Cross Training For Runners

Looking for the best way to clean running shoes?

Then you’ve come to the right place.

Why is cleaning important?

It’s a key part of taking good care of your running gear so that it lasts longer.

Sweat and moisture in the feet set up the perfect humid environment that facilitates the growth of bacteria which leads to bad odor. Also, cleaner running shoes often have better support and grip.

Here’s the good news – washing running shoes is easy and takes only a few simple steps (and minutes).

In today’s post, I’m going to share with you some effective ways to clean your running shoes and keep them looking new without damaging the functionality or material.

Sounds great?

Let’s get started.

How Often To Clean Running Shoes?

Running shoes are designed to withstand the wear and tear on the road, but they’re not dirt-proof.

In general, and depending on weekly mileage and running surfaces, running shoes—and athletic footwear in general—requires cleaning at least every couple of weeks.

What’s more?

Sometimes your shoes will need immediate wash is the only way, following a rainy trail run, for example.

Additional Resource – Here’s how to break in new running shoes.

The Checklist You Need For Cleaning Your Running Shoes

Here are the tools and equipment you need to give your running shoes a thorough wash.

• Mesh laundry bag
• Towel
• Heavy-duty detergent
• Baking soda
• Drying rack
• A Used toothbrush or a soft scrub brush
• White tissue paper
• A sponge
• A bucket of warm water

And that’s all.

Now let’s get to work.

How To Clean Running Shoes  – The Hand Washing Method

The most effective—and safest—way to clean your running shoes without damaging them is through hand-washing (more on why machines are bad for your athletic footwear later).

Here are the steps.

Use The Right Detergent

Since most standard laundry detergents are designed for clothing, I’d recommend using a soap that’s specially made for athletic footwear, such as Sport Shoe Wash or Nikwax Sandal.

The proper detergent should remove both strains and odors without harming or damaging the shoe’s composition.

Additional Resource – Here’s how to dry running shoes.

Fill A Bucket

Grab a small bowl or bucket, then mix warm water and a small amount of gently laundry detergent or your stain removal of choice.

Make sure the consistency is moderately soapy but not overly sticky or frothy. You should also use enough water to fully submerge your shoes.

Avoid bleaching agents for white shoes as these can cause discoloration or even damage certain types of fabrics.

Separate

Remove the laces and insoles from your shoes, then brush off all loose dirt and debris. Use an old toothbrush or brush, then briskly rub.

Additional resource – Here’s the full guide to running shoe anatomy.

Clean Fully

While using a dry paper towel and a sponge, clean your shoes thoroughly from any clinging dirt, mud, or debris before immersing them. For stubborn stains, feel free to use a used toothbrush or a brush that has stiff bristles.

Clean The Insoles

Wash your insoles with soapy water. Use a brush to thoroughly scrub the surface, then clean off the debris and excess soap with a wet sponge.

Just avoid soaking the insoles, as you’ll risk damaging the foam and its shape.

Smelly insoles? No problem. Simply sprinkle them with baking soda to get rid of the odor and moisture. But this is only good for emergencies. Replace your insoles when the odor refuses to go.

If all fails, replace them.

Additional resource – How to measure foot size for running shoes

Wash The Shoes

Fill up a bucket or sink with warm water and some laundry detergent, then place each running shoe in the water and allow them to soak.

This might be enough to get rid of any dirt or grime. But if some remains, feel free to gently scrub the stubborn stains using a cloth or brush.

When done, use a clean cloth or sponge dipped in water, then wipe off any suds.

Air Dry

First, let the shoe drip in an empty sink, then re-squeeze to get rid of any extra water. Don’t forget to pull the tongue out.

Dry your shoes in a warm place and stuff them with scrunched white tissue paper or white cotton towels to help speed up the drying process while preventing color transfer.

Next, put your shoes on a drying rack in a well-ventilated space to air-dry.

This will help speed up the absorption of moisture and keeps the shoe of your shoes as they dry.

Additional Reading  – Your guide to the heel to toe drop.

Baking Soda

Last but not least, once the shoes are properly dried out, sprinkle baking soda inside to get rid of any odors or lingering moisture.

Things not to Do To your Running Shoes

The above process is exactly what you need to do to wash and clean your running shoes without much hassle.

Here are some of the things you should never do, though.

• Never put your shoes in the dryer. The high temperature may compromise the glue that holds your shoe together. It may also cause the materials or fabrics to shrink.
• Avoid The washing machine. Tossing your shoes in the washing machine can also damage the fabric and adhesives, shortening its lifespan.
• No bleach allowed. Avoid using bleach or other household cleaning supplies to wash your shoes. Opt for gentle, footwear-safe options only.

Additional Resource – Here’s a list of the best running shoe brands.

How To Clean Running Shoes  – The Conclusion

There you have it. If you’re looking for a simple way to clean your running shoes and keep them smelling—and looking—fresh, then today’s article has you covered. The rest is just details.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts or favorite way to wash your shoes down below.

In the meantime, thank you for dropping by.

Keep running strong.

David D.

“When is the best time to run?”

This is one of the most common questions I get from my clients, readers, and friends.

To be honest, I don’t have the answer.

Whether it’s early in the morning, at lunchtime break, or late at night, virtually every runner has an opinion—or two—on the ideal time of day to log their miles in.

To get it right, here are a few guidelines to help you figure out what running routine times work best for you. Dawn, crack of noon, or dead of night.

Sounds great?

Let’s lace up and dig in.

When Is The Best Time To Run? Morning Running

Here’s what you stand to gain by building a morning running habit.

Good Start

Logging your miles first thing in the morning will jumpstart your day on a positive note.  The endorphins your brain releases in response to exercise can elevate your mood and keep it up long past your 30-minute run.

You’ll also feel a sense of triumph after completing a run, giving you an optimistic outlook for the rest of the day.

Improved Motivation

When you schedule your miles as the first thing on your schedule, it’s less likely that something else will come up and stand in the way of your success.

Of course, don’t take my word for it.

Research shows that people who exercise in the morning are more consistent with their exercise routines than those who sweat it out in the afternoon or evening.

More Burn

Running in the morning, especially on an empty stomach, may help burn more calories for the rest of the day.

Research has shown that people can burn drastically more body fat exercising on an empty stomach.

Just keep in mind that if you’re too hungry and drained, you may lack fuel for full running potential.

Disadvantages

Morning running has its downsides.

Let’s check out a few.

Stiff Body

Jumping from bed to the streets running can feel a lot harder on your body than at any other time of the day. Your core body temperature might be low, your muscles tense, and your joints stiff. This may set the stage for soreness as well as mediocre performance.

Not A Morning Person

This goes without saying, but if you only wake up early in the day when it’s a matter of life or death, then trying to build the morning running habit will be an uphill battle—one that you may lose a few weeks in.

