Running

I've done all my running until now in a pair of cheap trainers, £40 or so from sports direct. I need new ones now - should I be waiting until I can get to a shop to get some proper advice on this? Also being able to try some on, since it'll be my first time buying specifically running shoes.

Although, if anyone has any advice, I have small wide feet, tend to pronate, run on a mix of trail and road (though exclusively road in lockdown) and a flexible-ish budget of up to around £80.

It was near Wuxi, eastern China. There are some decent hills and small villages and temples and stuff. Officially it wasn't a race (they're still banned), it was a "sightseeing trip" but other than the police trying to break it up in the morning it went smoothly. Two distances, 50k and 30k, 1200m elevation for the shorter distance. Nothing crazy technical. Tooooo hot though, it was 25 degrees last week - guess I need to reacclimatise ready for summer (35+ degrees and 90% humidity)

Ouch. Good work!

Apart from the temperature and police trouble I’m very jealous. Sounds great. Doubt I’ll be running a 50km any time soon tho!

Threw myself into a decent effort 5km straight out the door, as I couldn’t be bothered warming up.
Never fails to surprise me how unpleasant the 5km is. Nonetheless, I’ve set some sort of benchmark (23.15), so I’ve got something to work on.

Now for pizza.

Thought this effort was worth a share!

https://www.strava.com/activities/3389474500

Mental.

#RossBarkley24Hour

In all seriousness they’re both insane and incredible.

Sorry that’s not me!! Just thought it was worth sharing

;)

That's lunacy.

It does sound like you could do with some in-person expert advice, though it might be worth getting in touch with 'run and become' who are doing online gait analysis. I'm sure they'd be able to help - might involve you ordering a few pairs and returning etc. Benefit of buying trainers now is the epic sales currently on.

Epic sales you say?

Anyone got any good recommendations for bags? Moving upto much longer trail runs now, and getting a bit concious or carrying my phone, supplies etc in case of accident. But I don’t want to carry anything bulky.

Maybe one of those vests? Thoughts?

I use the OMM bags of various sizes, would recommend.

How much are you carrying? I don't take anything with me on runs (as most of my runs at the moment are less than an hour), but I'll start using my flipbelt again when I start increasing mileage. It's nice not having a backpack when you're not carrying enough to justify one, and all the weight sits on your hips so you don't notice it.

I like to use my Pete Bland bumbag for carrying small provisions (phone, wallet, keys, spare top). Comes in handy when I want to travel out to somewhere on a train for the run, e.g. to pick up a section of the North Downs Way. I guess a backpack would be good if you're planning on carrying drinks but I'll just plan to source them along the way.

Inov8 race vest.
https://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/buy/inov-8-race-elite-vest_4661.htm
Use code MAY10 for an extra 10%

Lightweight, fits great and moves well - I'm an odd shape and it doesn't rub at all. There's lots of adjustment in the various straps to get it snug but not restricting.
I've had: Waterproof jacket and trousers, spare top, gloves, hat, map, lots of food, phone, 1.5l of fluids (2x500ml in the strap holders, one in the bag) all fit in there no problem. It's also just as happy with a 500ml bottle, jacket in the back and a couple gels in the straps.

I've had it and used it a lot for 3 years and it has held up great and I have no real complaints about it.

Thanks will take a look at those suggestions.
@Pifko, I want to carry :

• phone
  
• Fiver
  
• Bottle of water or two, small ones
  
• Few emergency bars
  
• A cap for when the sun comes out
  
• House key
  
  

Ah nice, that looks good!

.

If you don't want a vest, either of these look alright. I guess it also depends if you want access to a water bottle without having to remove the bag.

https://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/buy/inov-8-all-terrain-3_4657.htm
https://www.peteblandsports.co.uk/buy/inov-8-race-ultra-pro-waist_8680.htm

Does anybody run in Epic Flyknits? If so how do they fare? What's the sizing like?

Ta.

I have:

• a flipbelt (mine has two compartments so I can fit quite a lot of stuff but I find belts always move around on me)
  
• decathlon vest with a bladder (can fit a fair amount, lots of pockets)
  
• osprey rucksack with bladder (love this bag so much, fits tons, stays still on my back when I run)
  
• fucking massive rucksack that I run commute with as I have to take my laptop home every night (HATE this bag and it hates me, I've got chafe marks all over my back from this hateful bag, would not recommend)