Accelerate Community member and Accelerate Trail Runners Run Leader Graeme is back again and has been lucky enough to get his hands on another pair of the Saucony Xodus Ultra’s, but this time it’s version 2. Now available from the Accelerate store, to find the specs of the shoe Click Here >>. Keep reading to hear how he got on!

I reviewed the Saucony Xodus version 1 back in May 2022 and have now done over a 1000k on them – The review on the version one can be found Here>>; this review is a comparison of that version so I’ll focus on the differences I’ve noticed after ~50k with runs on mixed terrain (tarmac to fell) ranging from 7k to 26k.  I’m being a bit picky.

Straight out of the box

The upper is stiffer, less stretchy — more protective I suppose — so I was unable to tighten it up in the same way over my lumpy feet.  That said, I did this last time as I thought they were slightly too big – same size this time and they didn’t feel too big – certainly for longer runs where feet need to expand.  The forefoot is spacious as before.  The laces have changed too – round and quite chunky,  not the original stretchy, flat ones.

The ride feels firmer than before – but the sole has not changed!  So it must be me: too used to my now slipper-like v1s – after 20-30k they feel as before, so it was me.  Very comfortable in both heel and forefoot.

That upper…

What I’ve noticed is that there seem to be two versions of the upper – and this is not just a colour thing – mine are a claret colour – interesting – all others I’ve seen are grey.  On inspection the grey ones have a different (softer?) upper, more akin to the v1, plus the inner forefoot gusset seems to be of a lighter / thinner material, plus the laces are the flat stretchy ones.  Most unusual.  In summary the grey ones are much more like the v1s but are still a more robust material.  The inner gusset now covers the whole forefoot – the v1 had it just around the mid foot.

The upper foot shape has changed a bit – see comparison photo – and there is now a useful looking rand around the whole shoe next to the sole – to protect more I suppose.  My concern was that it would keep water in – didn’t seem to make any difference, which was good.  The change in upper shape may be holding my foot more naturally, requiring less tight lacing.

I can only really comment on my claret version but personally, I prefer the previous material but I like the new foot shape change and the welt – I’d prefer a softer, thinner material as previously it only started to fail on me after 1000k, so not bad.

Conclusion

Pros: new grey colour looks good; same plush ride but with good ground feel.

Cons: check out if you want the claret or the grey style; the upper may be a bit stiff for some.

Summary

Fundamentally the same as the version 1 with a more robust upper.  My go-to, long run shoe again.

You can find the Men’s Here and Women’s Here. Alternatively, pop on down to the shop and give them a try.

Blast Running organised its second Scottish Mile race at Silverknowes, Edinburgh waterfront, inviting runners from across the UK to enter either an open race for all with no age limit and the British Masters 1 Mile Championship event an hour later for UKA registered athletes aged 35 and over. I have got used to running distances from 5k to 10 miles with very little else so thought it would be good to step out of the comfort zone again and try out a fast and furious 1 mile. OK it’s a long way to travel for seven minutes of anaerobic agony but this was my chance to meet kindred spirits and turn my legs over a wee bit faster than normal.

 

Son Joel offered to drive so with him registered in the open race and me in the BMAF race we were able to support one another. Joel set a target time of 6 minutes and I went for 7 minutes with a favourable wind. And that’s where this race differs from others.

“We can’t guarantee you a tail wind however we CAN make sure that you don’t have a head wind on our flat, tarmac, no turns coastal route. How can we do this you may ask? We decide the direction of the race on the day depending on the wind direction”. Race Director.

 

Down on the Forth estuary there certainly was a brisk breeze to add to the dimension of a gloriously sunny and cloudless day. Around 150 Runners in each of the two events ages ranging from 7 to 85 faced West and leapt into action at the signal.

 

When I run a road 10k I try to start steady and gradually build throughout the race to finish strongly. In a 1 mile race there is no such luxury. You have to go out strong or lose the advantage. Yet it is not a sprint, so getting the balance right between purposeful running and blowing up is key to a successful race. As a novice I had to suck it and see. In the event I started at what is probably 5k pace and soon realised I’d be left well behind if I didnt lift it significantly. I quickly caught old friend and World Champion in many events, Angela Copson, F75 and Linden Nicholson, V70 and by the half way point had built enough of a lead to feel reasonably confident of an age group win. The second 800 metres was a challenge because I knew I had to finish faster than I started. Lots of encouraging shouts and claps from spectators and runners helped spur me on to achieve a 6:47 minute time, first of two F70’s. Joel had had a great race to finish in 5:40 chip, 25th overall, 18th male and 5th in the M40 group. Both he and I had run well within our target times.

The Open race was won by Finlay Murray, East Sutherland AC in 4:12 chip and Margot Wyrwoll, unattached in 5:07 chip.

