With $375 shoes and 30+ gel flavors to decipher, it’s easy to wonder–when exactly did trail running get so fancy? In her lighthearted, but spot-on way, Emily Halnon makes the case that it doesn’t need to be. At its core, she reminds us, trail running is simply about playing in the dirt.
Read on for down-to-earth ideas on how to procure a runner’s “charcuterie” platter from a gas station or why the boy’s section at your local Goodwill may have the perfect tee for your next big win.
Welcome back to the aid station! We'll patch you up and fill your bottles, but this isn’t a 200-mile race so you can’t hang out too long. - Corrine
♨️ Looking for an excuse to buy a hot tub?
If you’re like me–worried your face will melt off at an upcoming hot race–you’re starting to work out a plan to acclimate to the impending heat. You know you have options: dry sauna (maybe you don’t have access), infrared sauna (there’s no research), layering up (puke face emoji). Good news for you, a recent research paper, translated via this YLMSportScience infographic, suggests that a highly effective way to beat the heat is a post exercise hot bath. Main points:
A hot bath of up to 40minutes in 40C/104F water following exercise produces larger thermal adaptations than running in hot weather (above 33F/94F).
Using this strategy is cheap, convenient, effective, and it allows you to maintain high training quality.
♨️ Final Word: If you were looking for a sign to buy a hot tub, this is it. Just preheat that baby to 104F.
Read More Online ➡️ Corrine tackles heart rate variability and why athletes may be exposed to 3-5x more air pollution.
🏆 Like It Was Yesterday: Relive the ‘94 Leadville 100 excitement when Ann Trason endeavored to beat the visiting Tarahumara, taking second overall and setting the female course record,18:06, which still stands today.
👏 Get Going: Procrastinating your daily run? Ahh, what “fun” that mental torture is. This 3-min quick-fix of inspirational trail running will have you ready to lace up and sprint out the door.