Moments
TRAIL RUNNING — HOW TO TRAIN FOR HILLS
HOW TO TRAIN FOR THE COASTAL ASCENT ELEVATION By Vlad Shatrov It’s no secret that the Coastal Ascent course is challenging, but thats definitely a part of the reason people sign up and run this event. This particular course has you running into and around the Glenrock National Park which is located just south of Merewether beach in Newcastle. In terms of trail terrain it has plenty to offer including flowing fire trails, single track, technical terrain, sand, rocky coastal shorelines, some footpaths and ovals and HILLS. There are 7 main hills in the 25km event alone and just under 800 metres of elevation gain, so it’s a course that will take your breath away and also your legs — unless you have trained well for the hills. Lé Bent team trail runner and Runlab Coach Vlad Shatrov has put together these training recommendations that will improve your ability to cover hilly courses. Vlad also happens to be the Coastal Ascent race director, so he knows a thing or two about the course! One of the many hills that litter the Coastal Ascent course. Firstly, if you are relatively new to trail running or just running in general, the best thing you can do is gradually increase your overall running volume to a sustainable level to fit your lifestyle, mix up the intensity of your weekly runs and include a sound gym strength routine. Your gym work should specifically includes a focus on improving your core strength and functional and single sided leg strengthening exercises. Make sure the last 7-10 days before you take on the event are relatively easy. Now if your a serious runner, or someone thats been training for a little while and is really looking for training tips to take your running ability to the next level — particularly how to take on a hilly course like the Coastal Ascent — this is what I would recommend. Recommended Hill Training Techniques 1. Challenge yourself in your harder workouts. Sure a majority of run training should be done relatively comfortably, but when it’s time for a solid session it's important to push hard. 2. Include a functional leg strength session weekly into your training. Just make sure this isn't the day before you do a harder run. I like doing 20 minute sessions the same day as my long runs (after the run, later in the day). I program 50-60 minute strength sessions for my runners but there is really only about 20 minutes of the workout which is strength specific. 3. Practice hill repeats within some weeks of your training. It’s also important to be able to handle the load of running downhill too. That’s where relevant hill sessions and gym strength sessions play a key role, these will allow you to run up or down hills (or walk the really steep hills which is totally acceptable) but ensure you aren't too fatigued over the remainder of the race. One of my favorite running workouts for hills: I run a circuit that includes some short hills and is approximately 1.2km - 1.6km long, with the last 400 metres being relatively flat and therefore, very runnable. After a good warmup, I will run these efforts hard but especially focus on running the shorter hills steadily with smaller steps before increasing leg turnover and running the last 400 metres fast. I have about 2 minutes recovery between reps and ideally will run the circuit between five and six times. Vlad's pins give the impression he doesn't skip leg day in the gym... and neither should you! One of my favorite strength workouts for hills: One of the most beneficial leg strength training tips for improved hill running is to focus on endurance. I.e. lots of reps in 30 seconds with relatively light weight or sometimes even no weight. These should be done one leg at a time. It’s also important to include some core and stability exercises to mix up the training as these are the key powerhouse hill running muscle groups. You can check out a comprehensive training program for the Coastal Ascent, including the Lé Bent 50km over on the Coastal Ascent website.
