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.<p>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.<p>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.