Our Top Picks From the 2024 Boston Marathon Apparel Collection
GET GEARED UP It seems like we’re in the deadest days of winter, but spring is closer than you think. Which means that spring races are closer than you think. Which means that the 128th Boston Marathon is right around the corner. If you’re running from Hopkinton to Boston this year, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to remember your experience at the most celebrated marathon of them all. Photos are great and all, but there’s nothing like wearing the iconic celebration jacket. Is it a flex? Sure, but it’s a deserved one for anyone who has completed the journey that ends with a right onto Hereford and a left onto Boylston. Crossing the famed finish line And while the jacket remains the go-to piece of apparel for most finishers, the entire collection expands to a full running kit. It even includes a bucket hat, because… well, we’re not sure why, but it does exist. Speaking of the jacket, we’re loving the classic throwback look of the red, white, and blue, a nod to the kit worn by Adidas distance runner Grete Waltz, silver medalist in the 1984 women’s Olympic marathon. While all these pieces will be available at the expo, we’ve learned in the past that certain sizes can sell out, and honestly– it’s just less stress if you procure your items ahead of time. That’s why we put together a list of our favorite items from the 2024 Boston Marathon collection. This is a sampling of what’s available, for the full collection, you can head over to Running Warehouse and stock up on all the gear. Just don’t wear that jacket before you cross the finish line. Unless you’re like us and enjoy curses upon you and your family for all of eternity. OUR FAVORITE PICKS FROM THE 2024 BOSTON MARATHON COLLECTION THE ICON Boston Celebration Jacket ($120) If there’s one thing to get, it’s this. We can tell you from experience that this is a soft and comfortable windbreaker with a perfect fit. It’s the same construction as the 2023 jacket, just in a throwback colorway that celebrates the 1984 Olympic kit worn by Adidas marathoner and silver medalist Grete Waltz. A zippered hand pocket and lower back pocket offer nice storage options. RACE DAY Boston Marathon Short Tight ($65/$70) On race day, keep the muscles loose but the shorts tight. These half tights are made from AEROREADY performance fabric and come with drop-in side stash pockets on both sides. We can tell you that this is key for gel storage while on the go. A reflective Boston Marathon logo lets people know exactly where you’ve been or where you’re going. POST-RACE Boston Marathon Quarter Zip ($65) You’re going to want to celebrate afterwards and we all know Boston can get cold in April. While the jacket is great, it’s always nice to have that cozy layer between. This quarter zip is made from a soft brush poly knit with four-way stretch. Thumbholes on the sleeve ends keep your hands warm and a stand-up collar protects the neck. TRAINING Boston Marathon 3” Short ($35) This 3-inch short for women features a vinage look with scalloped sides and a three stripe design. Moisture absorbing AEROREADY fabric keeps you dry while an internal envelope pocket can fit small personal items. Reflective details round out the short. TRAINING Own The Run Tee ($40) Sometimes a simple tee is all you need. For training or lifestyle on a hot summer day, the Own The Run Tee is made of an ultra-breathable mesh fabric with mesh panels on the sides and upper back. That means you’ll stay dry in any condition. Throw in some three stripe detailing on the back and a Boston Marathon logo on the front and this shirt gives you everything you need. RACE DAY Own The Run Tank ($40) Sometimes you need something cooler; that’s where the Own The Run Tank comes in. A racerback style singlet, it’s made from a recycled polyester and elastane combination with flatlock seams, meaning it’s breathable and non-chafing. When it gets hot out, that’s all you really want. HEADWEAR Victory 4 Bucket Cap ($36) You could wear a standard ball cap to celebrate, or you could go hard and get the Victory 4 Bucket Cap. With a 360 brim and UV 50 rating, this thing is sure to keep you protected from the sun’s rays. It’ll also keep your head cool with a moisture-absorbing sweatband and mesh ventilation.