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LÉ BENT WELCOMES KAI JONES TO THE TEAM
When Kai was 11 years old his segment for TGR went viral and racked up 6 million views. That year he also won the North American Junior Freeride Series. He was nominated for Rider of the Year at IF3 Film Festival at 14 years old, and again a year later. Now at age 17, Kai has been a mainstay in TGR’s last five films, and earned the right to be called a legitimate “prodigy”. Kai is leading the charge for the next generation of groms that jump off things, while also managing to be a favorite amongst the older guard. We caught up with Kai in between cork 7’s and massive cliff drops, to welcome him to the team and find out what makes him tick. LB: Hey Kai, welcome to the Lé Bent pro team!!! How has your season been going so far? My season has been good. Little slower than normal because of my injury. Super stoked to be back on snow and progressing. So, you’re 17 years old — and probably sick of people mentioning how young you are — what are your goals for the next few years and where do you want to take your skiing? I am super hyped to keep pushing my limits and bringing more freestyle into the big mountains. You’ve been described as a “skiing prodigy”, “Mayor of Stomptown” and “grom pied piper” how’s that feel and what’s it like inspiring the next generation of groms your age and younger? One of my biggest goals in skiing is to inspire people and it makes me so stoked to see the next generation taking inspo from me. For those who don’t know, you sustained a season-ending injury, breaking both your tibia tubercle’s in March last year. We followed your rehab and were super impressed by how much work you were putting in to getting your body right. How was that recovery experience and how was your return to snow this season? My recovery has been going super good. I spent the last 9 months training hard to get back to my sport. As I am writing this I still have work to go but every day I am getting closer and closer to being 100 percent. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kai Jones (@kaijonesski) You’ve been in 5 Teton Gravity Research Films already. Who are some of the skiers you grew up watching and looking up to? Some skier's that I grew up watching are Tim D, Sammy C, Nick McNutt, Shane M, Eric Roner, Thall, Sage C, Ian Mac, Candied Thovex, Henrrik, and way more ahah! Have you got a favourite movie part of theirs or a favourite TGR film that you always go back to? My favorite movie part is Tim Durtschi's My Way of Life segment or Nick McNutts' Almost Ablaze segment. A lot of young skiers and snowboarders start off in freestyle and transition into the backcountry after years of competition and events. What motivated you to make backcountry skiing your main focus from the get-go? We dont have alot of parks back home so I grew up learning tricks and skiing in the backcountry. It was natural for me to move into freeride because of the mountain I grew up skiing on (JHMR). Any interest in taking your skills to the Freeride World Tour — you’d probably have to forgo some powder days though! Only time will tell... We have both Cody Townsend and Sammy Carlson on the team holding it down in the BC, how would you compare your style of riding to these guys and have you followed their careers at all? Cody and Sammy are some of my favorite skiers. My style is more similar to sammy but I love to get out in the big mountains like Cody and ski mountaineer. So, are you reaching for the Cody Pro Series or the Sammy Pro Series in your sock drawer? I personally like Sammy's socks with their light padding which suits my riding. SAMMY CARLSON PRO SERIES SNOW SOCK SHOP SAMMY SOCK What features would you include in your own Pro Series Snow Sock? Just in case we’re cooking something up over here ;) I want to include padding to protect from shin bang - something I experience in my style of riding with big landings. Lé Bent already does such a good job innovating new technology in socks to help prevent issues like this, so i’m looking forward to providing my own feedback. GET EARLY ACCESS TO THE KAI SOCK! What other Lé Bent gear have you been enjoying this season? I have been loving the Pramecou Wool Insulated Hooded Jacket! What’s the plan for the rest of the season? I hope to keep skiing good snow in Jackson, go to AK, and ski mountaineer back home. Well Kai, we look forward to following along and seeing all the incredible content you put out! Thanks for taking the time to chat and we’re stoked to have you on the team! Bring on the good times ahead. Yew! Cheers guys, can’t wait! ABOUT KAI JONES Age: 17 Hometown: Victor ID Home Resort: Jackson Hole Nationality: USA Sponsors: Red Bull, Dakine, Atomic, Teton Gravity Research, Lé Bent Favourite Lé Bent gear: Sammy Carlson Pro Series Snow Sock Follow Kai here: @kaijonesski
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Watch: Here, Hold My Kid
LÉ BENT was proud to be a supporting partner of pro team rider Elyse Saugstad's recent project — Here, Hold My Kid! Elyse teamed up with pro skier and fellow super mum Jackie Paaso to make what they describe as, "an homage to all the parents who have dragged their kids to the mountains." “Any parent knows that traveling with a one-year-old can be a nightmare." Said Jackie. "Seeing that Elyse and I like a challenge we thought, why not make it two one-year-olds traveling around the world while starring in and producing our own film? Challenge accepted, and while there may not have been any blood, there was a lot of sweat and tears!” “Jackie and I didn’t want to hide from being new moms as professional athletes, but rather throw a spotlight on trying to blend the two life endeavors. What ensued was lots of laughter, some great skiing, and the undervalued talent of still getting our kids to bed on time." Said Elyse. After sharing the hilarious trailer a few months back. You can now check out the entire 38 minute, offbeat documentary for free on Redbull TV. Watch Here
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BOA Ski Boots - What Are They & Do They Fit Better?
