When you take to the trail, you want to feel like a warrior. Your time on the trail is an opportunity to push yourself to new levels of performance.

Salomon’s EXO S-Lab trail product offers superior performance for the dedicated trail runner.

EXO S-Lab Twinskin Skort

This piece of gear is not your average running skirt. The EXO S-Lab Twinskin Skort offers muscle support, compression and postural support to help you run farther and recover more quickly. The wider waistband sits comfortably on the hips without digging in.

Two gel pockets provide plenty of room for nutrition on long runs, and a featherweight overskirt gives you coverage and a sleek look.

EXO Motion Zip Tee

When you want a little extra muscle support on your run, reach for the Salomon EXO Motion Zip Tee. Lightweight honeycomb fabric offers muscle support throughout the chest and upper arms, while raglan sleeve construction allows for full range of motion and seamless construction minimizes the risk of chafing.

If you get too warm on your run, use the front half zip to increase ventilation. This running top even has UPF 50+ protection in the fabric to protect your skin from the sun’s rays when you’re running in bright conditions.

EXO ¾ Tight

The Salomon EXO ¾ Tight offers muscle stabilization and support to help you push through hard mileage and to help your muscles recover more quickly. The honeycomb pattern of the EXO Sensifit Agility technology give you excellent muscle support without inhibiting range of motion.

Mesh panels behind the knees provide great ventilation, and reflective details front and back increase your visibility if you have to run on the roads to get to the trail. This ¾ tight has a wide, flat waistband with an internal drawcord which will stay securely in place even on your long runs.

We focused here on the ladies, but the Salomon EXO line doesn’t discriminate. Check out the Men’s Salomon EXO S-Lab Collection available now.

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We’ve come a long way since the 1950′s and 60′s when women were barred from competing in many top races, but we may still have a ways to go. If people still question women’s ability to perform athletically the way men can, we may not be there yet.

As women, we might not have the same propensity for muscle development that our male counterparts have, but so what? Some of us grew up roughhousing and playing in the dirt. Some of us grew up as competitive, aggressive athletes who didn’t really like Barbie, thankyouverymuch. We’re not even sure how we feel about the phrase tomboy, because as women we can be tough athletes and there doesn’t have to be anything ‘boy’ about it.

Lauren Fleshman, pro runner for Oiselle and mom-to-be, touches on this subject in her first article for her new Runner’s World column, “The Fast Life”. Fleshman discusses her journey as a female athlete with wit and honesty, and her article had us rolling. Here’s her opening line:

I have a confession to make: I wish I had a penis. Just kidding. Kind of. Not really. Oh, boy. Let me explain.

Yeah. She went there. We dare you not to read the rest.

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Oiselle Go Long Tank, Stellar Stripe Tank, and Winona Tank

Oiselle seems to just keep getting better. They write some hilarious blog content, they recently signed Lauren Fleshman, and now they give us a drool-worthy spring line. We’re talking get-in-my-closet-now run apparel. You’ll find the wings to fly through your training sessions or your next race in the supremely comfortable fabrics and stylish performance-forward silhouettes of Oiselle’s tops and bottoms. Take a look at a few of our faves below.

Go Long Tank

The Oiselle Go Long Tank takes you playfully from your workout to the rest of your life. A soft poly/cotton blend fabric gives you plenty of moisture-wicking power on the run, and feels great against the skin. This tank has a racerback design and a longer, streamlined close-to-body fit which makes it great for layering. The contrast color Oiselle bird graphic on the back and the front left hip add a little extra springtime to this piece.

“The Go Long Tank is my favorite by far. It’s cute, it’s functional, and the fit is so nice!” – Allie

Stellar Stripe Tank

Meet us at the intersection of fashion and function in the Oiselle Stellar Stripe Tank. Racerback design gives you full freedom of movement, and a small envelope pocket on the front left hip lets you stash your key or other small essentials. Polyester/cotton blend fabric is smooth and soft, and wicks moisture to keep you dry and chafe-free. Contrast color stripes and an asymmetrical design make this piece cute enough to pair with your favorite jeans for a jaunt to the farmers’ market.

“Amazingly soft fabric with fun and feminine styling. This tank feels so good on a run.” - Tami Read more…

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With the days getting longer, you need a great pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from distracting glare and damaging UV rays. We have a wide selection of running sunglasses here at RW, and we’re stoked to add Oakley to the list of top brands we carry. Oakley is of course a major player in the sports sunglasses market, and we’ve hand-picked a few models that offer light weight, excellent breathability, and other key features runners want. Take a look at these sleek models that bring a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘eye candy.’

Flak Jacket

The Oakley Flak Jacket Sunglasses are lightweight and ready for intense competition. Grip coating on the nose pads and ear stems helps keep these glasses in place while a hydrophobic lens repels sweat and oil to provide a clear field of vision. 100% UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light protection. These frames are available in both a standard and large size. A black version is available in addition to the white model shown.

