I’m Reid Matsu. After years in the military, on expeditions, and running ultras and marathons, I started Field Athlete to share what actually holds up: gear I’ve carried, races I’ve prepped for, and training that works when conditions don’t. New here? These are the best places to start.
Gear
- Why I Chose the Garmin Tactix Bravo Over the Charlie
Two weeks in the Rockies with a watch built for operators: what worked, what didn’t, and why I’d still pick the Bravo. - Trail, Ruck, or Range? How to Pick Between Garmin Fenix 8, Epix, and Tactix 8
Same family, three very different personalities: which one fits the way you train. - Topo Ultraventure 4: The 50-Mile Honest Take
A longtime Altra fan on the trail shoe that worked right out of the box.
OCR & Rucking
- Mud, Grit, and Glory: How to Prepare for a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder
How to get ready for the barbed wire, dirt trails, and walls of your first obstacle race. - Ruck Running: The Ultimate Guide for Fitness, Gear, and Getting Started
A workout that builds strength, endurance, and mental toughness, and how to get started.
Training
- Ultramarathon Training – Base Building, Supported Long Runs, Nutrition, and Recovery
Base building, supported long runs, nutrition, and recovery for your first ultra. - Creatine for Endurance Athletes – A Game Changer
Why creatine is not just a gym supplement, and what it changed for an endurance athlete. - Trail Marathon vs Road Marathon: What’s Tougher, Healthier & Better for Ultras?
Which one is harder, and which one better prepares you for ultra distances.
Survival & Field Craft
- The Definitive Bug-Out Bag Shopping List
What to buy and pack for when crowds and emergencies turn unpredictable. - 5 Leadership Skills That Will Keep You Alive in a Survival Situation
How to lead a group when injuries, panic, and disputes over resources set in. - Bivy Camping Like a Pro
Sleeping out in the elements, and how to do it well.