While we're on the topic of trail running today, I wanted to point out that the latest issue of Trail Run magazine is now available online in .pdf format, as well as in the Kindle Fire and Apple app stores for your favorite tablet device. If you haven't had a chance to look at this excellent e-zine in the past, now is the perfect time to check it out. It has the same level of quality that you would expect from a traditional print magazine delivered in an environmentally friendly electronic format.

In this issue, you'll find gear reviews for new shoes and winter gear (the magazine is focused on trail running in Australia and New Zealand), as well as some thoughts on PocketFuel for keeping your energy up while on a long run. There are also a couple of athlete profiles, trail guides for Oz and NZ, rundowns of some upcoming events and plenty of other articles that will be of interest to avid trail runners, whether they run "Down Under" or not.

The .pdf version of Trail Run is absolutely free while issues on the Kindle or iPad will set you back a few dollars for each back issue, although a discount given for a year (4 issues) subscription. I happen to be a big fan of electronic magazines (that's how I get several of my favorite mags now!), particularly when they are this high in quality. The only thing that separates this from something you would pick up  on a newsstand is the method of delivery. Give it a go. It think you'll like it too.

Over the past couple of years there have been some significant advances in terms of sophisticated watches for use while running, cycling or doing just about any other outdoor exercise. Suunto and Garmin in particular have gone head-to-head in an effort to expand this market. Consciously absent from that competition was Magellan, a company that is known for building excellent GPS navigation devices but hadn't jumped into watches just yet. That all changed yesterday with the announcement of their latest product the Echo. A watch that pairs with your smartphone and gives you full control of fitness apps directly from your wrist.

The Echo uses Bluetooth technology to connect the watch with your iPhone or Android device to unlock all kinds of potential. The link lets your smartphone handle most of the heavy lifting and while streaming data about your pace, heart rate, distance and so on directly to the screen of the watch. You can also control the apps from the Echo, including full control over your music as well. If your favorite fitness app provides notifications they will appear on the watch as well, keeping you full informed at all times about the state of your workout. Your performance can then been analyzed and shared over social media too, if you're into bragging about your killer times to your friends.

Echo uses an open API designed by Wahoo Fitness for use with apps. That means that it should be easy for many of the top running or cycling apps to integrate support for the watch, but before they can be used with one another, those apps will need to be updated. Magellan says it is working closely with some of the top apps for iPhone and Android to get them ready for the launch of the Echo, which is expected to come in the 4th quarter of this year. The new watch will be officially unveiled next week at Outdoor Retailer and I hope to get a better look at it when I'm there.

Magellan is taking an interesting approach with the Echo. While the other companies creating similar products have tried to cram as much technology into the watch as possible, Magellan has instead decided to pair the watch with a smartphone and let that device do all of the heavy lifting. Since mobile phones already have integrated GPS and a host of other technology, there is no need for it to be on the watch itself. That should make this a much more lightweight and energy efficient product. In fact, while Suunto and Garmin's watches feature built-in rechargeable batteries, the Echo uses an easily replaceable watch battery that you can buy in any drug store. Using Bluetooth 4.0 technology, this watch should sip power slowly and last quite a long time on a single battery.

We'll have to wait to see how well Echo performs. If it receives good app support, it should be quite an interesting product. I don't personally run with my smartphone, but this might give me an incentive to change that. Looking forward to learning more at OR.

I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but slowly over th years I've become a runner. Sure, I ride both my road and mountain bike regularly, but more often than not I'm lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the road or trail. Multiple times a week I'm running anywhere from 8 to 10 miles and occasionally even more. Some days the only way I can get through those miles is to don my iPod, put in the headphones and just grind it out. Thankfully I have a solid library of great music and numerous podcasts to keep me entertained for hours on end.

While I generally put a lot of thought into which shoes I put on my feet, what kind of clothes I wear and even the socks that are best for long distance runs, one of the things that I have seldom thought about is the headphones I use while running. Generally I look for something inexpensive, comfortable for extended use and resistant to the sweat that inevitably comes along with a long run in Texas. Recently, after burning through yet another pair of cheap earbuds, I thought I'd try something different, so I splurged a little – not a lot – to try a pair of Yurbuds, which have reportedly been designed by athletes, for athletes.

Because I go through a set of earbuds about every 6 - 12 months, I've often been reluctant to spend much money on a more expensive pair. Fortunately, Yurbuds produces the Focus Ironman series and sells them for just $29.95, which is not a lot more than I was paying for the previous models I was using from a competitor. With that in mind, I set my expectations accordingly and went home to give them a try.

To say that the Yurbuds are a revelation would be a massive understatement. Not only was I immediately blown away by how much louder and clearer they were than the other earbuds I had been using, but they also produce far better sound across the entire spectrum. I was amazed at how much better my iPod sounded and I didn't even have to crank up the volume to hear my music or podcasts over passing traffic.