Sleep Sacrifice

Not only will you need to wake up earlier for your one-hour run, but also factor in the time needed for preparing for the run and getting ready afterward. Even a short 20-minute jog .will take at least an hour.

This can lead to sleep deprivation such as inertia, which is feeling groggy for a while upon waking up, as well chronic fatigue and low energy level.

Additional resource – What’s the optimal temperature for running

When Is The Best Time To Run? Running At Noon

Here are a few of the pros of running during your lunchtime break.

Peak Performance

Research shows that human athletic performance reaches its peak around lunchtime.

This is thanks to a host of factors like hormone levels, core body temperature, fuel usage capacity, breathing volume—all of which peak in the afternoon—compared to the morning.

What’s more?

Research out of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning revealed that people tend to perform their best at exercise later in the day, with both endurance and strength topping later in the afternoon.

Nice Break

If your job is too overwhelming, taking a short break to go for a run can help restore your energy so that you tackle the rest of the day renewed.

The run will function as a rest, allowing you to get some fresh air to clear your mind and set up your intentions for the rest of the day.

Safer

Compared to running at dusk, afternoon runs occur when the world is most awake, and everything is bright.  The sun is out. The streets are alive.

That’s why running during this time is the safest.

Additional Resource – Running during lunch break

Disadvantages

Here are some of the downsides of the afternoon running.

Stomach issues

The biggest hurdle when it comes to afternoon runs is planning around your last meal.

You’d need enough fuel to power you throughout your training. But, if you’re still too full from a full lunch, you’ll experience lethargy and stomach cramps.

When Is The Best Time To Run? Nighttime Running

Leading a hectic life from dusk till dawn? Then here are some of the benefits of working out at night.

Stress Relief

Hitting the streets is one of the best ways to help you unwind and blow off some steam.

Nighttime runs do both your body and mind good because they can help you clear your mind from the stresses of problems of the day.

High Performance

In the evening, your body might still be in high-performance mode, which will allow you to perform at your best. But it’s not the case when you are already overloaded at work.

Additional resource – Guide to urban running

Disadvantages

Again, running at night is not without its own challenges, including:

Sleep Disruption

If your runs are challenging enough to leave you especially alert and wired, logging the miles before getting to bed can make it hard to fall asleep.

However, keep in mind that research has shown that exercising at night doesn’t always disrupt sleep—in fact, it can actually improve it when done right.

No Energy

By 8 or 9 pm, you’ve already gone through an entire day of work meetings, shopping errands, commute, and so much more.

All of these may drain you out of energy and make you feel tired and sluggish by the time the evening arrives.

Less Safe

Venturing out when it’s dark means that you’re vulnerable to all types of dangers and risks, especially for female runners.

These include safety concerns, traffic problems, vision obstacles, and higher levels of pollutants in the environment.

Lack of time

Unless you’re a late-night owl and don’t mind going to bed at 2 am, you might be short for the time when running at night.

What’s the answer?

At the end of the day—no pun intended—the best way to stay consistent with your running routine is to schedule your runs according to your individual goals and lifestyle.

In short, the best time for you to run is when it feels easiest for you.

So, when trying to decide what’s the best time for you to run, consider your individual goals and lifestyle conditions. Plan everything precisely, so you could do it during the time slot you choose.

Do you want to get faster? Lose weight?

Tame stress? Or what?

For example, if you want to run your best, perform intervals; for instance, consider scheduling your run during the afternoon.

Looking to reduce stress and unwire? Finish off your day with an easy and comfortable run.

Still unsure? Try running early in the morning, at lunchtime, then late in the evening, then see which you enjoy the most.

Additional resource – How to become a morning a runner

When Is The Best Time To Run?  – The Conclusion

There you have it! If you ever felt unsure about when it’s the best time to run, then today’s post should have provided you with enough answers. The rest is really up to you.

Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.

In the meantime, thank you for dropping by.

Keep training strong.

David D.

**This is A guest Post by my friend Alina Boska ***

To achieve holistic development, young athletes combine sports and higher education. In order to pursue a top-quality degree, many of them decide to study and train in the United States. Some runners believe that American universities can empower them for their future role in society at the end of their competitive period in sports. What’s more, the US institutions often offer flexible academic programmes and financial support to athletes. Typically, these perks are defined in individually negotiated agreements. Hence, student-athletes from all over the world get great opportunities for pursuing a successful dual career.

However, international students face some challenges trying to combine sports and education in the United States. Read about them below!

Cultural shock

No matter where you come from, you will be immersed in a different culture after your arrival in the United States. For sure, some people’s habits and customs will not be the same as in your home country. Besides, they may even seem weird or unacceptable to you. Chances are, you will experience intense negative feelings because of that. Psychologists say that most students from abroad struggle with homesickness and irritability.

To reduce your immigrant stress, you should first be aware of the main cultural differences. For example, you should learn about teacher-student relationships before coming to the United States. Note that they are rather informal there compared to the Asian and European education systems. It’s also important to start making new friends as soon as possible. Be open to your fellow international students to build a support network and find a safe place to share your experience in the United States.

Academic workload

It can be extremely difficult to focus on your school work when you have regular training sessions. As a runner, you must practice really a lot to achieve your sports goals, which interferes with the study process. Even the best colleges for students who want to start running professionally have very intense learning plans. The US professors always assign pretty much homework to give comprehensive knowledge to students. This a blessing and a curse for students at the same time. On the one hand, they get a great education and increase their chances to make a successful career. But on the other hand, the combination of learning and training exhausts them.

Many students think it’s impossible to find the solution to this problem. However, there is something to do about it. First of all, it would be great to talk to professors during their office hours. You can ask them for additional guidance and support. Also, you can turn to the services that help students with their homework. For example, if you were assigned a complicated term paper or an essay, you can check https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/immigration/ that contains hundreds of tips and assignment samples for students. This website also offers help of experienced writers that can complete your home task within the deadline you set for them.

Financial difficulties

As you might know, college tuition fees in the United States are quite high. Studying at private school usually costs “an arm and a leg” even for athletes who get a discount for their sports achievements. According to the statistics presented by CollegeData.com, an average budget for a private college is approximately $47,800 per year. This doesn’t include the cost of health insurance, which is quite expensive for students from abroad. Also note that as a runner, you are at risk of frequent injuries, so you might need medical help from time to time. Hence, before you arrive in the United States, you should thoroughly count your future expenses.

To ease your financial difficulties, you could check scholarships available for athlete students in the United States. Athletes may also benefit from grants and generous student loans. There are plenty of options for talented students, so you will probably find something that fits your needs. You can turn to your university’s financial aid office and ask for help with the application process. This way, you are more likely to get money for covering your education and living costs.

