Author: Ultimate Direction

The Signature Series has always represented the pinnacle of performance, and the 5th generation is evolved to do more. It's more durable, more comfortable, and more adjustable than ever before. There are 4 styles, each in a men's and women's specific fit. You can choose the best vest for your body type, running style and feature preference. PHOTO CREDITS: MATT THURK [gallery columns="4" size="medium" ids="4371,4372,4373,4374"]

For the 2020 season, we've added some incredible new athletes to our ambassador team. They come from all over the United States and even the U.K. The team includes two world champions, a visually-impaired Western States 100 attempter, a multiple FKT holder, and an amputee ultrarunner. Let's meet them! Jacky Hunt-Broersma  Jacky is an amputee ultrarunner who started running 3 and half years ago. Her goal…

As runners and ultra-distance enthusiasts, we are all well aware of the incredible time demands, physical challenge and mental grit it takes to complete our training. This also means we know that we are all too familiar with both the drive to do just about anything to give us an edge or prevent the little nagging injuries that sneak up along the way.    While running…

Why do you run? The answers to that question are as wide and diverse as there are runners. Everyone has their own reason for running: I want to get in shape, I do it for the relationships, I do it to get away, I do it to push myself, I do it because I am good at it. Whatever the reason, everyone has one. I…

Weather is arguably the single most important aspect of a successful and enjoyable adventure in the mountains.  That’s because the weather in the mountains is more inclement and volatile: thunderstorms are more severe, winds blow stronger, and snow piles up higher. Weather can showcase the beauty of the mountains and can also make for a miserable experience for the unprepared. But what’s the reason for…

I had the opportunity last week to set the female unsupported fastest known time (FKT) on the magical Kalalau Trail in Kauai. The trail is a mind blowing, technical out and back shoreline bonanza that covers a little over 20 miles with around 9,500 feet of climbing. It begins at the island’s most northern point at Ke’e beach and continues onto the turnaround point at…

If you're a runner and your only activity is running, this is my "how-to" and "why" guide to cross training. As an ultrarunner myself, I absolutely include cross training in my regimen. As a coach, it’s essential to include cross training built into my athlete’s programs too. It should be in good proportion to the athlete’s strengths, base, as well as goals and race distances. For…

When the world's best runners gather in Chamonix each August, it can only mean one thing: Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). In the season finale of the adventure running and travel series "Run Around the World," UD ambassadors Jason Schlarb and Merejune Edwards (and son Felix) come together to attempt a career-best result at UTMB. With a fourth place on his resume, could Jason…

As athletes when asked "what's your favorite social media platform," many of us would excitedly reply: Strava. It's social (you can like and comment on athletes' posts), it's utilitarian (it's a digital training journal), and it's motivating to be able to follow the best athletes in the world right alongside your local friends in your feed. Many UD ambassadors have impressive digital trophy cases so we asked…

Late last fall something bit me. It didn’t hurt, but rather it fired me up. The previous two running season (2017 and 2018) were really good ones for me that included lots of steep and mountainous100-milers. I seem to do pretty well at this kind of event and was pleased to record wins, or top-5 finishes, at races like Hardrock 100, Orcas Island 100, Bighorn…