Achilles Tendinitis and the Little-Known Treatment That Fixed It For Me
The information provided in or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. Please consult your doctor or physician before beginning any treatment. MY BACKGROUND WITH ACHILLES TENDINITIS It had been nearly 5 years since I found myself with any sort of injury. Sure, I had the occasional annoying pains here and there, but such is the life of a long-distance runner. Nevertheless, it was nothing that prevented me from lacing up every morning. That was until December 2022, when I found myself with a bout of Achilles tendinitis, a nightmare injury for runners. Persistent and limiting, it’s an injury that falls into the same bucket as other deadly curses like plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and high hamstring tendinitis. As with most running injuries, it was your typical overuse case. I raced a half marathon and tried to squeeze in a workout two days later before leaving for a trip to Austin. Soon after, the pain and discomfort in my Achilles started, and– like most delusional runners– I decided to keep running on it. Eventually, the pain and discomfort were enough that I had to take several days off. I rarely take consecutive days off, so I can assure you the pain was real. I started back up using the Lever, an adjustable harness device that essentially turns your home treadmill into one of those anti-gravity treadmills you find at a physical therapist’s office. I posted a photo to Instagram expressing my gratitude for the machine. Almost immediately, people were messaging me with suggestions on how to treat Achilles tendinitis. One of those messages was from Ben Johnson; it was an article he had bookmarked after going through a similar injury and coming through the other side. In short, the article recommended a ridiculous concoction of gels and creams rubbed into the Achilles, then wrapped securely with cling wrap (e.g. Saran® Wrap). Oh, and this is done right before you go to bed, so you you’re basically sleeping with a mummified leg. Like any desperate, injured runner in the middle of marathon training, this plan sounded perfect. So I immediately tracked down the ingredients and wrapped my leg overnight. Me typing that sentence out still sounds just as crazy as the first time I tried it. How did it turn out? I’ll get to that in a second (okay, it worked), but before we go forward, let’s get a general idea about Achilles tendinitis and its symptoms to see if you might fall into the same injury camp as myself. WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDINITIS? Achilles tendinitis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, which is the large tendon that connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. With most runners, it’s usually caused by overuse of the tendon, and is often a result of repetition over time. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACHILLES TENDINITIS? Before we get into it, it’s important to note that the below symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen over time if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the best course of treatment. WHAT ARE THE BASIC TREATMENTS FOR ACHILLES TENDINITIS? Stay tuned until the end for my magic concoction. But it’s important, especially in the early acute phase, to use my method in conjunction with the below recommendations to ensure a quicker recovery. NOW, FOR MY SECRET TREATMENT We already mentioned this at the top, but let me say that this is in no way medical advice and you should consult your doctor before attempting, as one of these ingredients is a prescription-strength medication. Anyway, after Ben sent me his advice, I went to bed that first night with a witches’ brew of gel, cream, and plastic wrap around my leg (stay to the end for the full recipe). I had my doubts, but I was willing to give anything a shot with a goal marathon around the corner. And wouldn’t you know it, I woke up the next morning and my Achilles was feeling better than it had in weeks. Weeks! It wasn’t fully healed, but it was a lot better. I kept this nightly wrap routine going for about a month leading up to the Houston Marathon, and come race day, I had almost no discomfort. After the marathon, in addition to the nightly wrap, I started an exercise routine of leg and heel raises which I did about three times a day. This seemed to be the winning combination; one day I just woke up with zero pain of any kind. It was like Christmas morning and I haven’t had any issues since, running an average of 70 mile weeks. THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT I reached out to Dr. Leo C. Kormanik II, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (CCSP) to find out if I was completely delusional, or if this elixir had some legitimacy. “Voltaren is used as a topical anti-inflammatory. I like to use it in cases of tendinitis since it is topical and doesn’t run through the liver or kidneys at the same rate as oral anti-inflammatories,” Kormanik noted. “For an area like the Achilles (some of the poorest blood flow tissue in the body) the Arnica really helps to pull blood to the area since it has been shown to increase circulation.” I’m sure you’re wondering if the cling wrap was just a ludicrous addition or an actual benefit, so I asked about that as well. “Good lipophilic (fat loving) lotions have been shown to hang around the applied area longer. Voltaren and a good arnica solution will be lipophilic and thus will not rub in easily since it will cross the skin membrane slower. The Saran wrap keeps the lotion on the skin so socks and pants do not rub it off. Secondarily, the Saran wrap quickly heats up the area since it cannot breath normally. The increased blood flow as a reaction is
