Gearist Adventures and Reviews

The Leadville Trail 100 is not just an iconic ultramarathon, it’s also one of the toughest races of its kind. This year, the DNF rate was 51% and crushingly Arron found himself in that number. Not because he wasn’t ready to grind every step to the finish line but because the math of cutoff times simply got in the way. Leadville Trail 100 Interactive Course Map: https://www.onxmaps.com/built-with-onx/embed/Rk5xolZ3ttA Cotopaxi Sombra Sun Hoodie: https://www.cotopaxi.com/products/sombra-sun-hoodie-mens?variant=40141057687613 Sally McRae on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellowrunner/?hl=en #leadville #lt100 #trailrunning #ultramarathon

The day before the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 has arrived. Arron, Mark and Brandon sit down to get a glimpse into the mental and physical state of the boys getting ready to tackle one of the hardest trail races in the world. #leadville #lt100 #trailrunning #ultramarathon

Where to buy the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 trail running shoes: https://alnk.to/eZCSuTz The new Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 is the latest trail running shoe in the legacy lineup. Carrying over some of the good aspects of the Terra Kiger 7 and some new innovations, this shoe is ready to take on fast, groomed trails with a well thought out, captivating design. Where to buy the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8 trail running shoes: https://alnk.to/eZCSuTz FOLLOW GEARIST ON SOCIAL MEDIA http://instagram.com/Gearist http://facebook.com/Gearist http://twitter.com/TheGearist CHAPTERS Intro - 00:00 Outsole - 1:37 Midsole - 6:49 Upper - 9:25 Fit - 17:46 Ride - 20:26 Conclusion - 22:42 #Gearist #ImaGearist #NikeAirZoomTerraKiger8 #trailrunning #runningshoes #shoereview #nike This product was provided for review purposes by Nike. All opinions are those of the author and/or Gearist contributors.

Where to buy the Roll Recovery R1 percussion massager: https://amzn.to/3pvV5Jp The best percussion massage guns on the market often come with some of the highest price tags! In the case of the R1 massager from Roll Recovery, we're getting to an in-depth review with not only a well-made, high-functioning tool but also one that won't break the bank! Where to buy the Roll Recovery R1 percussion massager: https://amzn.to/3pvV5Jp FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA http://instagram.com/Gearist http://facebook.com/Gearist http://twitter.com/TheGearist Subscribe to Gearist on YouTube! http://bit.ly/GearistSub This product was provided for review purposes by Fossil Outdoor. All opinions are those of the author and/or Gearist contributors.

Where to buy the BōnDry Hydration Backpack Bladder Dryer: https://amzn.to/3Py7WoQ Hydration pack bladders are a pain in the butt to clean and one of the biggest reasons is that they're difficult to get FULLY dry inside. Today, we're going to look at the BōnDry Hydration Backpack Bladder Dryer. This super simple device uses capillary to quickly and efficiently dry out your hydration pack bladder so you can get one step closer to truly clean! Where to buy the BōnDry Hydration Backpack Bladder Dryer: https://amzn.to/3Py7WoQ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA http://instagram.com/Gearist http://facebook.com/Gearist http://twitter.com/TheGearist Subscribe to Gearist on YouTube! http://bit.ly/GearistSub This product was provided for review purposes by Fossil Outdoor. All opinions are those of the author and/or Gearist contributors.

One episode 17 of the Grit Podcast, Arron and Brandon welcome Jeff Sidwell of Next Step Fitness. As a degree-holding (and "certified up the wazoo") trainer, Jeff is not simply an athlete himself (with ultramarathons of his own to his name) but he's also an advocate for his clients living a strong, long and pain-free life. The guys and Jeff talk about recovery, breathing and addressing specific, annoying pains that can come along with running and a lot more! Links from the show: Next Step Fitness: http://nextstep.fit Dirty 30 Ultra: https://dirty30.org/ Run Rabbit Run: https://runrabbitrunsteamboat.com/ Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

The Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 is labeled as a hybrid running shoe. If you’re not sure what that means exactly, it’s a running shoe that is at home while road running and is also ready to handle your trail running adventures. With that in mind, we’ve see plenty of running shoes labeled as “hybrids” but they almost always bring proficiency to one aspect or the other - in other words, they’re either great for trail running and less so for road, or vice versa. How does the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 stack up? Does it bring more grip on trails and response to the table than the Pegasus Trail 3? Let’s find out!

