Humble Running Newsletter #3
Gear Reviews & racing season
Hello Humble Runners, first off - thank you for subscribing! I hope this newsletter finds you well, enjoying the warmer weather, getting out on the trails, and hopefully ramping up into the 2025 trail season!
I just released a new Gear Review roundup video this morning - featuring a bunch of items I’ve been testing recently. I mention early in the video that this newsletter was delayed as I wanted to wrap up and include this “Gear Talk”. Sorry about that, but hey, it’s proof that I have no intention of spamming you with unnecessary emails!
I’ve been busy running a couple races - I talked about my “road-to-dirt” half marathon in the last newsletter. In my video recap I discuss my training leading up to the race, including some key sessions that helped me drop quite a bit of time from last year’s race.
I wore the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail, as planned, and they were excellent. One issue though - I did get some rubbing from that high Achilles/heel collar that I was worried about. Btw, the rest of the runners around me at the front of the field were in road supershoes - lots of Vaporflys and Alphaflys out there.
Two weeks later I raced up at Heavens Gate - check out a short writeup HERE. I was able to source some pretty awesome drone footage from the top of Cannonball Mountain (credit: Brian Peters), as well as taking some clips during the race. If you’re ever looking for a rugged, low key springtime race.. this is the one.
I again discuss some training takeaways and areas to focus on going forward.. the steep downhill legs need work! Also need to start ramping up the mileage for the longer races coming up.
Here’s a more in-depth look at the new Nike Terra Kiger 10 -
I’m really liking this new Kiger as a training shoe, just not sure if it lives up to the “RACING” tag printed on the midsole.
I’ve ordered the new Nike Wildhorse 10, which should be arriving soon. I got a good deal at Backcountry, so I’m looking forward to trying out another WH after missing many versions. Keep an eye out for a full review and also a comparison against the Terra Kiger and others (which would you like to see?).
Upcoming
VJ Ultra 3 - Just hit 60 test miles in these, about time for a more in-depth review.
Craft Nordlite Ultra 2.0 - Finally, a decent upper from Craft! It’s.. normal!
This one is positioned as a road-to-trail or “gravel” shoe. I don’t think it needs to be pushed beyond that, so I’ll be wrapping up testing soon. Any thoughts on which “gravel” or “GRVL” shoe it should go up against???
Merrell Vapor Glove 6 BOA
Haven’t run in this one yet, as I’ve been focused on racing the past few weeks. Not the best time to experiment with new zero drop shoes.
Inov8 Trailfly Zero - Another zero drop shoe I haven’t run in yet (see above). I’ll start putting some miles in this one now that I have some time between races.
Affiliates and Discount Codes
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REI.com (Member sale going on NOW May 16-26, 20% off one full price item!)
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