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By Lars Flora
Saab Salomon Factory Team
www.larsflora.com

Finding the right running shoe for xc-ski training can be a tricky process. It is especially difficult since I have so many different training climates and environments.  A camp in Lake Placid can involve muddy trail runs over roots, rocks and mud.  Back home in Anchorage, I need a shoe to tackle the rugged Alaskan mountains.  Finally, I spend most the fall time in the dry high desert and mountain region of central Oregon.

Over the weekend I gave the new Salomon Speed Cross 2 a true test.  The run took place at the Symphony Lakes Trailhead above Eagle River, Alaska.   Most people travel to the trailhead and tackle the out and back trail into the lakes.  Our plan was to run/hike a loop.  First we ran ten minutes on a paved neighborhood road.  After we left the road, we put the Salomon shoe to the first test, a 2,500 ft steep climb up a muddy and rocky trail.  The shoe gripped the surface and provided a great lightweight climbing shoe.  Next, we dropped back down to the valley via an Alaskan grassy/blueberry bush filled mountainside.  While descending there are many chances for sprained ankles and slipping.  Once again the shoe gripped and allowed me to descend safely.  We then arrived back to the main trail network. 

The trail is a narrow single track with uneven rock surfaces and mud holes.   The pace picked up and the shoe performed nicely during higher speed running.  The next part of the run was the biggest test for the shoe.  We headed off trail and climbed again.  The second climb was steeper and grassy.  The shoe climbed like Spider Man. 

We made it to the summit of the pass, snapped a few quick pictures and the race was on.  The only race we were allowed for the day, “The scree slope!”  This was where the shoe really made me a believer.  It was not a straightforward scree slope.  The slope had it all: little pebbles, loose rock (big and small), and hard rock and earth areas.   The best part of the run happened when we arrived at the bottom.  I had barely any pebbles in the shoe.   I didn’t have to empty my shoe to continue the rest of the run.  Finally we cruised down valley on the main trail cutting and turning around bushes, water and mud holes.   We finished the run with five minute dip in the glacier fed stream and the shoes offered great grip on the stream bed slick rocks.  (Unfortunately they didn’t offer great insulation on the toes!)

I am off to Whistler in a few weeks for a training camp and a few muddy runs.  Next I make my way to my second home in Central Oregon and the dusty trails of the high desert.  The new Salomon Speed Cross 2 gives me confidence no matter what’s on the training plan and the trail conditions for the workout.  For your next trail run check out the Speed Cross 2

Design the Saab Salomon Factory Team's Uniform!

Winning design will be used in Saab Salomon Factory Team custom uniform and/or t-shirt.

Prizes:
1st place: Saab Salomon Factory Team t-shirt with winning design, Salomon X Wing running shoes, Salomon Ski Bag

2nd place: Salomon X wings running shoes and Salomon Ski Bag

3rd place: Salomon X wings running shoes

Contest Rules:
1. Download PDF File HERE
2. Email submissions only, in PDF or JPEG format.
3. All submissions need to be into Reid@podiumwear.com by September 5th.
4. All uniforms must only include yellow, black, blue and red as the color scheme, logos will be placed by Podiumwear Mt. Borah.
5. All Submissions become the property of the Saab Salomon Factory Team

 

Why should I choose Podiumwear?

Three reasons top our list: Fit, Customer Service, and Innovative Options.

Fit: All our suits and jackets start small enough to fit the smallest 11 year old and run big enough to fit a basketball castoff who has joined your team. Every customer who orders from us has the option of receiving sizing kits to make sure the size they order is the size that fits them.

Customer Service: Soon your entire order process from initial inquiry to delivery can be tracked on our web site www.podiumwear.com. Already you can see your proofs online. Proofs will be sent to you and can be viewed on the site. We will only put one of our logos on each piece and they will be on the proof. No surprise logos on your finished product. One of the owners will check your order before it ships, ensuring PodiumWear quality.

You can always talk to one of the owners right away.

The PodiumWear office phone number is 651-208-9391.

Innovative Options:

RUSH Service: Need you uniforms in four weeks. We can do it! Check out our RUSH service page for more information.

No Minimum Reorder: While we will have a minimum order with your initial purchase (Six), there will be no minimum on reorders. Your suit cost will be the same on your reorder as on your initial order regardless of the number of suits on the reorder. The reorder price is guaranteed for three years.

Name Tag Technology:
Only Podiumwear offers name tag technology so that you can personalize every piece of your team uniform with team members names. You'll be just like the national teams! Look at our page on Name Tag Technology for more information.

Four Color Process: Your suits can have as few or as many colors as you like for the same price. Our printing process can handle photographic quality images. Free your mind from the one and two color designs.