Shoes

The only trail shoes in my arsenal these days are Merrell, and for good reason.  While wider shoes are available, I haven’t found a brand that accommodates my hobbit feet and provides a moderate drop, incredible traction, and overall great experience.  

Last year, I ran BFC in my Merrell Momentous.  This year, I opted for my Merrell Agility Peak Flex 3s, literally choosing between these and my new Merrell Momentous 2 BOAs the morning of the run.  I opted for the APF3s primarily because, while they are more worn out (and officially retired after BFC 2020), I had enough miles in them to know exactly how they would hold up over the course of 31+ miles.  These are currently an older model, with a new model anticipated sometime next year.  The APF3s have been a go-to for me over the last year because of the overall feature set: overall comfort, even when my feet swell; rock plate; solid traction on all terrain from rock to wet leaves; flexible grip that molds to the natural contours of the foot – allowing exceptional grip on uneven terrain. 

Socks to Shorts

No major commentary here, though I would note that my XOSKIN socks are my first pair of toe socks, and I’m truly enjoying them.  I seem to be experiencing decreased hot spots and no toe issues whatsoever.  A little bit more padding underfoot would have been appreciated; however, I have no major complaints.  Strapping tape, a frequent tool for high mileage, was used to supplement the socks and prevent blisters – pieces were applied too all common hot spot areas.

The calf sleeves always help slightly with fatigue, and they help significantly with the briars on the way up and down Testicle and Rat Jaw.

As far as compression shorts go, I’ve found that the Salomon S/LAB Exo Half Tights, albeit being a chore to get on, are my new favorites.  The overall compression is rock solid, and whereas my CW-Xs seem to cause chafing after 30+ miles, I haven’t had a single issue with chafing in the Exo Half Tights.

Above the Waist

Given the relatively cool temperatures this year, I opted for a standard short sleeve shirt rather than a tank top.  My go-to shirtsleeve shirts are my Salomon Agile shirts, so I opted for one of these by default.  No major commentary other than the fact that the shirt was comfortable, breathed great, and I had no issues with chafing.  The briars did do a number on the mesh-style material, but that is to be expected.  

For my vest, I wore my go-to ADV Skin 12 pack.  While it is perhaps overkill in terms of capacity, I’ve opted to always purchase 12L packs.  The ADV Skin material melds extremely well to the body, so the additional space is neither bulky nor in the way – making it a no-brainer addition for those times when it is needed. 

This year, I brought a buff for two reasons: (1) as a face covering when needed on the trail; and (2) as a means of protecting my ears on Rat Jaw.  After seeing Ashley get a briar stuck in her ear last year (and having to help remove it), I decided to keep my ears covered during the ascent(s).  Despite a few instances of bushes ripping the buff off my head, it was an overall worthwhile piece of gear!

My other major protective items are my gloves.  I’ve used the same pair two years running, and they are exceptional when it comes to keeping the hands from getting shredded.  Using these padded leather gloves, I can reach out and grab any plant in front of me – even using it to pull myself up – without concerns about puncturing or cutting my hands.

Not Clothing

I’m a nut about Squirrel’s Nut Butter.  Let’s just say a good slathering of that stuff helped me avoid screaming in the shower the night after the run (unlike a poor friend of mine who was in the stall next to me…  those screams will haunt my dreams).  Put it on everywhere.  Put it on thick.  You’ll thank me.

For my nipples – a very sensitive subject (area) – I actually tend to go even further.  I have real sensitivity issues, so I’ve found that wearing moleskin (frequently for several days at a time during peak training season) is my best best to avoid any blood, tears, etc.  I cut small circles, throw them on, and forget them until they fall off or random strangers give me odd looks when I’m hopping into the gym swimming pool 😉