ePodismo online | U.S. edition | Issue 9 | February 2015
The St. Valentine celebrations that take place throughout the month of February in Terni - the hometown of the world renown saint, dubbed the "City of Love" - are not only religious. Terni becomes romantic and welcoming, with a rich calendar of events that includes shows, cultural gatherings, art and intellectual itineraries, concerts, exhibitions, films, plays, shows, poetry and prose competitions, and many other festivities with a love theme. One of the most important event is the "St. Valentine Golden Award" given to those who have stood out in the field of culture, science, sport and humanitarian organizations. In the same period there is also the "Maratona di San Valentino", from the medieval church of Saint Valentine to the Marmore falls along a scenic course winding through the Nera river valley. Both the start and the finish are worth of note. The church contains the remains of St. Valentine in an urn under the altar, and in the center of the choir is St. Valentine's well where the letters with messages of love from all over the world are collected. The Marmore falls are a man-made waterfall built by the ancient Romans in 271 bC and designed to favour the outflow of the Velino river, responsible for frequent and disastrous flooding and unhealthy swamps. It is the tallest man-made waterfall in Europe and a marvel of Roman engineering.
A great running place in Roma is the Villa Ada park. It is a little far from the center of the Italian capital but it is worth it: there is a lake that can be reached and a two and a half kilometer long dirt road.
MONTRAIL FLUID FEEL II - The second round of the Fluid Feel strengthens the hybrid trail offering by upgrading where possible and leaving well enough alone. The upper is a bi-layer closed mesh with minimal welded overlays forming a kind of intermittent rand and saddle-like midfoot wrap. Stitched reinforcements at the front of the semi-saddle tie to the toecap and snugs the midfoot, while decoupled eyelets allow the lacing to adjust with the foot, as before. The ankle collar and linings are retained to secure the heel, preventing slipping and providing a plush feel. The Fluidfoam chassis is unchanged, offering its well cushioned and flexible ride. The outersole is also maintained as is, providing effective traction and durability. The Fluid Feel II is a bit lighter with the same ride, good traction, and expected performance.
Testers: "Fit well, comfortable and a nice extension of my foot. The grip was just right for all of my trails and even for getting there on the road."
Sizes: Men 7-13, 14, 15; Women 5-11
Weight: 10.4 oz. (men's size 11); 8.6 oz. (women's size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted
Recommended for: medium to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
 | Sunday February 1 in Vinci, near Firenze, the local running club organizes the traditional Maratonina città di Vinci, a 14.5k compettive event, with two fun runs (4.5k and 10k). Renaissance inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452, in a farmhouse about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) from the town. Half a million visitors a year come to visit the Museum of Leonardo and his birthplace. www.atleticavinci.it |
 | The Maratona sulla sabbia will be held on Sunday February 8 in San Benedetto del Tronto, near Ascoli Piceno. As the name implies, the course is completely on the sand, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It is a 7k loop to be completed seven times if you are participating in the full 26.2 marathon. The event includes a half marathon and a 7k run as well. http://maratonasullasabbia.altervista.org |
 | On Saturday February 14 runners will have the possibility of combining an early run in Venice with the local Carnevale (a festival famed for its elaborate masks) by running the Progetto 5.30. This project articulates on a series of event in the major Italian cities. Runners start at 5:30 in the morning to run at dawn a 5.3k course. "Fritoe" (raisins and pinenuts fritters), "galani" (fried dough) and "vin brulé" (hot spiced wine) will be served to all runners. www.run530.it |
 | The Maratona di Palermo will be held on Sunday February 15. Located in Sicily, Palermo was founded in 734 bC by the Phoenicians as Ziz ("flower"). Its strategic position in the middle of the Mediterranean brought waves of invaders including Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Saracen Arabs, Normans, Swabians, French and Spanish, resulting in a vast range of architectural styles, in a fusion of ingredients used in many local dishes, and in many place names which are obviously not of Italian origin. www.palermomaratona.it |
 | The Corri sul mare (Run along the sea) scheduled for Sunday February 22 in Levanto, near La Spezia is a competitive event with a 4k and a 12.7k course. The town is on the coast at the end of a valley, thickly wooded with olive and pine trees. The municipality forms part of the coastal district known as the Comunità Montana della Riviera Spezzina, and part of its territory is included in the Cinque Terre National Park. www.stralevanto2000.it |
 | On Saturday February 28 the Gran premio del Monte Serra, Ragazzi del Vega will be held on the mountain trails near the Tuscan town of Calci, in the province of Pisa. It is a challenging 9.3k uphill run featuring wonderful views of the surrounding area. Participation is free (no entry fee). www.trailmontipisani.it |
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