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.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- 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$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Home gym
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On record from 7 of 62 tracked people: 5 do it, 2 recommend it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Kettlebell
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On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 3 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
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On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 1 recommends it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.
WHOOP
Screenless wrist strap tracking strain, recovery and sleep
On record from 6 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it, 1 recommends it, 1 has discussed it - Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Cold plunge tub
Chilled tub that holds cold water ready, instead of hauling bags of ice
On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 4 do it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Heart rate monitor
Chest strap or watch that logs heart rate and estimates calories burned
On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 2 do it, 2 recommend 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.