Best products from r/trailrunning

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Amazon Description

Life is good when you're in your running shoes, but life is even better when you have a cool Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Heart Rate Running Fitness Watch wrapped around your wrist. Turn up your favorite jam and hit the trails with this slim and lightweight running watch. It shows off a wrist-based heart rate sensor perfect for monitoring your heart on daily runs and during training and races. It features all day activity tracking including counting steps, calories, sleep, intensity minutes, and reminds you when to move. The built-in GPS tracks how far, how fast, and where you run and smart notifications display emails, texts, and other alerts while you are running your heart out. Rock it every day, all day and run baby run with this Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS Heart Rate Running Fitness Watch as your fitness partner in crime.


Features & details
24/7 heart rate monitoring - warm gives you heart rate all day and night -no additional Strap required.
Vibration alerts - helpful vibration alerts notify you of running prompts, activity tracking milestones, smart notifications and virtual pacing progress.
Updated display - new high resolution display that is perfect for indoor/outdoor viewing.
Smart connectivity - auto uploads, smart notifications, live track, music controls and automatic sw updates.

Edit: Spacing

I'm cycling through a few headlamps right now. I'm not a super long distance runner, and the trails I run are not very technical, I like light in weight and durable and not bouncy, so my needs are different like anyone else. I'm a bit of a flashlight nerd.

I've got https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0120RIWUK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VNH8ybY8TM0P7

It's small, and crazy cheap and feels pretty sturdy, at only an ounce and a bit. Takes button type batteries (a pair included nicely) and lasts 20hrs on the low light setting, half on medium and 6hrs on high. The high of 65 lumens is plenty bright, but I don't run very technical trails. It also has red light for night vision preservation for map reading, etc.

Nitecore T T360 45 lm Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXCZ2L0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FPH8yb82WTSVG

This one is the weight weeny winner at 3/4 Ounce, you can hardly feel it. The Cree led is very bright and the device can be clipped into belts, packs and elsewhere and is very positionable. It's usb rechargeable, can run while being charged (virtually can run forever if paired with a small powerbank). It's also be positioned via ball and socket joint, so you can get it dialed in perfectly. If using at high, it only lasts about an hour. Low will give you 4hrs but it would be ideal for groomed trails, etc.

The bigger daddy to this one is
Nitecore NU20 360 Lumens Rechargeable Lightweight LED Headlamp with USB Cable and Lumen Tactical USB AC Power Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0DAKDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SOH8ybTQNEB5E

I can't get over how relatively light and useful this one is just under two ounces. Just like the one above, pass through USB chargeable (on the fly) for unlimited use. Dazzlingly bright. The medium setting will run for 8 hrs or so and it's enough for just about as technical as you can get I'd imagine. The high is crazy bright. The rendering is good in this light, it's much warmer than your typical cheapo led

There's a nu40 that scales up from here, but for my needs, I've got enough to go out and run.

I've also got a bad ass 1200lumen H3 warboy headlamp using an unprotected 18650, but that's for hiking, camping, hunting and walks. Too clunky for me to run with at about 3 ounces. Kind of a Chinese made zebralight.

Yeah, I could see that they are really into heart rate monitoring, but I haven't ever liked the idea of using a heart rate monitor.

Reading Training Essentials for Ultrarunning has really convinced me I'm better off without heart rate though. He goes into great detail, but it basically boils down to the fact that RPE (Rated Perceived Exertion) is more accurate for running in proper training zones than heart rate. Heart rate can be elevated for a number of reasons that don't mean you need to run slower, and worst of all, fatigue can actually depress your heart rate making you train too hard when fatigued, which is even worse!

Hence my curiosity about the Stryd. That seems like it might be a more accurate alternative to heart rate. Not sure, but even on hills its running power meter might be as accurate as speed + laps on a track.

Definitely not more important, if you are prone to a particular acute ankle injury, have joint laxity issues, etc. but I'd argue it is perhaps equally important.

What was initially described in the OP sounded less like it was actually about an acute deficiency in that area, and more about overall fatigue and weak form leading to a situation in which perhaps an ankle rolls. A lot of trail runners don't seem to think they need to strength train or work on muscle memory exercises much or at all. Ask me how I know 😭

In my case, I had deficiencies all over the damn map and had already addressed ankles a while back with a battery of good exercises. While completing PT for a knee injury, I (thankfully!) had the opportunity to work with some great folks who addressed my knee issue with core hip, and glute strengthening amongst other things. I have found that as a result of this, I feel way stronger and more stable on the trail.

