Gear Review: Terramar Climasense 2.0 Thermolator (Pant, 1/2 zip, and mock)

As an ambassador for Terramar Sports, I've been able to get out in the winter months and continue training and racing without issue. This time around, I was fortunate enough to receive their Climasense 2.0 Thermolator Pant, 1/2 zip and mock shirt. Let me tell you, I really love my TXO 2.0 layers and my Terrmar SmartSilk layers, but the Climasense/thermolator set is top notch. Hands down, it's the best baselayer set I have in my repertoire.

I couldn't really tell you how cold this base layer set can withstand, but as a trail runner, this set is absolutely perfect for anything above 25, especially when you couple it together with some Terramar Smart Silk glove liners and a Terramar beanie. This base layer set moves with you and never bunches up. It's like a second skin almost. The sleeves of the mock and 1/2 zip have thumb holes. With these layers on, I've done runs in 30 degree weather without issue. I've yet to make it out in below 30 this season but I can tell you, I wouldn't hesitate to use my Thermolator layers. When I'm cold, these layers provide a warming effect and if I'm hot, they provide a cooling effect. 

Gear Review: Run Goo (Blister Prevention Cream)

I've been running err... rather trail running for about 2 years now, and up until the past few months,  I've never really had a problem with blisters except for really long runs/races. (We're talking 50k or more). This year though has been a whole different ball game starting with my training leading up to the Barkley Fall Classic. Back in September I had formed some blisters prior to the Rock & Root 30 which was my last tune up run for BFC. I assume it was a combination of wool socks and wet feet during the hot and humid September days on the trail. After BFC the few blisters were pretty gnarly and nasty.

Race Report: Barkley Fall Classic 50K+

It's been a bit since the running of the Inaugural Barkley Fall Classic and I'm still blown away at what all who toed the line accomplished that day. It's races and moments like this which will remain in my memory for a long time. Some 200 plus souls toed the line on Saturday, September 20, 2014 and 163 completed the full distance, which as it turns out was more like 35 miles instead of the advertised 50K, of course did we expect any different considering the who the race directors were?

I arrived in Wartburg around 4ish in the afternoon on Friday. My first stop was at the visitors center to meet and sign Gigi's visitor book as requested by Durb and Laz. All us runners have left an impression and Gigi has left an impression with all of us that dropped in. While there I met a couple other runners. We talked about the race and of course about the big dance that takes place in the spring.

After leaving the Visitor's center I headed for the American Legion to pick up my race packet and in general mingle with the other runners who were going to take on the challenge that Laz, Durb, and the BFC had waiting for us. Unfortunately I was just so immersed in the experience that I didn't even think to pull out a cell phone and take pictures. Probably should have. While there I got to talk with Laz again and also officially meet Durb. Great guys in all actuality, top notch indeed.

Guest Post: Bird-Watching Hike with Kids

The following post is brought to us by Ernie Allison - Bird Enthusiast. Ernie approached us about doing a guest post and well with how busy we've seemed to be we thought that would be great. We love to watch birds, especially in the fall. They're always on our back deck coming to take the cat food, rather ironic eh? Well we thought a post about birding and hiking would be a great fit here as a guest post from Ernie, and he didn't disappoint. With the steps below, you can get out with your family for a wonderful birding hike. So without further adieu...
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I’ve always been a big proponent of instilling a love of nature in members of my family. This means family reunions are camping trips, family hikes happen year-round, and we have a wildlife garden to attract birds and other cute critters to our yard.

Trail Report: FHSP - Panther Branch to Debord Falls (Father's Day Hike)

Father's Day has come and gone but it is still fresh in my memory. The day before I had ran a 16 mile trail race in a little over 3 hours, but on Father's Day when asked what I wanted to do, I wanted to spend the day in the woods with my girls. We would only hike a little over 2 miles but the time it took, I wish lasted forever.

I awoke in the morning to find My Robin in the kitchen making breakfast, pancakes and bacon. It was scrumptious and went wonderfully well with my cup-of-joe. It took a bit for Bug to eat, and in that time we got the kiddo up and let her go through her morning routine as well.

Save on Hiking Gear for the Family!

Zulily has some amazing deals on hiking and running gear for the family today! Everything from Trail Toes shoes for kids to Salomon gear for men and women.

Head on over and check it out before it's all sold out!

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*

 

Happy Trails,

Robin and Tim

Gear Review & Giveaway: Life Straw

A while back we were asked if we would be interested in reviewing the LifeStraw® by Vestergaard. It wasn't long (a week if that) before the LifeStraw® was at our door step. Being avid outdoors people you can only imagine what our answer was. We wouldn't be here right now if we had answered the other way. 

