Note
I determined that I need to better protect my feet after spearing my shoe on Saturday. I LOVE the lightweight/minimal trail shoes because I don't get blisters with them, and they are fine for a sprint race, but my feet are always sore after a 24-hour in them. So, there is a bit of a blister/foot protection trade off issue. I tried on two shoes at REI on my way home today. I really liked how the Merrels felt - light and flexible. But they didn't seem like they'd have as much protection as I think I should have for longer races such as UNE. So, I ended up buying the Brooks, which felt good too. They just felt really overbuilt compared to what I'm used to. Like the lady at REI said... I just may have to get used to a regular running shoe again.