On a quick trip to San Diego over the holidays, my friends couldn鈥檛 stop asking about the shoes I had worn on the plane and around town.

鈥淭hose are cute, who makes them?鈥�

鈥淥oh, what are those?鈥�

鈥淵ou don鈥檛 run in those, though, do you?鈥�

The answers to these questions were Tracksmith, my sneakiest, most versatile shoes, and yes, I do run in them quite nicely, thank you.

I was wearing the impressively good-looking , which we鈥檝e awarded 鈥淢ost Stylish+High Performance鈥� the past two years in a row in our comprehensive 国产吃瓜黑料 road running shoe guide. It鈥檚 a category we made up for the Eliot Runners, but one that applies to some of my most valued running gear. Due to their lack of branding鈥攏o giant, obnoxious logo, letter, or, worse, full word, anywhere on the shoe鈥攁nd their semi-preppy, East Coast styling, the Eliot Runners could be worn by someone way cooler than me (and often are). But they鈥檙e mine, and I love them for their ability to pass for urban wear as well as tear up the road or track.

I wear them on airplanes. I wear them to restaurants. And I run in them wherever I am: sandy Southern California beaches, neighborhood asphalt, hotel treadmills. I like how they鈥檙e not overly cushioned, making them more versatile鈥攖he moderate stack height gives me enough proprioception to wear them during weightlifting/gym workouts and on off-road terrain where I like to feel the ground (although I hesitate to take them on sloppy trails as they lack the necessary traction, and I don鈥檛 want them to get too dirty).

Wearing the Eliot Runners on a plane means one fewer pair of shoes in my luggage, but I also appreciate that they鈥檙e thin enough that I can fit them in a carry-on bag if I wear other footwear on travel day鈥攗nlike bulky max-cush shoes, trainers, or super shoes.

At $198, these shoes are $20 to $70 pricier than many neutral cushioned shoes on the market. But because of their versatility and their smooth performance, I think they鈥檙e a decent value.

My Eliot Runners aren鈥檛 the only crossover pieces in my running kit. Apparel that moves and breathes on the run and allows me to blend in as just another lady on a plane or a mom running errands, or, dare I say, a stylish human being at a restaurant table, ranks highest in my book as a gear tester. (Versatile gear saves money, space, and time.)

The following pieces look (and feel) good worn casually. And they deliver when I set out for a run. These items perform and let me go from Clark Kent to Super(wo)man and back, in an athletic sort of way. Which, to me, is gold.

Versatile Running Gear

Tracksmith Fells Waffle Midlayer

The brand that makes my favorite stealth running shoes also makes this wonderful base/midlayer. I fell in love with it while testing winter running gear a year ago, and I wasn鈥檛 alone. My test team and I reach for it when we want something that feels like a cozy sweatshirt but breathes great, wicks sweat, and dries quickly. I pull it over a sports bra for runs on cold days, wear it under a jacket or over a shirt for runs on frigid days, and have worn it as a midlayer snowboarding. I鈥檝e also worn it out to a nice dinner, and my tablemates were shocked when I told them it was a running top.

Paka Everyday Baselayer

With its rich color and flattering cut, this longsleeve shirt is better looking than a lot of the tops I own as casual wear. It鈥檚 made out of 85 percent Tencel and 15 percent Alpaca wool, and is extremely soft and comfortable. One tester told me it was the perfect layer for a summer concert in the mountains, and for her run the next day. The longsleeve tee breathes well but shows sweat until it dries, which it does quickly. With zero branding on the exterior, this top blends in with non-athletic clothes in basically any situation.

LeBent Ultralight Short Sleeve Tee

This top also has minimal exterior branding鈥攋ust a tiny patch on the hem鈥攚hich I love. I also love that the tee isn鈥檛 skintight. While it started off semi-loose and relaxed, it shrank a tad with a wash, even in cold water. But because of its crewneck cut, heathered natural fabric, and clean lines (no mesh paneling, color-blocking, or large branding), it鈥檚 still a tee that I can wear out and around without screaming, 鈥淚鈥檓 going running!鈥� The blend of rayon (from bamboo), merino wool, and nylon makes the fabric feel ridiculously soft and comfortable, and dry quickly from sweat. It鈥檚 a great all-around running shirt that just looks like a t-shirt.

Ibex Lizzi Tights

I see plenty of women鈥攅specially college-aged鈥攖raveling in tight yoga or athletic tights. I鈥檓 not one of those women; I find wearing most tights makes me feel too exposed. But since these wool, nylon, and elastane tights are thicker and more textured than regular tights, I鈥檝e worn them on a plane (with a very long sweater). I then worked out in them later that day on a beach in San Diego during a chilly winter day. These tights feel so soft and warm against the skin that I pull them on at least once a week at home in Boulder to work, and end up running, lifting, or doing yoga in them, and I don鈥檛 feel weird if that day also includes running errands.

The post I Wear This Running Gear All Day, Even on a Plane (And Nobody Knows It) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

When this assignment hit my inbox, my first thought was: I am 100 percent going to find out that I need to buy new running shoes. I jog a few times a week and haven鈥檛 replaced my since 2023. The chunky, cushioned sole that Hokas are known for has been flattened by months of trail running, and the bright neon yellow exterior has dimmed to a dull mustard.

But they do the job, and I鈥檓 a bit frugal, so I鈥檝e stuck with them. But after听speaking with a few sneaker experts, I learned I鈥檓 not doing myself any favors by holding onto beat-up gear. The more I use them, the greater my risk of an injury.

Here鈥檚 why it鈥檚 worth replacing your go-to kicks鈥攁nd how to figure out when to do it.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Running Shoes?

The average running shoe is thought to last about or five to eight months of regular use, but determining your shoe鈥檚 true lifespan is more complicated, says Daniel Shull, Run Research Manager at Brooks Running.

Many factors shorten or extend the longevity of your sneakers, including how often you wear them, the kind of terrain and weather you run in, and your stride and strike habits, says Shull.

鈥淓very runner is different, and every shoe is different,鈥� says , a Yale Medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports-related foot and ankle injuries.

Trekking through mud, gravel, and puddles can erode your footwear, as can working out in hot or frigid temperatures, says , a professor of sports product design at the University of Oregon. She explains if you鈥檙e a heavy runner, meaning you land on your foot hard, the foam in the middle of your shoe will break down faster. And if your foot rolls inward or outward, you can wear out a part of your shoe that isn鈥檛 built for regular impact, such as the edges or outsole, speeding up your need for a new pair, she adds.

Different Materials Can Affect How Long Sneakers Last

It’s less clear how sneakers’ textiles impact their lifespan. Thin rubber and soft foams that used to deteriorate faster in the past now hold up much longer due to fancy features like and , which refers to the ability to prevent the shoe from slipping and how well the outsole wards off wear and tear, respectively, says Shull. 鈥淎s technology improves, it鈥檚 getting more difficult to decipher between what types of shoes have more longevity,鈥� he says.

We do know that the more you wear a shoe, whatever the brand, the faster it鈥檒l degrade, Sokolowski says.

For example, I don鈥檛 merely wear my Hokas when I jog. I also wear them when I recreationally hike, bike, and walk my dog all over town. So, while I鈥檇 love to think my running shoes last a year, they probably give out much sooner.

Why It鈥檚 Important to Replace Running Shoes

When your foot slams onto the ground, your shoe acts as a buffer and absorbs some of the force hitting your foot and ankle, Gianakos says. According to a 2023 review published in , shoes influence how your foot interacts with the ground, impacting your performance, speed, comfort levels, and risk of sustaining an injury.

If your sneaker no longer provides the support and cushioning your feet need, you can hurt the joints, tendons, and ligaments in your feet, ankles, and even upper leg, says Gianakos. You can run (pun intended) into a whole host of injuries like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress fractures, and shin splints, she adds.

You may get pain in the ball of your foot (or ), , which causes pain around the kneecap, or , a condition that causes pain near the outside of your knee. or are another side effect of ill-fitting shoes.

The takeaway is simple: 鈥淐omfortable, supportive running sneakers are critical for overall foot and ankle health and injury prevention,鈥� says Gianakos.

Perhaps the most convincing reason to retire a beat-up pair? Having comfortable, supportive shoes on your feet will make your miles less grueling and more enjoyable, says Shull.

