Suunto Blog

The trail running season is finally starting again! The first unmissable event is the Chianti Ultra Trail by UTMB, taking place from March 20 to 23. The 2024 edition was a record-breaker, with over 3,600 participants from 72 nations and more than 10,000 visitors over the three thrilling days of races. © Jose Miguel Munoze What makes this event truly special is its unique setting: the Chianti hills — candidates to become a UNESCO heritage site — renowned for their stunning natural beauty, medieval villages, vineyards, and forests. The races unfold amidst this breathtaking landscape, once again attracting athletes from around the world. Our Suunto athletes are ready to give it their all, including Italians Andreas Reiterer — last year’s winner of the most challenging race, the Ultra Trail Chianti Castles (120 km and +5200 m of pure passion and talent) — alongside Davide Cheraz and Mattia Bertoncini. Also competing are Ugo Ferrari and Alban Berson (FR), Dominika Stelmach (POL), Tomas Farnik (Czech Republic), and Abby Hall and Ryan Montgomery (USA). Suunto will be at the event village with a booth, where our team will be happy to share the latest brand news and showcase our products. But that's not all — join the COMMUNITY RUN in collaboration with Näak! Experience the thrill of running 5 km through the Chianti hills and enjoy a snack at the end of your workout. Community Run Program — Saturday, March 22 14:30: Departure from the Suunto booth 5 km route through the Chianti hills 15:30 (approx.): Arrival at the Näak booth Post-run snack with Näak products and soft drinks Register now and don’t miss this unique opportunity to test one of our sports watches during the run! Sign up

Have you tried Suunto ZoneSense yet? This article will help you get started with the breakthrough innovation in tracking real-time exercise intensity. In endurance training, finding the right workout intensity is key to getting the best results. Many athletes wonder if they’re training too hard or not hard enough. Heart rate zones have been used to estimate intensity, but they don’t account for changes from one day to another, across different activity types or during long workouts.  Now, Suunto ZoneSense offers a breakthrough in tracking real-time intensity. It uses heart rate variability (HRV) to give accurate insights, helping athletes optimize their performance like never before.  All Suunto users training with a heart rate belt can unlock ZoneSense intensity analysis through the Suunto app. For real-time data, ZoneSense is available on the latest Suunto watches – Suunto Vertical, Suunto Race, Suunto Race S, Suunto Ocean, and Suunto 9 Peak Pro.   Step 1: Learn how to get started with Suunto ZoneSense. All you need is a Suunto sports watch, a Suunto heart rate belt and the Suunto app on your phone.   Step 2: Learn how to use Suunto ZoneSense in real-time, during an activity. A great way to get started is by following ZoneSense during a long, easy endurance workout. Begin with a 10-minute warm-up that allows ZoneSense to establish your baseline for the day, then keep your effort in the green zone. Step 3: Learn how to view Suunto ZoneSense data in the Suunto app.  Suunto ZoneSense lets athletes take control of their training like never before. It uses heart rate variability (HRV) to show whether your workout effort is aerobic (low stress) or anaerobic (high stress) in real time. With ZoneSense, you can fine-tune your intensity during any activity—running, cycling, swimming, and even team sports—helping you make every session count. Say goodbye to guessing your effort level and hello to smarter, more effective training. Whether you’re building your aerobic base or pushing your limits with high-intensity intervals, ZoneSense is the key to unlocking your potential. It keeps your long runs in the optimal green zone, shows when you’ve hit your anaerobic threshold during intervals, and adapts seamlessly across different sports and conditions. By tracking real-world effort and avoiding overtraining, Suunto ZoneSense sets a new standard for athletes aiming to train with precision and perform at their best. Learn more about Suunto ZoneSense use cases here.

