Okie dokie, a couple of updates.

First, I know I said I was going to try the Sense Mantra 3 but when presented with an option that feeds on one of those little back-of-the-brain lurking thoughts, I went a different direction. It took a gift card, a sale, and a regulars discount at the LRS and suddenly I found myself in a new pair of Hokas (trail), this time the Challenger. I'm pretty much in love with it. It's not as clunky as the Stinson, which kind of bugs me but isn't a huge deal since I really only wear the Hokas when I am feeling beat up and want or need to slow it down. But the Challenger is definitely more streamlined and lighter. I haven't tested them with a super long run yet--that will come next weekend. This week is an easy week so my long run won't be all that long. I'll still continue racing in the PIs, though. They are currently my #1 love.

Oak, any updates on the Skoras?

My other update is that the 50k went well. Better than expected, even. It was my slowest 50k evah but that's ok. I ran consistently and my fueling and hydration were just right. The next event is a headphone-free event and I expect it to be warm, so my training for the next month will include some runs when it's over 90 (I did 2 of those this week) and without listening to podcasts. I don't know which I am more afraid of. I'm a total podcast junkie and not listening is going to be a challenge. I'm looking at it this way: I get to save up a month's worth of podcasts to get me through the month after that and the stage race. The heat? Gah. I do not thermoregulate well, hot or cold.