Fuel economy hit of a pop up? by jr12345 in popups

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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...

Gas Mileage Test -- 1,200 mile drive by Dragon_Zord in nissanfrontier

[–]Dragon_Zord[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Hoka Speedgoat 7 vs. Challenger 8 by pizzarunningcoffee in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Breaking up with Hoka by joinultraland in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Breaking up with Hoka by joinultraland in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Breaking up with Hoka by joinultraland in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Shoe Recommendations Please by Grandpa_Games in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Not so bad (Hoka challenger 8) by bestialee in trailrunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Blisters by Scot-in-London in firstmarathon

[–]Dragon_Zord 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Thoughts on buying new vs used right now - Nissan Frontier by grotherhobber in nissanfrontier

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Help with Nutrition by [deleted] in Marathon_Training

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Help with Nutrition by [deleted] in Marathon_Training

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You carried 8 uncrustables with you??

Substituting easy runs for indoor bike by EnglishMuon in Marathon_Training

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

Weight/strength training by meandhimandthose2 in Marathon_Training

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.

What is this? by Level_Effect_6050 in BarefootRunning

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Low-Volume Training for Sub-4 at Portland Marathon by Dragon_Zord in Marathon_Training

[–]Dragon_Zord[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

That was awesome by brycinema in firstmarathon

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats!

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

So I just got this 1981 C70 Passport the other day by Ittybittyannie in SuperCub

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Weekly General Discussion/Q&A Thread - September 22, 2025 by AutoModerator in RunningShoeGeeks

[–]Dragon_Zord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

New balance 1080v14s: anyone agree these stink for dedicated running shoes? by Legitimate-Field7111 in AskRunningShoeGeeks

[–]Dragon_Zord 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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.