Despite that much higher volume and clearer sound, the Focus earbuds still keep me safe while out on a run thanks to their ability to pass ambient, outside sound through. This makes it easy to not only hear things around you but also hear voices. I appreciated that they perform so well yet don't dangerously isolate me from the outside world when working out.

On top of providing great audio performance, the Focus earbuds are also quite comfortable. They utilize Yurbud's Twistlock technology that allows you to slide them into your ear and give them a slight twist to hold them in place. Once they are there, they don't move at all and you can pretty much don't have to worry about them for the length of your run. The moldable and padded earloops are soft enough that you can actually forget you have them in, which hasn't always been the case with other models that I've used. While using some lesser models from competitors I sometimes couldn't wait to get them off my ears when I finished my run. The Yurbuds are so good however, that they are the first "sports" earbuds that I've used that I would actually consider wearing when I'm not working out.

I've only been using the Focus earbuds for a couple of weeks now, so it is too early for me to weigh in on their longterm durability. My hope is that they will last much longer than the six months or so that I got out of the previous earphones I used while running. I can say that the certainly feel light years better than the models I've used in the past. They feel like they can hold-up to a lot of punishment and they are certainly well shielded against sweat and rain.

Yurbuds seems to have thought of everything with these headphones and considering how well the $30 pair performs, it makes me wonder just how good their higher end models are. They must be exceptional indeed, because the Focus models offer exceptional performance in a small, lightweight and comfortable package. They even come with an high quality cloth carrying case that comes in handy when you want to toss them into a gym bag or gear case for race day.

If you're like me and enjoy listening to your tunes while running, you owe it to yourself to try a pair of Yurbuds the next time you need to replace your earphones. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how great they really are and how much they can make your workouts an even more pleasant experience.

I'm the first one to admit that my gear closet is packed full of far more stuff than the average outdoor enthusiast could ever need. Writing this blog has afforded me the opportunity to test a lot of great equipment and use it on my own personal adventures. But one item that I had been hoping to add to my collection for some time was an Ambit GPS watch from Suunto, a high tech piece of kit that is versatile enough to be used in everyday workouts, weekend treks or excursions to far flung destinations across the globe.

Before I say anything about this watch, it is important to point out that this review is based on the original Ambit, which I was able to grab at REI recently when they gave it a 25% discount following the release of the Ambit2. By most accounts, the Ambit2 takes the winning formula of its processor and refines it nicely, providing more functionality in a slightly slimmed down form factor. Since I haven't tested that model yet, I can only share my thoughts on the Ambit, which I must say lives up to its reputation as an excellent multi-functional watch for all of your outdoor adventures.

In its basic form, the Ambit is a sports watch and as such it has all of the functionality you would expect out of such a device. Obviously it tells time (in two locations no less), and includes day, date and alarm functionality, as you would expect. It also has a stopwatch, interval timers, a countdown timer and more. It is rugged enough to be used at altitudes extending beyond the summit of Everest and as much as 100 meters (328 feet). In short, it is everything you would expect out of an outdoor watch and more.

At the heart of the Ambit is a powerful GPS chip that interfaces with the other functions of the watch, providing all kinds of real time data to the wearer. For instance, when running or cycling, the GPS feed information about your current speed, distance, pace – all of which is helpful when training for an event. While hiking, the watch can mark waypoints and help you navigate back to them using its onboard mapping capabilities. These capabilities put a powerful outdoor computer on your wrist that can help you in a variety of ways, particularly if you're an avid outdoor athlete or your adventures take you regularly into the backcountry.

Of course, GPS watches are nothing new and there have been a number of excellent products from other companies for years. What sets the Ambit apart in my book is that its user interface is super easy to understand, making it a breeze to navigate through the dizzying array of options and put them to use. I was impressed with the UI on this watch and commend Suunto for doing such a great job in making it so simple to operate. The operating system that makes this possible is also easily updatable, which means the watch continues to be refined and improved long after its release. In fact, a new firmware update is due before the end of the month, showing Suunto's commitment to continuing to support this watch even though the Ambit2 is out.

One of the major improvements the new Ambit has over its predecessor is that it has more onboard memory to support more functions. But that said, the original Ambit has free space as well and the user can add functionality to the watch themselves by downloading "apps" of a sort from the App Zone at Movescount.com. That website it he only home for Ambit users, allowing them to upload data from their watch to track performance and improvements over time. It's a nice site and easy to use, but it would be nice if the Ambit data was able to be shared on other fitness sites that are used by more people and allow uploads from a variety of devices from different manufacturers.

Performance of the Ambit has been excellent overall, although it can be slow to connect to the GPS satellites at times. I've found it is best for that initial connection if you have an unobstructed view of the sky and don't move at all until after the watch achieves GPS lock. Once it does find the satellites however, the Ambit seems to hold that connection well and begins to quickly track your movements. It can "ping" the GPS satellites on a 1 second or 1 minute basis. The faster rate provides more accurate readings of course, but it also puts a bigger hit on the battery. There are times when both levels of accuracy are nice to have. For instance, when running you want very accurate readings of your distance but when hiking the 1 minute intervals are probably fine since you're moving a much slower rate.

