Trail Runner Sets Women's Speed Record on Kilimanjaro

Danish trail runner Kristina Schou Madsen has set a new women's speed record on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. According to Gear Junkie, she was able to complete the 19,341-foot (5895 meter) ascent in a mere 6 hours, 52 minutes, and 54 seconds. For those keeping track at home, that's even faster than the 7 hours and 14 minutes that it took Kilian Jornet to do the same run back in 2010, but still well off the pace of the men's record, which is held by Karl Egloff and stands at 4 hours and 56 minutes.

Madsen set the record back on February 23, launching her run from the Meek Gate located at 5347 feet (1630 meters). She then managed to beat previous female record holder Fernanda Maciel by about 15 minutes, with her times verified by SPOT, Garmin GPS and the International Skyrunning Federation.

In addition to setting a new FKT (fast known time), Madsen used the speed run to raise funds for the Zara Tanzania Charity, in organization that conducts a number of different projects amongst the Maasai people. Kristina brought in $1000 for the charity, which will use the money to help build a classroom, dining hall, toilets, and a kitchen in a village school near Ngorogoro.

In an interview with Gear Junkie, Kristina talks about why she chose to take on Kilimanjaro, the gear she used for the ascent, and how she trains in her home country where the highest point is just 613 feet (187 meters) above sea level. She also tells GJ what's next on her schedule, with a couple of upcoming ultra competitions to keep her busy.

Congratulations to Kristina on an impressive performance. It never ceases to amaze me how these endurance athletes continue to raise the bar in terms of speed records. To put this in perspective, the rest of would find its challenge to complete a Kili climb in six days, let alone six hours. Well done!

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Gear Closet: TheraGun G2Pro Review

As a runner who puts in quite a few miles each week, and mixes in both road and mountain biking on a regular basis, it is safe to say that my legs sometimes take a beating. It is not uncommon for me to walk around with sore muscles on an almost constant basis. In fact, it has gotten to the point that I almost don't notice anymore and have just learned to deal with it in day-to-day life. But, a new tool has shown me that there are ways to help manage this pain and even prevent injury and soreness in the process.

The TheraGun G2Pro is a device that somewhat resembles an electric drill, but with hard rubber balls – called "AmpBits" – on the end. When turned on, the AmpBits rhythmically move up and down like a small, yet powerful, jackhammer. And when they're placed against your muscles and joints, they provide a deep tissue treatment that can help relieve soreness, fatigue, and chronic pain.

Physical therapists have used similar tools as the TheraGun in the past, but they often have proven ineffective simply because they are so painful to use. But, this device uses a unique form of both frequency and amplitude to trick your brain into shutting off its pain receptors, allowing you to use the TheraGun for far longer than you normally would be able to tolerate. The result is that you can give yourself a deep tissue message just about anywhere and at anytime.

When I received a test unit to review, I have to admit I was somewhat skeptical. The TheraGun has garnered quite a following with NFL, NBA, and Major League Soccer players, but I wasn't sure exactly what it could do for me. After using it for a month however, I've come to appreciate what it brings to the table and how it can help outdoor endurance athletes too.

The TheraGun G2Pro can be used in three ways: to warm-up, to stay loose, and to recover after a workout. The product works great as part of a pre-exercise stretching routine, using it for 30 seconds or so on each of the muscles you're going to be focusing on. This helps to get the blood flowing in those areas, which are often stiff and sore from previous workouts. For me, that usually means running a mile or two before I really start to find my groove, but with the G2Pro, I felt like I was already well on my way to being warmed up before I ever headed out the door.

Using the device mid-workout allows some athletes to keep the blood flowing to their muscles and joints, preventing them from tightening up. For instance, an NFL quarterback could use it on his shoulder during halftime to help keep the arm loose and ready to go for the second half. This wasn't as much of a concern for me, as I wasn't going to stop running or cycling to use the TheraGun, but it makes sense for athletes who find themselves in these types of situations.

Finally, you can use the G2Pro after your workout and shower, during your cool-down phase, to help your muscles relieve tension and tightness. The user can spend 15 minutes or so using the AmpBits on their legs and arms for instance and it ultimately should help them to not only feel better, but avoid longterm soreness and even prevent injuries.

