Category: Running

Naval officer Paul Johnson is running across the US to support veterans

Run for a good cause.

Ultrarunner and naval officer Paul Johnson is on an extraordinary cross-country run from Los Angeles to New York. His purpose? To raise a million dollars for Team Red, White & Blue. This nonprofit enriches the lives of US veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

Fewer than 400 people have run this cross-country route. Paul’s original goal was to complete the 3,000-mile journey in 40 days. This meant averaging 75 miles per day and shaving two days off the former record. When Paul took a break on day 24 to talk to Outdoors Wire, he was a little behind on the record setting, but way ahead on the community support and cross-country outpouring of love. Here’s what he had to say. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HxU3mRq9k

Outdoors Wire: How’s it going so far?

Johnson: You know, I thought I would really enjoy eating a lot of food. I don’t. So many calories. Day 16 was the hump. It was pretty rough up to day 16. Day 10 was one of the toughest, almost not being able to run at all. My foot, you know, we’re working on it. And since day 16, I’ve practically been running pain-free. Obviously, the legs are sore and tired. But we’re cruising now, so we’re starting to feel really good about it.

Outdoors Wire: What has surprised you on this run?

Johnson: The amount of support that we’ve received from people. Being in practically what feels like the middle of nowhere, and a random car comes ripping around the corner. Somebody hops out and starts yelling if they can run with us. Families that drove four hours to come give us chocolate chip cookies and then run the furthest they’ve ever run in their life with us. It’s just been insane. I’m looking right now at a stack of cards from a kindergarten class that all wrote me like motivational do-a-good-job cards that are hanging on the inside of the van. So, just to be able to see that level of support has been absolutely insane.

Outdoors Wire: How does running help mental health struggles for you and other veterans? Or for people in general?

Johnson: There’s a, at least for me, a very huge connection between mental and physical health. And I think a lot of people can relate to that. Especially within the military. One of the ways that we deal with stress is working out. There’s a lot of other not-as-great ways. But working out is one of the positive ones. And everybody has their own different way of doing it. A lot of people like lifting weights. You know, it’s kind of tough to go swimming because you need special facilities for that. But running and walking are a constant that you can do pretty much anywhere.

And I definitely find that if I’m not running as much, I struggle more myself with mental health. Running, I describe it to other people as my meditation. Especially for anxiety and depression. The running kind of gives it all a break. It’s a very positive release for me.

And so that’s the encouragement here. We want people to try and do something more physically active. Whether it’s running, walking, playing golf, pickleball, go for a hike. Whatever it is, by increasing that level of physical activity, you’re going to drastically improve your mental health.

Outdoors Wire: What sort of mental health problems do you think running is most helpful for?

Johnson: Definitely not for my sleep, I’ll tell you that. (laughs) No impact on the sleep issues I’ve had. It definitely has helped a lot with anxiety. Getting started and going out for a run is one of the hardest things, always. Just trying to get myself over that hump is very difficult. I just don’t want to do it. But as soon as I can finally force myself out that door, and I get 10, 20, 30 steps in, I’m so glad I did it. So, for me, that’s where I see the huge effect.

Having those anxiety symptoms with the tight chest and everything else, I just feel that I’m able to relax a bit once I start running.

Outdoors Wire: Tell us why Team Red, White & Blue is important to you.

Johnson: Because they’re the best, obviously. They are the nation’s largest community support group for veterans. And it’s not just veterans. There’s active-duty members like myself. There’s civilians. There are veterans. It’s a 200,000-person community and charity that’s focused on exactly what we’re out here to do, which is improve the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals. 

Specifically, they do a lot of different things from providing training, programming, and community events with different physical goals. Monthly challenges to get you up and moving and trying something new. And really trying to get you involved to interact with and work out with other people. 

That’s one of the things that a lot of veterans struggle with, when you leave such tight community as the military. People that you’ve lived with 24/7, now you’re no longer with those people. You’re kind of on your own. It’s a huge shock to the system and a very tough adjustment that a lot of people struggle with. And to me, that’s really why RWB is so important, is bridging that gap between physical and mental health and getting people involved.

Outdoors Wire: What do you most want people to know about veterans?

