Tested Along the Way
Gear, books and other things I’ve actually used and found worth carrying forward. Nothing here is about having more. It’s about finding what genuinely helps along the way.
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Trail Gear
The things that make long miles easier, safer or simply more comfortable. Nothing here earns a place just because it is popular.
Hydration Vest
I bought this before my first 10K because I didn’t trust myself at the aid stations and wanted to remove the option of stopping. As my runs grew longer, it became my go-to setup for carrying my own hydration and nutrition while staying secure and comfortable over long days.
Hydration Bladder
I added a hydration bladder to my USWE vest when my runs got long enough that two 500 ml soft flasks weren’t always enough. I still only use it on longer efforts when I need the extra water, but it has stayed in my setup because it’s reliable and does exactly what I need.
Headlamp, Overnight
I upgraded after using a cheaper headlamp during my 50M and realizing its brightness, battery life and reliability weren’t enough when I stayed on the course much longer than planned. For overnight efforts, the longer battery life gives me confidence that my light isn’t going to leave me stranded on the trail.
Training
Tools that add something useful to the work between trail days, whether that means building strength, coordination or endurance.
Breathing Trainer
I added this to my routine when I realized endurance was a weakness. The sessions are quick so I use it daily before my meditation. Over time, I noticed stronger lung capacity and endurance as the miles increased.
Agility Ladder
After tripping through a rooty trail race and realizing I had what I call lazy feet from years of road running, my coach programmed agility ladder work weekly during race training. It helped me build quicker ground contact and train myself to move more deliberately over technical terrain.
Recovery
A few tools that can help you take care of the body that carries you through the miles.
Foam Roller
I started using this during my CrossFit days and it’s been part of my routine ever since. I use it daily on my back, lats and legs, and I feel the difference when I skip it.
Lacrosse Ball
I keep this around for the smaller areas that are harder to work with, especially my feet. Rolling it under my feet helps keep the muscles loose and flexible after all the miles spent running, hiking and walking.
Red Light Belt
Months after a race, I still had a nagging quad issue near my knee that wouldn’t go away no matter how much work I did on it. I decided to give red light therapy a try and after a few sessions, the area finally stopped bothering me. I still reach for the belt after long runs to help keep the area feeling loose.
Nutrition
Fuel and hydration products that are useful because they work on the trail.
Endurance Fuel
I first tried Tailwind at an aid station during my 50-mile race and have used it on long runs ever since. I sip it throughout the run because it sits well with my stomach and helps keep my energy steady.
Electrolytes
I added electrolytes during 50M training after an energy crash made it clear my everyday mix wasn’t enough, especially on hot Louisiana days. I sip them during longer efforts to help me stay ahead of the dips that used to derail me.
Energy Gels
I discovered energy gels at an aid station during my first ultra, but the thick, paste-like consistency of the ones I tried made them tough to get down. I eventually found Huma, whose smoother, almost baby-food-like consistency worked much better for me. They taste good, go down easily and have been easy on my stomach even as the miles add up.
Nice to Haves
You don’t need much to get out there. These are the little things that have made race days, drop bags or time on the trail a little easier.
Race Bib Snaps
I switched to these when the races got long enough that time caps mattered. No more fumbling with safety pins, no more finger pricks or holes in my shirt on race morning.
Drop Bag
I used to carry everything because I believed that was what tough runners did. It felt more self-reliant, which was silly since I was still using aid stations. When the 100K introduced a time cap, that story stopped making sense, so I moved most of my extra gear into a drop bag. Beating the cutoff mattered more than protecting my ego.
