PT-1000 Review: Built to Last

The world’s first running shoe built to survive 1,000 miles. That’s how UK Gear is marketing these trainers made to be taken both on- and off-road. These are some sort of a dual-purpose shoes in one model (hybrid if you want) recommended by the British Army and which I had the pleasure to test thanks to UK Gear.
Read more » »

Related Posts

• Video – PT-1000 Road & Trail Running Shoe
• Video – UK Gear PT-03 Desert Running Shoe
• PT-03 DESERT – Hot Environment Running Shoe Review
• Xterra Launches New Off-Road Footwear
• Walsh Spirit Peak

Montrail’s Rogue Racer Trail Shoe Reviewed

Back in November I was greatly surprised one morning when a box came in with the regular mail. Just a few days after getting in touch with Montrail, the new Rogue Racer was right there in front of me! Since then, I’ve worn them for more than 150 miles in different terrain and situations. If you want the short version, yes, Montrail’s Rogue Racer is a great shoe. For the complete review, read on!
Read more » »

Related Posts

• Video – The Rogue Racer: Overview
• Video – Montrail Mountain Masochist
• Video – Montrail Masochist GT Review
• Trail Running Shoes Awards
• Review: Salomon XA PRO 3D

Where to Run Trails in Northern Italy, Dolce-Vita Style

[Ed: new guest writer on TRSoul: Sarah Lavender Smith combines her passions for running and world travel through her site The Runner's Trip: Run Long, Travel Far, Discover More (where a version of this post first appeared) and also writes for Trail Runner and UltraRunning magazines. Welcome to TRSoul Sarah!]

Someone recently asked about my most memorable trail run. Gosh, it’s hard to pick the most memorable. But I might describe a marathon through mountains not far from Florence on my 41st birthday, where I was the only American and surrounded by Italians while running through a mossy forest. Ridge-top views revealed cloud-filled canyons, and verdant peaks of nearby hills poked through the mist like islands. A stone cottage housing an alpine club came into view midway on the course, and several white-haired volunteers dressed in aprons stepped forward. They began pouring glasses of red wine—yes, wine at around Mile 14!—and dishing up bowls of steaming penne.
Read more » »

Related Posts

• Trail Running in the Dutch Mountains
• Volcano Trail
• Video – XTERRA Italy Trail Run 2009
• Video – Why Should You Run Trails?
• Video – Whistler Spirit Run

Trail Running in the Dutch Mountains

[Ed: Introducing MIG, a Dutch trail runner and journalist currently writing a book about ultra trails throughout the world. Welcome!!]
Most trail runner’s worldwide often take off for runs in natural parks and mountain areas. In the Netherlands trail runner’s have to wait for a longer holliday to experience the fun of mountains. The Low Lands, for about 60 percent situated below sealevel, offer dikes and dunes instead of mountains. In the east and south of the country a modest trail runner landscape with small hills up to 300 meter give modest trail opportunity’s, though.
Read more » »

Related Posts

• Where to Run Trails in Northern Italy, Dolce-Vita Style
• Video – Why Should You Run Trails?
• Video – Whistler Spirit Run
• Video – Trail Running: Your Path to Health
• Video – Trail Running in Nebraska

Montrail Mountain Masochist- Shoe Review

[Ed: We welcome another contributor here at TRS. Jess Spate is an avid rock climber and trail runner. She is in charge of the outdoor products price comparison website Outdoor Equipment Online and also writes regularly in several other blogs, like sustainablog.org. Welcome Jess!]

First things first, this shoe is named after the Mountain Masochist race. It’s reassuring to know that Montrail aren’t marketing a running shoe for those who are into both mountains and pain. In reality the Masochist falls into the more cushioned, comfy end of the fell and trail shoe spectrum.

They’re light enough to go long distance (the race they’re named for runs across 50 miles of Virginia hills, roads, and steep tracks) and padded enough to look after your feet on rocky ground and road sections. There’s a lot more heel than you get on most off-road shoes. They feel quite spongy straight out of the box, more like road running shoes than trail shoes.
Read more » »

Related Posts

• Video – Montrail Mountain Masochist
• Video – Montrail Masochist GT Review
• Video – The Rogue Racer: Overview
• Video – Mountain Masochist Trail Run 1983 – 2008
• Video – Matt Hart’s Montrail Presentation

Interview with Nick Clark – 2010 Review and Prospects for 2011

I had the great pleasure to spend a few hours with Brit ultra runner, Nick Clark, now based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Nick first introduced me to his local trails on Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, taking me out for an 80 minute run on a glorious clear December day. Luckily for me he was on an easy pace, and conversation kept flowing most of the way round. He has a way of floating effortlessly over the ground on ascents on a technical trail that belies belief! After we returned to his home above the Open Space, we talked about 2010, his best ever year racing ultras, and his plans for 2011:

Read more » »