BPL for Trail Running?

Justin,

You do not have to state you are sorry that you like technology. It works for you, and that is all you need to be concerned with. And I don't know how to run the cables :) seems like all the new headsets have ear buds and I can't keep them in my ear even when sitting on an airplane!

try looking for a shirt clip for headphones. you can attach it to your shirt collar. you can find something like it sometimes with your hands free phone stuff or a headset for a phone. You could probably jimmy something together with a small binder clip, etc.

or if you always run in the same shirt, sew a couple of small loops to the back of the shirt. you can run the cord through the loops and connect to your ipod, which i assume is in your shorts pocket or running sack.

i've used both of these set-ups at different times for paddling and they work great for me.

Coming from road running, I had a habit of closely following my run data, even during runs.

Eventually, I found what works best for me is to start the watch, do my run and ignore it. After the run, I'll upload the data so it's in a log. But, the only thing I really take interest in for trail runs is my heart rate data.

justin,
this headphone cable question, i can help with that as i have caught the cable on my hand many times and pulled headphone out of my ears, ipod, etc. it sucks. It mostly depends on what i'm wearing, if i am wearing a techy shirt or jacket that has a chest pocket i'll put the ipod in there and keep the cables in the shirt – no problems, this is the best. however in hot weather i usually am wearing a light t with no pockets. what i do is put the ipod in what ever pocket my shorts do have and run the cord under my shirt, i try to tuck the excess in the pocket or even in the waist band to avoid the dangling loop that seems to always be the culprit. sometimes running the cord under my shirt in the back works pretty well, but it does take more time to get it sorted in the first place. I have tried the arm band things and don't really like em, just me.

hope that helps – and don't feel bad that you like gadgets, is ok man!

under my shirt, always. Murphy's Law says if a cable is exposed I'm going to snag it on something. Under is better.

Do you have any brand/models of eVent running jackets that the fell runners are using?

Sorry Justin, I missed your questions a few posts back.

Here are a few popular shells I've read being worn by trailrunners, adventure racers and lightweight backpackers alike under wet and windy conditions for extended activity:

Rab- Demand pullover (eVent) 10oz.
Haglofs- OZO pullover (Goretex Paclite) 7oz.
OMM Cypher Jacket and Smock (eVent) 9.8oz.(jacket) and 8.5oz. (smock)
Montane Halo stretch (eVent) 14oz.
Marmot Super Mica (Membrain Strata w/ pitzips) 8oz.

I think those jackets might work well for keeping rain out for extended periods of time during your runs, but as you probably know already, you're probably going to build up moisture inside the jacket on a really long hard run, that's probably always going to be an unavoidable flaw unless a miracle shell comes to market. eVent seems to lead in terms of breathability ratings. BPL is doing reports on the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and has a Waterproof Jacket report coming out soon.

You mentioned carrying a Buff. Other than as a hat what benefits do you get from one? I usually don’t wear a hat (I know I should).

A Buff is really a refined bandanna, they serve as multipurpose tool for me: headpiece, sweat absorber, sunblock for my bald head, emergency use item: splint, butt wipe, rattlesnake blindfold ;)

I sweat like a sieve and with my short buzzed head, sweat quickly starts pouring down my face during runs, my Buff soaks all that up and out of my eyes, and keeps me cool via evaporative cooling on longer runs during the summer (it's really dry and hot where I live).

@ Nicholas,

35 mile open water paddles! You're an animal.

I think REI also has a running-specific jacket made from eVent. I have no experience with this item.