Backyard Ultra Running Theory ft. Bubbas 81 Hour Insanity

This week I talk about vertical backyards and whether they are set to become the next big race format. The explosion of backyard ultras over the last couple of months has sparked tons of debate across the endurance scene, especially following the USA World Championship win and the massive online buzz around guys like Mark Dowdle. I give my thoughts on backyards and why I think some people are divided on where it sits in the sport of trail and ultra running. For northeast folks and vert stackers in general, a vertical backyard makes total sense to follow in the hype wave. This is why Mt. Ascuteny was such a hit last year (in addition to two robots toeing the line for 90 hours). I think we will see more and more of these events in the future. I finish with a preview of the 2027 Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard. The entrants list is stacked up nicely.Podcast Partner:⁠Run the Whites⁠ - Mention RMP for 40% off all shoes in store Nov. & Dec.

This week I sat down with an all star crew of women trail and road crushers, Amber Ferreira, Haley Heinrich, and Lindsay Weigel. Amber has a stacked resume of pro triathlon podium finishes, wins at the Mount Washington road race, snow shoe racing, and much more. Haley and Lindsay have an impressive list of wins and podiums at some of the toughest trail races in the region and have helped elevate the women’s trail scene specifically in the White Mountains.  We talked about everything from training to races, motherhood, women in trail running, Concord, NH being the Boulder of the east coast and more. It was a super fun episode and cool talking with some of the women trail blazers in the sport. All of whom have and are actively supporting a great local community for anyone looking to get into running and trails.Podcast Partner:Run the Whites - Mention RMP for 40% off all shoes in store Nov. & Dec.

This week I sat down with Ryan Hunter fresh off of his epic performance at Bubba’s Backyard Ultra. Ryan went for 74 hours and 259 miles (by the course stats, 270 miles by his watches stats). He and the others smashed the previous course record going into a fourth day of running 3.5 miles every hour on the hour. He calls it the best athletic performance of his life. We talk about how he succeeded with this being his first backyard event ever, his crew being so dialed, and how he was able to keep running for so long. Just an epic effort. We also talked about his big win at the Midstate Massive 100, some other big race feats, and his time coaching alpine ski racing at Proctor Academy. An awesome conversation and great dude.HOW TO FIND RYAN:https://www.instagram.com/rhunter384/https://www.strava.com/athletes/45904008I'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.

This week I recap some of the action packed White Mountains trail running scene over the last few weeks. Bubbas madness, bounties cashed, FKTs, close calls, throwdown finale, Remi & David photo finish at Cranmore, and more. One of the most exciting months in the scene and I think the hype is only getting bigger. I give some insight into where the podcast is heading in year two and give some quick thoughts on post race blues. Oh and this the second double drop Sunday. Nice.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.

This week I sat down with David Sinclair after his shocking 5:01 Pemi Loop FKT. Many people have talked about the Pemi Loop going 5 hours one day, but after so many attempts have come short it seemed like it may never happen. And especially not this year because of the Lincoln Woods closure which required him to fjord the Pemi River at the beginning and end of the effort. It was cool to hear his story on the route and how it compares to some of the other places he has raced over the years. David has some insane results: 2nd at CCC, CR at Transvolcania, CR at JFK 50, CR at Speedgoat 50k, etc. etc. Truly a world class trail runner. Him being a Vermont local, it's awesome to see him still mix in race efforts in the Northeast. Super excited to have this conversation with him.HOW TO FIND DAVID:https://www.instagram.com/david.a.sinclair.92/https://www.strava.com/pros/43896839I'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.

This week I sat down with Cassidy Carroll after she set the new women’s unsupported White Mountains 100 FKT in 46 hours and 39 minutes. The ultimate finishing touch to an epic year for her. Earlier this year she became the first women Northeast Ultra 8 Gold Skyrunner as well as setting the self-supported FKT on the Hut Traverse picnic. We talk about both of those efforts and we dive deep into her WM100 push. Such a crazy story, racing for the FKT but also racing against a nor'easter, powering through big adversity during the effort, and hallucinations hitting so hard they unlocked childhood memories. Oh and also she is your 2026 Bubbas Beer Mile Champ. Talk about range. HOW TO FIND CASSIDY:https://www.instagram.com/cass.carrolll/https://www.strava.com/athletes/50379846?oq=cassCORSA LIVE ENDURANCE TRACKING: I live streamed my WM100 effort on Corsa's live tracking. An awesome live tracking hub for thru hikes, FKTs, ultras, and unsupported efforts in the Northeast and across the country. https://www.corsa.run/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.