Final thoughts

Being an athlete and a student at the same time is not easy. Both roles impose a lot of challenges for young people. Especially, if you come to study in the US from abroad, many additional difficulties are inevitable. They include cultural shock, money issues, and heavy workload. However, there are some effective solutions for each of them. Hopefully, this article provided you with valuable ideas on how to make your student life easier.

Author’s BIO

Alina Boskar works as an academic writer at one of the leading assignment services in the United States. She helps students complete their assignments and achieve success at college. As a big fan of sports, Alina spends most of her free time doing exercise in the fresh air. She believes that it is beneficial for both body and brain.

When I first started running, I thought tracking running metrics on my running watch was overkill—just a bunch of numbers.

But once I began paying attention to stats like training load, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation, I realized they could completely change how I trained.

Let’s get into the details of how you can use these metrics to enhance your running form, efficiency, and overall fitness.

Training Load

If you’re training hard regularly, your fitness will probably improve. But if you take too much time off, your performance might start slipping. That’s fitness adaptation for you.

So how do you know if you’re doing it right? Enter training load.

This metric tracks the overall strain of your workouts, using heart rate data to measure how much stress you’re putting on your aerobic system during and after your runs.

This data gives you a personalized recommendation on when to scale back or push a bit harder. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for optimal training.

Tracking this metric changed my approach: I’d go out every day, push myself to the max, and then wonder why I’d feel so wiped out.

I remember one day my watch practically yelled at me to take it easy after a brutal interval session.

Naturally, I ignored it, thinking I knew better, and went out for a long run. Rookie mistake! I ended up with a calf strain and a week on the sidelines.

Now, when my watch says rest, I take it seriously—it’s made a big difference.

Ground Contact Time

If you’re struggling with injuries, ground contact time might offer some clues.

GCT measures the time each foot spends on the ground while you’re running. A longer ground contact time is generally correlated with an inefficient running economy. Lowering your ground contact time may improve your running efficiency and help prevent injury.

I’d been dealing with persistent knee pain a few years back, and it was driving me crazy. I tried changing shoes, adjusting my pace, even taking a break, but nothing seemed to help.

Eventually, I started tracking my GCT, and it turned out my left foot was lingering on the ground way longer than my right—it was a form imbalance I’d never noticed.

After working on strengthening my weak side and shortening my stride, the pain finally disappeared.

If you want to lower your GCT, try focusing on a quicker cadence and shorter stride. Think of it as taking ‘ninja steps’—light, quick, and stealthy.”

Vertical Oscillation

Vertical oscillation measures how much your upper body moves up and down as you run.

Ideally, you want to minimize this “bounce” to reduce energy waste. If you’re bouncing too much, that energy isn’t helping you move forward—it’s working against you.

Let me explain.

When running, your ultimate purpose is to propel your body forward and keep moving in a horizontal direction. Not up. Gravity speed isn’t going to change anytime soon.

I hope this makes sense since by lowering vertical oscillation you might reduce energy waste, gravitation friction, and improve running economy. That’s a bunch of good things if you ask me.

Excessive vertical oscillation may also indicate that your form is breaking down. Thus, you can use this feature to monitor how your form deteriorates and how long it takes to go south, even if the goal pace is maintained.

To keep vertical oscillation low, work on shortening your stride length and imagine balancing something on your head to keep your movement steady. Exercises like squats and jumps can help strengthen your core, glutes, and hamstrings—all essential for better running form.

I used to think a little bounce was normal, part of the rhythm. But then I saw a race video, and it was a wake-up call. I was bobbing up and down like I was on a pogo stick!

So, I started working on minimizing that ‘bounce’ by imagining a low ceiling I had to duck under. After a few weeks of working on it, I could feel the difference in how steady and efficient my runs became.

Vertical Ratio

Vertical ratio measures your running efficiency by comparing your vertical oscillation to your stride length.

I know this sounds a little bit technical but just bear with me.

A lower vertical ratio means a smoother run with less energy lost to bouncing—imagine gliding over the pavement!

On the other hand, by lowering the amount of time your body travels vertically, you can improve your efficiency and speed down the road.

To improve your VR, I’d recommend either (1) increasing your stride length. Instead of reaching over on each step to cover more ground, try applying more power off the ground.

Or (2) reduce your vertical oscillation by landing on your forefoot and adding a “bounce” to your strides.

Heart Rate

Heart rate (HR) is one of the best ways to gauge your effort during a run.

As you run faster or longer, your heart pumps harder to fuel your muscles, raising your BPM (beats per minute). Tracking this helps you understand how hard you’re pushing yourself.

Heart rate is broken down into zones that correlate to workout intensity. Higher heart rate zones indicate more intense effort, so understanding these can optimize your training.

As a runner, you’ll want to keep training within specific heart rate zones to make the most out of your workouts.

For example, an easy run should not extend beyond zone 3, or you’re pushing your body when you should be taking it easy.

You should also know your your max heart rate (HR Max), which is the maximum number of beats per minute your heart can handle during intense exercise.

You can estimate it by subtracting your age from 220, but I’d urge to take a lab test for more accuracy.

Running Power

I remember when I first started using running power metrics. I was hesitant—numbers and watts felt like something only cyclists cared about. But after a coach friend convinced me, I decided to try it.

On my next tempo run, I noticed how focusing on my power output helped me keep my effort steady, even on hills. Monitoring my power output became my secret weapon for maintaining pace, even when fatigue set in.

So what is running power all about?

Running power measures the amount of work you do against resistance during your run. It’s expressed in watts (W); a higher wattage means more power output per step. Tracking power helps maintain steady efforts, improving your form, pacing, and overall speed.

In other words, it’s a metric of output you produce while running.

The main benefit of monitoring power output is that it helps you keep steady efforts on your runs. This helps improve your running form, practice better pacing, and achieve faster running times.

Stride Length

Stride length is the distance you cover with each step. It varies based on your physiology, strength, and mobility, but the key is finding an optimal stride length without overreaching.

I found that overreaching was slowing me down—like hitting the brakes with every step. Adjusting this has made my strides more effective and less tiring.

What is the best way to improve stride length? Focus on increasing your cadence (see the next metric).

Cadence

Cadence is one of the most important stats for examining running form efficiency.

Cadence, or steps per minute (SPM), is crucial for running efficiency. Most experts suggest aiming for 170-180 SPM. Count the steps your right foot takes in one minute to find your cadence, then multiply by two.

The best way to determine your running cadence is to count the number of steps your right foot hits the ground in one minute, then multiply it by two.

Cadence could be the key to running faster and more efficiently.

If you want to become a faster runner, you can do either one of two ways: (1) by increasing your stride length so you cover more distance with each step or (2) by increasing your cadence so that.

