Innholdsfortegnelse for October - November 2020 i Trail Running

Exercise could one day be prescribed for shift workers or heart disease sufferers in an effort to realign subjects’ body clocks. So suggested scientists after a study on mice, which found that 60 minutes of activity shifted the body clocks of their muscle cells. Christopher Wolff of University of Florida, who co-authored the study, said: “This research is really important because it highlights the effect exercise can have on our body clocks. If this is replicated in humans it means that night-shift workers can use exercise to help shift their body clocks. We may also be able to use exercise as a treatment for ‘body clock disorders’ that can occur in many chronic diseases such as heart disease.”…

A South African professor writing on the British Journal of Sports Medicine’s blog controversially suggested masks should be worn while running to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Dr Christa Janse van Rensburg, Professor of Sports Medicine at University of Pretoria, said in a statement following up her blog: “We recommend that all healthy individuals who will be exercising outdoors make use of face masks as a measure of source control.” They said exceptions could include “People who will be exercising without contacting another individuals.” However, outdoor transmission of Covid-19 is substantially lower than indoors. Dr Soren Brage, who leads the Physical Activity Epidemiology Program at MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, is a trail runner who told us he did not think it necessary to wear one but to exercise…

The 2020 Spine Race women’s champ, Sabrina Verjee, became the first woman to complete the colossal continuous Wainwrights Round. She had her sights set on Paul Tierney’s 2019 record of six days, six hours. After 525km of running, 214 summits and 36km (yes, km!) of ascending, Sabrina came home in six days, 17hrs, 51mins. Initially, it was hailed as a women’s record, although Verjee herself is hesitant to claim it. After four days, she was on schedule to set an FKT, but knee trouble forced her to call for assistance which she felt was unfair to claim. Nevertheless, it’s an outstanding achievement for the Amblesidebased vet, who says she plans another attempt next year on the outright record.…

Top British trail runner Beth Pascall broke the women’s Bob Graham Round best, clocking in at 14hrs, 34mins on July 24. Earlier in the year, Pascall had planned six months off from her job to focus on big races, but after Covid-19 halted a summer of events, Beth returned to her work as a paediatrician. Despite this, she was able to dedicate her training towards the attempt. She started quickly and was six minutes up by the first peak, and mananged to shave off more time as each leg passed, eventually seeing her take 50 minutes off Jasmin Paris’s 2016 record.…

Carla Molinaro, has smashed the Land’s End to John O’Groats women’s record. Her 12 days, 30 minutes, 14 seconds broke the previous LEJOG best by nearly 11 hours. Former record-holder Sharon Gayter joined Carla during some of the attempt. With Carla going up the country, James Stewart went across it on the John Muir Trail. His FKT saw him cover 134 miles and traverse Scotland in 21 hours, 53 minutes, 22 seconds. In-person races have returned with the Fjällmaraton 100k in Sweden, where UTMB champ Pau Capell was beaten in an upset by Norwegian Simen Wästlund. Spain’s Azara Marcano was the clear winner in the women’s race, and took ninth place overall. Scottish athlete Alexander Chepelin has broken the 24-hour Munros record, summiting 32 of the Cairngorm peaks over a…

1 SIGN UP ONLINE Visit run1000miles.co.uk to register. We’ve also designed 2020 #Run1000Mile ruffs (left) for you to wear while you complete your challenge. They’re on sale now for £7.50 – so order yours today, because they’re proving extremely popular! 2 DO A PLEDGE Visit the website, download the #Run1000Miles pledge, sign it, take a picture of it and post it on social media to commit to the challenge. 3 JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP Sign up at facebook.com/ groups/run1000miles. You’ll be part of a buzzing community sharing the joys and toils of the experience, boosting you to achieve your aims. 4 FILL IN THE TRACKER Download the mileage tracker from run1000miles.co.uk to record how you’re progressing towards the big 1000. 5 GET SOCIAL Tag your…

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserves of Asturias are considered one of the greatest tourist and cultural attractions of this blissful Spanish landscape. The sites contain five prehistoric caves with World Heritage status, just like the Camino de Santiago route. In the Kingdom of Asturias, the birth of this pilgrimage route, the Asturian king Alfonso II created an historical path that has become one of the most important cultural journeys of any adventurer. Asturias, well known in Spain as a natural paradise, is also a history lesson on the dawn of humanity that can provide you with such an incredible journey through time. And for those looking to escape the crowds, cities and roads, this part of Spain has plenty to offer. The Picos de Europa National Park, Oscos-Eo, Fuentes del Narcea,…

