A Cool Phone for Ultra-running or Thru-hiking...

50-day standby time!

"This Energizer Phone Is Thicker Than You Could Ever Want, and That's Fantastic"

"Garmin Forerunner 610"

"Touchscreen, Weather-Proof, And Of Course Socially Connected".

Here's a more complete review (from the link above).

The cool feature for me is that you can actually download other peoples' runs and compete against their time.  When I was using my Forerunner 305 I used that model's feature where you compete against your prior time regularly.  Unfortunately, the 305 wasn't very water resistant. 

I now have a Forerunner 310XT, which I use occasionally.  It actually saved my butt when I got lost on Pikes Peak this summer, but I mostly use it when I'm running on trails, so I can tell what the distance was. 

Trail sign distances are very unreliable, I've discovered.

I'll be interested to see if a sweaty touch screen works, but hopefully they've tested that. ;)

Barefoot Running App From Merrell

This is pretty cool. 

Although I've not tried it (I don't like running with gadgets) I especially like the idea of an iTunes list with songs to help you run at a cadence of 180.  Jason Robillard, if you were involved in this, nice work.

Review Of The Petzl Core USB Headlamp Battery

This is off the chart on the geek runner scale: Petzl Core USB rechargeable and programmable headlamp battery. 

Yes, that's right, you can plug the battery into your laptop and charge it (via USB) as well as program its discharge characteristics.

For the right use, I imagine this is a no-brainer.

Running and Rambling Reviews "The Barefoot Running Book"

It's a good review.  I've not finished it yet, but Jason did a good job from what I've read so far.

New Runner's Hydration Pack

I've been thinking of getting a dedicated runner's backpack.  The Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 S-Lab Hydration Pack sounds like it fits the bill pretty nicely.  (But what a name!)

Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp Review

Reviewed by iRunFar.

I've got one of these.  It's real nice aside from the lack of a replaceable battery.  If  you're looking for a lamp that you can recharge on a long over-night run, for instance, this is not for you.  Also, if you're looking for a dedicated trail-running light, you might want one that's a bit brighter.


But if you run at night occasionally, mostly on the road, as I do, you'll never regret this purchase. 
 
I used it for the Reach the Beach relay race, and it worked perfectly.