Let’s start off with the FUN stuff - racing at Mammoth Trailfest! This one has been on my bucket list for a bit (it’s only the 4th year of the event), and it did not disappoint! Trail running vibes galore throughout the weekend, plus some serious mountain racing!
Day 1 - Friday - Dragon’s Back Ascent
As you can see, a bit of weather rolled in, making for a crazy adventure - it was actually my first ever vertical race! What a way to kick off the weekend.
I did a quick video talking about my race shoe picks as I was driving down to Mammoth -
I was thinking about running the Pulsar V1’s but with the weather conditions, I switched to The North Face Sky 2 and it’s 5mm lugs. As far as the race itself - it was pretty insane. I went out way too hard, taking a bit of time to recover my legs and get into a rhythm in the middle section.
By then the altitude started kicking in, with the finish line at 11,053 feet. It was so much fun though, even without getting to enjoy any views whatsoever.
Day 2 - Saturday - 50K
Less than 24 hours later - the Mammoth 50K including 7,000 feet of gain/loss, and a second ascent up the Dragon’s Back. Leki was on-site allowing demo’s of their top-of-the-line FX.ONE Superlite poles. I tried out a longer pair (125cm) than I’ve ever used, and they worked great. I have some ideas for a “running poles” video.
The race when well - obviously more scenic with the weather passing through overnight. The legs felt decent, but started to wobble a bit after the long descent down from Mammoth Mountain. It was nice to sort of cruise in the last 8-ish miles, knowing that I had another 26K coming up the next day.
The Nordlite Ultra Pro was a great pick for this race. As expected, cushioning was adequate and energetic for this distance and beyond. Foot security was also a strong point, as I never felt unstable at any point. Check out my review for more details - all of my observations still stand after race testing. A great training and race-ready shoe if you’re looking for a non-plated option.
Day 3 - Sunday - 26K
The THIRD and final ascent up Dragon’s Back for the weekend! The legs were definitely feeling the descents from the day before. I did feel slower up the climb this time, but that was just fine with me. I already had in mind that this would be the fun race!
I decided to go light this time, just for a change, no poles, and the Raide LF 2L belt with one soft flask and gels. After summitting Mammoth again, I felt surprisingly good on the descent - luckily it wasn’t as extended this time, and seemed to have longer, more gradual grades.
The La Sportiva Prodigio Pro was my pick - comfortable on tired legs, and the geometry even seemed to fit the downhill grades well. I got into a bit of a “race” over the last miles with some other guys doing the Triple. I really pushed that last 3 miles especially - knowing they were the last miles of the weekend.
Mammoth Trailfest was simply amazing - the courses and support were top notch and the overall energy throughout the weekend was incredible. Kudos to Tim Tollefson and everyone involved for putting this together, and really focusing on the community.. I can’t wait to go back!
New Videos
My “talking head” review of the norda 001A, as a companion video to the earlier “ZEN” running video. I got mixed reviews on the “no talking” aspect of that one, but I enjoyed putting it together. Maybe something to watch on a dreary indoor training day?
A (new) brand to watch out for, at least in terms of visibility in the market - Kailas. Check out some details in my companion article, with a full LONG run review in the video below. I’ll repeat it again here - this is a LEGIT trail supershoe. (their AIR 9 IV vest is awesome too!)
Another long run test, this time in an oldie but a goodie - the MAAP x HOKA Tecton X 2. I have a long history with the Tecton X, racing them in a bunch of 100 milers start to finish. Check out my full review to see if I think this one is still relevant with the flood of new-age trail supershoes these days..
I didn’t get this one in time for my “Best Cushion” video, but the Topo Vista clearly fits in that category. Lots to like here with a more energetic ZipFoam formulation, and that familiar Topo fit that works so well for many runners.
Hot off the presses - Mount to Coast H1. Not much to say here, check out the video just released today. Definitely a top contender for “shoe of the year” (notice I don’t specify road or trial there)..
IN FOR TEST
Minor backup here, with the race training as well as the big trip down to Mammoth last weekend. I’ve actually put some miles in these shoes and gear already, so I’ll be working through testing over the coming weeks.
Hoka Challenger 8
Another big cushion option - this one has a unique rockered feel to it. Still figuring out whether or not I like the ride of this one.
On Cloudsurfer Trail 2
Again with the cushioned cruisers! I’m planning to do a follow up review of the Cloudultra 3, including this model for comparison. It’s definitely a softer riding, easier trails option. Lots of plush-ness here.
Creepers Socks
Not quite Boot Sock or Over The Calf weather just yet, but you can check out the “Lichen Up” green socks in my Topo Vista video - can’t go wrong with toebox space and Creepers!
AFFILIATE LINKS & PROMOS
Mount to Coast - Use code “HumbleRunning” for 10% off!
Craft Nordlite Ultra Pro - craftsports.us ($190)
Craft Xplor Pro - craftsports.us ($170)
norda 001A - REI ($295)
Topo Vista - REI ($175)
La Sportiva Prodigio Pro - REI ($225)
Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 - salomon.com ($220)
TNF Sky 2 - REI ($200)
Use code ‘FUGA10’ at checkout for 10% OFF any EX Series shoes and Air running vests
TheFeed.com
10% off of every order with my referral link (click here)
Maybe just bookmark it for easy access? (https://rstr.co/the-feed/humblerunning)
Products provided at no cost for test and review by the various brands. Please see my support page for disclaimers regarding my testing and review process.