In this episode, I discuss my gear choices for the Tor de Geants 330k. I have listed all items below with their respective websites for you. I'll post track info on my social channels and Strava in the coming week ahead. I'll be taking a 2 week break form the podcast while in Italy. Once I return, I'll give a full race recap. Thank you for your continued support!

-Aaron

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Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Depploy Down .5 Pullover Hoody - https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/mens-deploy-down-0-5-pullover-hoody?_pos=2&_psq=men%27s+deploy+down&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Rab Phantom Waterproof Pant - https://rab.equipment/us/phantom-waterproof-pants?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22768176652&gbraid=0AAAAAC6UPyvYtVK2FJhzh0mH3riDfWTpN&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzt_FBhCEARIsAJGFWVkkZ9BNJLHbbeYBdBn-BjYc8Iz8UEF9BbrSoYRSxWLkZ-cbdNWmDWkaAkuFEALw_wcB

Cross Point Waterproof Knit Gloves - https://showerspass.com/collections/crosspoint-gloves?srsltid=AfmBOooasMEqkGyWUxT4EPD0PkMSjg9T03TrW8NgjsdaoCr7zn_IEANp

Mont Bell Rain Trekker Jacket - https://www.montbell.com/us/en/products/detail/1128729

UltrAspire Zygos 6.0 Pack - https://ultraspire.com/products/zygos-6-0/?attribute_pa_size=large&attribute_color=Steel+Blue&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20734187901&gbraid=0AAAAAD2xUSs2UlS-ze1DMB8eW8_TBdA9D&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzt_FBhCEARIsAJGFWVnJhWOPDVIqmi2d-9qa8q-XRLWIzPE-d-egIrQM5WC10MAECxkKidsaAn-CEALw_wcB

UltrAspire Pole Quiver - https://ultraspire.com/products/ultraspire-pole-quiver/

Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles - https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/distance-carbon-z-poles

Altra Olympus 275 - https://www.altrarunning.com/en-us/trail/mens-olympus-275/AL0A85RT.html

Kahtoola MICROspikes - https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/?srsltid=AfmBOoqM-Cl_wRT2Zs4K0tq3oC3qYF2s0eMHajBZteq6n26ZuIVHGSR9

Xoskin Xotoes Crew Sock - https://www.xoskin.us/50-Pro-Series/50-XOTOES-Toe-Sock-Crew/

I also mention their ¾ length short liners.

Petzl Swift RL - https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Headlamps/SWIFT-RL

UltrAspire Lumen 800 Solstice - https://ultraspire.com/products/lumen-800-solstice/

BiolLite Charge 40 PD - https://www.bioliteenergy.com/products/charge-40-pd

Garmin Enduro 3 - https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/851039/

Amazfit T-Rex3 - https://us.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-t-rex-3?srsltid=AfmBOor7MkgmzjqbcOdYcO9JTUxKGuNxImLCcJnU6XQDnK950cl_y1en

Black Diamon Desert Mullet - https://blackdiamondequipment.com/products/desert-mullet

Other hat I mention is the Stead Stratos Airflow Mesh Cap - https://wearstead.com/collections/hat/products/stratos-airflow-mesh-cap

Smartwool base layer wool shirts - https://www.smartwool.com/en-us/men/shop-by-activity/run

Ketl Nofry Shirts - https://ketlmtn.com/products/nofry-sunhoodie?variant=32668964782146

I also mention their shorts - https://ketlmtn.com/products/blackwood-trail-run-shorts-7?variant=42122610540610

USWE Puls Trail Running Combo shorts - https://uswe.com/en-us/puls-trail-running-combo-shorts-m-black-m-1?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22326263997&gbraid=0AAAAAC_7o8iDX48uL6yDLpanIr96UucfQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzt_FBhCEARIsAJGFWVmHBp2yj_q0pr1TUKE16y1PkYfu9GzUGgjd6-Q2iOl3nyDZ_lzpBsIaAmsfEALw_wcB