Shokz OpenRun Review: Open Ears, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose
SETH: We live in a fast-paced world full of moving vehicles, terrible drivers, and other distractions — so audio devices like earbuds and headphones block your ability to hear, which can prove quite risky and dangerous. Is bumping that new Drake album really worth the risk of being trampled by an 18-wheeler? Probably not. But I, and many others, risk it every day. Thankfully, there may just be a solution to avoid or minimize risk allowing you to jam out and still hear everything around you. These are the Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones. WAIT, WHAT’S BONE CONDUCTION? Bone conduction is when sound travels through the bones in your skull to reach your inner ear, allowing you to hear crisp, clear audio without blocking your ear canal. OH, COOL, BUT ARE THE SHOKZ OPENRUN WORTH THE $129 ASKING PRICE? The fact that I can jam out and remain aware of my surroundings is awesome, but is this a quality product worth more than a Benjamin to pick up? Well, that decision will be up to you. I can, of course, offer a little guidance along the way, so let’s dig into everything you ever wanted to know about the Shokz OpenRun headphones. THE GOOD SETH: Let’s say your Shokz OpenRun are dead because you haven’t charged them in a week and your buddy invites you to go workout. He says he’ll be at your house in 20 minutes, what do you do? Well, don’t worry because 15 minutes on the charger is enough to juice your OpenRun headphones for a full 60-minute workout. If you have a fast-paced lifestyle, or you’re just too lazy to charge your headphones before bed (that’s me), you’ll love the quick charging. The Shokz OpenRun also fit pretty much perfectly. I’ve had trouble in the past with earbuds that didn’t quite fit my ear canal or just weren’t secure enough over the course of a run. The over-ear design of the OpenRun pretty much knocks that worry out of the question. You just loop each earbud — for lack of a better term — over your ear, and the slight curve of the band holds them tight to your head. One area that traditional earbuds tend to shine, however, is by getting your tunes directly into your ears. They block out the outside world, letting you just enjoy whatever it is that helps to pass your run. I honestly questioned how the open-ear design would affect the sound quality of the Shokz but found myself pleasantly surprised. Tones come through crisp and clear, especially when listening to the human voice. You can also tap into the super convenient audio control features (skip, pause, pairing, and volume) and the fact that the Shokz OpenRun headphones are waterproof. I’ve never had any worries about running in the pouring rain. THE BAD SETH: The Shokz OpenRun headphones are pretty cool, but there are a few things you should probably consider before you smash the Add to Cart button. For starters, the microphone. It’s fine in quiet areas like an apartment, but once you get into a noisy gym or step into a breezy afternoon, the quality goes out the window. Sounds come out distorted like you’re on a call in the middle of a tornado… and we’re not in Kansas anymore. I also have some concerns with the volume output from the Shokz OpenRun. Yes, sound quality is great, but I find that I can’t make it louder than the ambient noise of running by a major highway or an active construction site. Even if I max the volume out, I still hear jackhammers instead of Jack White. My headphones are my savior on brutal long runs, and I just can’t handle the outside sounds. Despite the Shokz offering fast charging for a quick pick-me-up, the battery life could be a bit better. Eight hours is more than enough for a workout or a run, but you might want more if you’re powering through an ultramarathon or you have a long shift at work. Additionally, you have to remember to shut off your headphones in order to preserve that idle charge — not something that AirPods have to contend with. One final issue — the Shokz OpenRun charger. It’s a proprietary design, which means you’ll have to order a new one if you lose it rather than using a charger from an iPhone or Android. SHOKZ OPENRUN CONCLUSION SETH: I’ve really enjoyed the Shokz OpenRun in my day-to-day life. The headphones are quick, easy, and convenient. I place them around my neck when heading out the door, whether I know I’ll need them or not. That said, if you’re looking for a premium pair of headphones to immerse yourself in the audio dimension or take phone calls all the time, the OpenRun probably isn’t for you. I’d still recommend a pair for travel days and whatever other times you need to be mostly aware but still want to listen to your favorite playlist. Whether you’re in an Uber, walking through an airport, or waiting on a pizza in the oven while cleaning your house, there’s always something you need to hear. The Shokz OpenRun offers decent battery life, good sound quality, and premium durability to go along with a sense of safety while out and about. If you’re one who loves listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while needing to hear the world around you, the OpenRun is right up your alley. You can pick up the Shokz OpenRun for $129 at Running Warehouse (featuring free two-day shipping and 90-day returns).