I can honestly say that the device worked as advertised. The soreness in my legs was greatly diminished and I felt much better prior to my workout the next day as well. During my test phase with the TheraGun I also avoided picking up any nagging injuries and didn't aggravate any existing ones either.

Using the device is easy and intuitive. You simply pick it up, select the right sized AmpBit, turn it on, and apply to your sore muscles or joints. That's really all there is to it. How long you use it is entirely up to you and is based on what you're doing. As a post-workout massage, I found that it delivered a powerful impact to my sore muscles that was at times painful, but in a "hurts so good" kind of way. And afterwards, the relief was quick and evident. Best of all, the next day when I headed out for my next run or ride, my legs felt fresher.

The G2Pro is a high quality device, but it is also fairly pricey too. At $599, it is more expensive than what most people can afford. But serious athletes will find it it well worth the value. Not only do you get the tool itself, but it comes with four different size and shaped AmpBits, two rechargeable battery packs, and a charger. Those batteries are each good for about 40-45 minutes of use, which should be about 2-3 full sessions of post-workout therapy.

The TheraGun and all of its accessories fit nicely into a high-quality carrying case that looks extremely professional, which is of course the point. This is a device that physical therapists, personal trainers, and other sports medicine professionals will want to have at their disposal. It can and will deliver real benefits for their clients, and can make a huge difference in managing pain on a daily basis.

The TheraGun G2Pro is available online in a variety of outlets, although Amazon is the one that I found had it most readily available.

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Video: How to Run 100 Miles

For most people, the thought of running a hundred miles sounds absolutely ludicrous. For others of us, it is something we'd love to aspire to. This video is for the second group of people. It features Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad fame as he prepares for, and eventually takes part in, the 102.9-mile (165 km) Run Rabbit Run ultra in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. For anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming an ultra-runner, this video is both eye opening and inspiring at the same time.

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Video: How to Train Like Kilian Jornet

Want to know how to train like the best mountain runner in the world? This video can help! It gives us an intimate look at how Kilian Jornet trains for the events and expeditions that he takes part in, providing some insights into how he is able to accomplish the things he does. As Kilian himself says at the beginning of the clip, he is 30 years old and has essentially been training for 30 years. That's because he was born in the mountains and they have always been his playground. Still, there is plenty of dedication, determination, and hard work that goes into his preparation and planning too. Find out more below.

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Video: The Off-Season with Emelie Forsberg

How does a world-class athlete spend her off-season? Why relaxing as much as possible, just like the rest of us. In this video, we join Emelie Forsberg as she travels to Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a little down-time between her trail running season and the start of the ski mountaineering race season. Of course, her holiday isn't all about just relaxation, as you'll see in this beautiful short clip.

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Video: Kilian Jornet Trains in the Northern Lights

We've been getting a steady stream of videos featuring Kilian Jornet recently, all of which have been outstanding. This one is fantastic as well, taking us once again to Norway where we join the Spanish mountain runner on a night training session with the Aurora Borealis gleaming overhead.

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A Holiday Shopping Guide for Outdoor Athletes

Yesterday I posted a holiday shopping guide for hikers and backpackers, sharing my picks for the best gifts for those groups of outdoor enthusiasts. Today I'm back with a selection of items for the outdoor athlete in your life. Whether they are a cyclists, mountain biker, or trail runner, we have some some suggestions on what they want this year. Here are my favorite gear items for the active outdoorsman and woman.

Apple AirPods ($159)
For listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during a run or ride, Apple's iPods are quite simply the best true-wireless earbuds I've come across so far. Lightweight and offering great sound, the AirPods have excellent battery life (5 hours), are a breeze to set-up, and come with a handy charging case that extends their life to more than 24 hours. They also fit comfortably in your ears and have yet to fall out on any of my workouts.

Osprey Duro 6 Trail Running Pack ($110)
Every trail runner needs a good pack to take with them on their workouts. That pack not only allows them to carry extra gear and supplies without hindering motion, but it should play a vital role in keeping them hydrated too. The Osprey Duro 6 is  vest-style running pack that is comfortable to wear, offers plenty of capacity, and won't slow you down when things start to get intense.