The number one resource I would recommend in this department is Anatomy For Runners by Jay Dicchary. I read it at the recommendation of one of my therapists and it's was pretty engaging and enlightening. I won't get into all the details here, but its worth a look for just about anyone who runs seriously.

Hello fellow VI runner,

For what my opinion matters, I pretty much always carry a knife of some kind when I’m trail running. Partially for the occasional bit of trail/woodwork that needs doing but also for the protective factor from cougars, and because I am a knife knerd too. Most of the folks I run with also carry a blade albeit almost all folding. I can’t comment much on their exact preferences.

In winter I tend towards fixed blade, either a Mora bushcraft (cheapish ) or a compact machete depending if I know trees and branches are down from storms and the like.

In the summer months, I tend towards larger folding knives like a Spyderco PM2 or GB2. I use folders in the summer because it’s brighter and many more folks in the woods so the general risk is down and I don’t want to look like a sociopath running around with a sheathed knife when I bump into hikers and mountain bikers.

I appreciate the comment about the realism about taking on a cougar should it come to that. I hope we all stay safe out there while enjoying the trails.

After a headlamp for long miles but don't want to break the bank because it's a potential christmas gift?

Get the Wowtac A2S a 18650 L shaped headlamp and it's perfect for running (unless you're in fog or the clouds and its dark!)

https://www.amazon.com/Headlamp-Headlight-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlamps/dp/B071HW5XQH/&tag=crtrftrd-20

Been running with this for a few months now and it's incredible, has firefly 1 lumen mode which apparently lasts weeks, then 10, 60, 200 lumen modes, i run with the 60lumen mode around the mountains and it's perfect, occasionaly clicking in to the 200 lumens to see ahead. Also has turbo and strode modes which I don't use but might one day for some photography stuff.

The reason I got it is that the 63lumen mode can run for 19+ hours, and it's 18650. Everyone needs to start migrating to 18650 running headlamps/torches. It's also a third of the price of any petzl or other "named" headlamp runners use and imo better. If you head over to /r/flashlight they will all say the same.

I am comparing this to a Nextorch Eco star (2xAAA) headlamp which is fantastic but comes in at 40lumens which just wasn't bright enough for some runs. Many different torches (I have a big collection) and i've tested friends petzls and other overpriced head torches, the wowtac beats it hands down!

How hard? Meh. That's relative. How awesome?! 20% more awesome!!

In all seriousness though - yes more technical so you will work harder. But it will make you so much stronger! If you work with a heart rate monitor now, use it as your guide and stay in the zone and don't worry about pace. If you don't use a hrm consider reading up on rhythmic breathing. It's a glorious tool to check in with your effort levels. (Running on Air is the book title you should look for if you want to read up on it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1609619196/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/180-5862615-9089065 )

Run a variety of trail types as much as you can. You will run into it all! And get some trail shoes. Easy way to get rotation in the shoe cycle and you will be thankful you did as you get into more technical trails and adverse conditions.

Don't wait to get out on the trails! Take your time, smell the roses and enjoy!

Sure! I create my own custom training plans, based on research and mostly the book: Run Faster from the 5K to the Marathon: How to Be Your Own Best Coach

The 12 week plan I followed had three main workouts per week. 1 long run, 1 run with high intensity work, 1 run with more threshold / race pace type stuff. Each of these had vert/mileage implemented as necessary to hit my weekly goals. Any other runs were EASY, but could also include vertical gain. I was lucky enough to get all my runs in on singletrack trail this time, but usually I have to hit the treadmill due to life circumstances. When that happens I do my best to make sure the three main workouts per week are not on the treadmill though. Weeks 5-7 are going to be the toughest, 9-11 are going to be working towards more vertical volume, and not too much very fast stuff. I added long mountain climbs on weeks 7-10 which were similar to what I would be doing in the race.

All that said, 12 weeks is not enough time, unless you are coming in with a solid base and your mileage is already near your target peak levels.