Johnson: They’re dope. Everybody has their own experience in the military. Some people have done combat tours. Some people have been shot at. Some people have been blown up. I’ve never been shot at, I’ve never been blown up. Yet, myself and a lot of my peers still struggle with a lot of similar mental health issues, just due to the level of stress that we’re constantly under, even when you’re in other roles.

I think a lot of people, even other service members, discredit the effects of mental health for a lot of people. Especially for the veterans. And they don’t really teach you a lot of good ways to necessarily deal with everything and how to transition. So, I think it’s important just to understand that everyone’s had different experiences. And just because maybe they didn’t do a combat tour doesn’t mean they’re not struggling with something.

Outdoors Wire: Anything else you want to share with readers about this ambitious cross-country run and what it means to you?

Johnson: We’re out here to raise awareness for mental health and fundraise 1 million dollars for Team Red, White & Blue. The record’s kind of out of the question at this point, and that’s totally fine. We’re here for the important part, which is that awareness and fundraising. So if you’re anywhere near where we’re going to be coming, come on out, say hi. Come run. Cheer us on as we go by. We love every form of support. And as always, get the word out, share with all your friends, family, coworkers, whatever. And help us reach that million-dollar goal.

Here’s how Injinji changed my mind about toe socks

Are they right for you?

One of my friends swears by Injinji toe socks. She touts the lack of rubbing that leaves her toes blister-free, even on long runs. I was skeptical, having not worn toe socks since childhood. My main memory is that it was a pain to get each toe in its individual compartment. In the wide world of modern running socks, could toe socks really offer something that other designs don’t?

To find out, I decided to give toe socks another try and ordered a pair from premium toe sock brand Injinji. Here’s what I found.

Related: Should you try Jogology’s running socks?

A pair of black Injinji toe socks.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Injinji sock family

Injinji has built a toe sock empire. Its website offers socks for running or hiking in hidden, no-show, mini-crew, crew, and over-the-calf lengths. There are even limited-edition socks.

I focused on the mini-crew to keep my shoes from rubbing on the backs of my ankles without adding too much sock height. Within the mini-crew division, there are original weight, lightweight, midweight, and trail varieties. Some categories offer separate socks for men and women. There are even artist-designed socks and a toeless option for extra grip.

After buying and liking an initial pair, it took several days of pondering and revisiting the website to ultimately choose four more pairs of socks. Yes, that was a little extreme at prices of $14 and up. But I’d caught toe sock fever. And I was going for free shipping. I wound up with three pairs of women’s ultra-run mini-crews, a unisex ultra, and one pair of midweight mini-crews. Am I an ultra runner? Heck no. But they sounded nice and cushy.

Trying out the socks

Sure enough, putting on toe socks takes longer than putting on regular socks. But not that much longer. After wearing them a few times, I timed myself. Eighteen seconds per sock to manually get each toe in its rightful place.

Depending on the person, separately encasing each toe may feel luxurious or like a strange amount of extra fabric. I enjoyed the cushy feeling, and my toes enjoyed the luxury experience.

When running, I felt like the Injinji socks protected my toes. If you’re not always on top of your pedicures, these socks may save you from toe-on-toe aggression. Say goodbye to indentations from a next-door neighbor’s sharp toenail. Instead, your toes will live harmonious lives inside their separate compartments. It’s like that old saying: fences make good neighbors.

A single foot in orange and yellow toe socks.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Aesthetics

There are a few other companies making toe socks, but Injinji has the cutest selection. Of course, you can choose something neutral and practical like black or grey. Even these options have some subtle design features, like shadow stripes or a slightly contrasting cuff. But if you like fun, colorful socks, Injinji has you covered.

The first pair I bought were bright yellow mini-crews with orange toes and heels. I followed that purchase with a few more pairs, including a royal blue design with yellow toes and heels.

If you really want to make your sock wardrobe special, check out the artist-designed series. Injinji partners with outdoorsy artists like Sandro Young and Kika MacFarlane to produce limited-edition socks.

A pair of feet in black toe socks against a black and yellow rug.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Toe sock benefits

Okay, they’re cute and colorful. But do toe socks have any real benefits? According to Injinji, the top three reasons for wearing toe socks are blister prevention, total foot utilization, and moisture management.

