Category Archives: Trail Running

New Running Gear HQ!

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running gearAlabama Outdoors Sets Sights on Becoming Your New Running Gear HQ!

Alabama Outdoors has opened a full technical Running Gear section in our Homewood location.

We have everything you need to optimize your running experience – whether it’s on the trails (our favorite!) or on the roads. Check out our running gear section online, or come in and see what we have that can help make your run easier and more enjoyable.

Feet are Kings (or Queens)!

OK, so we don’t sell feet, but we do have everything that will make them feel royally wonderful. Starting from the skin out, AO has a variety of great technical socks including FITS merino wool-based and Swiftwick technical socks. We also carry a full line of Superfeet trim-to-fit inserts.

Shoes are the Crown

Trail shoes make your runs far more efficient and pleasant. They provide better traction, protection against roots and rocks, and better drainage for people running through creeks and streams than road shoes.

Whether it’s Salomon, Pearl Izumi, Saucony, La Sportiva, Inov-8, New Balance or another great brand, AO carries a wide range of shoes to meet the specific needs of trail runners, as well as those needing door-to-trail shoes.

Since the best shoe is the one that fits, we will take everyone through our fit process to make sure that shoe you run out with is the best one for your foot.

Apparel Fit for Royalty

What you wear on your body can be almost as important as what’s on your feet. Try some of the amazing technical apparel from The North Face or Patagonia. They may not seem like your “traditional” running gear brands, but they have been making technical apparel for far longer than most “traditional” brands.

The key to their products is that they have taken everything they have learned from making technical apparel to keep people warm while climbing mountains and keep them cool in jungles and deserts, and applied it to running.

Accessories – Royals have to have stuff, right?

Garmin GPS watches, Triggerpoint rollers, The Stick, GU nutrition, Buffs, Nathan hydration belts and hand helds, and Body Glide are all available here at our Homewood store in the Running Gear section and in our online store.

Upcoming events:

  • Thursday, May 23: Big Benefit Run at Good People Brewing Co. benefiting Friends of Red Mountain. A $10 donation (100% goes to the charity) gets you a 5K fun run, your first Good People beer free, live music, lots of great giveaways including two Zip Line tours for 2 and two Beanstalk Forest tours for 2
  • Saturday, June 1: Choccolocco 50K/21K
  • Friday, June 14th: Party on the Porch at Alabama Outdoors Homewood, 5:30 to 7:30 pm with live music, food truck, trail running specials, a 5K fun run, and a benefit for Ruffner Mountain
  • Saturday, June 15: Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Series Inaugural Run 5K/21K at Oak Mountain State Park.presented by Alabama Outdoors and sponsored by Resolute Running and Birmingham Track Club

We look forward to seeing you soon here at AO!

Thanks,

greg

FITS Socks – Try a Pair On Us!

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FITS Socks - Try a Pair on Us!

Free Pair of FITS Socks

Friday April 26th through Sunday May 5th, Receive a Free Pair of FITS Socks with the purchase of any pair of shoes priced $100 or more!*

Why FITS?

FITS socks feature unique construction that gives your foot the perfect fit. Wool blends are selected to ensure comfort and durability for running, hiking and other outdoor activities. Your feet connect your body to the rest of the world – take care of them!

Full Contact Fit

FITS Socks Full Contact Fit

Have you ever wondered how a flat pair of socks can fit your foot? They can’t! When you take a pair of FITS socks out of the packaging, they look just like feet. This sculpted design ensures that the sock is comfortable and stays put. No movement or slipping reduces blisters. It’s called the “Full Contact Fit!”

The Full Contact Cuff gently hugs your leg. This prevents the sock from sliding down your leg, creating slack in the ankle area. When you’re out on the trail, you won’t be constantly tugging at the tops of your socks to keep them in position.

The Dynamic Toe Cup allows for a close, comfortable fit with no bunching or extra material. Top stitching is soft and positioned so that there are no hot spots. The toe cup allows the toes to perform their job and keeps the sock out of their way. No unlacing shoes mid-run for an adjustment.

