Natalie Halapin recommends the Mount to Coast M1 — I fell in love when these came out and ran half of Run Rabbit Run 100 in them. They're great for all sorts of terrain and the grip is excellent. The sizing has been tricky for some. I'm a 7.5M in the T1, and an 8.0M in the M1 and H1. They feel great for long hours on the trail and the slight rocker feeling helps me keep turning over when I'm getting tired.
Natalie Halapin recommends the norda norda 055 — This shoe is a lot of fun on rocky downhills - makes me feel like a monster truck just busting my way through. They're very light and responsive. I went with an 8.5M in these, but prefer an 8.0M in the 005s.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Mount to Coast Mount 2 Coast H1 — Burrito League must have. I could run for days in these shoes. They're great for a majority of the trails here in Central Oregon, but I tend to feel less sure in them on steeper downhills since the lugs are 2mm and can be a little slick. The 8.0M in the H1 fits slightly longer than the 8.0M in the M1.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Raide Research Women's LF 2L Running Belt — I've tried several different waist belts and this one is my favorite. It only creeps up when it's nearly empty but otherwise fits snug on my lower waist and stays put. The slider open/close is also just so nice after trying to pull other belts over my hips regularly. It'll hold one bottle in the back and at least 8 gels in the front. My waist is just about 28" and my hips are 37.5" and I have a short waist.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Fenix Fenix HM65R-T V2.0 Rechargeable Headlamp — This is the headlamp for your next 100-miler. I was able to make it through the entire night at Run Rabbit Run 100 on one battery using the floodlight on medium intensity with clear view of the trail. It's slowly getting harder for me to see well at night and this headlamp has been a game changer.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix - 20 Servings — No fizz, no carbs, no artificial sweeteners. I alternate lemon & lime with the unflavored electrolyte booster powder also from Skratch without palate fatigue.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Janji Janji Women's Groundwork Long Bra Black M — Long bras have saved my back from vest chafing and feel less restricting around my rib cage than other styles of sports bra. This one has a small mesh pocket in the front inside and a cellphone pocket in the back that I stuff with ice in the summer. I'm a 34A and like a slightly less compressive fit.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Smith Optics Smith Bobcat Replacement Lens Sunglasses — The interchangeable lenses for the Bobcat sunglasses make traveling for races and running easier because I can be so much more space effective with packing. I have clear and photochromic lenses that pretty much cover every condition.
Natalie Halapin recommends the Precision Hydration Precision Fuel and Hydration PF 30 Gel
Natalie Halapin recommends the Skratch Labs Skratch Labs Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix — I use this mix to make gels by using 250ml flasks with 5.5 scoops of high carb mix with about 100-150ml of water. Love the mango flavor!
