GRIT from Gearist

In training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100, our boy Arron needed to escape from his seaside, zero elevation home in Virginia Beach and head west to Colorado. While there, he and Brandon hit some great trails in and around Boulder County winding up as high as 12,000 feet. In part one of two, Brandon and Arron talk about some of the adventures on this trip and also look at new gear from Zealios, 100% sunglasses and an awesome bodysurfing toy from WAW Handplanes. Links from the show: Christmas Ale From Upslope Brewing Company: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/18564/87213/?ba=beergoot Key Lime Pie Nitro from Left Hand Brewing Co.: https://lefthandbrewing.com/beers/key-lime-pie-nitro Norvik from 100% Sunglasses: https://www.100percent.com/collections/norvik WAW Badfish Bodysurfing Handplane: https://amzn.to/39HrpVr Zealios body, hair and skincare: https://amzn.to/3bksgeX Kahtoola Microspikes: https://amzn.to/3bjgfX7 Picture Rock Trail: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/parks-and-trails/heil-valley-ranch/ Arapahoe Pass Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28180 Fourth of July Trailhead: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28264 First Landing State Park: https://www.first-landing-state-park.org/ Chasm Lake Trail: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/romo_chasmlake.htm Hanauma Bay State Park: http://hanaumabaystatepark.com/ Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Brandon and Arron review the Nike Trail Pegasus 4 as they talk about ramping up mileage in preparation for Arron's Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon coming up in August of 2022. Also on the show, the guys talk about finding the sweet spot for endurance running. Is it based on heart rate (hint: yes)? Pace? Effort? Finding the most effective running effort can be tricky but it's also the key to being able to run a long way without overextending yourself. Finally, Arron and Brandon talk about how running - and endurance sports more broadly - are a hugely important part of how they find joy living. #FJL Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

With Arron heading to Colorado for some tune up trail running in preparation for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 in a few weeks, the guys look at some possible training options for his short trip! Also on tap, Brandon and Arron have gotten their hands on a bunch of new and upcoming running shoes from Nike including first impression reviews of the Zoom Terra Kiger 8, React Infinity Run Flyknit 3, Air Zoom Pegasus 39 and the React Pegasus Trail 4. Links from the show: Fix a busted bike tire with a dollar bill: https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/biking/fix-busted-tire-buck/ Hall Ranch on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/directory/8011976/hall-ranch Long's Peak: https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/longspeak.htm Seth's Weather Report Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/212623405490878 First Landing State Park on Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7010443/first-landing-state-park-loop Active 88's Running shoes: https://www.activeimprintsco.com/ Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Getting from couch to 5K to Leadville Trail 100 doesn't happen by accident, nor does it happen smoothly. Today, Arron and Brandon talk about their personal running evolutions and what got them to (and through) highs and lows of the sport of running.  To see any of the running gear or other things mentioned in this episode, check out the links below! Links from the show: Dynamic running warm-ups: https://www.runnersworld.com/training/g20862002/dynamic-warmup-stretches/ How to harvest and use rose hips: https://www.thespruce.com/what-are-rose-hips-and-what-do-they-do-1403046 Foraging for spruce tips: https://practicalselfreliance.com/spruce-tips/#:~:text=A%20spruce%20tip%20is%20the,y%20to%20warm%20and%20resinous. Is chicken soup really good for a cold?: https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20001017/science-finally-shows-what-grandma-knew-all-along Running, Etc. Virginia Beach: https://www.runningetc.com/ Athlinks: https://www.athlinks.com/ Amphipod Hydraform: https://amzn.to/3GzP5Hr Nathan Sports Handheld Soft Flask: https://amzn.to/3aoQDYG Katadyn BeFree 3.0L Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3LTasnL Karmik Outdoors: https://karmikoutdoors.com/ Julbo Aerolite: https://amzn.to/39SDu9W Ten Thousand: https://www.tenthousand.cc/ Nuun: https://amzn.to/3lKeFzD Onnit Total Human Vitamins: https://www.onnit.com/total-human/

Today Brandon and Arron run through some of the gear they're using training for the 2022 Leadville Trail 100 (Arron running the full race and Brandon pacing Arron for the final 38 miles). The guys give high level reviews of everything from trail running shoes to socks, running shorts, running shirts, sunglasses, hats and even bug spray! To see any of the running gear mentioned in this episode, check out the links below! Links from the show: BOCO Gear running trucker hats: https://bocogear.com/boco-hats/technical-trucker-hat/ Brooks Lightweight Packable Hat: https://amzn.to/3Ni4xKg Knockaround Torrey Pines Sunglasses: https://amzn.to/3Nqcj4V JBL Tour PRO+ TWS Headphones: https://amzn.to/3PsNlUg Apple AirPods Pro: https://amzn.to/3PuOniH Badger Mineral Sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3yJnEbX Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick: https://amzn.to/39zpge5 Piankatank River: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piankatank_River Saucony Men's Stopwatch Short Sleeve Shirt: https://amzn.to/3MwXeyw CamelBak Circuit Run Vest: https://amzn.to/3wk76pr Patagonia Repairs: https://help.patagonia.com/s/article/Repair-Process Nathan Sports Men's Running Vest, VaporKrar: https://amzn.to/38sT9wx Suunto 9 Peak: https://amzn.to/38tFnK1 Saxx Quest Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3LtfTK2 New Balance Men's 6" Boxer Brief: https://amzn.to/3NqdsJL Nike Flex Stride Trail Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/3llX2WB Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 8: https://amzn.to/3FUQuHX Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html?dwvar_1123157_color=BCEP Hoka Clifton 8: https://amzn.to/3MqtFyq Hoka Kawana: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-fitness/kawana/1123163.html?dwvar_1123163_color=BWHT Saucony Peregrine 12: https://amzn.to/3FXOjDr

