Hiyaaa runner! This week I’ve got 10% off Run Weekends for you, a (trail) running gear guide to Outopia (and 25% off!), a new YouTube series and more. Yeppp it’s a packed edition. Hope you enjoy!

Vote to see what others would pick! Done? Then let’s run it ⤵️

I’ve featured Truett Hanes before. He’s the son of Cameron Hanes (who makes an apperance in episode 2), and also known as “the guy running (even ultras) in jeans”.

And now, Truett (29 y/o) has set a massive goal. Massive. Olympic Trials. Can he do it?

Truett hasn’t been running for a “long time”. In 2023, he ran about 60 miles total. In 2024, 1500 miles. In 2025, ~3400 miles. You can see the huge ramp up right there.

He’s a fast runner and has a tough mind. The series captures it all. He’s already 8 episodes in and showing everything behind the scenes. Ups and downs. And all the dedication. The goal of the series is to inspire you to go after that one big goal, whatever that is for you.

Don’t be fooled by the thumbnail. It’d make you feel like Truett’s the kind of guy just wanting to show off his body. He’s actually quite the opposite. One of the more humble and honest runners you can find on YouTube. Give his series a shot 🙌 (Also, with 8 episodes live, you can binge these!)

My favourite line of the video: “Another day, another chance to get better.”

If you’ve been reading RunLetters for a while, you know that I’m all for making your social media feed fun and inspiring. Cut out the negativity. Make your feed light you up.

A good addition to it will be Meet and Barney, the two guys behind @twoblokesrunning.

They are known for their creative running challenges. Examples? Sure. “Can we run a half marathon in exactly 90 minutes without a watch?” or “Can we beat the tube with robot legs?”. Less training plans, more ridiculousness.

In January 2026 they became the hosts of For The Love Of Running, a brand new creator-led content platform launched in partnership with Science in Sport (SiS) and media company Crowd Network. The platform publishes videos across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

I discovered them through my friend Lydia Oldham, who joined For The Love of Running on a challenge to climb the height of Mount Everest in a relay on Primrose Hill in London. Yes, that's the kind of thing these two get up to.

Good accounts to follow if you want a bit of fun in your running feed 🫶

My absolute biggest dream is to run through Japan. This trip from Run Weekends right here is at the very, very, VERY top of my bucket list.

Explore Japan by running through a multitude of its incredible landscapes. You’ll travel between the different locations by bullet train. From a sightseeing 10k through Tokyo to trail runs along volcanic ridge lines, shrines, and temples 🤩

Throughout the trip, you will stay in traditional Japanese inns and city hotels.

Of course, you’ll also be enjoying typical Japanese food, karaoke, and hot baths. Run Weekends takes care of pretty much everything for you, so no mental stress. You just show up and enjoy, soak it all up.

I can’t imagine a better trip. It checks all the boxes. City, trails, incredible people, running, and culture. All that while exploring different areas of Japan.

Oh, and you get to cross off Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka from your bucket list, too.

If you're running long distances, there will come a point where you'll want, and probably need, a hydration vest. When that moment arrives, don't be like me in my early trail running days. Don't waste your money on a vest from Amazon that falls apart after a year. Don't get cheap soft flasks that taste like plastic.

Invest once in something actually good. Something that will serve you long term.

My recommendation? The Outopia Panacea Vest. For a few simple reasons:

Outopia has a lot of incredible (trail) running gear. It’s not just the vest that’s worth the bucks. I swear by their Soul Shorts. You can check out my full trail runner guide to Outopia here.

Alright, hope you don’t mind, the wild card this week goes to… me 😂 Because I need your input!

I started a new YouTube series (see one of the videos down below) where I explain specific running topics and debunk statements/myths. I’d love your feedback on what kind of topics you’d like me to cover!

Comment under one of the videos, or hit reply on this email, and let me know. All questions are welcome. I read every single comment and email.

Another edition of RunLettersss. Can you guys believe we are getting close to ONE FULL YEAR?! 🤯

You bet I’m preparing a 1-year-celebration giveaway.

Here’s to a great weekend ahead ☀️

Caroline

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