I experienced the blister protection aspect, as separating each toe eliminated skin-on-skin friction. Injinji also claims that toe socks allow you to engage your entire foot in ways that regular socks don’t, and I could feel this, too.

Like most products in running and in life, you have to try it out for yourself and see if it works for you. I’ve converted to toe socks for running — at least for a while. While I’m still new to the world of toe socks, it seems like a better world so far.

Go trail running on this pristine path through Acadia National Park

Enjoy running with a side of scenery.

Maine’s Acadia National Park is full of stunning sights that will charm any nature-loving visitor. The park truly offers something for everyone. Birdwatchers can look for wildlife along Jesup Path, stargazers can watch the skies over Cadillac Mountain, and people who prefer driving to hiking can cruise along Ocean Drive.

But what about trail runners? What does this dazzling park have for outdoorsy folks who enjoy jogging through scenic landscapes? If you’re looking for a prime trail running spot at Acadia National Park, look no further than Jordan Pond Path. This running hotspot circles the tranquil waters of Jordan Pond, but waterfront views aren’t the only perks runners can look forward to seeing there. Take a peek at this trail’s best sights and learn more about the area in the photo guide below.

Let’s put GORUCK’s Rough Runners to the test

Time for a test run.

When GORUCK began in 2008, Jason McCarthy was in the Special Forces and Emily McCarthy was in the CIA. The two co-founders started their gear company out of Emily’s house in West Africa. Their goal was to build an indestructible rucksack. Now, GORUCK offers several types of bags, plus shoes and apparel. All are backed by the Scars Lifetime Guarantee. If there’s a defect or if you manage to wear something out, GORUCK will fix or replace it. This is a hardcore brand for hardcore people.

GORUCK sent me a pair of its Rough Runner shoes to try out. Out of the box, they felt stiffer and tighter than other shoes I’ve reviewed recently. The last few pairs of running shoes I’ve reviewed have been wider and maybe even a little longer in the toe box, making me wonder if my feet are shrinking with age. Not these. I could feel the fronts and tops of my toes and heel as they made contact with the outside of the shoe. Here’s how they held up on a test run.

Two people rucking through a suburban neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of GORUCK

Testing the Rough Runners

As I set off for a three-mile run, I had my doubts. I wondered if I’d get blisters on my toes and heels and have to pack it in after a few blocks. I was more conscious of my feet than usual for the first mile or so. After a while, my feet and the Rough Runners got used to each other, and I stopped thinking about it. I ran farther than I planned and went faster than usual. Was it because of the shoes? Or maybe because it was one of my first sunny, pleasant runs of the year? Either way, everything was working fine.

Then, when I walked for my cooldown, I became more conscious of the shoes feeling tight again. These were more comfortable for me to run in than to walk. After trying out these shoes for three runs and a trip to the gym, I looked up some other reviews. There weren’t many mentions of the Rough Runners run small. Still, if you have a wider foot, I recommend ordering the wide shoe to avoid smooshing your toes into the regular.

GORUCK tried to solve two problems with these shoes. First, they built them for lateral stability. They are designed for weight training and rucking, as well as running. Second, the company claims to include “0% marshmallow foam for better support.” That’s why the Rough Runners feel built up through the midsole without being cushy. The GORUCK website describes typical running shoe foam as “squishy and soft. Like a waterbed, it might feel good for a bit, but it’s terrible for your body.”

A person from the knees down running on pavement.
Photo courtesy of GORUCK

Rough Runner aesthetics

As for the aesthetics, the Rough Runners come mostly in serious colors like black, olive, gray, and white, sometimes with more colorful trim. I requested the flashiest pair, an electric blue with white trim and a bright orange sole. They have clean, unfussy lines. The most fun thing about them is the placement of the brand’s horizontal spearhead logo. It’s a Special Forces symbol inspired by Native American spearheads. A spearhead decorates the side of the shoe towards the heel. If you look closely, you can also find spearheads on the tongue, in the footbed, and, my favorite, a little one hidden in the tread of the sole.