The Intersection of Technology and Sports Apparel: A Game Changer for Athletes
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, its impact on various industries is profound, and the world of sports apparel is no exception. The integration of technology into athletic wear is transforming how athletes train, compete, and recover. From smart fabrics that monitor performance to innovative materials designed for comfort and sustainability, the future of sports apparel is being redefined. In this post, we’ll explore the various ways technology is influencing sports apparel, the benefits it offers to athletes, and what the future may hold. 1. The Rise of Smart Fabrics 1.1 Definition and Features Smart fabrics, also known as e-textiles, are materials that have been developed with integrated technology to provide enhanced functionality. These fabrics can monitor various parameters and respond to changes in the environment or the wearer’s body. Key features include: 1.2 Applications in Sports Smart fabrics have a range of applications in sports, including: 2. Wearable Technology 2.1 Integration with Sports Apparel Wearable technology has gained popularity in recent years, with devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers becoming commonplace among athletes. The integration of wearables with sports apparel is enhancing the training experience. Key benefits include: 2.2 Popular Wearables Some popular wearables that complement sports apparel include: 3. Performance-Enhancing Materials 3.1 Advanced Fabrics The development of advanced materials is revolutionizing sports apparel. These fabrics are designed to enhance performance, comfort, and durability. Key innovations include: 3.2 Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials As environmental concerns continue to grow, the sports apparel industry is increasingly focused on sustainability. Technological advancements are leading to the creation of eco-friendly materials, such as: 4. Enhanced Recovery Solutions 4.1 Post-Workout Wearables The recovery phase is just as critical as training, and technology is playing a significant role in enhancing recovery. Wearables designed for recovery can track metrics like sleep quality, muscle soreness, and overall well-being. Benefits include: 4.2 Recovery Apparel Recovery apparel, such as compression garments, is designed to aid in muscle recovery after intense workouts. These garments can: 5. The Role of Data Analytics 5.1 Performance Analytics The integration of data analytics into sports apparel is providing athletes with unprecedented insights into their performance. By analyzing data collected from smart fabrics and wearables, athletes can: 5.2 Coaching and Training Coaches can also benefit from data analytics, as they gain access to objective performance metrics that inform training plans. This data-driven approach allows for more personalized coaching strategies, helping athletes reach their full potential. 6. The Future of Sports Apparel Technology 6.1 Innovations on the Horizon As technology continues to advance, the future of sports apparel promises even more exciting innovations. Potential developments include: 6.2 Increased Customization The future of sports apparel is likely to emphasize personalization and customization. Athletes may have the ability to design their own apparel, choosing materials, colors, and features that best suit their individual needs and preferences. 6.3 Enhanced Sustainability Practices Sustainability will remain a key focus for the sports apparel industry. As technology advances, brands will continue to explore innovative materials and manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact, ensuring a more sustainable future for athletic wear. 7. Conclusion The intersection of technology and sports apparel is transforming the athletic experience, empowering athletes with tools that enhance performance, support recovery, and promote sustainability. As advancements in smart fabrics, wearables, and data analytics continue to emerge, athletes will have access to unprecedented insights and capabilities that can elevate their training and competition. In this rapidly evolving landscape, embracing technology in sports apparel is not just about staying competitive; it’s about optimizing performance, enhancing recovery, and making informed choices that align with the values of sustainability and personal expression. Athletes, whether professional or recreational, can look forward to a future where technology continually enhances their journey, helping them reach new heights in their athletic pursuits.
