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Ruck Running in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Fitness, Gear, and Getting Started
If you’re looking for a workout that builds strength, endurance, and mental toughness — all while burning more calories than traditional running — ruck running might just be your next fitness obsession. Once reserved for military training, ruck running has exploded in popularity across the U.S. and Canada. From busy professionals looking for efficient workouts…
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Why You Should Be Training Barefoot
Barefoot running has been a subject of much debate and research in recent years. Some advocates claim that it can provide several benefits, while others argue that it may lead to increased risk of injury. Let’s explore both perspectives: Where did the barefoot running fad come from? Fitness fads aside, many argue the original “idea”…
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Top 5 Sunscreens for the Responsible Outdoor Athlete
When it comes to choosing sunscreen products with fewer chemicals, it’s important to look for options labeled as “mineral” or “physical” sunscreens. These types of sunscreens typically contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by physically blocking or reflecting the sun’s rays, as opposed to chemical sunscreens that use chemical compounds…
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What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)? And Why Should I Track HRV?
Heart rate variability (HRV) is commonly measured using heart rate monitors that can analyze the variation in time intervals between heartbeats. While there are various devices available for measuring HRV, the “best” device depends on individual preferences, needs, and the specific context in which HRV measurements are required. Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the…
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Review: Altra Olympus 5 Running Shoe, A Trail Monster
The Altra Olympus 5 running shoes have long been hailed as a favorite among trail runners for their unmatched cushioning and impressive durability. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the features and performance of the latest iteration, the Altra Olympus 5. From enhanced grip to improved comfort, this shoe promises to deliver an exhilarating…
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Conquering Challenges and Forging Bonds: The Rise of Obstacle Course Racing in Asia
Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) has emerged as a thrilling and rapidly growing sport that combines athleticism, endurance, and mental grit. Across Asia, OCR has gained significant traction, captivating fitness enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From sprawling mud pits to towering walls and electrifying obstacles, OCR events offer participants a unique blend of physical challenges and…
Gear and training for the athlete who lives outside.
FieldAthlete is for runners and outdoor athletes who love pushing themselves beyond the pavement—into trails, obstacle races, rucks, and rugged campsites—and want honest, experience‑driven guidance on the gear and training that actually holds up when things get hard.
Why I Started The FieldAthlete Blog
I’m Reid Matsu—a name I chose to keep my personal story anonymous, but the experiences and lessons here are as real as the dirt, rain, sweat, and miles behind them. After years spent in the military, on wild expeditions, battling through ultra races and marathons, and living the grind of outdoor fitness, I wanted a home for the ideas and hard-won guidance I’ve collected along the way.
FieldAthlete.com isn’t about hype or trophies. It’s a place to store the gear tips, survival tricks, tough lessons, and no-nonsense training advice that actually works—shared for anyone who pushes their limits outside the gym. This blog is my way to put the best of that journey in one place, plain and palatable, so you can skip the fluff and get straight to what makes a real difference on the trail, obstacle, or anywhere the terrain gets tough.
Reid Matsu
Blogger, Writer, and Athlete
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