CamelBak Palos 4 LR Hydration Pack ($75)
Staying hydrated on a mountain bike ride can be a real challenge, and while some riders like to carry bottles on their bikes, a hydration pack is often a better option. CamelBak's Palos 4 LR is a lumbar pack that offers plenty of capacity, the ability to carry 1.5 liters of water, and even comes with an integrated tool organizer. And since it sits low on the back, it leaves the riders shoulders and arms free to control the bike.

Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Running Shoes ($120)
Altra's zero-drop, natural-fit running shoes have become a favorite with nearly anyone who has tired them. One of the company's flagship models is its Lone Peak 3.5, which is a wonderful option for trail runners looking for good traction, plenty of support, durability, and agility in a single package. Put them on once and you'll wonder what took you so long to try Altra's to begin with.

Light & Motion Vibe Pro Bike Light ($60)
Staying safe out on a bike ride means staying visible, and few lights help you to do that better than the Light & Motion Vibe Pro. This light quickly and easily connects to any bike, offers 100 lumens of light, and comes with onboard sensors that detect motion and automatically turn on when placed in the mount. Battery life is a solid three hours of runtime between charges and at $60 it is an affordable piece of mind for any cyclist.

Buffs ($20-$45)
I've been touting the usefulness of Buffs for years now, and I continue to stand by those sentiments. The most versatile headwear on the planet, Buffs are a must-have for any outdoor athlete. They can be worn as headbands, bandanas, kerchiefs, balaclava, and many other items, making them indispensable in both the heat and cold. Made from high-tech fabrics designed to wick moisture and keep sweat and dirt from getting in our eyes, I rarely ever leave home without one in my pack.

G-Form Elbow and Knee Pads ($70)
Lets face it, crashes are a part of mountain biking. They happen to everyone from time to time. But, you can limit the damage by wearing protective gear from G-Form. The company has been making compressions shorts, tops, and knee and elbow pads for years, and they remain a must have for any rider. The Pro-X Elbow Pads and Knee Pads are my recommendation, although adding a pair of Pro-X Compression Shorts is a good idea too.

Powerdot Smart Muscle Stimulator ($249)
After an intense workout, even the most well conditioned outdoor athletes need to go into recovery mode. But now days, we're a lot smarter about focusing on that recovery and we have a slew of tools to help us get back to training and competing more quickly. Take for example the Powerdot, a muscle stimulator that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and allows athletes to target their recovery process more intelligently. Simply attach the Powerdot to the muscle group you want to work, select that same group from the smartphone app, and let it do the rest.

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Video: This Ultrarunner Escapes PTSD Out on the Trail

There are a lot of different motivations for why people run. Some of us use it as a way to stay fit, others find it relaxing and therapeutic. Some use it as an escape from other areas of their life. Such is the case for Lithuanian trail runner Gediminas Grinius, uses running as away to calm himself from the post-traumatic stress disorder he feels after serving in as part of the military in Iraq. He witnessed some harrowing events there, and now he runs to help deal with the trauma of that war. His story is both inspirational and touching. Check it out below.

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Gear Closet: Thorlos Outdoor Athletic Socks Review

When it comes to keeping our feet happy on the trail, we always seem to focus heavily on the shoes or boots that we wear. Obviously the footwear the we take with us on an adventure is incredibly important, and the cornerstone for keeping our feet comfortable and protected. But, often times we overlook the socks we use, electing to just grab what ever is handy in the drawer. It turns out, having the right pair of socks plays a vital role in the health of our feet too.

Over the past couple of months I've been testing a new line of socks from Thorlos. These socks fall under the Adventure Series category for the company, and include options for hiking, backpacking, travel, and more intense activities like trail running. Made from a proprietary blend of materials, these socks are designed for comfort and performance, and after using them in a wide variety of activities, I can safely say the are now the socks I grab first when setting out on an active adventure.

As an outdoor gear reviewer, talking about socks isn't the sexiest of topics. Still, it is a very important one, having a deeper impact that most of us realize. With the in mind, let's take a look at the different models that Thorlos offers.