Performance Tea Review: A New Nutrition Brew
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BRANDON: Have you ever heard of Performance Tea? Probably not. It’s certainly not a knock on Performance Tea, though. They’re a small performance nutrition brand based out of Colorado with only one focus in mind: to curate and craft impressive plant-based products for both wellness and performance. To me, the versatility and variety of their products are what make Performance Tea so unique. I recently had the opportunity to test out some of their more popular products. They sent over four teas: Revive, for a morning kick; Endurance, for workouts and runs; Focus, for when I’m at work; and Snooze, for recovery and relaxation before bed. All of Performance Tea’s mixes come in the form of a powder with a small plastic spoon, which makes life easy. You don’t have to be an herbal mixologist to get the proper ratio here. The packaging is smart and modern in design and provides all of the nutritional facts and directions on best enjoying the tea. Like I mentioned earlier, all of these products are plant-based, so this stuff is perfect for all of you cool hip vegans out there. There are two branches to their products: Adaptogen Tea and CBD Tea. Adaptogens are a little hippie-sounding, but basically, they’re specific herbs and roots used to alleviate stress, insomnia, anxiety, and depression and help bolster the body’s immune system. CBD Tea, on the other hand, is found in the other products I tested, including Snooze and Revive. Before I bore you too much about all of the mumbo-jumbo rhetoric, just know that the CBD Snooze knocked me the f*ck out (in a good way). One last thing, I promise. Outside of the Endurance tea mix, I recommend mixing all of these products with hot water, not cold. You can do either, but it tastes much better as a hot tea. REVIVE BRANDON: You’re starting your day, and maybe you’re not a morning person. You reach for your morning coffee or tea, and this is where Revive comes into play. Revive is meant to give you a real kick in the pants to start your morning. It’s blended with turmeric and made for the use of mobility and movement. Revive falls under the CBD branch and includes 420mg or plant-based cannabinoids. 420 — get it? At least I crack myself up. Anyway, this stuff provides smooth energy and contains no sugars. When I tested the product, I found the turmeric to be pretty spicy. From a flavor perspective, I really felt that kick. I’d recommend this product if you’re looking for another way to start your morning without caffeine. PRICE: $49.95 ENDURANCE BRANDON: All right, you’ve had your morning tea, now off for your morning run. Not without some Endurance tea, though. This half and half lemonade and iced tea flavored sports mix is perfect for any part of the workout. Endurance falls under Performance Tea’s adaptogen branch. Endurance is an electrolyte and adaptogen sports mix for performance. Not only does it provide you with extra calories and electrolytes to keep your systems running, but it also offers all of the essential nutrients and components you need for a great workout or race. Not only does it taste great, but it’s easy to use. Add one or two scoops to a 24 oz bottle of water, shake, and you are good to go. It’s a simple formula. Adaptogens, calories, and electrolytes combine to make a perfect drink mix for any occasion. I enjoyed testing this stuff out. No, seriously. As I write this now, I’m sipping on some Endurance. I had some before a few of my runs and even a time trial and felt great the whole time. PRICE: $19.95 FOCUS BRANDON: Focus might have been my least favorite of the bunch, but that may have more to do with my inability to focus and stay in one place in general than it has to do with the actual product. I also had Focus while at work and mixed it with cold water, but all I could taste were cacao nibs. I tried it again and mixed it with hot water with much better results. Focus is an adaptogen product and is supposed to help you, well, focus. I tested this product at work a few times and found myself not feeling very different. The whole point of the product is to “get in the zone.” Focus not only provides you with the nutrients you need in the middle of your day, but it also works for the beginning too. Focus is another product you can have next to your morning brew and helps provide “mental clarity” to your day. Performance Tea recommends mixing this product with milk and honey, and I agree. I enjoyed the taste of Focus much more when adding the extra supplements. This one is vegan and gluten-free. PRICE: $39.95 SNOOZE BRANDON: So, I don’t know which one I like more — Snooze or Endurance. This is easily one of my favorite products of the bunch. Like I mentioned earlier, Snooze knocked me out! If you’re someone who takes melatonin and sleeping aids daily or struggles with insomnia, or just needs to chill out now and then, then this is a drink to consider. The supporting supplement in Snooze is chamomile, which is known to help with muscle relaxation and sleep. I’m not sure I even have to say this, but Snooze falls into the CBD category of products from Performance Tea and offers 420mg of plant-based cannabinoids. No, you can not get high off of this stuff — even if some of us at the office hoped otherwise. I recommend adding some milk and honey for flavor, and it’s best served hot. PRICE: $49.95 PERFORMANCE TEA CONCLUSION BRANDON: Many of these teas range around the $50 to $60 range, making it maybe a little steep (tea pun, get it?). However, each purchase should last you over a month, and the materials aren’t cheap. Most plant-based products are generally more expensive, anyway. If
Recipes from Meghann Featherstun: Hot-Hands Pockets
HOT-HANDS POCKETS Don’t let the cold get you down. Whip up a fine throwback favorite, homemade hot pockets. Stuff them with your favorite sandwich filling and keep a smile on your face on these cold days. Don’t let the ‘homemade dough’ hold you back – you’ve got this! All the carbs and protein you need to recover from these winter runs. INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS Nutrition Facts: 1 pocket (½ recipe) 440 calories, 34 gm protein, 60 gm carbohydrates, 7 gm fat ABOUT MEGHANN Meghann Featherstun is a sports dietitian who works with runners all over the country to help them fuel their bodies for the best performance in life, running, and beyond. Check out more recipes, blog posts, group nutrition programs, and 1-on-1 nutrition coaching from Meghann at featherstonenutrition.com or on Instagram.