The 6 Best Greens Powder Supplements to Support Your Immunity
It’s important to ensure that your body is getting enough of the right nutrients every day. Now, more than ever, with new strains of Coronavirus popping up almost monthly, we need our immune systems to be at their most resilient whether you plan to keep taking booster shots or not. Sometimes though, with the best will in the world, other aspects of life get in the way and things get… out of balance. One easy way to ensure you’re getting enough of the right nutrients into your daily diet is by drinking an organic greens powder supplement full of nutrient-dense superfoods. This Best Greens Powder Superfood Supplements Buyer’s Guide shares our favorite green juice powder drinks that make a huge improvement to our immunity, everyday mood, health, energy & stress levels, skin condition, and general wellness. While even the best greens powders shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for eating well and regularly, we think they’re a fast and efficient way to help improve your overall health and fitness as a dietary supplement, i.e. these powder drinks are not intended to be used as meal replacements. Even if you can’t see the difference, by drinking a greens powder daily, you’ll most likely FEEL it in your day-to-day. There are so many greens powders available to buy and while we’ve tried most of them, this list shares only our very favorite ones. There were plenty of greens powders that we tested that tasted just awful and no amount of mixing with real fruit would make them redeemable, but I won’t waste your time mentioning them here. Read our individual superfood greens powder reviews, listed below each organic greens powder product below for a more in-depth look at each of these greens powders. Plus – BONUS! Read to the bottom to learn about a new greens supplement that comes in an innovative liquid form! 1. AG1 [BEST GREENS POWDERS WINNER] One 30 serving pouch costs $79 with a monthly subscription We are continually looking to improve our diet and eat only natural, whole-food, plant-based meals, and this extends to any green powder supplement we take. AG1 is a very tasty fine-grain superfood powder made up of 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole-food sourced ingredients, so I won’t list them all here. It’s designed to add nutritional value to support key bodily functions such as your immune system, digestion, gut health and energy production, and storage. This powder doesn’t contain GMO ingredients, artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors – and it’s 100% vegan. It also doesn’t contain preservatives, which means that it needs to be kept refrigerated and consumed within a relatively short time period. To some extent, I see the benefits of a green powder supplement like AG1 in the things I don’t experience – for example, not getting colds, not feeling unnecessarily tired and not getting spots. One thing I definitely find when taking AG1 daily is that my digestion is much better than normal and I certainly have more energy to do the things I love throughout the day. I’ve been trying to work out what causes me to have digestive problems, and so I now know that one (or more) of the AG1 ingredients is something I am lacking in my day-to-day diet. Since taking the green powder supplement I have not had low-energy periods or any colds. Who’s to say whether I would have otherwise had these, but I believe the supplement helps, especially when I’m busy or traveling and not eating particularly well. 2. Organifi Green Juice [RUNNER UP] One tub contains 30 servings for $69.95 Organifi Green Juice‘s organic greens blend is a really efficient way to get your daily nutrients and is one of our top choices for the best greens powders award. It tastes delicious even when mixed only with water and it literally takes 30 seconds to scoop some green juice powder, add 8-16 oz. of water, shake, and drink it. The stated health benefits of taking a greens blend like this greens powder include: To try it for yourself, use our exclusive Organifi coupon code ‘TK15′ will get you 15% OFF your total order when purchased via one of our links. As well as simply having Green Juice as a shake, it’s also a great addition to a smoothie with other ingredients such as water, ice cubes, nuts, and fruit. We throw all of these into our blender to make a quick smoothie. 3. BPN Strong Greens [Great Tasting!] One 30-serving tub or 20 x single serving packets cost $44.95 This popular Strong Greens powder from Bare Performance Nutrition (aka BPN) is a quality green drink powder available in two great-tasting flavors, Lemon and Pineapple Coconut. Choose from either a 30-serving tub or 20 convenient individual serving packets (great for on-the-go) – both options cost the same. Key ingredients in Strong Greens include organic wheat grass, chlorella, ashwagandha, turmeric and beet juice, which are designed to support your digestion, mood and natural energy. Strong Greens powder is third party tested for banned substances and certified by Informed Sport, which is great to know if you’re an athlete or someone who’s required to undergo drugs testing and needs the confidence of knowing your supplements are clear of substances banned by major sports bodies. 4. Nested Naturals Super Greens [BEST SELLER ON AMAZON] One 30-serving tub currently costs around $30 – that’s a bargain at $1/day! Nested Naturals Super Greens is packed with phytonutrients that help promote healthy energy levels without the crash you get from caffeine, sugar or energy drinks. Plus, its ingredients are non-GMO, vegan and 100% certified USDA organic. Super Greens is one of the best greens powder supplements because of its unique blend of fruit and vegetable powder (including superfoods like kale and acai berry) that is ground into a fine powder to give you a potent boost of micronutrients that can be absorbed by the body quickly and easily. There are also enzymes and dairy-free probiotics to help your digestive system absorb the benefits of Super Greens and everything else you eat. The flavor is fresh and sourced naturally from monk fruit extract which gives the
