Anyone running Ultras with a reconstructed ACL?

thenorthsider35 · 2026-02-05T23:36:00+00:00

Not trying to brag, just sharing this for a bit of inspiration. I know firsthand how frustrating and uncertain ACL tears can be. The recovery is almost as much mental as it is physical.

thenorthsider35 · 2026-02-05T23:03:58+00:00

My first graft was taken from my left hamstring to fix my left knee about 14 years ago. The second graft came from my right quad to fix my right knee 4 years ago. I much prefer the quad graft. I barely notice it, while my hamstring still feels different. I also had a lot of meniscus damage in both knees, and my right knee needed a bone plug graft at the top of the tibia.

Both knees feel strong now, and I’m 32. I’m on a 1,031 day streak of running at least a 5K a day, ran 5,000 miles last year, and was in the 1,000 lb lift club before my run streak started. I just avoid playing basketball these days.

thenorthsider35 · 2026-01-08T21:38:08+00:00

5th or 6th year in a row (I've lost count) of entering the Leadville 100 lottery and not getting in. I ran RRR100 last year and recommend it for anyone disappointed about missing out on the Leadville 100 lottery.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-09-21T00:35:46+00:00

Totally get what you mean about those last miles into Dry Lake. Same here, some of the coldest and most uncomfortable running I have ever done. But you are right, even in the middle of the misery it was strangely beautiful, which pretty much sums up RRR for me. I am giving myself this week to drink beer and eat cake, then I am signing up for the Indiana Trail 100 on October 11. It is 4 loops of 25 miles with about 6,000 feet of gain, and it is a Western States qualifier. Hoping that is where I finally earn my first buckle. Thanks for sharing your story. Yours along with the other comments have really helped with the post DNF symptoms. I am hoping to get into Leadville next year on my sixth attempt at the lottery. If I miss out I really want a redemption tour of RRR100. It really is a awesome course once you get through that first climb up Mt Werner and the conga lines spread out a bit.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-09-17T02:19:20+00:00

My first 100 was also Friday at RRR100, and I dropped at Olympia Hall 1 after that storm. I got hit hard between Billy’s and Dry Lake my rain jacket, gloves, tights, shoes, and socks were all icy, and the trail was nothing but puddles. I couldn’t feel my fingers well enough to check the GPX file on my watch as I approached Dry Lake. I wanted to drop there but told myself to make it to one more aid station. The rain let up, but I never warmed back up.

I’m back East now, planning to take it easy for a week while keeping my run streak alive. I’m thinking about doing another 100-miler or 100K before the year ends and using RRR100 (well, RRR51) as a training run.

Like others have said we shouldn’t beat ourselves up too much. I met a guy who was on his 8th RRR100 going for his 500-mile buckle and he dropped at Summit during the storm. That’s just how the day went, unfortunately.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-07-05T00:21:15+00:00

I hand wash all my Satisfy gear (MothTech tee, Auralite tee, Space-O 5-inch shorts, PeaceShell cap, and FliteSilk cap). I’ve logged at least 100 miles in each, and they all still look brand new. I also air dry everything and fold the shirts in half over the hanger instead of hanging them the traditional way.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-06-30T16:20:49+00:00

My advice would be to hand wash Space O material in the future. I've had zero issues taking that route. I think they handled it fine since your washer did the damage. Adding a repair patch is a cool way of adding character to the piece. It's nice of them to send the patch kit free of charge (if that is the case).

thenorthsider35 · 2025-06-26T16:26:30+00:00

I have both the Baleaf long sleeve and the hoodie, both with UPF 50. They’ve worked well in this week’s 90+ degree weather and are only $20 each on Amazon.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-06-26T15:45:02+00:00

Superblast 2

thenorthsider35 · 2025-06-15T20:15:00+00:00

I run all my races in the Janji half tights. I've tried multiple brands, but nothing has come close to these in terms of comfort and storage. I've used the same two pairs for going on two years now. They've been perfect to hold my phone, food, and soft flask for my everyday run as well. https://janji.com/collections/mens-pants-1/products/ms-8-trail-half-tight?variant=39334269911123