EXPLORE MORE Go exploring wherever you see a footpath sign. Just dive off and see where it goes, turning round when you’ve had enough. Discovering a new trail so nearby is thrilling. TALK TO OTHERS If you’re in a local running club, Facebook group or even an online gathering, ask about the trails nearby to see if there are local woods, country parks or paths that you haven’t discovered yet. USE RUNNING APPS See where others are running on social sports apps like Map my Run, Strava and Komoot. If they run into areas with no roads or through green bits, copy them and have your own adventure! LOOK AT RACE ROUTES If there are trail races locally, look at their routes on the organiser’s website and see if you…

In these strange and uncertain times, many of us are finding our racing calendar is now a series of crossed out names and dates that disappointingly seems to be extending further and further into the future. Why not regain some focus and motivation by introducing alternative goals? Run The Wild’s guides (runthewild.co.uk) explain that we could try swapping race medals for trig points WHAT’S A TRIG POINT? The trig pillar was first used in the retriangulation of Great Britain on April 18, 1936, starting in Cold Ashby by a group of surveyors. The idea behind retriangulating Great Britain was a mathematical approach to creating more accurate mapping of the shape of our land. Triangulation works by calculating the location of a point by measuring angles to it from other known…

This summer witnessed a plethora of Fastest Known Times (FKTs) as top athletes came out of lockdown without races to focus on and eager to test themselves. But, whatever your level, it is possible to set your own, or devise a point-to-point adventure. The website fastestknowntime.com allows anyone to propose a route for inclusion in its database. Strict criteria are applied, such as that it has to be notable and distinct enough for others to want to have a go. Damian Hall’s FKTs for the Paddy Buckley Round, South West Coast Path, Pennine Way and Cape Wrath Trail (with Beth Pascall) may be out of reach, but the UTMB top-five placer believes setting your own achievable targets is well worth it – especially if there are no races on the…

Q Should I use ice for injuries?  Michelle Stewart, St Andrews A Ice can be very helpful to reduce pain after an injury – but you need to be clear what you are using for. Research regarding ice has changed over the past few years and its use has been reduced. Basically, ice can help to numb an area and in an acute muscle injury closes the blood vessels to minimise swelling. In tendon injuries, where swelling is less prevalent, ice has less benefit. Nick Worth of Ascenti, who provide physio treatment nationwide, said: “Gently loading the tissues when it comes to tendon or ligament injuries is current best practice. Moving the area within pain limits is advised – but don’t go too far too soon. Allow your body to…

The good thing with core and leg exercises is that, no matter whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate or an expert, the exercises can be the same – you just do them for longer and with slight variations. For instance, instead of doing single leg raises, you can do double legs. Or if you’re doing the plank, you can take one foot off the ground or one hand off the ground and then lower it back down. PLANK For your core and overall body, a plank is really good and that’s probably the best exercise to do. You can modify the time, and you can do it on your knees, on your hands or on your elbows. SQUATS Good for full body coverage as it really helps to just build…

We use in-house and independent experts with sports and exercise backgrounds and many years of trail kit testing under their belts so you can trust their reviews. PAUL LARKINS Editor Paul has hand-picked the best new kit to fuel your adventures. You’ll see it over the next five pages. JEN & SIM BENSON There’s nothing synthetic about our duo of kit testers, They’ve selected the best kit using natural fabrics, p84 MARC ABBOTT Marc takes a sideways glance at how trail running footwear is inflencing the likes of Gucci! See p88. LIAM DEE Liam looks deeper into the brave new world of some of the best under-the-radar brands, p90…

Writing this, as the tattered edges of lockdown give way to a resurgence in visiting Britain’s wilder spaces, the balance – and, at times, battle – of recreation versus conservation seems more fraught than ever. For those of us whose job it is to inspire and encourage others to get outside, while at the same time championing and supporting the people who work so hard to take care of it, it’s tough seeing the scenes of destruction caused by the carelessness and thoughtlessness of a few. As trail runners, we deeply appreciate the wild beauty of places. It’s hard to imagine choosing to visit these places – and then choosing to inflict damage upon them. With these challenges in mind, you’ll find some wonderfully out-of-the-way trails on these pages. Starting…