Best Saucony Running Shoes Right Now (2024)
Here’s a fun fact for ya: Did you know that Saucony hasn’t always been a Boston-based company? Nope, it’s actually named for the Saucony Creek in little old Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It started there all the way back in 1898, so you could say that Saucony has been around the block a time or two. Our history with the brand doesn’t go back quite that far, but we’ve run in enough Endorphins and Kinvaras to play favorites. Here are the best Saucony running shoes you can buy right now. Obviously, no single Saucony shoe is perfect for every run (though the Endorphin Speed comes pretty close), so we’ll try to cover the full range. We’ve laced up Saucony running shoes for everything from recovery runs to race days and even taken them for life off-roads. Whether you want a reliable daily trainer or a mud-ready monster, there’s a good chance we’ve got you covered. Our picks always come from our own experiences here at Believe in the Run. After all, we get a lot of shoes in for testing, and we like to let our feet do the talking. While we don’t always love every shoe that arrives, it doesn’t mean that you won’t. We try to weigh thoughts from our running friends and the community in general. All of our picks should be available for you to buy right now, too. KEY TERMS IN THIS REVIEW PWRRUN FOAMS PWRRUN: Tried-and-true EVA PWRRUN Plus: TPU-based beads PWRRUN PB: – PEBA beads PWRRUN HG: PEBA beads, but better PWRTRAC Tacky, trail-ready rubber used on the outsoles of the Peregrine, Xodus Ultra, and Endorphin Rift SPEEDROLL Saucony’s rocker midsole technology, featured on all of the Endorphin models FORMFIT Saucony’s three-layered midsole setup that adapts and conforms to your foot XT-900 Road-ready rubber that offers great grip without aggressive lugs, found on the Endorphin Pro 4 and Ride 17 Best Saucony Running Shoes Right Now Saucony Endorphin Elite $275 BEST FOR Race day domination WEIGHT 7.2 oz. (205 g) for a US M9, 6.5 oz. (185 g) for a US W8 STACK HEIGHT/DROP 40 mm in heel, 32 in forefoot (8 mm drop) What could possibly be better than Pro in the pecking order? Elite, apparently. That’s right, the Saucony Endorphin Elite is the company’s new top dog, and it brings a wild design and plenty of new technology to match. As if the unique upper and funky, rounded midsole weren’t bold enough, Saucony paired them with a vibrant green upper that absolutely screams, “look at me!” We’re happy to look, too, since the Endorphin Elite is easily one of the best Saucony running shoes right now, if not ever. For starters, the Endorphin Elite is the first to adopt the new PWRRUN HG foam, which is Saucony’s answer to Nike’s ZoomX. It’s light and poppy, though just a bit denser than the PWRRUN PB found on the Endorphin Pro 3 — at least in our opinion. Density or not, the Endorphin Elite sings louder the faster you go. Both Thomas and Meaghan found that the harder they pushed the pace, the faster they wanted to go and the happier the Endorphin Elite got. On top of that high-powered midsole, Saucony has one of the wildest uppers in the game right now. It’s not as bold as the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro, but the cutouts and thin layers make it look almost alien compared to other racers. You might also want to grab some padded socks for the Endorphin Elite, as it sacrifices some padding to save weight. Ultimately, the Endorphin Elite is Saucony’s best race day shoe to date, and it comes with a $275 price tag that only an Alphafly can love. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 $225 BEST FOR Tackling the marathon WEIGHT 8.5 oz. (241 g) for a US M10.5, 6.6 oz. (187 g.) for a US W7.5 STACK HEIGHT/DROP 40 mm in heel, 32 in forefoot (8 mm drop) Alright, so the Endorphin Elite is still the cream of the crop, the icing on top, the whatever, but the Endorphin Pro 4 might be the best Saucony racing shoe for most people and the best for your bank account, too. It feels like a pivot back toward the original Endorphin Pro, yet packs enough new tech to keep up with the big boys. So, what makes it better than its ultra-premium sibling? Well, the Endorphin Pro 4 is all about excitement. It keeps the slightly wider platform of the Endorphin Pro 3 but adds more of the bounce and snap that we felt in the first versions. Mentioning striking, can we talk about the Phoenix Suns colorway? It’s absolutely stunning in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re just wearing an all-white shoe (sorry, Meg). Saucony pivoted back to a more traditional mesh tongue this time, too, with a featherweight knit in place of the large, circular holes on the Pro 3. All of this works together to keep the weight feather-light, as the Endorphin Pro 4 only gains a few grams to go with its additional foam. Of course, we can’t talk about the Endorphin Pro 4 without showing some love for the midsole formula. Instead of a full bed of PWRRUN PB slapped around the plate, it combines a core of Saucony’s top-shelf PPWRRUN HG with a carrier shell of PB for the best of both worlds. The extra millimeter of stack also plays beautifully with the SpeedRoll rocker design to keep you rolling right on through your stride. By the way, we still love any super shoe that comes in below $250, so props to Saucony for the $225 price point. Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 $170 BEST FOR Anything up to — and including — well, anything WEIGHT 8.2 oz. (233 g.) for a US M9, 7.2 oz. (206 g.) for a US W7.5 STACK HEIGHT/DROP 36 mm in heel, 28 in forefoot (8 mm drop) It’s not a secret that we loved the original Saucony Endorphin Speed. It quickly became one of our favorite tempo trainers around, as well
UCAN Edge Energy Gels Review: This Is A Different Kind of Running Fuel, Here’s Why.