SOL Emergency Bivvy - https://www.surviveoutdoorslonger.com/collections/emergency-survival-bivvies?srsltid=AfmBOoq7DupQWAgUSKGGNJE0lVtNR8_GGC2DUOT0SVUfLDgi5cKAYM9H

HydraPak Velocity Reservoirs - https://www.hydrapak.com/products/velocity%E2%84%A2-1-5-l?variant=44292058382569

UltrAspire 800mL Soft Flasks - https://ultraspire.com/products/800-ml-softflask-w-bite-cap/?srsltid=AfmBOorlHcV3dmHa__7RwAoQh3sGFtP0KOdYysb3CEzztF2O5RnEfjlM

Dry Guy portable shoe drier - https://www.dryguy.com/

Silicon Collapsible Cup w/ Metal Rim - https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Collapsible-Portable-Drinking-Reusable/dp/B08NFZH35F/ref=sr_1_2?crid=9Z9Q49NJBH5Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hfzYmmm0pxyo_9Bn7wqPJyBGQufXCZ9aQY9as18YgCYzl2grZKiLZmNi7BtCLBLv0Ud-BIUjU_KHL4Qq1rFd2D9Qf2gQXA3fDdZFVT4brrIlGBxfbKTXnLpwH-CGtVRcXwLgyHGlLymQH92fqE4Gafi6kvHuWf_lsCbNksfZBgyyJoLyGm1HRJjsFEI0Jzoaxu3u6CjxCW7P1FYJ78GTklNQOYpKPW9aOy6BZAO8VJxHx1Dz_jHnzzoWxwdir6s6AoU71Y9Zt-QVLF0ot3EoLQgVpD0Mu8dLbdAhdDDJtgo.6gPAkJl8RKDd6YONGoY7H8_uWiWqx6FkqkuYzzYwpRY&dib_tag=se&keywords=collapsible+cup+with+metal+rim&qid=1756915656&sprefix=collapsible+cup+with+metal+rim%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2

Trekkinn - https://www.tradeinn.com/trekkinn/en

In this episode I pay tribute to the life of my friend Victor Mariano and talk through my training for the Tor de Geants 330k. Enjoy!

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

In this Episode, I interview Keagan Saft on his senior season and recruitment process just hours before dropping him off at the University of Portland to begin his Freshman year. Enjoy!

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Here is my latest adventure...The Art Loeb Out-n-Back run. Enjoy the episode!

The Art Loeb Trail Route - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/art-loeb-trail--2

Rab Phantom Raincoat - https://rab.equipment/us/mens-phantom-waterproof-jacket?srsltid=AfmBOoquXxrCehdVKIVRaGs5PTeFawcbJMQjQuJoeUP_minYcnAO3qh8

Book - Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - https://eastermichael.com/book/

Science In Sport (SIS) Double Espresso Gels - https://thefeed.com/products/sis-go-energy-caffeine-gels?variant=39990580248639&ship=GS&g_acctid=598-107-7261&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=PMax%3A+GSN+-+Smart+-+Science+In+Sport&g_campaignid=18183054880&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&utm_source=google&campaign_id=18183054880&ad_id=&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%3A+GSN+-+Smart+-+Science+In+Sport&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwndHEBhDVARIsAGh0g3DwRe5oEjSXneUwbmKqwDU5BW_Q9GNvOougBb3wZfeWv8VVl8JCQ4EaAvklEALw_wcB&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17412898521&gbraid=0AAAAADpLaeansVL7gcXPpxa5aDa7P0oG9

Saftlek Workout:

15:00 warmup jog > 4 x :10 strides > 2 x 2:00 Fast w/ 2:00 recovery > 4 x 1:00 Faster w/ 1:00 recovery > 8 x :30 Fastest w/ :30 recovery > 10:00+ cool down jog

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Hi everyone!

Thanks to your questions & comments, there is a lot in this episode! So many topics and things to discuss. From summer training reminders, to the new discussion on the merit of zone 2 training, to talk about Tor de Geants and gear reviews. I hope you learn something and enjoy! 