A pair of GORUCK Rough Runner rucking and running shoes in blue and orange.
Rough Runners in electric blue. / Photo by Teresa Bergen

Giving back

In line with the McCarthys’ Special Forces past, GORUCK donates 1% of its gross sales to non-profit partners that support the military. From 2015 to 2020, GORUCK donated almost a million dollars to organizations serving veterans, first responders, military spouses, and other related communities.

Rucking for tough people

GORUCK leads the rucking trend. If you’re not familiar with rucking, it means walking (or running) with weight on your back. The more, the better. GORUCK leads regular challenges in different cities to give average people the experience of a day in the life of Special Forces training. What started as a quality control program to test out gear has developed into a way for people with relatively cushy lives to test their mettle.

After watching GORUCK videos of people running on the crowded streets of New York, crawling through mud, and dipping into frigid water — all while wearing brick-filled backpacks, I felt a little inspired. I wasn’t ready for that much weight, so instead I ran to Doe Donuts, Portland’s finest vegan donut shop. I rucked my way home in my Rough Runners (also made of vegan materials) with a box of donuts beneath one arm. This might not win me praise from CrossFit (a GORUCK partner), but the shoes worked pretty well for me. I’m not sure if I’m ready to give up my life of marshmallow foam and donuts, but I’ll keep alternating between Rough Runners and other running shoes while I think it over.

A person rucking on the beach.
Photo courtesy of GORUCK

Writer received a free sample from GORUCK for review.

Should you try Jogology’s running socks?

A good run starts with socks.

The Jogology brand began with three runner friends: Luke Rowe and Bert and Tanya Pictor. “Our hope is that Jogology will help all runners, no matter their level, reach their destination in ultimate comfort,” the trio says on the Jogology website. Always searching for better running socks, I decided to give Jogology a try.

The brand’s offerings are simple so far. Jogology makes no-show socks in high, medium, or low-cushion. They come in sizes S, M, L, and XL and have “anatomical shaping.” If you look closely, you’ll see a little L or R on each sock.

Each cushioning level comes in your standard black, white, and gray, with a few fun colors thrown in. Being a color person, I liked the lilac high-cushion sock, which is a pink-lavender color on top with aqua piping and hot pink around the toes and heel. The medium-cushion in sky is also attractive, a combo of sky blue and light pink, with gray toes and neon yellow accents. It may sound silly to more stoic runners, but having fun workout clothes helps rev me up enough to get out of the office chair and into the park.

A pair of feet in gray Jogology running socks.
Photo courtesy of Jogology

I prefer a well-cushioned sock. I was partial to my high-cushion lilac Jogology pair until the evil sock fairy stole one way too soon. Since then, I’ve relied on the medium-cushion, which, fortunately, are cushy enough. The first four times I wore the socks, I didn’t realize there was a left and right sock, yet I noticed nothing amiss. So either it’s not essential to wear these socks on the intended feet, or the styling details subliminally make you put them on the correct feet.

The low-cushion socks are designed to fit like a second skin for people who don’t like much sock inside their shoes. Jogology boasts that “unique arch support massage bands eliminate excess fabric.” They seem to have nailed this. After wearing Jogology, some of my old running socks feel bulky. The brand has also worked to develop extra protection around the big toe and a soft knit rib band around the ankle area to eliminate pressure marks.

A teal background behind a blue sock with details about Jogology's design.
Photo courtesy of Jogology

Jogology is dedicated to sustainability and giving back. Its packaging is made from post-consumer waste recycled paper. The socks use recycled yarn blended with sustainably harvested wood pulp. Jogology also follows an ecologically conscious manufacturing process and supports Leader Dogs for the Blind.

My only gripe is that it’s hard to figure out how to buy Jogology socks. I fooled around on the website for ages and couldn’t find any purchase buttons. I finally emailed their PR person, who told me the socks are for sale through Fleet Feet. Peruse Jogology’s options there, and check out some other top running socks here.

Writer received free samples from Jogology for review.

The 14 best trail running shoes recommended by pros

Find your new faves.

If you’re new to trail running, you might wonder why you can’t just wear your regular running shoes. You can — they just won’t work as well. Trail running shoes are designed to handle wilder conditions than asphalt, such as steep inclines, patches of mud and snow, and areas full of roots and rocks.

