PW: Good morning, Shane. Why don't you sit down, relax, and get our tea bag ready. Here. Let me fix you one. This is serious stuff. For today's show, I thought maybe we could talk about running.

SC: sure Thang Brohamy...running is one way I can stay fit with all my travels. Pair of shoes is all ya need. Picking a hotel that has good running paths is always a jem. A 30 min jog is so easy for just about anyone to fit into their schedule. I ran XC as a high school kid...I remember when I started floating...my first taste of endorphins. If the weather is too bad for cycling...a quick run will fix you right up. I have encountered near death experiences running...this one day at ski camp!!!!!

PW: Do you prefer short Dolphin shorts when you run? Let's see, any photos of you running... here we go... me and you in the 'Klondike Challenge' in Montana. This is an amazing race, for those of you that haven't heard of it. Entry is limited to 'invitation only'. To date, uh, how many have competed? Besides us?

Start of the Klondike Challenge, 2005. Shane and Paul, neck and neck, 30 seconds into the race.

Several minutes into the race, and Paul has opened up a gap on the descent. Shane's speed training was paying off, keeping within sight of Paul. One of the big reasons for this event was a prolonged test of the DeFeet ski sock. We had skied in these socks all day, already. Not all skiers only go downhill (see our blog entry on Chris Davenport, 'King of the 14ers'). When we do this sort of testing, athletes like Davenport, all kinds of runners, and you, benefit.

SC: I find the longer short much nicer to my busselbutt. I just found a pair of shorts that are great for running, hot tubing, swimming, and commuting. Found them at Runners Roost in Denver. Sporthills Vista Short. It has a mesh pocket on each hip. My Blackberry in one wallet in the other. Also no cheesy under panties...that way you can use DeBriefs.

The Klondike takes a severe turn uphill, and begins to climb relentlessly. The runners endure thousands of feet of elevation gain.

Coming from North Carolina into these elevations to run can be taxing. The 'Cooper Hunch', demonstrated here, is a sign of tremendous fatigue.

Known for his ability to pace himself, Cooper adopts a 'stride-walk' through this section.

SC: The Klondike is not for the weak nor the smart. From the latest number I have only 1 person has even finished the race twice. Temps are below 20...snow covered road...5.5 miles...2000 ft of climbing...the catch is to run with least amount of clothing...each piece of clothing you ad to the Klondike Kit is a 2 min penalty. Klondike Kit includes DeFeet Socks, DuraGlove, running shorts, tank top and running hat.

PW: That's a hell of a race. It's the only race I know of where at the finish they give you free beers, martinis, and your own personal hot tub to cool down/warm up in. Do you think it's one of the top winter races in the World? Are you making any special preparations for this years event?

Paul salutes the clouds, having finished alone at the summit hot tub.

Well below the summit, Cooper continues to press into the slopes of the Klondike. Could he finish in time to challenge for the win? As race commissar, only he could know.

Cooper has buried himself, and arrives at the finish only 12 minutes behind Paul. He claims victory at the line. Paul protests immediately, and Cooper, also the race judge, says he will "need to do some math".

Cooper does not hesitate, and calls Paul to the podium to declare Cooper "Winner and still Champion". Paul asks the judge again what happened to his protest.

SC: Well I assume I will do it next year. I prep all year for it...as you know the rules kinda change. The first mile is down hill...I trained leg speed for that last time we did it. This race is THE race of races....unfortunately it is very exclusive. Do you have some pics from the 2005 edition?

PW: I am aware of the rules changes. Sometimes right in the middle of the competition, seemingly. Since you are racing, and you are the race commissar, I find it very difficult to get updates on rules changes when I am several minutes away from you on the course. I find that to be kind of an issue with the race. Regardless, I will continue to participate. I have dug up some photos from the '05 edition. Congratulations on your win.

Cooper calls for a celebration dip and commencement of the free drinks. He says the race commissar has left the finish area and can't be reached at that moment.

"I am 'solide' in this win. My heart rate was not quite where it needed to be, today, but the result was the same: First."







"I feel so good about this - I can't help myself!"

"Into my own private tub!"

Showered and refreshed in the lodge, Cooper has a snifter and contemplates. Shane and Paul discuss what happened with their socks throughout the week and this day in particular. Cooper takes notes.

Back at DeFeet, lessons learned and notebooks in hand, Cooper lays out the plan for what is next. DeFeet socks had already won the World Cup overall in alpine skiing in 2004. There was no letting up, though. By cross training and weathering this kind of abuse, DeFeet company principals are able stay in the mix where it counts.