Where to buy the Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://alnk.to/2jI8W5M The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka has been a hotly anticipated trail running shoe ever since the Speedgoat 4 came out. IN this review of the Speedgoat 5 from Gearist, Brandon breaks down the latest iteration of one of the best and best-loved trail running shoes in the industry. Using Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug, the Speedgoat 5 is a shoe which can take on pretty much any type of trail and do it as well as, if not better than most. The Speedgoat has been completely redesigned from the ground up and brings with it almost no areas of frustration for a fast, agile and comfortable running shoe. Have you been a Speedgoat fan since the OG? Let us know in the comments! Where to buy the Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://alnk.to/2jI8W5M FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA http://instagram.com/Gearist http://facebook.com/Gearist http://twitter.com/TheGearist Subscribe to Gearist on YouTube! http://bit.ly/GearistSub This product was provided for review purposes by Hoka. All opinions are those of the author and/or Gearist contributors.

With now less than to go until the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon, Arron's training is in full build mode. With running miles on both trail and road (but let's face it, WAY more trail) the boys look at how training is going and what race day plans look like. They also talk about just how challenging running in intense humidity can be!

In training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100, our boy Arron needed to escape from his seaside, zero elevation home in Virginia Beach and head west to Colorado. While there, he and Brandon hit some great trails in and around Boulder County winding up as high as 12,000 feet. In part one of two, Brandon and Arron talk about some of the adventures on this trip and also look at new gear from Zealios, 100% sunglasses and an awesome bodysurfing toy from WAW Handplanes. Links from the show: Christmas Ale From Upslope Brewing Company: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18564/87213/?ba=beergoot Key Lime Pie Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co.: https://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/key-lime-pie-nitro Norvik from 100% Sunglasses: https://www.100percent.com/collections/norvik WAW Badfish Bodysurfing Handplane: https://amzn.to/39HrpVr Zealios body, hair and skincare: https://amzn.to/3bksgeX Kahtoola Microspikes: https://amzn.to/3bjgfX7 Picture Rock Trail: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/heil-valley-ranch/ Arapahoe Pass Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28180 Fourth of July Trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28264 First Landing State Park: https://www.first-landing-state-park.org/ Chasm Lake Trail: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/romo_chasmlake.htm Hanauma Bay State Park: http://hanaumabaystatepark.com/ Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Brandon and Arron review the Nike Trail Pegasus 4 as they talk about ramping up mileage in preparation for Arron's Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon coming up in August of 2022. Also on the show, the guys talk about finding the sweet spot for endurance running. Is it based on heart rate (hint: yes)? Pace? Effort? Finding the most effective running effort can be tricky but it's also the key to being able to run a long way without overextending yourself. Finally, Arron and Brandon talk about how running - and endurance sports more broadly - are a hugely important part of how they find joy living. #FJL Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