The Heel Lock is constructed with Y-shaped stitching. This creates a deep heel pocket that anchors the entire sock – no slipping! This ensures that the sock maintains its shape and stays put.

The Perfect Fit

FITS Socks Fit Finder

Finding your perfect fit is important and easy with the FIT Finder. The sculpted design of the sock perfectly conforms to your foot, even if you’re between sizes. Color coded top stitching on the toe box and inside the cuff make storing your socks a breeze, and the fit is guaranteed by FITS!

FITS Socks Guarantee

SHOP FITS SOCKS NOW

*Excludes Chaco Sandals. In store only, not available online. Not valid with any other offer or discount, including Buy 3 Get 1 Free socks. Certain exclusions apply. See store for details.

2013 Cahaba River Ramble

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Join Alabama Outdoors at the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble

 

2013 Cahaba River Ramble

The Cahaba River Society and Alabama Outdoors invite you to the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble! Runners travel from around the Southeast every year to participate in these spectacular 5k and 10 mile races. The Ramble will be held on Sunday, May 5th, and the Cahaba lilies will be in full bloom!

The Races

The 10 mile course will challenge experienced runners. Those looking for a more relaxed course can opt for the 5k. The rolling topography of the region allow for an outstanding course layout. Interesting educational programs will occur during and after the races. There is lots for the whole family to enjoy!

The Refuge

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is home to five federally listed listed species including the Cahaba shiner, goldline darter, round rocksnail, and cylindrical lioplax snail. Enjoy running alongside the river through stands of loblolly and mountain longleaf pines. The beautiful surroundings help to make the Ramble one of the most unique running experiences in the South.

CLEAN

The Cahaba River Ramble is the annual fundraiser for the Shane Hulsey CLEAN program. The environmental education opportunities created by CLEAN have served over 26,000 students and teachers in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Bibb, Perry and Dallas County.

Location

The 2013 Cahaba River Ramble takes place at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near West Blockton, Alabama. From Interstate 20/59, take exit 97 to Bibb County Road 24. Print directions here.

Registration

Registration is now open! You can register online here. Race day registration and check in begins at 6:30 a.m.. Registration for the 10 mile race is $40, the 5k is $30.

Need some gear?

Shop in our online store for women’s trail running shoes or men’s trail running shoes.

The Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival

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Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival

Join Alabama Outdoors on Saturday, April 27th for the 2013 Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival!

 

Starting at 8:00 am, a variety of distances to chose from including a 5K, 10K, and 15K.  And starting at 7:00 am, an 8 hour option for those wishing to enjoy the entire day on the trails of Ruffner.

The course is entirely on 1,036 acre Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in Birmingham, AL.  All races begin on the service road adjacent to the parking lot and Nature Center.  All races will start at the Pavilion/parking lot and will head up the service road with the different distances splitting off.  The 5K will head straight on the Quarry Trail going around Possum Loop, back on Quarry to the finish.  The 10 and 15K will start with a bit more service road spurring off to the right onto the trails headed down the Buckeye to Lizard Loop.  It will double back to the Ridge and Valley, then around Possum Loop and back on the Quarry to the finish.  The 15K will split off from the 10K to add the additional distance.

The trails of Ruffner include diverse terrain with rocks, roots, and ample elevation change.  The 10 and 15K distances include the most challenging trails.

Starting at 7:00 am, the 8 hour option will take advantage of all three courses to keep it interesting.  For those wishing to set up their own aid station, the course will loop back to the parking lot several times and there’s ample space for a chair, cooler, gear, and etc.

Fun Facts about Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve:

  • There is 5,000 feet of elevation change in our Crusher Ridge 21K! It triples in the 63K.
  • Ruffner’s Preserve was once a major mining site with 9 iron ore mines, 3 limestone, 2 chert and 2 brownstone quarries. Today it hosts a globally rare plant species and the only East off the Mississippi population of the Spring Water Dancer.
  • 12 miles of trails cross the site with copious un-trailed area, our Urban Back Country.
  • Our trees remove $471,000 worth of air pollution each year!

For more information, click here

Need some gear for the Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival?