This week I give my thoughts on the backyard ultra format, backyard race strategies and do a recap of the 2026 Bubba's Backyard Ultra. It was a seemingly never ending throwdown that ended up with Corin Kwasnik and Katie Melsky hitting 80 hours and almost 300 miles. I spent the majority of day three out on course pacing Conor Brown and taking in everything unfolding. I talk about what it takes to succeed in multi-day backyard events, the debate between course technicality versus flat speed, and why I think durability and sleep deprivation are the only two things that matter once you get into day three. I also break down the beer mile, and wow was that electric. I finish off with some quick thoughts on David Sinclair setting a new Pemi Loop FKT in 5:01, and catching up on a few race results.CORSA LIVE ENDURANCE TRACKING: I live streamed my WM100 effort on Corsa's live tracking. An awesome live tracking hub for thru hikes, FKTs, ultras, and unsupported efforts in the Northeast and across the country. https://www.corsa.run/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.

This week I sat down with Stieg Bertram and Larsen Ojala to talk about Stieg's recent run on the White Mountains 100. Stieg laid down a time of 31:58hrs at just 17 years old, the second fastest time ever on the route. Larson and I joined him as pacers on the final stretch to help/witness his epic finish over Mount Moosilaukee to the finish line. After running 30 hours, he went absolutely nuclear up and down the Moose, running 8:XX GAP up the 30% climb, and hitting 7:XX GAP down Glencliff with 6:XX pace mixed in on the last two miles on the runnable terrain. I have never seen anything like it before in an ultra. And it was his first hundred miler. He also finished the Hut Traverse this year in 13 hours, a sub 10 hour double Presi Traverse FKT, MMD, Ascutney Star, and just hit 1,000,000 ft of gain on the year. Just wowza.Larsen helped get Stieg into the sport and has one of the most stacked ultra mountain resumes in the Northeast. Larsen was the third person to finish the WM100, the first known person to complete the NH AT 150 in a single push, 18 Monadnock laps in 24 hours, a TRIPLE Pemi Loop, etc. As tough as tough gets. Super pumped to sit down with these two.HOW TO FIND STIEG AND LARSEN:https://www.instagram.com/stiegbertram1/https://www.strava.com/athletes/145876945?oq=stieghttps://www.instagram.com/larsenlimpsalot/https://www.strava.com/athletes/42554386?oq=larsenCORSA LIVE ENDURANCE TRACKING: I live streamed my WM100 effort on Corsa's live tracking. An awesome live tracking hub for thru hikes, FKTs, ultras, and unsupported efforts in the Northeast and across the country. https://www.corsa.run/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.

This week I tell the story of my White Mountains 100 unsupported FKT effort. The hardest 100 miles in the northeast and the hardest effort of my life. 94 miles and 36k ft of gain of seemingly never ending technical and steep trail. I talk about how I felt on each section, what went right, what went wrong, and everything in between. Finishing this thing so strongly is something I'm proud of. Running the last mile and getting to Route 25 was surreal. A new WM100 FKT & cashing in the first White Mountains bounty ($1,000) is pretty cool. Unfortunately, I already spent the money on a fun trip to the ER. A small fall & scratch on my shin at mile 15ish turned into a painful shin and small red spot by the end, and within 12 hours of finishing had turned into a nasty infection (cellulitis) that had already spread up my entire lower leg. 4x daily antibiotics has everything mostly under control now. But quite the end to this story. Still totally worth it lolCORSA LIVE ENDURANCE TRACKING: I live streamed my WM100 effort on Corsa's live tracking. An awesome live tracking hub for thru hikes, FKTs, ultras, and unsupported efforts in the Northeast and across the country. https://www.corsa.run/CHECK OUT REK LIS BREWING:Great food & beer, located off Route 302 in Bethlehem, NH - https://www.reklisbrewing.com/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 FUELTailwind: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Lukas Janulaitis after he set the new fastest known time on the New Hampshire Appalachian Trail section covering 160 miles with 55,000 feet of climbing in 61 hours and 15 minutes. He added to his stacked resume of back to back Last Skier Standings, Bubba's Backyard course record holder, and multiple other tough mountain 100s. We break down his journey from the New Hampshire/Maine border through the southern Mahoosucs, MWC traverse, Presidential Range, Pemi Wilderness, Kinsman's Ridge trail, up and over Moosilaukee and then across the Dartmouth 50 to Hanover and the New Hampshire/Vermont border. His effort was crazy fast and steady despite battling knee pain (fixed with a single strap) and having pacers on only TWO sections of this. Another super impressive effort for him. And he dropped some big time multi day ultra hacks/wisdom that I think many will find useful. I also had to hype him up for Mt. Ascutney Vertical Backyard Ultra where some juggernauts are going to go at it. Cool interview and cool dude.HOW TO FIND LUKAS:https://www.instagram.com/lukasj.11/ or https://www.strava.com/athletes/15229535CORSA LIVE ENDURANCE TRACKING: Check out my WM100 effort on Corsa's live tracking. An awesome live tracking hub for thru hikes, FKTs, ultras, and unsupported efforts in the Northeast and across the country. https://www.corsa.run/CHECK OUT REK LIS BREWING:Great food & beer, located off Route 302 in Bethlehem, NH - https://www.reklisbrewing.com/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 FUELTailwind: ⁠⁠⁠⁠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.