We exist to keep you in the moment with our luxuriously soft snow socks, and therefore we stay up to date with the latest in ski boot technology. So, what’s the fuss about BOA ski boots? We take a look at BOA and modern bootfitting.
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The Fifty Project - Watch Season 5 Here
LÉ BENT is proud to be an official sponsor of Cody Townsend's FIFTY Project — a herculean quest to ski ‘The 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America.’ As Cody's sock, base layer and headwear and accessories partner we've been along for the ride since day one, and develop products with Cody's direct skin-track-feedback. “There is no getting around the complete punishment your feet go through on tours for the Fifty," said Cody. "You’re gonna get them wet, sweaty and cold at times. But minimizing those impacts with better materials and innovations like the heel grip strips on the Pro Series Sock I made with Lé Bent helps you get through the day.” Shop the Cody Pro Series Snow Sock Watch the latest episode below: One unsung item that Cody has worn up and down all of his Fifty lines, is the Men's Core Lightweight Crew Base Layer. "Layering is everything because one of the most important aspects of big backcountry missions is temperature management," said Cody. “I’ve found with base layers, the combo of wool and synthetic, like the Lé Bent Merino Wool & Bamboo Rayon blend provides a perfect blend of maintaining warmth and being dry” Check out Cody's bonus guide to layering from Season 3 of The FIFTY below.
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HERE, HOLD MY KID - OFFICIAL TRAILER
LÉ BENT team rider Elyse Saugstad has teamed up with pro skier and fellow super mum Jackie Paaso to make what is likely to be the most hilarious and heartfelt ski movie of the season — Here, hold my kid! Elyse previously teamed up with fellow team rider Cody Townsend to create the aforementioned kid, and this film talks about the thrills and spills of balancing professional skiing and motherhood. “Jackie and I didn’t want to hide from being new moms as professional athletes, but rather throw a spotlight on trying to blend the two life endeavors," said Elyse. "What ensued was lots of laughter, some great skiing, and the undervalued talent of still getting our kids to bed on time.” Check out the official trailer below! Shop the Elyse Pro Series Snow Sock
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Cap-tivating Performance: How a Running Cap Can Give You the Edge You Need
One in five Australians participate in jogging or running at one stage in their life. Are you a member of this group? If so, you need a running hat. This handy piece of running gear is not one you want to be without. It's the perfect tool for dealing with most of the typical running troubles. Of course, you're probably wondering what these running troubles are and what benefits you can get from the best running caps. If so, worry not! You won't need to wonder for long. Why You Should Run with a Cap solve them all. If you want to up your running game to its best potential, you need the best run cap. It should have most, if not all, of the following features: Eye protection Style Great fit Breathability Reflectivity or brightness Moisture wicking fabric Waterproof Yes, hats with all these features can be worth quite a pretty penny at times. But you're going to want a hat that has at least some of these features. If you get a hat with only a few running cap features, you're going to miss out on most of the following awesome benefits: Protection from the Sun This won't be as useful during the cloudy winter months. But you'll be extremely grateful for the sun protection that these hats can give you when the sun is out and shining. You won't end up running into a tree or pole because the sunshine blinded you. You also won't hurt your eyes. You may think that you should power through this. Exercising is all about going through the pain to get your gains. However, the phrase "no pain, no gain" doesn't apply to your eyes. Your eyes won't become stronger against sunlight if they're constantly exposed to it. They'll likely end up getting weaker. Keeps Sweat Out of Your Eyes Here's another thing that can blind you: sweat. You can reach up and wipe the sweat away. But to do so, you'll have to take your focus away from running. While you're unfocused, the person behind you can quickly become the person in front of you. Prevent this from happening by letting your hat