SOLE Blog
October 16th, 2012
Introducing Signature CD Thin Footbeds
We're super excited to announce our newest Footbed model, the Signature CD Thin. The latest in our signature athletes series of Footbeds, the CD Thin features big mountain skier Chris Davenport. Partial proceeds from all of our signature series footbeds support a charity of our sponsored athletes choosing. In Chris' case, he has decided to support Protect Our Winters, which is an organization that is fighting to stop climate change.
May 16th, 2012
Making It To "The Top," Literally!
Working with SOLE athletes has many highlights, and one of the greatest of these is when I (we) get to celebrate our athletes' achievements. Ed Viesturs - the man who inspired and partnered with SOLE on our Signature EV Ultra Footbed - is one of these amazing athletes.
March 27th, 2012
Motivation, where are you?
New Years' resolutions have come and gone, and I am curious to know how many people have stuck to their resolutions for 2012. According to the University of Scranton, only 46% of people who make New Years' resolutions have maintained their goal after 6 months. It seems to me that resolutions are often not successful due to issues of motivation, or lack thereof.
December 16th, 2011
Off to Antarctica
There are lots of things that get me excited about my job, and receiving video messages from SOLE-sponsored athletes is one of them! Less than 18 hours before Team Jordan is to fly from Southern Chile to Antarctica, I received the video below in my email inbox:
December 7th, 2011
Jordan Romero: Conquering the Dream of a Lifetime
From Kilimanjaro to Aconcagua and all the way up Everest, the team at SOLE has hoped, watched, and celebrated with Jordan Romero over the past 5 years. This Monday, December 12th, Jordan sets out to summit the last remaining peak in the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent). We caught up with Jordan before he left to conquer Antarctica's Vinson Massif, to hear a little more about what he's learned since his first climb, how he prepares differently now, and what the age of 13 means to him.
November 28th, 2011
Doug Stoup and The Push
We caught up with SOLE-sponsored athlete, Doug Stoup, and he told us about his newest endeavor, The Push. Doug will be guiding a team, including 2 adaptive athletes on sit-skis, to the South Pole next January.
October 24th, 2011
Accelerate at any age: an interview with David O'Meara
SOLE athlete, David "The One Mile Runner" O'Meara spent the bulk of 2011 completing a new personal record. David achieved his 5 Wonders Under 25 Minutes by running 1 mile at five wondrous locations around the world, including the Grand Canyon, Stonehenge, Golden Gate Bridge, Taj Mahal, and Petra.
September 23rd, 2011
SOLE Custom Footbeds for Cycling
September may seem like an odd time to discuss how SOLE footbeds can improve your cycling. After all, the season is just about finished and cyclists are getting ready to take their road bikes inside and mount them on a trainer (or perhaps that's just in cold Canada?). Regardless, the off-season is a great time to explore new products that are going to help athletes perform optimally during the regular competition season, which is why I discussed the importance of SOLE Thin Sport Footbeds with Charles Ostiguy, captain of Team Archibald Genetik SOLE cycling.
September 21st, 2011
Dav Digs SOLE
SOLE caught up with skier and mountaineer Chris Davenport during Outdoor Retailer Summer Market. Check out the video below in which Dav discusses how he relied on SOLE footbeds and Exhales during his Mt. Everest summit, and then switched to SOLE flips while vacationing in Hawaii. How's that for recovery!?
August 23rd, 2011
Congratulations Rebecca!
Last week we talked to Rebecca Rusch about empowering and motivating women of all ages through the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour. After Rusch's Leadville 100 finish last weekend, we don't think the participants of the Gold Rusch tour need any more inspiration - Rusch beat her previous, record-breaking 2010 Leadville 100 finish by more than 15 minutes, completing the full 100 mile ride in 7 hours, 31 minutes and 46 seconds. In addition to this, the top four women in the race ALL beat Rusch's 2010 record!
