Whether it’s a favorite pair of shoes, a beloved set of mittens, or even a trusty thermos, we’ve all fallen in love with products that makes our running lives better. Health & Injuries… we at Runner’s World have decided to share some of our life-changing favorites.
Nutrition - Weight Loss.
It’s not because I spin mad rhymes, am some sort of hip-hop mogul, or own a bunch of shares of a liquor company. No—although my lyrical skills are said to be rather dope—far from it.
It’s because of the Ratio—a plush, exceedingly warm jacket from Mountain Hardware that I’m constantly wearing during the winter.
Just before we run I take off my jacket, toss it in the car, and off I go. When I finish running I put on a dry shirt as I cool down, then the jacket goes back on. It keeps me warm on the ride home as I imagine my training buddies shivering in spite of a cranked car heater. I wear it over my running clothes when we all meet for predawn winter weekend runs. Most of my running partners get out of their cars and freeze their butts off while we mill around catching up and waiting on the rest of the crew to arrive, but me, I’m warm and toasty in the Ratio.
And beyond lending me an air of unspoken superiority in pre- and post-run comfort, the jacket is—technically speaking—awesome.
The thick down-filled channels are packed with fluffy insulation to maximize warmth, not to mention giving it a great “old school” look. Because it’s down, it packs down to nothing and weighs in at 14.8oz—about as heavy as a can of soda. It certainly weighs more than it costs—at a shade under $200—the Ratio is an investment, but a worthwhile one for anyone averse to the cold, who has frequently tardy running pals.
The Ratio is also a multitasking marvel that keeps me warm whether I’m walking the NYC High Line in January with the family or hitting the slopes with the guys. I mean, have you ever seen Sean Combs shiver? Nope. And you won’The Best New Shoes You Can Buy Now.
