Greetings! We’re Tomoyan and Shiga-chan, the two members in charge of running here at Circles.
This is the gear we wear when we go running, even in winter. You might think we’d be freezing, but shorts make it easier to move our legs, and once you get going, you warm up quickly anyway.
The two of us will be participating in a trail running race held in Mie Prefecture on April 2nd: the 4th Annual Tadoyama Trail Run.
This race takes place on Mt. Tado in Mie Prefecture, a location that will surely be familiar to many of you who ride bicycles.
It might come as a surprise, but this will be the first trail running race for both Shiga-chan and myself. We’re looking forward to experiencing how it compares to bike races. It’s still a while off, but stay tuned for our report after the event.
Now, as usual, when I’m out trail running, the shoes supporting my feet are the Superior 3.0, a lightweight trail running shoe from the American running brand Altra.
I’ll say it as many times as it takes because I really want you to know!
Altra is the brand that introduced "Zero Drop" shoes to the world, which have no height difference between the toe and the heel. This zero-drop design minimizes heel striking, allowing for a running style that is easier on the knees.
Along with zero drop, another major feature of Altra is its wide toe box. Because the toe box allows your toes to spread out naturally and relax, it provides a wider contact area with the ground, leading to a more stable run.
This model arrived right at the end of the year. Compared to the previous 2.0 version, the lugs (the tread on the sole) are higher, providing better grip. Additionally, the area covering the toes has been increased for better durability.
While it’s positioned as a lightweight model in Altra’s trail running lineup, it has enough cushioning to be used for activities other than just running. In fact, I use them for hiking when it’s not winter, too. I think this is a highly versatile model that combines the cushioning you want for a slow climb while taking in the scenery, with the lightness you want if you decide you feel like running halfway through.
I can confidently say that this is the perfect first pair for those who are interested but have never run on trails before.
Why not take this pair as a reason to step into the world of trail running?