiss a rep friend gave to me thrown in for fun). I’ll be checking out the Cascadias for my next trail running pair!
So happy the Brookers is back in the fold.
Tracy @ sprinklesandsquats
Hollllld up – eggless cookie dough… with spoons… served at a BBQ?!? Uh, that will most definitely be on my list of things to make for my next get together! Holy yum!
The most difficult workout I had last week was a brutal leg day workout. Squats, lunges, step ups, more squats, deadlifts… it left me sore for dayzzzzz.
And finally, best thing I ate was birthday cake this weekend! Actually, I’m currently munching on a leftover piece right now :-)
laurie
First and foremost: that avocado chart is sooo right. I have found once they get ripe, they last much longer in the fridge! I just ate one I bought 2 weeks ago, and it was perfect!
I LOVE Cascadia 7’s. I have had three pairs, they are the best shoe to run in, period. I can’t find them anymore, so broke down and got some 8’s – NOT the same, and I am not really looking forward to trying the 9’s. I’m kind of mad at Brooks for changing this shoe so much… I think that Salomon XR Mission 1’s are much better for trails than the Cascadias. They seem a bit more durable – and I am really good at ruining shoes!
Thanks for your blog – I love reading about what you’ve been up to every day!!
Fiauna @ Read.Run.Radiate
Eggless cookie dough as an appetizer? Brilliant! I am so doing this!
Have a nice taper! I’m kinda in post race withdrawal right now. Big Cottonwood was awesome, but now I’m too sore to move. :(
chelsea
I love your blog! I moved away from Utah a couple of years ago and miss it like crazy. The trails are amazing!
My longest run is usually between 22 and 23 miles. I’m building up for a winter race right now, and my hardest workout last week was 17 miles in the cold rain.
Good luck with your taper.
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
So I wear the Brooks Pure Grit for trail running, but every time I go to purchase another pair, I flirt with the Cascadias. Maybe next time I’ll try them on! Your review convinced me!
Katie Did What
Haha the avocado thing! YES. So annoying, especially because avocados are the best food ever, so I just want them to always be perfectly ripe!
xo
Kay
Welcome back Brooke! And those new shoes are so pretty!
Kathryn @ Chicks Dig Running
Oh man I haven’t had trail running shoes in FOREVER! (The downside to city living, don’t get on the dirt paths often enough to necessitate a dedicated pair of shoes. Oh, woe is me!)
I usually taper big time, since I don’t get too heavy into mileage for marathon training. I usually take it easy during the week and then do one long run a week, which caps at 18 miles. (My hips likely look like an 80 year old’s on the inside, so I have to be delicate with them) My taper for the last two weeks is usually a 12 miler and a 10 miler. I run 4 miles 2 days before the race, then don’t run at all the day before the race. Then I run a marathon, then I do yoga for a week! 22 miles is super impressive, and your pace was really great. Looks like you’re getting in really great shape, can’t wait to see what you run!
PJ Runs
My trail shoes have always been Brooks Cascadia’s. I figure, why try another shoe if the ones I wear work for me! I ran the Headlands 50 miler last Saturday, the 13th, which was also my birthday. Had a great run & an awesome birthday on the trails.
Aine @ AwkwardIrishGirlBlogs
The best thing I ate this weekend was a rare steak with potato wedges and salad, all homemade – love coming home for the weekend! ;) (Though in fairness I did the cooking.) Your sweet potato ‘nachos’ look unreal! Definitely trying that next time I have some guacamole and salsa on hand!
Runwright
I love that pic about avocado. Funny and so true.
Check out my blog post about my weekend and my newest hobby. Best thing I ate this weekend was raisin bagel with melted cheese and hot chocolate on Sunday morning. Pics in the post http://runwright.net/2014/09/15/stamps-chocolate-funeral-and-love/
Laura
I love your blog! You inspire me! I know your friend in the red skirt (I won’t say her name in case she doesn’t want it to be public or something :) from school! I had to take a double take!
Rachel
I did an 11 mile run on Saturday! It was the best run I’ve ever had! Beautiful weather and I felt very prepared.
I had Panda Express Orange Chicken with brown rice this weekend. I’ve decided that is my favorite pre-race fuel :)
Amy @ Life to the Full
Love those trail shoes!!! And the avocado graphic… that is so true every time I buy avocados :)
My hardest workout lately was the 5 x 800 meter tempo intervals this morning that I had to do with the jogging stroller. Usually I try to do speed work without the stroller, but you gotta do what you gotta do! I’ll count it as strength training, too ;)
Tricia
I run in the Cascadia 9’s also! What a small world! The best thing I ate this weekend was a chipotle beef rice bowl that I had during a girls night out dinner! So delicious!
Kate
I love this pic of Brooke! Sleeping “baby” pics are always the sweetest!
Losing Lindy
my half is next weekend, so I am in complete taper mode
love that Brooke is home
Therese
Trails are the best