Bob Crowley has been trail running for over 21 years.  Josh Katzman for 7 years.  Both are members of the massive Trail Animals Running Club - a running club that has grown to exceed over 2500 member in the U.S.A.  They join the Nation to discuss trail culture.

• Are we at risk of losing the unique culture that welcomed us all in?
• Will the culture change as the sport continues to grow?
• How can we maintain the culture?

Feel free to join the Trail Animals Running Club and participate in one of their 35 races or weekly trail runs.

Trail Animals Running Club web site

Trail Animals Running Club facebook page

Closing Song: “Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake)” by Timbaland

You can find us on iTunes or listen by using the player below. Click here to download the file (Right click, save as)

Bob Crowley & Josh Katzman – Trail Running Culture, Are We at Risk of Losing it? [ 1:37:11 ] Play NowPlay in Popup | Download (1749)

Top and Bottom Views

INTIAL IMPRESSION & TESTING

There wasn’t really any instruction manual with the Moji 360. However, there is a QR Code label on the Moji to link to the instructional videos or just go to the “Ease of Use” section on the website.

The Moji is a “Dynamic Massager” that works anywhere on the body. The rotating steel spheres both small and large provide a varied intensity.  It can be used pre or post workout. I noticed that the spheres rotate in all directions. You can use the small spheres for a relaxing massage and the large spheres for a deep tissue massage.  I did need to take time to massage for 10 minutes after my workouts.  The massage was relaxing, but I was unable to “feel” if it did truly help in speeding recovery although I did sense a feeling of “lightness” after a massage.  It was relaxing to say the least. I’ll leave the science to the scientist – see study.  In summary, the Moji 360 was very easy to use once you watch the instructional videos. You should treat yourself to a massage, at least, once in awhile.

CONCLUSION

The Moji 360 Massager is a multi-directional massage tool that works on all body parts.  It’s great for pre or post massages and for recovery from injuries. It’s an easy way to give yourself a massage for relaxation or therapeutic needs.

We are approaching summer, and it is bright outside.  The Tifosi Duro sunglasses contain the darkest lenses Tifosi has to offer in a closed frame design.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS & TRAIL TESTED

The Tifosi Duro has the brown polarized photochromic lens (the dargest in the Tifosi line of lenses). It is made of TR-90 frame (light and durable nylon that resists chemical and UV damage), adjustable nose pads, hydrophilic rubber, and vented lenses (to prevent fogging). As with all adult Tifosi sunglasses, it comes with a hard shell case and microfiber cleaning bag. The fit is sized for medium to large faces. However, I would say it is for the larger faces.  See pictures below of the Duro.

Top – Light Photochromic
Bottom – Dark Photochromic

Various Views

The Duro worked well in the brightest of conditions. The photochromic lenses are a plus with changing conditions on the trails. I like sunglasses with adjustments such as the noise piece to customize the fit to the bridge of your noise.  A plus is the hydrophilic rubber on the noise pad and temple pads to keep perspiration away for a secure fit. The Duro also worked very well at blocking the wind (also great on the bicycle when x-training). Overall, the Duro is a durable and fashionable piece of eyewear that performed very well in sunny to cloudy conditions.

TECH SPECS

• Fit – Medium to Large
• Rx – Yes
• Adjustable Nosepiece – Yes
• Photochromic Lens
• 100% UVA/UVB protection
• Light Transmission – 9.4% (Sunny) to 28.7% (Cloudy)
• Weight – 1.15 oz (32.6 grams)
• Made in – Taiwan

CONCLUSION

Tifosi Duro is a solid piece of eyewear. It is for those trail runners looking for a closed frame with photochromic lenses to block out the brightest sunlight to overcast conditions.

Mountain running apparel by La Sportiva.  Let’s take a look at the Peak T-Shirt and Gravity Shorts.

INITIAL IMPRESSION & TRAIL TESTING

Peak T-Shirt

The Peak T-Shirt fits true to size and is a regular fit. However, it is a little snug in the shoulder/arm area. It drapes nicely over the body.  It is made of Cocona material which increases breathability, UV protection and odor management.  It is super light and comes in at 3.05 oz (86.5 grams). It’s one of the lightest shirts I have test (2^nd to the GoLite Wildwood at 2.50 oz – 80.9 grams).

The Peak T-Shirt tested well in cool to hot conditions, again, super light and extremely breathable. I did not experience any chafing running in soaked conditions. The only issue I had was the shirt has a high snag factor, that is, the fabric snags easily.  You will need to be careful around thistles and overhanging branches.

Gravity Shorts

First, no liner is included.  This gives the individual options to choose their type of underwear – bun huggers, boxer briefs or boxers, tights/compression, or just free-willy.  The Gravity Shorts have a different feel due to the 3 sections of fabric – main body, side inserts, and back.  They fit true to size and have an outside drawcord. The shorts have one small zippered pocket in the rear that can hold about 3 GU’s comfortably.  There is tacky silicon applied to the back inside of the shorts for extra gripping power when the pocket may be loaded with running essentials.

The Gravity Shorts tested well in cold and hot conditions. The comfort and support level varied depending on the underwear selected. I liked that you could pick your own liner with the Gravity Shorts.  The only thing I would want is several outside mesh pockets in the rear next to the zippered pocket for carrying more running essentials.

TECH SPECS

Peak T-Shirt

• Material – 100% Polyester with Cocona Natural Technology
• Contract Mesh Material – 100% Polyester
• Fit – Regular (although a little tight in the shoulder/arms)
• Number of Pockets – None
• Weight – 3.05 oz (86.5 grams) – Size Small
• Made in – Turkey

Gravity Shorts

• Main Body Material: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex
• Side Inserts Material: 92% Nylon, 8% Spandex
• Back Inserts Material: 85% Polyester, 16% Spandex
• Fit – Regular
• Liner – None (This is bring your own underwear.)
• Number of Pockets – 1 (Small Zippered Pocket in Rear)
• Inseam Length – 8inches
• Liner Length – None
• Weight – 3.70 oz (104.9 grams) – Size Small
• Made in – Turkey

CONCLUSION

Peak T-Shirt

Light, breathable, fast drying and made of Cocona fabric all great features.  However, you will need to watch careful with the high snag factor of this shirt.

Gravity Shorts

Optional liner, that is, choose your own liner to wear, durable construction and breathable.  One small pocket may be sufficient, but may leave you wanting for more storage on the longer training runs.

HAPPY MOUNTAIN RUNNING!