UCAN stands out in the field of sports nutrition with its commitment to innovation and at the core of their products, is UCAN’s proprietary ingredient, SuperStarch™, which is a corn starch based blend that provides a slow-releasing source of carbohydrates. Edge energy gels are perfect for endurance athletes, like us marathoners and ultramarathoners, who need consistent energy while following a training plan and racing, without the spikes and crashes associated with some other sugary gels – it’s one of the best running gels I have tested while endurance training. What makes UCAN Edge Energy Gels unique is their formula which is designed for athletes seeking over 75 minutes of sustained energy, they are sugar-free, caffeine-free, and gentle on the stomach too. That last point is an important one to emphasise because gut bombs are real and a major cause of discomfort when you’re starting out on your ultra running journey. UCAN Edge Energy Gels review Now, let’s get into the specifics of the Edge Energy Gels – I have tried all the different flavor gels (and they’re all pleasant), as UCAN was kind enough to send over a multipack for me to review but I’m going to focus on the taste of the Strawberry Banana for this review, as it’s my favorite flavor and it will help me keep this review focused. Taste and texture First impressions matter, and the Strawberry Banana flavor really made an impression on me over the other ones, although the unflavored was really nice too! It’s deliciously fruity without being overly sweet, thanks to the zero sugar formula. The texture is smooth similar to light, runny yoghurt but with an subtle chalky taste – that sounds weird I know but it’s an observation nonetheless, and in no way a bad thing by the way – it’s just different to the other gels I have reviewed, and I enjoy it. The gels are easy to consume even when you’re pushing your limits during a race or climbing a steep hill. No water is needed to chase down these gels, which of course is a big plus. Performance UCAN promises 75+ minutes of steady energy, but in my personal experience I feel I need to take a gel every 45 minutes to an hour but I do tend to run at a high intensity – I just can’t help myself! 😉 I’ve used these gels on long runs, and noticed a difference in how I felt during my run in terms of a nice steady flow of energy coming from this fuel. For example on my run today, I had two gels for my 90 minute run and this worked out well for me. So during an ultramarathon race I’d probably have one of these gels every 45 minutes as I run at quite a high intensity during races. If however, I’m training for an ultramarathon, then I’d take a gel every hour or so as I’ll be running at a lower intensity. I haven’t had any energy spikes or sudden crashes whilst I’ve been using Edge gels; just a consistent level of endurance that kept me going strong. This steady release of energy is thanks to UCAN’s LIVSTEADY™ corn starch carbohydrate, which breaks down nice and slowly. Digestibility One of the biggest challenges with some energy gels and sports electrolyte mixes, can be how they sit in your stomach. UCAN Edge Gels are formulated to be easy on the stomach, and I can vouch for that. No bloating or discomfort, which meant I can focus on running, and not on GI distress – which I have had to do many a time in the past before I became a more experienced endurance athlete. How to use UCAN Edge Energy Gels UCAN‘s recommendation is to consume one pouch 30 minutes before exercise, repeating every hour as needed. This guideline works well for me, providing a reliable energy source when I start my run right the way through it, provided I take a gel every 45 minutes or so. Ingredients and nutrition It’s reassuring to see a straightforward ingredient list, centered around water, LIVSTEADY™ corn starch, allulose, and natural flavors. The inclusion of ascorbic acid, lactic acid, and fumaric acid helps with preservation and adds to the gel’s nutritional profile, ensuring you’re getting energy and also supporting your body’s needs during exertion. Final thoughts For those of us looking to push our limits and achieve new PRs, UCAN Edge Energy Gels are a solid choice; the sustained energy, ease of digestion, and clean ingredients makes them a winner for me, and so I’ve awarded then an Editor’s Choice Award. If you’re gearing up for your next marathon or just looking for a reliable energy source for your long runs, I recommend giving UCAN Edge energy gels to help you along your journey. I want to quickly give a special mention to UCAN’s Energy Bars too, as they’re a great solid fuel alternative during long runs. They taste great, have a good texture and provide 160 calories per bar which means it’s a great way to get some chewy fuel into your body during a training run or race.
Janji Brings Cooling Vibes with its All-New City Collection
JANJI RELEASES THE CITY COLLECTION FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2024 Nothing speaks spring as much as the colorways in a Janji drop, and with the second release of the Spring/Summer Aegean Collection, they’ve tied together performance fabrics with sleek styling for a head-turning fit. As a follow-up to its all-new mountain collection, Janji’s City Collection features an array of warm weather apparel, with some updates to key staples as well as a handful of brand-new pieces. And in case you forgot– every season Janji gives back to clean water projects around the world, and this collection gives back to GWP Mediterranean. To percent of proceeds from all Janji purchases will go towards funding improvements to the irrigation system at Pankritio Stadium, home of the Ergotelis Football Club. Reducing the water needs of the stadium is anticipated to save the equivalent water consumption of 140 people per day. Check out what we’re loving from the collection. OUR PICKS FROM JANJI MEN AFO Middle Short Ultra ($78) When out for long endurance events, storage is key. This short features six pockets for gels, cards, phones, first aid, and whatever else you need. It even has an elastic key loop. Reflective detailing around the pockets adds extra visibility for an incredibly lightweight and quick-drying short. MEN Circa Daily Tee ($58) Ultra-soft with a four-way stretch, this tee is premium comfort wear for both on and off the run. It’s quick-drying and features an ergonomic fit, making it ideal for any activity. UNISEX AFO Hyperlight Visor ($38) Apparently it’s the year 2000 again, because visors are back. It makes sense– the visor is the ultimate in utility for keeping cool on summer days, and this one in particular is “ponytail-friendly, hyperlight, and crushes down for stashing while on the go.” The Velcro-free bungee toggle back is a nice upgrade from all those old school head hoops we used to wear. WOMEN Circa Daily Boxy Tee ($48) Made from the same soft cotton blend as the Circuit tee and AFO racerback, the Circa Boxy Tee gives the option of a more fashion-forward running top with a slightly cropped fit that hits right at the waist. Great for … pretty much everything. UNISEX Zephyrunner Wind Shell ($128) A multi-faceted jacket can be a lifesaver in changing conditions. The Zephyrunner features a hyperlight and durable nylon shell (water-resistant) that blocks the wind and provides solid breathability thanks the back panel venting. A bungee hem and hood toggle allow for extra adaptability and the whole thing stows into its own chest pocket in a small bundle. Also, unlike the Patagonia Houdini, it has hand pockets. Win. WOMEN 3” AFO Rhythm Short ($70) Combining Janji’s staple short (the AFO) with a more relaxed fit and modern design, the Rhythm short is made from an ultralight stretch woven fabric with a soft, high-rise flat waistband. Zippered rear pocket and front liner pocket provide storage options on the go. WOMEN Circa Daily Racerback Tank ($44) For everyday wear or running apparel, the Racerback Tank is made of an ultra-soft Pima cotton/recycled polyester blend with a four-way stretch. It’s the perfect top for everything summer.