Running with a cold is a pain in the ass. Brandon should know because he's got a cold. Today, Brandon and Arron look at some advice from doctors about running with a cold. Also, since both the guys have had Covid - and since both of them pushed the envelope with running while they had it - we look at the broader implications of training and racing while sick. Links from the show: Silver-Aged Dave: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH_FN9f9_hp-0ThhekxcBw Is it OK to exercise if I have a cold? (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/exercise/faq-20058494 Is It Safe to Run If You Have a Cold? (Healthline): https://www.healthline.com/health/running-with-a-cold Picture Rock Trail: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7005490/picture-rock Heil Valley Ranch Cal-Wood Fire Recovery: https://www.bouldercounty.org/open-space/management/heil-valley-ranch-cal-wood-fire-recovery/ Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithadriene Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

First, we look at the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Then....A marathon, ultramarathon - or any other running race for that matter - isn't simply just showing up and throwing it all out there. You need to have a strategy. A nutrition strategy. A hydration strategy. Most importantly, a total race strategy. On episode 8 of GRIT from Gearist, Brandon and Arron get down and dirty with breaking down all those miles into bitesize chunks. Links from the show: Hall Ranch Loop: https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7022391/hall-ranch-loop Trail Run Project: https://www.trailrunproject.com/ Adventure Projects Apps: https://www.adventureprojects.net/ Hoka Speedgoat 5: https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-5/1123157.html Ironman finish Line Ankle Break: https://youtu.be/qXFwJkkFBAY Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Picking the right trail running shoe for an event like the Leadville Trail 100 is a tricky thing. Today, Arron and Brandon get into the top five things to consider when looking for the right shoe for your event (and training). Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

For a lot of people, running makes you have to pee. Today we talk about why that might be happening to runners. We also look at urine color as a measure of how hydrated you are and how to gauge hydration on frequency of peeing!   Links from the show:  I need to pee, except I don't. From Runner's World: https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20820692/i-need-to-pee-except-i-dont/ Pee Color chart from the Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-urine-color-means/ Leadville Trail 100 map: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/run/leadvilletrail100run/ Lifestraw: https://amzn.to/3EBQnkc Katadyn Water Filter: https://amzn.to/3K0AoNC  What is a pika?: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pika

The feet of a runner can present some huge problems - especially during longs months and miles of training leading up to a marathon or even an ultramarathon like the Leadville Trail 100! Today, Brandon and Arron talk about what kind of socks they wear, blisters, callouses, hot spots, lotions and potions.   Links from the show: BPN (Bare Performance Nutrition): https://www.bareperformancenutrition.com/ Injinji Toe Socks: https://amzn.to/3jHAdM8 Body Glide: https://amzn.to/3jyH1fg O'keefe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3JA4lDW Udderly Smooth Foot Cream: https://amzn.to/3rqBThn DZNuts: https://amzn.to/3jCUYcc Squirrel's Nut Butter: https://amzn.to/3xI8VxN Wrightsock: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy Superfeet: https://amzn.to/3vouAIy What is backcountry skiing / alpine touring?: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/types-of-skiing.html Running 100 miles horror show video: https://youtu.be/9UdvlpgtZt8 HOW TO USE A PRESTA VALVE WITH ANY PUMP https://youtu.be/76AQ8RFvCX4

Today Neal Palles of Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance joins Arron and Brandon. As a multiple finisher of the iconic Leadville Trail 100 ultramarathon, Neal is amazing at guiding athletes through not only the physical journey of marathon training but (more?) importantly, the psychological ups and downs. Links from the show: Bear Peak in Boulder, Colorado: https://bouldercolorado.gov/trail/bear-peak The Little Red Lighthouse in NYC: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-washington-park/highlights/11044 Grit by Angel Duckworth: https://amzn.to/3udbRAg Sanitas Brewery Lime Lager: https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/31765/587646/ Virginia Beer Co. Free Verse IPA: https://virginiabeerco.com/beer/free-verse/ Colorado Psychotherapy & Sport Performance: https://coloradopsychotherapyandsport.com/ Neal Palles on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/10684875 Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Nutrition for any running race - and in this case the Leadville Trail 100 - is a critically important part of making it not only to the finish line but also, to the starting line. In episode 3 of GRIT from Gearist Arron and Brandon talk about their training for the past week and begin what is sure to be the first of many conversations on fueling for training and racing of the famous ultramarathon in Leadville, Colorado. Links from the show: Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

A trail running race like the Leadville Trail 100 isn't something to be entered into lightly. Today, Brandon and Arron talk about the week of training since the last episode and also look at the (surprisingly minimal) rules of the iconic event in Leadville, Colorado. Links from the show: Shamrock Marathon (Virgina Beach): https://www.shamrockmarathon.com/ Origins of the Leadville Trail 100: https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/leadville-trail-100-run Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation: https://www.packburroracing.org/ Born to Run (book): https://amzn.to/357WAXK 2022 Leadville Trail 100 Athlete Guide: http://l283s3pxq2ktw6gs37ski16ee-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/LeadvilleAthleteGuideRunFinal-1.pdf Theragun: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp Moji foot massager: https://amzn.to/3wq2dvp Rawlogy: https://amzn.to/3wulLz0 Arron's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/6798076 Brandon's Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/98005

Arron is running the 2022 Leadville trail 100 ultramarathon. He's a dad of 3 kiddos under 10, has a full-time job and lives at sea level in Virginia Beach. Brandon is coming along to crew - and to get back in shape. It's going to be a wild ride.