Resources:

1. My episode on HRV - https://runningislifepodcast.podbean.com/e/should-we-use-hrv-as-a-predictor-episode-239/

2. The book "Feed Zone Portables" I mentioned - https://www.skratchlabs.com/products/feed-zone-portables?srsltid=AfmBOopvi6-4RX4WnU5bw3qJvrMUjsKdm_eS1pzTEaNQy1tUa8eGg8dt

3. Inside Sports Nutrition Podcast on Killian Jornet's Western States nutrition plan - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-high-carb-was-killian-jornet-at-western-states-100-ep-191/id1597491931?i=1000718722764

4. Z2 Training Training Discussions:

a. https://uesca.com/podcast/episode-34-the-lore-of-zone-2-the-scientific-reality-with-guest-dr-brendon-gurd/

b. https://www.physiologicallyspeaking.com/p/is-zone-2-training-optimal-for-mitochondrial

c. https://stevemagness.substack.com/p/the-debate-over-easy-vs-high-intensity?triedRedirect=true

5. Trail Runner Nation Podcast BS Episode w/ Ian Sharman -https://trailrunnernation.com/2025/07/ep-737-cutting-through-the-bs/

6. Sisyphus Hill Workout - https://themorningshakeout.com/workout-of-the-week-the-sisyphus-session/#:~:text=One%20set%20of%20repeats%20looks,back%20down%20to%20the%20bottom.

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

Hi everyone!

I missed this! It feels liberating to record again; even if it's on a tough subject. 

In this episode, I discuss my build and race at Western States. As always, it's emotional, so forgive me for being open and honest!

I look forward to sharing again. If you have anything you want to hear about, please, let me know!

Enjoy!

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I am going to step away from podcasting. Is it permanent? I don’t know for sure.

I continue to want to share things I learn and give back to the community that has given me so much.  I will continue to do so through my coaching. Both High School and adults. I’m always here if you need me!

Thank you for being a part of this journey!

Running is Life!

-Coach Aaron Saft

Aaron's information:

What does your music playlist do for you? Does it move you, motivate you, calm you? It should do all of these and more. This episode dives into my thoughts behind a powerful music playlist. 

Resources:

Book - "States The Places We Run" eBook - https://historyexp.org/states-the-places-we-run-ebook/

Video - Seven Nation Army / Rockin'1000 That's Live Official - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaEsni-OgUs&list=RDxaEsni-OgUs&start_radio=1

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

What a great book. "The Norwegian Method" by Brad Culp is not an instruction manual. It does not having training plans. It describes how the Norwegian's are using science to better their training. To understand the principles of what they are doing to make them such great athletes. In this episode, I will discuss some of my takeaways.

Resources:

Strength Running Podcast w/ Brad Culp - https://strengthrunning.com/2024/11/brad-culp/

The Norwegian Method Podcast - Found on many major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/bh/podcast/the-norwegian-method-podcast/id1724540879

Jason Koop's Book, "Training Essentials for Ultrarunning" which has 2 different heat training protocols for heat acclimatization - https://www.jasonkoop.com/book

The CORE body temperature Instrument - https://corebodytemp.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooGkOMpXaG5Wg9AEGdqtQeQx8GvJXp_8oGP8wdKs60e8MpI4BtH

Threshold Test:

10-15 minute warmup

4 x 1:00 Hard (7-9 RPE) 1:00 Easy (1-4 RPE)

5:00 Recovery jog

30:00 (8-10 RPE) - It's better to start the 30 minutes effort a bit easier and continue to push the effort towards the end.

10:00 Cool Down jog

Once you complete this workout, use the analyze feature to take the last 20 minutes of the 30 minute effort and use that value to set your running threshold.

If I forgot anything, please reach out using any of the means listed below.

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!

Can you do workouts? Can you run lots of miles? Should you do either? We'll discuss in this episode.

Books I refer to:

Aaron's information:

Thanks to all of you for listening!

Please share the Podcast and please leave a review, rate, & subscribe if you haven't done so already!

THANK YOU!

Aaron Saft

Running Is Life Coaching & Podcast

I'd be remiss not to thanks to my Patrons for their continued support!