Gaiters are funny. The word alone sounds like something only fishermen would understand, and does not seem like the thing runners would need. And yet, for those of us who have ever run in sand, loose dirt, dusty, dry loam, or any surface that might want to creep deeply into one’s socks, gaiters are a necessity. A couple years ago I tried out my first pair of gaiters before embarking on my first assault of…
FITS is a premium sock brand resulting from the collaboration of third and fourth generation textile manufacturers to create the absolute best fitting sock in the marketplace as a response to an industry-wide epidemic of ill-fitting socks. Utilizing only the best raw materials available, FITS incorporates innovative, proprietary engineering and technology to create the most comfortable, best-fitting sock in the world. The result: a product line that embodies the crucial connection between fit and performance. Drew: I…
Balega has announced a new sock that is sure to garner quite a bit of interest called the UltraGlide. Balega is certainly not new to the running community by any means and they’re dedication to keep us on our feet (quite literally) is showcased with the UltraGlide. The UltraGlide has created a solution to common running issues by using a mix of friction free yarn and their Drynamix® yarn to keep your feet dry and…
Every time I think that I have all the running clothing I will ever need, along comes another company to remind me that I am wrong. Runners often are creatures of habit and will stick with certain brands for a very long time based on fit, feel, function and performance. With so many clothing options to choose from, there can also be great benefit for those who are willing to try lesser known brands, especially…
Stride. Turnover. Cadence. Running is really the simplest form of sport, with the essence being the efficiency of those three actions. Seeing as the only part of our body that touches the ground is our feet, the gear we shod ourselves with is of utmost importance. With 22 years of running experience and countless miles, I can often pick a favorable shoe from a picture, which is exactly what I did with the Salomon Sonic…
Are you ever in a rut trying to find the perfect gift for your “runner friend/spouse?” Or maybe you are someone who likes to try new and different products? StrideBox is the perfect gift for yourself or your bestie runner partner! StrideBox offers a monthly subscription, meaning, each month, you will receive a nice selection of products that will help enhance your workouts, training and races. Stridebox products come from well established brands, emerging companies and smaller…
In the world of distance running, especially long distances where carrying fuel is critical to success, there are just a few ways for runners to do so. Those options are vests, backpacks and belts, and the selection for any of these choices is fairly robust. However, even with so many options to choose from, there are certain features that every runner looks for, which include fit, function and fashion. As a long distance trail runner,…
When Columbia and Montrail partnered up in 2006 it might have spelled the end to an iconic trail running brand and yet, the two companies have managed to put out some very high quality shoes and gear over the years that holds up to the abuse of the trails and the climate changes that often accompany the life of a trail runner. Given the winters in Central Oregon, it is wise to have a few…
Do you remember the first time you got to eat a chocolate chip cookie, fresh out of the oven? You might not be able to recall that far back, but I am sure we can agree that your taste buds did a little happy dance. This happens to be the same happy dance my taste buds did upon trying Trail Butter for the first time. If you haven’t heard of these guys yet, who happen…
Sometimes, it seems an industry has experienced all the innovation and expansion it could possibly reach. Then you come across a new product that gives an idea a new light. The Pilot 2N1 short are a good example of the simple running short growing in a slightly different fashion. Personally being a faster runner that prefers the classic high cut running short, I do have a couple pairs that are longer for easy runs with…
