I had been looking forward to these shoes arriving with us as I had tried on the sample pair in pre-production and loved the initial feel.For me these should be an ideal shoe as I am training for a trail ultramarathon in 2017 so for the training, and possibly the race as well, I think I have my shoe for my requirements. What makes it ideal for me is it is a trail shoe with extra cushioning; Brooks…

The guys at Apex Sports have given me one of these brand new Stryd Power Monitors to test and I'm planning on using it through to the Boston Marathon next April. I want to see if measuring these new metrics results in any actionable data that will improve training.I've got a GPS watch - a Suunto Ambit 2s - and while I love it, I'm not convinced GPS training alone is that much use if you're serious…

Running with Power is a new book from elite US running and triathlon coach Jim Vance. The book is described as the complete guide to power meters for running.   Power meters have been used extensively in cycling for a number of years and provide  key data used to improve training and racing performance. It was only a matter of time before such a device was used for running. The book clarifie…

The Buff is a very underrated and versatile piece of kit. Its lightweight, breathable and can be used in many ways; ideal for many activities. Its tube-like shape allows it to be placed on (or around) the head in numerous ways. I've used it during the recent cold weather around my neck as a neck scarf for extra warmth, which works well.  It can also cover the head & ears providing warmth without …

OMM Last Drop 10L Backpack.Having had bags of fun(!) running with this pack, I wanted to share some of the features to express how good this pack really is: Adjustable chest strap can move vertically which is all good and well but I'm a runner I have no moobs! However for women this feature is probably useful?!The top lid pocket I find useful for hearing the mobile ring being nearer the ear, how…

Austria Ironman, Klagenfurt 1st July 2012 - Swim 2.4 miles, Cycle 112 miles and Run 26.2 milesWith my 40th year approaching fast, I wanted to set myself a suitable challenge. In 2011 I had completed two marathons and really enjoyed setting myself a goal and completing it. Having the discipline to find a training plan and sticking to it suits my personality. It gives me a sense of achievement.With …

This Ridgeway race in Tring ranks among the highest in my favourite races list. I lined up for my 3rd running of the 30thanniversary of this race on a glorious Autumn morning on Sunday 10am, with a little over 500 other enthusiastic off-road runners. This year was cool, sunny and mostly windless which is not usually the case when up on the Ridgeway; perfect for a race. For me, the appeal of this r…

Scott Race Rocker Being a convert of the lower profile shoes with lower heel-to-toe ratios, I've enjoyed these extremely lightweight, responsive shoes. At 200g (UK8) they still feel marginally more cushioned than out & out racing flats and their 5mm heel-to-toe drop assists with midfoot landing. I did a 14miler 'plod' in them which perhaps was a little too far (and slow) for them; Scott's recomme…

The Pilgrim Challenge is a two-day trail race organised by Extreme Energy (XNRG, www.xnrg.co.uk ). You can see all the details on their website but Day 1 consists of a 33 mile run east from Farnham to Merstham (near Redhill), along the North Downs National Trail in Surrey with an overnight stop in St. Nicholas School hall. Day 2 is a 33 mile return trip west along the same route back to Farnham. Q…

Growing up along the Comrades route it was destiny for me to run the great event, but not before moving to the UK. While preparing for an Up run, I decided to run the famous London-Brighton run, historically linked closely with the Comrades, very often won by South Africans runners.   Unbeknownst to me at the time, my 2005 race was the last running of the event as we knew it. This event is abo…