Exploring the outdoors is rewarding, but even experienced adventurers can get disoriented. Here’s expert advice from Lowland Rescue Search Dogs Sussex to help you stay safe. Venturing into the outdoors comes with a responsibility to yourself and your loved ones. By preparing thoroughly, equipping yourself with the right tools, and following expert advice, you can minimize risks and fully enjoy your time in nature. As the saying goes, it’s far better to be in a cozy pub wishing you were on the mountain than to be on the mountain wishing you were in the pub. With the following tips in mind, you can explore with confidence and care, knowing that you’ve done everything possible to stay safe. Adventure responsibly and cherish every moment in the wild – the world is waiting to be discovered! Timeless advice from experts Lowland Rescue Search Dogs Sussex, a volunteer charity specializing in search and rescue missions, emphasizes that preparation is key to staying safe. Their teams, which include highly trained search dogs, are frequently called upon to locate individuals who have wandered off course. While these canine heroes are incredibly skilled, their handlers often remind us that the best rescue is the one that isn’t needed. Their advice below aligns with a broader mission to educate outdoor enthusiasts on safety. From mastering navigation skills to understanding weather patterns, taking proactive measures can help prevent accidents and ensure your adventures remain enjoyable. See the Sussex Search Dogs in action. Suunto has long been a trusted companion for adventurers. Since the very beginning back in 1936 we have designed tools to help you stay on course, no matter where your journey takes you. In collaboration with organizations like Lowland Rescue Search Dogs Sussex, we want to emphasizes the importance of preparation and awareness in the outdoors. While the tools are indispensable, the knowledge you carry with you is just as crucial. Combining technology with foundational outdoor skills ensures you’re ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. The importance of preparation Getting lost isn’t just inconvenient – it can be dangerous. Whether you’re hiking through woodland trails, navigating rolling hills, or exploring in the mountains, preparation is your best defense. By taking a few simple steps before heading out, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your way. Check the weather: Always review the forecast before your trip. Weather can change quickly, even in lowland areas, so be ready for sudden shifts. Learn navigation basics: Even if you rely on modern GPS devices, having a solid understanding of map reading and compass use is invaluable. These skills can be life-saving when technology fails. Pack smart: Bring essential items such as appropriate clothing, a first aid kit, food, water, a whistle, and a flashlight. These basics can make a huge difference in an emergency. Share your plans: Always inform someone you trust about your intended route and expected return time. This simple step ensures someone will know to raise the alarm if needed. Also share the planed route with the group. This way you all have the same route available in your Suunto GPS watches.    What to do if you get lost Even with the best preparation, unforeseen situations can happen. As a backup, you can use your Suunto to navigate back to your starting point or to follow the path you have taken so far. Also, if you have mobile connection, you can use Suunto app on your phone to plan a route starting in your current location and sync it to your watch.  If none of that helps and you simply have no idea where you are and where to go, here’s what you should do: Stay calm and stay put: Panic only makes matters worse. Remaining in one place increases your chances of being found. Use your phone: If you have a mobile signal, call for help immediately. Provide rescuers with as much information as possible, including landmarks, sounds, or your last known location. Make yourself visible: Use bright clothing or gear to create signals that rescuers can spot from a distance. If you have a whistle, blow it regularly to attract attention. Seek shelter: Protect yourself from the elements by finding or creating shelter. This is especially critical in cold, wet, or windy conditions. Conserve energy: Avoid unnecessary movement, stay hydrated, and keep warm while you wait for help.

Courtney Dauwalter swears by the power of mantras like “Believe” to push through ultra-running challenges. Inspired by her, the ultra community shared their go-to phrases.   Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest athletes in ultra running, has long emphasized the importance of mental toughness. Known for her resilience, Courtney breaks races into manageable milestones, using simple yet powerful mantras such as "embrace the pain" and "right foot, left foot" to manage pain, maintain rhythm, and stay focused. “Believe is a mantra that I use pretty often,” Courtney shares. “If you just repeat it over and over in your head, there’s no room for anything else but to believe that you can keep on going no matter what it looks like.” For her, the "pain cave" is a mental space where growth happens, a place she visualizes as chiseling away at endurance barriers. Courtney recently asked her Instagram community: What’s your go-to mantra when it gets tough? The response was overwhelming, with thousands of runners sharing their perseverance-boosting phrases. Common themes from the ultra community The responses revealed several themes. Many runners focus on self-empowerment and resilience, with mantras like “I can do hard things” and “You got this” encouraging inner strength. Others emphasize breaking challenges into smaller steps with phrases like “One step at a time” or “Just keep swimming.” Some runners use humor to cope, with playful mantras like “Don’t die!” or the sarcastic “This is dumb... keep going!” These bring levity to grueling moments. Gratitude also emerged as a motivator, with mantras like “Get to do this” reframing hardship as privilege.  Whether it’s Courtney’s “Believe” or the community’s “I can do hard things,” mantras anchor runners through challenges. They transform overwhelming distances into achievable milestones, carrying runners through the pain cave and beyond. Try one on your next run—you might be surprised how far the right words can take you. These were the most liked comments on Courtney's post on Instagram: “I got sober, this is a piece of cake.” "It is how it is". When my son was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor age 7 this is what kept him going. Now I carry his memory with me on every trail and know: it is how it is. "Pain is just French for bread." "I get to do this" ✨️🏃‍♀️ ...but did you die? Left foot, Right foot, Left foot, Right foot, Left foot, Right Foot. 👣👣👣 "The faster you run, the faster you’re done.” “Be savage, not average!” My 11 year old came up with it and I love it I like to quote Dory from Finding Nemo with, “Just keep swimming” "Just one more" ....mountain, loop, step....Just one more (ps tattooed in my forearm, from the late Gabe Grunewald, "it's OK to struggle, it's not ok to give up" “”I’m here for the food 🤤🤤🤤🤤”” “This is what you came for” “How bad do you want it?” I “get” to do this ❤️ What if?..what if I actually pull this one off... Check out the limited edition Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney sports watch. When the going gets tough, its glow-in-the-dark strap will remind you: Believe! Learn more about SUUNTO RACE S TITANIUM COURTNEY

