After The Running Event, brain buzzing from a pop-punk cover-band-fueled Brooks party, I couldn’t stop thinking about these fifteen game-changing products, people, and surprises.
This year marked my third TRE, and for the first time, I had the freedom to really soak it in. Having a Press Pass instead of pulling “booth-slave” duty for a brand helped a lot (shoutout to everyone chained to their booths—you’re the real MVPs). As I flew home, my brain still buzzing from the pop-punk cover-band-fueled Brooks party, I couldn’t stop thinking about these fifteen products, people, and surprises that left me so hyped I forgot that one more day of this would’ve definitely cost me my voice. And while @yaboyscottjurek already nailed the vibe in his post, here’s my spin with some extra juicy details. 💦
You may recognize the Tantrums vest from Anna (Kacius) Louden’s stellar Western States debut or her hard fought 6th-place finish at this year’s Javelina Jundred. Tantrums has set out to create the ultimate race vest—lightweight, podium-worthy, and built to endure—and honestly, they nailed it. When I picked it up, I couldn’t believe how featherlight it felt. Every detail of this vest has been meticulously designed, making it a standout for serious racers and casual runners alike.
TELETIES are proof that sometimes the smallest things can spark the most joy. A hybrid between a hair tie and a bracelet, these coil-style bands manage to be functional, fashionable, and a little nostalgic all at once. During the Brooks party—cue Blink-182 flashbacks—I caught sight of one on my wrist, and instantly transported to my middle school days of trading jelly bracelets. Oh! And when they get stretched out, just run them under hot water. Welcome to a new era of hair ties!
It’s easy to glance at a recovery shoe and think, “Eh, it’s just another slipper.” But after hearing the full story from Liam Lonsdale, the founder’s husband and pro runner with Speedland, I was hooked. These aren’t your typical slides—they’re massage footwear. Handcrafted in small batches in Portugal, each pair is designed with cork, a carbon-negative material that’s shock-absorbing, anti-microbial, and moisture-wicking. The custom hugflex™ strap and barecork™ footbed create comfort and circulation, while also improving balance and posture. Plus, they’re machine washable. They’re truly engineered to support both your feet and the planet. Give your feet a hug with Message.
This 2025 shoe checks all the boxes for a long-distance ultra race shoe. Want the full scoop? Watch Drew, the Product Designer, and athlete Coree Woltering break it down in this YouTube video. What has me jazzed: the full-length FlexConnect system. Think of the shoe like a centipede, with segmented design offering incredible torsional flexibility. It strikes the perfect balance—providing ample cushioning while maintaining excellent ground feel. 🪱
Zachary Friedley also known as TrailBlader, is a professional runner sponsored by On. He has competed in both national and international races, most notably the UTMB MCC, UTMB Val d’Aran, UTMB Tarawera, and most recently, Sierre Zinal. In addition to his running career, Zach is the founder of Born to Adapt, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating events and opportunities for the disabled community to engage in outdoor activities worldwide.
Zach spoke on the Building Kinship Panel which was presented by Rising Hearts and On. During the panel we defined what kinship is, defined what kinship building is, and explored how to create inclusive and supporting spaces between community and brands. Zach’s advice: invite someone who doesn’t look like you on a run or to your run club.
Sidas is seriously leveling up the sock game with their innovative designs and materials, and I am here for it. My new obsession? Big toe separation. Yep, you heard me right. In running, your big toe is a key player for balance, alignment, and propulsion. That’s why Sidas partnered with athletes like Jonathan Albon to develop T-Free® technology, which lets your big toe move freely and independently. The result? More comfort and better stability for trail running. I have zero patience for putting on toe socks, but these? I can’t stop thinking about them. 🧦
I hate spending money on underwear, but let’s be real—it’s your first layer and deserves top billing! Paradis Sport is changing the game with underwear designed for women who crush goals. After three years, 17 prototypes, and input from 37 elite athletes, they’ve nailed a fit that says goodbye to chafing, wedgies, and itchy tags. Their fabrics are soft, durable, and free of harmful chemicals, so comfort and safety are guaranteed. I was gifted a pair, and honestly, I might never take it off.
I don’t even like peanut butter, but for a free pair of heart-shaped Pit Vipers, sign me up! Also, can someone please tell me how Magic Mouth Josh inhaled that wad of PB? I was way outta my league. Regardless, it was totally worth the two hours of post-race peanut butter burps.
Chicken broth brought me back from the dead during my first hundred miler, but let’s be real, it doesn’t offer much in terms of nutrition. That’s where Näak Ultra Energy Drink Mix Salted Soup comes in. This drink mix is a unique blend of salty vegetable broth flavor, crafted with upcycled ingredients, and can be enjoyed hot or cold. Packed with 250 calories, 55g of carbohydrates, 1100mg of electrolytes, 1300mg of BCAAs, and 8g of protein, it gives you everything you need to fuel your body during long efforts. I can’t wait to start experimenting with it especially on night runs!
I’ve been itching to get my hands on this innovative Vermont-made water bottle since I first heard about it, and it does not disappoint. While Bivo has been playing in the cycling world, their stainless steel bottles are a perfect fit for runners too, offering a sustainable and sleek alternative to disposable plastic. No more untwisting caps or squeezing bottles—their smooth, no-mess flow is next-level. Durable and stylish, this bottle solves all your hydration headaches and looks even cooler paired with a Skratch Labs alien sticker. It’s functional, eco-friendly, and downright fun to use. 👽
We already know NNormal is all about sustainability, but after talking with tech rep Cole Crosby, I was seriously impressed by the level of thought and innovation in their gear. Take this jacket, for example—rather than using velcro to cinch the sleeve cuffs, it features a paracord design, making it easier to fully deconstruct and repurpose without leaving glue residue on the fabric. This attention to detail is part of NNormal’s larger commitment: every piece in their line is designed to be disassembled and reused, keeping sustainability at the forefront of their product development.
This isn’t just any watch band—it’s got Courtney’s own mantra, “Believe,” glowing in the dark like a motivational neon sign for your wrist. So, when you’re trudging through the night on an ultra and your brain’s telling you to quit, that little glowing reminder gives you a nudge to keep going. Plus, the band is designed with ultra runners in mind: lightweight, comfy, and functional. It’s like wearing a piece of Courtney’s positive energy, all while looking pretty cool under the stars. 🌌
I’m always on the lookout for fueling products that give me a solid hit of carbs and calories quickly, so when I saw that Embark Maple Energy packets pack in 320 calories, I was all in. Made by a family of Wisconsin maple farmers who are all about their love for the outdoors, these little trail-ready packets are as wholesome as they come. 🍁
Prana at a running event? Heck yes! I was totally up for a 6:30am yoga session in a conference room, even though I got there too late for a free mat. I think everyone was surprised to see so many runners eager to start the day with yoga instead of a run. Why’s it so good for runners? Yoga helps with flexibility, posture, and body awareness, which can reduce injury risk and improve performance. Plus, it’s great for mental focus and recovery—exactly what we need after pounding out miles!
I crossed paths with Alex Proctor in the media room, where he told me about his podcast, Ultra Ascent. This podcast follows the journey of two aspiring professional runners, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between as they work toward their goals. Starting a podcast like this takes a unique level of vulnerability and dedication, and it’s exciting to see them documenting their process. They’re just getting started, and you should definitely check them out on YouTube to follow their journey and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to go pro in the world of ultra running!
Trying a top secret new flavor of Skratch Labs Energy Chews.
The Satisfy group trail run at The Loop Running Supply Company.
And I’m not kidding when I say things got wild…
Getting my single carry-on shut (barely).