Speaking of the battery, the Ambit features an internal rechargeable cell that can be powered up by connecting the watch to a USB port on your computer or some other charger. When used strictly as a watch, Suunto says it can go up to 30 days between charges, but since I haven't been using it just as watch, i can't confirm or deny that number. I have been using on almost daily runs with GPS on the entire time. My runs are between 5-10 miles in length and the Ambit was able to survive two weeks without need a recharge. I found that to be pretty solid performance all things considering. We know that GPS always strains a battery, but considering  how small the Ambit is and how much functionality it has packed in, it really is impressive that it can last that long.

This is just scratching the surface of what the Ambit is capable of. It also has built-in automatic GPS time checks, temperature and barometric pressure readings, current altitude and change in altitude recordings and a lot more. In fact, I could go on forever about all of the features of this watch, but the most important things to know is that it is tough, rugged and performs incredibly well. It is also very easy to use, which isn't always the case for a device with this many features in such a small form factor. Suunto has delivered a versatile piece of technology that outdoor athletes will love, and whether your "settle" for the original Ambit (now available for as little as $350) or the more powerful and slightly trimmer Ambit2 ($550), you not only get a great piece of gear to accompany you on all your adventures, you're getting a watch that will last for years as well.

For me, the wait for getting my hands on the Ambit was worth with it. It is a great gadget and performs beyond my expectations. After just a few runs I felt completely comfortable using it without thinking twice and as a result, I can't imagine heading out without it on my wrist.

I'm the kind of person who can't exercise on an empty stomach but also can't have anything too heavy before a workout either. As a result, I regularly find myself walking a fine line on when and what to eat in the lead-up to a run, bike ride or other intense aerobic workout. That's why I like to have some quick and easy pre-workout snacks that can provide the energy I need without filling me up. Recently I've had a chance to try two new, and very different, options in this department and I came away pleased with both of them.

Sharkies Energy Sports Chews
The first new option in my pantry are the tasty energy sports chews from Sharkies. These all-organic chews are designed to provide energy for our bodies for use in our favorite endurance sports. They provide a natural source of electrolytes, contain no trans fats or high fructose corn syrup. They also happen to be free of wheat, gluten and nuts, which means they are perfectly safe for those who have intolerances to any of those items.

The one thing these chews aren't lacking in is flavor. In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd swear these were gummy candies that you'd pick up from your local convenience store. That means they're sweet, tasty and good for you. They also happen to provide fuel for a workout without weighing you down in any way.

I've tested three different flavors of these chews – Watermelon Scream, Barry Blast and Fruit Splash – and it is a toss-up on which one I like best. I'm not even a big fan of watermelon flavored snacks, but these were a nice mix of sweet and tangy that I found I enjoyed quite a bit. The shark-shaped chews also have a nice consistency to them that makes them easy to enjoy as well. Other similar energy chews that I've tried in the past actually turned out to be a more challenging to eat than the actual workout itself.

Sharkies sells the chews in a box of 12 for $17.80, which works out to just $1.48 per pack. That's actually a very competitive price when compared to similar products on the market, many of which aren't nearly as tasty.

I've been munching on Sharkies prior to some longer runs recently and have been very happy with the results. Not only do they provide emergency fuel when I'm hungry before a workout but they do so without slowing me down in the least. The fact that manage to taste good while doing so is yet another added benefit.

Clif Bar Sierra Trail Mix Bar

By now, we're all familiar with the popular and ubiquitous Clif Bars. The company has been around forever and continues to refine their iconic energy bars. This spring they've introduced an interesting new flavor that is perfect for everything from a pre-run fuel-up or a mid-hike snack.

The new flavor is called Sierra Trail Mix and just like the iconic snack that it is named after, it contains plenty of peanuts, chocolate and raisins all in handy bar that you can carry with you anywhere. Like the other bars in Clif's line-up, this new addition is an excellent source of protein and fiber, contains 23 vitamins and minerals, but zero trans fats. That means it is a great source of quick energy when your batteries start to run a little low.

I have a confession to make. I haven't always been a fan of Clif Bar products. There were times in the past that I found them to be dry, hard to swallow and mostly tasteless. Those days are long gone however and now I find that I enjoy pretty much every flavor in the line-up. I can now add Sierra Trail Mix to that list too. This new flavor is everything you like about traditional trail mix, but in an easy to carry and eat package.

This new addition to the line-up is well worth taste. Pick some up where ever Clif Bars are sold, which is just about everywhere if your neighborhood is anything like mine.

We've all been there. We love the person we're with, but they simply can't keep up with us when we're running. What to do? Cut the dead weight of course! Something that is painfully (read: hilariously) depicted in the video below, which is actually a promo for a new line of running shoes that are coming our way courtesy of Pearl Izumi. The new shoes are allegedly incredibly light weight, yet still super-comfortable, allowing you to run faster and more efficiently then ever before.