take care of your sweat. The right hat will direct your sweat to a less distracting spot. Enhances Performance in Wet Conditions Don't let a little rain ruin your exercise streak. Waterproof running caps can keep the water from dripping down your face and making you miserable. This misery can make it harder for you to give it your all. Plus, the water that soaks into your hair can weigh you down. You can end up carrying the water-weight equivalent of a grapefruit if your clothes are absorbent enough. Sure, the extra weight can help you run faster later. But if you're racing, you can't wait for your body to adapt to your soaking-wet weight. Prevents Overheating Okay, who hates heat? Pretty much everyone does. They also hate clothes that make them hotter than it seems necessary. A mens running cap or women's running cap with a breathable fabric won't overheat you. Any heat that rises out of your head should quickly escape into the air. When you're not in danger of developing any number of heat-related diseases, you should run a lot faster. Adds Visibility The best running caps need reflective surfaces and/or fluorescent colours. These decorations keep drivers from running you over in dark conditions. Even if you intend to use your cap as a trail running cap, you still need to get a brightly coloured one. If you become lost, any rescuers can find you faster. Also, if you're running with a partner, they won't lose you. Reduces Wind Resistance What's more aerodynamic: hair or a smooth surface? The smooth surface is the winner. The wind flows over a smooth surface much more easily than a textured surface. To run faster, you'll need the smooth surface of a women's or men's running cap. The wind can flow over it without slowing you down. Protects Hair and Scalp Even the best running hats won't offer you the same protection as a helmet. But you shouldn't need a helmet while you're running. You can run into branches and certain weather debris, but these shouldn't cause severe injuries. The cushion of a running hat's fabric should be enough to keep you protected from these natural enemies. If something hits you, you'll just get a minor bump on the head. In all likelihood, you can brush the injury off and keep going. Style and Confidence Some people don't care how they look when they're running. But many people do. They may even lose their flow when they feel they don't look fly. Well, running caps won't leave those who like speed and style behind, either. Designers from top sports brands never skimp on beauty. And with so many designs and colours, you can easily find a cap that fits well with your t-shirt, leggings, and/or other running gear. Get Quality Performance Hats and Caps at LÉ BENT A running hat can give you a more comfortable run. And when you're comfortable, it's guaranteed that you'll run several times better than any competitor. This will make you far more likely to win the prize you're coveting. If you want a high-quality running cap, look no further than the choices in our collection. In particular, we recommend our Blueys 5 Panel Running Cap. It was made for the labyrinthine trails of Australia's blue mountains. Check out our full collection of hats, coats, socks, and more on our site.
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LÉ BENT Hats and Caps are Redefining Comfort and Functionality in Outdoor Wear
When you set out to buy running gear, your inclination will always be to pick out a supportive pair of shoes. Why should your feet pull all the focus? At LÉ BENT, we believe the best way for runners to use their heads is to choose their heads, starting with stylish, practical sports hats. A comfortable, breathable, well-fitting running cap can transform your daily jaunt, keeping sunburn away and dripping sweat at bay. Do you know what sets a quality sports hat apart and ensures a great run every time? We've crafted this guide to help runners like you discover the versatile sports cap that can keep you safe and in style, day or night. The Problem With Traditional Outdoor Hats When you head to the store to pick out a new sports hat, you probably start your search by choosing something that matches your style. The truth is that many attractive hats come with unfortunate downsides. Common problems with traditional caps include: Uncomfortable, low-quality headbands Poor fit No breathability Lack of versatility Most manufacturers know that style is your first concern when picking out a sports cap. That's why they cheat and use lower-quality