Revisting the Mizuno Wave Universe

Back in June of 2011, I decide to try the Mizuno Wave Universe 3 flats (Model Number: 410375.0010). These are extremely light shoes, weighing in at a ridiculous 3.6 ounces. There is only a 2mm heel drop with a Stack Height: Heel (18mm), Forefoot (16mm). 

I wore them in one triathlon and found they absolutely sucked for sockless wearing. The material has a fish net meshy quality to it. As result, I received seven blisters on the feet after wearing them. And I promptly forgot about them, taking them out only now and then for a quick pacing run. Wearing double socks, of course.

But I have found new use for them. That is as a treadmill shoe. On a treadmill, these are the bomb (do kids still say that?). They are a perfect show for those semi-intense to full-out-insanity treadmill efforts where a clunky 10 ounce shoe would just be a distraction. 

The 3-series has gone the way of the Dodo, but you can get the 4-Series shoe, slightly heavier at 3.9 ounces but you won't even feel them on your feet. Slightly greater drop, coming in a 4mm rather than the 2mm found in the 3-Series. Running Warehouse lists it at $120. Road Runner lists it at $125, but if you are part of the VIP program the shoe can be yours for $112.46. 

If you decide to try the shoe, I recommend to go up 1/2 size (US) from your current training. 

Cyber Monday Deals

If you are still looking for deals on Monday, the I suggest reviewing the following:

FrontRunner Events: This local race organizer has 1/2 price on all their 2013 events.  You can sign up for them online or print out an entry form off the website. Online registration will close at Midnight on Monday.  The printable entry form must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, November 27. You cannot beat 1/2 price for a running, du, or tri. Like stealing. 

Graniteman Tri Series: Save 15% off these three local Minnesota triathlons. Use code BLACKFRIDAY15. Please note the sale might have already ended. 

Garmin Forerunner 310XT – $211US: This is pretty much a steal.  It normally hovers in the $260ish range, but dropped down this week led by Amazon.  The core difference between it and the FR910XT is the lack of indoor pool metrics, and TSS/NP/IF power meter metrics (though both support power meters just fine.  If you’re just getting into the sport – solid deal. 

Garmin Forerunner 610 (with HR strap) – $299US: This is $100 off the norm, so a great deal for my favorite running-specific more advanced watch. 

Garmin Forerunner 410 – $175US (w/o strap) & $205US (with HR strap): I’m admittedly not a big fan of either of these two units due to the touch bezel.  But the deal is out there.  Beyond the touch bezel, they’re fine GPS running watches.  

Timex Global Trainer for $110: This is a sweet price for this unit.  With the foot pod firmware update last summer, it’s probably the best deal out there for a budget triathlon watch.

Audioboo Sunday Supplement 25th November 2012‏

A travel authority recently made light of the weather here in the Tundra as I listened in on BBC Wales. Even though I do hate the weather at this time of year, I still had to defend my turf! Give a listen.

listen to ‘Radio Wales Interchange on MPLS’ on Audioboo

Race Result: 2012 USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships

Event: 2012  USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships
Date: Saturday November 10, 2012
Location: Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley, MN
Hotel: Home, sweet home
Weather: 48F, overcast, winds at 10-12 from SSE
Official Results: All Results; Midget Boys Results


Podium Boy Personal Results

Goal: sub-6:20 per mile pace
Actual: 11:59.1 (6:26 per mile pace); note- I had him at 12:09 (6:32 per mile pace) & I think they messed up a time. But we'll take the faster time posted.
Overall: 4th overall (11 total)

Podium Boy wrapped up his 2012 running race season by participating in the USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Championships. Competition was held in six age groups according to birth year.  The top 10 individuals and top team in each gender-age group qualified to register and participate in the National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships to be held at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 8, 2012. Athletes were able to participate individually (unattached) or as part of a USATF registered club.

As we have switched over to concentrating on swim team practices and events, he has been running 3-4 times a week since cross country season ended. Nothing stressful. We just wanted to see if he could end up qualifying for Nationals. We have no intention of going....this year. But we all want to visit New Mexico some day so perhaps Nationals will be held there again next year. 

This had light participation. I was very surprised more kids had not signed up. So I don't know if that had to do with Nike Regionals in Sioux Falls, or that most kids were simply done running for the fall/winter season. Too bad, as this was a nice course. 

Our goal had been to run about 6:20 pace. But this was a challenging course with a couple of good hills interspersed throughout. I think that accounts for the slight difference between the final result and his goal. The weather was perfect for cross country. Slight mist, almost 50, wind not bad. Ground was slightly soggy, wet in some low lying spots. But all-in-all a great day for running.

As point of comparison, in his last 3K Cross Country meet held on October 8, he ran a 12:35. So, while every cross country meet is different so we are comparing apples to oranges, Podium Boy did shave off time over a tougher course.

You can see some of the moisture being kicked up at the start.

The golf course and dreary conditions made for nice photos.

Yes, he got chicked. Nothing to be ashamed of. These girls were solid.

Finishing up. He ran a smart race. 

The course was as viewer friendly as possible. They had a nice double loop at the start so you could see them twice within the first 1/2 mile. And a double loop finish so you could again, see them twice. I was able to motor out to several farther points along the course as well, as this video will show:


2012 USATF Minnesota Association Junior Olympic Championships - Midget Boys/Girls & Bantam Boys/Girls from Brian Maas on Vimeo.


Hey, he ended up qualifying for Nationals. That was the main goal. We can't help if there were only eleven kids so that he only had to beat one to qualify. He ran well, and finished his running season strong. We look forward to 2013.

Podium Boy & that fat old man

Awards

They did a nice job with awards. Top 10 got medals and qualified for Nationals. The local USATF body was nice and awarded medals to all 11 participants. 

Midget Division Medalists

A happy Podium Boy

The medal

What Is Next?

Well, it is damn the torpedoes on swim team from now into early March. He will continue to run lightly a couple of times per week but I'm giving him a few weeks off. 

He will continue to hone his pistol shooting and fencing skills as we prepare for a regional Modern Pentathlon to be held on May 18 in River Falls, Wisconsin. He'll be taking a local fencing course in Jan-Feb and then if he decides to march forward, a much more structured fencing course once swimming season ends. If the regional event goes well, then Nationals in Colorado Springs looms large in June.