Full results can be seen on results.perfecttimingscotland.co.uk

Dot Kesterton

5th June 2023.

Team Accelerate Runner and local legend Dot Kesterton traveled up to Grangemouth for the British Masters 10km Road Championships. Spoiler Alert, Dot smashed the out of the water. Find out how she got on below!

Grangemouth, 16th April 2023.

Named after Jim Dingwall (1949-2005), one of the finest Scottish runners of his generation*, the Round the Houses 10k road race in Grangemouth was the setting for the British Masters Championships for the second successive year.

A weekend in Edinburgh in glorious spring sunshine, a walk up Calton Hill and a tour of the Botanic Gardens provided a splendid preparation for the BMAF 10k road race. A short journey up the Firth of Forth towards Falkirk on Sunday morning brought us to Grangemouth for a lunchtime race organised by the redoubtable Falkirk Victoria Harriers. Everything you might hope for in a race, a stadium start and finish, large sports hall for meeting organisers and friends and a fast, flat course round the houses to enjoy in pursuit of a good finishing time, nice T shirt, chocolate egg and if at all possible a British Masters medal.

Margo Duncan, Sheffield Tri Club and I, the Sheffield contingent, met athletes from all parts of Scotland and the north of England to catch up on news of achievements, injury and illness and then, with our age group printed on card and pinned to our backs so we could view our competition on the line, tipped out onto the track for a warm up lap or three in mild Spring conditions.

The race took us round and out of the stadium and directly onto the road for an anti clockwise circuit round a housing estate finishing with a run through an adjoining park before re entering the stadium for an 80 metre dash on the track to the finish.

The usual jitters about pre race nutrition and hydration were played out. Too little and you’d be gasping; too much and you’d have the lead stomach to contend with. In the event I relied on a jam sandwich and water an hour before the lunchtime race. It seemed to do the trick. I started with a steady pace resisting the temptation to chase Margo who was way ahead almost immediately. One by one I focused on runners with similar pace to try and pick them off. Eventually I saw Margo ahead so put all my energy into levelling up and even briefly overtaking her at 8k. She urged me on but clearly saw the chance to chase me down in the final stages and came haring past at 9k as we returned for the final push to the finish. It’s great to have a friend to race against. We used each other for motivation and finished the race with Margo, V50, slightly ahead on the line in 47.14. I kept the elastic as short as I could to finish in 47.20. That gave me first V70 by a good five minutes and BMAF V70 Champion 2023. That chocolate egg tasted very good once I’d recovered from the post race nausea.

 

The race was won by Daniel Bradford, Shettleston Harriers in 31:03.

First woman was Jennifer Wetton, Central AC in 35:48.

Dot Kesterton was first V70 in 47:20 chip.

*Jim Dingwall achievements: 5000m -13:48. 1975.10,000m- 28.45. 1978.10 miles- 48:05. 1985. Marathon- 2:11:44. 1983.

Team Accelerate Runner and local legend Dot Kesterton took to the streets of Chester to defend her Vet 70 master title over the 10km distance. Spoiler alert, it went rather well!

To run for Great Britain as a Master (over 35 years old) you choose your event/s, enter, buy the kit and turn up on the start line. To run for England as a Master you have to run a qualifying race and reach a qualifying time. I don’t quite know why the discrepancy except that the World Masters Association set out to be as inclusive as possible and welcomes all athletes from 35 plus with no upper age limit. To qualify for the 2023 England Vs Wales Home International 10 km road race at Chester this week I had to plod off to Cockermouth two months ago and earn my place. With that achieved I was invited to race in Chester this weekend.

The next huge obstacle was to dig myself out of Bents Green, one of the highest locations in the city which, like the rest of Sheffield has had a seriously large amount of snow dumped on it two days earlier. Just before cancelling I wandered up the road to see just how bad it was and was pleasantly surprised to see lots of locals clearing a way through before a funeral car came down later in the day. Whilst commiserating with them I was also relieved that it looked as if, with a bit of community shovelling I’d be in a position to cross into Cheshire which had very little snow and join dozens of other runners for the annual Home International.

Chester 10k is one of three races offered in their calendar. A half marathon and full marathon follow later in the year. The course is undulating with the biggest climb back into the city from Mollington on the outskirts. It starts next to the racecourse and is well organised with bag drop and lots of toilet facilities alongside the start. The weather was pretty good on that side of the country. The snow had gone and a weak sun and fresh breeze kept us shivering in our pen before the start. At 9.00, half an hour prior to the main Chester 10k race the England and Welsh Masters set off.