August 12th, 2011
Gold Rusch Reflections with Rebecca Rusch
This Saturday, Rebecca Rusch will tackle the Leadville 100 MTB race with hopes of taking the women's title for the third year in a row. In 2010, she shattered the women's course record and has been training hard ever since. One might think that Rusch would choose to solely focus on training, to beat her 2010 course record and make history again, but that's hardly been the case. Rusch has recently completed the SRAM Gold Rusch Tour, a series of 4 events that focus predominantly on women, biking and bringing the two together. Despite being incredibly busy, Rusch graciously agreed to an interview with SOLE where we discussed female-focused events, favorite memories, and instilling confidence in the next generation of women.
May 9th, 2011
Team SOLE at Eco Motion 2011
After taking a short hiatus from adventure racing to climb some mountains and set some records, Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren of Team SOLE hopped back on the adventure racing train, taking on Eco Motion in Brazil. Between several airports and countries, SOLE caught up with Paul and Karen to discuss their 4th place finish at one of the world's toughest adventure races.
April 21st, 2011
Why climb, why compete, and why SOLE?
With the kick-off of the climbing World Cup Series starting, SOLE caught up with sponsored athlete Alex Johnson and asked: why climb, why compete, and why SOLE?
April 7th, 2011
Catching up with Team Archibald Genetik SOLE leader, Charles Ostiguy
As the 2011 road bike season approaches, SOLE caught up with Charles Ostiguy, (leader of Team Archibald Genetik SOLE road-racing) to see what is exciting, inspiring, and challenging them for their upcoming race season.
February 16th, 2011
New Feature Pages for Dean Karnazes & Ed Viesturs
We're excited to announce that we recently launched two new feature pages on our website. The pages highlight our two Signature Edition Footbeds and athletes: Dean Karnazes and Ed Viesturs. If you didn't know, $1 from the sale of every pair of Signature Edition Footbeds is donated to Karno Kids (Dean's charity) and Big City Mountaineers (Ed's charity). By launching these new feature pages, we hope to better inform our customers about our Signature athletes and their worthy causes.
January 11th, 2011
Notes from Nick: Why run for St. Johns Hospice?
On May 2nd 2010, Dave Redfern, my best friend, died at St. John's Hospice in Moggerhanger after a brave fight against oesophagus cancer. He left a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him, and still does so today. The last two weeks of his life were made so much better by the amazing care he received at St John's Hospice, which is a truly remarkable place.
December 21st, 2010
Run Geordie Run
Mark Allison, SOLE UK athlete, may seem like an "unconventional" runner, as he has been spotted in recent weeks dressed up as Santa Claus while running.
December 21st, 2010
SOLE Adopts Nick Hearn for the 2011 Virgin London Marathon
SOLE knows what a huge difference having the right kit can make. For runners, wearing the right footwear is even more important. In 2010, SOLE supported several top notch athletes with footwear including runner Marie-Louise Stenild, the first woman to run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.
December 1st, 2010
UK Adopt A Runner winner announced
SOLE is pleased to announce our first ever Adopted Virgin London Marathoner - NICK HEARN!
November 26th, 2010
Post 7x7x7 testimonial from Marie-Louise Stenild
I would call myself a runner. A leisurely runner, but a runner none-the-less. I typically run with one purpose: to "clear my head." Marie-Louise Stenild, on the other hand, runs with a much larger purpose: to raise funds for children and their families in the fight to battle cancer. In addition to this, Marie-Louise completed 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents, and gave all the charitable donations to Adam Rogers Trust. Wow.
November 5th, 2010
7 Marathons, in 7 Days, on 7 Continents
We all have our own personal "bucket list" of things we'd like to do before we die. Some of us want to skydive, pet a giraffe, or learn to paint. Others desire to do something unique, and perhaps unthinkable.
September 29th, 2010
The queen of pain: an interview with athlete Rebecca Rusch
I once heard a joke that said: "At 40, it takes longer to rest than it did to get tired". Well, whoever created that joke must not have met 41 year old, multi sport athlete Rebecca Rusch. Over the past 13 years, Rebecca has competed in everything from cross country skiing, to orienteering, to adventure racing and finally, mountain biking. She is the 3 time winner of the 24 Hour Solo World Mountain Bike Championship (2007, 2008, and 2009), 2-time Leadville 100 winner (2009, 2010) and carries the title of #1 in the 2008 Masters Cross Country Skiing World Championship. I had a chance to connect with Rebecca shortly after she returned home from racing in Brazil and breaking a record at the Leadville 100.
