Run Culture S24 Vol 14

Every runner's dream is to edge out the competition or finally smash that elusive PB. But what if that edge isn't just about training harder, but something more... unconventional? No, I’m not talking about dodgy supplements or shortcuts.

Let’s explore some of the latest innovations in running gear that are pushing the boundaries—whether it’s shoes with an eye-popping 58mm stack height or half tights that have been dubbed as garment doping.

The Shop Front

Puma Fast RB

Puma has taken every rule in the road racing shoe playbook and decided to flip it upside down. Enter the Puma Fast RB (Rule Breaker), boasting a staggering 58mm stack height and three plates. You heard that right—three plates. This makes the Adidas Prime X Strung look like a minimalist track shoe by comparison.

Now, as a heel striker, I’m not sure if this shoe is for me—it essentially has no heel, which might be a deal-breaker. And let's be honest, the design is an acquired taste; it looks like something straight out of an Alien movie remake. But despite the unconventional appearance, it’s exciting to see a brand really pushing the envelope to advance shoe technology.

Puma has been on a bit of a roll this year, launching the supershoe for the masses with the Deviate Nitro Elite and a max-cushion daily trainer with the Mag Max. The Fast RB, however, is in a league of its own. While there aren’t many reviews out yet due to the limited supply of just 1,000 pairs worldwide, those interested can check out an in-depth review from Metaendurance.

Soars Garment Doping

We’ve all heard of drug doping, but what about garment doping? The closest comparison might be the high-tech swimming speedsuits or what Cathy Freeman wore at Sydney 2000. Tim Soar recently dropped a sneak peek of some half tights with the label “Garment Doping,” and they’ve certainly piqued my interest.

As someone who’s loyal to split shorts, could these tights be the game-changer that finally pulls me over to the other side? It’s too early to say, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on what develops here.

The Cafe

Running Youtube Profits

In the world of sports, transparency around runners earnings is often lacking, especially when compared to other sports around the world. That’s why it’s refreshing to see some YouTubers—while not exactly pro athletes—leading the way in transparency by openly sharing their earnings through social media accounts or sub-elite race prize money.

Two examples that stand out are Adam Woods and Michael Ottesen. While their video quality might not be on par with what I usually highlight here, their content is raw, real, and gives a fascinating glimpse into the financial side of running. It’s a side of the sport that often goes unnoticed but is incredibly relevant for those of us trying to make a go of it in the running world.

The Gym

Sodium for Marathons

With just three weeks to go until the Sydney Marathon, I thought I had my race day nutrition all figured out—gels, solids, drink mix, the works. But then someone brought up sodium and electrolytes, and I realized I hadn’t even considered them. A bit of last-minute research revealed a mixed consensus: unless you're a heavy sweater or running for more than four hours, extra sodium might not be necessary. The idea is that significant sodium depletion through sweat is unlikely to impact your performance unless it’s substantial.

According to a recent PubMed article, the best strategy for race day hydration is to simply drink to thirst. This doesn't mean that sodium supplementation is harmful, but overdoing it can lead to hyperhydration, which is definitely something to avoid.

In the end, while staying hydrated is key, ensuring you’re properly fueling with carbs is arguably even more critical for race success. I’ll dive deeper into fueling strategies in a future newsletter, but for now, if you’re curious about your fueling needs, you can check out this handy planner.

The Clubhouse

National Cross in Australia took place this weekend in Tasmania, and it was awesome to see one of our own from the Discord, Macca, competing in the U20 men's 8km and the relay. The weather was absolutely wild, with 80km/hr gusts making the muddy course even more challenging, but Macca held his own and finished 39th—an impressive result in such tough conditions. Hats off to everyone who raced!

That wraps us up for another week. I’m excited to dive into what's next! Don't forget to follow our Instagram page and subscribe to this newsletter if you haven’t already.