Biggest Lessons from 2025 & Christmas Eve Trip to the ER

This week I talked about my Christmas being essentially canceled and then my spontaneous trip to the ER on Christmas Eve. Winter conditions rock right now and you should get on the trails while they are good. I go through my biggest training lessons learned from 2025. It was a great year for me but it did not all go how I planned and instead I adjusted and looking at it as building a bigger base for all things running. Stack lots of brick to eventually go higher or something like that. Charlie Brown Christmas rocks but everybody is so mean to him from the beginning to the end. Christmas shopping. Meat sweats. And what's next for Run Mountain Peaks in 2026.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.Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.