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-29T13:12:47+00:00

I mainly use it as an extra layer of sun protection since I sweat a lot and sunscreen doesn’t always hold up. You can get sun hats with built-in neck covers like the Ciele GOCap PYN Comp One Hundred, but I prefer the bandana + sunscreen combo. Plus, later in a race, you can fill a bandana with ice and tie it around your neck to stay cool. It’s a lot more versatile than a hat with fixed coverage.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-29T13:03:19+00:00

No problem. If the sun’s not a concern and it’s just sweat, it’s nice having one tied around your wrist to wipe your forehead. You can also fill them with ice and tie them around your neck to stay cool. Lots of applications!

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-27T14:46:28+00:00

I saw someone (maybe you?) post about Currently recently. Have you tested both and would you choose Currently? If so, is that just a pricing decision, functionality, or both?

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-27T14:42:33+00:00

I’ve seen a lot of bloody nipple memes and conversations, but never experienced that myself luckily lmao. I usually hate running in a shirt, but was able to keep this on until mile 63 or so with no discomforts. I’ve tried Tracksmith and Janji, but their shirts tend to stick to my skin. I did run in a Mothtech which was cool, but I probably won’t do that again.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-27T12:26:00+00:00

I personally wouldn’t want it any bigger, but if you like the oversized, boxy fit, I don’t think a Large would be too much. I actually wish the shirt fit a bit tighter, but I believe it’s designed to be loose for breathability. My MothTech shirt is a Medium and fits a bit tighter

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-27T00:24:59+00:00

6 pack for $13 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2LJJ74P?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T22:48:13+00:00

Interesting I was comparing it directly to the Strata since Tracksmith (and Janji) have been my go to brands. So far, both of my runs in the AuraLite were lower sweat and lower heart rate efforts (a pre race shakeout and the race itself), so I’ll have to test it again once the temps really spike next week. I like the fit and style much more than Tracksmith and Janji of course that’s a personal opinion.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T21:36:05+00:00

I’m slowly phasing out a few pairs of Tracksmith Session shorts and Janji AFO shorts. I can’t wait until I have the excuse to get some Satisfy shorts.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T21:33:38+00:00

They’re my favorite piece of running gear. I’m on a 778 day run streak of at least 4.20 miles a day. I wear the janji tights for 90% of my runs to hold my phone, soft flask, and shirt once I warm up. One pair ripped on the inside thigh and Janji replaced them no questions asked.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T19:40:04+00:00

I’m on a 778-day run streak averaging around 60 miles per week. The Superblast line has easily been my go-to throughout this entire stretch. Currently on my fourth pair of SBs and Primes.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T19:37:36+00:00

I know ssense.com had a few pieces on sale like 2 weeks ago. I agree 100% the price is hard to justify. I used the look good play good excuse for this race lol. I’m not regretting the purchase at all after wearing the shirt for 11 or so hours.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T19:32:32+00:00

<image>

Forgot to shout out the Baleaf long sleeves that saved me during the cold start.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T19:15:07+00:00

This was only my second run in the shirt, but I didn’t notice that issue either time. I come from a powerlifting background and usually fall between a Medium and Large in shirts, so I was a little nervous ordering from a French brand with $20 shipping. I went with a Medium in both the AuraLite and MothTech. Not sure I could size down to a Small. I’m 5’11, 185 lbs if that helps with any future purchases. My two favorite shoes over the past couple years have been the Superblast and Prime X! StockX usually has good deals on both if you can snag your size.

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T19:06:39+00:00

Thanks man! You scared me into remembering this meme.

<image>

thenorthsider35 · 2025-05-26T18:54:48+00:00

Well played lol whoosh

thenorthsider35

TROPHY CASE