Outdoor Athlete ($16.99/Pair)
This is the sock that is directly aimed at trail runners, endurance athletes, obstacle course racers, or anyone who is looking to go fast on the trail. They feature a quarter-length cut that comes up to the ankle, and have an extra bit of reinforcement around the cuff to help keep dirt and debris out. Often times when we develop blisters or hotspots, it is because grit or small rocks have found their way inside our socks, rubbing the skin to irritation. But, these socks help to prevent that from happening, allowing athletes to simply forget about those issues altogether.

The Outdoor Athlete sock also features a design that is meant to provide support to the foot that can help it avoid issues like plantar fasciitis. The shape is also meant to cut down on fatigue and provide more energy return too. I'm not sure about the science of sock design, but I do know that they are very comfortable on my feet, feel great while I'm running, and have helped me to avoid undue wear and tear. I run as much as 40-45 miles per week, and these socks have performed the most consistently through a variety of conditions, ranging from cool and rainy, to hot and humid. So much so, that I actually lament the days that they are in the wash and I have to use something else.


Outdoor Fanatic ($19.99/Pair)
While the Outdoor Athlete is designed for more active, fast-moving pursuits, the Outdoor Fanatic sock is meant hiking and trekking. This sock shares some of the same features, but incorporates PrimaLoft merino wool to provide extra warmth, while still maintaining high levels of breathability and wicking. Thorlos has also embedded `copper-ion technology in the fabric as well, which provides anti-fungal and odor properties that go above and beyond those found in regular wools.

Much like the lightweight Outdoor Athlete, the Fanatic is incredibly comfortable to wear, while offering support that goes all the way up the calf. I've taken these socks with me on several trips into some wild backcountry environments, and they have performed great. In fact, on a recent four-day backpacking excursion, I only brought two pairs along with me, and could have easily gotten away with one. The remained clean, dry, and odor-free. They also didn't abuse my feet in any way, with now blisters, abrasions, or hotspots developing at all.

If you're a day hiker or short-distance backpacker, this is probably the perfect sock for you. That said however, these socks are also super versatile, and can be used for a lot of different activities. They're also perfect for active travel as well.

Outdoor Explorer ($17.99/Pair)
Thorlos' Outdoor Explorer socks were made specifically for use on the trail, with backpackers and campers in mind. While not quite as versatile as the Fanatic, they are still a great option for those who find themselves trekking through the backcountry on a  regular basis.

Also made from PrimaLoft merino, these socks offer I high level of moisture management and breathability. They are a bit more athletic in nature than the Fanatics, but offer a similar length and cut, coming well up the calf. They don't incorporate the same copper-ion technology to fight odor, but since merino is so good at that already, I never noticed much of an issue in this area anyway. They are a touch lighter in weight, but still offer great performance.

If your feet tend to get warm while on the trail, and you're not necessarily traveling longer distances or for extended periods, the Explorer is a fantastic option. They are a little less expensive than the Fanatics, but are also a little less versatile. I'd pack these for a weekend backpacking trip, and take the Fanatics with me on a Kilimanjaro climb or trek to Everest Base Camp instead.

Outdoor Traveler ($23.99/Pair)
Built for outdoor and adventure travel, where you may not be going at such a rapid pace, the Traveler is a lightweight sock that perfect for extended trip. These socks are made for use with more casual footwear, although they slip nicely into a pair of boots all the same. Extremely comfortable to wear, they are meant for lower-key activities at a less aggressive pace.

I found these socks to live up to their billing as a good travel companion. They are extremely comfortable, work nicely with just about any kind of shoe, and feel great on your feet. They also do a good job of managing odor, which means those of us who like to pack light don't need to bring too many pairs with when we hit the road. They also offer the perfect weight for active endeavors, although I'd still go with a pair of the Fanatics or Explorers if I were doing any serious trekking.

So there you have it, a complete rundown of the new adventure oriented socks from Thorlos. I will say that they are all a bit pricer than what many of us would normally pay for our socks, but they are also worth it. A couple of pairs of these will take care of all your needs, and since they are very durable, I suspect you won't need to buy new ones for quite some time. As I said above, socks aren't the sexiest pieces of gear that we can talk about, but you'll certainly be glad you have some good ones at your disposal when you need them.

