I'm of two minds on this. On one hand, I appreciate a good piece of gear and the feeling of having things just work. I think anyone who's been on a hunt and one day found a perfect something knows that spark of satisfaction every time you use it.

On the other hand, and this is probably isn't right, the brandification and fetishization of gear doesn't sit right with me. I ackownledge it's unfair - there should not be any difference between being proud of some thrifted hat and some fancy running shorts. Yet it still tripped me up.

Regardless, I can 100% corroborate the meat of the post. Running is, by far, one of the best ways to explore a new or old place. There's something about the pace of it that helps you notice details that you miss on a bike or when walking. At least, despite biking, walking, and driving through my last neighborhood for years, I'd regularly pick up on new things during runs.