Signs It鈥檚 Time to Replace Your Running Shoes

The most obvious clue you鈥檙e due for a trip to the shoe store is if the tread on the bottom of your shoe is smooth and flat, says Gianakos. Another sign is if there鈥檚 noticeable fraying at the toe or heel of your shoe. You can also try twisting your sneaker to see how flexible it is; if it twists easily鈥攑articularly if the shoe was sturdy when you bought it鈥攊t may be worn out, she says.

Many runners can tell that their shoes are done for when they feel less responsive or cushioned, says Sokolowski. 鈥淵ou may feel like you have less 鈥榩ep in your step,鈥� or your legs feel more tired or sore after a run because the cushioning is not as fresh,鈥� she says. If the midsole begins to feel firmer when you trot, the foam may have kicked the bucket, says Shull.

So, do a body scan next time you鈥檙e out on the trail. Do you notice any foot or ankle aches and knee pains? What about burning sensations on the sole of your foot? How about blisters or calluses? Any of these symptoms may indicate your shoes are shot, says Gianakos.

How to Extend the Life of Your Favorite Pair of Sneaks

First, be mindful of how you store your shoes. You want to keep them in a clean, dry location to prevent mold from growing, says Sokolowski. And don鈥檛 store them in a hot, sunny car鈥擴V exposure and 听can cause them to dry out and crack, she adds.

Gianakos recommends having (at least) two pairs of sneakers. That way, you can occasionally switch them out to slow the wear and tear. Another tip: have different sneakers for running in different environments鈥攍ike 鈥渁 trail shoe, a road shoe, and even a race day shoe,鈥� says Sokolowski.

And save your running shoes for running only. 鈥淭he time and amount of steps put on your shoes by walking, standing, and running errands all count towards how long they鈥檒l last,鈥� says Shull.

For all your other day-to-day activities and workouts, it鈥檚 best to throw on another pair of sneakers so your go-to pair can breathe and decompress between workouts. 鈥淛ust as runners need recovery, so do our shoes,鈥� says Shull.

With that said, I鈥檓 lacing up my Hokas and taking them on their final excursion: to the shoe store, where they will meet their successor, another pair that will also be worn to death.

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Some are born to run in cold weather, while others have it thrust upon them. Take heart if you are in the latter category, one of those who hesitates to venture into frigid conditions. The men’s winter running hats, gloves, and mittens in this review proved remarkably effective in a wide range of winter outings, from damp, near-freezing fog to single-digit cold. For a relatively small investment, these items can add significant comfort and enjoyment to your winter running.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around Hat:
• Best All-Around Gloves:
• Best Value:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Gloves for Snow and Cold:
• Best Hat for Snow and Cold:
• Best for High Output Running:
• How to Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around Hat

Pinebury Redington Merino Wool Cap

Materials: Nuyarn Performance Wool blend 90% Merino wool / 10% nylon
Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Surprising warmth in a lightweight build
鈯� Soft touch
鈯� Not wind resistant but can be layered under a hood

Thin but incredibly warm, the Redington Merino Wool cap is constructed with Nuyarn performance wool, a wool/nylon blend that delivers significantly more insulation and durability than wool alone or other blended weaves. The fabric is blanket-soft and thin, but it proved more than capable for running in snow and freezing fog. The close fit allowed us to wear the cap under a weatherproof jacket hood when the conditions got nasty, but we only felt the need for extra protection when the wind was howling. The cap also retained its stretch and fit even after getting tossed into the laundry, which you鈥檒l likely need to do after donning it run after run.

Best All-Around Gloves

Arc鈥檛eryx Venta Glove

Materials: Gore-Tex Infinium exterior, lightweight polyester fleece lining
Sizing: 齿厂鈥揦齿尝

Pros and Cons
鈯� Warm and breathable
鈯� Low-bulk fit provides finger mobility
鈯� Too warm for mild temperatures

When cold, wet weather threatens to force you indoors, these gloves offer the assurance of comfort and warmth to help brave the storm. The water- and wind-resistant, breathable softshell exterior feels similar to other lightweight glove fabrics but did a better job warding off wet snow and freezing temps. The snug fit, combined with grip-enhancing TPU reinforcements on the palm, let us securely grab a water bottle or a smartphone on the move. We used these gloves for 90-minute trail running adventures above 10,000 feet in the Colorado mountains and found that our hands stayed warm without overheating from the cool to frigid conditions. Despite their relatively thin profile, however, the Venta gloves were too hot for runs in mild temps above 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Value

The North Face Base Neck Gaiter

Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
Sizing: One size

Pros and Cons
鈯� Inexpensive
鈯� Versatile design and adaptable, stretchy fabric
鈯� Thin fabric provided fairly minimal insulation

This lightweight face and neck covering takes the sting out of cold weather while offering UPF 40+ sun protection. We took advantage of the stretchy fabric by pulling the neck covering up and over the mouth and ears, where it channeled body heat upwards in frigid conditions, and scrunching it low on the neck in warm temps. Using it as a face shield in super dry mountain air also helped prevent lung scorch. For the cost of a bottle of wine, you get comfort and protection across a broad range of temperatures.

Most Versatile

REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Glove

Materials: Power Stretch fleece: 53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% spandex
Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Lightweight fabric works on its own in mild weather or as a liner glove in colder temps
鈯� Highly breathable plus durable
鈯� Too thin for frigid conditions on their own

The REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch gloves proved popular among testers for most outings, from road running to on-trail adventures, providing the light insulation needed to keep fingers toasty during high-intensity activity鈥攁s long as the temperatures stayed above or near freezing. And in extreme cold, these versatile gloves performed nicely as liners inside a heavier mitt or weatherproof shell. We appreciated the soft fabric, stretchy fit, and the small clips that kept them paired between runs (and in the wash). Conductive palm-side material that enabled dexterous phone use, plus a durable, abrasion-resistant exterior, and bluesign approval added to the glove鈥檚 appeal.

Best Gloves for Snow and Cold

CEP Cold Weather Merino Gloves

Materials: 61% Merino wool,听 39% polyester/spandex blend
Sizing: S-XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Warmth for sub-zero temps, even when wet
鈯� Grip-enhancing overlays
鈯� Lacks venting options for warmer temperatures

Despite lacking an outer hardshell, these hearty Merino gloves kept our hands warm in the coldest weather. Even accidentally dunking a hand into a puddle (hey, it gets slippery out there) didn’t result in frozen digits鈥攖he warm-when-wet quality of wool offered reliable protection. Plus, overlay texture bands on the palm and fingers significantly enhanced our grip, while a small touchscreen-friendly fingertip element allowed for operating a smartphone without removing a glove. Unobtrusive wrist cuff clips were a nice touch, helping keep them matched and ready for the next outing.

Best Hat for Snow and Cold

GoreWear Gore-Tex Cap

Materials: 80% polyester, 20% nylon with a Gore-Tex membrane
Sizing: One Size (Adjustable)

Pros and Cons
鈯� Traditional ball cap visor wards off snow and rain
鈯� Effective waterproofing
鈯� No ear coverage or insulation layer for extreme cold conditions

Sometimes, it’s better to keep things simple. A traditional ball cap style, combined with fully waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex fabric, proved effective for adventuring in all sorts of wet winter weather. Our testers stayed warm, and their heads dry, even in high winds and single-digit temps. The brim shielded precipitation from our faces, including protecting our eyes even when heavy snowflakes dumped on us. Fully taped seams meant that the waterproofing never faltered and the hat never wetted out or got heavy and soggy. We also appreciated the reflective panels, securely comfortable size-adjusting buckle, and the option of high-visibility yellow.

Best for High Output Running

Fj盲llr盲ven Expedition Fleece Headband

Materials: Stretch fleece: 75% recycled polyester, 18% polyester, 7% elastane
Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
鈯� Insulates the ears and forehead while allowing heat to escape
鈯� Soft and stretchy comfort
鈯� Not adjustable: slips around on smaller heads

This soft fleece headband proved perfect for intense workout efforts, wicking moisture from the skin, routing sweat away from the eyes, and allowing excess heat to escape off the scalp. The combination worked perfectly to keep us warm but not sweaty, even during repeated intervals on a frozen track. The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head). Since looking fast is just as important as being fast, the headband sports solid colors, subtle contrast stitching, and a low-key embroidered logo for a clean, speed-inspiring demeanor.

