The 5 Hardest White Mountain Routes (Excluding the Classics)

This week I ranked the toughest ultra marathon style routes in the White Mountains EXCLUDING the classics like the Pemi Loop, Presi Traverse, Hut Traverse, etc. I go through a bunch of honorable mentions before breaking down my official top 5 list. I think many of these are going to become classic household names, if they haven't already. If you are looking for new trails and new efforts to push yourself on, there is no shortage of those in this episode. I also give a quick trip report from my recent time running the epic and technical trails up in Acadia National Park, including my thoughts on the Beehive Trail & Precipice Trail. After that, I break down recent race results with a new *sustainable* format, covering the Ragged 50K, Baldface Scramble, Overland Vermont, and the Black Bear Trail Race results. To wrap things up, I talk about reaching episode 52 and one full year of doing the podcast, sharing some thoughts on year 2, and then give a full part two of my motivational Mickey Gasper rant/prediction that abruptly came true in shocking fashion. CHECK OUT REK LIS BREWING:Great food & beer, located off Route 302 in Bethlehem, NH - https://www.reklisbrewing.com/I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏REI IS HAVING A LABOR DAY SALE - LATE SUMMER DEALS - UP TO 25% OFF!⁠⁠https://rei.pxf.io/c/7452875/4011891/17195⁠⁠ 👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:Hoka Speedgoat 7: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS⁠⁠ The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi⁠⁠  My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/6kR90V⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5⁠⁠  One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed. ⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:GPS Watch: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/VOjena⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq⁠⁠  In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.Running Vest: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/zzD3We⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4feeEzr⁠⁠  Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L. Lightweight Water Filter: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/R0Djza⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4vErYTK⁠⁠  A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.🍩TRAIL FUELTailwind: ⁠⁠rei.pxf.io/NGYD17⁠⁠ OR ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4cEiam4⁠⁠ I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.