When I first heard about cadence, I thought, ‘Do I really need to count my steps?’ But curiosity won out, and I downloaded a 180 BPM playlist to sync my steps to the beat. At first, it felt strange, like my legs were moving to someone else’s rhythm.

But after a few weeks, my runs started feeling smoother, like I was gliding rather than pushing. Now, I aim for 170-180 steps per minute (SPM), and I feel faster and more efficient without extra effort.

VO2 Max

VO2 max tells us how much oxygen our body can utilize during max effort—crucial for gauging our endurance. It’s a key indicator of your aerobic capacity. While lab tests provide the most accurate reading, some wearables can estimate it using heart rate data and algorithms.

Any exercise helps your VO2 max. However, research has found that going intense and short—as in high-intensity interval training—is one of the most efficient ways to increase and/or maintain an optimal VO2 max. Learn more about VO2 max charts here.

Visualizing Your Metrics: Metric Tracker Chart

Understanding the ideal ranges for key running metrics can help you set realistic goals and track your progress effectively.

Below is a Metric Tracker Chart that breaks down the optimal values for various metrics, categorized by experience level. This visual guide will assist you in identifying where you stand and where you can improve.

How to Use the Chart

• Identify Your Level: Look at the metrics that correspond to your running experience—whether you’re just starting out or have been running for years.
• Set Goals: Use the ideal ranges to set realistic and achievable goals for your training. For example, if you’re a beginner, focus on increasing your cadence gradually.
• Track Progress: Regularly measure these metrics during your training sessions to see where you stand. This will help you assess your improvements and adjust your training plan as needed.

I Want to Hear from You!

At the end of your training journey, I’d love to know how metrics have influenced your performance. Please share your experiences in the comments section below.

Here are a couple of questions to spark your thoughts:

• Which metric have you found the most useful in your training?
• Have you encountered any challenges while tracking or improving your metrics?

Can’t wait to read your answers in the comment section.

Have a great day.

The state of affairs, at the time of writing this, has triggered a surge in virtual races.

Now, these events are here to stay.

Though I don’t encourage anyone to go against the health guidelines set by the WHO, not being able to race sucks.

Well, maybe until things can return to the way they used before—not this “new normal” nonsense.

But how can you turn virtual racing into an enjoyable, successful experience?

This post has you covered.

In today’s article, I’ll share with you a few training guidelines to help prepare for your virtual race, improve and keep your motivation, and make sure you have fun.

More specifically, I’ll go over:

• What is a virtual race?
• How to track a virtual race
• How to find a virtual race
• How to prepare for the event
• How to run a virtual race
• The logistics of a virtual race
• And so much more.

Sounds exciting?

Let’s get started.

What is A Virtual Race

Virtual races consist of remotely held race events managed by a organization that gives the participants the flexibility of racing a certain distance at their own time and discretion.

In a virtual race, you sign up for the race and complete your given race distance.  You can run—or walk—from any location you choose. The event can take place  on the road, the treadmill, the trail, the beach, the track—you decide.

In other words, you choose your own race, course, pace, then time it yourself.

When you pay to enter a virtual race, you’re expected to meet your goals, let’s say run 5K, run for 40 hours nonstop, or run a marathon, then a medal or prize is shipped to you.

For more on the history and rise of virtual races, check the following resources:

• Perspectives on Using Online Platforms for Promoting Running and Walking Activities
• Competitive Racing in Virtual Cycling-Is It Possible, Realistic, and Fair?
• Virtual Races Keep Runners Going
• Exploring virtual race participants’ perceptions of event mobile apps and behavioral intention
• How do virtual runs work?
• What is a Virtual Race and Should You Run One?
• Virtual race transformation reverses racial in-group bias

Additional Reading – Here’s your guide to obstacle race course training.

Why Run A Virtual Race?

Pros of virtual running races include:

• Testing your fitness
• Staying motivated
• Focusing on something positive
• Training for a race
• Staying in shape
• Connecting with another runner through social media
• Breaking a new PR
• Pushing toward new distances
• And so much more.

Additional resource – Guide to pacing strategies for different races

How Do Virtual Races Work

Virtual aces work the same way as your standard, in-person race.

As a runner, you pick the distance and a suitable virtual event, sign up then pay the registration fee just like you normally would.

Next, train for the race. That’s all.

Following the race, the participants upload their finish times and are then mailed a finisher’s medal (or any other prize).

Keep in mind that some race organizers will require to show your stats using an app such as Garmin or Strava or even show pictures of your treadmill stats when running on a treadmill.

Additional resource – How to avoid slowing down during  a race

How To Find A Virtual Race

At the time of writing, the majority of popular races are being canceled, and some are offering virtual alternatives. Even major races such as the Boston Marathon and The New York City Marathon have switched to virtual events.

The pandemic doesn’t discriminate.

Try looking up for one in your area, and you’ll more than likely be inundated with options suitable for different distances, speeds, and experience levels.

You can also sift through running communities to find a virtual race that matches your needs.

FindARun.com is a fantastic place for a reliable virtual race directory where you can find races listed from all over the world.

You can also check the Virtual Runner UK, which has a nice directory of a virtual race—sorted by distance. You can also sign up using their own app.

Additional Resource – Guide To Running Race Distances

Choose The Right Distance

Virtual races, just like their in-person counterparts, cover all abilities. From 5K virtual runs to virtual marathons, the range of choices are is wide as ever.

So whether you just took up running or are aiming for a sub-3 hour marathon, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for.

You can choose to loop around the streets in your neighborhood or hop on your home treadmill.

You can also run along a familiar trail.

What’s more?

Consider what a virtual race means for the distance of the race you’re planning. For example, a longer-distance event may require extra planning, especially when it comes to mid-race support.

Pick A Familiar Route

The biggest perk about virtual races is that you get to choose your own route—more importantly, your own starting line and time.

Thanks to virtual race, you can compete wherever and whatever time of the day suits your lifestyle—and usually on whatever day of the week.

No need to spend money and time trying to get to the race venue.

However, since you’ll more than likely run your virtual race alone, you’re better off choosing a familiar route.

In fact, I’d recommend that your plan your “racecourse around your neighborhood.

For longer races, plan the course around your home or a convenience store, which can function as an aid station and/or toilet stop. You’re, after all, your own race organizer.

Additional resource  – How to prepare for your best running race

Get The Distance Right

After getting the right distance, it’s time to get the distance right. Or else your race will be a failure.

Few things are as frustrating as plotting out a challenging course, reaching the finish line, and then realizing that you had the distance wrong the whole time.

To do it right, use Google Maps, or your run history, to track your planned racecourse as accurately as possible.