You'll have to run pretty fast if you treat your significant other like some runners in the video.

Yesterday at Google I/O, Recon Instruments took the wraps of their newest product the Recon Jet. Over the past few years the company has been an innovator in the field of creating heads-up displays (HUD) not unlike Google's own Glass. In the case of Recon Instruments however, their HUD's have integrated into ski goggles giving he user information such as speed, altitude, temperature and so on. The Recon Jet will take the technology that has been seen in those previous products off the slopes however and put them to use in our other outdoor activities.

The Jet is powered by a dual-core processor running the Android operating system and features a tiny LCD screen, an HD camera and built in GPS. It offers support for WiFi, ANT+ and Bluetooth technologies and will have its own extensible development platform that will allow others to create apps designed specifically for the device. Reportedly that will include some form of video streaming and of course integration with social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Built in sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes and altimeters will provide a host of information, while a mic and speakers will allow you to take calls and possibly provide voice commands. The Recon Jet is designed to be mounted on a pair of sunglasses and provide a wealth of information at a glance.

The video below gives us a glimpse of what the Jet could be like when put to use in the real world, although much of what is shown is clearly a mock-up. The gadget is set to ship sometime this year and I would expect that we'll hear much more about this at Outdoor Retailer in a few months.

Personally, I think this looks more like something I'd use over Google Glass, as I could see how it would come in handy while running or cycling. No word yet on pricing.

Now that spring is here and the weather is finally starting to turn warm, I'm sure more than a few of you are anxious to get back to trail running. As with most outdoor activities, having the right gear can make all the difference and other than a great pair of trail shoes, the most important piece of gear for me are my running shorts. Why you ask? Because it gets so warm here in Texas that I don't tend to wear much of anything else. Fortunately for me, Outdoor Research has just introduced a new pair of running shorts that are comfortable, lightweight and perfect for trail running in a variety of conditions.

As part of their spring trail running collection, OR has just released the Throttle running shorts. Made of lightweight stretch nylon, these shorts are designed to move with your body while not restricting movement in any way. As with most performance apparel, these shorts breathe well, are quick drying and versatile enough to be used in numerous outdoor activities. That means they should keep you comfortable to wear while on the trail for a prolonged period.

The Throttle shorts clearly demonstrate that Outdoor Research understands the needs of their customers and apply that knowledge very well to the gear they produce. In this case, that includes integrating a zippered hip pocket that is large enough to hold a set of keys, an ID and even an energy gel or two. On some of my other running shorts, the pockets are tiny if they exist at all. OR has also integrated reflective trim that makes it easier to spot the wearer in low light conditions, while the elastic waistband and mesh lined brief help to prevent chafing and keep these shorts comfortable on longer runs.

What I like best about these shorts is that they don't restrict movement in the slightest, even when you start to perspire. It is never good when your running apparel starts to stick to your body as you run and for me personally, that is one of the worst feeling ever. You don't have to worry about that with the Throttle shorts, which also keep you nicely cool as you run. Beyond that, they simply feel good when you put them on, which may sound like a no-brainer, until you've put on a pair of running shorts that just don't feel right, no matter how you adjust them.

As with any of my gear, I always appreciate when something is versatile enough to be used when doing a variety of activities. That is certainly the case with the Throttle shorts, which are not only excellent for trail running but also hiking and backpacking too. Their quick drying properties would also come in hand in some paddling sports as well, as their thin fabrics and lightweight design are perfect for warm weather kayaking. They'll even come in handy when traveling because they are not only versatile but they will take up almost no room at all in your bag.

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Outdoor Research products. In fact, they're one of my favorite gear manufacturers for sure. The Throttle running shorts demonstrate the company's commitment to creating high quality products that are perfect for the outdoor community. With a price tag of $59 they are more expensive than the running shorts you'll pick-up at your local big box sporting good stores. But the performance and comfort that they deliver makes them well worth the price. They just might be the best pair of warm weather running shorts you've ever owned.

There is no question that one of the more well received GPS watches to hit the market the past couple of years has been the Ambit from Suunto. The watch was marketed as being designed for explorers and it showed in its functionality. With good GPS integration, the watch was perfect for heading out on the trails, as it provided directions, trackbacks, data on speed, altitude and so on. Now, the company has unveiled its second generation Abmit project, this time bringing more features for the outdoor athlete.

Available in two versions, the Ambit2 and Ambit2 S, the new version of the watch keeps its core functionality while adding some nice new options to the mix. For instance, the 2 S, which is the sport model aimed at endurance athletes, is a bit lighter and thinner than the original Ambit. It features ANT+ technology that allows it to connect to heart rate monitors, cycling power meter. That means it can provide all of the data to track your training efforts and improve performance. It does give up the thermometer, barometric sensor and altimeter that were part of the original Ambit package. The Ambit2 on the other hands, retains all of the abilities from the original model and mixes in the new multi-sport features from the 2 S. Both versions have the ability to run the simple Ambit apps as well.