I started with my usual visualisation of Percy Pud in my head, 2k to the dam wall, 5k to the Plough etc. Chester didn’t disappoint. At 8k came the last push to the Admiral Rodney, except this was up into the ancient walled city with medieval cathedral and iconic Eastgate clock. Of course, I wasn’t in much of a mood to enjoy the scenery. I’d given the race my best shot and was labouring in the final stages breathing hard and struggling to maintain my pace. A great relief then to cross the finish line in 48.03mins chip as first FV70, retaining my title as England Age group champion for the 3rd time, Kew in 2021 and Bristol in 2022.

Colin Hardy asked me about the pressure of competing as a former age group winner. Although like anyone else there is a mix of anxiety and excitement in the run-up to any event, I follow the advice of controling all the things we can control, race preparation, kit, knowledge of the route, other competitors, nutrition, hydration, transport and even shoelaces and thus minimise the chances of negative outcomes. I stare down the creeping doubts, the ‘I am not worthy’ thoughts and rise to the challenge, whether that is having a mantra to repeat which many athletes adopt or simply smiling, as I’ve seen Eliud Kipchoge do, though that’s often pretty hard by mile 5. On the start line adopt Caroline Brock’s ‘Race Face’ with 100% attention and focus on the job at hand. Most importantly I’d say is to celebrate that we can run and enjoy the whole experience, even the lung-busting pain which is temporary before the euphoria at the end of the race. Thanks for the question Colin.

The race was won by Jonny Mellor in 29.20mins. The first woman was Kirsty Longley in 35.32mins.

Full results can be seen Here >>

Team Accelerate and Scott Supported athlete Harvey has been busy putting the new Scott Supertrac Amphib to the test.

Anyone who has seen me run or race off-road in the last few years will have likely seen the Scott Supertrac RC on my feet. So when Scott started developing the Amphib, a shoe designed around the Supertrac but with a lighter and faster draining upper, I was sent a prototype pair in the post and I was pretty excited (massive understatement). Now seeing them on the store shoe wall is even cooler.

I have been using them for a while now and are the shoes I reach for if I’m heading into the hills. I have raced in them most of last year and this year. They feel great and perform even when they are covered in mud. A real winner for the depths of winter.

What’s different?

The most common question about the Amphib is why choose them over the standard Supertrac RC. To answer this question it’s best to outline the differences.

Scott has used their iconic radial traction pattern outsole and AeroFoam+ midsole which are both found in the Supertrac RC.

The real change comes to the upper, Scott has used a KPU upper that provides a rugged and highly durable mesh that maintains excellent levels of drainage. Ideal if you are wading through water and want your shoes to drain fast.

Scott has worked really hard to make sure they don’t lose the fit of the upper. It’s great to see this be perfected over the prototypes. In the final version, Scott has nailed it with the perfect blend of a secure hold without feeling restrictive.

In conclusion, they are great if you are heading off the beaten track and encountering lots of mud, water and bog. Events like swim runs and obstacle course racing they will be ideal for.

Like the sound of that, come and give them a try in-store or order a pair Here

 

 

The new Rebellion range from Mizuno has been designed to give you 3 different options of faster training shoes through to carbon-plated racing shoes. While Mizuno may be slightly later to the game, they have certainly done the research and made some seriously quick and comfy shoes. Would you expect any less from the first brand to have an R and D lab and who have been putting plates into shoes for the last 25+ years?

This review is looking at the Wave Rebellion Flash. This sits in the middle of the range as a faster training and racing shoes. The Flash is made on the shell of Mizuno’s original Rebellion, a shoe I fell in love with and have run far too many miles in. It combines the same midsole foam as in the Rebellion Pro but with a nylon plate instead of carbon and a lower stack height.

The shoe

Lifting the lid they are a striking pair of shoes. The Japanese ink-inspired colourway is eye-catching and whether it is your cup of tea or not it certainly has heads turning.

Out of the box and onto my feet they are incredibly light, weighing in at only 230 grams.

From the mesh used on the upper to the stripped-back tongue and minimal heel padding, Mizuno has really tried to keep the weight down, and it shows. The fit is on the wider side through the forefoot allowing plenty of space for my toes, however, it does slim down in the heel for a secure fit without feeling tight. Great if you have some longer runs planned and like some space.

The cushioning combines the super soft and responsive foam used in the Rebellion Pro, Mizunos ENERZYLite with their more durable and hard-wearing ENERZY foam. Running through the middle of the two foams is a full-length Casto plate. There to both add propulsion and stabilise the foot. On my foot, they feel soft without the overly squidgy feeling you can get in highly cushioned shoes.

For the outsole, Mizuno have used a G3 material. Unlike a conventional outsole, it has lots of tiny bobbles making it lighter and more durable than a standard rubber sole. It even grips great on the track.

So far so good.