Smartwool Winter 2024 Apparel Review: Midwinter Merino
INTRODUCTION TO SMARTWOOL’S WINTER 2024 COLLECTION TAYLOR: Deep, dark, and cold midwinter is a hard season to plan for as a runner. We’re constantly playing the game of mix and match to ride the line of warmth and mobility. I’m not a fan of bulk at all… Even the thought of wearing a pair of pants while running is enough to get me to question the whole run in the first place. Smartwool, a company that has had my feet faithfully in their socks for over a decade, has answers for the rest of the body during the winter time, too. They tactfully integrate modern engineered performance fibers with the timeless dependability of merino wool. Check out these active winter running clothing options to get you through this frigid season. Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket PRICE: $220 TAYLOR: There’s something about the idea of going three layers deep that I do not like. There are very few occasions for winter running that I go to such measures. With that being said, there are some days when a vest isn’t enough but a full jacket is too much. That’s where the Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket comes into play. This jacket integrates the core protection that a vest brings with the sleeve coverage of a jacket. The unique part is that the chest and stomach are covered by a four-way stretch nylon outer to ward off elements. The arms and back panel are composed of blended merino wool for temperature regulation and moisture management, and Tencel Lyocell fibers (a sustainable fiber made from wood pulp) are blended in for further comfort. The same material continues into the higher neck collar, too. Specific mesh panels on the back and arms are also used for ventilation. I found this jacket to be “slim” fitting throughout. The waistline is higher than the average jacket, while the bottom of the jacket rests right at the waist rather than dipping further below your bottom. Smartwool’s Intraknit Active Full Zip Jacket fits nicely over a light long sleeve and even better over top a tighter fitting base layer. This will be a jacket I call on for those days that are cool with a little bit of a winter bite. ALEX: I agree with Taylor. I love the idea of a one-and-done layering system, or at least one that is more minimal in terms of the sheer volume. The Smartwool Active Full Zip Jacket is a versatile and functional piece that is comfortable and performs well. It’s constructed with a blend of merino wool and polyester, offering the natural benefits of merino wool, including moisture management, odor resistance, and temperature regulation, combined with the durability and quick-drying properties of polyester. The full zip allows for easy ventilation during workouts or as a layering piece. The two zippered side pockets conveniently provide secure storage for small essentials like keys, cards, or gels. I prefer a more relaxed fit than this jacket provides, as I found it to be quite slim. In terms of warmth, the jacket is warmer than necessary for most of my runs (I run really warm), making it better suited for lower output activities or as a mid-layer in colder conditions. Overall, the Smartwool Women’s Active Zip Jacket stands out as a well-designed piece of winter gear, offering a blend of natural and synthetic materials, thoughtful features, and a design that prioritizes both functionality and comfort. Active Fleece Tight PRICE: $110 TAYLOR: Even when it comes to bottoms, I’m a less is more kind of person. Temps need to be solidly in the 30s before I consider tights. Pants are typically out of the question. Although, that approach has left my future children’s fate uncertain on more than one occasion. For some reason, even through the agony, I still question what I’ll wear on truly cold days. Smartwool’s Active Fleece Tights have now solved my frigid run dilemma. These are thick, warm, and runnable! Read that again and rejoice! The Smartwool Active Fleece Tight combines the warmth of a light fleece-lined pant with the slim-fitting flexible benefits of tights. The overall fit is closer to traditional long underwear rather than running tights. I wore these for some single-digit runs but loved these most in the teens and was plenty warm through the 20’s. Both scenarios are fine temperature-wise unless there is a stout breeze. These tights are moderately breathable. Two thigh pockets and a rear zippered pocket are a nice final touch for the warmest tights on the block. ALEX: The Smartwool Run Legging is simple and to the point. They also