Thumbs up for safety

Two prime examples of terrifying thumb injuries come to mind, both involving what is called gamekeepers thumb.
Gamekeepers thumb (skiers thumb) got its name from the “gamekeepers” of old, basically popping necks of rabbits, chickens, ducks, platypus, rhinoceros, and basically any poppable animal. The ulnar collateral ligament connects to the base of the thumb, from another bone in the back of your hand. It prevents your thumb from touching your wrist, a rather painful complication. I personally have been on the receiving end of this injury twice. One time while tacking in football, the other while training for AK in the local Midwest ex-dump converted to ski… well hill I guess you say. Both times are examples of acute injury, when a single incident causes gamekeepers thumb, basically by making your thumb touch the wrist. Painful and it typically doesn’t just tear the ligament (bad enough) but brings some bone with it. Treatment depends on severity and your doctor’s decision. This is also an injury when you do go to the doctor; it’s your opposable thumb we’re talking about!
So why should you, the skier or climber, be wary of a condition named for professional head-popper-offers? When you catch yourself after a crash in skiing, and you didn’t put your poles on properly (I was guilty of that), it puts your thumbs in direct contact with the ground. When bouldering, many spot with their thumbs parallel to the ground, rather than thumbs up. Huge mistake. One of the first things offensive lineman are taught in football is thumbs up. This prevents thumb injuries, as you’re less likely to push your thumb into your wrist. Same thing with bouldering, keep your thumbs up!
So remember, wear your poles correctly, hands go from the bottom of the wrist loop up, this puts all the weight on your wrist while pole planting, preventing hand fatigue. Also, when spotting your partner while bouldering, thumbs always point up, not inwards or down.

Patagonia Cap 1 short sleeve t-shirt

Patagonia Capilene 1 Short Sleeve Shirt

For those of you athletes who haven’t embraced the tech revolution brought on primarily by Under Armour, perhaps it’s time to join. For those of you not donning football pads, trying to cut air resistance, or don’t want to look like a complete meat head weekend warrior, it’s time for Patagonia’s Capilene 1 short sleeve shirt (or a similar shirt put out by many of the other wonderful companies not associated with . . . you know, the mainstream).

Patagonia has been pumping out great stuff since Chouinard made some pitons, but many of us have started to mutter PataGucci in our outdoor circles. Eh, some truth, some truth, but none the less, this is a good shirt. After snagging a few off SAC, I quickly got them moving. Everything from running, hiking, climbing, and skiing.

As a next to skin layer, the Pat Cap 1 does a fine job of pulling sweat right off your nasty skin and letting it evaporate no matter how much sweat you pour out. I’ve never felt saturated while wearing this shirt, but in the most humid of weather, I definitely did feel clammy. Also, I’ve had some chafing problems, only on long runs, mostly while wearing a camelbak, and oddly around the neck. Luckily, there are not a whole lot of seams along the shoulder to really cause you misery.
As a trail running piece, never had any tears from branches or the occasional fall, so abrasion wise it’s fine. Wicking wise, I’m happy. Fit wise, lil snug as a medium, so for running it’s not the most flowing shirt. I guess that’s good for a first layer, not great as a running shirt.

None the less, it’s comfortable, it wickes, I’m happy with it. Runs about $40, on SAC for $15.

ASICS Trabuco WP Men’s Trail Shoe

ASICS Trabuco WP Men’s Trail Shoe

First, let’s just get the bad out in open. The Gore-Tex gets hot and muggy on 80 plus degree days. And there you have it, I have praise for these beauties from here on out.

These shoes are like chocolate chip cookies. Sure they’re not the most exotic, kinda plain, but man, they always get the job done. The gore-tex membrane does a killer job at keeping your feet dry (assuming you don’t tank your foot above the ankle) and do a pretty good job at regulating temperature at all but the most humid, hot runs. The uppers are firm enough to prevent many ankle injuries, yet let your feet flex naturally as you run on pretty much any terrain. The shank is stiff and has one of the better rock plates I’ve used. They’re not as stiff as true mountain running shoes (see la sportive lynx), but the rock plate will protect you from roots and most rocks. The tread is very aggressive, with good forward and reverse lug placement. Not incredible at running downhill, yet they make up for it in their odd ability to be fairly comfortable in the occasional road session. They shed mud very well and I personally have never had any clumping issues. I like the the round shoe laces, but my wife (who has the women’s version) happens to hate them. They also have a nice shoe lace pocket in the tongue, so they can be stowed out of the way while running.

These shoes are made for the neutral to moderate pronator, but have plenty of room to accommodate most orthotics. They are fairly well cushioned and supportive, giving a comfortable ride.

They come with or without a goretex membrane, giving a runner the option of opting out of the extra weight and warmth of goretex. W/O Goretex they cost around 80. With goretex they cost about 100.

Coming in both men’s and women’s versions, a running couple can have his and hers models and look like incredible dorks (aka Mrs CP and I).

Who should buy:

1. neutral to moderate pronators

2. those looking for a good go anywhere trail shoe

3. if you’re looking for a tough shoe that protects the ankles well (Mrs. Two Feet has no TaloFibular Ligament and can attest to the ankle protecting powers)

Terrain:

Rocks: eh, could find a better ride for rocks

Packed trail: Great shoes, great shoes

Mud: so good, so good

How happy are the Feet?

Very happy feet. Well protected, Not too wet. Great for long runs. Definitely better options for those looking for very technical terrain.

Two Feet Stuck Outside

Two Feet Stuck Outside. What a dumb name. I am 99% sure that you're probably only going to keep reading if I tell you what the heck this means. Here goes...

"Two Feet"
As a podiatry student, soon to be doctor, and avid outdoors athlete (or enjoyer, or have funner, whatever) I've discovered the absolute amazing duty that your feet have. Of course, I'm also well versed in the rest of the body, so it's good to be able to apply gear, adventure, and life in general.
My goal is give you the reader any insight on training (I was once a personal trainer), health and fitness (I used to be a splendidly hefty 255 pounds), and gear (come on, do you know why gore-tex actually works? you need me!... please...)
So that's the the Two Feet means. You got two feets, I got me two feets, let's figure out how they work and what sweet gear we can put on and carry around!

"Stuck Outside"
My wife is from Alaska. I'm not even going to cover it up. It is 1/2 of the reason I ever started talkign to her. She's also smoking hot.
Back to Alaska. Going "outside" means out of AK. We're stuck "outside" in Brecksville, OH which is close to The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, in Cleveland, OH. This is "outside". It is not AK, and we're stuck for at least 3 years more.
We'll be dropping some super fun hot stuff around OH, the midwest, and elsewhere to help you, the reader, find some sweet stuff to do!

Enjoy, we'll be hooking you up with some crazy good reviews on gear, shoes, clothing, and places for all your outdoors enjoyment!

CP