Best of 2008

General

• How to Run Trails – A collection of expert advise on how to run trails generally, as well as in specific situations.
• Snowshoe Running: Fun or Flop? – A general discussion of snowshoe running as it applies to trail runners.
• Ultramarathon Coaches – A roundup and overview of numerous trail running and ultramarathon coaches.
• When, If Ever, Should You Wear Trail Shoes? – A thought-provoking discussion of whether trail shoes are necessary.
• The Diversity of Trail Shoes – A discussion of the large variety of quality trail shoes on the market today. The lively discussion led to the When, If Ever… article noted directly above.
• Ultrarunners, Who Are We? – A discussion of the sort of people who choose to run ultramarathons.
• Ultrarunning and Trail Running Clubs: Mid-Atlantic – A collection of the trail running clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region.
• 2008 100-Mile Race Entry Fee Analysis – Pretty self-explanatory.
• Uphill Challenge: Erik vs. Kyle Skaggs – Watch these ultrarunning brothers race to the finish of a 15-minute, 15% grade uphill, treadmill challenge.
• Ultrarunning Teams and Sponsorship – An overview of  the large ultrarunning teams. The series continued with articles on smaller ultrarunning teams and individual ultrarunning sponsorship opportunities.
• Interview with Jamie Donaldson – An interview with Jamie Donaldson after she won the Badwater 135.
• Interview with Michael Wardian – An interview with multiple-time USATF national champion and the 2008 and 2009 USATF Men’s Ultrarunner of the Year.
• Tough Times in Trail Running – A discussion of the effect of hard times on trail running and trail running companies.
• Google Biased Against Runners – See how Google Map’s “walking” map feature stacks up for runners.
• GORE-TEX TransRockies Run Summary – A collection of articles about Bryon Powell’s preparation and race experience at the 2008 GORE-TEX TransRockies Run.

Gear Overviews/Comparisons

• Energy Gel comparison
• Compression Apparel overview
• Running Sunglasses overview
• Winter Running Traction Devices roundup
• Running Socks discussion

Individual Gear Reviews

• La Sportiva Fireblade review
• Montrail Streak review
• Petzl Tikka Plus, e+lite & Zipka review and comparison
• Nathan HPL #020 review
• Gu Roctane review
• STABILicers Sport (winter traction device) review
• Lululemon Sargeant Jacket review
• SkirtSports MarathonGirl Running Skirt review
• Brooks Element Short review