My girlfriend recently asked what I would like so I gave her my list of running gear that I'm currently looking to buy:

I'm thinking a secondary headlamp. Currently run with this one - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074FSJS7M?ref_=pe_2640190_255746880_404_E_DDE_dt_1Even contemplated getting handheld running flashlights that Nathan has - https://www.backcountry.com/nathan-zephyr-trail-200-r-hand-torch

Some gaiters would be nice - https://www.amazon.com/Altra-Gaiter-Protective-Covers-Regular/dp/B01CO8RV5W

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I like to run in vests for my second layer so I always reco' a vest. I have two of these brooks vests and I really like them - https://www.rei.com/product/102752/brooks-lsd-thermal-vest-mens

They don't have any of these so I was looking at this Marmot one - https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/132853/marmot-nitro-vest-mens

I started listening to the TRN podcast a few weeks ago and they constantly talk about Path Project. I want to get a pair of their shorts and the hoodie - https://pathprojects.com/collections/all

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I wear two hats while running; patagonia duck bill and Nike Trail hat. I love the patagonia one in the summerPatagonia - https://www.backcountry.com/patagonia-duckbill-cap

Nike Trail AeroBill - https://www.amazon.com/Nike-Trail-AeroBill-Trucker-Hat/dp/B01H0OAIL4

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I like the idea of getting a hand held soft flask. I usually cary my hydration pack with me and use one or two soft flasks with it as I rarely use the actual reservoir with the pack. I'll definitely add the one you have to my 'wish list' :-). If I think of more (don't have my list in front of me) I'll edit this comment later.

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Edit:

Socks... More socks... If my child self heard me say this he would be very disappointing and confused. I strictly run in Darn Tough socks now. I absolutely love them - https://darntough.com/collections/mens-run

I picked up my first set of trekking poles this year and really like them so far. I've found them to be great for technical trails and steep climbs.
https://www.rei.com/product/108377/rei-co-op-flash-carbon-trekking-poles-pair


A cheaper item that I also love is a filtered water bottle. These are great in the warmer months when access to clean water may be limited.
https://www.rei.com/product/100537/katadyn-befree-collapsible-water-filter-bottle-20-fl-oz

Trail Toes or Body Glide make great stocking stuffers. I can never get enough of this stuff.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GW70JW4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://smile.amazon.com/Body-Glide-Original-Anti-Chafe-1-5oz/dp/B00288L2N6?keywords=body+glide&qid=1540825244&s=Health+%26+Personal+Care&sr=1-1-spons&ref=sr_1_1_sspa&psc=1

I carry my iPhone 7 in this hip belt. I also store my keys, wallet, and a .5L Platypus in there. I love it because after fitting all of that in there, I don't even feel it. It holds everything firmly to my back and doesn't bounce around. The only down-side is that it takes some fiddling to get things out and put them back in, like, I have to take the belt off and be careful everything doesn't tumble out when I unzip it all the way. So if I want to take a picture with my phone, I'll kneel down and take it out close to the ground to prevent it from falling out at a height. Worth it though for the comfort while running. Taking a sip while running is pretty easy too. You just unclip the belt, unzip it a few inches to reveal the Platypus sport cap, take a drink, zip it back up and clip it back on.

Go get an occlusive dressing and put it on. First, it promotes healing, second it makes it so it doesn't harden up and hurt when you sleep and when it bends. If you go to your local pharmacy, they'll have Tegaderm , that can be a bit pricey but worth it for the lack of pain.

I bought Flexifix from Amazon, and it's amazing. Inexpensive and gets used for a lot of cuts/abrasions around the house.

General advice for these:

• Yes, they are way different than what you're used to, that's ok.
  
• No, your wounds don't "need air" to heal.
  
• For large ones (like those) having a pad inside (you can make your own by putting gauze in there or just buy the Tegaderm with them) it will help to absorb the fluid
  
• You only need to change them when the start to fall off
  
• Use it for one more time than you think you need to. I always think it's fully healed a few days before it is.
  
  Good luck.

These: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3B4ZIE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Awesome, awesome, awesome.

You might consider an older 12L Salomon pack - Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin 12 Set - example.
This pack is a bit heavier but more versatile and comes with a 1.5L reservoir. It has two front pockets that are a bit short for Salomon flexible flasks but work well with UD flexible bottles. It is going to be less expensive than the latest model too. I have both this pack and Advanced Skin3 5 Set and like both of them. I use the lighter Skin3 5 Set pack for racing and the older pack for long unsupported trail runs.

I really like the plans in Relentless Forward Progress. Different options for distance and weekly mileage. All around great read.

I strongly recommend the training plans and other info in Relentless Forward Progress. Only $11 on Amazon!

Read Relentless Forward Progress. There are training plans and lots of useful information.
Or just lurk in /r/ultramarathon and /r/ultrarunning a lot and piece together your own training.

> I should probably train more

>I have no idea what I am doing

Learn how the body do and you'll thank yourself for it.