RICE Although lower in calories than pasta (130kcals per 100g cooked weight), you’ll need to watch the portion size if trying to lose weight. A great energy-booster, it is also a mine of B vitamins, iron, manganese and magnesium. It can also help with digestion, enhance skin health, is cholesterol-free and low in sodium. PASTA With 25g of carbs per 100g, it’s perfect for carb-loading before endurance races and, as a complement to some protein, ideal for recovery. But, with 160kcals per 100g of cooked pasta, keep an eye on quantity if calorie intake is an issue. It is higher in protein and dietary fibre than rice, is low in fat and its low glycemic index helps it prevent diabetes. VERDICT It’s a tie as both are quite similar nutritionally…

After Mike Hartley’s Pennine Way FKT stood for 31 years, the record has been broken twice in a matter of weeks. On July 16, John Kelly completed the route in two days, 16hrs, 46 mins, shaving 34 minutes from Hartley’s 1989 record. Yet barely a week later, Damian Hall tackled the 268-mile route, improving on Kelly’s time by more than three hours, with his two days, 13 hours, 35 minutes clocking. Not only did he pick up any litter that he came across en route, but Hall also used his record attempt to raise over £4000 for Greenpeace. Read more about Damian’s record on page 42.…

After some confusion, Salomon and the Golden Trail Series have announced the two National Series Strava segments that will serve as qualifiers for the World Series in November. From now until October 1, anyone can compete for the chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’ to the finals in the Azores, with the leading men’s and women’s times from each National series getting an all-inclusive package to race against the world’s best. The courses are located in the Lakes and the Peaks. See page 106 for further information on the series, and the Lakes segment.…

BOOK IT The 2021 OMM Festival will take place on May 29-30 in Grasmere. Expect 5, 7, 10 and 17km races, camping, food and guest speakers. theomm.com/ omm-festival READ IT Grand Raid Reunion Island by Fabrice Cifré might be the first ever graphic novel about an ultra race! Pick up a copy at etsy.com/fr/shop/ UltraBD DONATE Consider donating or running to fundraise for the South West Coast Path. The trail requires over £800,000 to stay open each year. southwestcoastpath. org.uk HEAR IT The Way of The Runner podcast features bestselling author Adharanand Finn chatting to US pro Zach Miller about his career so far, including running on a cruise ship! READ IT The Lost Art of Running by coach and movement specialist Shane Benzie explains the principles of efficient running.…

My alarm goes off and the first thing I do is check my phone. There are notifications from Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Strava. I have emails to read and messages to reply to. I’m compelled to respond to ‘likes’ and comments. My mind is active, and I already feel hassled by some of the more complex messages which need a comprehensive reply. For some ridiculous reason I’m conscious that my last run was slower than usual, and my running followers may think I’m not as fit as I actually am. It’s 6am. I haven’t even said ‘good morning’ to my husband. I have a shower, then feel the need to check my phone again, just in case anything has happened in the last 10 minutes. “Mummy, look at this,” one…

Running 1000 miles over the year is such a great achievement and, if you’re on course to hit that by the end of 2020, well done! However, it has been remarkable to see over the summer that so many of you have reached quadruple figures already. It’s been great to see members of our community celebrating. But #Run1000Miles is not just about a mileage total. Some of you have undertaken extraordinary challenges for charity to add to your tally, as we highlight in this issue... • Join in at facebook.com/groups/ Run1000Miles or tweet us at @trailrunningmag using the #Run1000Miles hashtag VICTORY LAP When pandemic restrictions deprived #Run1000Miler Phillipa Rolle of the chance to do the 215-mile Race Across Scotland, she came up with a similarly tough challenge to raise money…

Finishing a parkrun is always memorable for all the right reasons, from enjoying the relaxed, friendly atmosphere to achieving something memorable personally – your first 5km, finishing a useful training session or placing a few positions higher than last time. Few, however, are quite so dramatic as that held at Bedgebury National Pinetum in Kent. Flying between towering redwoods is one of those amazing running moments that you can call on when you need a bit of inspiration to get out of the door on a dull February morning. They’re magnificent. “They’re from the west coast of America and planted in 2015,” says Emma Bramley from Forestry England. That planting year draws a quizzical look skywards. “They grow rapidly,” Emma laughs. Too right. Judging from their incredible height, these youngsters…

