42 Comments

Would love to learn about your ankle bulletproofing exercises.

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Yes, please share your ankle exercises!

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yes plz on tips for more durable ankles

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Another request for the ankle exercises!

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I would like to learn more about your ankle bulletproof exercises.

There is a park at the end of my street that has a nice trail around the perimeter. It is great for running as it has ups and downs and obstacles like tree roots and low hanging tree branches.

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I hate the treadmill. I'm here on Florida's Space Coast where everything is flat. So no trails like you have in Vegas area. Anyway, so my progression is from treadmill to street to barefoot at the beach. If waves have crashed enough onshore, there is at least some angle to the sand that provides more challenge than a flat road. And being at the beach is always a happy place thing for me. At 78, that's more important than ever!

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Beach running is so fun. Keep up the great work.

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Another vote for the ankle exercises. After 6 months of exclusively mountain biking I can feel mine are super weak.

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I have always loved running on trails more than any other exercise. However, for the last 4 years I have lived in an area that has very rocky and rooted trails. Almost every time I run on them I either trip and do a flying superman or fall. Unfortunately, this is starting to get to my head and I am not enjoying the trails as much as I did. I'm anxious and fearful because tripping and falling sucks and also because I love running so much and don't want to hurt myself.

Anyone else struggle with this and trip a lot or find themselves fearful of tripping? I don't know what to do about it other than sticking to the easy rails-to-trails stuff but that's boring. lot?

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I’ve done the “flying Superman.” 😂

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Argh, I hate them so much!

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Oh yes....I've had my fair share of "groundings". Trails in the Pisgah are nothing but rocky and rooty. Often wet. The best thing I did to avoid hitting the deck so much is to go slower and pay closer attention.

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Yes, please share and help us bulletproof our ankles!

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Not a runner but I’ve found rucking on trails here in the PNW is so much more rewarding than on paved paths!

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Great article! I just finished my first trail race! Would love to hear about your ankle excercises. I have done something called the “calf smash” by Chase Mountains…

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Any trail running shoe recommendations? Perhaps a future “gear, not stuff” topic.

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Yes! Perhaps a future Gear Not Stuff indeed. :)

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my personal recommendation

ADIDAS TERREX AGRAVIC 3

If you want it faster and longer

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

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following

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I disagree on the treadmill being as negative as you say, though this is definitely a personal taste thing.

Sally McRae, ultrarunner and wonderful human (has been described as "concentrated sunshine" for her attitude), has a great podcast defending treadmills:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsGd0R-nRzo

She does 200+ mile races on trails and is on trails all the time. She ALSO puts in tons of miles on treadmills.

I live in the middle of a city (Boston) and run outside year-round, along the river and the beach. But I *also* use the treadmill year-round, particularly for interval trainings. In the last 2 days I did a 7 mile run outsisde, and a 7 mile interval session on the treadmill.

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For sure. Like I said in the intro to the post, if you like treadmills, go for it! Enjoy the miles wherever you get them.

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Wicked pissah!

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When you run on the trails, you’re not carrying a ruck sack?

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Sorry just catching up a bit on the past few articles. What is your pacing on trails compared to roads? And…do you wear trail shoes? If so…reco?

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Sorry..never mind on the reco. Just noticed your Gear not stuff post. As always…Thank you fine sir!

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Great article

I too run early

I live on Long Island and usually start at 430am.

LOVE THE MORNINGS.

I am 63 and have captured countless sunrises. What a gift.

And if you can keep the iPods out of your ears you get the FULL exposure.

Be decisive today. -Rich

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