How To Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens

When shopping for items to keep your hands and head comfortable鈥攏ot too hot, not too cold鈥攄uring the winter months, first consider the conditions you鈥檙e most likely to face. Do temperatures drop below zero? Does it snow, rain, or sleet where you live? (And if so, do you enjoy running in those conditions?) From there, consider if you generally run hot or cold. And from there, peruse our guide to find options that might work best for your needs.

Also consider if packability is important to you; if you travel often during the winter months to other cold climates, or want the ability to stash your hat or gloves once you warm up during your run, choose items that compress easily. And remember that what feels cozy at the start can quickly turn clammy, so look for breathability to let out internal heat in addition to protection from external elements.

How We Test

Mark Eller led the test crew for this review. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he pursues running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities that keep him away from treadmills when the snow flies. He coordinated getting dozens of winter running items to additional testers in New England, the high plains, and the Rocky Mountains who wore the gear in this review in a variety of cold conditions for many months before making their picks and writing their comments.

Meet Our Testers

Lead reviewer Mark Eller trains through the winter on the roads and trails near his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. He’s a three-time Boston Marathon veteran, a hack Nordic skier, and a competitive racer in on-water racer rowing events.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Michael Rorick has run and raced in New England since his middle school track team days in Connecticut. He’s completed many editions of Boston, New York, and other major marathons.

Brian Metzler is the Editor in Chief of RUN and the founding editor of Trail Runner. A former walk-on Division I track athlete, he mostly runs on mountainous trails nowadays in Boulder and Leadville, Colorado.

Scott Douglas has run more than 130,000 miles since starting as a teen. He has held senior editorial positions at running publications and is the author or co-author of several well-known running books, including Advanced Marathoning, Meb for Mortals, and Running is My Therapy. Scott听runs every day unless injured, and always runs outside, either despite of or because of living in North Yarmouth, Maine.

Jonathan Beverly is no stranger to winter weather. He began running in high school on the Maine coast, trained for marathons for years in New York, and now can be found chasing windmills in the western Nebraska Sandhills, accompanied by his two dogs. He is the senior running gear editor for 国产吃瓜黑料.

The post The Best Men鈥檚 Hats, Gloves, and Mittens for Winter Running appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I can鈥檛 believe I鈥檓 saying this, but I鈥檝e been wearing a fanny pack lately. And not ironically, as part of a retro costume with roller skates, leg warmers, or a boom box on my shoulder.

I鈥檇 been seeing them on the streets and trails for a while, but I had successfully fought the resurgence of the 1980s trend, even making a face a few times when seeing other people wearing these silly little pouches attached to a single piece of webbing. Then I decided to try one myself. Actually, I tried three.

“Fanny packs鈥� are small pouches that are meant to be worn around the waist. In the 鈥�80s, they offered quick and easy access to things like cassette tapes and Lip Smacker Lip Gloss. With their resurgence, American companies seem to have realized that, in Great Britain, 鈥渇anny鈥� means 鈥渇emale genitals.鈥� Wisely, these packs are now marketed as 鈥渨aist packs鈥� and 鈥渉ip packs.鈥� The smartest angle I鈥檝e found is calling them 鈥渟ling bags.鈥�

When I gave in to wearing the retro style, I limited my focus to bags made by outdoor companies. I set out to test three such packs. I found one designed for running that can double as an around-town bag; one with bright color paneling that makes it look like it came straight from 1982; and one monochromatic, subtly branded, simple pack I figured I could use and somewhat fly under the radar.

After wearing the convenient pouches on adventures and daily errands for eight weeks, I鈥檝e come to the conclusion that what I thought were silly little bags are actually practical means for carrying essentials and keeping me from taking too much stuff wherever I go. I get it, and I鈥檓 in鈥攂ut on my terms: I鈥檓 wearing them over my shoulder more often than around my waist. The pack style may harken from a previous time, but that doesn鈥檛 mean it can鈥檛 evolve. For some reason, wearing a small bag over one shoulder so it sits midback seems infinitely cooler than wearing it resting on your bum. (My teenage son agrees.)

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Janji Multipass Sling Bag

This bag built for runners has been on my radar for a couple of years. It鈥檚 slated as a 鈥渢echnical running sling bag,鈥� which, to me, sounded like an oxymoron. Over 35 years of running, I鈥檝e been through all the various evolutions of running storage: handheld water bottles, waistpacks that carry 20-ounce bottles sideways or house a collection of tiny, four-ounce water bottles, traditional running backpacks, and now hydration vests. I鈥檝e written about streamlined waistpacks that don鈥檛 carry hydration (and am a fan of them). But a sling bag? For running?

While this bag can be clipped around the waist, its three-liter volume immediately makes me start singing 鈥淏aby Got Back鈥� in my head when I wear it as a fanny pack, which doesn鈥檛 last very long before I switch it to sling mode.

I purposefully took this bag on a trip to Los Angeles where I knew I鈥檇 be combining a run with a jump in the ocean. I wore a bikini under my running clothes and zipped my phone inside the bag鈥檚 pocket. I then shoved a simple sarong through the ingenious storage space between the waistbelt and the pocket鈥攆lexible in size via a discreet bungee cord system. I buckled up, utilizing the main strap to wear the bag in sling style and the extra strap to secure the bag more firmly against my body. And I ran down 鈥渢he Strand鈥� (a concrete path) between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

I was a little self-conscious, running with what, in my head, was still a 鈥渇anny pack鈥濃€攁 small pouch attached to a belt. But, two things soon had me not caring how I looked: A lot of crazy shit goes down on the Strand, and this pack was super comfortable and functional. It didn鈥檛 bounce up and down while I ran but stayed close to my body. The mesh back of the two-liter main pocket remained airy while I sweated. And my sarong stayed put until I pulled it out to dry off after jumping in the ocean post-run. I鈥檓 sold on this bag and see myself using it mostly as a running/sling bag while traveling.

Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack

The thing I love, love, love about the Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack is that it鈥檚 made out of material scraps left over from the construction of other Cotopaxi products. Instead of leftover factory scraps ending up in trash bins, and then landfills, they get repurposed into something new in Cotopaxi鈥檚 Del Dia collection. That multi-colored look isn鈥檛 just decoration, it鈥檚 meaningful design鈥攕craps assembled however each person sewing them in a factory in the Philippines chooses.

The Del Dia hip pack comes in a 3L size and the 1.5L size I鈥檝e been using. I like the small volume because the point of packs like this, in my opinion, is to not carry around a giant bag. The 1.5L comfortably holds a phone, small wallet, lip balm, car keys, and snack bar鈥攇enerally what I have with me when running errands around town. I don鈥檛 use this one as much because I鈥檓 self-conscious about the bright colors鈥擨 tend to dress more neutral鈥攂ut its size and pocketing are functional.

While I enjoy the bold environmental statement of these packs, I also love that the Del Dia Hip Packs are currently available in a monochromatic style鈥攎ade out of all black material scraps but still with the company鈥檚 signature colorful zippers and straps. Although not a patchwork of colors, like the regular Del Dia pack, the exact configuration and coloration of the pack purchased is a surprise, since they鈥檙e each made from scraps and designed by the factory worker doing the sewing. In retrospect, the monochromatic would have worked better for me.

Arc鈥檛eryx Granville Crossbody Bag

I鈥檓 not someone who likes to call her bag a 鈥減urse.鈥� I generally either carry around a small, somewhat stylish (IMO) wallet, or a giant bag that鈥檚 more of a bucket full of random working mom stuff: my fold-up Crazy Creek chair, a water bottle, all the junk mentioned above, and occasionally, my laptop.

When I don鈥檛 need all the big items, but my day requires more than the wallet, I鈥檝e been enjoying using this not-bad-looking bag from Arc鈥檛eryx. It鈥檚 one muted, neutral color. (I have a tan version that is discontinued, but is similar to the gray one still available.) It鈥檚 made out of very lightweight, durable, water-resistant nylon ripstop that, from afar, might even look like leather. And the only branding on the bag is the very cool skeletal dinosaur/bird-type thing that is the Arc鈥檛eryx logo. I feel like I can get away wearing this as a sling bag that doesn鈥檛 scream 鈥渇anny pack!鈥� or even 鈥減urse!鈥� for that matter.

I do wish the zipper and strap were the same color as the bag, but the zipper is waterproof, and I appreciate its functionality. The Aerofoam monofilament mesh panel on the backside keeps the bag from causing sweat when I鈥檓 hiking or walking in heat, but also ensures the Granville Crossbody looks like outdoor gear instead of allowing it to seamlessly transition to casual, even fashionable, use.