Unsure as to when we'd get a chance to try it out, it sat in our gear stash pile on the bookshelf for a couple weeks. Then Father's Day came and this was our chance. When asked what I wanted to do for Father's Day, the only answer was a family hike. We geared up, loaded up the car and off we were to Frozen Head State Park. We took a nice little family hike/stroll up Panther Branch Trail to Debord Falls and at least one pit-stop along the way for the Bug to play in the creek before reaching the falls (a whopping .6 miles from the trailhead). She's little so we take it slow.

Sharing some Camping tips...

So Robin just sent me a link to some camping tips with kids. I thought I would share them here. I'm liking number 10. What's your favorite or some other tips you would add to this list?

Tips for Camping with Kids

Happy Trails and Happy Camping,
Tim and Robin

Gear Review: Terramar Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey

As most of you are aware, and for those of you who aren't, I am a brand ambassador for Terramar Sports. What is this Terramar Sports you ask? Well let me tell you, only the best base layers you can find to fit all sorts of bills for outdoors activity regardless of season. It's been over a year since I've been stumping for Terramar and still to this day it's a brand I love and believe in.



For this season, I've been outfitted with a great assortment of gear to keep the running going through the winter, and let me just say, they didn't disappoint. One of my favorite pieces this time around is the Body-Sensors Thermolator II Jersey. On those 30 something degree days with the sun shining, you better believe I'll be wearing it under some running jersey that I've acquired over the past year. This baselayer is awesome. Very warm, yet breathable, long sleeves, and it even has thumb holes, not something I've seen a lot of in men's clothing. I've been on a few trail runs with this top so far, and I've not been disappointed.

Gear Review and COUPON!: Free Country Women's Spectral Softshell Jacket

I have a hard time finding clothing that I like. I don't think it's because I'm too picky, but rather because I'm practical. But even then, I still want something that fits, not only my practicality, but my tall frame and simple style.

Free Country recently approached me asking if I would be interested in trying one of their jackets. They offered me one of four different styles and after looking over all of them online, I chose the Spectral Softshell in Black and trimmed in (I believe it's named) Whisper Blue. I thought that it had the most potential of meeting my needs and body type.

Mountain Men Season 2 DVD Giveaway

We've watched Mountain Men on several occasions on the History Channel. Every time, I think Robin and I both are both in awe and jealous of how these guys and their families live. Simple, free, and "wild". Basically, they are masters of their own destiny, in control of their own survival in this world without being apart of the "rat race" most of us live by holding down normal 9 to 5's or staying at home raising the kiddos while spouses are at their day jobs.

That's not to say that they have it easy. By no means do these men and their families have it easy. As a matter of fact I think the rest of society (as a whole) have it easy. Heck, if what these guys did was easy, everyone would be doing it and there would be no need for a show right?

Which Bike is Right For Your Chosen Trail?

Spring is here! And with spring comes warmer weather that is perfect for biking! There are many different trails to take advantage of this spring. However, in order to ensure smooth navigation and riding, you should consider what your trail is like, the climate of the area, and which bike would work best for your chosen trail. There are several different bike options available for serious cyclers. Having the right bike for your chosen trail will make a huge difference in your riding and how enjoyable your biking trip is. Here’s a breakdown on some of the most popular bikes and which trails they work the best for.

1.     Mountain Bikes – Mountain bikes are some of the most popular bikes for cyclists to use on trails. They are perfect for mountain conditions, dirt paths, and other off-road conditions. However, these bikes are also frequently used on an all-around basis due to their durability and strength. If you want to use a mountain bike on the road it will also be an excellent choice since they can handle rough road conditions such as potholes very well.

Must-Have Gadgets For Outdoor Fans

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The great outdoors plays host to a number of activities, hobbies and sports. People from across the world both work and play outdoors, enjoying nature and the elements as part of their chosen pastime. Whether it is fishing, running, gardening, or sailing, spending time outdoors can help you unwind from the stresses of your working week, while helping keep you healthy and feeling fresh. With so many people professed fans of outdoor activities, it should come as no surprise that there are now an array of gadgets and tools that can be used to make spending time outdoors easier.

When you’ve been out walking in muddy or marsh ground, there is a certain inevitability about getting your feet wet. For those who frequently find themselves in this position, strong, watertight boots are the best option for keeping the feet dry and warm, even in adverse conditions. When you are done with your boots, they can often be soaked on the outside. This can lead them to become damp, and in some cases they may even become moldy or start to smell if they are not handled appropriately. Boot dryers are a good option here, helping solve the problem of wet boots much more
directly. These can be sourced from websites such as www.bootdryer.com. For anyone who regularly ends up with the problem of soaking wet boots, boot dryers save time and energy, while keeping your boots in a much better condition so they’re ready when you need them.