Unless you’re vacationing on a tropical beach, the chill of winter can sometimes present a challenge to training as usual. But as long as you are prepared—and dress the part—winter can be an incredibly rewarding time of the year to train outside. Here are a few tips on how to dress appropriately for winter training. Despite cooler temperatures, the body still sweats when … [Read more...]
Serious Gear for Serious Trail Running
When it comes to choosing gear, I ascribe to the philosophy of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, “Purchase less stuff, own a few things that are very high quality that last a long time, and that are multifunctional.” Don’t get me wrong, I love gear. But most of all, I love quality gear that allows me to travel light and do as much as I can with as little as … [Read more...]
Gear Review: TO Race Vest and AK Mountain Vest
Ultimate Direction released updates to all its Signature Series running packs this year with some exciting new changes, including front-side trekking pole holders. I gear tested two of the models, the lower-capacity TO Race Vest 3.0 and the higher capacity AK Mountain Vest 3.0. Fresh off some trail running in the Rockies, here’s my assessment of how they stack up. TO Race Vest … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Rudy Project Synform Sunglasses
Sunglasses that fold up into the palm of your hand?! When I saw these new Rudy Project Synform sunglasses, I was immediately intrigued with the foldable design. My mind entertained thoughts of easy stowage in a pack while running or traveling. But how convenient would the sunglasses be in actual practice? And how well would they perform in their main job as eye protection … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Water Bottles and Filters for Running Adventures
As noted in my previous review articles on Ultimate Direction and Salomon running packs, there are a variety of water bottles that come with these packs—small or large, soft or hard—as well as different sizes and types of hydration bladders. Just because a particular water bottle or hydration bladder comes with the pack you buy doesn’t mean you have to stick with that option. … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Salomon Running Packs
Today runners have more choices than ever when it comes to choosing running packs for long, self-supported runs. In the previous article in this series, I reviewed several Ultimate Direction running packs. Here, I continue my review with a focus on Salomon running packs. I’ve put these packs through some serious testing, from run commutes to long trail runs. Here’s my take on … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Ultimate Direction Running Packs
Whether you’re training, racing or run commuting, the ability to comfortably carry water, food, a jacket or other gear can be indispensable. Fortunately there are numerous quality running packs on the market today that provide a variety of options and carrying capacities whatever your needs. In this series of articles, I review several models from two of the leading running … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Mio Link Heart Rate Wrist Strap
Wouldn’t it be great if you could record heart rate while training without the need to put on a chest strap? You could say goodbye to placing the moistened strap around your chest on those cold mornings, removing the sweaty strap after workouts, and dealing with the chafing from the strap rubbing the wrong way. As technology advances, the market has seen an influx of heart … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Garmin Fēnix 3
Over the past six months, Garmin has substantially updated two of its marquee GPS training devices. In a previous article, I reviewed the new Forerunner 920XT—the next generation of the Forerunner 910XT. Here, I review the newly released Fēnix 3. In effect, the Fēnix 3 is like a 920XT on steroids. Fundamentally different than the previous Fēnix models, the Fēnix 3 … [Read more...]
Gear Review: Garmin 920XT
For over a decade now, runners and multisport athletes have grown accustomed to using GPS watches that offer a host of advantages over a standard sports watch. The advent of the GPS watch has made tracking mileage and monitoring pace as easy as simply looking at your wrist. When integrated with a heart rate monitor, those devices allow runners and cyclists to track the three … [Read more...]
