The Suunto Spartan Collection is the newest line-up of multisport watches, building on the success of Suunto’s Ambit series. After training for several years first with a Suunto Ambit 2, then an Ambit 3 Sport, and finally an Ambit 3 Vertical, I was pretty excited to get my hands on their top-of-the-line Suunto Spartan Ultra recently so I could put some of the new navigation features to the test.

After my recent peroneal tendon injury, my MD recommended that I get custom orthotics. I wasn’t sure at first, but my physio agreed that it could be a good temporary aid as we work to build up the strength in my arches.

It’s still not clear how my biomechanics are to blame for the overuse injury, but I’m using this whole experience as an opportunity to finally address a series of minor issues and weaknesses so that I can come back strong for the long-haul (poor tracking of the knees, weak glutes, etc.).

I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to use orthotics in my Salomon Sense Ultras though. While far from ‘minimalist’, they’re definitely on the lighter and more flexible side as a performance shoe and neutral, like most trail shoes. After a fair bit of experimenting, I’ve found them to be the absolute perfect fit. I’m a mid-foot striker and I like to feel the ground beneath my feet so I wasn’t about to put on a pair of Hokas!

There’s not much I love more than running in the snow. With the winter trail running season coming to a close, I wanted to share a few of the items that I’ve come to consider essential for braving the elements.

I wanted to provide an overview of the inReach SE manufactured by Delorme which I recently got, specifically from a trail running perspective.

There are plenty of comprehensive reviews out there of all the product features and benefits, so I thought instead that I’d just quickly point out how I hope to take advantage of some of the device’s unique features in the backcountry running and racing that I do and to show you the device in action.