La Sportiva Jackal GTX review

La Sportiva Jackal GTX is probably the best ultra trail running shoe I've tested. Disclaimer: I'm a member of La Sportiva Team Finland. However, these are my own honest impressions.

I really like the 

• Gore-Tex membrane with Invisible Fit technology, 
• wide toe box, 
• narrow heel, 
• 7 mm drop, 
• comfortable fit
• outsole grip
• durability
• stability
• rock/impact protection 
• lacing/tongue design
• braking system 
• firm midsole with Infinitoo cushioning.

The FriXion Red outsole compound is durable and similar to La Sportiva Akasha. The new braking system with 3 mm aggressive lugs works surprisingly well. Initially I expected the shoe to slide, but it didn't and I almost fell forward. It took some time to get used to, but I got it eventually. You have to learn to trust the incredible performance of this shoe.

The firm cushioning is not too soft, because this shoe is designed for rugged trails and long distances. A soft sneaker might feel better on city streets, but that wouldn't work on tougher trails. 

The weight is about the same as my Akasha, about 360g in size 45. It's typical for shoes designed for ultra-marathons to not be the most lightweight. The Gore-Tex Infinite fit technology will add some weight, but it helps keep Jackal GTX dry and lighter than soaked wet shoes. I also prefer to keep my feet as dry as possible to avoid blisters and chafing issues.

The sizing runs a bit small and short for me, so I tried sizing up. My usual size has often been EUR 44.5, but for Jackal GTX size EUR 45 seems better. Also my previous favorite Akasha seemed to work much better in size 45, so maybe that's my size from now on.

In summary, La Sportiva Jackal GTX is recommended for ultra trail runners with wide forefoot for all race distances from 50K to 200-milers. Rating: Excellent 95/100.

Bodom Night 10K

 Bodom Night 10K is such a fun trail to run. Lots of mud, ponds, rocks, roots. It's almost like an obstacle course race. And it's dark, of course.

The course is well marked. The organization is brilliant. Nuuksio National Park is awesome.

I finished with 1:20:40, a new course PR. In 2018 race I fell in a lake, which slowed me down a bit.

Normally the event would be in May, not October. 2021 Bodom Night is planned for May again. 

I'll be back!

Solvalla Trail Half-Marathon

I ran Solvalla Trail Half-Marathon in Nuuksio National Park today with my friends Mikki (who beat me) and Kirsi (who ran 10K). It was rainy, muddy and technical - just what we love!

 

Pääkaupunkijuoksu Half-Marathon

Before.

I ran Pääkaupunkijuoksu (Capital Run) 21.1K Half-Marathon together with my son Jon on the last Sunday of September. 

We set 1h45min as our goal. That's 5 min/km pace.

Three years ago in 2017, we finished in 2:06 - 6 min/km pace. So we planned to run every K a minute faster this time to set Jon's new PR.

The race day weather was perfect. Clear blue sky, but not hot, cold, or windy.

The start/finish area was at Pirkkola Sports Park 3K away. We jogged there for the 1:15pm start. There were about 500 runners, 350 for the half, and 150 for the quarter marathon.

The route was entirely on wide forest paths. The trail surface was all dirt, but not technical. There were a few little hills though. The trees were decorated with beautiful autumn colors. We love that course and know it well. It was also well marked.

BANG! We went out in the front third, but not too hard - or that's what we thought. I breathed hard in the first long uphill, and someone watching us pass shouted "Smile!"

There were signs for every kilometer, which made pacing simple. The first aid station was at 7K. We grabbed a cup of water without stopping. We were 2 minutes ahead of our schedule, but kept on with the same pace. We were feeling good. 

The second AS was at 13K. We took two cups of water, pouring the other on our heads. We started feeling the effort a bit, but decided to push on. We were constantly 2 minutes ahead.

The third AS was at 17K. "Only 4K left, let's go!", I suggested as we grabbed our final hydration, but Jon said he wasn't feeling good anymore. He suffered from a side stitch! We slowed down immediately. I told him to relax and breath deep. We maintained an easier pace. A lot people passed us, but we didn't want to take any chances. The diaphragm can fatigue and cramp just like any muscle, especially if you are a young or beginner runner stepping up your pace or distance.

Soon the finish came to our sights and we crossed the finish line in 1:45 - right on our goal! Jon sat down on the ground exhausted. I fetched our drop bag and some drinks and bananas. We put our jackets on and walked home.

Later on we learned that Jon had placed 32nd in Men (he is 18 now). I placed 15th in M50 category. Not bad at all. Our official time was 1:45:30. We are happy. Thanks for the great race once again!

After.

 

BAT 2000 km 114 days

 hello JUKKA KUKKONEN, newly minted bat!

i am just not sure if congratulations is in order or not...

look around you.
there you stand, right exactly where you started.
you are surrounded by all those 303 poor sad sacks
who never managed to log even a single mile.

even the four pitiful people who only logged one mile
have gotten further from the start than you.

it seems like there has to be something to set you apart
from all those other people hanging out at the start line,
so we have employed the finest team of certificate designers
that populate the vastness of the internet
to design for you a genuine certificate of achievement.

so when that weird looking guy next to you says;
"that entry screen was just toooo hard, right?"
and looks at you with his hopeful face
looking for validation....
you can wave your certificate right in his face and say;
"not for me, i have been to buckeye hollow and back!"

just be prepared to be surrounded by people begging to know the secret
how the hell do they get out of this parking lot in arkansas?

good work;

laz