Recipes from Meghann Featherstun: Pre-Run Tarts
PRE-RUN TARTS If you haven’t tried making your own PR Tarts, now is absolutely the time. Promise, promise it’s not as hard as it looks. And, they make the perfect pre-run snack – plenty of carbs with just the right amount of fat & protein to eat before you run out the door. Get creative and use whatever you like in the filling, but we prefer to stick with the throwback original flavors of strawberry or brown sugar cinnamon. INGREDIENTS DIRECTIONS Nutrition Facts: 1 tart (8 total) 220 calories, 6 gm fat, 38 gm carbs, 3 gm protein ABOUT MEGHANN Meghann Featherstun is a sports dietitian who works with runners all over the country to help them fuel their bodies for the best performance in life, running, and beyond. Check out more recipes, blog posts, group nutrition programs, and 1-on-1 nutrition coaching from Meghann at featherstonenutrition.com or on Instagram.
Janji and La Sportiva Team Up for Vibrant Fall ’23 Capsule
DOORS OF DESTINY We’re heading towards the final quarter of 2023 and the trailcore trend is showing no signs of dying down. Case in point– the all-new La Sportiva & Janji collaboration featuring not one, not two, but 10 pieces to satisfy all your technical trail and technicolor dreamcoat cravings. Available now at REI.com and coming to janji.com on October 3, the “Door to World” capsule includes trail running footwear in an all-new colorway of the La Sportiva Jackal II, as well as a full Janji running kit with “vibrant designs for everyday wearability.” Lace it up (photos courtesy of Janji) The designs certainly stand out, as evidenced in the colorful Tectonic Shift prints within the collection. Part earthen plates, part Everlasting Gobstoppper, the multi-colored palettes are sure to pop when worn out and about, whether on a mountain trail or a city sidewalk. While the entire collection has yet to be announced, we do know that it will feature a custom version of the aforementioned La Sportiva Jackal II as well as Janji’s new Zephyrunner Windshell, a vaporlight, packable windbreaker. The brand’s lightest fabric yet, it’s constructed of 20D nylon micro ripstop fabric, weighing 40gsm. Other pieces in the collection include the Pace Sports Bra, AFO Short, and the always-awesome Slingbag. We love the Janji Slingbag (photos courtesy of Janji) Unsurprisingly, there’s also a focus on sustainability as the entire capsule will include the use of recycled materials. The Jackal will see an update with recycled mesh materials in the forefoot, tongue, and lining, while Janji’s entire kit is constructed from a majority of recycled materials. Mountains are cool (photos courtesy of Janji) This marks the first collaboration between the brands; in fact, it’s actually La Sportiva’s first-ever collaboration in its nearly 100 year existence. The Italian brand is known for its quality and exceptional craftsmanship in mountain footwear and apparel. We’ve reviewed the Jackal II in the past and our reviewers had high praise for its performance on the trails. Similarly, Janji has slowly but surely built its brand, one loyal customer at a time, focusing on giving back to clean water initiatives while creating functional running apparel with bold designs. La Sportiva Jackal II As with all Janji collections, 2% of all apparel sales will go to clean water projects. The full collection is available now at REI.com and on October 3 at janji.com. La Sportiva Jackal IIUnisex
Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Review: The Big Cat’s Pajamas
INTRO THOMAS: Puma went hard last year, dropping an entire lineup of trainers. We were pretty well impressed across the board. There was room for improvement, but the Deviate Nitro was a hit for almost everyone. However, for us, the heel counter kept it in the good but not great category. If you didn’t deal with heel lift, maybe you wound up with a blister from the lack of padding. Puma’s Nitro foam with a carbon-infused plate offered a nice cushioned ride, but it wasn’t as responsive as we hoped for. But, as this was the first good Puma running shoe in years, we were just excited to see them back in the game. Even then, we weren’t sure how committed Puma was to the running segment. So we held our breath waiting for the next round. Supply chain issues rocked the joint in 2021 and 2022, and Puma was hit pretty hard. So, as a result, we’ve only seen four releases for the year: Fast-R, Velocity Nitro 2, the female-specific XX Nitro WMS, and the Puma Deviate Nitro 2. We’re happy to report that both updated shoes improved over the originals. BRANDON: I’m not even gonna wait for the end. Puma knocked this one out of the park. Seriously. This might be one of my favorite daily trainers this year. I never wore the previous model of the Puma Deviate Nitro, but the second version comes with all of the goods. Puma has added a layer of Nitro Elite foam, which has this shoe on a new level of awesome. Let’s dive in so I can tell you what’s good. MEAGHAN: The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 showed up with a full