I’d also recommend using a GPS watch during your virtual race. Remember, nobody’s keeping track of your distance but you.

Here’s the full guide to measuring how far did you run.

Follow The Rules

If you’re looking to see your name on the leaderboard or aiming to win an age group size, you’ll want to abide by the race director rules.

For example, if the event requires the participants to upload their time online, remember to make GPS activity setting public.

Record your running time using a tracking device or a smartwatch, take a screenshot or picture of the tracking app or watch for proof of completion.

Strava, Garmin, Nike, Runstastic are all reliable and acceptable by most race organizers.

What’s more?

You should also monitor net elevation gains and loss—some virtual events put a cap on it.

Additional guide – Age grading explained

Pay Attention To Pace

Completing a virtual run is completely different from running a standard, in-person race.

Without the rhythm of the crow, you might feel tempted to start the race too fast (or too slow). This can ruin months of hard training and compromise your race results.

That’s why it’s key to have a proper pace strategy. As a rule, choose a challenging—but realistic—pace and try to keep it throughout your virtual run.

But first, begin by defining your race goals and determine what pace strategy you’re going to use.

Here’s how to prevent a DNF in a race

The Beginner’s Guide To Virtual Runs – The Conclusion

There you have it. if you’re looking to complete a virtual run race today’s post will get you started on the right foot. The rest is really up to you.

Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.

In the meantime than you for dropping by.

Keep Training Strong.

David D.

**This is a guest post by my friend Alina Boskar **

Students who participate in athletic competitions have to juggle between their training and academics while devoting enough time to both of them. In the end, nothing is more important than pulling yourself up to come out as a champ in the both the fields.

If you’re someone who’s also preparing for a running competition while preparing for examinations and writing papers, here are five important points that can help you do well in both areas.

Training

Your training will be controlled and directed by your coach. Following their instructions while also finding ways to improve yourself is what every athlete must aim for. Training for the event must be your priority and you must tailor all other activities around it.

Most often, students who participate in running competitions struggle to maintain a balance between their academics and training. It’s important to give due time to both, but you can always take help from experts to help with assignments pertaining to academic writing.

Professional writing sites help students to complete their essays on time. Their ‘Do my Homework’ page allows students to take help from writing experts and finish their assignments on time. As a student-athlete myself, I like to ask experts to do my homework and EssayOnTime helps me finish assignments on time while guaranteeing a good grade.

Stay hydrated and eat well

The last thing you want to do is forget about your health before the competition. Keep a bottle of water with you all the time and keep track of your water intake. Being dehydrated before the race can be detrimental in long races. Sprint runners should also drink water during the competition. Electrolytes are also great to keep your energy up during events.

As for meals, the time before the competition will require you to be most careful with your food intake. If you have more than one event, you must eat foods that will help in muscle and energy recovery. Avoid eating anything that would drop your energy levels, such as simple carbs or sugars.

Time management

Managing your time is also very important. As discussed earlier, for students, managing training and academics well requires a proper schedule. Scheduling your day will allow you to make a routine for each day, where each activity is given a specific period of time in your day based on its priority.

As a student, scheduling your day can enable you to fit your training, academics, and leisure activities within your day. Scheduling can also help in setting times for each meal so that you eat at the right time and keep your body healthy.

Keep a positive mindset

Your attitude towards the competition and the events is perhaps the most important to maintain. Naturally, the stress associated with such competitions is high, which makes it extremely important for you to distract yourself with activities that help you focus on the competition. Focus more on the start and your strategy rather than worrying about the end result. What matters is putting all your practice and effort to reap the most amount of benefit.

Moreover, instead of being overwhelmed by thoughts of failure, try to focus on the experience and all that you will learn during the event. Use your stress to your advantage by keeping yourself pumped and excited for the event.

Get enough rest

Training hard isn’t the only way to win competitions; resting is just as important. Athletes must give their bodies plenty of rest after practice. During sleep, the body is able to repair any damaged tissue, which is frequent when it comes to physical exercises. To avoid any soreness or long-term injury, it’s extremely important for you to sleep at least 6-8 hours every day.

If you struggle to get enough rest, look through your day and find out ways to make space for more resting time. Scheduling and routinizing your days is the best method to do this, as you would have a day that is planned and includes the required 6-8 hours of sleep. Following such a schedule would make it easier to fit activities that are necessary for your physical and mental well-being.

Conclusion

Make sure you clearly note down all that you have learned during the event. Whether you win or lose, there’s always something you can do better, so look for such pointers after your race. Maintain a positive attitude towards the competition from start to finish. As you participate in more competitions, you’ll find that keeping a positive mindset contributes a lot to one’s chances of success and growth.

Author’s Bio:

Alina Boskar works for an academic writing portal where she features as a top writer in essay and homework writing. Besides that, she also writes and does illustrations for a children’s storybook company. In her free time, Alina likes to read sci-fi novels, indulge in gaming and doing yoga.

If you love to drink beer as much as you love to log in the miles, then you must have wondered, at one point or the other, whether your drinking habits are affecting your running results.

The answer, as you can already tell, isn’t all black or white.

But fret not no more.

In today’s article, I’ll briefly explain what happens to your body when you drink beer post-workout and how it might impact your running performance and fitness in the grand scheme.

Sounds great?

Let’s get started.

Beer And Overall Health

Getting drunk after a run is actually detrimental to your health, but what about a couple of cans of beer?

Let’s look at some of the research.

Research out of the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined data from health surveys in the UK and look at the impact alcohol and exercise had on the risk of death from chronic diseases.

The subjects were broken down into two groups based on their drinking habits: occasional drinkers, ex-drinkers, and non-drinkers.

At the end, the researchers concluded that those who drank occasionally were better protected against death from any cause as well as cardiovascular disease.

In other words, beer consumed in moderation can do you health good. Beer is ideal for moderate drinking thanks to its low alcohol content and larger volume compared with spirits or wine.

Research has reported that beer consumed in moderation can do your health good.

Here are some of the reasons:

• Better nutritious. Beer is more nutritious compared to other alcoholic beverages. Beer has plenty of antioxidants thanks to the flavonoids in barley and hops.
• Protect your heart. Research out of the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that moderate intake of ANY alcoholic drink is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease.
• Cholesterol friendly. Beer has a lot of soluble fiber that may help lower your LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels. Upping your intake of soluble fiber has been shown to regulate healthy blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.
• Good for kidneys. According to this research, male and female subjects whole drank a moderate amount of beer reported a reduced risk of developing a stone by about 40 percent.
• Good for your bones. Beer also has a lot of silicon, which can help you build stronger bones. Orthosilicic acid, which is dietary silicon in the soluble form, is key for the growth and formation of bone and connective tissue.
• Chills you out. This is the main reason beer is such a loved drink. The staff helps you unwind and reduce stress levels, which can do good things both to your body and mind.

