Run Mountain Peaks

This week’s episode is an unplanned deep dive into setbacks and the uncertainty of training & running goals. I was gearing up for an FKT attempt, but an untimely ankle roll on my bad ankle that just got good, changed my plans and gave me some flashbacks of my long recovery this fall/winter. Luckily, it wasn’t bad at all and should be fine in the near future. I still wanted to get an effort in so I decided to give an uphill only push to limit the impact on the ankle. I landed on a time trial up North Uncanoonuc and tied for the overall crown on a stacked leaderboard. I gave some thoughts and take aways on the effort. I also threw in some last minute thoughts on the latest season of Love on the Spectrum.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I talked through the essentials in my training and coaching philosophy for mountain running and ultra running. I think there is so much information out there, quick hacks, new research, supplements, etc. that it is hard to know what to focus on and what is worth it. But I truly believe that endurance training fundamentals along with unwavering consistency is where all the gains are actually made. I talk through everything and give personal insights on how I've used it myself to become stronger in the mountains. If you don’t believe me, here’s what one of my close buddies has to say about it:

“Reality is that 99% of our capacity comes from the BASIC and INDIVIDUAL boring and unexciting training.” - Kilian Jornet, January 2026, Trail Running 2026, where are we, where are we going.

Also, one resource that really helped me when I started seriously training 4 or 5 years ago was the book Training for the Uphill Athlete by Scott Johnston. For anyone looking to train themselves I highly recommend reading it through and then building from there with more recent research and strategies. For a long time I slept with it on my tote box nightstand lol. 

Lastly, maybe I am delusional about my own goals, but one thing that I think a lot of people underestimate is their own potential. I think the best of the best have just been working WAY harder and WAY longer than the rest. How many YEARS are you willing to put in to achieve your goals? (Running, hiking or other goals).

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

This week I sat down with Conor Brown. He is a hiker and trail runner that has accomplished some pretty mind blowing feats over the past few years. He was the finisher at the inaugural Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard Ultra, hiking over 200 miles and 108k ft of climbing in a single push over four days. He set records for most summits in 24 hours on his home mountains North Ucanoonuc and South Uncanoonuc (48 & 58 respectively). He thru hiked the Appalachian Trail. Had an impressive win at the well known Manchester to Monadnock ultramarathon and a blazing time at the Jigger Johnson 50 miler. He’s young, he’s tough and he’s fast.

HOW TO FIND CONOR:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/conorbrwn/

STRAVA: https://strava.app.link/jwlLR9yWZHb

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I give my New Hampshire spring trail & mountain running playbook. Dirt, rocks and roots are here, you just gotta go find them. Spring shoulder season in the White Mountains is full of postholes, rapidly changing trail conditions and other surprises. I usually take this time to check out a handful of other mountain gems in the region, of which there are many. Some of these are very popular, some of these are more off the beaten path. All awesome trails. Lots of dirt in my future, spring is almost here and I’m getting stoked.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I'm diving into a recent time trial effort I did on my local peak. I ran the same 1 mile route (510ft of climbing) twice in the span of five days. The first effort was at a 7:37min/mi pace, but during the second effort, I was able to knock off almost 30 seconds and run a 7:08min/mi pace (4:50min/mi grade adjusted pace). 

Obviously, I didn’t gain a ton of fitness in those five days, so I talk through some of the “race” day execution that let me run faster and be mentally stronger in the red. Short, fast road efforts are not my strong suit, but I think there is a lot of value in getting out of your comfort zone. I plan on mixing more of these efforts in between my ultramarathons.

Then, I talk about my injury history. I’ve dealt with so many different running injuries over the last handful of years.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I sat down with Ryan Fournier. He is a friend and a road & trail crusher. He started road running a handful of years ago and after thru hiking the AT in 2024, has thrown down some amazing efforts. Everything from short road to long trail. Big range. 50 miles in 6hr 58m, Sub 16min 5k, 6:39 Pemi loop, Boott Spur throwdown, etc. He was slated to PR the half marathon this March but unfortunately the race was cancelled and he is too fast for 2026 (YMCA)  treadmill technology.

HOW TO FIND RYAN:

INSTAGRAM: ryeguy_43

STRAVA: https://strava.app.link/59gxKUmcc1b

COACHING INQUIRES/QUESTIONS: [email protected] or DM any socials

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

Lots of topics this week. I talk about some of my time spent living and getting outdoors in Maine. My annual trip to Moosehead Lake and how cool of a region it is up there. The view from under Mt. Kineo rock face being undefeated. I talked through and ranked each of the extreme activities I have done: white water rafting, parasailing, zip lining, sky diving. Some quick Hundred Mile Wilderness talk. Tracking my sleep and how I am trying to improve my sleep and recovery. I give out my top 3 favorite chips of all time. And end with some motivation.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I tell the story of my first place finish at the 2024 Kilkenny Ridge Race. A great effort for me and had a few learning lessons for next time. Potentially looking at running that race again this year. Then I talked about Marathon Sports buying Six03 trail races and the $100,000 of prize money they are putting on New Hampshire trail races. Gave my quick thoughts on the Lincoln Woods trail closure for most of 2026 as well as my Black Canyons 100k reaction. What a lineup at that race. And finally we have another virtual race this month from BURCS, the Satan’s Sidewalk 66.66K / 66.66 Hour Virtual Races. Do you believe in bad juju? I try to steer clear.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I got to interview John Hirsch. John raced triathlons as a pro for over 20 years. He collected four Top 10 Pro Ironman finishes and competed at the notorious Kona Ironman World Championships. He had a ton of cool stories and great insights into triathlon and endurance training. Outside of triathlons he competed in trail races, grabbing three wins at the Spartan Ultra Beast Masters World Championships. Oh and he also still rips on trail, he was one of the only finishers at the @spartan Peak Snow Devil Snowshoe race from this January. A brutal winter race (snow shoes required) with cut offs that DNF most participants. He gave us the scoop into those races. Give it a listen.Before the interview, I gave my quick Last Skier Standing 2026 reaction. An epic throw down per usual.

HOW TO FIND JOHN:

INSTAGRAM: @thedeerrunner

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/john.hirsch.75

STRONG LIKE BULL FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/stronglikebullcamps

JOHN HIRSCH COACHING: https://www.stronglikebulltraining.com/coaching

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.

This week I go through my entire gear kit for winter trail running and hiking. Literally took everything out of my bins and went through it. Not so much a brand talk but more of what items I bring with me and all my tips and tricks I've learned over them years to make them useful and efficient. Everyone has thier own system and kit that works them but hopefully you can take away at least one thing to upgrade your kit. If you have any good tips I missed let me know. Threw in some tongue twisters at the end. Say red leather yellow leather five times fast.

NH HIKE SAFE INFORMATION & TEN ESSENTIALShttps://www.wildlife.nh.gov/get-outside/hiking-safety

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS 

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi  

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5  

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. 

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq  

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr  

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. 

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK  

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4 

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq 

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN 

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.