layer of Nitro Elite Foam, a reworked Pwrplate, and extra padding around the collar and heel. I guess you could say they made some pretty great improvements. Let’s dive into the details. THE GOOD THOMAS: Kudos to Puma for listening to the feedback from runners. They ditched the awkward and ineffective heel counter and replaced it with a more traditional padded collar. All that matters is it works well. There’s no more heel lift or irritation. The upper is quite elegant with thinner open mesh over the toes and tighter weave where the shoe needs structure. A strip of PWRTAPE on the medial side near the arch keeps things light but still solid. The lightly padded tongue disappears and wraps the saddle with a thin gusset. As you can guess, I had zero issues with the upper. The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 fits true to size, breathes, and has no hot spots. Even the laces offer nothing to complain about. The Nitro foams have been well received. I didn’t have an issue with the regular Nitro in the previous model. But Puma made the foams in the Deviate Nitro 2 even better. They added a full-length layer of Nitro Elite, which is softer and returns more energy than the standard Nitro. On its own, the Nitro Elite might feel too soft, but Puma added another layer of Nitro (regular) in the heel. There’s a carbon composite Pwrplate sandwiched between the two, which does two things. First, it helps propel the energy from toe-off forward. Additionally, the plate adds stability to the platform. As always, the base of the Deviate Nitro 2 is a Pumagrip outsole. Their rubber is one of our favorites in the industry, and they told us that this formula is even better. I don’t know the difference, so I’ll take their word for it. It still seems to kick ass. BRANDON: I had pretty low expectations going into this review. Puma shoes have always been good, but not great. This one really lands that “great” factor for me. The Deviate’s addition of Nitro Elite foam gives it the cushioning and springy feeling I love in a running shoe. The carbon-infused plate provides enough stability and pop off the toe to enable a smooth but fast ride when I need to pick up the pace. This daily trainer is light, versatile, smooth enough for long run days, and fast enough for tempo days. I thought the upper was comfortable, with a strong lockdown in the midfoot with a gusseted and thin tongue. Moving to the bottom of the shoe, Puma Grip is one of the best in the biz. The grip provides enough durability for the shoe to last over 400 miles and still provide tacky traction even on the slickest terrains. I was impressed with how well I could corner in the shoe. MEAGHAN: The guys covered most of the details, so I’ll keep this short. The step-in feel is great, the shoe is true to size, and it accommodates my wide feet well. The additional padding around the heel and collar is a welcomed update, and I had no issues with heel slippage or hot spots. The Nitro Elite foam elevates this iteration and, paired with the Pwrplate, provides a fun pop. It took me a couple of runs to really love this shoe, but now I find myself lacing them up on back-to-back days. As if you don’t already know, the Puma Grip outsole remains a favorite. It’s the grippiest stuff out there. THE BAD THOMAS: Puma fixed all of my complaints about the original. I wish I had something to say to improve the next one, but this shoe is a damn fine daily trainer. On the first run, the toebox seemed like it might be a little tight, but it either stretched out or loosening the laces did the trick. BRANDON: It’s hard to talk about the negatives of this shoe. Honestly, I have to dig and search for negatives. For $160, it’s not cheap, I guess? But it’s by no means that expensive, either. I believe that Puma missed an opportunity to price the shoe at $130 or $140, which would have made it a tough shoe to pass up. MEAGHAN: Much like the guys, I couldn’t find much to complain about here. That said, Puma is calling this their max
The Best Tracksmith Apparel for Fall 2022
INTRO You can call us basic (mostly Wide Foot Jarrett and his pumpkin-ass self), but we love fall. We’re not talkin’ PSLs and pumpkin carving, we’re talking cool weather and marathon season. The holiest day of the Baltimore running calendar is in the fall (i.e. the Baltimore Running Festival), and you best believe we celebrate. You know who else celebrates? A little New England brand called Tracksmith. It’s the perfect chance to bust out some sleeves, some tights, and even some half tights for those in-between days. There’s a good chance some of our picks will be familiar. We’ve written about Tracksmith a hundred thousand times, and we still have a few pieces of clothing that have stuck around for years. Seriously, Thomas has a Brighton Base Layer that’s about to graduate third grade. Robbe just wore his for a week straight and it still doesn’t smell… we think. No, Tracksmith gear doesn’t come cheap, but it’s made to last. You can’t go wrong with any of these options, well, unless you’re wearing full tights and