Find out more at thorolo.com.

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Video: How to Trail Run - Running on Snow

Salomon has kicked off the second season of its "How to Trailrun" series of videos with several new clips appearing on the company's YouTube channel. You'll find videos to help you learn how to dress for running in the winter, as well as tips for trail runners who are looking to cross-train as well. But considering the shift in seasons that is about to take place here in the northern hemisphere, I thought it was appropriate to share this particular video, which provides tips on how to run on the snow. Sure, we don't really want to think about winter coming, but since it is inevitable, we might as well embrace it.

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Video: The Mirnivator - The True Story of a Not-So-Typical Trail Runner

Meet Mirna Valerio a dedicated  runner who will break all of your stereotypes of what a runner should be. In this video, brought to us by REI, we meet Mirna and learn about what motives her to get out an run. But she doesn't just go for casual jogs around the neighborhood. She is an endurance athlete who competes in long distance events, pushing herself to her own physical and mental limits. What makes her different than the other ultra-runners out there? She just so happens to have a body type that isn't typical for runners, and for that she often catches a lot of flack. In fact, the video opens with a stunningly rude and demeaning email she received from someone calling her out as a fraud. But that is just the kind of fuel that gets her going. If you watch one video today, make it this one.

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Gear Closet: Endeavor Exceed Run Short 2.0 and Edge Hoody

If you're in the market for some excellent new exercise gear to keep you comfortable during your workouts, take a look at what Endeavor Athletic has to offer. I was recently introduced to the brand and have had the chance to check out a couple of their pieces and have come away thoroughly impressed. Here's what I've been testing, along with some thoughts on each item.

Endeavor Exceed Run Short 2.0

I'm a runner. I run almost everyday. On the road and on the trail, running is my favorite form of exercise and it is a good stress reliever after a long day. That's why it is important to me to stay comfortable during my workouts, and that starts with a good pair of running shorts. For me, those shorts need to fit snugly, but not in a way that constricts movement. They also need to provide some level of moisture management, as I can get pretty sweaty when running hard. It doesn't hurt if those same shorts can be versatile enough to be used in other activities too. 

That's exactly what I got out of Endeavor's Exceed Run Short 2.0. I've spent more than month testing these shorts in a variety of conditions ranging from mild and comfortable to hot and steamy, and they have performed well in all cases. I've even run with them in the rain and they performed well in those conditions too. This gives me a lot of confidence in knowing that when I set out on a run, the shorts that I'm wearing will work well, even if the weather shifts somewhere along the way. 

The Exceed Run Short come with two zippered pockets that are surprisingly large and deep. This makes them a nice option for securely stowing a smartphone, keys, a few energy gels, or other small items. Endeavor has even managed to sneak in a couple of reflective logos to help the shorts stand out in low light conditions, along with a small interior pocket as well.

But what I like most about these shorts is just how comfortable they are to wear. Made from lightweight, flexible nylon, the Exceed Run Short moves well with the body, thanks in part to their anatomical cut that. A built-in brief provides extra support during the run, but better yet hasn't caused any type of chafing as of yet. Laser perforated ventilation holes provide an extra measure of breathability, while a drawstring waistband allows runners to adjust the size to fit their individual needs. 

If you're looking for a comfortable pair of shorts for your outdoor workout routine, the Exceed is an excellent option. These shorts are durable, comfortable, and built with runners specifically in mind. That said however, they'll serve you well in a variety of other activities too, including an intense CrossFit class, stand volleyball at the beach, or just kicking around in the backyard. (Price: $75)

Endeavor Edge Hoody

When it comes to versatility, its difficult to top the Endeavor Edge Hoody. I've found it to be a great option to have in your closet on cold weather runs, but it can also be pulled on after a workout to keep you warm in cooler conditions too. The hoody features a nice, athletic cut that makes it a good choice to wear during your outdoor workouts, trips to the gym, or even just running errands around town. 

