When I started trail running, I had absolutely no clue about what I’m getting into. The good news is that I love to research anything and everything that has to do with trail running and how I can improve my experience and performance. I tried many different things and while some didn’t work for me, other stuff worked and there’s the category that I call “game changers” because they had such immediate and noticeable benefits on me. Before I share my top 5 with you, remember that these work for me. It doesn’t mean that they’ll have the same benefit on you. There’s only one way to find out: Simply try them out and see how it works for you.

My Top 5 Game Changer in Trail Running:

1. Injini Socks

2. Lush Toe Powder

3. Tailwind Nutrition

4. A fitting pair of shoes: In my case: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 (wide toe box)

5. Vegan Diet

Here’s why they have been a game changer for me:

1. Injini Socks
   In the beginning, I used to wear normal socks on my runs and that was completely fine. After my first trail run, however, I quickly realised that I need to try out different things that will prevent getting blisters and losing toe nails (which, by the way, is completely normal for a runner). I read in another blog that Injini socks are very helpful and popular in the ultra community. Each toe has basically their own little sock. I’m not going to lie: My first thoughts were that they look funny and not really comfortable. But I gave it a try and bought three different kind of Injini Socks: Ultra, Trail and long Compression socks. They all differ in their thickness, length and compression. After many trail runs, I figured out what works best for me.
   Injini Ultra Socks when it’s colder outside.

   Injini Trail Socks for ultras and warmer weather (these are my go-to ones)

   Injini Long Compression socks on B2B Trail Runs (trails runs on consecutive days) because they give me stability and help with blood circulation. Also, these are my choice when I run through terrain with many wild and rough bushes to avoid scratches

2. Lush Toe Powder
   What a blessing! I’ve loved Lush products for many years because they’re vegan, animal cruelty free and simply tasting amazing. Little did I know that their Toe Powder will prevent getting blisters. My toe routine before a trail is: Putting on some Compeed Toe Plasters on spots I’m prone for blisters. Then, covering my whole feet in Lush Toe Powder. Last but not least I put on my Injini socks.

3. Tailwind Nutrition
   Ok, this might sound like a little love letter to the Tailwind Team but honestly I can’t help it. l don’t even know where to begin. First, their nutrition products are vegan, taste incredibly organic and have the right mix of carbohydrate and electrolytes. Before I discovered Tailwind, I had pure dextrose in my water on the long runs and no electrolytes. I read a lot about it and thought: What’s that fuss all about? But on my first run trying out Tailwind Berry and Tailwind Raspberry (caffeinated), I understood. During that run I felt so much more alive, vivid, energized and less hungry.
   On top of that, I adore the Tailwind Team! They are incredible. They’re still a family owned business, even though they’re very popular in the ultra endurance world, and you can feel that family vibe. With each order I get a hand-written postcard with a personalised message. And they even send me an email a few days before my ultra challenges wishing me all the best. I cannot recommend them enough.

4. A fitting pair of shoes: In my case: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 (wide toe box)
   Running shoes are the most important equipment in my opinion. Every single penny invested in a proper fitting running shoe, is an investment in my health. Yes, it was an expensive and painful journey in the beginning but absolutely worth it. After trying out three different pair of shoes, I finally found my trail running shoes. I won’t give any specific advice here because there are so many factors involved. That’d be worth a separate blog article. In my case, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 with a wide toe box are my personal favourite because I like the higher drop, the wide toe box, the cushion and their material just feels comfortable and dries out quickly. Also, their sole is perfect for the terrain I run most of the time.

5. Vegan Diet
   I’m going to keep this one short and sweet because this is really worth a separate post. Since I changed my nutrition to a fully plant-based diet, I can’t even express with words how it changed my life, mood and my recovery. Due to all the healthy and delicious anti-inflammatory nutrients, my recovery time reduced immensely. I don’t have DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) anymore which means I can fit in not only more but also more high quality training sessions within my training week. Also, I don’t have any issues with my gut or digestion during running. As I said, I’ll write a separate post about this topic because it’s worth it.