The Ambit2 and Ambit2 S will be available to purchase this month. Prices haven't gone down any since the original Ambit was released. The Ambit2 will set you back $500-$650 depending on which unit you buy, while the 2 S will run $400 on its own and $450 with a heart monitor.

TomTom, a company that is well known for its GPS devices, has announced that it is throwing its hat into the GPS fitness watch arena. The watches will come in two different models including one specifically designed for runners and the other for multi-sport athletes.

Both versions of the watch will feature large screens that are designed to be easy to read even while on the go. An innovative single-button control will make it easy to navigate through menus and options too. Each of these watches has the ability to track runs both indoors and outdoors and can sync and share that data through a variety of popular fitness websites. TomTom promises an ultra-slim design that will be comfortable to wear on just about any wrist and Bluetooth technology will link the watches to optional accessories such as heart rate monitors or a cadence speed sensor on a bike. The multisport model will also feature a built-in swim sensor for tracking laps and will come with a dedicated handlebar mount for cycling.

According to the press release from TomTom, these new watches will also include QuickGPSFix technology which allows them to connect to satellites faster so you can get started on your workout sooner. The company also says that data stored on the watch can be imported into social fitness sites such as MapMyFitness, RunKeeper, TrainingPeaks, MyFitnessPal and their very own TomTom MySports website. Battery life is reportedly about 10 hours, which is a little low when compared to some of the competition, but we'll see how well it actually performs after its released.

The two watches will be released this summer and while there are no prices announced yet, TomTom says that they will be competitive with similar watches from other companies.

To find out more, and sign up to get more information as it becomes available, click here.

The video below is a few months old, but still worth sharing. It's for the outdoor athletes who occasionally need a reminder of why they are hitting the trail for that run or ride. It's for the person who is looking for a bit of extra motivation when its cold outside or its raining and yet they need something to push them out the door anyway. In truth, the video is a three-minute commercial from Nike, but by the end you'll be looking to lace up your shoes and go run a marathon. Uphill and in the snow.

We could use more commercials like this one.

If you're an outdoor athlete of any type, I know I don't need to lecture you on the importance of staying hydrated. Keeping plenty of fluids in your body improves performance, prevents bonking and aids in faster recovery after you've finished. But water alone isn't always enough to keep our bodies in balance and occasionally it is nice to add a dash of flavor to the mix. That's where Nuun comes in handy, providing some much needed electrolytes during our workouts and adding a little flavor to an otherwise bland drink.

For those who aren't familiar with Nuun they are small tablets that you drop into your drinking water and when they dissolves they add those  important electrolytes and a light flavor to your drink. One tablet is good for about 16 ounces of water and they are sold in tubes of ten. The product is a safe, reliable and easy way to improve your hydration strategy while training or competing.

Nuun tablets come in a wide variety of flavors, ranging from Fruit Punch to Grape to "Kona" Cola. Each of the flavors is understated and subtle, giving you a refreshing taste without being overwhelming. They also aren't overly sweet, which isn't what you want on a long run or bike ride anyway.

In celebration of the arrival of warmer weather, Nuun has introduced three new flavors as part of their limited edition Summer Sampler. These flavors include Lemonade, Watermelon and Cherry Limeade and each follows the well established Nuun tradition of providing those much needed electrolytes as well as some much appreciated seasonal flavors.

I was lucky enough to sample all three new flavors and I have to say that they are all excellent additions to the Nuun line-up. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite from the group but if I absolutely had to choose, I'd recommend the Cherry Limeade. It is a nice mix of sweet and tart flavoring that still manages to be refreshing as well. All three are going to be nice to have in the arsenal as we head into summer though, when we'll obviously be looking for ways to stay hydrated while working out in the heat.

Tubes of Nuun are compact and light, which makes it easy to slip into a pack. I like to drop a few tablets into my hydration bladder when heading out for a long warm-weather hike, as the nice flavors are much appreciated as the day goes on and the added electrolytes come in handy while out on the trail.

No matter what outdoor activity you enjoy, Nuun can help you stay hydrated. Weather you're climbing a big wall, mountain biking a tough trail or snowboarding through fresh powder, hydration is always an important consideration. These small tablets can make a big difference in your performance and enjoyment of the outdoors, while also managing to add a little extra flavor to your life.

The new Summer Sampler is just $18 for three tubes, which is a good price for these nice new flavors.

Last fall I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pair of Trailblazer sunglasses from Liberty Sports, which I gave high marks for providing plenty of eye coverage and for being comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. I also loved the magnetic eye-cups that could be easily added or removed from the frames, providing extended protection from dust, sand, snow and other flying particles. Using the glasses on an almost daily basis while running, cycling and hiking over the past few months, I've only come to be more impressed with how well they perform. So when the folks at Liberty Sports asked if I'd be interested in trying a new pair of sunglasses that are on tap for a spring release, I jumped at the opportunity, eager to see what they bring to the table for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The new Panton frames are designed with the active person in mind. Their wrap around design hugs the head nicely, providing plenty of coverage for the eyes without impeding peripheral vision in any way. This is much appreciated while running and cycling, when keeping an eye out for traffic is of the utmost importance. 