Just one of the amazing things about trail running – to debunk a common misconception – is that, no matter where you live, there’s is no requirement to hop in the car/train/plane in order to find some of the most invigorating off-road runs the UK has to offer. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that spectacular runs abound in the most unexpected places. City canal towpaths and parks are the ideal location to find some space away from the hustle of urban life, for example. But if you want to get far, far from the madding crowd, it’s easier than you’d think to plot a course for the wilderness on our own shores. Over the next eight pages, we’ve shown you how to find your own new secret…

MANCHESTER Try Chorlton Water Park a few miles south-west of the city centre, a hidden gem of tranquility between Sale and Whalley Range, with woodland, wildlife and the Trans-Pennine Trail along the River Mersey. GLASGOW From the centre, head northwest along River Kelvin on the Kelvin Walkway path, through ancient woodland to old Roman forts and camps and a Wilderness Plantation with views of Blairskaith Muir hill and pine forest to the north. BIRMINGHAM Follow the canal north-west to Sandwell then strike out north for a couple of kilometres to be rewarded with Sandwell Valley Country Park, full of trees, lakes, swans and paths east of the M5. LONDON Our capital has loads of fantastic parks for trail running but surely the best is Wimbledon Common, riddled with wide to…

You are better than you think you are You can do more than you think you can. Words that every runner who lines up at the start of Leadville 100 will hear Ken Chlouber pronounce in the moments before they take on one of the world’s most iconic and challenging trail races. The very same words the race’s founding father has lived, and almost lost, his life by. “Those words get me in trouble at times because I totally believe in them,” he tells me as we sit talking in his lounge, surrounded by an eclectic collection of mementos from his life. “There was my quest to become champion senior bull rider, which didn’t end too well, and recently there was an episode on a mountain in Nepal.” There’s a…

Email your questions to tr@ bauermedia.co.uk or send a message over social media to get your training queries answered by the pros. ANDREW PYE UK Athletics coach who organises guided runs on fells and trails. trailrun westmidlands.co.uk JOSH GRIFFITHS GB marathon runner, trail runner and coach. facebook.com/JoshGriffithsRunCoaching FINN JOHANNSEN Chief physician at Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen. injurymap.com NICK WORTH National lead clinician for Ascenti Private Physiotherapy ascenti.co.uk OLLIE ARMSTRONG Sport physiology lead at Uni of Birmingham sportandfitness.bham. ac.uk/performance…

When it comes to trail running, few British competitors can boast such impressive credentials as ex-British Army captain Tom Evans. His journey began in 2017, when he came third in the 251km Marathon des Sables desert ultra, a famously brutal race. Despite entering on the back of a bet with a friend, his third-place finish was the best result any European had ever achieved in the history of the race. And it gets better. In 2018, he won the 101km CCC race at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, as well as picking up a bronze in the iconic Western States event. On the way, he even broke the record for the fastest overseas time at the Californian race. But what makes him so great for us mere mortals, is that he…

KLATTERMUSEN FAFNE BASE LAYER TANK TOP 95g (S) klattermusen.com £65 Made from a soft, breathable mix of 56% Tencel, 38% organic Merino wool and 6% elastane, this great looking, versatile vest is equally brilliant as a winter baselayer or summer singlet. The fit is relaxed and stretchy, with a looser-weave mesh back panel for extra breathability, even when worn under a pack. VERDICT Comfy, versatile, with technical and ethical credentials INOV-8 MERINO LONG SLEEVE BASE LAYER 120g (S) inov-8.com £65 Made from 95% responsibly sourced, naturally antimicrobial Merino wool with 5% Lycra for durability and stretch, this close-fitting, sweat-wicking baselayer is ideal for cold weather. Well thought out details include a longer torso, thumb loops, flatlock seams and a breathable back panel – super comfy for all day/multi-day adventures. VERDICT…

