In July we saw two tragedies in our area during triathlons only one week apart. First there was the death of a 32-year-old man in the New York City Triathlon on July 20. The following week 52-year-old John Hobgood of Princeton Junction, N.J., died in the New Jersey State Triathlon.
Taking their environment-preserving practices from performance wear into footwear, Patagonia invites you to ease your feet into their enviro-friendly shoes. The Larry ($110) is made with hemp-based uppers, which minimize foot stink and the inevitable breaking-in period. They’re also lined with merino wool, which insulates and absorbs without feeling damp. Adventure aficionados will love the latest OutsideIn line—Sugar & Spice ($120), whose upper can be worn alone or with a sturdier 70-percent natural latex outsole that’s replaceable after wear and tear. Or go from town to trail with the Ranger Smith ($140, at left), made with a 30-percent recycled rubber outsole. www.patagonia.com
Looking to leave less of an environmental imprint with materials that go into their bags, Overland Equipment has created the Ecotility line. These aptly named bags are made with eco-friendly wax canvas, recycled rubber, a recycled liner, and recycled aluminum clips and buckles. Available in a number of styles for work and play, check out the Boulder ($95) with its fun, hip design and plenty of pockets, large and small, for storing all your bits. www.overlandequipment.com
Since 1994, Indigenous Designs has employed practices to minimize an impact on the environment through their clothing. All of their lines are made from natural and organic fibers. Makers of mostly travel and casual wear, the company is now designing performance mid-layers for their Terra Sport collection. The tops for men and women are made from 100-percent all-natural fibers including Tencel, alpaca and merino wool. Knit together, the fibers offer exceptional airflow to naturally regulate body temperature and keep odors at bay, so the pieces are perfect for the active lifestyle. Shown is the men’s Cross Country Cardigan ($148). wwwindigenousdesigns.com
Makers of beautiful yoga wear, Be Present already uses sustainable materials in its clothing such as organic cotton and bamboo. Now they’ve added Lyocell, an eco-friendly fabric made of recycled wood pulp. Along with being biodegradable and recyclable, the fabric is also wonderfully soft, cool, breathable and wrinkle-resistant. The Tree Tee ($47) long-sleeve shirt in black or white is the first in the Lyocell collection, to which new styles and colors will be added this fall. www.bepresent.com
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Recent deaths make people wonder if they should keep running. 