have the smooth, buttery feel of Lululemon Align tights. Crafted with a blend of merino wool and elastane, these leggings offer exceptional moisture-wicking, odor resistance, and natural temperature regulation. The elastane provides a stretchy, flexible fit, allowing for unrestricted movement. The design and features are practical and have a zippered waistband pocket and two side drop-in pockets for stashing keys, a card, or a gel. The reflective seams are a great addition for the shorter winter days. These tights are so comfortable and transition seamlessly from runs and yoga to casual errands. Paired with a wind-blocking layer in more extreme temps, these will be a go-to all season long. Active Fleece Wind Glove PRICE: $50 TAYLOR: Using the same material as the Active Fleece Tight, the Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves add a wind-blocking layer on the backside of the hands to keep those little fingers from freezing up. Living in the Colorado mountain, there is never a shortage of wind. Even the idea of having a lightweight running glove with wind protection strikes a sentimental chord. They work, too. The Smartwool Active Fleece Gloves kick the pants off of other similar weight technical running gloves. I’ve now permanently replaced my Black Diamond and Tracksmith running gloves for the winter. ALEX: The Smartwool Active Fleece Glove is constructed with a blend of merino wool and synthetic materials to offer excellent thermal insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and natural odor resistance, making them ideal for winter
What’s New From Roark Run Amok in Spring ’24
ROARK RUN AMOK // SPRING 2024 The clocks have finally moved forward (evening runners, rejoice), and nothing feels more like the return of the sun than the vibes of Roark Run Amok. Founded in SoCal, they embrace the culture of the outdoors and running in a casual and laid-back aesthetic that perfectly complements the go-forth-and-explore type of runner. We’ve been a huge fan of theirs for years as they’ve slowly but surely dialed in their run line. The point is– you don’t have to sacrifice performance for a great-looking short or shirt. Do your best with both and enjoy the ride. Here’s what Roark Run Amok is cooking over the campfire in Spring 2024. OUR FAVORITE ROARK RUN AMOK GEAR FOR SPRING SHORTS Baja Shorts 5” ($66) Truth be told, these are my personal favorites from Roark Run Amok. I wear the forest green short all the time, while the newest black version is a bit more understated. I very much appreciate the waterproof rear pocket and the incredibly light fit and flexibility of the short. It’s one of the best shorts out there and I can’t recommend it enough. TRAIL RUNNING Bless Up Trail Shirt ($89) Truthfully, we’ve never tried this shirt because whenever they release a new design it almost always sells out immediately. There’s a good reason it does– the shirt looks great, it’s built with a microperforated 4-way stretch, and it’s secured with rubber buttons. Versatility is key in any piece of great apparel, and the Bless Up trail shirt offers that quality in spades. ROAD OR TRAIL RUNNING Bommer 2.0 Shorts 7″ ($89) The best of both worlds, the Bommer features a full compression liner with a lower thigh cell phone pocket, in addition to a bunch of other pockets (including side slashes with magnetic closures). The lightweight 4-way stretch adapts to your movement and the whole thing is moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. Basically, this short rules, especially in a full OG camo colorway. LIFESTYLE/RUNNING Mathis Core Tee ($49) We’ve worn several versions of this shirt over the past few years, and continue to do so, because it’s one of the best tees out there. Constructed from a lightweight DriRelease jersey knit, it maintains a balance between performance apparel and traditional cotton. As such, it dries 4x faster than cotton, but retains that incredibly soft and worn-in feel that you get from your favorite tee. It also fits true to size, which is sometimes hard to nail down with t-shirts. RUNNING/LIFESTYLE Serrano 2.0 Shorts 8” ($69) I’m not a long shorts type of guy. But many of you are, and too often, you either have to wear basketball shorts or really awful looking run shorts. The Serrano 2.0 solves all of that. To quote Roark: “Designed with an athletic and functional intent, the short is as ready for a trail run as it is for a coffee run.” With a DWR water-resistant finish, two hand pockets and zippered rear and stash pockets, this short is read for everything this summer.