KENDAL MINT CO We caught up with Jack Barker, Director of Kendal Mint Co, to find out how he's transformed a Lakeland tradition into a cutting-edge sports fuel. Can you tell us a bit of the history of Kendal mint cake, and how you got started turning it into a sports fuel? Kendal mint cake is the original Great British energy brand. It was loved by icons like Sir Edmund Hillary and Ernest Shackleton, and more recently was found in The British Army’s ration packs. The product is part of our national and Lakeland heritage. The concept for Kendal Mint Co was actually the brainchild of a leading manufacturer of mint cake in Cumbria. It offered the perfect combination of sports, science and heritage. The evolution of the old favourite…

1 BODMIN MOOR 26km of challenging running... and almost guaranteed solitude 2 RAME HEAD, CORNWALL Coastal cruising at its finest 3 DEVIL’S PUNCH BOWL, SURREY Easy miles make for bigger smiles in the south of England 4 LADYBOWER, THE PEAKS Waterside running for all 5 BROTHERS WATER, CUMBRIA High passes and some testing terrain on a day out in the Lakes 6 KIELDER LAKESIDE WAY, NORTHUMBERLAND A near-flat near-marathon 7 CEREDIGION COAST PATH, WALES Bags of ascent on the Welsh coast 8 MOEL ARTHUR/OFFA’S DYKE, NORTH WALES Discover the Clwydian hills 9 MILNGAVIE, EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE Leave the city behind... 10 GLEN AFFRIC, HIGHLANDS Pine-scented dreamland…

The Salomon Golden Trail Series has had to reinvent itself this year. There will just be one race – in the Azores in October (Covid-permitting) with a prize pot of €100k. Four Golden Tickets (which include race entry, flights, accommodation and food) can be won by UK runners who run one of two Golden Segments – one in the Lake District and one in the Peak District. The routes are live on Strava until September 30. NORTH: www.strava.com/ segments/24700123 SOUTH: www.strava.com/ segments/24670379…

TO PLAN YOUR JOURNEY You can plot a route using canalplan.uk TO BOOK Red Line Boats: redlineboats.co.uk Book through ABC Boat Hire: abcboathire.com/our-boats/ 6-8-berth/red-swallow GOYTRE MARINA 01873-880516 COST Prices are from around £900 to £1200 for a week or £99 for a day trip, depending on the season, location and size of boat. But special offers become frequently available RUNNING ROUTES Running routes can be plotted and found through the Viewranger App. You can start at Cwmbran which adds eight miles to your journey if time permits. DAY ONE Goytre to Gilwern (nine miles) my.viewranger.com/route/ details/Mjk0MzY0NA== DAY TWO Borenge Ascent (7-12 miles) my.viewranger.com/route/ details/Mjk0MzY1OA== (12 miles) DAY THREE Gilwern to Talybont (12 miles) my.viewranger.com/route/ details/Mjk0MzY0OA== OPTIONAL DAY FOUR Talybont to Brecon (seven miles) my.viewranger.com/route/details/ Mjk0MzY2OQ== GUIDE BOOKS Pearson Guide, Welsh…

Active ancestors A 2018 study suggested sedentary behaviours allowed our ancestors to preserve energy crucial for survival, but that humans have developed traits which encourage activity. Only those who chased their food survived. Natural selection favoured those engaged in a large amount of activity in an energy-saving way. Achilles advantage Humans’ long Achilles tendon is a major benefit when it comes to running. According to an article published this year in New Scientist, the early hominid Australopithecus afarensis may have been the first primate to run on two legs, their long Achilles tendon being a clue. Runner’s high Those endorphins that kick in after a run could be the result of our early ancestors’ need to combine the tough physical and mental tasks involved in foraging. The parts of the…

Many of us seemed to notice that everyone was suddenly a runner or a cyclist during the coronavirus lockdown this year. But evidence for the increase in the popularity of running may not have been purely anecdotal. Research published in the journal BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine showed that, during lockdown, 75% of UK adults met the recommended exercise levels of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. This compared to 58-66% reported in studies before the restrictions. Meanwhile, a study published by Asics in June revealed that 72% wanted to continue running post-lockdown as much as they were, and that 67% felt exercise helped them cope mentally with challenging situations such as that which hit us in the spring.…

What? Botulinum toxin, which goes by the brand name Botox, is best known as a vanity enhancement for the rich and famous. However, scientists are finding it could prove useful in a sports setting, too. Why? A review published in the June issue of Current Sports Medicine Reports summarised evidence that Botox treatment could reduce pain and improve muscle function for plantar fasciitis among other issues. How? It is still early days, and more research needs to be carried out as to how and with what dosages it could be applied. However, it is felt that, when used in conjunction with physiotherapy, it could be more effective than steroid injections.…