All that said, this is the bag that actually converted me to a believer in hip packs. I鈥檝e been using it to run errands and love the easy access to my wallet and keys while wearing it as a sling bag. I love how it鈥檚 hands-free and stays put, so I can do things like buy bags of garden dirt without a shoulder bag annoyingly slipping off, slamming into my hands and spilling its contents. And unlike bigger bags, this sling bag is allowed in college sports stadiums and concerts (so far), which has also proved handy.

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People run because it doesn鈥檛 require much gear. Shorts, shoes, socks, shirt, sunnies, and you鈥檙e out the door. The fewer pieces of gear you need for an activity, the lower the cost of entry and the lower the risk of equipment failure.听 As a dad of four and someone who works full time, I鈥檝e always loved the simplicity of running.

But as a long-time gear tester, I keep my eyes open for new products that make being outside easier, faster, and more enjoyable. I鈥檓 not interested in making running more complicated, but if I can find pieces that help me stay motivated, I鈥檓 all for it. Here鈥檚 some gear I鈥檝e recently come to rely on that might not be on your list, but maybe should be.

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A Collared Shirt

Roark Bless Up Trail Shirt

I recently wore this shirt to a wedding and got lots of compliments. Little did my admirers know that it鈥檚 also been my go-to hot-weather running shirt. I never imagined running in a collared shirt, but the super-airy, perforated, nylon and polyester design dumps heat like a mesh bag, and I love popping the collar for a little extra sun protection on my poor neck.

On days when I have to squeeze in a run right before my kids get out of summer school, it鈥檚 nice to have a shirt that I can wear to pick them up and not look like a total dirtbag. Roark could have skimped on the tailoring details because it鈥檚 designed for athletic wear, not fashion, but I found that it fits equally well with a pair of dress pants as it does with running shorts.

Long(er) Underpants

Path Projects Lynx PD Short Liners

When I first saw liners like these poking out of people鈥檚 shorts, I thought it meant they were ultra-marathoners, or just all-around badasses. Why would anyone need bike-bib-like liners unless they were putting in serious miles?

Then I replaced my short鈥檚 built-in liner with a pair and discovered that liners made an important difference even when I was only running four miles. The tight fit kept all my junk in place in a way that other short liners can鈥檛, the longer inseam ensured that my running shorts never bunched between my thighs or chafed my legs, and the Polartec material on this pair acted like a lubricant of sorts, moved moisture, and dried ultra fast. I might look like a putz when I鈥檓 running shorter stints around my neighborhood in 鈥渟erious鈥� workout gear, but I truly don鈥檛 care.

An Add-On Pocket

Janji Multipass Mini Waist Pack

During the week when I head out for just three or four miles, I鈥檓 glad to run pack-free. But on the weekends when I try to put in 10 or 15 miles (at a very leisurely pace), I like to wear this waist pack for two important reasons.

First, it holds a little tube of sunscreen so I can reapply when I鈥檝e been under the New Mexican sun for more than an hour. And second, it lets me comfortably carry my phone and debit card so that I can finish my run at my favorite brewery or lunch spot, and have everything I need to refuel, enjoy myself, and get home. The lightweight pack (just 5.8 ounces) fits snuggly on the small of my back and, thanks to a flat mesh panel on the rear, breathes well without chafing.

Bright, Tall Socks

Adidas Workout Socks

Every time I ride my bike I use blinking lights on the front and back鈥攅ven during the day. The lights are bright enough to get drivers鈥� attention so they don鈥檛 swerve into me or cut me off in traffic. Now I鈥檓 applying the same strategy with my running socks.

I only buy brightly colored running socks like these from Adidas that cover my entire calf because they, too, act like blinking lights to get everyone鈥檚 attention. As I plod down the street or the bike path, I鈥檓 confident that the sight of brightly-colored socks shuffling along is enough to communicate to drivers and cyclists that I exist and they should steer clear. Sometimes the sock colors don鈥檛 match my kit, but I鈥檝e learned to lean into the gaudiness.

A Small(er) Watch

Garmin Forerunner 165 Music Watch

I鈥檝e long loved big fitness watches that deliver a lot of information and come with batteries that last nearly forever. I also admit that wearing a big fitness watch makes me feel important because the form factor screams, 鈥淚 take my adventuring very seriously!鈥� More recently, however, I鈥檝e been wearing this much smaller offering from Garmin.

About half the size of their big-faced models, the 165 has a 1.2-inch Amoled screen and is significantly less pretentious and much more focused. By focused I mean that it conveys only the most important information about my run (pace, distance, heart rate) and stores music, so I can listen to tunes on my AirPods for extra motivation. When I鈥檓 not running, the watch tells me the time and doesn鈥檛 distract me with any other information. I鈥檝e come to love the simplicity and now use the watch almost exclusively unless I am on a bigger adventure and need extra features and battery life.

The post 5 Pieces of Unconventional Running Gear You Didn鈥檛 Know You Needed appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Gear

– $140

The just-launched Novablast 4 is a hyper-responsive, max-cushioned everyday training shoe (with an 8mm heel-toe drop) that鈥檚 cushier, lighter, and more stable than the previous version. It鈥檚 been enhanced with a full-length layer of the brand鈥檚 new lightweight FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco cushioning material, asymmetrical engineering within the midsole/outsole chassis for smoother and more efficient heel-toe transitions, and a stretchy, engineered woven one-piece upper for a secure fit and accommodating comfort over the top of the foot. The Novablast 4 is a half-millimeter taller, and has a 5mm wider footprint at both the heel and forefoot to provide more inherent stability. It鈥檚 light enough (7.9 oz., wo尘别苍鈥檚 size 8; 9.1 oz., 尘别苍鈥檚 size 9) and moderately energetic to be ideal for long runs, recovery runs, and tempo runs. – Brian Metzler, contributing editor

– $149

I鈥檓 always on the lookout for an easy-to-access, all-purpose bag when I鈥檓 out the door to drive to the trailhead. I want an adventure bag that鈥檚 big enough to hold my hydration vest, a cold fizzy water for after the run, a warm jacket, recovery sandals, and snacks. But often a narrow backpack doesn鈥檛 cut it. Here, I think I may have found the solution: a haul bag you can put on your passenger seat. I鈥檝e owned Topo鈥檚 for over ten years now and it still looks sharp as ever, so I assume this mountain bag will go the distance, too, with several pockets and a waterproof zip at the top (I keep mine lashed open for easy access). – Nicholas Triolo, senior editor, 国产吃瓜黑料 Run and Trail Runner

– $85

It’s the perfect overshirt for a post-run brew. With a warm texture and fun desert pattern, this shirt infuses training with a bit of sun all year long. I love wearing this shirt for work, and also for having it in the car at the trailhead, post-run. – Zo毛 Rom, editor-in-chief, Trail Runner

– $170

For 100 years, Lowa has been making boots worthy of the Alps, where the company got its start and is still based today. Their footwear does not have urban pretensions; they are made for the mountains. So when they released their first line of trail runners this year, I was intrigued. How would their alpine heritage translate to the sneaker game? I tested out the Amplux, the middle weight offering from the ATR Collection (situated in between the lighter Citux and the more cushioned Fortux). Initially, I was skeptical of the fit after a hot spot emerged on my very first run. But after a break-in period, the Amplux became my most trusted trail runner for rugged conditions. I was won over on a jaunt down the Appalachian Trail in the rain, as the deep lugs gripped wet rocks and roots and kept me sure-footed throughout. – Alex Tzelnic, 国产吃瓜黑料 Run contributor

– $220

This is the trail running super shoe that Tom Evans wore to win the Western States 100 back in June. Although it doesn鈥檛 drop until April 15, I’ve logged a few hundred miles in an early wear-testing sample since August and think it will be one of the top trail running shoes for 2024. It鈥檚 built on a 鈥攕imilar to what鈥檚 in Adidas鈥� top-tier Adizero Adios Pro 3 road racing shoes鈥攑lus it has significant rocker geometry and a grippy Continental rubber outsole. Although it can be a bit tippy on technical trails, it鈥檚 fast and relentless on smooth trails and gravel roads. – B.M.