Great as trail running shoes are, you’ll still want to wear your regular running shoes on roads. Abrasive pavement can wear down rubber lugs on trail running shoes.

Which shoes are the best for trails? “There is no one-size-fits-all trail shoe,” said Steve Moore, owner of Run Moore, a specialty shoe store in Maryland. “The best trail shoe for you depends on factors such as foot shape, injury history, and the types of trails you run on.”

So, to find some of the best trail running shoes, we surveyed avid trail runners to get their opinions. Here’s what they had to say.

Here’s why you probably shouldn’t go trail running at Yellowstone National Park

Stay safe at Yellowstone.

Some national parks are perfect for runners. A few of the parks, like Grand Teton and Joshua Tree, even host 5K, half marathon, and marathon events. Yellowstone National Park also offers runners fun races to partake in. These events include races like the Yellowstone Half Marathon and 5K and the Yellowstone 50K Trail Race.

So, if there are official races like these hosted at Yellowstone, why shouldn’t you try tail running through the park? The answer is simple: wildlife. Bears, bison, wolves, and other powerful critters may view your running as a threat or as prey behavior. This isn’t just a potential danger; people have been attacked and killed by animals within Yellowstone. In 2023, a bear attack on one of the park’s trails led to the death of marathon runner Amie Adamson.

While wildlife dangers shouldn’t keep you from enjoying Yellowstone, the park does have a few important safety tips guests should know. Outdoors enthusiasts are probably familiar with most of these rules: don’t feed the animals, keep your distance, and carry bear spray just in case.

A brown bear in the snow at Yellowstone National Park
NPS photo by Neal Herbert

“All of Yellowstone is bear country,” Yellowstone National Park’s website explains, “from the trails in the park’s backcountry to the boardwalks and parking lots around Old Faithful. Your safety cannot be guaranteed, but you can play an active role in protecting yourself and the bears people come here to enjoy.”

Additional safety tips recommended by the park include hiking with a partner or group, making noise, respecting park closures, and not leaving food sources unattended. Oh, and if you’re carrying bear spray, make sure you know how to use it. Remember, it’s not like bug spray. You do not want to spray this stuff on yourself or your gear. Instead, bear spray should be directed at an aggressive bear to keep them away and keep you safe.

Read up on more wildlife safety tips here, or explore some of the sights you can expect to see at Yellowstone here.

What to expect from an active recovery shoe like the Kane Revive

Let’s give them a try.

The Kane Revive is a fabulous concept: a shoe designed for active recovery, made from planet-friendly materials, and created by a Certified B Corporation. The shoes look a bit like Crocs, with a closed back rather than a clog style, and come in at least 20 colors.

Kane Footwear CEO John Gagliardi started dreaming up his company a few years back. “I walked past a pile of EVA [ethylene-vinyl acetate] shoes on a beach and wondered why there isn’t a better looking slip-on shoe made out of planet-friendly materials,” he said in a statement. “That experience led me to start Kane. From the beginning, our mission has been to create a well-designed, bio-based EVA shoe that supports and stimulates recovery.”

Kane Footwear shoes in the Kane Revive design, in black and white.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Gagliardi has the perfect pedigree for a shoe baron. He grew up working in his dad’s sneaker store in Queens, New York. Later, he was a professional athlete. “I began to understand that footwear can have a profound influence on recovery,” he said. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished with the launch of the Kane Revive. And it’s only the beginning.”

So, how does this shoe help recovery? Kane worked with board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Daniel Geller on the design. These shoes are riddled with holes that promote air circulation. Raised nodes in the footbed help activate blood flow in key pressure points. Ample cushioning supports the wearer’s heel, arch, and instep. The soles are flexible and provide good traction.

While these shoes look like regular plastic, they’re actually made of a trademarked material called RestoreFoam™, created from Brazilian sugarcane. Sugarcane is a renewable resource and captures carbon as it grows. So these shoes help your feet as they help the planet. Plus, the Kane Revive is made from all vegan materials.

A pair of feet in gray socks and blue Kane Revive shoes.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

Kane sent me two review pairs to try out. They are totally comfortable. I like the support and the space for toes to spread out and relax. The shoes also grip well when I walk down my slippery back steps to take the trash out. The lace loops on the back help you pull them on. And Kane sends two pairs of spare loops in contrasting colors in case you want to jazz up your look.