jackets in the heat of summer, but that’s a discussion for another day. Let’s get on to the fall-ready selections. NOTE: We may make a small commission from some of the shop links below, so if you pick up anything from the list, thanks for helping us out! GOOD FOR: 50 to 65-degree daily training Tracksmith Harrier Tee $78 Fall doesn’t have to mean long sleeves, sometimes, short ones will still fit the bill. The Tracksmith Harrier Tee is perfect for those not-quite-summer, not-quite-winter days — October, I guess you could say. It’s a short-sleeve Merino top, which means it’s thick enough to keep you cozy when you’re up before the sun, but the wool helps regulate heat. We’ll say this a lot, but there are a ton of colors to pick from, so you could easily get a Harrier Tee for every day of the week. Another perk of merino is that you don’t have to wash it daily—score one for the lazy Robbe Raccoons among us. GOOD FOR: 30 to 50-degree daily training and long runs Brighton Base Layer $88 If there’s one piece of Tracksmith gear you absolutely, positively should buy, it’s the Brighton Base Layer. We mentioned that Thomas has one coming up on its sixth-grade graduation, and we’re not kidding. It’s a go-to for the entire team thanks to the chef’s kiss mix of comfort and odor resistance (hello, Merino blend). You can, and we do, wear it for several runs between washes without feeling like you’re stankin’ up Whole Foods. The Brighton Base Layer features an open knit across the chest, right above the sash, with tighter knit through the sleeves and below the sash to keep you cozy. GOOD FOR: 30 to 40-degree runs or as a casual long-sleeve shirt Offroads Long Sleeve $98 Stickin’ with the sleeves, the Offroads Long Sleeve is an excellent pick if you like to spend fall on the wild side. It’s trail ready with a blend of Merino and Tencel, and you might find that you wear it when you’re not running, too. Don’t worry, the colorways this year are brighter than the “shoot me” camo that Robbe is wearing above. We recommend you keep the Tracksmith Offroads long sleeve for colder days, as it’s easy to layer underneath the slightly loose fit. If you dip down into the 20-degree range, you could pair it with fava beans and a nice Chianti — I mean a Brighton Base Layer. GOOD FOR: Short runs in the 55-degree range Tracksmith Grayboy $55 If the weather’s in the 50s or you were born in the 1950s, the Grayboy is probably gonna be a favorite of yours. It’s made of cotton, so you gotta wear it like you just don’t care. The Grayboy is probably Tracksmith’s least performance-oriented top, but it’s still a banger. You can choose from a few simple colors, each adorned with the signature Tracksmith hare logo, and it pairs with just about anything. We like to pop the Grayboy on for shorter runs, somewhere around 3 to 5 miles, because we sweat through just about anything longer. GOOD FOR: Cold speed workouts Reggie Half Tights & Lane Five Short Tights $78 (Reggie), $68 (Lane Five) You either wear half tights for cold speed workouts, or you’re doing it wrong. Those are our two cents, at least. Tracksmith has different options for men and women, but the basics are the same. The Reggie and the Lane Five are made from the signature Inverno Blend, which stretches along with you but refuses to ride up. The Reggie Half Tights have become my preference on race day, whether it’s fall or not. There are seven colors to choose from right now, and it seems like we get new options with the seasons. Honestly, the only difference between the Reggie and the Lane Five is the length — thus the price difference. GOOD FOR: Pretty much everything from 20 to 45 degrees Turnover Tights $128 We’ve been informed that it will eventually be too cold for shorts and half tights, but we’re holding on for as long as we can. When that day does come around, we’ll reach into our drawers and pull out our trusty Turnover Tights. We sing the praises of the Turnover Tight year after year, and to be honest, we almost celebrate the first day of the season we can bust these out. The comfort level is off the charts, with infinite flexibility for any type of workout you can throw at it. It’s just the right balance of warmth without generating too much heat, and as long as you’re not in the northernmost parts of the world, it should take care of you for most of your fall running (and maybe most of your winter). GOOD FOR: Those of us who really, really want to keep wearing shorts Van Cortlandt Grand Shorts $68 Yeah, we just got done saying how excited we are to wear tights again, but
Weis Fall 2022 Gear Review: No-Nonsense Excellence