Entering the "pain cave" is familiar territory for ultra and trail runners, where discomfort and exhaustion push you to your limits. How you handle this phase can make or break your race. Right foot, left foot: Staying driven in the pain cave Courtney Dauwalter, one of the greatest in the sport of ultra running, excels in this arena with her unmatched mental toughness. She breaks down races into manageable sections, focusing on the next milestone, and uses positive self-talk to stay driven. Phrases like "embrace the pain" and "right foot, left foot" are her go-tos, working like mantras to keep her focused, manage pain, and maintain a steady rhythm.  “Believe is a mantra that I use pretty often,” says Courtney. “If you just repeat it over and over in your head, there’s no room for anything else but to believe that you can keep on going no matter what it looks like.” When she enters the "pain cave," Courtney imagines “grabbing a chisel” and pushing further into that mental space, a place she describes as essential to building resilience.    A bright spirit in the dark moments What really sets Courtney apart is her infectious joy and vibrant personality. She’s often seen smiling, exuding energy, and decked out in colorful gear, reflecting her passion for the sport. This positive outlook not only helps her find joy in the grueling moments but also uplifts those around her. Embracing the pain while staying happy and colorful is Courtney’s signature approach, turning ultra running into a true celebration of endurance and resilience.  “When the sun sets at an ultra, it feels pretty special,” she shares. “It’s like you’re doing something not everyone else is doing. Sitting on your couch would be easier, but here you are, headed into the mountains in the dark to see what you can find.” And when she makes it to dawn? “Sunrise is this huge jolt of energy—like we made it through the night, and now we get to see the terrain again!”  Colorful, resilient, and ready: The Courtney-approved Suunto It’s this positive burst of energy that brought Courtney and Suunto’s design team together to collaborate on a watch that reflects her vibrant style and unique approach to ultra running. Inspired by Courtney’s philosophy of embracing challenges with joy and resilience, the new Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney design is more than just a sports watch; it’s a companion designed together with Courtney to empower athletes to conquer their own "pain caves" and honor their resilience.  Courtney made sure the watch matched her ultra-running needs: “When I’m running 100 miles, what kind of friend do I want on my wrist? Something lightweight, easy to read, and colorful enough to give off good vibes!”  Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney: High-definition AMOLED screen Battery life 120h (good GPS) / 30h (Best GPS) The lightest watch (53 g) in the Suunto portfolio Glow-in-the-dark strap  HRV recovery measurement Advanced training metrics 95+ sport modes Free offline maps Shop Suunto Race S Titanium Courtney here  

How does bushwhacking 50 miles and 25k feet of elevation gain without a set course sound? We asked Suunto ambassador Max King who did just that at the Euchre Bar Massacre near Foresthill, California. Read on and Max will explain why it isn't your typical running race!  ”I don't usually do races where a finish is a good result, but every so often, I humbly find myself in one of those situations where I'll just be happy to finish...literally.  On October 16th, I found myself in exactly that situation. This was one of those peculiar races where there’s no "elite" field, there's no finishers medals, or t-shirts. It's just you versus the course, and it's going to do its best not to let you cross that finish line.  And I'm not talking about the self-deprecating, ”Oh gee, I hope I finish,” type of mentality when the normal finish rate is well north of 80%. I'm talking about a race where the finish rate is typically lower than 10% and no one in the field is trying for a fast time.  The Euchre Bar Massacre is in a similar vein to the popular Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, where people – not very many of them – wander around the mountains looking for books to rip pages out of and therefore "prove" they have completed the course. And I use "course" loosely; while there is a route that you are supposed to follow, it's unmarked, mostly off-trail, and ultimately, you're not going to follow the same ”course” as everybody else. (See Max’s Instagram post for book pictures!) Due to the off-trail nature of the Euchre Bar Massacre, there is significant bushwhacking leading to typical finish times over 24hrs. Did I mention it is only a 50 miler?! The length of the course is irrelevant. Distance on a course like this is measured in ”hills”, as in ”it is 3 hills until the drop bags” rather than ”it's only 10mi till the drop bags.” The vertical gain of each hill and difficulty of the bushwhacking determines the time until you can drop from the race...or stubbornly continue on to the next set of hills.  These types of events aren't popular, and it's not because they are difficult. Trail runners do plenty of hard things. They appeal to a small number of folks that are drawn to this type of adventure. I think each participant's reasons may vary but for me, it's the whole combination of elements that really sucks me in. I love the wild nature of this type of race. It is remote – I raced alone for 20hrs without seeing another person other than about 10 minutes at the drop bags.   It is rugged, obviously – it has 25k of vert, tons of vegetation, and about half is off-trail. I looked like I was stuffed in a burlap bag with 20 cats before I was done.  It is routeless – with no course markings you're going by map and compass and when it gets dark, you better know how to use that compass. I kept telling myself ”trust in the compass” as I was going in a direction that my mind was telling me was completely the wrong direction. I also did a complete 180-degree circle around a patch of manzanita in the middle of the night and realized I'd been there before. That's a terrible feeling.  There's a lot about an event like this that appeals to me and a few nutty others but doesn't appeal to a lot more people out there. And that's okay. Now, If you're thinking of getting into one of these, here are a few tips: First, reconsider your decision... Second, practice navigating, bushwhacking, and being alone for a long time in a safe space. Third, put ”For The Win”, or ”FTW” on your calendar as there are no winners, just finishers. Words and images by: Max King Thank you for this recount, Max! We sure know who to call when we want all pain and no gain!