September 21st, 2010
The road from amateur to elite: an interview with athlete Leif Baradoy
After competing in his first world-stage, Olympic-distance triathlon, SOLE sponsored triathlete Leif Baradoy recently returned home from his debut at the International Triathlete Union (ITU) Championships in Budapest. I had an opportunity to connect with Leif and get the goods on one of the biggest races of his life, not to mention reflect on the strides (pun intended) he's made in just two short years.
May 23rd, 2010
Congratulations Jordan Romero! Youngest to ever summit Everest
Jordan Romero has summited Everest! On Saturday, Kathmandu time, Jordan, his father Paul Romero, Paul's partner Karen Lundgren and three Sherpas reached the peak of Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Jordan, aged 13, is the youngest to have climbed Everest.
May 3rd, 2010
Jordan's 7 Summits Quest Continues
Several months ago, I introduced you to Jordan Romero, SOLE sponsored athlete, and his quest to summit the tallest mountains on each continent (the 7 Summits) – before the age of 15. Can't remember that post? Click here to read more. The following highlights the 6 summits Jordan has conquered, his age and the continent on which each mountain is found:
March 29th, 2010
Trailer for Vancouver Island Quest
Last August, SOLE athlete Jen Segger ticked off another item from her checklist of “to-do's”. She took on Vancouver Island in a four day journey by bike, foot and ferry from Cape Scott to Victoria, BC. Jen's journey, aptly named the Vancouver Island Quest, had a two-fold purpose:
November 9th, 2009
What were you doing when you were thirteen?
- playing video games?
- skipping school?
- still going to the mall with your parents? (ok, maybe not...)
- attending sports-practices?...
October 7th, 2009
SOLE athlete Logan Beaulieu interviewed in Breathe magazine
Breathe magazine recently published an article on SOLE athlete Logan Beaulieu. Here's an excerpt from the story:
"Imagine the excitement within Moe Beaulieu, when his son Logan completed his first ultramarathon. It was only four years prior that doctors told him that he might not walk again. Now running is not so much a part of his life as it is his life.
September 30th, 2009
Nick Craig wins the 2009 Three Peaks Cyclocross
SOLE Athlete Nick Craig has won the 2009 Three Peaks Cyclocross race. Read more at SingleTrackWorld.com
September 4th, 2009
Jen Segger Completes Her Vancouver Island Quest
After four gruelling days of biking and trail-running, Jen Segger rode in to Mile 0 in Victoria, BC at 5:48am on Friday, August 28th to complete her Vancouver Island Quest.
September 4th, 2009
Jordan Romero Summits Carstensz Pyramid
At age 13, Jordan is the youngest person to reach the summit of Carstensz Pyramid. This is an excerpt from his blog that was written by Patrick; their guide in Nabire:
And so it is. Today in the 2nd of September 2009, at 15.00 of East Indonesian Time this ...
August 18th, 2009
Jen Segger's Vancouver Island Quest kicks off in one week
SOLE Athlete, Jen Segger, will be starting her Vancouver Island Quest in one week. For the quest, Jen plan's to trail run and mountain bike the entire length of British Columbia's Vancouver Island (approximately 750km - 4 days nonstop).
August 10th, 2009
SOLE endurance athlete, Jen Segger, embarks on Vancouver Island Quest
On August 24th, endurance athlete Jen Segger will be embarking on a personal expedition - a 4 day non-stop, 750km trail running and mountain biking epic from the top of Vancouver Island to the bottom. Appropriately named the Vancouver Island Quest, the expedition will begin at the Cape Scott Lighthouse on the Island's most Northern tip and will conclude in Victoria 4 days later at mile zero.
June 8th, 2009
Platinum Sandals featured in the June issue of Lincolnshire Today magazine
Our Platinum Sandals are featured in the June issue of Lincolnshire Today magazine. Here's what they had to say:
"For exploring, try the Platinum Sandal which moulds to your feet offering comfort all day."
