Run Mountain Peaks

This week I ranked the NH 48 4,000 footers from my least favorite to my top pick. There is only one hike I actually dislike. Lots of tough decisions had to be made. I will not second guess my decisions. 

Then did a preview for the upcoming Last Skier Standing race by White Mountain Ski Company that starts next weekend. That race usually goes for days and lots of heavy hitters on the entrants list.

Lastly, I did a trip report from my run on Pierce & Eisenhower. Awesome day. Stunner views. Decent trail conditions.

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 talk through my hierarchy of ultrarunning recovery tips. If you are increasing your training for the new year, you should also be increasing your focus on recovery. None of the top four items have to do with “recovery” products or supplements. I go through some deer hunting FAQs I get asked a lot to try and educate all public land recreation users. I messed up my one grid fact from last week's episode. Brutal. At least I owned up to it. Talked Patriots. Sledding. No Country for Old Men. Stay warm this weekend.

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 my own mother who is quite the accomplished hiker. She is a Grid finisher, and has completed several hiking lists in New England including the 100 Highest, 67 4000 Footers, 52 With a View, Terrifying 25, and is in the middle of a Single Season Winter 48. We discussed all of these accomplishments and the trails and peaks associated with them. She gave some tips about things she has learned over the years and resources she still uses to plan her hikes today. We talked about a few under the radar hikes. And we went through her experience crewing me through a handful of my ultramarathon efforts over the years and some stories and lessons learned from those.

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 talk about my 2024 Hellbender 100 mile 9th place finish. The most pain I’ve ever been in running and the most I have ever learned from an ultra. The trails down there rock. Then I go thru the results from the first New England ultramarathon of the year, formerly the GAC Fat Ass 50k, now the TARC Yeti Trail Trot 50k. Finish off ranking my top three fruit. I didn’t mean to do bananas dirty like that.

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 talk through my 2026 and long term running goals. Aim high, work hard and take the road less traveled. The man in the arena. Discuss not making Aravaipa's Northeast Racing Team. And then a Stranger Things update. Im only through Season 4, please dont spoil. (Is Season 5 ending good though?).

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 about my Christmas being essentially canceled and then my spontaneous trip to the ER on Christmas Eve. Winter conditions rock right now and you should get on the trails while they are good. I go through my biggest training lessons learned from 2025. It was a great year for me but it did not all go how I planned and instead I adjusted and looking at it as building a bigger base for all things running. Stack lots of brick to eventually go higher or something like that. Charlie Brown Christmas rocks but everybody is so mean to him from the beginning to the end. Christmas shopping. Meat sweats. And what's next for Run Mountain Peaks in 2026.

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 each of the 48 new FKTs in the White Mountain National Forest that were established in 2025 and discuss some of the best and most competitive times. The trails in the northeast are gnarly and the racing scene is getting more and more competitive each year. You have to be fast, tough and good on steep, technical terrain to go after these times.

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.

Discuss Ryan and I getting dominated by snow on the Osceolas (12/13 trip report). Recapped TARC winter fells 8, 32, and 40 mile results. Talked about my first winter Presi traverse 5 years ago and how I thought the Adams five peaks was actually Adams, Jefferson, Clay, Washington and the rest of Presi Traverse was going to be a piece of cake (wrong). Cutting down your own Christmas tree in the Whites seems fun and easy until you realize you are probably going to end up with a skimpy tree unless you really work for it. Fantasy football blues: fifth in the league in points scored but missing the playoffs. I'm on season 3 of Stranger Things and the bad guy is back somehow and Dustin, the hair guy, and the new girl just cracked the Russian code. Little motivation at the end.

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.

Recapped my first hundred miler in 2023. Talked about the training leading up to it and stories from the race. Some thoughts about what to expect going into your first hundred miler and how good holding that buckle feels at the end. Did a trip report from Cannon Mountain (12/6). Previewed the Kraft vs. Annie's mac n' cheese taste test I will be conducting this week.

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.

Run Mountain Peaks Podcast – Episode 12

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.