WV

With Bighorn right around the corner, my training load has hit its peak! This week, I logged 82 miles with over 15,000 feet of vertical gain on trails, plus another 7-8,000 feet on the treadmill. My long run for the week was over 28 miles with 8,500 feet of gain, covering every kind of terrain. I'm feeling particularly comfortable on mud and soft ground, which is abundant in Utah right now as the winter snow melts and rain remains a constant.
For the race, I've narrowed my shoe selection down to two options: the North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2, if I can get them resoled in time, or the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. As always, I'll be wearing the Pursuit 15L pack from Black Diamond, which has been my go-to since mid-last season due to its comfort and capacity. I'll also be using Leki poles for the entire run.
For outerwear, I'll mostly be in Path Projects gear, with some additional options in my drop bags to account for any unexpected weather. I'll try to make a video about my drop bags as I prep and finalize my gear decisions.
Thank you, as always, for tuning in! Please like and subscribe to stay updated on my journey!

[@jg5555]

Epic day, gorgeous scenery! And a shiny red truck!!

[@psillyrunner8650]

First to notice the truck!

[@SeeChadRun]

Major vert on this run! Wow! Truly beautiful too. I'll be eyeing Big Horn 100 so I'm looking forward to your video from the race.

[@psillyrunner8650]

I can’t wait to get out there and run the route! I’ll definitely be filming a video for this one 🏔️🏃🏼

[@wetwoodchuck]

Gotta be pleased with that effort and all your build up! Good luck at Bighorn Alex.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thanks Greg! I’m definitely feeling confident about all the training I was able to stack up 💪🏻

[@proseoex_pert]

Video Intro The entire video was great, the hills seem to be wrapped in white sheets, the hills look beautiful. You did a good job, keep it up.

[@psillyrunner8650]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@carry_boats]

Nice! I live in the SLC area and Big Horn is on my list for sure. Currently I'm training for Leadville though. Good luck!

[@psillyrunner8650]

Hope training is going well!! I’ll have a race video up for bighorn 100 after the run. Now that I’m tapering I’m getting very excited to head out there 💪🏻

[@dawnmarston8482]

Beautiful trails, still a lot of snow!

[@psillyrunner8650]

It’ll be gone this week. We’re hitting high 80s and lots of sun ☀️

[@dawnmarston8482]

I love summer!

[@psillyrunner8650]

You and me both!!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

First thing I did was check out his shoes for this run, wow ok I have a shoe problem 🥹. Great video as always and always a pleasure to watch….Looking forward to your race recap. You Got This ! Salomon S Lab Genesis give it a try brother, great shoe…

[@psillyrunner8650]

If I had a couple more weeks I would test that shoe, but it’s looking like I’ll be running in the slab ultra 3 for bighorn. The wait time on a resole for the vectiv pro 2s is like 3-4 weeks

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

@@psillyrunner8650 Totally understand you need a well broken in shoe that’s proven for your race. Unfortunately the resole of your Vectiv pro 2 is so long, 🤬. Oh well you got this brother, best of luck. And by the way thanks I almost pulled the trigger on the Adidas but after your review of ankle issue, no thanks 🤔😉🤙🏽

[@Jujustr0ng]

So bummed the adidas aren’t working out for you. You were a big reason I bought them and I’m loving them! Hopefully you can find the perfect shoe formula 😅

[@psillyrunner8650]

I’m gonna keep testing em after bighorn, but yeah the collar kinda cuts into my ankle on the downhills. I’m gonna see if I can modify the collar to make it fit different because everything else about the shoe is perfect. Best foam, best energy return, great tread. I WILL MAKE IT WORK 😂😂

[@nayrr8385]

I didn’t know you could possibly resole a running shoe. If that works out for you, could you give an update on that? Thanks and love the content!

[@psillyrunner8650]

I found a place in Boulder, CO that does it called Rock and Resole. Hoping I can find somewhere local today, but if not I’ll send em off to Boulder.

[@lasted_leather]

I had the same experience with the recent terrex shoes. Collar is cardboard-like stiff. Good luck with the shoes

[@psillyrunner8650]

Yeah idk why Adidas didn’t put some padding there to stop the grinding into the ankle.

[@dailyjamrunner]

How’s that Black Diamond vest? I’ve been looking for an alternative to the old Salomon 12 liter. Does it store everything you need for a long day comfortably?

[@psillyrunner8650]

Yeah I love it! I used it for Fat Dog 120 last year to make sure that I had room for all the required gear and could carry it comfortably. I’ve been using it ever since then for anything from 10 miles or more. Definitely would choose it over my adv skin 12 for long stuff.

[@zacharygarner9425]

The scuba hoodies and jackets need some explanation. I run the same trails and am consistently shirtless or sweating

[@psillyrunner8650]

I wear the sun hoodies to protect from the sun. I’ve always had sun strokes and so I stay covered up.

[@Sonatafade]

I'll help watch your sac

[@psillyrunner8650]

Much appreciated! 😂😂