– $20

I get a lot of people asking me about what socks I wear, which feels only a little unusual, and my first impulse is to say: Feetures. Simply put, they鈥檙e just wonderful. They feel right on the feet, with the appropriate amount of performance and simplicity. I鈥檝e loved Injinjis in the past, but their toes blow out too fast for the price. Feetures, on the other hand, do not. I just got a couple fresh pairs of these Trail Max Cushion Mini Crews for the fall and winter and couldn鈥檛 be happier with them. – N.T.

– $100

I鈥檒l admit I wasn鈥檛 quite ready for winter to arrive this year, but running in five-degree weather in Leadville, Colorado, quickly forced me to up my thermal layering game. I鈥檝e appreciated the warmth of this Craft long sleeve/half zip top when I鈥檝e worn it under a running shell on extremely cold days and under a windproof vest on slightly less frigid days. I love that it fits true to size with some stretchiness, has a soft fleece interior and a zipper chest pocket, but most of all, I love the thumb holes at the cuffs that help keep cold drafts from shooting up my arms. – B.M.

– $120

These are my favorite tights for long winter runs. They have plenty of storage at the waist for snacks, as well as a phone pocket along the side. A drawstring helps prevent sagging, and just a bit of compression helps support hard-working muscles. Perforated, laser-cut holes at the back give you ventilation where you need it. – Z.R.

– $180

While I enjoy the cadence-aligned tunes of a curated playlist, I often would rather avoid the hassle of fussing with headphones and just listen to my own breathing and the ambient sounds around me. That鈥檚 all changed since I鈥檝e been running with Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction Bluetooth headphones. Lightweight, cordless, and easy to use, they鈥檝e made running with music (or an audio book) as simple and noninvasive as it should be.听 – B.M.

Nutrition

– $2.29 each

I鈥檓 a snack bar fiend. Granola bars, protein bars, energy bars, chocolate bars鈥擨鈥檒l try anything. But that also makes me pretty picky about what bars I consistently have in my snack pantry. These Quantum Energy Squares are similar to another favorite of mine, Rx Bars, but contain the same amount of caffeine as one cup of coffee. They鈥檙e perfect for that midday slump or before a run. My favorite flavor? Caramel almond sea salt.听 – Mallory Arnold, associate editor

– $36 (32-count bag of 0.35-ounce packets)

I鈥檝e paid better attention to replacing lost electrolytes over the past year and have found DripDrop packets to be one of the easiest ways to make that happen. They boast three times the electrolytes and half of the sugar of most sports drinks in several great-tasting fruity (but not overly salty) flavors. When mixed with 8 ounces of water, the 35-calorie packets serve up 330g of sodium, 185mg of potassium, and 39mg of magnesium to enhance rehydration, plus 1.5mg of zinc and 70mg of vitamin C to help promote immune support. – B.M.

Reading Material

by Tina Muir and Zo毛 Rom

After listening to sustainability advocate Tina Muir talk at the California International Marathon expo and spending the next morning following the race with her, I came away with a new inspiration about doing little things to help the planet. She reminded me that we鈥檙e all on a journey through a complicated modern world, and the individual choices about the products we consume and habits we follow in our daily lives can have big impacts for the greater good. Muir co-authored Becoming a Sustainable Runner: A Guide to Running for Life, Community, and Planet (with Trail Runner editor in chief Zo毛 Rom), which is a smart and gentle guide (and a great holiday gift idea) to help runners to promote internal and external sustainability. – B.M.

by Debra Magpie Earling

This was one of the best books of 2023 for me, an Indigenous reimagining of the legendary Shoshone interpreter, often cast as a friend of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The author is Salish and re-centers Sacajewea’s voice and power as she navigates the unending brutality of her white captors. A difficult, complicated read, but a necessary one as we continue to recreate on stolen lands. – N.T.

In Our Ears

I鈥檝e been die-hard Radiolab listener for over a decade, and have recently drifted away from their productions, not because they鈥檙e not still amazing (Lulu Miller, its new co-host, is one of my favorite thinkers and writers on Earth), but because the podcast ecosystem is just so rich and diverse now in its offerings. In any case, I recently patched back into Radiolab and found this recent episode crazy fascinating. It鈥檚 about the body, about this superhighway of fluid channels within tissues in our bodies, something we only recently discovered. Science! Bodies! Entangled, interconnected, hidden systems of communication! This is my love language. Great one to listen to while clipping off some miles. – N.T.

Other Good Stuff

– $42

鈥淏uy a slant board!鈥� numerous people told me when I strained my calf in July. I balked. Why do I need a slant board collecting dust in my studio apartment when I can just go hang out with my heels dangling from a stair? Fast-forward to November, when both calves, achilles, and plantars continued to nag me in my sleep. I figured $42 was a reasonable amount to gamble on after numerous $200 massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy appointments. I tossed the slant board next to my desk and newsflash: It鈥檚 as effective as everyone said.

Just standing on the board once or twice a day for a couple minutes this month has dramatically improved my ankle flexion (I鈥檝e moved up from 15 degrees to 20 degrees on the board!), which in turn have not only improved my calf and feet pain, but also my SI and hamstring niggles. This particular board is adjustable in five positions ranging from 15 degrees (for us tin people) to 35 degrees (for flexibility gods), to meet you where you are on your mobility journey. Plus, the grippy surface keeps your feet glued in place. If you鈥檙e dealing with niggles down the chain, or just want to check every box possible on the never-ending path to perfection, a slant board is a worthy tool to add to your arsenal. – A.L.

– $8

When I saw this little number at the 鈥渓ast-minute-buys鈥� section at my local running store, I was both intrigued and confused. I鈥檝e seen massage balls before, but this looks more like a dog toy. After a high recommendation from the store owner, I purchased it and have been using it everyday since then. It can be thrown into my running bag (as it takes up very little space) for breaking up tight muscles after my long runs, but I鈥檝e been mainly using it on the bottoms of my feet. I use it as I sit or stand at my work desk, and it鈥檚 been an excellent tool for my plantar fasciitis.听 –听M.A.

– $14 (six pack)

After failing to complete Sober October, I switched my goal to Dry November and succeeded by not drinking any alcohol for more than five weeks. It wasn鈥檛 that I鈥檝e had a problem with drinking, it鈥檚 that I don鈥檛 really like the disruptive sleep patterns I encounter when I have a single beer at night. I didn鈥檛 miss the booze, but I admit that I enjoyed a few of Athletic Brewing鈥檚 crisp and refreshing Upside Dawn golden ales during the month. Bottom line: They taste great, and they don鈥檛 slow me down or wreck my sleep. – B.M.

The post What Our Run Editors Loved in November appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Super shoes鈥攎odels with curved carbon-fiber plates embedded in tall stacks of lightweight, hyper-responsive foams鈥攁re now ubiquitous in the road racing scene. And with their performance benefits well established, more and more recreational racers are giving them a try鈥攏ot just in racing, but in training.

There鈥檚 just one problem: the shoes have only been around for a few years, and while there is no doubt that they can make people faster in racing, there is little information on how to use them properly in training.听

Two-time Olympian turned podcaster and NBC commentator Kara Goucher says it鈥檚 a topic she鈥檚 discussed with many people she knows. 鈥淗ow often do we use them? How often do we not?鈥� are common questions Goucher says she hears. 鈥淲e need to be careful, but we also do need to use them in practice because we want to get [the] advantages鈥攂ut we don鈥檛 want to get hurt鈥t鈥檚 so complicated.鈥�

Finding answers begins by understanding how the shoes actually work.听

How Your Body Reacts to Training in Super Shoes

For reasons that are not fully understood by biomechanics researchers, super shoes have a combination of foam and plate that make them function as springs, says Jay Dicharry, a Bend, Oregon, physical therapist, running gait expert, and author of . 鈥淵ou鈥檙e basically making a trampoline.鈥�

This has a number of effects. One is that your brain automatically reacts to the softer impact by reducing the amount of knee flexion upon landing, says Simon Bartold, a sports podiatrist and biomechanist in Adelaide, South Australia. The leg becomes stiffer because the shoe is absorbing the impact. It鈥檚 part of why they are less tiring to run in.听

Another big change, says Dicharry, is that the thick, cushiony foam increases the amount of time you spend in contact with the ground, as the foam contracts, then rebounds. That changes not only impact forces, but also cadence, the location of foot plant for the next stride, and a host of other factors. 鈥淓verything鈥檚 different,鈥� he says.

