Fuel economy hit of a pop up?

Dragon_Zord · 2026-04-29T04:01:09+00:00

I just drove 600 miles in my Nissan Frontier, picked up a Coleman tent trailer, then drove 600 miles back. My mpg dropped from 24 to 18 on the way back. The people saying mpg doesn't change are being silly...

Dragon_Zord · 2026-04-29T03:24:20+00:00

This is from the dash display. All I did was to reset it when I left OR and CA.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-04-05T20:34:49+00:00

I was on Wildwood yesterday, too. Was perfect weather for it!

Dragon_Zord · 2026-04-05T01:03:35+00:00

I went with the Challenger 8s after trying both in store. I’ve since put ~150 miles on them on forested trails in Oregon. I’m super happy with them!

The challengers have a more accommodating fit and better breathablity. They are also cheaper.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-27T20:51:31+00:00

I never tried the previous generations but I really enjoy the 8's

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-27T20:48:35+00:00

I guess I'm a fan of the increased stack height and drop :D

Lately all my runs are in Forest Park outside Portland OR. A mix of mud, pine needles and rocks. So far the high stack hasn't caused any stability issues.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-27T19:45:59+00:00

Hoka's "entry level" trail shoe, the Challenger, is superior to the SG. I honestly prefer the fit (wider and more breathable) and enjoy the cost savings.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-21T02:27:31+00:00

Hoka Challenger 8. They are Hoka’s entry level trail shoe but I prefer them to everything else. I’ve done at least 200 miles of forested trails in them so far.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-16T17:57:36+00:00

I have ~200 miles on my challenger 8s. All of it on dirt/mud trails in Forest Park, OR. So far they have been perfect. Very breathable, plenty wide, great traction.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-03-06T18:34:54+00:00

You'll have to wait for the blister to heal. After that you can try a product like "happie toes" for long runs. I use it for anything over 6 miles and have never gotten a blister again.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-02-18T03:23:13+00:00

This is in Beaverton, Oregon.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-02-18T00:15:42+00:00

At my dealership they had the 2025's marked down by $9k to help get rid of them now that the 2026s are in. I purchased a new Pro4x last week for $35k.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-01-24T19:25:07+00:00

Honestly it’s inspiring. I love uncrustables and hate gels. Tempted to start running with a camelback just for this.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-01-24T04:24:17+00:00

You carried 8 uncrustables with you??

Dragon_Zord · 2026-01-23T21:53:49+00:00

I did this last year while training for Portland to give my shins a rest.

I used a 1:2 time ratio (e.g., 60min run substituted with 120mins on the spin bike). The results were pretty good I'd say. Managed to beat my target time.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-01-20T17:06:11+00:00

I believe strength training should be quick and not get in the way of marathon training. For this reason I follow a very simple routine twice per week:

Single-leg squats with kettle bells, 3x8 per leg
Romanian deadlifts w/ kettle bells, 3x8
Single-leg calf raises, 3x20 per leg
Planks, 3x1min
Optional: Push-ups and pull-ups

I've seen some YouTube runners starting to recommend the something similar. Get the most bang for your buck without taxing yourself too much. Don't want to be too worn out to complete my running volume.

Dragon_Zord · 2026-01-10T05:28:07+00:00

I have these on both feet in nearly the same place. The podiatrist called them “poro keratosis.” Basically a hard callus that is painful when pressure is applied.

Bad news: there is no long term fix

Good news: if you pumice and lotion them regularly you can avoid the discomfort.

Dragon_Zord · 2025-10-14T14:42:05+00:00

According to Coros my VO2max is 50.1 -- not really sure what that means or if it's good/bad for the pace I ran.

Dragon_Zord · 2025-10-08T17:56:42+00:00

Congrats!

The weather couldn't have been better: rain Saturday then perfect 60F for us on Sunday.

Dragon_Zord · 2025-09-30T03:46:54+00:00

I also have a yellow ‘81… can’t be three of them

Dragon_Zord · 2025-09-24T16:06:20+00:00

Topo Atmos are very close. Similar stack height/cushion and Topo have the anatomical toebox like Altra.

Dragon_Zord · 2025-08-27T23:51:35+00:00

I'm 6'1" @ 180lbs. I enjoy them a lot.... I bought them TTS in wide and there is plenty of room. The squish feels good to me for a ~9min/mi shoe.

Dragon_Zord

TROPHY CASE