When designing the Edge Hoody, the team at Endeavor managed to work in plenty of nice features. For instance, it comes with a mesh back and underarm vents to help regulate temperature and it features two large hand pockets as well. The hoody also comes with a media pocket, complete with headphone management system, and thumb loops to pull the sleeves down over your hands for added warmth. 

Additional features include reflective logos, a mesh-lined hood, and an integrated polygiene odor control system that keeps the jacket feeling and smelling fresh, even after numerous workouts. The hoody is also made from durable knit fabrics that have survived countless runs – not to mention washes – without losing any of its luster. The Edge still looks as good now as it did when it was first shipped to me awhile back. 

I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a comfortable hoody that performs well. I have a couple of them in my closet that I happen to love, one of which has accompanied me on some far flung adventures to remote corners of the globe. The Edge is good enough to take its place alongside those other jackets that I enjoy so much. It is comfortable, good looking, and allows you to move without impairing motion, despite the fact that it feels snug when you're wearing it. All of this make is a great choice for  outdoor athletes who need a versatile piece of clothing for cold weather workouts. (Price: $120)

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Video: SalomonTV Takes Us on a Dream Trip to Nepal

If you could go on a dream trip, where would it be? For trail runner Tyler Courville, it would be a visit to Nepal to go running with National Geographic Adventurer of the Year Mira Rai, and thanks to SalomonTV, that dream actually came true. In this great video, you'll join Tyler as he travels to the Himalaya, meets Mira, and sets out on an adventure in the mountains. It is an epic journey for sure.

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Himalaya Spring 2017: Kilian Preparing For Another Go at Everest?

Once again, I know we've been posting a lot of news from the Himalaya lately, and already have one article about ongoing expeditions there from earlier today, but considering the general interest in this story, I thought it was worth giving it its own post.

Yesterday it was widely reported that Spanish mountain runner Kilian Jornet has set a new speed record on Everest. While that record comes with a number of qualifiers, there is no doubt that Kilian's 26 hour ascent is an impressive feat to be sure. Especially when you consider that he began having stomach issues at around 7700 meters (25,262 ft), but pressed on anyway. But, it seems Jornet might not be down with the mountain just yet, despite having already put on such an amazing performance.

On his descent, Kilian still suffered from his bout with the stomach illness, so rather than going all the way back to Base Camp, he stopped in Advanced Base Camp for some much deserved rest. While there, he ran into Adrian Ballinger, who reported on the encounter on his Facebook page. This is what Adrian had to say.

"#pro - if you don't follow @kilianjornet, stop reading this caption and go follow him. I'm lucky to be surrounded by some amazing athletes on a daily basis. But Kilian...wow. Today he made a 26-hour push from Base Camp to the summit of #Everest, without supplemental oxygen. This is superhuman. But three things make it even wilder. First, he suffered gastro distress throughout the summit push but somehow suffered through and still stood on top. Second, he thinks he can do it faster and hopes to recover in time to make another attempt before this season ends. Third, after 30+ hours awake and enduring real suffering, he still graciously signed autographs in ABC before sleeping or eating. I am so blown away, humbled and inspired for my attempt. Congratulations Kilian! #everestnofilter #everest201"

In other words, it looks like Kilian is already thinking about making another run at the summit and improving on his time. But, he's not thinking about coming back in the fall or returning for Spring 2018, but will instead try to recover now, and if the weather window is good, make another attempt at the speed record in the next few days. If that happens, it would be even more remarkable than his first summit.

Before he can do this, he'll first need to rest and fight off the gastro distress he's been dealing with. With high winds on the mountain today, he wouldn't be able to go up anyway, and with massive summit pushes now underway, it would probably be best for the endurance runner to wait for the crowds to clear out. That would make Friday or Saturday a perfect time for another push, provided he's feeling up to it. Will it happen? We'll just have to wait around to find out.

Stay tuned!

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National Geographic Announces People's Choice Adventurer of the Year

Way back in November National Geographic announced its selection for the 2016 Adventurers of the Year, with ten very worthy individuals earning that title. But of course, that still left the winner of the  People's Choice Adventurer of the Year, which is awarded to the person from the original list who earned the most online votes from general public. That voting took place through mid-December, and now all of the ballots have been counted and the recipient can be named at long last.

