font-weight: 400;">Running is about pushing limits, embracing the unknown, and finding the right gear to fuel the journey. In this conversation, Alastair shares his hard-earned insights on trail running, gear testing, and the mindset that drives performance and enjoyment of the sport. Whether you're chasing PRs or exploring new trails, this is a must-read for every runner looking to level up.

You’ve run marathons and ultramarathons—what’s been your most memorable race or trail adventure so far?

Honestly, every ultramarathon I have completed has given me incredible memories, from the lows of the physical and mental challenges to the highs of running in some of the most beautiful natural environments.

If I had to choose one, however, I’d have to say the Volcanic 50k, which is a circumnavigation of Mt. St. Helens in Washington state. It was so wild, with the volcano’s caldera venting as I made my way around it, which was an incredible experience I will never forget! It helped me discover a new level of grit and connect with nature on a deeper level.

How has running with Kepler influenced your approach to the sport and outdoor adventures?

Running with Kepler has broadened my perspective of what it means to be moving through nature. It’s less about clocking miles or hitting course records and more about embracing the journey outdoors while connecting with nature.

I also have to stop more to ensure he gets enough water and doesn’t overheat; he would just go on and on unless I kept him in check. If you’re looking to trail run with your dog too, I wrote a detailed guide sharing everything I have learned over the years.

What’s your go-to training advice for runners looking to transition from road running to trail running?

My advice would be to ease into it. Start by mixing in some trail sessions with your regular runs. Focus on building balance and strength through varied terrain, this means shorter, more technical runs at first. Gradually increase your trail mileage while paying close attention to how your body responds to the new challenges.

You’ll be running ultramarathons before you know it. It’s a natural transition for trail runners to challenge themselves to go longer.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions runners have about choosing the right gear?

One big misconception is that a higher price tag automatically means better quality. In reality, what matters most is how the gear fits your individual needs. Comfort, durability, and functionality often outweigh flashy marketing or brand names.

It’s important to try gear out yourself rather than just relying on the hype. I like to think that’s where my value as a running gear review comes in.

You’ve tested countless running shoes over the years—what key factors separate a great shoe from an average one?

For me, a great running shoe is all about fit, comfort, and functionality. It needs to offer the right blend of cushioning, support, traction, and durability while being lightweight and adaptable to your stride.

A shoe that feels almost like a natural extension of your foot, adjusting to your movement without being overly bulky, really stands out.

What’s most important to note, however, is that every runner is different in their goals, running styles, support requirements, foot shapes, budgets, etc., so it’s more about what shoe is best for each runner. I love helping my YouTube channel subscribers find the perfect shoes for their needs.

How do you approach testing gear to ensure your reviews are as honest and practical as possible?

I’m all about real-world testing. I take the gear out on varied routes, both trails and roads, and put shoes through their paces in different conditions.

I focus on how they perform in everyday scenarios, noting both the strengths and any shortcomings. This hands-on, honest approach helps ensure my reviews are enjoyable to follow and as insightful as possible to help my followers determine whether the shoes I’m reviewing will be a good fit for them.

Have you ever had a review surprise you—either discovering a hidden gem or being let down by a hyped-up product?

Absolutely—both! There have been times when a product that was all over the hype didn’t meet my expectations, which was a good reminder that what works for one runner might not work for another.

Also, I believe sometimes brands seed products to influencers who are paid to write reviews (without any real experience), and more often than not they just sing a product's praises because they have been paid to.

But you can’t hide the truth, especially from me—haha. I never accept payment for reviews, as it would compromise my integrity.

On the flip side, I’ve also stumbled upon some low-key gear that turned out to be incredibly reliable and comfortable, real hidden gems that exceeded my expectations, and so I, of course, sang their praises to ensure more people learn about them.

What’s the most unexpected piece of gear that’s truly made a difference in your running experience?

That’s a great question - for me. It’s about having the right running shoes for the specific training run, whether it’s a fast ascent and descent of a summit or interval training on the road. The right shoes make a difference!

That goes for a decent pair of cushioned daily trainers to help you get base mileage and recovery runs without picking up injuries. I also love my running watch for logging all my run data; it allows me to know whether or not I’m overtraining or if I need to push harder whilst following one of my run training plans, you can download any of those for free here.

If you could only run in one pair of shoes for the next year, which would you choose and why?

This is constantly changing for me, so I wouldn't want to name a shoe here and have it be out of date in a couple of weeks time. I recommend checking out my running shoe roundups to learn about my favorite running shoes in every category at any given time.

With technology constantly evolving, what trends in running shoes or outdoor gear excite you the most?

I’m really intrigued by the integration of new material technology in running gear, for shoes, that means lighter, more springy midsole foams, or new materials being used for propulsion plates other than carbon fiber.

Innovations like enhanced sensor accuracy in wearables and data-driven insights into performance and recovery are making a big impact, especially with the rise of AI, which makes easy work of analyzing data.

It’s exciting to see how these trends can help us fine-tune our training and stay healthier overall.

You had a long career in CGI and VFX—do you see any parallels between that world and the work you do now in gear testing and reviewing?

Definitely. My background as a VFX/CGI lighting supervisor taught me the value of attention to detail and iterative testing, qualities that carry over into how I evaluate gear.

Whether it’s refining a lighting setup with efficient render times or assessing a running shoe, I apply a similar critical eye to ensure everything meets a high standard. This creative background at a high level in the film and advertising space follows over into my filmmaking, photography, and writing work.

What’s one dream adventure or race that’s still on your bucket list?

I’ve always dreamed of tackling the full Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)—I have raced the 50km UTMB OCC before, which was hard, but I’d love to see where the dice roll on a race like that!

The French Alps and surrounding countries that the route passes through are so beautiful, and I’d love to head back there one day to tackle the big one! We’ll see!

You’ve been using Luna fitness ring—how does it compare to other wearable health trackers, and has it influenced your training or recovery approach?

The Luna Ring has been a refreshing change from more traditional wearables. It provides a deeper look into my recovery and overall health metrics such as heart rate monitoring, which has helped me tweak my run training more effectively.

I appreciate how its insights allow me to manage fatigue and optimize recovery, making my overall approach to training more balanced. It really complements the run data I get from my running smart watch and makes gathering sleep data easier because you don’t notice you’re wearing it overnight on your ring finger.

You emphasize authenticity and avoiding influencer culture in your reviews. How do you maintain transparency in an industry where marketing often dominates?

For me, transparency is key. I focus on sharing detailed, honest feedback based on my own experiences rather than simply echoing what the brands say in their marketing.

I aim to break down the pros and cons of each product and explain how it performs in real-world conditions so you get a clear picture without any sugarcoating. I think brands like this as it helps them develop better products/services.

Running, as Alastair sees it, is about discovering resilience, embracing the journey, and finding the right tools to support your goals with a tinge of biohacking. From choosing the perfect running shoe to navigating the latest in wearable tech, his approach is built on real-world testing, authenticity, and a passion for the sport. Whether tackling ultramarathons, pushing the limits of gear, or sharing hard-earned insights, his mission is simple: help runners make informed choices and keep moving forward.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Unlock Your Potential series, where we dive into the experiences of athletes, adventurers, and gear experts who redefine limits and inspire us all to go the extra mile!