Running vs. Outdoor Industries

Over the years of living in CO as a runner who likes to hike occasionally, I have observed a large divide between the running and outdoor industries.  Boulder, CO is, of course, known for being home to world-class runners.  Or is it triathletes?  Or some of the world's best rock climbers?  Or skiers?  OK, anyone with super athletic skills can live there (and make the rest of us feel inadequate for out average skills).  Therefore, Boulder is also home to many running and outdoor companies that design and sell products and gear based on the latest technologies to fit the needs of runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

Interestingly, many of the running companies cater specifically to runners and outdoor companies to (get this!) outdoor sports athletes.  Most of the clothes both kinds of companies make are based on the same technology and designed for the same main goal: keeping you warm and dry while also being breathable.  Runners spend just as much time outside as many snowshoers, hikers, skiers, ice climbers, etc.  Yet we go to running companies for our gear when much of what running companies offer comes from outdoor companies in the first place.**


Anyway, since most of the country just went through a week-long cold spell and now it is raining here and expected to keep up through the week, I figure why not overload everyone's feeder with another post about what to wear in the wind, cold, rain, and snow?

Well, luckily I am not posting a review of some gear that looks really cute on me that I got for free and I want to tell you how great it is so you can spend lot of mula on it this is not a gear review post.  Instead it is a hint for where to look early (and perhaps in new places) for next year's winter gear.  Last week was the Winter Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City.  Many, if not all, outdoor companies were there previewing their new lines of gear for next year.  Of course, I was not there because I was here working very hard and showing up to all of my classes, but I happen to know a certain guy who was there.  The outdoor companies at the show all have clothes made with the latest technologies and layering options intended for multiple outdoor activities, including running!

Go here to read about all the stories from the show, display and review the latest gear, etc..  There are four full newspapers form the Winter show that document it and are available online for free.  For anyone that is a gear junkie and interested in the technologies companies use, it's pretty cool to read about.  For anyone else, yes, it is totally OK to hope that groundhog does not see his shadow and wish that spring comes SOON!

**I have nothing for or against either the running or the outdoor industry; I am simply making an observation.