Note – I hate to sound like a broken record, but you can only reap these benefits when you keep beer consumption moderate.

Beer And Hydration

One of the most undesired effects of alcohol is dehydration. The stuff acts as a diuretic, causing you to urinate more and lose fluids.

In fact, one unit—10 grams—of alcohol stimulates the production of 100 ml of additional urine.

Of course, don’t take my word for it. Research has reported that post-workout drinks with about 4 percent alcohol may slow recovery from dehydration by forcing subjects to urinate more in the hours following the drink.

What’s more?

Running after consuming alcohol may make dehydration worse as you’ll be sweating out a lot, especially if you’re running long and/or hard. Dehydration can spell disaster on your running performance. I don’t need to say it again.

However, not all beers are made equal. For example, light beer, which packs in lower amounts of alcohol, is less likely to cause a drastic dehydrating effect.

What’s more? Beer has a lot of water, too—feel free to rehydrate with beer post-run.

Again, don’t take my word for it.

Research out of the Loughborough University examined the diuretic and hydration impact of light doses of alcohol and reported that the effect was insignificant as the participants’ bodies worked hard to restore fluid balance.

Another study out of the Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition assessed 16 subjects.

The participants performed an intense run in a hot laboratory. Next, they were offered either water alone or beer and water.

The end result?

Drinking beer had no clear effect on any hydration measure that the researchers used.

This led the researchers to conclude that mild to moderate beer consumption when paired with some water posed no risk on hydration.

Just keep in mind that the strong stuff—think Gin, Whiskey, and other spirits—can cause you to lose more water than they contribute.

Beer And Electrolytes

Electrolytes consist of minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium that contain an electrical charge.

These play different key roles in the human body, such as regulating water levels, maintaining proper pH balance, and aiding in nerve transmission

That’s why sports drinks are common in the running world, as they provide these key electrolytes to help you rehydrate after running.

Unfortunately, we lose lots of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, through sweat while logging the miles. When these reserves are low, we experience headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, etc.

Here’s the good news.

Some beers contain essential electrolytes. In fact, some brews even fortify their products with electrolytes and minerals, which makes them a viable post-workout drink. These so-called “fitness beers” also tend to be lower in alcohol content.

The science agrees. Research has pointed that it is feasible to replace energy stores and electrolytes with a post-workout beer.

Additional resource – Can Running Help Cure Your Hangover?

Beer And Protein Synthesis

To help your muscles recover from running-induced stress, your body stimulates protein synthesis, which is a complex process that makes new proteins to repair damaged muscle fibers.

Here’s the bad news.

Research has reported that drinking alcohol after exercise may interfere with this muscle protein synthesis, reducing it up to a third, which may slow your recovery time.

Not only that, but research has also revealed that excessive alcohol limits muscle growth.

Just keep in mind that the amount of alcohol needed, according to research, is quite a bit more than people typically have.

So, again, a light beer might not be that big of an issue.

Beer Tips For Runners

If you want to make the most out of your post-run beer, stick to the following.

Avoid Binge Drinking – Drink in Moderation

Binge drinking refers to ingesting too much alcohol in a short space of time.

However, what constitutes binge drinking varies from one person to another since everybody processed alcohol differently. This makes it tricky to determine exactly how much alcohol in one sitting counts as a binge episode.

But all in all, most experts consider binge drinking as gulping more than eight units in one sitting for men and more than six units for women.

Choose Lighter Beer

When choosing a post-run peer, go for something relatively light.

In fact, make it a rule to keep it below 5 percent AVB whenever you can.

Also, the higher the ABV, the more calories. To guestimate the calorie punch in your beer, multiply the ABV by the serving size by 2.5. It’s also worth considering beer made with additional ingredients, such as fruit. More brands are using fruit purees in brewing, and this might slightly increase the nutritional value of each beverage.

Keep Track Of Your Units

Most health experts recommend drinking no more than 12-14 units of alcohol per week, with at least two days alcohol-free.

Here are a few real-life examples to consider:

• Glass of wine (13% ABV): 6 units for a 125ml glass, 2.3 for 175ml, and 3.3 for 250ml
• Pint of beer or cider (4% ABV):3 units
• Pint of strong beer or cider (5.2% ABV):3 units
• Pint of extra strong beer or cider (8% ABV):5 units
• 25ml single spirit measure (ABV 40%):1 unit

I’d also recommend that you use a free app, like Drinkaware, to help monitor your alcohol intake.

Drink Occasionally

As previously discussed, occasional drinkers have the lowest risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular issues

So keep it for special occasions.  Make it a rule to only drink during special events, and make sparkling water or mint tea your go-to drink.

Mix Water And Beer

As I touched upon earlier, the best way to overcome the beer’s direct effect is to pair it up with water. This not only helps you to stay well hydrated but also avoid going overboard.

As a guideline, match your beer serving with a serving of water to offset the diuretic effect.

Refuel

Following your run, your muscles are primed for carbohydrates and protein. Sure, beer has both carbs and some protein, but in a very low volume, so back up your beer with some real food.

Eating real food can help you replenish your muscle fuel stores as well as slow down your drinking pace and fills you up.

Conclusion

Drinking a beer after running may increase your intake of carbs, some electrolytes, and water, but keep in mind that moderation is key.

Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.

In the meantime thank you for dropping by.

David D.

So, you’re thinking about running five miles a day? That’s a fantastic goal that is both rewarding and challenging.

Whether you’re doing it to boost fitness, shed some weight, or build endurance for longer runs, there’s a lot to gain from this routine.

I’ve been there myself, and while the benefits are huge, getting started can be tricky.

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about running 5 miles a day—how long it might take, what you’ll gain, and the pitfalls to watch out for.

How Long Does It Take to Run 5 Miles?

Answering this question is tricky because every runner is different.

As a coach, I’ve seen beginners take around 50 minutes at a 10-minute mile pace, while more experienced runners can finish in as little as 35 minutes if they’re hitting 7-minute miles.

Here are more examples of pace and running times:

• 5-minute pace: 25 minutes
• 6-minute pace: 30 minutes
• 7-minute pace: 35 minutes
• 8-minute pace: 40 minutes
• 9-minute pace: 45 minutes
• 10-minute pace: 50 minutes
• 11-minute pace: 55 minutes
• 12-minute pace: 60 minutes
• 13-minute pace: 65 minutes
• 14-minute pace: 70 minutes

Most importantly, don’t worry about your times, especially if you’re a “slow” runner. Running five miles daily is not a race (as discussed later).

Running every day—even at the slowest speed—still makes you faster than anyone sitting on the couch the entire day.