 

Be sure to check out our great selection of trail running shoes  for men and women in our online store!

The 2013 Alabama Outdoors Trail Series

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WEB-Trail-Series-Full-Graphic-17x24FRONTWe are pleased to unveil the 2013 Alabama Outdoors Trail Series. Due to the popularity of the series last year, we’ve added several new events around the state. Make plans now! Most of these races will sell out quickly!

You can look forward to great prize packages, shoe and equipment demonstrations, register to win giveaways, swag and more! Plus, run right alongside the Alabama Outdoors Trail Team!

Browse the events below. Clicking on links will take you directly to the event page with registration information and more. Additional details will be added as they become available. Having trouble remembering the next race? Download this helpful Trail Series Wallpaper for your desktop! (Windows: right click, save link as. Mac:right click, download linked file)

WEB-Trail-Series-Full-Graphic-17x24BACKFor updated information, product reviews, events, and more Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter. And don’t forget about our weekly Tuesday Trail Run at Red Mountain Park!

 

Birmingham Trail Runs Are Back!

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Birmingham Trail Runs

Beginning Tuesday, March 12th – Birmingham Trail Runs at Red Mountain Park are BACK!

Alabama Outdoors, in partnership with Red Mountain Park and the Birmingham Track Club, is pleased to announce that our weekly Trail Runs will resume on Tuesday March 12th. This weekly run was extremely popular in 2012. Each week, meet us at the main gate at Red Mountain Park in Birmingham between 5:30 and 5:45 p.m.. The run will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.. We run rain or shine unless there is a threat of heavy rain or lightning.

Three guided four-mile runs are offered, with an option to make it six miles. All ages and skill levels are welcome!

We will provide hydration at the main gate, but bringing your own is advised. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather.

Stay tuned for more information, and remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for the latest news!

 

Leave No Trace – Take It to the Trail: 8 Tips for Trail Running

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In the last 3 years, the number of trail runners has risen by 15.5%, accounting for over 5.6 million Americans running on trails across the country each year.

Take It To The Trail

According to Ben Lawhon, Leave No Trace Education Director, “Trail running is one of those outdoor pursuits that, while not entirely mainstream, continues to grow at a surprising rate. You’re seeing it occurring in more places every year such as Grand Canyon National Park, where people are now running from the North Rim to the South Rim and then back again in one outing.”

Due to this growing interest and participation in trail running, the Center offers the following tips to help enthusiasts responsibly enjoy the trail where they run:

  1. Be prepared to run down the middle of the trail even when wet or muddy
  2. Wear water-resistant or water proof footwear. Consider wearing gaiters to help keep your feet dry

Click Here to continue reading…

 

The Pearl Izumi N1 Trail Shoes have landed!

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The best trail shoes I’ve ever run in? Hands Down.

Introducing the Pearl Izumi EMotion N1 Trail Runners. It’s all about the transition. The N1s dynamic offset is unlike any shoes on the market and is a whole new way of looking at running technology. Smooth from touch down (whether your a heel or fore front striker) to toe off. So Simple, Light (the entire EMotion line is under 10oz), High Responsive, Cushioned, Protective, and Easy on the body. Perfect for any distance from 5ks to Ultras.

Trail Tested? Timothy Olson set the Western States 100mile Course Record in a pair this past summer (Photo courtesy of I Run Far). Highly recommended. Timothy-Olson-Pearl-Izumi-Trail-N1-2012-Western-States-100

Stop by any one of our 8 Alabama Outdoors locations for an expert fit today in a pair of new Men’s and Woman’s N1s today or online 24hrs a day. Run Far, Buy Local.

Stay Connected

They’re Here! …….

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The new Pearl Izumi N1 Trail Shoes for Men and Women are finally available! Stop by any one of our 8 Alabama Outdoors locations for an expert fit today in a pair of new Men’s & Woman’s Trail N1s today or online 24hrs a day. Run Far, Buy Local.

Come and see for yourself why this shoe is winning every award out there and don’t be alarmed when these shoes make you a faster.

Run Like An Animal indeed…

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