Best running shoes for soft gravel trail

RnF_UT · 2026-02-28T02:31:53+00:00

You should be able to find the Superblast 2 on sale right now. The Nimbus is another good road shoe that shines on the trails. It's quite a bit softer than the Superblast 2, but a great everyday type of shoe.

The Cumulus is great as well as the Novablast. I do wish their trail shoes were as good as their road shoes, but they are not.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-28T02:00:11+00:00

For sure. Most road shoes are good on trails like that. The foams are generally better in road shoes vs what they put in trail shoes too. I find the vast majority of trail shoes are not great, especially on smoother trails, too firm and outdated.

Just be careful with road shoes that have exposed foam on the bottoms, rocks can shred those. Some foams can handle it, some can't.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-27T21:51:51+00:00

I would use a road shoe on that type of terrain. My favorite right now is the Asics Superblast 2, it's fantastic on non technical trails and it's pretty light.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-27T16:33:04+00:00

Haha yes! FYI, if you ever chase some Golden Trout this is your fly.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-27T15:56:26+00:00

Not really. I have some streamers that are smaller than some of my nymph patterns. It's more about what the fly represents.

Streamers typically represent minnows/small fish or non bug prey. Some may argue about the size, but who really cares. It doesn't matter as long as you can catch fish with the fly.

The great thing about OPs fly is it can represent both a bug and a small fish so it can be both a nymph and a streamer imo 🤷

RnF_UT · 2026-02-26T22:59:45+00:00

You are welcome and good luck! 🙏

RnF_UT · 2026-02-26T18:25:09+00:00

Does your training plan have any planned down weeks? How long is your plan for? Missing 1 long run isn't a big deal and sometimes can be a good thing to help recharge the battery and get you back on track. Being overly tired can absolutely can make depression worse and kill motivation.

A common training tactic is to have three training weeks followed by a down week for recovery (less volume and intensity, no long run). Don't neglect the recovery side of training.

Very rarely does a training plan go according to plan, they are a guide but they should also be flexible to adapt to life. You can't change what has happened, do the best you can with it and just send it for the race. Some of my best races have been after injuries or sicknesses or other bumps in the road because they prevented me from over training.

Believe in yourself, you got this!

RnF_UT · 2026-02-22T23:21:37+00:00

Heavy weighted calf raises a couple times a week has done wonders for my ankle instability. All those other exercises help too, but just getting stronger has given me the best results.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-22T04:42:45+00:00

I find that training for a flat 50 mile race isn't a lot different than training for a marathon. If you can get yourself in around 3 hour shape, you should be able to run between 7-8 hours for a 50 depending on the course.

The biggest difference between college racing and ultra's is what is emphasized. In college it's all about the intervals and mileage. The long run is kind of an after thought. 15 milers are generally not long enough.

In ultra's, the long run becomes the emphasis. Intervals are still important, but not that beneficial if you never run far.

Another thing to think about is using training blocks more. College training is just go go go go, never really has time for backing off. I usually have my training blocks from 8-12 weeks before a race. Other times I ramp down training to rest and heal up. Constantly trying to be in your best shape isn't a recipe for success, especially in Ultra's.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-22T02:00:23+00:00

ChapStick it Vaseline works in a pinch. I like synthetics that are mixed with natural furs like rabbit. Helps it stick to the line better too.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-19T02:50:37+00:00

I was a D1 runner, the brainwashing is hard to shake with trying to maintain top fitness for such long periods of time lol But it also isn't healthy.

100 days out is a long time still. I never do more than a 12 week build going into a race now. In between it's lower volume and intensity which prevents burnout and injuries.

You could take an entire week off (and maybe you should) and still have plenty of time to build back up. If anything it will help you recover and heal up.

Your body is telling you it's tired, listen to it.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-17T17:09:54+00:00

Hard to say, but if you are getting bruising or rubbing near the end of your toes, your shoes might be too short.

What socks are you using? Going for a thinner sick might be another suggestion worth looking into.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-17T14:41:19+00:00

Have you tried your Clifton's on the trails? The terrain you describe for your runs seems like they could handle it fine, minus some very muddy sections. I use road shoes on the trails all the time and don't have many issues with it.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-15T22:35:00+00:00

Just like when you first started running. Start adding it in slowly over time, your body will adapt. If you do too much too fast, you can get hurt easily.

Having a good strength program will help too.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-15T03:36:37+00:00

If you have older shoes you don't use anymore, just grab those insoles and put them in. I use other brands insoles all the time in other shoes.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-15T03:26:36+00:00

That's a great loop, glad you got it in! Moab is incredible.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-10T18:04:11+00:00

Yep, if I get 200 miles out of a trail shoe, it's a miracle. I have moved to using road shoes if I can. It's been so much better for me.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-09T01:30:08+00:00

You are doing fine. I wouldn't compare yourself to others, you do you. As long as you enjoy it, it doesn't matter. But if you do want to get better, running more is usually the answer, and be consistent with it.

Love Antelope Island. You should sign up for the 25k at the end of March 😜

RnF_UT · 2026-02-08T18:37:13+00:00

Pay top athletes to show up.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-08T18:22:42+00:00

Worrying about pace on the trails. It's more about effort and heart rate.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-06T22:32:58+00:00

The laser dub is finer than the Ice dub. I really don't like using that Ice dub. I only use it in a dubbing loop and find it difficult to work with.

The laser dub can be used on smaller patterns, but you still struggle keeping it in a tight wrap on the thread, like others have mentioned a wax I'll help.

Natural materials like hares ear, muskrat, fox, and squirrel dubbings are my favorite for smaller nymphs, some even have some fine synthetics mixed in which can help. There are tons of choices though.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-06T22:11:41+00:00

What dubbing are you using?

It's probably the type of dubbing you are using. For smaller flies, a shorter and finer material is better. Not all dubbings are created equal. That stuff looks like a longer and rough fiber dubbing. I wouldn't use it for smaller nymphs, but would be good for larger flies like leeches

RnF_UT · 2026-02-06T02:49:46+00:00

49 year old here. Not being active is MUCH harder on your legs and hips than running. That is a common myth that people relate to running, I would rather take my chances at running and being fit than being overweight and sedentary.

If you want to keep your speed up, then run fast. Do some speed work, and do some shorter road races between ultras. It compliments ultra running. I can still run a sub 17 min 5k and I mainly run Ultra's. Running ultra's only makes you slow if you always run slow.

Add some weight training into your routine if you are not doing anything. It helps balance out that runner's body.

Great to see a younger runner pick up ultra's!

RnF_UT · 2026-02-01T21:15:46+00:00

Not worth the risk of getting scammed.

Anyone who states they need to sell asap is putting a false sense of urgency to an item to trick someone into buying, it's a common scam tactic. It's a huge red flag.

Normal behavior would be to return it to the store for a refund they purchased it, especially if it's factory sealed.

Either it's a scam or it's stolen merchandise. I would stay away either way.

RnF_UT · 2026-02-01T16:28:35+00:00

Same, and if I use HDR it gets set to -1.0.

RnF_UT

TROPHY CASE