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