These changes make the shoes fast, but they don鈥檛 come without side effects, especially when the shoes are used in training. When the shoes first came out, Dicharry says he was working with elite-level athletes who were trying to figure out how to use them in training, 鈥渁nd every single one got hurt.鈥�

More recently, a paper by a group of physicians in reported a possible association between training in super shoes and navicular (mid-foot) stress fractures. Bartold’s podiatrist and runner friend says he鈥檚 been seeing an uptick in hip and lower back injuries since people started training in super shoes. The reason, Bartold suspects, is that the stiffer landing on impact allows what shock isn鈥檛 absorbed by the shoe to travel up the leg, affecting you anywhere from the knee to the lower back. All told, Bartold says it鈥檚 important to remember that these shoes weren鈥檛 designed as trainers. 鈥淭hey were designed as a racing shoe,鈥� he says.听

Principles for Training in Super Shoes

Given the benefits of super shoes, many athletes are going to wear them, even with their associated risks. 鈥淭he results from using super shoes are undeniable,鈥� says Greg McMillan, exercise physiologist and founder and head coach of McMillan Running. 鈥淗as any record not been broken since the shoes came out? All performance-oriented runners should try them.鈥�

The question, then, is how best to use them. 鈥淭he shoes are a tool, like anything else,鈥� says Dathan Ritzenhein, head coach of On Athletics Club in Boulder, Colorado.听

While a lot of this is being invented in real time by coaches working mostly by trial and error, a few basic principles do seem to be emerging.

1. Allow your body to adapt to the new mechanics.

If you are new to super shoes, the first step is simple. You need to allow some time to get used to them, before you wear them in a race. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to try them in practice to make sure there are no problems,鈥� Ritzenhein says.听

That doesn鈥檛 mean taking them out for a 20-mile training run right out of the box. Use them for part of a run, then take the time to stop and change shoes. How much of the run you use them for is an open question, but if you鈥檙e using them in a speed workout, Dicharry suggests you might want to start with as little as five minutes. 鈥淒o slow, progressive changes,鈥� he says. 鈥淵ou need to be careful, because it鈥檚 very, very different.鈥� And, he adds, don鈥檛 even start the process if you have an ongoing acute problem, like a knee or Achilles tendon injury.

2. Most people shouldn’t run in them everyday.

鈥淚 ask my athletes to wear them only in more important and pivotal workouts,鈥� says Paul Greer, coach of the San Diego Track Club. For him, that mostly includes time trials or marathon pace runs, when you want to wear the shoes you plan to race in.听

Mike Caldwell, coach of Greenville Track Club-Elite does something similar. 鈥淥ur athletes use super shoes for both faster training sessions and competition,鈥� he says, noting that these usually add up to 12鈥�15 miles of running per week for elites doing 85鈥�90 miles total鈥攔oughly 15 percent of their training.听

McMillan, on the other hand, knows some runners enjoy using super shoes for every run, and thinks that鈥檚 fine for those who can afford it, have built up their super shoe mileage slowly, and haven鈥檛 experienced any problems. However, the people who seem to be able to get away with this, he says, are the ones whose muscles and mechanics are unusually strong to begin with.

3. When you’re not using super shoes, run in more flexible shoes.

鈥淓asy running in a less cushioned and more flexible shoe is a good counter to long training sessions in super shoes,鈥� Ritzenhein says. Greer adds that if, like his group, you only use super shoes for key workouts and races, you need to accept that your pace will be slower and possibly more tiring when using more conventional shoes. Don鈥檛 let that get in your head, and don鈥檛 try to fight it by turning workouts into races. That鈥檚 a formula for overtraining.

4. Don’t use super shoes to cram in more hard workouts into your calendar.

Yes, there are indications that some pros may be taking advantage of the faster recovery you get from the shoes to do just this, but for most people鈥攁nd many elites鈥攊t’s simply not worth the risk. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 try to increase the frequency of workouts,鈥� Ritzenhein says. 鈥淚 feel the same principles apply to when the body is inflamed after workouts, so we try to not make the training week too dense and instead focus on the next quality session at the right time for recovery.鈥�

5. Use super shoes to do more intense workouts.

Greer does this by having athletes run time trials and marathon-pace runs in their shoes. Ritzenhein takes advantage of the lower impact of super shoes to increase volume in key workouts, such as long threshold runs. In both cases, it鈥檚 increased intensity, but not increased frequency.

6. Avoid the temptation to add excess volume to your overall week.

鈥淏ecause you do have so much foam on your foot, people feel as if they can go longer and harder,鈥� Bartold says. 鈥淭hen you鈥檝e got an increase in training volume which is potentially an issue for overuse injury.鈥澨�

7. Be aware that not everybody will get the same benefit from any given shoe.

鈥淓xperimentation is the only way to know,鈥� McMillan says. In general, he says, runners who are 鈥減ushers鈥濃€攎eaning they are forward-balanced runners often with midfoot strikes and strong hip extension behind their torsos鈥攇et more benefit than 鈥減ullers鈥濃€攖he more shuffler, heel-striking type of runner. 鈥淭his is why one runner may love super shoes and the training partner doesn鈥檛.鈥� It may also be necessary, he says, to take the time (and expense) of experimenting with different brands of shoes, because each super shoe is tuned differently, and what works for one person may not for another.听

8. Don’t ignore the need for supplemental training.

鈥淔eet can get weaker if you use [the shoes] a lot,鈥� Ritzenhein says. 鈥淪pending time on foot and lower leg strengthening is important.鈥� Exactly what such training you do is up to you. It could include something as simple as taking your shoes off once a day to free your feet, or more complex exercises like doing 鈥渁lphabets鈥� in which you attempt to write the alphabet in the air with your big toe. It might be doing barefoot strides on the turf after track workouts. Other options are calf raises, single-leg balancing exercises, or knee-strengthening exercises like wall squats, hamstring curls on a ball, or single-leg hamstring bridges. The bottom line is to be inventive and pay attention to your body. 鈥淚f you want to run in super shoes, you need to put in the work to show up with stable parts,鈥� Dicharry says.

9. Listen closely to your body when recovering from races wearing super shoes.

Prior to super shoes, a rule of thumb was that recovering from races took about one day per mile of race. Runners varied, but a 5K might take three days, a 10K might take a week, a marathon the better part of a month.听

Today, these rules no longer apply. People racing in super shoes seem to bounce off half-marathons like they were 10Ks and marathons like they were half-marathons. Why this is the case is a bit unclear. It is likely that by absorbing some of the vertical forces created by each foot strike, the shoes relieve our leg muscles of having to do the same.听

鈥淚f I told you to jump 100 times on the ground, you might feel a bit sore,鈥� Dicharry says. 鈥淚f I said jump 100 times on a trampoline, the trampoline does all the work. It鈥檚 the same thing with the super shoes.鈥�

Another potentially important cause of faster recovery might be the shoe鈥檚 effect on reducing what Bartold calls vibration, which is the shockwave generated each time your foot hits the ground. It鈥檚 not a good thing if it gets all the way up to your brain, so in normal shoes, your leg muscles contract to stop it. 鈥淚f Nike [and later super shoe manufacturers] happened to stumble on a shoe that [in addition to its intended purposes] significantly reduced vibration, that means you don鈥檛 have to contract your muscles so much, and if you don鈥檛 have to contract your muscles so much, you don鈥檛 get the fatigue,鈥� Bartold says.