With Arron heading to Colorado for some tune up trail running in preparation for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 in a few weeks, the guys look at some possible training options for his short trip! Also on tap, Brandon and Arron have gotten their hands on a bunch of new and upcoming running shoes from Nike including first impression reviews of the Zoom Terra Kiger 8, React Infinity Run Flyknit 3, Air Zoom Pegasus 39 and the React Pegasus Trail 4. Links from the show: Fix a busted bike tire with a dollar bill: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/fix-busted-tire-buck/ Hall Ranch on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/directory/8011976/hall-ranch Long's Peak: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longspeak.htm Seth's Weather Report Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/212623405490878 First Landing State Park on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7010443/first-landing-state-park-loop Active 88's Running shoes: https://www.activeimprintsco.com/ Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Getting from couch to 5K to Leadville Trail 100 doesn't happen by accident, nor does it happen smoothly. Today, Arron and Brandon talk about their personal running evolutions and what got them to (and through) highs and lows of the sport of running. To see any of the running gear or other things mentioned in this episode, check out the links below! Links from the show: Dynamic running warm-ups: https://www.runnersworld.com/training/g20862002/dynamic-warmup-stretches/ How to harvest and use rose hips: https://www.thespruce.com/what-are-rose-hips-and-what-do-they-do-1403046 Foraging for spruce tips: https://practicalselfreliance.com/spruce-tips/#:~:text=A%20spruce%20tip%20is%20the,y%20to%20warm%20and%20resinous. Is chicken soup really good for a cold?: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20001017/science-finally-shows-what-grandma-knew-all-along Running, Etc. Virginia Beach: https://www.runningetc.com/ Athlinks: https://www.athlinks.com/ Amphipod Hydraform: https://amzn.to/3GzP5Hr Nathan Sports Handheld Soft Flask: https://amzn.to/3aoQDYG Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3LTasnL Karmik Outdoors: https://karmikoutdoors.com/ Julbo Aerolite: https://amzn.to/39SDu9W Ten Thousand: https://www.tenthousand.cc/ Nuun: https://amzn.to/3lKeFzD Onnit Total Human Vitamins: https://www.onnit.com/total-human/

Today Brandon and Arron run through some of the gear they're using training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 (Arron running the full race and Brandon pacing Arron for the final 38 miles). The guys give high level reviews of everything from trail running shoes to socks, running shorts, running shirts, sunglasses, hats and even bug spray! To see any of the running gear mentioned in this episode, check out the links below! Links from the show: BOCO Gear running trucker hats: https://bocogear.com/boco-hats/technical-trucker-hat/ Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat: https://amzn.to/3Ni4xKg Knockaround Torrey Pines Sunglasses: https://amzn.to/3Nqcj4V JBL Tour PRO+ TWS Headphones: https://amzn.to/3PsNlUg Apple AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/3PuOniH Badger Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3yJnEbX Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick: https://amzn.to/39zpge5 Piankatank River: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piankatank_River Saucony Men's Stopwatch Short Sleeve Shirt: https://amzn.to/3MwXeyw CamelBak Circuit Run Vest: https://amzn.to/3wk76pr Patagonia Repairs: https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Repair-Process Nathan Sports Men's Running Vest, VaporKrar: https://amzn.to/38sT9wx Suunto 9 Peak: https://amzn.to/38tFnK1 Saxx Quest Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3LtfTK2 New Balance Men's 6" Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3NqdsJL Nike Flex Stride Trail Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/3llX2WB Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8: https://amzn.to/3FUQuHX Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html?dwvar_1123157_color=BCEP Hoka Clifton 8: https://amzn.to/3MqtFyq Hoka Kawana: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-fitness/kawana/1123163.html?dwvar_1123163_color=BWHT Saucony Peregrine 12: https://amzn.to/3FXOjDr

Running with a cold is a pain in the ass. Brandon should know because he's got a cold. Today, Brandon and Arron look at some advice from doctors about running with a cold. Also, since both the guys have had Covid - and since both of them pushed the envelope with running while they had it - we look at the broader implications of training and racing while sick. Links from the show: Silver-Aged Dave: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH_FN9f9_hp-0ThhekxcBw Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold? (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20058494 Is It Safe to Run If You Have a Cold? (Healthline): https://www.healthline.com/health/running-with-a-cold Picture Rock Trail: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7005490/picture-rock Heil Valley Ranch Cal-Wood Fire Recovery: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/management/heil-valley-ranch-cal-wood-fire-recovery/ Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadriene Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