One of the more surprising elements of these frames was just how comfortable they felt the first moment I put them on. I was expecting to have to adjust them to a degree, but they actually felt amazing right out of the case. That said, the Panton incorporates Liberty Sports Autofit technology, which makes them easy to adjust to your personal tastes. The nose bridge uses a soft, hypoallergenic rubber material that is flexible, breathes well and holds the glasses firmly in place no matter how vigorous the activity.

The magnetic eye-cups are part of Liberty Sports trademark designs and they were one of the features that I liked so much in the Trailblazer frames when I first used them. The new Panton models have a similar shield that clips on to the arms of the frame and are held in place also through the use of magnets. These small shields really do an excellent job of keeping foreign objects out of the wearer's eyes, particularly when passing vehicles kick up dust while road cycling. But in warmer weather those same shields can be a bit stifling. Removing them from the frames greatly opens up ventilation however, keeping the wearer cooler in the process. 

The Panton frames are surprisingly lightweight, which aids greatly in comfort when wearing them on longer outdoor excursions. They do have a firm fit however, which helps to create a sense of security that they aren't going to fly off when you start to sweat or pick up the pace in whatever activity you're taking part in. In fact, once you slide them into place, they barely move at all, not even jostling about while running. 

I happen to wear prescription glasses in my daily life and my vision without them is particularly bad. That usually means that I can't select some of the cooler looking sunglasses on the market because they don't support the powerful prescription my poor vision demands. But with the Panton frames I don't feel like I'm compromising a single thing. They look stylish and sporty and they provide the overall performance that I want out of a pair of sports sunglasses. 

In order to protect these frames from accidental damage, Liberty Sport includes a nice semi-rigid case with the Panton. That case is actually quite high in quality as well and provides a sense of security when carrying your sunglasses in a backpack or luggage. They also provide a soft pouch for storage of the eye shields when they aren't magnetically adhered to the frames, as well as a nice soft cloth for lens cleaning and a clip on cord. All in all, a nice set of accessories to along with a these impressive frames.

If you're in the market for a new pair of sunglasses for your spring outdoor activities, Liberty Sport's new Panton frames are a great choice. They'll be available soon at a price of $128.99 and in a four colors: gunmetal, black, white and olive. I have the gunmetal and am particularly happy with the way they look. 

This is a high quality set of eyewear that will make an excellent companion for just about any outdoor adventure you have planned. As far as performance sunglasses go, they don't come any better than this. 

Last fall I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pair of Trailblazer sunglasses from Liberty Sports, which I gave high marks for providing plenty of eye coverage and for being comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time. I also loved the magnetic eye-cups that could be easily added or removed from the frames, providing extended protection from dust, sand, snow and other flying particles. Using the glasses on an almost daily basis while running, cycling and hiking over the past few months, I've only come to be more impressed with how well they perform. So when the folks at Liberty Sports asked if I'd be interested in trying a new pair of sunglasses that are on tap for a spring release, I jumped at the opportunity, eager to see what they bring to the table for outdoor enthusiasts. 

The new Panton frames are designed with the active person in mind. Their wrap around design hugs the head nicely, providing plenty of coverage for the eyes without impeding peripheral vision in any way. This is much appreciated while running and cycling, when keeping an eye out for traffic is of the utmost importance. 

One of the more surprising elements of these frames was just how comfortable they felt the first moment I put them on. I was expecting to have to adjust them to a degree, but they actually felt amazing right out of the case. That said, the Panton incorporates Liberty Sports Autofit technology, which makes them easy to adjust to your personal tastes. The nose bridge uses a soft, hypoallergenic rubber material that is flexible, breathes well and holds the glasses firmly in place no matter how vigorous the activity.

The magnetic eye-cups are part of Liberty Sports trademark designs and they were one of the features that I liked so much in the Trailblazer frames when I first used them. The new Panton models have a similar shield that clips on to the arms of the frame and are held in place also through the use of magnets. These small shields really do an excellent job of keeping foreign objects out of the wearer's eyes, particularly when passing vehicles kick up dust while road cycling. But in warmer weather those same shields can be a bit stifling. Removing them from the frames greatly opens up ventilation however, keeping the wearer cooler in the process. 

The Panton frames are surprisingly lightweight, which aids greatly in comfort when wearing them on longer outdoor excursions. They do have a firm fit however, which helps to create a sense of security that they aren't going to fly off when you start to sweat or pick up the pace in whatever activity you're taking part in. In fact, once you slide them into place, they barely move at all, not even jostling about while running. 

I happen to wear prescription glasses in my daily life and my vision without them is particularly bad. That usually means that I can't select some of the cooler looking sunglasses on the market because they don't support the powerful prescription my poor vision demands. But with the Panton frames I don't feel like I'm compromising a single thing. They look stylish and sporty and they provide the overall performance that I want out of a pair of sports sunglasses. 