That said, the best advice is probably still the oldest: listen to your body, though it may require a more refined 鈥渆ar鈥� than before. That鈥檚 because prior to super shoes, recovery was largely dictated by muscle fatigue. Now, there may be less of that more obvious fatigue, even though the race may still have produced deeper, less obvious effects. 鈥淚f you pushed yourself to the max in a race, internally the same damage is done regardless of what shoes you wear,鈥� Ritzenhein says.听

Dicharry agrees. 鈥淸There is] a central aspect to it,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f you put in a hard race effort, your body鈥檚 centrally tired. Just be honest with yourself and see how you feel. If you鈥檙e in that gray zone, don鈥檛 push it.鈥�

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Shoes and Apparel

($69)

Whether we like it or not, if you鈥檙e an early morning runner, we are firmly into transition season. Enter the three-quarter tight, for a little fresh air around the ankles, but enough coverage to keep you warm. I love Varlo bike-style shorts for triathlon races, as their super-wide and high waistbands are perfect for running support, while also being tummy-friendly. These Soho tights have the same waist configuration, with 40 percent elastane mixed with polyester. They do the trick to get me out the door, every time. There鈥檚 a back zipper pocket, which is larger than most, perfect for gels, keys, and emergency cappuccino money. While you could wrestle your phone in there, I prefer to utilize the back pocket of the .听 – Melanie Mitchell, Run Brand Director

($112)

Years ago, I was obsessed with running trails in the Nike Streak, the company鈥檚 lightest cross-country flat. It had just enough traction to keep you on the trail. I鈥檇 since lost track of the Streak, but recently picked up a pair of the Streakfly, which is its sort of flashy (and more expensive) upgrade. Wow. So fun. Fun on roads. Fun on trails. Fun on gravel. The ZoomX foam and stack feels a touch precarious for technical trails (apparently it鈥檚 lower than its recent predecessor, the VaporFly), but the ride is smooth and protective. If you鈥檙e not into narrow shoes, you may pass this one up, but at six ounces, I鈥檝e really been enjoying zipping around in these. – Nicholas Triolo, senior editor, 国产吃瓜黑料 Run and Trail Runner

($128)

I am usually not a fan of leggings, but as temps drop, these tights have been a go-to. The high-rise fit and multiple pockets make them comfy, even for longer runs when I need to pack fuel. Plus, the reflective detailing helps me feel safe in the dark. They’re a perfect marriage of form and function that might just convert any legging skeptic. – Zo毛 Rom, editor-in-chief, Trail Runner, managing editor, Wo尘别苍鈥檚 Running

($180)

鈥楾is the season for dark, cold mornings that give way to sunny, surprisingly hot afternoons, bluebird days ravaged by bone-chilling wind, and foggy trailheads leading to who-knows-what at the summit here in Boulder, Colorado. In these transitional seasons, I prefer to be overprepared, and the Black Diamond Deploy Wind Shell鈥攚hich compacts to the size of a lime and weighs practically nothing (48 grams, or the weight of a Snickers bar)鈥攎akes that decision a no-brainer. The convenient half-zip makes pulling this jacket on and off over a running vest a snap, and it鈥檚 allegedly the lightest windbreaker on the market. The soft Japanese fabric is paper-thin, too, but also mighty. I鈥檝e worn this jacket on long mountain days for a year and it鈥檚 still in prime condition. – Abby Levene, Run Brand creative

($180)

These are the perfect joggers for higher-intensity winter activity. With the perfect balance of insulation and ventilation, these pants can keep you warm and dry even on the snowiest runs (shoutout to the DWR finish). I am not a huge fan of tights, and I love the more accommodating yet functional fit of these joggers. They’re also perfect for all things apres-ski. – Z.R.

($90)

I packed this for a week-long stay in a cabin next to Rocky Mountain National Park in mid-October thinking I might wear it on a cool-but-not-cold day run. I ended up wearing it nearly the whole time. I wore it, as expected, by itself on a run in the low 40s with snow on the ground. It kept me cool and dry as I ran uphill in the bright sun, while not leaving me shivering when gusts of wind howled down from the mountains or during long, easy descents. The fabric (45 percent Merino Wool, 45 percent Tencel, 10 percent Nylon blend) was so soft against my skin, I also wore the top in the chilly evenings, and under a flannel shirt to go out to dinner, and as a base layer under a puffy jacket when venturing into the park during a heavy snowstorm. Never did I regret the choice. Besides its superb temperature regulation and soft hand against my skin, the top never got smelly, and it didn鈥檛 show any wear even after carrying armloads of firewood. I also took it on a three-day backpacking trip in September where I wore it every evening, setting up camp, cooking, and sleeping, and it still looks new and sharp. – Jonathan Beverly, senior running editor, gear

($35)

As the weather turns here in Missoula, Montana, I鈥檝e had to dig back into my pile of winter hats and gloves, and I keep finding myself turning to these comfy gloves for just about everything. Slow road loops in town, two- to three-hour trail adventures. They鈥檙e pretty unassuming, but the grid fleece always makes me feel cozy, but not swampy, with its thermo-regulating ActiveTemp. Super versatile. Big fan. – N.T.

s ($160)

These shoes have quickly become my default for easy cruises around town. They’re responsive enough not to feel heavy and draggy, but plush enough to offer a great recovery ride. When I’m putting more miles on the road in winter, I love having a super cushy shoe that I can reach for to keep the easy days easy. – Z.R.

RELATED: The Best Road Running Shoes of Winter 2024

I鈥檓 throwing these socks in here because they seem to always be on my feet before I can even have a conscious thought. These socks just hit select retail stores in September, so consider this a hot tip, but they鈥檙e wonderfully second-skin smooth, and I just get excited by the prospect of wearing them. Sustainability-forward, with a nerdy attention to detail鈥攚atch out for this company. – N.T.

($150)

I am obsessed with this jacket. I love the colorful print and functional fit that’s perfect for throwing on post-run, a gym sesh, work meeting, or the brewery. This jacket is a wonderful transitional piece with athletic styling and details that can spruce up any fall outfit. – Z.R.

($85)

This hearty long sleeve is perfect as a base layer or worn on its own. It packs a toasty punch and longer sleeves, and thumbholes extend the protection of this functional layer. This is a great layering piece for winter trail runs, with a midweight wool knit that wicks sweat and won’t trap odors. – Z.R.

Nutrition

($39 for 16 servings)

I鈥檒l never say no to a sweet treat鈥攅specially if it has protein in it. These Magic Spoon Treats are so good in flavors of marshmallow and chocolatey peanut butter. They have 11 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar, but no sugar alcohols, which tend to hurt my stomach. – Mallory Arnold, associate editor

($35)

After singing the praises of Ora鈥檚 Golden Milk powder (literally sipping on some as I write this), my other new favorite of Ora鈥檚 offering is their supergreen powder. I know, these seem to be popping up every other week, but I鈥檝e grown to really enjoy this one, adding a scoop to my post-run recovery shake to get a clean hit of vitamins and antioxidants, the equivalent of three servings of greens per scoop. I eat fairly balanced throughout the week, but certainly miss my veggies from time to time. This stuff tops up my levels. – N.T.

($18 for a 40-piece bag)

If you know me, you know that caffeine is my drug of choice. But because I really don鈥檛 like coffee, I鈥檓 always in search of new ways to get my buzz. Lately, I鈥檝e been grooving on Caffeine Bullet energy chews (Chocolit Orange and Mintense flavors) developed by British ultrarunner David Hellard. Each individually-wrapped 7-gram morsel of buzz-inducing goodness is packed with 85 mg of caffeine (slightly less than a large cup of coffee) and 27 calories, making them an easy-to-transport energy supplement for long trail runs and ultra-distance races. – Brian Metzler, contributing editor

RELATED: Caffeine Boosts Performance. But What About Coffee?

Audio/Video

by Rick Rubin

I recommend listening to this one, if you have the option. Rubin, the legendary music producer, riffs on the power of creativity, on trusting your instinct, and on committing to art, in every facet of life. I actually thought a lot about my running life while listening to this book. At first, I thought this might be one long book of platitudes, but something shifted a third of the way through and, by the end, I didn’t want it to end. Such a gift. – N.T.

Having just watched Christine Yoo鈥檚 award-winning documentary , portraying a marathon run by inmates of the maximum-security facility San Quentin Prison, it inspired me to revisit a 1979 film about a prison-yard runner directed by Michael Mann at the zenith of the original American running boom. The main character is Larry “Rain” Murphy (played by Peter Strauss), who is serving a life sentence in Folsom Prison on a first-degree murder charge for killing his abusive stepfather. He starts running inside the prison yard for fitness and his sanity and gets really fit and really fast. It鈥檚 a consummate 1970s prison flick, but it鈥檚 a compelling, well-told story, even if done with decidedly low-tech production value. – B.M.

I鈥檝e plugged this podcast before here, mainly because I think Dan Harris is an absolute gem of a host, but this one re-invites TED talk superhero Adam Grant on the show to talk about his new book, Hidden Potential. Though a touch skeptical of the initial self-help vibe, Grant and Harris have a really engaging conversation that can be applied to every component of life. – N.T.

I aspire to be the kind of person who is done with holiday gift shopping by the end of November. I fall short of this goal every year, but at least I鈥檝e discovered Evernote, so I collect links throughout the year. This year, my top choice for elementary school-aged girls is a series of books from Strong Girls Publishing. Founder and athlete Molly Hurford was keen to find books to celebrate girls who enjoy sports. With none to be found, she founded her own publishing company in true Shark Tank style. They are engaging, fun chapter books about sassy cycling characters called Shred Girls. Not only are these books fun tales of sporty girls, they are written by real-life athletes, too. This is a win-win for a gift that keeps on giving.听 – M.M.

