Humble Running Newsletter #17
On the shelf, getting back into it
I started out strong coming back from TRE, lots of shoe and gear testing, really fun runs, but as I’m sure everyone has experienced.. it’s hard to keep the momentum going through the holiday season.
Got a few test runs in with some new models from Speedland. The GS:BLK above, and the RX:FPY below
The RX:FPY has been out for some time, but it’s my first time trying out Speedland on the road. That UNCOMPRESSED super critical midsole foam really does feel great underfoot, and it has a different (for Speedland) ride with an aggressive front toe sweep.
The fit is giving me some trouble though - there’s only a single BOA and you don’t have much control over isolating tension in different areas of the upper. Perhaps some custom mods may help here?
The BLK on the other hand, maintains the dual BOA setup. This allows me to keep the lower part of the shoe a bit looser, which works better for me. Fit also seems a bit different as I’m pretty good in a US 9.5 where as I feel equally comfortable in my GL:PDX in US 9.0. More to come in my full review of both models.
Perhaps the best fit (for me) is on the way from Speedland.. I really love the upper strap design in the PDX, and that will be a big feature of their upcoming “Gravel”/hybrid RX:LDVL model.
Next up, continued testing of the upcoming 2026 Mammut models, this time their long distance model, aptly named the Aenergy Trail Endurance Ultra.
This one features a combo eTPU/SC EVA midsole blend with an embedded dual-forked Pebax plate.
Lots of protection underfoot, but maybe not the fleetest feel on foot during my first test run. This one feels like it may require some break-in time.
With the La Sportiva Prodigio 2 still fresh on my mind, I was able to recall a couple of test pairs (V1 and Max) that I had passed off to others to try out. This roundup discusses the updated fit of the Prodigio 2 as well as differences between all 4 Prodigio models.
With all the different shoe testing and some time off (see below), I’ve only gotten a couple test runs in this shoe so far. Much more to come through the winter and into the spring.
Next up.. disaster.. some untimely crouching/twisting actions while cutting bathroom floor tiles - left me laid up with my low back all locked up.
Six days of no running (outside), which was pretty torturous given our non-winter weather so far, temps in the 50s and even close to 60F!!! A gradual ramp-up on the treadmill did improve the situation.
I knocked out my version of a “Best of 2025” video - focused on all of the shoes I ACTUALLY RACED in throughout the 2025 season. I have many TOP options to choose from, so you know these picks are legit!
Hopefully, I’ll be doing some testing of the full Salomon Trail lineup in 2026, starting with the Ultra Glide 4. I’m very impressed especially with the upper/fit of this one, as you can probably tell by the thumbnail/title.
Santa brought me a new drone.. some cool angles coming in 2026!
Don’t forget to check out my review of the NNormal Kjerag 02. Let me know what comps you’d like to see for this one. I’ve gotten mixed comments about this shoe (as expected). I find the fit and ride works for me, better than the original 01, but this shoe/ride is definitely NOT one-size-fits-all.
That’s all for now, and a wrap for Humble Running Newsletters in 2025. Wow, 17 of them so far, that’s crazy! Thank you for signing up and supporting the channel. I heard great feedback about the channel and platform at TRE - your support is absolutely helpful in spreading the word and helping me test more stuff and bring you more content. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!
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