Diadora Gara Carbon Review: Italian Stallion, For Real
INTRODUCTION TO THE DIADORA GARA CARBON ROBBE: Diadora was born in Italia, and continues to run the family-owned business at the foot of the Dolomites, home to some of the world’s most iconic designers. It should be no surprise that at their core lies an attention to detail and a commitment to design and innovation at an intentional pace. And while almost every brand uses production facilities in China or southeast Asia for their footwear production, in recent years, Diadora has moved some of its product line back to its Italian factory, using its own Italian craftsmanship from workers who have been with the company for decades. (We’re specifically talking about the Diadora Atomo v7000, one of our favorite convertible running/lifestyle shoes, which is on my feet as I type out this review.) That said, the Diadora Gara Carbon is not one of those shoes. It is made in China. But so is the Nike Alphafly 3. And Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. And pretty much every other race day shoe. Point being, the “Made in Italy” thing is great from a storytelling aspect, but in 2024, you’re going to get a pretty damn good product wherever it’s made. Race-style laces Matryx upper Speaking of 2024, at this point in time we’re a good half-decade into the super shoe boom, and just about every brand that has a balance sheet has a carbon-plated race day shoe. Hell, Austin-based Atreyu has about two employees and an office dog as their full-time staff, and even they have a race day shoe (The Race Model). And yet somehow, despite the fact that they live in the land of Lambos, Diadora has never had a real race day shoe. Which is why we were skeptical about the Gara Carbon when we first saw it at The Running Event this past December. Don’t get me wrong– once we held it hand, we were quite interested. The shoe is very light, coming in at over an ounce lighter than competitors like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. It has a legit Pebax SCF midsole (what they call Anima PBX) and its carbon fiber plate was sourced from the same factory used by Ducati motorcycles. A premium Matryx upper (known for its durability and breathability properties) wraps the foot, while tooth-style race laces finish off the package. Lastly, of course– it looks incredible. That’s a lot of good things in one race day package. But when it’s thrown into fifth gear, how does it handle? Let’s find out. CARYN: Before I ever considered running as an activity folks did for fun, I was purely a ball sports athlete. I was pretty quick, but I was only running if some kind of game was involved. If someone had told 13-year old me one day I’d be running 70 miles a week for fun… well, let’s just say there would have been a pretty prolific eye roll. I was also, by definition, a pool rat throughout my summers growing up – dropped off at 8 am and picked up after dinner. Every day was tennis camp and two swim team practices with trips to the snack bar for snowballs, Fun-Dip, and grilled cheese peppered in. I’d imagine right about now you’re wondering why any of this is relevant to the Diadora Gara Carbon, the shoe we’re all here to chat about today. If you must know, It was during tennis camp that I was first exposed to the immaculate vibes of DIadora. All of the coolest, nicest camp instructors had on Diadora tennis shoes. The vintage, classic look and beautiful color combinations stood out from anywhere on the court. While I never quite reached Borg status (and therefore, never needed the special shoes), I’m thrilled to be able to test a bit of Diadora in the running space with their first plated racing shoe, the Gara Carbon. SAM: I’m about to nerd out so please bear with me. Gaara is one of my favorite characters in all of television, let alone the Naruto series. He starts off as a villain during the Chunin exams, a cynical, powerful, yet misunderstood and insecure ninja. After being defeated by Naruto he begins one of the best character transformations I know of. In Naruto Shippuden he is even more powerful and has lost his cynical and insecure nature to embrace his leadership potential and the value of friendship While the Diadora Gara Carbon is related to Naruto’s character through name only, (Gara roughly translates to race or competition in Italian), the path of Diadora’s running shoes feels similar to the Jinchuriki of the Hidden Village of the Sand. Mainly known in the States for tennis, cycling, or football boots (soccer cleats), Diadora has made a concerted push into the US running shoe market over the last half decade. So far it has felt misunderstood and misrepresented, with good-looking and reliable shoes, but nothing to speak of as far as high performance footwear. I am pleased to say that has changed with the Gara Carbon. Let’s talk about why. WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THE DIADORA GARA CARBON ROBBE: I already told you how good it looks, and everyone else who’s seen it tells us how good it looks. The design is among the best for race day shoes. If you have eyes with adequate vision, you know what we’re talking about. If you’re blind, just trust us on this one. I think this is the first time I’ve seen a Matryx upper used on a race day shoe, though we’ve seen their premium materials used in a variety of shoes on the trail side, namely the Hoka Tecton X 2, Hoka EVO Speedgoat (R.I.P.), and the Nnormal Kjerag. The difference in Matryx uppers is that they’re super light and ultra breathable. In contrast to fully coated textiles that are typically used in uppers, each yarn in a Matryx upper is coated individually. In this way, your feet breathe and stay dry while perspiration drains away. It’s also highly abrasion resistant without sacrificing comfort. Simply put, this
Our Patagonia Running Picks for Spring 2024
