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What Running Shoes Help You Run Steady in Zone 2?

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Zone 2 is a heart rate zone that’s great for building fitness and improving endurance. You’ll spend a lot of time in this zone as you run steady, longer distances. They’re those quiet, unflashy miles where consistency takes shape. With that in mind, your weekly miles may be best served with high-performance daily trainers with ample cushioning and plenty of room in the toe box. Here’s how. Easy Miles Pay Off: What is Zone 2? Zone 2 training helps your body to use oxygen efficiently because you’re typically running between 60-70% of your maximum heart rate. These runs should feel fairly easy, like you may be able to hold a conversation while running. They also help build a strong aerobic foundation and place less stress on your muscles than high-intensity efforts. Again, the pace should feel sustainable. For many runners, these steady miles are the foundation for longer runs and long-term progress. Features of a Great Zone 2 Shoe Smooth comfort and generous cushioning ha...

3 Reasons Why Your Next Vacation Should Be a Runcation

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If you’re a runner, there’s no better way to enjoy your next getaway than by making it a runcation. These vacations make fitness the highlight of the trip rather than something that gets squeezed in between restaurant stops and museum tours. If you’re itching to pack your shoes with wide toe box for running into a suitcase and get exploring, a runcation might be perfect for you. You Have a Chance to Explore Different Terrains Even if your home turf has a lot of variety, it's not the same as the feeling you get when you race past the Eiffel Tower in Paris or jog the trails around Machu Picchu in Peru. However, because the terrain can change significantly from one adventure to the next, you might want to pack a second pair of shoes so you have options for road and trail routes. For example, a run up the side of a mountain may require some wide toe box hiking shoes or trail shoes. Or if you’re checking out city blocks, you’ll want road shoes that prioritize comfort every step of t...

3 Beginner-Friendly Tips to Prepare for an Evening Run

For beginning runners, running at night opens up all kinds of possibilities. This can be particularly helpful for anyone who wants to develop a new running routine around their busy schedule. Although running at night can be a very peaceful experience, it does come with its share of challenges. Before you lace up your zero drop shoes and head out into the night, you’ll want to prepare in these three ways. Get Your Running Clothes Ready Laying out your clothes ahead of time is a practical way to stay motivated to run. It creates a visual reminder of sticking to your routine when you get home from work. Although it's a small step, it goes a long way to reducing the decision fatigue you might feel when it comes time to lace up your zero drop wide toe box running shoes and head out the door. Invest in Night-Running Gear Topo_ultraventure_lukewebstr49.jpg Running gear, like reflective tape and a headlamp, helps make you more visible after the sun goes down. The reflective tape can go o...

Is It Time to Get a New Pair of Running Shoes?

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There’s something special about a pair of well-worn running shoes. Every step, every mile, and every experience tells a story of places, wins, and memories, but there comes a time when these favorites stop performing at their peak. This doesn’t just result in a lackluster pair of shoes; it can also increase your risk of injury and reduce performance. Retiring your favorite pair of running shoes may feel difficult, but a fresh pair of shoes may just be the pep in your step you need to reinvigorate your runs. You’ve likely heard the general rule of thumb (300 to 500 miles or 4 to 8 months of use) for the lifespan of running shoes, but it’s not the only thing to watch for. Here are three telltale signs it's time for a fresh pair: New pain and stiffness in your feet, shins, or knees start creeping into your runs. A diminished return in energy or a more pronounced flat underfoot feel than normal with your cushioned trainers. A visual inspection reveals a bald tread, a torn or significan...

Gearing Up for the Long Run of the Week

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You’ve heard of Sunday Fun Day. What about the Sunday Run Day? For runners, this is their sacred time. It’s outside. It’s aerobic. What else does it entail? If you’re ready to enjoy this day of the week as one of your favorites, summer is the perfect time to do so, especially with a lightweight sneaker with a wide toe box fit . Here are some tips for focusing on “Sunday Run Day.” Embrace a Long, Slow Effort The fun of the long run is that the effort should feel extremely sustainable. You can sing tunes in your head or have a full conversation with friends; that’s how effortless it should feel. On a scale of 1 to 10, the exertion should be below a 5. You aren’t maxing out your heart rate. You’re just cruising along. If it starts to feel challenging, bring in a run/walk interval that seems sustainable for your goal. Learning to pace yourself over a long run is a fine art. Wear Comfortale Wide Toe Box Running Shoes A long run calls for your most comfortable running shoe, whether you’re a ...

The Best Weather for Hiking and Running in Zero Drop Shoes

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When you love to hike and run, you might not even check the weather conditions before you head out. Still, it’s important to do so to ensure you’re wearing the proper shoes. There are different men’s and womens zero drop running shoes that work well in all kinds of weather and running conditions, but let’s talk about the ideal weather for a zero drop shoe. Evening Spring Run: Cool, Warm Breeze, Clear Late spring is the time of year when you’ll still get cool evenings with a warm breeze coming through the neighborhood and local running paths. There may be some clouds in the distance or a spring shower sneaking up on you, but it’s mostly clear, and you feel stable and comfortable in your zero drop shoes. Early Morning Summer Run: Sunny, Brisk, and Clear Depending on where you live, summers can get very hot. So, you make time for your daily run in the morning, when the air might have that briskness you love. If it’s humid, it will at least be cooler than the afternoons. You can put on yo...

4 Epic Hiking Destinations to Add to Your U.S. Dream List

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If you love hardcore hikes, you probably already have a bucket list of places you want to go. Chances are, you’ll want to explore every place you read about, but let’s say you want to narrow it down to just a few top hiking destinations in the western half of the U.S. The options are endless and wildly inspiring. The following epic hikes deliver just a taste of the vast scenery you can experience. GTNP: Explore the Tetons The jaw-dropping views of the Tetons from the west side of the range in Wyoming are unforgettable. One of the most iconic backcountry hikes in Grand Teton National Park is the Teton Crest Trail, which you can access in a few different ways, including by taking a tram from Teton Village to the top of the mountain. This is a hard hike covering about 40 miles and roughly 9,000 feet of elevation gain, so plan it as a backpacking trip. Shoe choice:  Lightweight and sturdy wide toe hiking boots or trail runners with durable tread will serve you well.  The Narrows ...