Is the Kane Revive for you? A lot depends on your aesthetic sense. While the Revive is more attractive than Crocs, the resemblance is unmistakable. And debate has raged for 20+ years about this controversial yet popular design. I’ve always striven for a Croc-free household. Now, I’m faced with two pairs of comfortable and apparently good-for-my-feet Kane Revives. So far, I haven’t ventured off my property in them. But they are starting to grow on me. We’ll see if I can overcome my aesthetic hangups to reap the full benefit of these innovative new shoes.

Kane Footwear provided Outdoors Wire with a product sample for review.

The top 3 best treadmills for marathon training

Optimize your training routine.

Whether you love running inside while watching your favorite TV show or refer to your exercise equipment as the “dreadmill,” treadmills are a fact of life for many runners. Maybe you live somewhere with treacherous ice, or you work on a ship, or your schedule allows no daylight hours for running. These are all cases where a treadmill can make the difference between training for your next racing event or skipping so many sessions that race day is disappointing. 

If you’re looking for the best treadmill for marathon training, look no further. We asked a few experts for their treadmill training tips and to get their top picks in treadmills.

Treadmill training tips

One of the biggest drawbacks to treadmill training is monotony. “To avoid treadmill burnout, I’m diligent about programming speed intervals, hill repeats, tempo runs – anything to mix it up,” says Alanna Kate Derrick, running coach and personal trainer. “Upbeat playlists and streaming races help pass the time, too.”

Remember, running on a treadmill in your basement is only sort of like running a marathon. Derrick tries to make the conditions as similar as possible. 

“On long run days, I’ll gear up with the same shoes, socks, fuel belt, and hydration pack I plan to use come race day,” she said. “The more I can replicate race conditions, the less anxiety I feel. At the end of the day, pounding pavement still brings me the most joy. But the convenience of a treadmill can’t be overstated. Having the ability to fit in miles regardless of my schedule or thunderstorms gives me confidence I’ll make it to the start line healthy and prepared.”

Here’s what runners can expect from NORTIV 8’s Cloud Walk sneakers

It’s time for a test run.

NORTIV 8 advertises the Cloud Walk as an athleisure sneaker suitable for road running, dog walking, gym going, bike commuting, or just wearing around town. I tried out a pair, and here’s what I found.

First, the basics. The Cloud Walk comes in three colors for men and six for women. Most are in the black/white/gray family, except for the women’s choices of pink and mint green-pink. I requested a pair in the striking and unusual mint green-pink color option. The shoes are pink in the front and ombre their way to mint green in the back, with matching green laces.

A pair of pink and mint green running shoes.
Photo by Teresa Bergen

At the gym, my trainer said it looked like I’d stepped in bubble gum. I interpreted this as a good thing; I’m not a fan of boring workout shoes. The sneakers also feature toes and heels reinforced with metallic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film for added durability. It adds an aesthetically pleasing touch, making the toes glow like rose gold. People who avoid products with animal ingredients will be happy to know that the Cloud Walk sneakers are made from synthetic materials.

So, how do the Cloud Walk sneakers perform? The shoes manage to be pretty lightweight while remaining cushy and supportive. The midsole has more than an inch of shock absorption. They also have breathable mesh uppers and well-padded heels for those of us prone to heel striking. I took them running in the park on a rainy day, and they performed well as far as traction.

A pair of Nortiv8 Cloud Walk sneakers in black and blue.
Cloud Walk sneakers in the more restrained but still attractive black/blue combination. / Photo courtesy of Nortiv 8

NORTIV 8 describes itself as an outdoorsy brand making quality gear at a low price point. The U.S.-based company offers hiking boots, sneakers, military tactical boots, sandals, and water shoes, all at reasonable prices. At $45.99, the Cloud Walk is a lower-priced running shoe than many leading brands. For runners on a budget, NORTIV 8 is a brand to keep in mind. Plus, the company offers a student discount, making vegan-friendly running shoes even more accessible.

Nortiv 8 provided Outdoors Wire with a product sample for review.