This year's Nat Geo People's Choice Adventurer of the Year is none other than Mira Rai, a trail runner from Nepal who is blazing her own route. The naturally gifted runner didn't even begin competing seriously until two years ago, when she inadvertently found herself taking part in the Kathmandu West Valley Rim 50k race. But having grown up in the Himalaya, and spent her whole life adapting to the challenges of those rugged mountains, running was simply part of life there. In that first race, she ran further than she had ever gone before. She was also the only female participant, and yet she managed to finish even though she didn't have fancy gear, equipment, or even food and water.

Since then, her career has taken off, and Mira has attracted the attention of sponsors. But, in 2016 she suffered a ruptured ACL that kept her from running as much as she would like. So, to refocus her energy elsewhere she organized the first race to take place in her home village, a simple outpost where most people are content to just eek out a subsistent living. More than 100 people came to participate, and the always-jubuliant Rai proved once again that she could beat the odds.

Now, she has done that yet again. Bolstered no doubt by a lot of votes from back home, the Nepalese runner now stands alone as the People's Choice Adventurer of the Year. Read more about her story here, and check out the video below to get a more personal look at this inspiring trail runner.

Congratulations Mira! This honor is well deserved.

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Men's Journal Gives Us 14 Epic One Day Adventures

Last Friday was a National Day of Adventure, and while I wasn't in the country to celebrate, you can bet I was off on an adventure of my own that day. Hopefully you took advantage of the opportunity and hit your favorite trail, climbed a new route, paddled some open water, or did something equally fun as part of the celebration. But if not, Men's Journal is here to help with a list of 14 epic adventures that you can do in a single day.
Whether you like ride a mountain or road bike, prefer to hike on your own two feet, or are down for some aquatic adventures, this list has something for you. For instance, some of the suggestions that earn a nod from the MJ editors include a hike to the summit of 5267-foot (1605 meter) Mount Katahdin in Maine or trekking through the Vermilion Cliffs of Arizona. Other options range from riding a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail on your mountain bike to cycling the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, North Carolina. And for those who prefer their adventures to be waterborne, the list suggests running the Upper Gauley River in West Virginia, which is at its peak this time of year with Class III to V rapids.

I won't spoil the entire list, as half the fun is discovering what adventures actually made the cut. Needless to say however, there some great suggestions here with destinations spread out across the entire U.S. Chances are, you live fairly close to several of these places, and could potentially fit one or two of them in on a busy weekend.

Of course, this list is also a good reminder that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure just outside our door at all times. Perhaps its time to head out and explore some of those options and remember why there is no place like home.

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Reminder: October 14th is a National Day of Adventure

As I get ready to head out of the country once again tomorrow, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that next Friday – October 14, 2016 – had been declared a National Day of Adventure by Men's Journal and Victorinox, the company behind the iconic Swiss Army Knife.

While not an official holiday of course, the entire point of the NDOA is to encourage people to get outside, engage in their favorite outdoor activities, or perhaps even try something new. To that end, the two sponsors of the Day of Adventure have helped organize more than 30 events across the U.S. to give us all a starting point for getting our adventures off to a good start.

While I'll actually be in Spain on that day, I'll certainly take some time to hit a trail and do some hiking, or possibly even some snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea. And since it is a Friday, hopefully some of you will take part in the celebration by heading out to enjoy your own adventures too. Why not skip out of work early, grab your mountain bike and take a ride on your favorite trail? Or, gather up some friends and take a scenic hike somewhere before grabbing some dinner and drinks afterwards. The whole point is to add a little excitement and adventure back into your life, something that hopefully we do on a more regular basis than one day a year, but it is a good place to get started never the less.

So, whether your like to ride, hike, run, paddle, fly, climb, or some other crazy outdoor activity, don't forget to set a little time aside to pursue that passion next Friday. After all, you'll never regret the days that you do the things you love, and you might just discover other passions along the way.

Get out there and enjoy!

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Gear Closet: Petzl Reactik+ Headlamp

It seems all of our electronic gadgets are getting smarter these days. First came the smartphone of course, then tablet computers, and smartwatches too. Now, thanks to the the Reactik+ from Petzl, we can add "smart" headlamps to the list too.