Misc.

($110)

Why do you need portable, walkie-talkie style radios as a runner? I鈥檝e taken these out a few times on early fall 14er adventures on trails with friends, and have also used them for crew communications at a 100-miler that had remote (out-of-cell-range) aid stations. These radios transmit the maximum power legally allowed for use without a license (two watts) and have a range of up to 25 miles, but I鈥檒l likely only use them a few miles apart. They鈥檙e durable, easy to use, and highly weather-resistant. Given that winter is upon us, I鈥檒l take them backcountry skiing, too. – B.M.

($198)

I鈥檝e made a commitment to myself in the coming year to keep falling deeper in love with trail and mountain running, while also spending more nights sleeping in the backcountry. Naturally, fastpacking has come to mind, an ultralight approach to multi-day run-hiking. Everything Outdoor Vitals touches turns to gold, and this Skyline 30 fastpack is a homerun. I recently took it for a 14-mile overnight solo into Montana鈥檚 Mission Mountains and it hit every mark I could imagine. The bag is super durable, using 100D Robic ripstop and a Challenge Ultrastretch, a mesh touted as the most tear/rip-proof on the market. This will be my fastpacking rig as I venture deeper into this discipline in 2024. – N.T.

($120)

If 2017 was the year I went Croc, 2023 was the year I went Clog. Specifically, I鈥檓 talking about Chaco鈥檚 new Paonia Clog, a counterpoint to Birkenstock, which I鈥檝e never had the courage to commit to. But Chaco鈥攚hich, to be radically transparent, I鈥檓 not actually a huge fan of, preferring Tevas or Bedrocks instead鈥攔eally nailed it with these. They are so easy to slip on, plus they are nice-looking enough for date night or movie night. I work in them all day and also slip them on first-thing as a recovery shoe after my weekend long run. LUVSEAT footbed. Waterproof jacquard suede upper. A+ addition to my leisure wear. – N.T.

The post What Our Run Editors Loved in October appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

To fully embrace fall requires that we reengage with the neglected parts of our closet. Heavier coats. Rain boots. Beanies. Wool socks. These cooler temperatures and shorter days invite us to discover the art of layering again, too, and that requires clothing choices that extend to all parts of life鈥攆rom going out on the town to our running life.听

Now that we鈥檝e officially made it to autumn, our team poked around to locate new trends and fall-inflected running gear so that you don鈥檛 have to. And what we found surprised us.听

RELATED: These Fall Marathons Are Your Last Chance to Race Before Winter

We found rugby-inflected threads. We found hand-dyed hoodies. We found exciting new brand collaborations. We found tops and bottoms that meet a season of long shadows and fickle weather. As we know, fall days can be golden-warm while others鈥攄epending on where you live鈥攃an bring snow flurries.

With that in mind, here are five new fall running fashion pieces to check out and add to your autumnal arsenal.

The most recent collaboration between Puma and Ciele includes a cream and crimson palette with everything from shoes to accessories to clothes. One of our favorites in the collection are these trackpants. They are made with a combo of rainCELL and dryCELL鈥擯uma鈥檚 wind and water resistance materials鈥攁nd they are light, breathable, and flexible, perfect for those blustery, misty fall days, These tapered pants work just as great on a warmup as the days you鈥檙e putting in serious mileage.听

听

Vuori is known for their incredibly soft fabrics and elevated activewear styles. This pair of joggers is really a do-it-all pant. Comfortable enough for lounging and durable enough for running, hiking, and yoga, these stylish bottoms are as versatile as they are cute. It has a super-high waistband with a tie that helps keep them snug and slip-free. They are also a close fit without being a true legging, so they won鈥檛 have extra fabric to get in the way, but the looser fit is also comfy and not constricting.听

听

Not only does this jacket have a sleek and modern design, but it is also fully windproof and water resistant, which makes it a great choice for unpleasant weather. Super lightweight, it is also packable, and it fits into its own front pocket. This also has a pullover design which helps to keep water and air from slipping through a front zipper. While not oversized, it does hit below the hips, which helps keep out inclement weather and trap warmth where you need it most.听

听

Every fall running wardrobe needs a solid long sleeve. If you only have one, make it this one by Janji. It has flatlock seaming to prevent chafing and a raglan sleeve to allow for full range of motion. The material is highly breathable and super quick-drying, and it is cling-resistant even when wet. The material also offers 25 SPF protection and has a reflective Janji watermark on the front which helps keep you visible when running in low light.听

While this may look more like something you would wear to a pumpkin patch than a run, it actually is designed to hold up on your longest runs. Inspired by the classic rugby shirt, this has a classic silhouette with a waffle texture. It is made with a merino wool blend which makes it moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, a preventative to getting too hot or too cold. The waffle design is as much function as it is fashion鈥攖he textile pattern allows for air to pass through and keeps it breathable. Available in and styles.

This set is designed more for after the run than during. It is part of a limited collection by Ibex that is hand-dyed with natural dyes, and it is made from a blend of merino wool and cotton to give you a super plush, breathable sweat set. Because these pieces are hand-dyed, no two will be the same, so you are investing in a one of a kind piece. Because of the dying process, they run a tad small, so Ibex suggests you size up if you are unsure of fit.听

RELATED: The Best Men鈥檚 Summer Running Gear of 2023

The post These 6 Fall Running Fashion Trends听Surprised Us appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Some people listen to music when they run. Others prefer podcasts. Some even demand silence. But for the Halloween-crazed audiophiles among us, there may be nothing better than settling into a run listening to a scary-as-hell horror podcast.

Fortunately, there are some exceptional options from which to choose.

Whether you鈥檙e trying not to think about your burning legs or lungs, or you need something to keep your mind occupied during long runs, scary podcasts can be great to listen to. We鈥檝e compiled a list of our favorite skin-crawling podcasts that are so scary that you might find yourself checking over your shoulder every once in a while. Settle into your stride, turn up the volume on your phone, and prepare to be spooked.

If You Like: Drama, Gore, and Guts

Listen to:

For those who like theatrics (cue the claps of thunder) and spooky narrators, this is your pod. Each No Sleep Podcast episode is a collection of horror-themed short fiction stories read aloud by a team of voice actors. This pod is not for the faint of heart, though, as some stories can get a little gruesome鈥攚e鈥檙e talking bones breaking, flesh-eating monsters, and contorting phantoms.

Average Episode Time: 1:09

Favorite Episode:

If You Like: Creepy History

Listen to:

Sometimes truth is more frightening than fiction, and that鈥檚 proven to be true in this podcast, Lore. Each episode explores dark folklore and the truth that鈥檚 buried within these tall tales. From pirates to witches to monsters to famous haunted sites, Lore is both interesting and goosebump-inducing, a great listen for those who think the scariest things in life come from historical fact.

Average Episode Time: 30 minutes

Favorite Episode:

If You Like: First-Person Narratives

Listen to:

For those of us who scroll through thread for hours, this podcast might scratch the horror itch. Creepy is packed with stories submitted by listeners, as the podcast host eerily tells us before every episode, so it鈥檚 not 100 percent certain that these are fictional narratives. These first-person accounts are chilling-to-the-bone, especially when you think about whether or not they鈥檙e true. We can only hope not.

Average Episode Time: 28-90 minutes

Favorite Episode:

If You Like: Personality and Conspiracies

Listen to:

The Last Podcast on The Left sits at no. 80 on Spotify鈥檚 top 100 podcasts and covers all kinds of spookiness from serial killers to demons to cults. Hosts Marcus Parks and Henry Zebrowski keep things upbeat with their funny personalities, but they balance it with conversation around conspiracy, folklore, and freaky facts.

Average Episode Time: 1:45

Favorite Episode:

If You Like: True Crime

Listen to:

What鈥檚 scarier than true crime? This Discovery+ podcast organizes their episodes in seasons, each one focusing on a different serial killer and the steps to tracking them down. A blend of true firsthand accounts and deep-reporting, Unraveled comes with a warning for those who are afraid of the real, raw, and terrifying things that can happen just by walking down the street.

Average Episode Time: 45 minutes

Favorite Episode: Eight

The post 5 Scary Podcasts to Listen to on Your October Long Run appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.