PATAGONIA SPRING 2024 Patagonia is synonymous with sustainability and quality in the outdoor industry. From their 1% for the Planet pledge to their Fair Trade Certified manufacturing facilities, they’re always on the cutting edge of ethical outdoor apparel. They stand by their products and offer gear repairs and a Worn Wear store for gently used items. You get it– they talk the talk and walk the walk. While Patagonia is the quintessential gorpcore vibe, campy through and through, runners should know that their performance run gear is just as solid as their outdoor goods. So we’re here to walk you through our favorite Patagonia pieces for running. From shorts to joggers to hydration vests and duffel bags, this is gear that will stay with you for many miles to come. OUR FAVORITE PATAGONIA RUNNING GEAR FOR SPRING OUTERWEAR Houdini Stash 1/2 Zip Pullover ($139) Did the Houdini just get an upgrade? We think it did. The full-zip Houdini is an icon in the world of trail running, so it’s nice to see the all-new half-zip pullover option. Made of an ultra lightweight 100% recycled nylon ripstop shell with a DWR finish, the jacket also features two side pockets (at last) and a zippered chest pocket. Airflow is provided by overlapping slits around the jacket. TRAIL RUNNING Trailfarer Shorts ($59) Liner-less (and pocketless, except for a back pocket), these high-rise shorts are made from lightweight fabric that breathes, wicks moisture and stretches for all-day comfort. For daily runs, hikes, or just general wear, they’re performance-driven and quick-drying and perfect for summer runs. ROAD OR TRAIL RUNNING 5” Strider Pro Shorts ($85) Light, breathable, fast-drying running shorts with ample storage for longer missions. Super comfortable and the bonded seams ensure a no-chafe experience. OUTERWEAR Storm Racer Jacket ($299) Made for the toughest conditions, this featherweight shell shell is made of 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric that keeps you dry. This fully recycled, 3-layer, waterproof/breathable performance shell stuffs into its own chest pocket for quick deployment when high-mountain weather goes south. WARM WEATHER GEAR Capilene Cool Lightweight Tee ($45) The next best thing to Merino wool, Capilene will indeed keep you cool. Patagonia’s lightest-weight technical top, the shirt wicks moisture and dries fast for a variety of activities over a wide range of temperatures. Made from 52-100% recycled polyester with HeiQ Mint odor control in a Fair Trade Certified factory. TRAIL RUNNING Slope Runner Endurance Vest ($159) Everything you need and nothing that you don’t, this vest features a simple no-bounce design, made of 100% recycled polyester ripstop. It comes with two HydroFlask soft flasks and just the right amount of pockets for gel/phone storage, as well as a front and back bungee system for trekking poles. Ultralight and breathable, this is the perfect running vest for warmer weather. We enjoyed the first version of this vest, but the 2024 version is improved in all the right places. FOOTWEAR Wool Anklet Socks ($22) When you just need comfort and moisture-wicking and odor-resistant performance on the trails, go with merino wool (58% of the material). All virgin wool Patagonia sources is certified to the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) from farm to fiber to help ensure protection both for the animals that supply it and the land they graze. BOTTOMS Terrebone Joggers ($99) While these aren’t new to Patagonia, we do have some new colorways. These slim cut joggers are made of 100% recycled polyester stretch ripstop. Super comfortable, and two hand pockets and a right rear pocket take care of storage issues. A versatile pant for travel, activity, and relaxing. TRAVEL Black Hole Duffel 55L ($169) While there’s four sizes of this bag, we prefer the 40L, perfect as a weekender bag, ultra drop bag, or beach bag. Really anything you can throw about it. The new design for 2024 focuses on impact reduction with a 100% recycled body fabric, lining and webbing, and now a pioneering recycled TPU-film laminate with a sleek matte finish. Pro tip: Pair it with the Black Hole packing cubes for ultimate organization and packing adaptability.
Path Projects Ramps Up Apparel Line for Spring 2024
PATH PROJECTS QUIETLY BUILDS FOR SPRING 2024 Stealth fashion has been the trend over the past year, but nobody has done quiet run fashion more loudly than Path Projects. Think small logos on shirts and shorts, with the work done behind the scenes telling the story of the fit and function. Apparel piece by apparel piece, one customer at a time, Path Projects has steadily built a brand built on quality and performance. One that appeals to athletes of all varieties– from runners to gym goers to dads just hanging out. They’re one of our favorite brands, and though they’ve been around for nearly a decade, they’re just getting started. OUR FAVORITE PATH PROJECTS GEAR FOR SPRING RUNNING/LIFESTYLE Graves PX Short ($58) We’ll start out with the best. We’ve highlighted this short year after year, and it remains the undisputed crossover champ of running and easy living. Whether it’s used with the Path Projects liner system for runs or worn as a casual short all the other times, it’s the quintessential summer short– lightweight, quick-drying, plenty of storage pockets, and cut perfectly. A relaxed version is also available; both fits feature lengths from 5”-9” in several colorways. RUNNING/LIFESTYLE Graves PX Shell Jacket ($139) What if you took our all-time favorite shorts and made it into a jacket? Then you’d have this. Super comfortable, wind and water resistant, and lightweight, the Graves PX also packs into a hand pocket and features an engineered hood construction to stay on while running. Also, it looks pretty great, so you can wear it for anything this spring. LIFESTYLE Boreas Field Short ($78) An all-new member of the Path Projects family, the 8.5” Boreas Field Short is meant for more rugged adventures. It’s Path’s take on ripstop– a Toray Dot Air Primeflex which lets air in and keeps water out while maintaining a built-in stretch. The end result is a pair of shorts designed for hot and humid environments, for all active pursuits and daily activities. SOCKS Joyner Crew Sock – 2 Pair ($36) New for Path Projects, the Joyner Crew sock (as well as the Joyner ankle sock) is designed to provide cushion and support over long adventures. A Coolmax polyester yarn keeps the feet as dry and possible, while a left/right fitting makes sure you’re getting the most out of the fit. LIFESTYLE/RUNNING Basis Tee ($48) Whether you wear it as an under tee, a lifestyle tee, or a performance tee, the Basis works in all conditions. Made from a proprietary Tencelite T19 Jersey, the shirt is lightweight and moisture-wicking, and is just the right cut so that it’s not too tight or too loose.