May 28th, 2009
Team SOLE interviewed by The IC/RC Chronicles
Intense-sponsored Team Sole is consistently one of the top adventure race teams in the world. We caught up with Paul Romero, Team Sole captain and Intense Cycles pal, and teammate, Karen Lundgren, to try to get an idea what's going on in the head of an adventure racer. Paul's son, Jordan, is quickly following in Paul's footsteps, aspiring to become the youngest person to summit the 7 biggest peaks on the planet.
May 28th, 2009
7 Summits Youth Challenge
"Youth of all ages are encouraged to get out and exercise in the outdoors. Local youth mountaineer will guide groups of youth to the peaks of the 7 highest peaks in the Big Bear Valley. There is no charge to participate. Participants will receive free goodies on each hike and be eligible for great raffle prizes donated by many of Jordan's sponsors."
February 12th, 2009
Team SOLE featured on WendMag.com
Team SOLE was mentioned in a blog posting from WendMag.com today. There's a photo gallery up from the 2008 Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge featuring our team. Click here to check out the story and gallery.
February 2nd, 2009
Outdoor Retailer - Day One
"SOLE athlete Jordan Romero featured in Day One of the Show Daily."
February 2nd, 2009
Jordan Romero interviewed on Outside online
Jordan Romero was recently interviewed on Outside online about his attempt to be the youngest person to climb the seven summits.
January 16th, 2009
Team SOLE on Jeep World of Adventure Sports
The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge will be on Jeep® World of Adventure Sports® on Sunday, January 18.
January 12th, 2009
Ferg Hawke applies for spot in the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope 2009
SOLE Athlete Ferg Hawke has applied for a spot in the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope 2009. The CBC, in conjunction with the Terry Fox Foundation, is looking for 12 people that are willing and able to run a marathon a day for 143 days in a row. That's what Terry ran.
December 30th, 2008
Team SOLE Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge 2008 Photos
Check out photos of Team SOLE participating in the 2008 Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge.
December 23rd, 2008
Jordan Romero appears on ABC News
"Kid climber conquers highest peaks. A daring eleven-year-old sets his sights on scaling the Seven Summits."
December 23rd, 2008
SOLE Platinum Sandals Approved by Podiatrists
SOLE's new sandals awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association
December 11th, 2008
Team SOLE takes on Abu Dhabi!
After a great finish at the AR World Championships, Team SOLE is ready to face the second biggest race on the circuit - the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. ADAC has quickly become one of the hottest races in adventure racing, with outstanding terrain and big cash prizes. Top teams from all over the world have flocked to this race and will make it an exciting battle to watch. Unsupported teams of 4 will face deserts, islands, the sea and mountains as they sea kayak, cross orienteer, mountain bike, adventure run, do rope activities, in-line skate and maybe even do some camel hiking!
December 11th, 2008
Last-minute Team SOLE entry surprises field
Karen Lundgren and Paul Romero, longtime co-captains of California-based adventure racing team SOLE, weren't on the list of registered teams for the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, but I saw them in the lobby of the hotel last night. They came to race!
December 10th, 2008
SOLE Adventurer Jon Bowermaster continues his quest to raise awareness about the 7 continents
"Over the past 20 years I've written about adventure, the environment and the remote corners of the world for a variety of national and international magazines, ranging from National Geographic and National Geographic Adventure to the New York Times, Atlantic Monthly and more. A six-time grantee of the National Geographic Expeditions Council, those adventures have led my teams and me to each continent."
December 9th, 2008
Dean Karnazes wins world's toughest endurance race
"Dean Karnazes has just won the world's toughest endurance event: four desert runs totalling 1,000km. The Antarctic was where it got really interesting"
December 1st, 2008
Team SOLE finishes 3rd at World Championships of Adventure Racing
Jericoacoara, Brazil, November 6, 2008 - Team SOLE's adventure racing team finished in 3rd place at the 2008 Adventure Racing World Championships held in northeast Brazil.
November 3rd, 2008
2008 AR World Championship Begins
Team SOLE has arrived in Brazil for the Ecomotion Pro 2008 AR Worlds.
September 18th, 2008
Jordan Romero To Appear on Nightline
Jordan is scheduled to appear on ABC's Nightline later this week.
June 23rd, 2008
Jordan Climbs to 5th Summit
Jordan Romero reached the top of Denali on Thursday night (June 19th). He's now climbed 5 of the Seven Summits.