A quick look at the specs, they have an 8mm drop with 37.5mm in the heel and 29.5mm in the heel. A size 8UK comes in at 230 grams. Mizuno are billing them as a faster training shoe or racing shoe.

Heading out on a run and I instantly remember why I have put so many miles into the original Rebellions.

They’re cushioned without losing the snappy and faster turnover. The slight rocker in the forefoot nudges you onto your big toe and the sensation of the plate pushing you forward aids in a faster foot strike.

There are no hot spots or rubs anywhere on my foot, I can hardly tell they are even on my feet.

After a few longer runs and sessions in the Rebellion Flash, it’s safe to say you will likely find them in my bag when I have a session to do. They have become my go-to for longer sessions, keeping your legs feeling good without losing the fast feel you get from a more minimal trainer.

As to who this shoe is best suited for, well, almost everyone. It feels fun to run it, you can do long runs, 200m reps, and even an easy 30 minutes are all in its wheelhouse.

It’s the shoe you didn’t even know you needed and now can’t imagine not having.

Like the sound of that and want to get your own pair? Either follow the link Here or pop down to the shop to try them today.

 

 

 

The new Rebellion range from Mizuno has been designed to give you 3 different options of faster training shoes through to carbon plated racing shoes. While Mizuno may be slightly later to the game, they have certainly done the research and made some seriously quick and comfy shoes. Would you expect any less from the first brand to have an R and D lab and who have been putting plates into shoes for the last 25+ years?

By this point, I have tried lots of carbon racing shoes, and they all have felt pretty good with maybe one missing here or there. I can hands down say the Rebellion pro is the best I have tried by a long way. Now, I’m not saying there are things I wouldn’t change, but the Rebellion Pro is a clear margin ahead of the rest.

The Shoe

Like any racing shoe of the modern era, the stack height looks big, however, they are still incredibly light. Mizuno has saved no expense on this shoe. It uses their latest ENERZY Lite, a highly cushioned and responsive foam, all while weighing next to nothing. They feature Mizunos new SMOOTH SPEED ASSIST, a very noticeable rocker in both the heel and toe. Certainly not a shoe to be walking around in. The upper is light and breathable, using Mizuno’s AIRmesh to maximize airflow around the foot to keep them at the perfect temperature even when pushing hard. The outsole uses a G3 grip, a little like non-slip flooring it’s designed to deliver a high level of traction and weighs next to nothing.

Slipping them on they feel great like I have hardly anything on my feet. The lockdown around my ankle is secure without being restrictive. The cushioning takes some getting used to as it is so soft, way softer than I would normally run in. However, once I got running and the plate and midsole began to work together they feel great. Still super cushioned but very responsive.

First impressions

The first time I properly wore the shoes was for a session at the track and was blown away by how fast they both felt. The splits were confirming they are. They held up well and felt great, towards the end of my session ice had started to settle on one of the bends. No trouble for the G3 outsole, giving me plenty of confidence to push on.

After running a couple of great sessions and a

race culminating in a PB, it’s safe to say they are my favourite shoe to reach for on race day. They feel fast, keep my legs feeling good and in my opinion, look great. You are certainly going to stand out from the rest of the crowd. My only criticism of them is the tongue, personally, I would prefer it to be gusseted to stop it from slipping.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a racing shoe for the 5k up to the marathon that’s going to keep your legs feeling great and make running fast feel easy this is certainly up there. It is the fastest racing shoe I have had.
To get your pair today either pop down to the store or follow the link Here

Mizuno Running, the quietly understated brand, goes about its business, well, quietly.  Few may realise how big Mizuno is, even how many sports they are involved in and the respect they garner from those that know.

A Brief History…

Formed in Osaka, Japan in 1906 by the brothers Rihachi and Rizo.  Life began as a retail store “Mizuno Brothers Ltd” before manufacturing began.  Of all things, Baseball clothing that was easy to move in.

The history of Mizuno is exactly the history of the pursuit to make something great.

It was not until 1928 that the development of Track & Field spikes began. This was not before the operation including developing equipment for baseball, ski-ing and also the golf market.

In 1983 Mizuno Launched their new Run Bird shoe and was the first product to incorporate the logo we know today.

That is a mark of the shoes which expresses “an orbit of a planet.” It is named “RunBird” for its shape. Now it is the corporate logo of Mizuno and carries a vital role as the symbol of the company’s brand.

Yet it was not until 1997 that the first Wave Rider (pictured) was launched, with its distinctive ‘Wave Plate’ Technology.

Today, Mizuno, continue to strive for excellence in all that the do and spend a higher % of their earnings on research compared to many of the so-called big-players.  Their science is usually based around how materials and products affect the human. Most importantly they really do their research on the benefits for the user. They are about more than just some ‘some super’ item that does this and that, they look at the impact.