materials and manufacturing standards below the brim. Quality-focused brands like LÉ BENT design products for appearance, practicality, and comfort, so you don't need to settle to achieve superior style. The Le Bent Approach to Outdoor Hats LÉ BENT has a unique philosophy in designing outdoor hats and caps. We've highlighted the key features and benefits that set us apart from the competition. Comfort At LÉ BENT, extreme comfort isn't an accident—it's a priority. We go out of our way to choose materials like bamboo and Merino wool that won't rub, chafe, or leave unattractive skin indentations behind. You can't duplicate the luxurious feeling of these natural raw materials. Our unique five panel construction, including a stretchy shock cord or leather strap back, ensures your run cap fits right every time. In addition, all our running caps are unisex and one size fits all. Our UPF 50+ recycled material will keep your head cool, even in direct sunlight. Airflow and breathability are part of the design. Comfort is one of the elements that our customers consistently rave about in reviews. We're so confident in the comfort of our product that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee for one hundred days, worn or unworn. Functionality When you don't have to think about adjusting and re-adjusting your sports cap, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your favourite high-intensity outdoor activities. LÉ BENT's caps are high-performance technical hats, ideal for running, hiking, cycling, and more. We've designed our products to keep athletes safe so they can push their bodies to extremes and enjoy every corner of the great outdoors. All of our women's and men's caps incorporate the following functional features: Moisture-wicking material to keep sweat out of your eyes Built-in temperature regulation for when things heat up UPF 50+ sun protection to keep the burn at bay Ultralight, fast-drying fabric that won't weigh you down A secure adjustable fit so nothing goes flying A floatable EVA brim for unexpected swims Laser cut perforations for added breathability A reflective logo, so darkness is no excuse to end the adventure Every cap is versatile, so you only need one sports hat for all your outdoor activities, from cliff diving to cross-country running. When a cap works this hard, you accomplish more with less gear. Sustainability If you love the great outdoors, we're sure you'll do whatever you can to protect the planet. LÉ BENT has committed to sustainable and ethical manufacturing so our products don't harm the beautiful natural world we love to explore. Responsible sourcing and production are always at the top of our list of priorities. Our passion for sustainability begins with our overwhelmingly Earth-friendly materials. In addition to its naturally anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, and odourless thermoregulator value, merino wool is compassionately sourced and endlessly renewable. This all-natural substance is the gold standard for technical performance gear. Furthermore, we're dedicated to utilising bamboo-based fabrics whenever possible. Bamboo textiles are breathable and low-static, with the super-soft feel of silk or cashmere. Bamboo is a fast-growing, low-moisture crop that doesn't require pesticides or cause soil erosion. The prolific, low-maintenance plant is easy to replace and doesn't harm the communities where it grows. All of LÉ BENT's bamboo is OCIAI certified. We're also part of the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production program. That means our manufacturing methods meet the highest ethical standards. Our commitment to green practices doesn't end when our product arrives in your hands. Our packaging comprises 95% recyclable materials, including compostable 'dirt bags.' Plus, the quality of our products means they last considerably longer than cheaply made fast-fashion alternatives. You won't find our sports caps in a landfill anytime soon! Get Quality Sports Hats From LÉ BENT! When it comes to protecting your head, face, and eyes, quality matters. Sports hats from LÉ BENT offer premium sun protection, laser cut perforations, and a secure, adjustable fit every time. The reflective logo provides high visibility to ensure you can hit the pavement safely, day or night. Every great run begins with versatile, trustworthy gear. Your new favourite five panel cap is waiting for you at LÉ BENT. Visit our website to explore our seasonal collections and transform your style.
