We're running for the trails in our new KEEN trail runners – and we're sharing our favorite places to go. Check back for more trail run reports from KEENers around the world.
My Run Log
Location: Sunriver, Oregon, 15 miles south of Bend
Distance: 4 miles
Shoes worn: KEEN Roam trail runners
Nutrition: Oatmeal plus avocado toast before my run. I packed a Skratch Labs bar and a handful of Nerds Gummy Clusters in case I needed some energy on the run.
Hydration: I wore my new 4L hydration vest. I filled the flasks halfway since I wasn't going to be out there for a long time.
Sunriver is my favorite getaway spot in Oregon – about a 3-hour drive from Portland. The high-desert mountain environment (elevation: 4,160 feet) is sunny and dry, and the Deschutes River cuts right through it. I love the mix of open meadows and ponderosa pine forest. It's a great place for biking, hiking, running, paddling, and winter sports.
When it comes to running, it has just about every terrain available right out the door: paved multi-use paths, and single- and double-track dirt paths. I biked about 2 miles closer to Deschutes National Forest trails so I could run along the river.
Favorite Part:
I've been visiting Sunriver for over 10 years, but I'm still discovering new trails every time. I found a new double-track trail on this run that took me right to the bank of the Deschutes River.
Toughest Part:
I rolled my ankle on the trail a few weeks ago and just started running on it again. So I really had to keep my adventurous spirit in check and stick to easy, flat terrain. Even running on a bark chip trail felt a bit dicey.
Personal Takeaway:
A run can be an adventure. You might know your point A and B, but the rest can be totally open. I love that bringing hydration with me gives me more flexibility. I can run to a spot and take my time exploring before heading back.
My Shoes:
I wore my Roam trail running shoes. They are designed for both road and trail, and they feel very stable – something I wanted with my ankle not being 100% yet.
Other Gear:
I tested out my new Salomon Active Skin 4 hydration vest, and it fit great. My runs are usually in the 3- to 4-mile range, so I don't really NEED to bring water with me. But I like the storage capability and peace of mind, and I figured I could wear it for other activities, too, like mountain biking and hiking.
Pro Tips:
Sunriver is a biking paradise with nearly 40 miles of paved pathways. It borders Deschutes National Forest, with access to hundreds of miles of singletrack trails. So you can easily bike to the trailhead and make it a multi-activity day.
