Running: What’s In and What’s Out in 2025
It’s been a great summer of running. I’ve been experimenting more than usual, and I’ve learned a lot about what works for me—and what doesn’t. Here’s my personal In/Out list for Summer 2025.
In
Untapped Maple Syrup
I needed something packable, quick to deliver carbs, and gentle on my stomach. The texture of regular gels has always put me off—plus, those horror stories of people getting sick mid-race didn’t help.
Enter Untapped maple syrup. My favorite is the plain version with added salt, though the raspberry and citrus are solid, and the mint is surprisingly great.
They also make MapleAid—maple syrup mixed with juice concentrate and salt. Stir it into a bottle of water and you’ve got instant fuel. I use MapleAid for shorter runs on hot days.
Salomon ADV SKN 12 Pack
I held onto my old Ultimate Direction pack from for years—so many mountain miles together, I didn’t want to let it go. But the Salomon kept popping up as the pack, so I gave it a shot when my sewing on the old pack kept failing.
Before Wasatch last year, I must have packed and unpacked it a hundred times, trying to get it right. Now that I’ve worn it 4 or 5 times, I’ve realized it doesn’t matter how you pack it—the thing just hugs your body. Smooth, secure, and zero bounce.
Uphill 100m Strides
During the first couple weeks of the Fast Mile Summer Project, I did my 100m workouts on the hill in front of my house. The goal was to build leg strength and reinforce good form.
I only did them four times this summer, but the payoff was huge—not just in form, but in the confidence to push hard.
Track Workouts for Trail Gains
I’m not sore from last week’s big mountain run—and I think the track is why. Doing two track workouts a week meant my legs were used to the extra loading from running fast and absorbing higher impact. That translated directly to better downhill durability.
My muscles, tendons, and joints were ready for the pounding, and I finished without the deep soreness that usually follows.
Altra Escalante 4.0
I was determined to run my fast mile in barefoot shoes—just to see if I could. I trained in them on the treadmill all spring, but once I hit the track I needed something more.
I hadn’t bought road shoes since 2019, but I ordered the new Escalante 4.0 anyway. The big toe spring looked odd, and my calves felt sore in a new way at first. But after a few runs I adjusted, and they ended up being my mile race shoes.
Topo Chico
Sparkling joy in a bottle. I see the microplastic headlines. I don’t care.
Out
Running Belts
I love my new pack—but I also hate wearing packs. My preference is light and fast, which usually means a single handheld soft flask in the summer.
I wanted to carry a bit more water, so I tested some running belts. Every one was floppy and hard to fit just right. Maybe the perfect one is out there, but my search is on hold.
Vibram Soles on the Lone Peaks
This was big news for me: my favorite trail shoes finally got Vibram soles for more grip. I’ve always said that’s what they needed.
But in practice, I can’t feel much difference. On my first run I actually slipped more—maybe because I was over-testing the new grip. They still fit great (especially the wide version), I’ve had zero blister or toenail issues, but I just don’t feel that extra bite I was hoping for on wet rock.
Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitors
After nine years of wearing a chest strap, I’m done. My Garmin Enduro 3 has the latest wrist-based HR sensor, and it’s far better than I expected.
Every once in a while I notice it lags slightly, but most of the time it’s responsive and accurate enough for training. And it’s nice not having to deal with that stinky strap.
That’s my Summer 2025 running edition of What’s In and What’s Out. Here’s to more experimenting and more running.
—Justin Miner