In order to protect these frames from accidental damage, Liberty Sport includes a nice semi-rigid case with the Panton. That case is actually quite high in quality as well and provides a sense of security when carrying your sunglasses in a backpack or luggage. They also provide a soft pouch for storage of the eye shields when they aren't magnetically adhered to the frames, as well as a nice soft cloth for lens cleaning and a clip on cord. All in all, a nice set of accessories to along with a these impressive frames.

If you're in the market for a new pair of sunglasses for your spring outdoor activities, Liberty Sport's new Panton frames are a great choice. They'll be available soon at a price of $128.99 and in a four colors: gunmetal, black, white and olive. I have the gunmetal and am particularly happy with the way they look. 

This is a high quality set of eyewear that will make an excellent companion for just about any outdoor adventure you have planned. As far as performance sunglasses go, they don't come any better than this. 

Covering nearly 1.3 million sq. kilometers (500,000 sq. miles) in central Asia, the Gobi is one of the largest deserts on the planet. Its arid climate and trademark rock formations make it a difficult and demanding place, even for the hardiest of explorers. Naturally those challenges give the desert an allure that is hard for many adventurers to resist and in June of this year, two men will set out to attempt to run across the Gobi at its widest point.

The newly announced Expedition Gobi will send endurance athletes Ray Zahab and Ferg Hawk on a 2000 km (1242 mile) journey through the heart of the desert. The two men are busy preparing for their run which will see them covering approximately 70 km (43.5 miles) per day in one of the harshest environments on the planet. The expedition will be supported although the Gobi presents some logistical challenges that will likely only allow for one or two resupply points each day. That means other than getting fresh water from time to time, Ray and Ferg will mostly need to be completely self-sufficient while out on the trail.

Both Ray and Ferg are part of the impossible2Possible team which means they will weave an educational element into this great adventure. In this case, as they run across the Gobi, they'll interact with the people who have learned to make the desert their home. The Mongolian people have lived in the Gobi for centuries and have adapted well to the harsh living conditions there. They'll teach the two runners about desertification and in turn, those lessons will be shared with students in classrooms around the globe. As global climate change continues to have an impact on our planet, desertification becomes a bigger issue and something that we should all be familiar with.

No firm start date for Expedition Gobi has been announced yet, but more details on the run will be released soon. With just two months to go until the start of June, this is already shaping up to be another great adventure to follow this summer.

When we think about performance apparel for our outdoor adventures we always seem to gravitate toward the latest in tech shirts, shell jackets or footwear. After all, those items are typically some of the most important pieces of gear in determining our enjoyment of our favorite activities. One article of clothing that can have a big impact on performance but is seldom considered at all is our socks. Keeping our feet healthy and happy is vitally important to many of our outdoor pursuits and our selection of socks can play an important role in making that happen.

Here are two excellent paris of sox that your feet will be happy are in your gear closet.

2XU Performance Running Socks ($44.95)
As I mentioned a few weeks back, I'm a recent convert to the great performance gear that 2XU makes for runners, cyclists and other outdoor athletes. I've been using a pair of their excellent shorts while running and a set of compression socks for post-run recovery, and both have performed beyond my expectations. In fact, they're so good that they set my expectations quite high for their new Performance Running Socks, which are designed for use both while running and in recovery afterwards.

Made from lightweight and highly breathable fabrics, these socks are extremely form fitting – which is exactly the point of compression gear. The Performance Sock is designed to promote increased circulation in the calf which can make for better performance, particularly on longer runs. They have the added benefit of reducing fatigue, which aids in quicker recovery time and fewer injuries.


I've been putting these socks through their paces on my longer 8-10 mile (12-16 km) runs and I've found them to be very comfortable to wear. The weather here in Texas has been warm already this spring, but the socks have wicked away moisture and kept my feet dry, while still working their compression magic. I'm not sure I'll want to wear them in the heat of summer, but they work well in moderate temps for sure. I didn't find that I was running any faster while wearing these socks but I can say that I did notice a difference in how my legs felt the next day when I was ready for another run. I didn't experience the same level of muscle fatigue and that helped performance in the days that followed and allowed me to extend my distances too.

Comfortable to wear, fight fatigue and allow you to run further and more often. What more could you ask?

Keen Olympus Hiking Socks ($20)
New this spring, Keen is introducing a line of socks for hiking that are designed to be both super-comfortable and very durable. The company's proprietary Dura-Zone fabrics are woven into the heel and toes and are reportedly "weight for weight" stronger than steel. I'll have to take their word on that, but I can say that while testing these socks on multiple hikes, they didn't show a single sign of wear and tear. I get the sense that when you buy a pair of these socks, you'll be using them on many adventures to come.

Like most of Keen's hiking socks, the Olympus come with both a left and right footed version. That may seem like a bit of gimmick, but trust me, you can certainly tell a difference in how they feel on your foot. Socks that are specifically tailored in this manner are more comfortable and cradle your foot to perfection. After you wear them once, you'll probably wonder why every pair of sock doesn't come with a left and right model.