If your current mile time is longer than 12 minutes, you start by running 2 miles a day. Then, you can slowly progress from there.

Now that you know how long it takes, let’s dive into the incredible benefits of a daily 5-miler session.

The Benefits of Running 5 Miles a Day

One of the best things about this routine is how quickly it can make you a stronger, more efficient runner. When I first upped my daily mileage to five, I noticed improvements in my endurance within just a few weeks.

Let me explain more.

Running five miles a day challenges your cardiovascular system, which improves your stamina and running economy (basically, your body gets more efficient with energy use).

And then there’s the calorie burn. Running five miles daily can burn around 500 calories per session, depending on your pace and body weight.

I’d go as far as promising that you’ll be able lose a few pounds in just a month by sticking to this routine.

But running alone won’t do the trick if your diet’s not in check. You can’t outrun a bad diet—trust me, I’ve tried! Ensure your meals have the right protein, healthy fats, and carbs.

Learn more about the impact of regular running by checking the following studies:

• Review Across 230,000 People Shows How Much You Need to Run to Lengthen Your Life
• Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk
• These are the real benefits of running, according to the science
• Running for health: Even a little bit is good, but a little more is probably better
• The Truth Behind ‘Runner’s High’ and Other Mental Benefits of Running
• Running and jogging – health benefits

The Downsides of Running Every Day

While running five miles a day is rewarding, it’s challenging.

• Monotony: Doing the same thing every day can get boring after a while. I’ve hit those stretches where my regular routes felt repetitive and dull. But what helped me push through was switching things up—changing my routes or incorporating interval training. It keeps things fresh and keeps you motivated.
• Risk of Injury: I can’t tell you how many runners I’ve seen develop issues like shin splints, knee pain, or even stress fractures because they didn’t give their bodies enough recovery time. If you start feeling pain, take it seriously—don’t push through it.
• Time Commitment: Let’s be real: running five miles can take 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. That’s a significant chunk of time, and it can be hard to squeeze in other forms of exercise, like strength training or cross-training, if you’re running this much daily.

Are You Ready to Run 5 Miles a Day?

How do you know if you’re ready to take on this challenge? Here’s a quick checklist:

• Have you run five miles recently?
• Are you currently running 15 miles per week?
• Do you feel strong?
• Are you injury-free?

You’re probably ready to try if you answered “yes” to most of these.

But if you’re not up to it, start smaller. Try running 2-3 miles a day first and gradually build up. I learned this the hard way—I tried to jump into higher mileage too quickly and paid for it with some serious soreness and a minor injury.

Ease into it, and your body will thank you.

When Should You Avoid Running 5 Miles a Day?

Running five miles daily isn’t for everyone, at least not immediately. Here are a few cases where you might want to hold off:

• Beginner Runner: Don’t rush into five miles daily if you’ve only been running for a few weeks. Start smaller.
• History of Injuries: If you’ve had issues like shin splints, knee pain, or other injuries, be cautious.
• Older Runners or Overweight Runners: Start with shorter distances if you’re over 60 or carrying extra weight. Running five miles a day can add a lot of stress to your joints, and you don’t want that.

How Fast Should You Run the 5 Miles?

Pacing is key, especially when you’re running every day. My advice? Aim for a conversational pace. This means that you should be able to hold a conversation without gasping for air, which, in turn, helps keep you from burning out too quickly.

When I started running five miles a day, I found that going too hard too often wiped me out. So, I slowed it down and focused on running comfortably.

Over time, my pace naturally improved, but those early runs were all about feeling good and building the habit.

To check whether you’re keeping it easy, perform the talk test. Try reciting the pledge of allegiance or having a brief conversation with yourself. You might push too hard if you struggle to speak without huffing and puffing.

Conclusion: Running 5 Miles a Day

A daily 5-miler is a rewarding routine that can help you build endurance, lose weight, and improve mental clarity.

But as with any exercise, patience and consistency are key. Start slow, listen to your body, and you’ll reap the benefits.

Are you ready to take on the challenge? Let me know how it goes, and feel free to ask any questions below.

Thanks for reading, and happy running!

If you’re serious about running, especially if you’re into trail running or logging long miles, you’ve probably noticed more and more runners sporting hydration vests.

Hydration vests have become super popular lately, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they help you stay hydrated, but they also allow you to carry the essentials without any annoying bouncing or discomfort.

But how do you choose the right running vest with many options?

So today, I’ll break down what to look for in a hydration vest—everything from comfort and fit to capacity and cool features.

What is a Running Vest?

Unlike regular hydration packs for hiking or cycling, running vests are designed specifically for runners.

With a running vest, everything you need—water, snacks, phone—stays right within reach, letting you stay in the zone without breaking your stride.

Instead of fumbling for a bottle in your hand or pocket, the hydration vest lets you sip while on the move, making it easier to maintain your pace and stay hydrated.

Running hydration vests are usually made with lighter-weight materials that help wick sweat and keep your body comfortable and dry. They also tend to be less bulky and smaller to help keep the weight down.

What’s more?

A good running vest features straps specifically designed to help reduce movement and bouncing of the pack while pounding the pavement or trails.

A Personal Experience

The first time I knew I needed one was when I just signed up for my first 30K trail race, and halfway through training.

At the time, I realized a handheld water bottle just wasn’t going to cut it for the long distances.

I went with a lightweight running vest with about two liters of fluid capacity and lots of pockets for my essentials.

That first run with the vest was a game-changer! I could finally focus on my run instead of juggling a bottle.

Plus, I could stash gels, my phone, and an extra jacket with no problem. No bouncing, no chafing—it was like the vest was made for me.

Do You Need a Running Vest?

So, do you actually need a running vest? Well, that depends. For shorter neighborhood runs, you’re probably fine without one.

But a hydration vest can be a game-changer if you’re getting into trail running, running long distances, or just prefer to have your hands free and essentials secure.

What makes running vests a game-changer is their design—they’re made to stay snug and distribute weight evenly, so you don’t end up with aching shoulders or a bouncing pack

And good news: thanks to the surge in popularity, more options are now available than ever—meaning you’re bound to find something that fits your style and budget.

Fluid Capacity vs. Pack Capacity: What’s the Difference?

When I first started looking into hydration vests, the different capacities totally confused me. Here’s a simple breakdown that helped me

• Fluid Capacity refers to how much water (or other liquids) the vest can carry. Some vests come with bottles, others with reservoirs (also called bladders), and some with both. The amount of liquid you can carry will range from around 20 ounces to two liters or more.
• Pack Capacity refers to how much additional gear the vest can hold. If you’re heading out for a short run, you might not need much room beyond a phone or a gel. But if you’re planning a longer run or hitting the trails, you’ll want enough space for trail  essentials like extra clothing, snacks, a headlamp, and other necessities.