First, we look at the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Then....A marathon, ultramarathon - or any other running race for that matter - isn't simply just showing up and throwing it all out there. You need to have a strategy. A nutrition strategy. A hydration strategy. Most importantly, a total race strategy. On episode 8 of GRIT from Gearist, Brandon and Arron get down and dirty with breaking down all those miles into bitesize chunks. Links from the show: Hall Ranch Loop: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7022391/hall-ranch-loop Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/ Adventure Projects Apps: https://www.adventureprojects.net/ Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html Ironman finish Line Ankle Break: https://youtu.be/qXFwJkkFBAY Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Picking the right trail running shoe for an event like the Leadville Trail 100 is a tricky thing. Today, Arron and Brandon get into the top five things to consider when looking for the right shoe for your event (and training). Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

For a lot of people, running makes you have to pee. Today we talk about why that might be happening to runners. We also look at urine color as a measure of how hydrated you are and how to gauge hydration on frequency of peeing! Links from the show: I need to pee, except I don't. From Runner's World: https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20820692/i-need-to-pee-except-i-dont/ Pee Color chart from the Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-urine-color-means/ Leadville Trail 100 map: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/ Lifestraw: https://amzn.to/3EBQnkc Katadyn Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3K0AoNC What is a pika?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pika

The feet of a runner can present some huge problems - especially during longs months and miles of training leading up to a marathon or even an ultramarathon like the Leadville Trail 100! Today, Brandon and Arron talk about what kind of socks they wear, blisters, callouses, hot spots, lotions and potions. Links from the show: BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition): https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/ Injinji Toe Socks: https://amzn.to/3jHAdM8 Body Glide: https://amzn.to/3jyH1fg O'keefe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3JA4lDW Udderly Smooth Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3rqBThn DZNuts: https://amzn.to/3jCUYcc Squirrel's Nut Butter: https://amzn.to/3xI8VxN Wrightsock: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy Superfeet: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy What is backcountry skiing / alpine touring?: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/types-of-skiing.html Running 100 miles horror show video: https://youtu.be/9UdvlpgtZt8 HOW TO USE A PRESTA VALVE WITH ANY PUMP https://youtu.be/76AQ8RFvCX4

Today Neal Palles of Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance joins Arron and Brandon. As a multiple finisher of the iconic Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon, Neal is amazing at guiding athletes through not only the physical journey of marathon training but (more?) importantly, the psychological ups and downs. Links from the show: Bear Peak in Boulder, Colorado: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trail/bear-peak The Little Red Lighthouse in NYC: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park/highlights/11044 Grit by Angel Duckworth: https://amzn.to/3udbRAg Sanitas Brewery Lime Lager: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/31765/587646/ Virginia Beer Co. Free Verse IPA: https://virginiabeerco.com/beer/free-verse/ Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance: https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/ Neal Palles on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/10684875 Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Nutrition for any running race - and in this case the Leadville Trail 100 - is a critically important part of making it not only to the finish line but also, to the starting line. In episode 3 of GRIT from Gearist Arron and Brandon talk about their training for the past week and begin what is sure to be the first of many conversations on fueling for training and racing of the famous ultramarathon in Leadville, Colorado. Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

A trail running race like the Leadville Trail 100 isn't something to be entered into lightly. Today, Brandon and Arron talk about the week of training since the last episode and also look at the (surprisingly minimal) rules of the iconic event in Leadville, Colorado. Links from the show: Shamrock Marathon (Virgina Beach): https://www.shamrockmarathon.com/ Origins of the Leadville Trail 100: https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/leadville-trail-100-run Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation: https://www.packburroracing.org/ Born to Run (book): https://amzn.to/357WAXK 2022 Leadville Trail 100 Athlete Guide: http://l283s3pxq2ktw6gs37ski16ee-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LeadvilleAthleteGuideRunFinal-1.pdf Theragun: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp Moji foot massager: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp Rawlogy: https://amzn.to/3wulLz0 Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Arron is running the 2022 Leadville trail 100 ultramarathon. He's a dad of 3 kiddos under 10, has a full-time job and lives at sea level in Virginia Beach. Brandon is coming along to crew - and to get back in shape. It's going to be a wild ride.