What I Packed for an 80 Mile Run Across Italy’s Apennine Mountains

Summer is right round the corner. We are going to hang out and bring our things. Here are all the tips and tricks that WIRED Reviews recommends for your travels.

In 2015, I he ran Marathon Des Sables. You know, that competition across the Sahara where people dress funny sun hats they are pedestrians, carrying everything they need to survive (except the tent) on their backs. For a week I’ve been fighting big mountains and ruins, dry, dry rivers, taught me an important lesson: It is possible to pack your life in a 10-lb pack. and run long distances. It’s also a lot of fun.

Since then, I’ve done a lot of driving, including a 100-mile trip to Italy’s Lake Garda and a 184-mile trip to the Thames. In 2022, I became a leader the first person to navigate the Danube in Europe from sea to source, 1,830 miles across eight states in 67 days, I always carry my gear. I’ve spent a lot of time working out, or looking at my proper gear. I’ve found the essentials (less than you might think), the undesirables, and the ones I can rely on.

On my recent trip, I went there Day of the Via deglithe 80-kilometer route runs across the Italian Apennines from Florence to Bologna (although many people travel from Bologna to Florence). The first day I ran 24 miles, 26 miles the second day and 30 miles the third day, somewhere between 5-8 hours each day. Here are some of the essentials I packed to get from Point A to Point B.

Running Shoes

The Diadora Nucleo 2 GR ($170) is one of the new waves of rock running shoes they are designed to handle everything from on-road to light outdoor activities. I experienced both on this route, and the more difficult sections of the route. A large row of soft toecaps, deep laces, and a wide base worked well for a more crowded environment, providing better sound and mobility while the excellent toe box was excellent for blister-free comfort.

The Nucleo 2 GR is a bit heavy and struggles to be accurate, strong and stable on very low rocks. But the handle worked wonderfully (outside of the very muddy sections). Most importantly, it’s a protective shoe with a generous fit that’s also easy to put back on when it’s time to grab dinner after your run. It’s important when you’re only getting one pair running shoes.

Speed ​​Watch

Confession time: As a tester of racing gear, I’ve had it a three-game watch on the way. Garmin Forerunner 570, Director 970and the Fenix ​​8 Pro 51 mm AMOLED. Among these, a Fenix ​​8 Pro he was recognized as a great performer. It is expensive, but it is the ultimate tool for multi-day trips where you need a few days of GPS power, reliable maps and high-quality directions, all on a large, easy-to-dial screen.

Photo: Kieran Alger

If you’re running off-grid, the Fenix ​​8 Pro also offers satellite security features like SOS Emergency, online messaging, and instant tracking, however you may need it. inReach satellite subscription to open some of them. I was very surprised by the Forerunner 970 which only lasted 3 days. It doesn’t have a protective device and its method is not the same as the Fenix ​​​​8 Pro, but for a short machine where you can charge it, it is a good option.

Running Headphones

You can’t underestimate the positive reinforcement from meaningful music or quality family time (my go-to phone is a Friend). So I always carry it exercise audio. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($140) bone conduction headphonesor ear opening styles if Shokz OpenDots ($160)it’s good to stay connected to the world. But I usually opt for headphones that also support transit time, or flights and trains to get to the transit when I’m not walking.