Running

Thanks for the help Ardicus. I'm not planning to get to marathon level, probably more like 10k but I appreciate the advice, lots of good pointers.

@Tonts what size shoe are you? I've got some Vibrams that I've not used in a while but in good nick. If you're 9.5 / 10 UK (I'll check on the size when home) then could be a cheap way to see if you get on with them.

Thanks Duncs, afraid I'm more like 8.5 UK. Sometimes 8 sometimes 9, depending on the brand but 9.5/10 will almost definitely be too big. Shame, I'm keeping my eyes peeled on ebay.

Just went for a lunchtime run despite forgetting my socks. I was expecting armageddon in my shoes so was pleasantly surprised to end the run with NO BLISTERS. Hooray!

Loving end of season discounts, 295's for 60 notes.

Also, after another change of mind about using my DIY improvised vest type setup I've opted for the Ultra 8 as bag of choice to go with waist pouch. Frees up pouch for quick reach of essentials everything else will be a short stop/walk to access except drinks from side pockets.

I've opted for the Ultra 8 as bag of choice

Is that the OMM one? I need a new bag for running to work and have been considering it. Is it big enough to take a pair of shoes and a change of clothes? None of the shops around here stock it for me to have look.

Can you leave work shoes at work?

Yes OMM. 12l might be a safer bet. Keep in mind you'd need dry bags incase of rain, they're not waterproof on their own.

OK, thanks. Had been considering the 8l as I'd read reviews saying it had a good harness that reduces bouncing.

@Pifko I do leave a pair at work at work at the moment but sometimes need them outside of work so it doesn't always work.

Having just tested it for a couple hours I'd say it's as stable as my other (adventure light 20) but felt weird at first as it is designed to sit higher, and perhaps suits more normal body types better than on my stick-frame. Once adjusted right I barely noticed it. Slight hotspot on my back now but think that's caused by odd placed seam on the top I was wearing, a different top will be used next outing to compare.

The bigger side mesh pockets are a vast improvement over the al20 narrow mesh & fiddly zip pouches on belt, as it all sits higher this pairs with the 3l waist bag much better.

In other news, after couple months forgotten the Alpkit Arc with fresh batteries is ace on the local trails. Still antisocial time to run but at least the dark is getting earlier.

Could get a Nao cheapo for £108 as without top headstrap or usb cable at local snow n rock, not sure it'd be £90 better than the above?

That Alpkit head torch looks good- like how you can quickly change batteries. I need to get over my hate of Alpkit's business model and buy one.

@_Leon Interested in http://www.bustinskin.com/events/the-bovington-fast-track-10/ ?
Sounds fast and there are regular trains to Wool. Can't find a course map though...

this. bought 2 pairs of inov-8s for a total of £99.99 so far (road x 255s (verging on Vintage now haveing been discontinued 3 years ago) and terraclaw 220s), considering a third (race ultra 270s) and waiting for the road x-tremes to drop at some point as well...

Favoured shoes (Saucony Jazz) seem to be disappearing from the shops. #arsebiscuits

^^ good deals

^ stock up quick or embrace new models!

Escape from Meriden entry in. Figured if it fills I'd regret missing oppo but could always pass place on if legs trashed after dtd.

Plan is to get to the T&M canal at Lichfield then follow that as best as towpath allows past Stoke then detour up towards home, possibly Macclesfield Canal too.

Canal longer than the shortest route that could maximise my "as crow flies distance", but should reduce nav decisions and is hopefully softer than roads so less impact fatigue. Also passes by Stoke, Macclesfield etc as bailout points if it all goes to shit.

@Spares probably see you at the start...

Pleasant surprise at work today, met Dave Heeley, the first blind man to run 7 Maras on 7 Continents in 7 days. Nice guy. /csb

I picked up a Reactik the other day - not as bright as the nao but still reactive, lighter, cheaper, smaller and longer run time. Got an adapter for AAs too.

Cool, the start will be bizarre, presumably with everyone starbursting away. I'm heading back to the big smoke.
PS I still haven't thanked you properly for your support by coming out to the White Horse Inn in January.

Nice video from a few TNF guys "running" the Crown Traverse (600 miles from Missoula to Banff)

https://vimeo.com/181667982

Gets good review here:

http://www.runultra.co.uk/Reviews/Products/Kit-review-Petzl-Reactik-Head-Torch

Will keep in mimd for wheny buy cheap strategy becomes a buy twice reality.

P.s. Nice to bump into you last night!

Start will be weird yeah. I did briefly think about fooling the competition by heading due east for 15mins then doubling back onto my planned route ;)

That was great to be able to cheer you on and good timing that you and m clubmate were passing by so close together! Are you back in for 2017?

Against my better judgement- its silly expensive and uses up holiday time.

Lots of fun too though... will be dotwatching again!

Favoured shoes (Saucony Jazz) seem to be disappearing from the shops. #arsebiscuits

Pays to keep an eye out, and they may not be being discontinued, but useful to snap up some older models for cheapness.

https://www.sportsshoes.com/ have them (both SS16 Jazz 18 and last year's Jazz 17) in my size. Bonus is they're ~£45 instead of £80.

2 pairs. One in blue, one in vomit yellow: https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/sau2842/saucony-jazz-17-running-shoes/

Yum.

Previous pair had done a fair few miles:

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