Big hiatus here from the newsletter.. it’s always tough coming back to reality after a tough 100 miler. There’s the obvious physical recovery aspect, plus you have the general letdown with the target date now in the rearview mirror. Spending the entire night alone in the mountains (no crew, no pacers, no racers nearby) can also be difficult to come back from. Lots of time to think out there. If you’ve experienced it before, you know what I mean.
For all the details on the race, including a reflection on my pre-race shoe options and whether or not I made the right choice - check this one out. I did go with the Kiprun Kipsummit Race - one of my top picks early in the year - but there were definitely some “cons” to go along with the “pros”.
Post-race Wandering
As part of my early recovery - I did a bit of a run/hike in the Keen Wander. It was a great pick to re-activate the foot muscles and even feel the ground a bit after testing so many high stack super shoes ahead of the race.
All of the Keen models I’ve test so far, including the Seek and the Roam, have been solid. They’re establishing themselves as a legit option in the natural ride/anatomical toebox category.
100 Mile Race Gear & Essentials
More race reflection here - this video details every piece of kit and gear I used throughout my 24 hour and 36 minute jaunt in the Idaho wilderness. I think I made mostly good choices, but you always come away with a few lessons learned.
This is a good one if you’re new to this type of race, as I share some tips on planning, including my go-to aid station note cards. Maybe some fresh ideas if your a grizzled vet too!
Seriously, do as I say, not as I do!
A/B Testing - Road & Trail!
Sticking with the re-activation theme.. this time on the road.. Lems just came out with their first two road running models - both available in medium and wide fits. Firm rides, with space to splay - leaning into that “natural performance” out on the roads.
I talk a bit about using this type of shoe as an inherent cadence regulator - as they really encourage a balanced and steady stride pattern.
005 vs Trailfly Pro
Ok, we’re more than two weeks post race now, legs are starting to come back.. no focused training on the calendar - time to have some fun and hit up some comparisons I’ve had in mind for a while!
Two TPEE heavyweights here - the new kid on the block being the stellar INOV8 Trailfly Pro.
Can it match up with perhaps the most innovative trail shoe to come out in recent years - the norda 005? You can’t go wrong with either choice, but there’s no denying you can surely save a few dollarbucks!
Road vs GRVL.. and Trail?
Rounding out my testing of Salomon’s “Aero” lineup - the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL was a bit “more” than I expected. Stack is surprisingly close to the Glide 4 GRVL, yet with the narrower platform and feel of the Blaze 4 “Road”. A few key differences including the laces and the outsole provide some subtle differences in the ride though. Which do you prefer - Glide or Blaze?
It might get cold soon.. right?
Ah.. La Sportiva sizing, always a topic of conversation. Well it ends here! Finally I’ve got what I thought would be my preferred size (US 10.5+, EU 44), and they feel great! Even the new Prodigio Max GTX feels great (I didn’t get along with the regular version).
Look forward to only passing references to La Sportiva sizing in future videos now that I’ve got my sizing dialed. Also - GORE-TEX roundup on the way! .. whenever it does actually get cold
In the Pipeline
Fall testing is ramping up, I’ve got GORE-TEX, cold weather apparel, waist belts, new vests, gear and tech, Fall shoe models, plus roundups of top picks from 2026 - all on the way. It’s going to be a sprint to TRE in early December and through the and of the year! Let me know what you’d like to hear about in my end of year recaps. I’ve got some fun ideas to highlight my favs from 2026, but I’d like to hear yours as well!
Click the list above or scan the QR code to visit my Rendezvu page!
This is happening
Please leave a comment or send me a message - tell me this is a good idea.. i.e. you would be interested in purchasing one of these bad boys!
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.
I’m interested depending on top color.