Running outside the time passes so quickly. I live in an area that is rural, private roads etc. I’m a morning person so at 4:00 a m I’m out the door. I feel like I own the world! Tons of deer, barred owls, coyotes and very rarely see the bobcat. For me it’s the best way to start my day. A little over 5 miles before the sun rises.  ... View more

That’s my exact quote @tyooos  ... View more

@RedPackWalking LOL! So true about the MH biscuits/gravy & chicken/dumplings, I had to chuckle! I'm lazy and did MH for years and years (lasagna is great! but concrete on your spoon...and...need a long spoon to keep food off you knuckles) Then I was shamed around the campfire by all my energetic friends dehydrating their own food and vacuum bagging it.  My wife makes great chili, which I would dehydrate with TLC, but it just never tasted the same at camp. Did I mention laziness?  So I'm back to MH. I love the flour tortillas for lunch, also with peanut butter, but also alternate packets of squeeze cheddar cheese which, imo, is fantastic! I rebag my MH meals into a freezer ziplock and just pour in boiling water; In my mind it's lighter, more compactable. (no cleaning required) I also carry a few extra ziplocks, in case I'm not hungry enough, in order to split the meal for later use. For breakfast, Quaker oats oatmeal packets, in a freezer ziplock, with walnuts and raisins added. Coffee is the starbucks packets. 2 per day. I also throw in a daily candy bar, some cheese sticks, large ziplock of M&Ms w/peanuts, sometimes a large bag of mixed nuts or cashews, maybe some 'combo's (smash resistant), I need a salty snack ever so often. (now I'm getting hungry) I don't eat this crap at home.  I try to pack about 2000 cal/day but almost never make it...or need it. ... View more

I foam roll, stretch and use a stick roller (I like “The Stick” which you can find on Amazon) after every single run, especially after long runs. I find that it helps significant with recovery in addition to general flexibility. I’ve had knee injuries caused by calf, IT band and hip tightness before and the stick helped significantly with my calves and IT band. Highly recommend! ... View more

Thanks TaylorH! Yeah, I saw that REI now has a good page-worth of wool sweaters to choose from. Some of them looked pretty good! ... View more

I tend to wear mine longer than I should. When my hips start hurting I retire them - never counted the miles. I’ve been trying to buy 2 pairs at once now so I have a backup ready. I HATE shopping and that’s what usually prevents me from buying a pair sooner 😂 ... View more

@jbweb I love winter running, especially if you live in a location that has seasonal change. There is something to running the trails after all the leaves fall! Here are a few tips that served me well over the years. Always layer up. Start with a nice base layer and make sure it is non cotton. Choosing a next to skin layer really comes down to personal preference. I love running in a Smart wool Mid-Weight base layer, but if you don't like wool on your skin I really love the REI Co-op Lightweight Base Layer Long-Sleeve Crew Top. Next I usually go with a fleece or another non cotton layer if it is super cold, then a fleece as my outer layer generally. I never wear a down layer and would opt to wear two fleece layers or running jacket\wind breaker rather than go with a more insulated options. Always wear a hat if you’re cold before you start your work out. Cold is relative depending on the person but if you walk outside and are immediately cold, grab a hat. You can always put it in a pocket or carry it. You lose so much heat from your head. Also sweat and cold don’t mix, so this is as much as a moisture management tip as it is a means to keep your body temperature regulated. Wear gloves!  I wear The North Face FlashDry Glove Liners, a light weight soft shell glove. Make sure not to wear cotton socks. Go with a wool or a synthetic blend. I prefer to use Balega Enduro Quarter Socks. They maintain shape after long term use, they have seams in the right places, and manage moisture really well. I grew up in Wisconsin and slipping is a concern almost 6 months a year. Making sure your eyes stay focused on your path and keeping proper running form is key to staying on your feet. I personally prefer not to wear a traction aid. One of my favorite places to run was on a frozen lake in the winter. I used to run the snowmobile tracks, usually the trails they create have good foot traction. It is also a great way to enjoy a local lake from a different perspective.   I hope your winter running is amazing and inspiring! ... View more

Wow!  Thanks for the Mary Oliver, Bonfire!  Well said ... View more

Whether it be an ultralight foam pad, or my REI Flexlite chair I never leave home without something to sit on!   "From the highest king, to the lowest peasant...everyone enjoys a good sit." ... View more

I had great success last year with my Altra Olympus 3.5's. I felt the extra stack height helped keep me out of the bad stuff and the traction was amazing. I ran in western Michigan in snow, slush, ice and temps down to -5.  ... View more

Here's a good thread for you. https://conversations.rei.com/t5/adventure-travel/favorite-adventure-books-and-stories/m-p/4152#M192   ... View more