plantpoweredanna.com

Where: Online/Amazon, in stores like REI and bike shops Runner Up: Balega was an Instagram favorite, but I have never worn them so I cannot speak to their greatness and runner love. Where: Online/Amazon, in stores like Target, REI Why: Runners love the torture tools that are foam rollers and mobility balls, but don't enjoy buying them ourselves. Why: It caters to most dietary restrictions, has the option of caffeine or no, and are great for the gym bag, backpack, or pocket. Cost: Build your own starts at $2.25, a 2 pack runs $4.50, and the mixed packs are $19-28. makes a sport energy chew that I haven't gotten to try yet.

The Ultraventure also features the gaiter attachment that first released with the Runventure2, making it compatible with that same stretchy nylon Topo gaiter (optional and sold separately). The massive stack height (compared to other Topo Athletic models) gives this shoe more stability and cushion than a long distance trail runner may be used to. The outsole of the Ultraventure is new to Topo Athletic, as they've teamed up with Vibram to make this shoe. The rest of my shoe breaks LONG before the outsole has ever worn down on any model of shoe by Topo Athletic.

As 2018 wraps up and we all start the search for our 2019 race schedules, the grumbling and griping of Spartan Race price increases and Tough Mudder over-used locations begins. (they claim 5"ish" k) for 13+, kids races for 4-12 Swag: Finisher's medal, t-shirt, bag check (using their provided bags), after party, vendor tents Proceeds: T. H.O.R. claims nonprofit, benefiting the Wichita Falls Streams & Valleys and the Leadership Wichita Falls program. All proceeds benefit programs of the Youth Options, which provides multiple leadership and civic responsibility programs for youth and families in Shasta County. This just scratches the surface of the amazing obstacle races that exist, ran by locals, that give to charities, and are far less than the brutal price tags of the big box series.

The majority of running shoes are designed with stability on the side of the heel, plenty of traction for good grip on the road/trails, and often a great drop height than trainers. A heavy weighted heel could cause poor form, overly grippy shoes could cause you to hurt your knee while doing a slide or a skater, and too much drop while lifting can throw off balance and weight the muscles oddly. It's a zero-drop shoe with a lower stack height so the motion-control is minimal. It's important to not have much traction in a gym/cross-training shoe.