Does this help the athlete wearing and using the item?  The range of sports they are involved with is mind blowing.
They are today a multi national company with regional head quarters dotted around the globe, including here in the UK.

Mizuno Running: Wave Rider

Today the best known shoe in the Mizuno range remains the Wave Rider. It is very much a go to running shoe for many.  Also, it has been a flag ship shoe for Mizuno for many years. The Wave Rider continually encapsulates a blend of everything good about Mizuno Running Shoes.  Great cushioning combined with a responsive feel.  Lightweight upper materials blend breath-ability and support.  Plus technologies that enhance the running experience.

 

The Wave Plate remains. The Wave Plate is a unique material that increases stability, propulsion and also cushioning. Many have found this also helps maintain the cushioning properties of the shoe for longer. Which can be no bad thing. The rest of the cushioning comprises ‘Mizuno Enerzy’. This material provides plush impact protection coupled with excellent rebound properties. This also helps to extend the life of this key component.

Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Rider Women’s >>  Men’s >>

Mizuno Running: Wave Revolt

Unusually, Mizuno Technology often trickles down into their more competitive price offerings. At £90 the Wave Revolt is an excellent fitness running shoe. It boasts such technologies as the Mizuno Enerzy cushioning and durable X10 outsole.  We still believe that this to be an 800km shoe and one of the best value shoes we have seen in a while.

Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Revolt Women’s >>  Men’s >>

 

Mizuno Running: Wave Sky

At the other end of the spectrum the Wave Sky is another offering that feels light and floaty to run in.

Featuring MIZUNO ENERZY Core and MIZUNO ENERZY Foam, it provides an even softer landing and amazing energy return. Combined with Mizuno Wave technology to ensure stability.

Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Sky Women’s >>  Men’s >>

 

Mizuno Running: Wave Diachi

The latest newcomer to the stable this is a brand new Trail shoe – OK, more of a complete overhaul of the Mizuno Wave Diachi.  This door to trail (hybrid shoe review Here >>) has proved to be extremely popular, selling through very quickly – thankfully more stock due imminently!
It’s easy to see why. Great Grip. Flexible and comfortably soft upper that just molds itself to your foot. Add in the cushioning of the road shoe range and we have a go anywhere shoe.  Quite possibly one of the best updates we have seen in 2022.

Find Out More:
Mizuno Wave Diachi Women’s >>  Men’s >>

Mizuno Going Forward

We are extremely excited by the updates coming through towards the end of this year and going into 2023.  Mizuno are often seen to be behind the curve.  Not really. They do their research to ensure great products and this takes time.  We feel this is a value that should be respected.

Having seen the 2023 range we will be expanding the range stocked, especially the new Rebellion Range.  Therefore you can expect some well researched, tested and developed running shoes for fast running.  Yes, a serious carbon plated offering that we think could be one of those hidden gems.

We really like the fact that Mizuno continue with a great ethic towards product development, sustainability and social responsibility.  They may appear to take their time, yet they really do like to get things as good as they believe they can.

If you have never tried Mizuno Running Shoes before then we suggest that they are well worth adding to your list of shoes to try.  They come, from us at least, highly recommended…

 

It’s not very often that I get to write a review. Coming across any type of shoe in a size 14 can be hard work. When it came to getting my hands on a pair of the new Altra Lone Peak 7, I was excited for a new experience on the trails.

Specs

• Trail running
• 0mm Drop 25mm stack height
• 314g in men’s 8UK
• 262g in women’s 6UK

Straight out of the box

Wow, just look at the size of them. I know it shouldn’t surprise me but it just amazes me how big they actually are. Sliding them on, my initial thoughts are they feel great. They feel very spacious in the toe box which allows my toes to relax while still having a secure fit around the heel. When lacing them up they feel very lightweight, like I’ve got nothing on my feet. Which I appreciate as I’m already quite a big heavy lad.

Famously, Altra are known for their zero drop shoes. This is something that I haven’t tried before and I and looking forward to giving it a go. Now it’s time to get them onto the trails!

First few miles

For my first test run in the Altra Lone Peak  7, I hit the trails of a very muddy Rivelin Valley. They felt plush under foot and could handle everything that the valley threw at them. From loose gravel to boggy water logged paths, they got me through with ease.

The spacious toe box feels amazing as my feet can splay out naturally. The MAXTRAC rubber lugs and a new outsole pattern gives fantastic grip and traction in thick mud. The Altra Ego midsole feels very responsive which makes the ride on the trails go by like a dream, not needing much effort!

After about 7k down the valley, they felt just as good as when I first put them on. No aches, no rubbing, a shoe I would happily wear all day.

