thenext.run - 365 days of testing
thenext.run shirt - Testers Edition
#realworldtests
We are giving each of our testers a single thenext.run training shirt and asking them to put it into their kit for one whole year.
Our testers will look sharp in our limited edition testing shirt and get to use it as they see fit for park runs, hikes, marathons, trail, ultra and iron man runs. Gym sessions, camping, walks with the dogs and bike rides with the kids - nothing is off limits.
There will be lots of dirt and sweat, and maybe even a little blood.
Ensuring we clock up the kilometers and hours under test each runner has committed to running regularly each week, training for and participating in at least 3 nominated events in the 365 day period.
thenext.run testing program will
track in public view the kilometers run in each shirt via each tester’s Strava runs
record the number of times the shirt is washed and how
track wear and tear by taking high resolution photos of each shirt on the first of the month to be published on this blog
#honestopinons
At 30, 180 and 365 days we will ask our testers to rate thenext.run shirt on the following criteria on a scale of one to five.
Breathability
Moisture wicking capacity
Elasticity and flexibility
Comfort and softness
Suitability for season
Fit
Durability
Ease of care
Design
We selected the
30 day interval to ensure we had an initial review after the first use period and also to capture running practices from the peak of winter, like running with jackets or jumpers over the shirt, running in the rain and mud and different washing patterns. We know some runners, especially those who work FIFO shifts, like to run 3 or 4 times before washing the shirt in winter.
180 day interval to drop us in peak summer. A running shirt must perform in summer dealing with 45 degree celsius days, humidity, sunscreen, excessive sweat and hydration packs.
365 day interval to allow testers to properly assess wear and tear. thenext.run shirt has a manufacturer’s warranty - we need to know it’s going to last.
We will also check in on their training habits, where they are running, what motivates them and what challenges they think they might subject thenext.run shirt to.
#realrunners
Our test group is diverse and experienced, meaning we have a wide range of running goals and priorities being considered in the assessments.
We have runners spread across the spectrum from those just starting to consider a Garmin to those who will soon need all their fingers and toes to count how many 100 milers they have done.
As our testing progresses you’ll hear more from our testers (click on the pictures to stalk their Strava) but today I’m very excited to introduce…
Darron O’Brien
Club: PHAT trail runners
Brent Ford
Club: Sssh! don’t tell people I run
Simon Johnson
Club: Perth Urban Runners and Ultra Series Western Australia
Kyle Rosenthal
Club: Park Runs everywhere
Andrea Taft
Club: Pursue Triathlon
Michael Hooker
Club: Secret Rocky Runners and Ultra Series Western Australia
Coached by: Tony Smith
Nick Trebilcock
Club: Solo runner and Facebook friends
Martha Allen-Byatt
Club: Ultra Series Western Australia
Guy Schweitzer
Club: Moreton Bay Road Runners and Brisbane Trail Runners
So that’s it - that’s how we are going to test thenext.run shirt
Real runners, real world tests, and honest opinions at 30, 180 and 365 days. Keep an eye out for our testers, they’ll be running on a track near you soon!