Trekking poles
Collapsible poles that take load off the legs on steep climbs and descents
A pair of carbon or aluminum poles that fold down small enough to stow on a running pack. Climbing, they move some of the work into the arms and shoulders; descending, they steady the landing. Hikers carry them all day, while mountain ultrarunners tend to stow them and pull them out for the sections that warrant it. Some races restrict where they can be used.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Nick BareDoes it
Hybrid athlete · Bare Performance Nutrition founder
Poles were in his Leadville plan from the start, but not on his back at the start line. He writes that he knew he would not need them until mile 38 and the climb up Hope Pass. Extras went on the list too, and in the days before the race he checked that the pair he had assembled correctly.
Source: BPN: What I Learned From My First 100-Mile Ultra
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under fitness.
- Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Home gym
A private training space at home, from a garage rack to a fully equipped room
Backed by 7 of 62 stacks: 5 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Kettlebell
One implement covering swings, carries and presses in a small space
Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 3 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Resistance bands
Loop and tube bands for activation work, mobility drills and travel training
Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 1 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - Gear$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 1 recommend it, 1 have discussed it
- Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Cold plunge tub
Chilled tub that holds cold water ready, instead of hauling bags of ice
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 0 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Heart rate monitor
Chest strap or watch that logs heart rate and estimates calories burned
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 2 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it
Gear entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.