Conclusion

After a few more runs up and down the valley, they still feel just as good as the first run. The wide-fitting toe box and well cushioned midsole giving them a great level of comfort. Making the ride feel like a dream no matter the trail. This is complemented by the MAXTRAC rubber lugs which have given me confidence that I won’t slip even on wet and muddy trails.

If you looking for a wider-fitting shoe to take you on most trails, the Lone Peak 7 should definitely be on your list to try.

You can find the Men’s Here and Women’s Here. Alternatively, pop on down to the shop and give them a try.

Team Accelerate Athlete Dot Kesterton has had a rollercoaster of a 2022 with plenty of ups and downs throughout the year. Keep reading to find out how she got on and what challenges she’s faced throughout the year.

Climber Karen Darke, lying on her back in hospital having broken her back in a climbing accident, watched the 2008 Olympics on TV, saw the recumbent cycling and decided she would give it a go. she opened a blank page on the computer and wrote ‘London Olympics, 2012.’ Karen went on to be a silver medalist in London and champion Olympic paracyclist in Rio 2016.

Karen’s determination has inspired me throughout my running career. Her absolute refusal to give up on a challenge gave me the confidence to run my first marathon in 2012, run for GB Masters in Europe in 2019 and this year to go to Finland to pit myself against the fastest women in my age in the World Athletics Championships 2022.

After a pretty awful couple of years without much competition I, like Karen, mentally opened a new page in my imaginary computer at the beginning of this year and wrote, ‘World Masters Athletics, Finland, 2022.’ The act of committing that to paper, virtually or otherwise is a huge step towards realising and achieving the goal. I would be at the very start of a new age group giving me an advantage over other athletes of my age and I was running well in both Cross Country and road races.

Every training session, parkrun and race in the run up to Finland had to count towards the competition. I planned fewer races but made 100% effort in those I entered which helped me build mentally and physically during the spring and into the summer. Among the highlights were Endcliffe Parkrun at the end of May with a time of 22.08, 100.6% age grading and Rotherham 10k again in May in 46.22 with 96.98% AG. It was the boost I needed to take me to Finland.

The Masters Athletics Championships were a great success. Finland with 954 athletes came first followed by Germany and USA. GB took fourth place overall, a good result given that the team was represented by fewer than 300 athletes. I came home with a gold in Cross Country team event along with Anne Dockery and Ros Tabor; individual gold in the 10k road race (see separate race report) and a surprise silver in the 4x100m track relay when I replaced an injured runner.

Within days of my return home, I succumbed to Covid 19 which sadly meant I was unable to run as torch bearer in the Commonwealth Games Torch Relay. With my goals for the year achieved I was able to rest and recover over the summer and take first V70 in the England Masters 10k road race in Bristol in September. Disappointingly a minor knee injury prevented me taking up a place in the Home International Cross-Country Championships in Dublin in November but I was able to end the year with a ninth win over four age categories at Percy Pud in December.

Results in 2022

Date	Name	Distance	Time	Position	Notes
6.2.22	Alsager Road race	5m	37.32mins	1st V65	93.07%AG. 8thV65 UK rankings.
12.2.22	Newport Parkrun	5k	22.35	1st V65	96.97%AG 3rd F.
6.3.22	Norton Nine	9m	66.53	1st V65	97.31%AG 16th F of 165.
12.3.22	YVAA XC champs, Norfolk Park.	5k	24.46	1st V65
20.3.22	Windmill 6, Huddersfield	6m	45.34	1st V65	93.49%AG
17.4.22	BMAF Road Champs, Grangemouth	10k	46.54 gun 46.39 chip.	2nd V70	95.81%AG Anne White 1st.
23.4.22	BMAF road relays, Sutton Park.	5k	22.55	1st V65 individual and team
7.5.22	Lakeland Trails, Staveley	11.75k	1hr 10m	1st V70	320m elevation.
15.2.22	Rotherham road race.	10k	46.22gun 46.20chip	1st V65	96.98%AG
30.6.22	WMA XC, Tampere, Finland	5.38k	25.19	4th V70, 1st team.	GB V70  team Gold.
8.7.22	WMA road champs, Tampere, Finland	10k	47.17	1st V70	V70 World Champion
25.9.22	EMA representation race, Bristol	10k	47.17	1st V70	91.54% AG EMA Gold.
15.10.22	EMA XC selection race, Derby.	6k	31.36k	2nd V70	Yuko Gordon 1st.
4.12.22	Percy Pud road race, Sheffield	10k	46.39	1st V70	93.21% AG. 9th win at PP over 4 age groups.

Running Stats for 2022:

Runs – 268

Distance – 1990k

Time – 239 hours

Elevation – 36,168m

Uk ranked 2nd V70 F 10k road.