These were two of the biggest questions I had when I was shopping around for my first vest

I didn’t know how much I needed. Should I go for something small for shorter runs or something bigger for when I start pushing those ultra distances?

Here’s how I broke it down based on my running time:

I found that a pack with about two liters of fluid capacity was enough for runs lasting up to two hours. Anything longer, especially on trails, and I’d go for something that could hold more water and space for fuel.

Let me explain more.

How Much Fluid and Space Do You Need?

How much water and space you need really comes down to the type of run you’re doing. Longer trails or rugged terrain usually call for more supplies.

Let me explain more:

• Runs lasting 1 hour or less: You probably don’t need a vest unless you’re in extreme heat or need to carry a few essentials.
• Runs for 1-2 hours: Look for a vest with about 1-2 liters of capacity.
• Runs for 2-3 hours: Go for a vest with a capacity between 2-4 liters.
• Runs over 3 hours: Aim for a vest with 4-10 liters of capacity.
• Ultra-marathons or all-day adventures: You’ll want a pack that can carry at least 8 liters, and possibly more, depending on your specific needs.

The trick is to find that balance—enough water and gear for your needs, but not so much that you feel weighed down.

How Should a Running Vest Fit?

Fit is everything! My first vest hugged all the wrong spots, and it took some testing to find one that felt just right.

Look for a fit that feels secure but doesn’t make you feel restricted. It’s a bit of trial and error, but the right one should almost feel like a part of you on the run.

You don’t want it too tight, but you don’t want it bouncing around as you run. Some vests come in universal sizes, but many offer adjustable straps to customize the fit to your body shape.

For women, looking for a vest with adjustable chest and torso straps is especially important to ensure it fits comfortably above or below your chest. This extra adjustability can make a huge difference in comfort, especially on longer runs.

One thing I learned the hard way is to make sure there’s no space between the straps and your shoulder. If there is, the vest will bounce around and drive you crazy during your run.

Key Features to Look For

Here are the extra features I always look for when I’m picking out a vest:

• Pockets: Pockets are a lifesaver. The more accessible, the better—I hate having to stop and dig around mid-run just to grab a gel or check my phone. Look for a vest that offers easy access to your essentials without stopping or digging around.
• Pole Holders: If you’re into trail running, having pole holders is a nice bonus. I don’t use poles often, but when I do, it’s a lot better than carrying them awkwardly in my hands.
• Reflectivity: Running at dawn or dusk? Reflective details make a big difference for safety, especially on early morning or evening runs.
• Bladder vs. Bottles: Some vests have a bladder (a large, flexible water reservoir) that sits against your back, while others use bottles in the front pockets. Personally, I prefer bottles up front—they’re easier to grab and refill. But if you’re someone who likes a large water supply, a bladder might be better.

Top Hydration Vests for Every Distance

Choosing the right hydration vest can make all the difference in your run. Whether you’re gearing up for a short trail run, a mid-distance race, or an ultra-marathon, here are some of the best hydration vests available, designed to suit your distance and hydration needs.

For Short to Medium Distances: Nathan QuickStart 4L Hydration Vest

The Nathan QuickStart 4L vest is a lightweight, minimalist option perfect for shorter runs or races where you only need a small amount of hydration. With a 1.5L bladder and multiple pockets, this vest gives you easy access to essentials without weighing you down.

• Reservoir Capacity: 1.5L bladder
• Storage: 4L of storage space for small items like gels, keys, and phone
• Unique Features: Soft mesh shoulder straps for comfort, front storage pockets for quick access, and reflective details for visibility in low light
• Best For: Short to mid-distance runs and races, up to around 10-15 miles

Coach’s Tip: This vest’s compact design and simple storage options make it a great choice for runners who need hydration but don’t want a bulky pack.

For Mid to Long Distances: Salomon ADV Skin 5 Set

The Salomon ADV Skin 5 Set vest is a popular choice among trail and distance runners for its balance of hydration capacity, storage, and comfort. It’s lightweight and designed to mold to your body, providing a secure fit that minimizes bounce even on technical terrain.

• Reservoir Capacity: Comes with two 500ml soft flasks, with space for a 1.5L bladder if needed
• Storage: 5L of storage for additional gear, snacks, or a light jacket
• Unique Features: Stretchy, breathable fabric that conforms to the body, expandable pockets for gear, and pole attachments for trail running
• Best For: Mid to long-distance runs, 15-25 miles, where you might need extra gear or hydration

Coach’s Tip: This vest’s front-loading hydration design allows you to balance the weight across your chest, which can reduce shoulder fatigue on longer runs.

For Ultra Distances: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0

If you’re tackling ultra-marathons or long trail adventures, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 is built for you. It offers extensive storage space and hydration capacity, plus features to keep you going through tough, all-day challenges.

• Reservoir Capacity: Includes two 500ml soft flasks and room for a 2L bladder
• Storage: 10.8L storage capacity for extra clothes, snacks, emergency gear, and more
• Unique Features: Moisture-wicking mesh for breathability, multiple pockets for easy organization, large rear compartment for extra storage, and dual trekking pole attachments
• Best For: Ultra-distance events or long trail runs of 25+ miles where ample hydration, nutrition, and gear are essential

Coach’s Tip: The Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest is perfect for those long, unsupported runs where you need to carry everything with you. With room for hydration, food, and gear, it’s an ideal choice for endurance athletes.

For Cold Weather Runs: CamelBak Ultra Pro Vest

The CamelBak Ultra Pro Vest is designed for versatility, featuring insulated components that help prevent water from freezing in cooler conditions. This vest is lightweight and fits snugly, ideal for marathon training or colder weather.

• Reservoir Capacity: Comes with two 500ml Quick Stow flasks; option to add a 1.5L bladder
• Storage: 6L storage for gloves, a hat, or nutrition
• Unique Features: Insulated bottle sleeves to prevent freezing, reflective details for safety, and breathable mesh to prevent overheating
• Best For: Cold-weather runs, marathons, or training sessions where you want water on hand but need extra layers or gear

Coach’s Tip: Cold weather running? This vest’s insulated features help keep your water from freezing, making it easier to stay hydrated on brisk days.

Conclusion

A running hydration vest can be a great investment, especially if you’re into longer or trail running. The key is finding the right balance between fluid capacity, pack capacity, and fit. Make sure to try a few options, and don’t rush the decision—after all, comfort and functionality are crucial for keeping you hydrated and fueled on the run.

If you’re unsure where to start, check out some of the recommendations above based on your running duration. And remember, while it’s tempting to overpack, try to stick to the essentials. Keep it light, but don’t forget the critical items!

Feel free to drop a comment or question below if you want more advice or recommendations. Stay hydrated, keep training strong, and happy running!

David D.