The Best Outside Run Articles of 2023

This year has been an exceptional time for running, and Outside Run covered every corner of the sport. From world record marathons to ultramarathons spreading across the planet, to new shoe technology and bestselling elite athlete memoirs, here are our favorite articles of 2023.

What’s the Connection Between Running and Playing Music?

Running and composing music require a similar problem-solving area of the brain, so it might not be a coincidence that there’s crossover.

Camille Herron’s Advice: Skip the Long Run

Bones are made of dynamic tissues that need stress, just not too much, says one of the world’s best ultrarunners.

How to Achieve Your Running Goals? Become an Aerobic Monster.

Follow Olympian and veteran elite coach Mark Coogan’s central advice on making the most of your miles.

Kara Goucher on Owning Her Own Story

Sally Bergesen interviews Kara Goucher about the release of her new book, ‘The Longest Race,’ and on finding her voice in a system that dehumanized female athletes.

‘Capacity Training’ Is the Key to Long-Term Running Endurance

To build endurance as a runner is to build “capacity.” But what does this look like? Strength running coach Jason Fitzgerald explains.

What Strava Data Can Tell Us About How to Run a Fast 100-Miler

Strava data scientists compiled numbers from Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run finishers, from 2018 to 2022, to help us investigate patterns behind successful finish times. Here’s what they found.

Is This the Hippest Running Store in the World?

Designed to be like a home for runners, venture into Mexico City’s Metta Running House for a pair of shoes, a book, a cerveza—and a whole lot more.

Hillary Gerardi’s Mont Blanc FKT Was About So Much More than Speed

Whether she’s setting mountain FKTs or working to bring attention to climate change, Hillary Gerardi is a force of nature.

This Elite Running Camp in Tuscany Is a Dream

In the rural Italian village of San Rocco a Pilli, seven top runners prepared for the World Athletics Championships while living in an 18th century villa. Welcome to Tuscany Camp.

Is Hut-to-Hut Running on Your Bucket List? It Should Be.

Running from hut to hut over multiple days among dramatic mountains with others offers a unique format to experience awe, sustained immersion in landscapes, and crazy fun.

He Qualified for Team USA. Then Came the Bill.

Even as trail and ultrarunning explode, the spoils of professionalization aren’t spread equally across the sport. Athletes on this year’s U.S. 24-hour team are looking to change that.

The Easiest Way to Improve Your Running? Focus on Mental Health.

The relationship between mental health and running is complicated. Understanding it can be a game changer.

His First Marathon Was in Prison. His Second Will Be in New York City.

While incarcerated in San Quentin State Prison, Rahsaan Thomas became a runner, journalist, and criminal justice activist. After being granted a commutation while serving a 55-year-to-life sentence, Thomas began training for the New York City Marathon.

Running the Nakasendo, an Ancient Postal Route Across the Japanese Alps

A 125-mile traverse of the southern Japanese Alps, from Kyoto to Tokyo, onsen to onsen.

This Parody of Pro Running Isn’t Just for Runners

‘Limits’ makes fun of the challenge of landing a professional contract in a way that will delight fans and non-fans alike.

The Max Vert October Challenge Is Getting Out of Hand

The annual challenge has become a competitive—and borderline obsessive—endeavor for runners and hikers.