What makes the Reactik+ so smart you ask? Well for starters, it comes with Bluetooth wireless technology baked in that allows it to connect to your smartphone and control its functionality using a special MyPetzl mobile app. That app gives users the ability to control the brightness of their lamp yourself, or tell it what type of activity you'll be doing, and for how long, which gives the device the ability to set its own brightness levels based on how much power is lift it is rechargeable battery. The app has preset profiles for sports like trail running, mountaineering, hiking, or simply just hanging out around the campsite. You can also add your own custom profiles as well, allowing you to dial in exactly the performance you need.

At its brightest setting, the Reactik+ can crank out as much as 300 lumens of light, which is plenty for just about anything you want to do outside. On that level, it the headlamp can run for about 2.5 hours, but you can adjust the burn time for 5 or 10 hours as well, and the lamp will automatically regulate itself to achieve that length of time. This ability to extend the life of the Reactik+'s battery comes in handy if you find yourself out on the trail for longer than you expected, or you don't have a handy way to recharge the device while in the field.


The Reactik+ has several different lighting modes to help you navigate through the darkness. For instance, it features a proximity beam that diffuse the light across a wider area, as well as a focused beam that acts as a bright spotlight for when you just need to see as far ahead as possible. Of course, it also comes with a red light mode, which is handy around he campsite when you don't want to burn out the retinas of your friends who are accompany you on your outdoor adventure.

Designed to be tough and weather resistant, I recently put this headlamp to the test on a backpacking trip to Bryce Canyon where the rain was coming down sideways. Despite those poor conditions however, the Reactik+ performed admirably, surviving some of the worst weather that part of the country has seen in years, and continuing to work well. After that experience, I feel confident that this light will work great in just about any weather, with perhaps the exception of extreme cold. Frigid temps can put a strain on the life of the built in rechargeable battery, although this is something that plagues most other headlamps too.

Other features of this headlamp that I really like include a washable headband, which is a must for those of us who live in warm climates and will run with this light on our heads. I also appreciate the ability to lock-out the power source, preventing the lamps from accidentally turning on while in our packs and running down the battery. Petzl has even given the headlamp the ability to use a standard battery pack that employs AA batteries for power instead. This battery pack is sold separately, but it is nice to have the option none the less.

In terms of performance, I love all of the technology that this headlamp brings to the table. It's "smart" features work great, and I appreciate its ability to dial in just the right level of lighting to get me through a long run or a night hike back to camp. The MyPetzl app is simple to use, connects to the Reactik+ quickly and easily, and is versatile enough to allow you to fine tune things to your own liking. My only complaint is that I wish it had Apple Watch support that would allow me to adjust the light's settings on the fly without having to retrieve my iPhone from my pack or wrist strap.

At $109.95, the Petzl Reactik+ is on the expensive side in terms of headlamps. But, if you're an active outdoor athlete who runs, bikes, climbs, or hikes a lot, you may very well appreciate all of the tech features that it brings to the table. As a gadget-nerd myself, I know I certainly do. However, if you're just looking for a very good headlamp that you can take with you on your adventures, the standard Reactik may be a better choice. It performs much the same way as the "+" model, but without the "smart" features. It also sells for $84.95, making it a bit less expensive. Either way, you'll get an excellent headlamp that is comfortable to wear, versatile to use in the field, and very powerful at lighting your way.

Purchase your Reactik+ at REI.com or CampSaver.com.


REACTIK + Bluetooth headlamp with Reactive Lighting Technology from Petzl-sport on Vimeo.

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This video takes us to Seward, Alaska to witness one of the most unique races on the planet. Seward is home to Mt. Marathon, which is described as "one of the oldest, fastest, hardest, toughest… and shortest mountain races in the world." The race is held each July 4, and last year world-class runners Kilian Jornet and Emelie Forsberg were on hand to take place in the event, bringing their own unique skills along with them. You'll get a first hand look at Seward, the race, and these great athletes below. It is something to behold.

On a side note, I was in Seward last year on the day of the race. To say it was an electric atmosphere would be an understatement. I enjoyed reliving it through this clip. I hope you like it oo.

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