UK ranked 2nd V70 F Parkrun

UK ranked 2nd V70 Overall.

World Masters Athletics V70 World Champion, 10k road.

Acknowledgements:

Coach: John Rothwell

Strength and conditioning support: Accelerate Running Company

Physio/Running Rehab: Sally Fawcett.

Club: Steel City Striders, Smiley Paces, Northern Masters.

The temperature is close to freezing at best and there’s fresh snow. That’s it then, you can’t go out for a run……..or can you?

 

The reality is – yes you can. You just have to think a little more about what you’re going to do, where you run and for how long. Safety is a very important consideration, whether avoiding slips on the pavement, or climbing a trail onto an ice field. They may seem like extreme ends of the spectrum – but could both easily leave you seriously hurt. Sensible precautions can greatly reduce the risk of a slip or fall and increase your enjoyment. Let’s be honest going for a run in fresh fallen snow is great fun.

If not careful, Road Runners can be the first victims of snowy weather.  Perhaps unaccustomed to extreme weather, they decide to head straight out for a run. It just looks great out there, but what should they take into consideration?
The first thing is to dress accordingly.  Take a look at the temperature and whether it’s windy.  Wind at sub-zero temperatures can cause you to chill even more rapidly than normal. So you may need a windproof that reduces the penetrating effect of the cold air. If there’s little or no wind, then an extra (breathable) layer may well be best, although carrying a windproof jacket and spare hat and gloves has its merits.
If it’s snowing then wearing a hat with a brim can help keep the snow off your face. Wearing a balaclava or buff as a neck-roll means it can be pulled up over your head and chin as and when required, preventing that frosty feeling on your cheeks.
In colder conditions I believe that leaving the door already feeling warm is better than expecting to warm up on the move.  If you have to stop for any reason once out, you’ll thank yourself for wrapping up that little bit warmer in the first place. On this point ensure your next-to-skin baselayer is also thermal not just wicking.  If you stop – then the thermal properties can slow down the chilling process quite dramatically.

For your legs – winter run tights are a must (shorts are a big no-no), as are a good quality pair of warm longer socks (Smartwool get my vote). Then for footwear, I would opt for trail shoes, as they generally provide a little more grip. If ice is involved, then you have little choice, it’s time to grab those Microspikes.  Their 5mm spikes will hold you on ice, cut through old frozen snow and in just about any situation help keep you upright. Don’t skimp on your footwear were ice is involved; you must have something that cuts into the ice.

If you are running for more than an hour, I’d also suggest you carry fluids. With all the extra layers on you’ll sweat more, so even in sub-zero conditions water can be essential, as you’ll begin to dehydrate sooner than you think.

TIP: Try making your drink with hot water to prevent it from turning into slush. It should have cooled by the time you come to drink, but do make sure!

If you’re heading out Trail Running, all of the above holds true, but isn’t so much recommended as it is essential, especially if you’re going to be a lot further from civilisation – any more than 20 minutes’ walk counts (think about having to walk home in less than enough clothing, through freezing winds, while soaked to the skin).
What about more extreme winter running on the local fells and hills of the Peak District?  Well, it wouldn’t stop me, but before you run – stop and think… “What if…?”

On the clothing front, the choice is in some ways very straightforward. The higher you intend to go – the more you carry. With every 1,000ft climbed you drop 2 to 3’C in air temperature.  So if it is 0’c in the valleys, it can be as low as -4 to -6 on Kinder Edge (2,000 feet). Then there’s the considerable effect of wind chill. A 15mph wind will make the air temperature feel twice as cold.
TIP: Keep an eye on air temperature as you run by carrying a small thermometer clipped to your pack
For clothing, think warmth first – closely followed by wicking and quick drying. Think about your top warm layer having a zipped front, so as you run up hill you can vent. When on the summits or edges and running downhill, you can zip yourself up tight for warmth.  Personally, I prefer to wrap up with warm layers and avoid putting on any top with a membrane.  This allows better sweat evaporation and I find temperature is better controlled, since you don’t find yourself soaked to the skin (if you’re wet, you’ll cool down way too quickly even without the wind). That said, a softshell top layer with a hood has on many occasions been a blessing.  The weather on high ground can change for the worse very rapidly.

If heading to the hills always allow extra time, know your route and carry a map and compass, knowing how to use them.  Drifting snow can render tracks unrecognisable or invisible on the ground.  A head torch and essentials necessary for survival should be carried.
As a minimum include: windproof hat or balaclava, a buff (two if you have them) to go around your neck, extra warm layers for legs and body, spare woolly socks, insulated top (Montane Fireball), and full waterproof cover.  Don’t forget spare nutrition and water, just in case.  If you’ve room, an appropriate shelter is also a good idea – I have been known to carry a sleeping bag in very extreme cold conditions.