Flak Jacket Polarized

The HD Polarized lenses in the Oakley Flak Jacket Polarized Sunglasses block 99% of glare and offer 100% UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light protection. The semi-rimless design provides an uninterrupted field of vision, and grip coating on the nose pads and ear stems keeps these glasses securely in place. The Flak Jacket Polarized is available in both standard and large frame sizes.

Women’s Commit SQ Sunglasses

The Oakley Women’s Commit SQ Sunglasses are made especially for the ladies. With a frame that flatters a variety of face shapes and hydrophobic lenses that repel sweat and oil, these sweet shades are sure to please. The semi-rimless design provides an exceptional field of vision, and the lenses offer 100% protection from harmful UVA, UVB, UVC and blue light. A white color is also available.

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The search for the perfect pre-race fuel never ends for a competitive runner. The starting point is easy, sure. You know you want carbs, and plenty of ‘em. But in what form, and with what accompaniments?

Many of the runners here at the RW offices have enjoyed their share of pre-race pasta feeds, but sometimes the plain old pasta thing gets a little stale. That’s why we were tempted to try the tasty Spaghetti Bolognese recipe that we found over on the Oiselle blog. Carrots in pasta? Count us in. The dish looks… scrumptious.

Take this recipe for a spin and tell us how it turns out for you!

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Ah, the mighty sock. Some underestimate the power of a good sock, but the right sock can really make the difference between a good run and a great run. Here’s what to look for when shopping for running socks.

Fabric

First off, just say no to cotton. Cotton will absorb moisture instead of wicking it away from your skin, which can cause blisters when you’re running. Instead, reach for a pair made out of a synthetic fabric, like nylon or polyester, or try some merino wool socks.

The choice between synthetic fabric and wool is a matter of personal preference, so try out both types to see which you prefer. Don’t be afraid to try a pair of wool socks. The merino wool used by brands like SmartWool and Feetures! is nothing like the itchy sweater your mom used to make you wear on cold days. This wool is soft and sleek against the skin, and merino wool even has antimicrobial properties that help keep the foot funk at bay.

Height

Everybody seems to have a favorite sock style. Some people swear by their crew socks, while others won’t leave the house for a run in anything but no-shows. Finding the perfect cut for you has to do with how much coverage you want from your sock. Running socks are typically available in four lengths: low/no-show, quarter, crew and knee high. Many no-show socks have ankle tabs to help prevent blisters on the backs of your heels when you’re running. Taller socks are often a better choice for running in colder conditions. Try out a few styles to find the sock length that works best for you.

Cushioning

Socks also come in a range of cushioning thicknesses, from super thin socks that serve as a liner to thicker, heavily cushioned socks that give you plenty of underfoot padding. If you want a supremely thin sock, try the Feetures Elite Ultra Light No Show Socks or the Swiftwick Pulse Zero Socks. If you’d like to try a more cushioned sock, a few nice options are the Drymax Max Protection Socks, Thorlo Experia Socks and Balega Hidden Comfort Socks.

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When we think of groundbreaking running hydration products, it’s hard not to think of Salomon. Over the last several seasons, they’ve developed a name for themselves as one of the primary trailblazers of running hydration gear, and this spring isn’t any different. We’re pretty picky when it comes to our run gear around the RW offices, and the spring ’13 hydration lineup from Salomon gets a big thumbs up.

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 & 5 Set Packs

The Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 Set Pack and 5 Set Pack are the crème de la crème of Salomon’s hydration pack line. With three size options in each pack for an almost-custom fit, you’re sure to find all-day comfort. The packs come equipped with zippered pockets and pouches to store essentials on a long run, and you can even stow a soft flask or two in the front pockets. Adjustable chest straps provide a snug fit that won’t chafe.

Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves

Spiderman might be able to shoot webs from his wrists, but with the Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves you’ll be able to shoot refreshing hydration out of your hand. Well, sort of. These gloves allow you to securely carry a soft flask of liquid while keeping your hand relaxed. Use it to stay hydrated, or squirt it over your head to help yourself cool down.

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 2 Belt

If MacGyver wore a fanny pack, he’s snap on the Advanced Skin S-Lab 2 Belt. Seriously. This little number has four open stretch mesh pockets (two in the front and two in the back) to store Soft Flasks or other nutrition. Two zipper pockets provide secure storage for accessories, and one small side loop gives you a place to clip small accessories. The belt is adjustable and the mesh lining makes it incredibly comfortable on the run.

Salomon Soft Flasks

You want to carry liquid, but the incessant sloshing of bottles and typical flasks drives you crazy. Enter the Salomon Soft Flasks. A soft bite valve is easy on your teeth, and durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane construction makes these flasks trail-ready. Choose from 16 ounce, 8 ounce or 5 ounce sizes, and fill with liquid or gel for your hydration and fuel needs.

Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set Pack

When you want a sleek and simple hydration pack that will let you go fast, grab the Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set Pack. With a 1.5 liter bladder, you’ll have plenty of hydration, and the pack also gives you room to stash a thin jacket and a pair of arm warmers. Use the stretch mesh side pockets to stow nutrition on the run. Twin sternum straps provide a secure fit.

Salomon Hydro 45 Belt

The Salomon Hydro 45 Belt gives you space to carry hydration and nutrition without feeling weighed down. The unique triangular 20-ounce bottle is easy to grab for hydration on the go, and a small zippered pocket provides room to stow nutrition or other important items. The adjustable belt allows for a secure and comfortable fit.

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If you’re running on trails, it may be a good idea to invest in a pair of trail running shoes. Using your retired pair of road shoes doesn’t count (they are retired for a reason), even if you don’t mind getting them dirty. Trail shoes are built differently than road shoes to protect your feet and help you navigate varied terrain.

Finding a pair of trail shoes that suits your needs can make your offroad running experience that much better. Below, choose the type of trail running you’re doing and check out what you should look for in a trail shoe.

I run mostly roads, with a little bit of fire road thrown in the mix.

If your off-road running is limited to fire roads, in many cases you’ll be able to get away with running in your road trainers. But a shoe that can handle both roads and trails will offer you more traction and stability when you’re running on dirt. Several “trail-ified” versions of popular road models provide a bit more grip while still remaining fluid and flexible during road duty. As a couple of examples, look at the Asics GT 2000 Trail or the Brooks Adrenaline ASR 9.

I run fire roads and well-maintained trails.

You’re running on trails, but none of it is too technical. The type of trail shoe you should look for really depends on the running experience you’re seeking. If you want a more minimal shoe with a closer feel for the surfaces you’re running on, then check out the Brooks PureGrit 2 or the Altra Lone Peak.

If you want a traditional running shoe experience with plenty of protection from the ground and a more substantial upper, then lace up the Asics Gel Scout or Brooks Cascadia 8. Since your foot will encounter more ground angles over varied terrain and you are more likely to be up on your toes as you navigate trails, trail shoes typically have less pronation support than their road-specific counterparts. If you wear a max support road shoe, don’t fret if you can’t find a trail shoe with exactly as much support.

I run technical, uneven trails with mud, loose rocks and debris.

When you head out the door, your goal is to tackle the toughest trails you can find. You don’t shy away from hills or loose, rocky approaches. You need a shoe that can keep up with your adventure-seeking soul. In this category, you want to look for a trail shoe with intense lugs, and a secure fit. The lugs will help you mountain-goat your way through tricky terrain and the secure fit will help you feel more stable and confident in your shoes. For this type of running we like shoes such as the Salomon Speedcross 3 and Inov-8 Mudclaw 300.

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As a runner, you have goals. Dreams. Aspirations, even. We all do. Maybe you want to qualify for Boston, or run a PR in your next half. Maybe you want to find the dedication to stick to a run training plan and improve your health, or be an example for your kids. We can all use our goals and dreams to motivate us through training sessions from one day to the next.

Track athlete Nick Symmonds gave us a fresh way to look at running goals in an article he wrote for Flotrack: the running ‘bucket list’.

We think this is a creative way to remind yourself of your running goals and motivate yourself to get out the door and train every day. Near the beginning of his career, Nick crafted a bucket list for himself, jotting down the things he wanted to accomplish during his running career. He’s altered and tweaked his bucket list over the years, but continues to use it to push himself to new heights.

His article inspired us and made us think about our own running goals. What’s on your running bucket list?

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Mizuno Japanese Island Graphic

This spring’s Mizuno apparel line is paying homage to the brand’s Japanese heritage. The company has added a small, subtle graphic  representing the Japanese islands (shown at right) on most of its spring collection. The bottom image is a symbol for the god of war, to empower you as you head into your run. The kanji in the middle hexagon is the Japanese symbol for “run.” The Runbird above these symbols lets you rock your Mizuno pride.

Mizuno has also included elements of Ekiden racing style in some of their running shirts, such as the Mizuno Creation Singlet. During an Ekiden race (a long distance relay race that originated in Japan) each competitor hands off a sash, or tasuki, to their teammate when they finish their leg of the race. The contrast-color details on select Mizuno running shirts represent the sash worn by Ekiden competitors.

Ready to run with Mizuno? Take a look at a few of our favorites from the spring lineup:

Aero Singlet

The Mizuno Aero Singlet is lightweight, fast and ultra breathable. Sleeveless construction allows for optimal range of motion, and flatlock seamlines prevent chafing. Burnout mesh detail on the chest and back display the god of war symbol, to get you charged up for your next run.

Aero Split Short

Looking for a short that can keep up with you? Check out the Mizuno Aero Split Short. Featherweight fabric with perforations for enhanced breathability will help you stay cool as you heat things up. A half split provides full range of motion, and Mizuno Japanese heritage graphic lets you sport your Mizuno pride. Read more…

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