One of the worst things that can happen while hiking or backpacking is getting blisters on your feet. The Olympus socks are designed to remain stable and not shift about, which is usually the cause foot irritation to begin with. I wore these socks fresh from the package and in a new pair of hiking boots that I was breaking in for the first time and even though I tackled some challenging trails, my feet came away none the worse for wear. The soft and thick fabrics that Keen has used here are extremely gentle on the feet and they provide more cushioning when traversing rocky ground, something we have in abundance in the Texas Hill Country.

Now that spring has arrived, you're no doubt thinking about getting back out on the trail for some long hikes in the warmer weather. Do yourself a favor and pick up a pair of these socks before you hit the trail. You'll be glad you did and your feet will be happier than ever. It'll be the best $20 you've invested in a long time. Particularly when you're still using them many years and miles from now.

I came across this video from Merrell and thought it was quite clever. It compares the workout of a runner who goes outside to that of one that is running on a treadmill in a gym. The side-by-side juxtaposition of the two approaches to running is interesting – for about 15 seconds. Then you realize the poor schmuck on the treadmill is boring as hell and mostly just start paying attention to what the other runner is up to.

This pretty much sums up how I feel about running. I'm going to be outdoors all the time, rain, shine, wind, heat or cold. I personally can't stand to run on a treadmill. But after watching this video, you tell me which looks like it is more fun and interesting.

If you're looking for a little motivation to get in some running this weekend, be sure to check out this beautiful short film. It features mountain runner Sarah Ridgway hitting the trails in Northern Wales. The scenery looks absolutely stunning and I'd love to run where Sarah does. Listening to how she describes the impact of running on her life sounded very familiar to me. I can definitely relate to what she is saying. Watching this has me ready to hit some trails this weekend. Can't wait to throw my shoes on and leave everything else behind.


Sarah Ridgway - Mountain runner from Polished Project on Vimeo.

Yesterday it was announced that 2Xu has signed a three-year deal to be the official compression gear sponsor for skier Ted Ligety. The company, which is already the official compression supplier for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has now entered into a partnership with the 2006 gold medalist and four-time World Champion until 2015.

Now, typically this isn't the kind of story I'd share on the Adventure Blog, but I'm a recent convert to 2Xu gear. I bought a pair of their compression shorts for running back in December and have fallen in love with the quality and performance of the product. At the same time, I also picked up a pair of compression socks, which I was told could aid in recovery and preventing injury. Since then, I've been wearing those socks after every long run and I have to admit my legs don't feel nearly as tired and spent the following day.

I haven't tried the company's Thermal Compression line, which is what skiers and snowboarders use, but I'd be willing to bet that they're excellent as well. In fact, I intend to add more of their gear to my outdoor wardrobe in the near future based on just how much I already like the products I have.

If you're a runner, triathlete, cyclist, swimmer or skier/snowboarder and you're looking for quality compression gear for your next competition or workout, I'd give 2Xu a big thumbs up. It is a bit pricier than the stuff you're going to find in your local big box store, but we all know that when it comes to performance gear, you get what you pay for. This is is impressive gear to say the least and I think you'll enjoy it as much as I have.

Outdoor athletes looking for a new challenge this year may want to consider the Patagonian International Marathon, which takes place in Chile's Torres del Paine National Park on September 28. The race, which returns for its second year, promises runners a unique challenge in one of the most beautiful places on Earth while striving to also protect that amazing wilderness.

The 2012 edition of the marathon drew more than 400 racers from 17 different countries and this year's edition looks to do the same. Organizers of the event, who also put together the outstanding Patagonian Expedition Race, offer four different lengths for runners to run. Those lengths include 63k (39.1 miles), 42k (26.2 miles), 21k (13.1 miles) and 10k (6.2 miles).

And oh what a course this is sure to be. Torres del Paine features spectacular mountain vistas, pristine rivers and streams, crystal clear lakes and beautiful glaciers. Each of the routes shares parts of the same trail, which runs through the heart of the national park, giving runners an opportunity to experience this unique place in the best way possible – on foot!

The race isn't just about running through one of the most breathtaking places on the planet however as it also is used to raise awareness of the importance of protecting this magical place. The marathon is run in conjunction with NIGSA, an organization dedicated ensuring the sustainable development of Patagonia, while spearheading conservation efforts to keep the region as pure and untouched as possible.

Registration for the event is now open with early-bird discounts running through the end of the  month. This is an opportunity to run a marathon (or longer!) in a place that many consider to be the last great wilderness on Earth. And while you're there, race organizers are also offering some great add-ons to help you enjoy the place even more. For example, you can go kayaking on the Strait of Magellan, tracking Vicuna in a conservation park or trekking in the Karukinka and Darwin Mountain Ranges. These options allow you to add even more adventure to your trip.

Sound like fun? Better get training now!