TIP: Carrying a survival bag also has other advantages.  As you finish running the final downhill on the way back to base, it makes for a good sledge!!

The best way of looking at spare kit is very easy.  Ask yourself, “If I am forced to stop, am I carrying enough to keep warm and dry?”  Then put another top in your bag!
It should also go without saying that for really cold adventures, running Crampons or Microspikes should be carried, that you know will fit nicely onto your trail or fell shoes.
So check your kit, bag contents, route and the weather forecast. Plan for the worst and away you go.
One of the main things for everyone out running in wintry conditions is the actual art of Snow Running.  You may have noticed that your normal running style results in your foot slipping as it pushes off.  The first thing to do is shorten your stride and reduce the power output of your push.  A push-slip is a waste of energy and can quickly lead to fatigue and injury.  As you land keep your weight over the foot.  This will push the grips into the snow for better traction and if you do slip it is easier to pop in an extra step for a stride or two as you regain your balance.
In deeper snow, you’ll require a higher knee lift, again forcing you to slow and run with a shortened stride.  This is much more effective than kicking through the snow, is less tiring and provides better balance and control.
Trail runners should also be careful of exposed rock as black ice can cause many a slip up, regardless of how good the grip is on your shoe.

TIP: As you run, look ahead for signs of deeper snow and ice. Don’t just look down at what your feet are doing, as you’ll have no reaction time when reaching obstacles or slippery areas.

For the trail runners – look out for snow-buried streams!! There is no shame in walking if conditions force you to become tired. Moving slowly will keep you warmer than exhausting yourself until you have to stop completely.
If there is an increasing threat of ice, then reach for those Microspikes.  Especially in the UK with our winters being a freeze-thaw-freeze affair. Just about the worst conditions a runner can hope for.
For every runner – expect your normal run to take a little longer and allow for this, especially where daylight is a consideration.  It is also well worth letting someone know your route and how long you expect to be.  For the trail runner heading to the hills this is especially important and should include short cut and possible route extensions. Don’t forget to inform them when you are back safe and sound.
If you are in doubt of any aspect of snow or winter running then seek out the advice of someone with more experience, and always run with others if you can. Run safe and enjoy!

NOTE: This article has been produced as a guide only, and in every case – runners should only run in poor conditions within the limits of their experience and in areas they are familiar with.  If you have nagging doubts about that run, then you may well be better off choosing one less challenging. Always run with people who are well equipped and ready for the challenge, never pushing someone beyond their experience, fitness or limits.
For me and a friend, gaining experience was a case of hiring a Winter Mountain Leader who ran – building snow holes, for survival, on the side of Helvellyn was superb learning.

Stuart Hale.

It’s happened, carbon plates have finally made their way into trail running shoes. The idea does not completely convince me. However, these shoes are doing a very good job of changing my mind. Scott has saved no expense on them, packed them full of their latest tech, and used the innovation they have become famous for.

• Trail running and racing shoe
• 5mm drop 25mm in the heel 20mm in the forefoot
• 300 grams in my size 8UK

Straight out of the box

I was very lucky and got a pair a few months before they were released so have done plenty of running in them by this point. Going back to my first run and initial thoughts. Slipping my foot into them the over-ruling factor is comfort. The upper is a light and breathable mesh that moulds to your foot shape instantaneously. It feels wider in the forefoot compared to other Scott models which are good if you are stepping up the distance. For the cushioning Scott often have a reputation for their shoes being on the more responsive and firm end of the spectrum, with the Ultra Carbon RC, this is no longer the case. Thanks to the combination of the plate they have managed to soften up the midsole foam without compromising on the responsiveness, A real win!

The outsole is on the lighter end of the trail grip but I have been very surprised with how capable they are when it comes to the mix of terrain they can handle.

Running feels easy in them, unlike some carbon shoes it doesn’t feel like I have had to change how I run in them. The plate isn’t that noticeable until you start running faster then you can feel it subtly ping you forward. A great feeling, especially when you begin to tire towards the end of your run.

Conclusion

A few months on, plenty of miles were run and some raced. They are still a shoe I reach for if I want to feel faster. Still, with the same comfy feel every time I put them on. Some downsides I have found are on more technical terrain you lose ground feel and they feel clunky and oversized, this is more taking the shoe on the wrong trails, but something to be aware of if you are planning on taking them more off-trail.

Pros:

• Super Comfy
• Cushioned and responsive
• Surprisingly grippy
• Wide fit in the forefoot

Con’s:

• Loss of ground feel on more technical terrain

Like the sound of going faster? Pop down to the store to try a pair today or follow the link Here to grab a pair today.

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