Category: Avia
The week leading up to Ironman Hawaii, Kona
The Ironman village had a demo booth where athletes can test run shoes, ride bikes etc. I worked at the Avia booth and was amazed at the size and energy of this whole Kona/Ironman thing. The Avi Lite II seems to be the most popular for IM racing- its light with plenty of cushioning. I was also surprised at the might of the Triathlon Dollar, despite the world wide economic slump. Just proves again- Triathletes are overachievers, and Ironpeople more than most. Tomorrow is the big day- let the suffering begin!
Signing autographs at the Avia demo booth with triathlon legend Scott Tinley. Or, more like “watching Tinley sign his books.” I have been a Scott Tinley fan since (especially) my beginnings in triathlon in the late 80s, and I was stoked with my autographed ST books. The one says: “To the Conradenator”
A sneak peak at the new Avia trail racing shoe. From the Avia stand at Interbike
TaDAA!
This is the Avia trail racing shoe I helped design. Yes, trail RACING shoe. Avia Product Manager Ike Alvear extended the offer and said I could basically build my dream shoe for XTERRA racing. What an honour!
Bike porn from Interbike 2007
The Avia bike drew a lot of attention and explained bike show goers why there’s running shoes at their “bike show”. Triathletes!
XTERRA Snow Valley
Just a quick post. Its 1am and time for bed.
I raced the Avia XTERRA Snow Valley today. On top of a 30 hr training week it was not a cake walk, but the race went well. Felt strong all around. Also, I got to spend the weekend with the folks from my shoe sponsor Avia: Ed, Ike, Kenny Souza and fellow pro Shonny Vanlandingham. Shonny continues to improve at XTERRA and won the womens race and got 3rd overall. She almost “chicked” James Walsh from Mud, Sweat and Beers fame. But then he spent all day moving yesterday, and all I can say is “dude, I know your pain.” (See next blog.)
I am absolutely honored to be helping in the design of an Avia trail racing shoe. Today I tested a new sole pattern and the loose, sandy conditions here was a perfect test. We are hell bent on building a race winning shoe, so expect something light, fast and flashy. The shoe may even bear my name. W O W.
Ed in the “Victory or death*” shirt. Me with the silly grin. Ed’s wheels- the green ones. My wheels- the silver 29er. Specialized Stumpjumper.
Avia ad in Triathlete magazine