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A Quick Look at Le Bent’s New Unisex Wool Insulated .75 Pant
What do you do when you need to stay warm in the cold but don’t feel that you need a pair of full-length insulated pants? The answer? LÉ BENT’s .75 insulated pants. Insulated pants are an essential piece of gear for anyone who spends time in cold weather. Generally speaking, these pants are designed to keep you warm and comfortable, even in the most extreme winter conditions. Insulated pants are typically made from down or merino wool and are worn over base layers and under shell ski pants or as a standalone layer around the ski lodge. They can also be worn first-on-skin under skin pants, so you can tailor depending on the temperature. Before we get into the details of LÉ BENT’s .75 insulated pants, let’s first gain some background information on insulated pants in general. Insulated Pants 101 Insulated pants are a must when spending time in the cold, whether skiing, hiking, or climbing. The characteristics of these cosy garments make them ideal for anybody seeking warmth when the temperature’s bone-chilling. Sometimes referred to as down pants, these pants have the plumage of ducks or geese and provide excellent insulation. The problem with regular insulated pants, however, is that they lose their insulating properties when wet. LÉ BENT’s insulated shorts are different in that they feature Merino wool, a natural fibre that can retain warmth even when wet. Merino is also more breathable and dries faster than down insulation. That said, insulated pants made of Merino blend are the perfect pair of pants for outdoor activities. They are the ideal insulated shorts for skiing or hiking and will prevent you from freezing during your adventures. LÉ BENT’s .75 Pants at a Glance Now, it’s time to place LÉ BENT’s Unisex Wool Insulated .75 pants under the microscope. The LÉ BENT Unisex Wool Insulated .75 Pant is layered over base layer bottoms and in-between shell pants, but you can wear them without a base layer or as a standalone layer around the ski lodge. What makes them unique and stand out from other brands is that they’re made of LÉ BENT’s signature Merino blend, a blend of Merino wool and rayon fibre from bamboo. This blend provides the necessary stretch, moisture-wicking property, and natural odour resistance you’d expect from a vital piece of cold-weather apparel. Performance The LÉ BENT Merino wool insulated pants are the ultimate outdoor gear for adventure seekers. Constructed with a lightweight 90g outer shell and packed with 80g of wool insulation, these pants are ready to take on any challenge. Whether you’re hitting the trails for a hike, shredding the slopes on your skis, or hunting for your next trophy, these pants will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable all day long. One of the best things about these pants is their versatility. They can handle any environment, from the coldest and snowiest to the mildest and dampest. And, with a range of configurations, you can customise them to suit your needs and preferences. Not to mention the easy-to-wear and remove design that makes layering a breeze. And let’s not forget the wool insulation that provides amazing thermal insulation and will keep you warm even when wet. But don’t let the warmth fool you. These pants are also designed for maximum movement and enhanced breathability. The high-performance fabric ensures that you can move freely and comfortably, making them perfect for activities that require a lot of movement, such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Comfort and Fit If you’re tired of outdoor gear that just isn’t comfortable enough to wear for extended periods, look no further than Lebent’s Unisex Wool Insulated 75 Pants. These pants are designed with comfort in mind and feature an adaptive sizing system with multiple attachment points for a customisable and secure fit. But that’s not all. Since the pants feature our signature Merino blend, you can expect them to provide stretch for added comfort. This means you can wear these pants for hours on end without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Whether you’re going for a long hike, a full day of skiing, or a multi-day hunting trip, these pants will keep you comfortable the entire time. Style The LÉ BENT Unisex Wool Insulated .75 Pant is a stylish and functional piece of outdoor gear that is designed to suit a wide range of tastes. The pants feature a sleek, minimalist design that is both modern and timeless. The LÉ BENT logo on the left leg gives the pants a touch of brand identity, while the full-length colour-coded side openings on both sides provide a touch of visual interest and help you connect the correct side when fully unzipped.. One of the key design elements of these pants is the attention to detail, such as the water-resistant zippers with an interior wind flap and soft-coated zipper pulls. These features not only add to the overall aesthetic of the pants but also make them more functional and user-friendly. The easy-press stud buttons and multiple attachment points for added versatility give the pants a clean, polished look while providing functionality. The Elasticated leg cuffs with silicone grippers that keep the pants leg from wandering, give the pants a snug and secure fit and also add to the functionality of the pants. This feature helps keep the pants in place while you’re on the move, preventing them from riding up or bunching up. Finally, the Lebent Unisex Wool Insulated 75 Pant is designed to be adaptable to different body types and preferences. The Unisex adaptable sizing allows for a comfortable fit for a wide range of individuals. The pants are available in a range of sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for you. Unisex Wool Insulated.75s Are Great Insulated Pants The LÉ BENT Unisex Wool Insulated .75 Pant is a great choice for anyone looking for a warm and comfortable pair of insulated short pants. They’re designed for a comfortable and customisable fit, making them perfect for extended periods of wear. The pants also feature a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of insulated pants that can withstand the elements, the LÉ BENT Unisex Wool Insulated .75 Pant is worth considering. Be sure to check out our store today.
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