Best of 2012

2012 has been real discovery of what it means to be trail / ultra runner. In 2011 we were just running on trails, this year we experimented with nutrition, discovered gaiters, got packs so we could run longer without stopping to fill up water bottles, found a whole community through pod casts, picked up water purification tablets and a first aid kit. We wanted to share some of our favorite things from this year. We are looking forward to continuing our trail / ultra running adventure in 2013, hopefully running longer distances, tapping into the local trail / ultra community, trying and posting more recipes, and who knows what else.

Best Event
Long: PCT Bunker to Bonneville 50k
Epic: The North Face Endurance Challenge - San Francisco 50k 
Short: Mt Hood Scramble

Best Disaster
Running out of (potable) water on a 26 mile run in 92 degree heat in the Columbia Gorge.

Best Trail
It's a toss-up between the sheer joy of taking a day off work to run the waterfall-filled wilderness of Eagle Creek, or the absolutely astounding views, adventurous water crossings, and tasty blueberry patches of Bald Mountain.

Best Gear
It's been a good gear year for me. Ann got me a pair of Dirty Girl gaiters a year ago that have been my constant companion on the trails. I splurged on a Lululemon skirt that's so light I can barely tell I'm wearing it, while giving me a cute ruffled bum so that Ann keeps wanting to run with me. I moved up to full-fledged tights (again, thanks to Ann-- no more muddy, flapping wide legs) as my running pants of choice. But best of all is my Nathan Intensity hydration vest. Now I can carry enough water, food, and safety gear to not have to leave drop stashes or loop back to the car. It's a trail/ultra lover's must-have!

I have to agree with all of Susan's gear picks. Fearing the 6-8 inches of rain that were predicted the day of The North Face Endurance run, I picked up The North Face Stormy Trail Jacket. This jacket kept me dry, warm and is extremely light. 

Best Read
Eat & Run by Scott Jurek

Best Trail Food
Healthy brownies

Justin's Nut Butter 

Best Podcast 
Trail Runner Nation
 

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