NTRO TAYLOR: At the southern terminus of the Americas lies one of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes that this floating rock has to offer. Few adventurers get the opportunity to go, but a common descriptor is simply “wild.” Patagonia. In the heart of the region is where Weis, a trail-centric running brand, was born and tested. We met Weis at The Running Event last year. They were skeptical of me asking for review products because they wanted to be sure that I wasn’t going to say good things in exchange for gear. They wanted the good, the bad, and the ugly from us to be able to provide the best options for runners. Bad and ugly are terms that you won’t hear in this review. Quality is at the forefront of Weis, and niche brands like it, because they were born out of a sense of dissatisfaction. Honestly, more people should be dissatisfied more often, especially when it leads to top-notch gear like this. WEIS SIMER II 10L VEST TAYLOR: I’ll let our full review do the talking for this one. In short, this is one of the best vests available. The Simer II 10L should be your first stop when the fit is of utmost importance. Even with a full load of bottles, a phone, a jacket, and more, this vest worked its magic to resist bouncing and stay locked in place. Usually, the cost of such security is the equivalent of letting a boa constrictor wrap your rib cage. Not here, as the Simer II employs a second set of security measures. It combines initial chest clip adjustments with some underarm tweaks to hold both the top and bottom of the pack close to the body. No matter how much you move or wiggle, it stays right where you set it. Check the review linked above for more in-depth details on materials and pockets. In short, this vest has quickly become my favorite because of its excellent fit. I’m hoping for a second version to address some storage options (not necessarily issues), but that’s all I have in terms of criticisms. PRICE: $140 WEIS SIMER 1L VEST TAYLOR: We all know the struggle of deciding between a vest or a handheld for a run. There’s just that perfect middle distance where you’re not quite sure. Well, the Simer 1L Vest has been settling that debate for me as of late. It’s a vest, but it’s only big enough for the essentials. You could wear it for shorter runs where you only want the essentials or pick it for a race without too much distance between aid stations. This simply constructed vest has the same up-front options as the other Simer vests, with multiple pouch-style pockets to fit all your goods. What comes in clutch here, again, is the fit. It’s remarkably secure and comfortable because of the multiple adjustment points. Not only do they stretch across the chest, but there are the same clutch adjustments hidden under the arms that bring the bottom side of the vest closer to the body. It’s got zero bounce, even with bottles. What’s different about the 1L vest is that the back doesn’t have a pocket. It’s a vented mesh with two smaller pockets at the lower edge of the vest. These make for a quick and simple stash of items like gloves, a headlamp, or a windbreaker. This is a light and hands-free option for trail and road runners alike. PRICE: $130 500ML HANDHELD SOFT FLASK TAYLOR: The soft-flask handheld seems to be the most convenient piece of gear in the Weis lineup. It combines a good-sized flask with a little burst of storage in an easy-to-hold package. Even the mesh handgrip is comfortable for long miles. However, I had a few issues with the lack of overall structure. The soft approach was a bit too floppy for me to hold it securely, and it became more of a nuisance as I emptied the bottle. I know it’s a common complaint for similar handhelds, but it didn’t quite work for me. PRICE: $35 SLIM FANNY PACK TAYLOR: Clip, zip, and go! The Weis Slim Fanny Pack was the piece of gear I overlooked the most but ended up using a ton — funny how that happens. This has been a go-to piece of gear this fall. I grab it for every trail run because of the comfort and security. Once clipped on and placed, I don’t even recognize it’s there. I have a couple of other waist belts too, but this one is the least cumbersome. It’ll easily hold a phone and a set of keys (but not much more). Like their vests, this one had zero bounce for me until I had three or four items in the pocket, which I knew would be overloading the system a little. The easily adjustable strap lets you place the belt where you want it rather than having it slide up or down (my experience with other belts). I simply set it around the waistline of my shorts, and it stays. The Slim Fanny Pack also works well for a third hand in the grocery store post-run. Just saying. PRICE: $37 Z-COMPACT VARIO COMPOSITE X2 CARBON LITE POLES TAYLOR: Poles have a unique place in my quiver of trail running tools. Since they’re one of those few and far-between items that I only bring for specific terrain and efforts, I’m particular about what I like. Chances are, you’re the same. For starters, I think this particular set would be great for trekking but only alright for running. They’re easily packable and made of carbon fiber, but they’re still on the heftier side when put against the competition. It’s not a massive weight difference, but it could be enough to sway you with something as light as a pair of poles. Other than that, the Z-Compact poles are some of the most durable I’ve ever used. The carbon fiber is impressive and handles wear and tear better than others. I don’t worry even a little bit