Humble Running Newsletter #5
BIG tests & content - more on the way!
I can’t believe this is the fifth newsletter already! When I started I wasn’t sure I’d have enough content to fill these up.. NOT A CONCERN! THANK YOU for subscribing and for all of your support. Every comment, like, subscribe, affiliate purchase - it makes everything possible.
Humble Running Fractel bucket! This is just a one off, but someday.. (Fractel does make the best buckets, so check them out if you’re in the market)
Under Armour makes trail shoes - who would have thunk? Vibram Megagrip here, but a bit chunky and on the heavy side. Looks are solid though. Check the vid or some pics & details HERE. Gotta get some of that road supershoe tech to trickle down into their trail division..
I wrapped up my Infinite 3 testing, and worked in a bit of a TNF roundup. Mostly a comparison to the Enduris 4 — I thought that would be the closest comp, but I was surprised at how close it tracked to the Sky 2.
Definitely a solid model lineup from The North Face in 2025.
I’ve had some comments about the Altamesa and the Pro 3, but I have not been able to try those models yet. If you know someone from TNF - put in a good word!
BIG drop at the end of the week from Mount to Coast - their first trail model, the T1.
I love this shoe and it’s definitely a contender for trail trainer of the year, with definite range for racing too! Mount to Coast is serious. Pay attention to them going forward.
Use code “HumbleRunning” for 10% of the Mount to Coast T1 !
Wrapping up the fortnight on the ‘ol YouTube, I just dropped an A/B comparison of “road to trail” or “gravel” top picks. Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 vs Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL. Both solid options for those tamer miles.
The Craft feels a bit peppier, while the Salomon leans more towards comfort. Check out my full thoughts in the video.
Also check out my full Craft Nordlite Ultra 2 review
UPCOMING
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Lite! Wow, this light purple color.. Mafate Speed 4, at a much lighter weight, what’s not to like?
Maybe the interior heel padding/design - so that’s what I focused on in my first test run. Phew, no issues for me.
Peak Performance apparel - this is cool stuff from what was originally a ski apparel company from Sweden. Stylish and functional, the two pieces I have to test feel pretty premium.
Realand nutrition - plant-based protein powder - from fava beans! I’ve been stepping up my protein intake with increased summer training, so good timing on this one.
Literally.. I came back from a long run and it was on my doorstep, so I mixed some up right away.
norda 008
Are brands noticing my content, and for some reason thinking I need more recovery? What’s up with that?
Yea, these are super premium.. What do you think about a $145 recovery slide? My wife wants a pair.
Scarpa Spin Ultra 2. Special thanks to the Humble Running YT community on this one - you brought this shoe to my attention so now I get to try it out and give back to you!
TPEE foam here, which is noteworthy. Very solid shoe, feels alpine-oriented. These just arrived today, more to come.
I will also be testing a VERY exciting new shoe from ON. Zero details at this moment. I’m sure you have some ideas, but I can neither confirm nor deny anything. Permission to get excited.
FEEDBACK NEEDED
I would like to solicit some feedback on potentially adding a tiered subscription level to the website, or possibly via YouTube membership. Do you value the running and review content that I provide, and more specifically, do you value the personal responses and feedback that I give?
Thank you once again for all the support - Humble Running has been growing very rapidly, more than I could have imagined. I’m doing my best right now to keep up and answer all comments, but I’m sure you can tell, they’ve been coming in faster and furious-er(?). That includes YT comments, IG comments, IG DMs, and even direct email questions (long ones). Btw, if you’ve sent me a long email - no worries - I like answering questions and sharing what I know!
The bottom line is - I have absolutely no problem responding to any and all of these inquiries. That kind of thing is what I enjoy, and why I started up Humble Running, but it does take time. Also, some end up falling through the cracks and I really feel bad when I notice a question or message that I lost track of.
What I’m considering is some type of facility to ask me direct questions - either publicly or privately (that’s one of the aspects I’m looking for feedback on). Substack offers direct messaging and chats and perhaps that could be an avenue to ensure a more direct response, and to also value my time?
One thing I DO NOT want to do is wall-off content or do any type of members-only videos. And actually, I will continue replying to comments, messages, etc. for free, again - as best I can manage going forward. This would merely be a way for those that find value to support my time and effort towards Humble Running, if you choose to, and if are able to do so.
Let me know what you think. I really just want to keep this ball rolling in the most sustainable way possible. I’m open to other ideas, so feel free to comment here or just send me a direct email or message. Even if it’s a one-liner, or if you hate the idea!
-Mike (mike@humblerunning.com)
AFFILIATE LINKS & PROMOS
Use code “HumbleRunning” for 10% of the Mount to Coast T1
Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0 - craftsports ($160)
Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL - salomon ($160)
Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL - REI ($160)
TNF Vectiv Infinite 3 - REI ($160)
TNF Vectiv Enduris 4 - REI ($160)
TNF Vectiv Sky 2 - REI ($200)