ePodismo online | U.S. edition | Issue 7 | December 2014
A great place in Roma where to run is the Circus Maximus, that can be reached by running over the Palatine bridge in the Trastevere area. There is a course which is more or less one kilometer long, but you can run in other directions as well.
MIZUNO WAVE HAYATE - Mizuno has not matched its road successes on the trail, but that is about to change. Two new shoes have finally matched the design and technology in a way that maximizes trail performance. The Hayate is the sleek trail performer, but is rugged enough for serious trails. The upper is closed mesh with welded overlays, and a wild sublimated print adorning the shoe. The fit is snug, supportive, and has a smooth and seamless interior. The midsole is low profile but responsively cushioned, the U4ic foam doing on the trail what it does on the road, cushioning and protecting the foot. The outersole is a subtle but effectively lugged carbon rubber that grips and shields the foot from roots, rocks, and rubble. The nitty gritty is the Hayate grips, protects, and performs on the trail.
Testers: "The Hayate fits well and offers plenty of protection, stability, and traction for most any trail running surface. The shoe quickly adapts to the surface giving a good ground feel while still protecting from the rocks."
Sizes: Men 7-13; Women 6-11
Weight: 9.7 oz. (men's size 11); 8.0 oz. (women's size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Recommended for: medium to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation
The Trail Monte di Portofino scheduled for Sunday December 7 will offer participants the possibility of running on the green pines rich mountains of the Regional Natural Park of Portofino (only fifty miles away from the world-renown Cinque Terre area). It is a gorgeous 26.2k trail. www.maratoninaportofino.it |
Monday December 8 Italy celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. One of the events traditionally organized this holiday is the Corsa dell'olio in Reggello, on the hills around Firenze, to celebrate the pressing of the extravirgin olive oil. Although this year the oil has been scarce because of the cold weather, this 16.5k and 6k event is ideal to have fun, taste fresh green oil, and be rewarded with a 1-liter bottle at the end of the run. www.dreamrunners.it |
The Invernalissima ("The Wintermost" run) will be held on Sunday December 14 in Assisi, in the heart of the Umbria region. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, who founded the Franciscan religious order in the town in 1208. The event features a half marathon and a shorter 6.5k run. www.invernalissima.it |
The Maratona delle cattedrali will be held on Sunday December 21 in Bisceglie. As the name of the event implies, the course will show the participants several cathedrals in and around this town, located on the Adriatic sea in the Puglia region. The modern city was founded by the Normans in the 11th century. Along with the marathon, a half marathon distance is available too. www.pugliamarathon.com |
The Maratonina città murata will be held on Sunday December 28 in Cittadella, a medieval walled city in northern Italy, founded in the 13th century as a military outpost of Padua. Thousands of participants will engage on the 13.1 miles event. The start and finish line is within the walls, but the course will wind through the open countryside. www.maratoneticittadellesi.it |
Finish the year on Wednesday December 31 with the traditional Corsa di San Silvestro, held in Bolzano, the main city of the German-speaking province of South Tyrol in northern Italy. It is a very competitive event (also invitational), with a 10k course for men and a 5k course for women, offering a unique chance to run against international stars and to compare your time with theirs. www.boclassic.it |