Talk us through the day... Starting at 3am on Saturday, July 11, I was nervous but full of confidence. I knew I was in fantastic shape and I had a brilliant support team. I was quick out of the blocks – three minutes up on schedule on Lonscale. A positive start. The running was flowing, the tops ticked by, and I was having fun. But the first sign of fatigue happened descending the scree chute into Langdale with calf cramp. Wasdale was the crunch leg I was worried about before the Round. I was least familiar with it, and it was in the middle of the day. But I was still strong, able to push and retain the time buffer I had. There were a few tough sections but I…

Ultra X, the company behind some of the world’s most scenic ultras, has laid out plans for the return of racing, post-pandemic. Their Covid-19 Transmission Mitigation Policy contains changes that runners are likely to see in upcoming events, including health screenings prior to the race, virtual race briefings, self-serve aid stations and larger camping areas for multi-stage races. “We worked with epidemiologists, medical professionals, and used common sense to formulate a set of rules that would help protect competitors and marshals,” says Jamie Sparks, Ultra X Co-Founder. “To get runners back, we had to make changes. We’ll maintain the social element, but certain parts of the race will be modified to reduce contact.”…

MONTANE Innovative, lightweight, breathable clothing for endurance sports and activities in extreme environments. montane.co.uk SILVA Best known among runners for its headtorches, Silva has designed and produced gear for over 85 years. silva.se ORDNANCE SURVEY OS creates, maintains and distributes detailed location information for Great Britain. Its app is a must-have. ordnancesurvey.co.uk SPORTSSHOES.COM The UK’s No1 online retailer for running, trail and hiking kit. It stocks the widest trail range the UK has to offer. sportsshoes.com LA SPORTIVA Renowned for its mountain footwear, in fact La Sportiva is equally successful as a running shoe brand. lasportiva.com FORESTRY ENGLAND Looks after more land and more trees than any other organisation in the country, shaping landscapes for people. forestryengland.uk Join our 2020 campaign and visit: www.run1000miles.co.uk…

“Green space is essential to our well-being and excellent for our health,” says Jo Pappenheim. “At Bedgebury, the mixture of fresh air and meandering paths amongst the trees is kind to minds as well as bodies.” “We want to share this beautiful location with runners of all abilities and throughout the weekdays we offer a timetable of morning running activities, from fun fitness sessions with Bedgebury Forest Runners, beginners and improvers runs with Walkers2Runners, to buggy fit running sessions for mums and babies or cross training classes with our outdoor yoga and Pilates instructors. “At the weekends, our Saturday morning parkrun attracts runners from all over Kent and East Sussex, keen to be challenged by the 5k route through the forest and to meet friends, sharing their PBs over a…

Let’s play a game... Picture this scene and imagine where it is: a narrow, snaking trail, slightly rocky underfoot, lined with trees. It bends left, then right, travels up, then down. The air is a fresh as cut grass, the ground soft underfoot, and birdsong fills the air. You think you’re in the middle of the countryside, don’t you? A huge, spacious chunk of hillside full of wild flowers and bunny rabbits, at least two hours drive from the city. But, no. This type of tranquility doesn’t only exist in vast tracts of remote Scotland, but right under your nose, within running distance of even the biggest, most densely-populated cities. Say you wish to run from the centre of Birmingham, on trails to a traily place. Yes, it is very…

It might not seem like it sometimes, but our planet is mainly open space devoid of people. Its nearly eight billion inhabitants tend to be congregated mainly in cities. The UK is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, but it is still possible to get away from everything and everyone, if you really want to. In this time of social distancing, avoiding other people has perhaps never been more popular. We thought we’d highlight 12 of the quietest places to run in the UK. Although some of them are remote, others are in some of Britain’s most popular national parks, often just around the corner from tourist hotspots. 1 Southern Snowdonia Think Snowdonia and what comes to mind is a trainload of tourists being lifted to…

As if Damian Hall’s Pennine Way FKT wasn’t impressive enough, he helped save the planet while he was at it. The attempt was certified ‘carbon negative,’ just like his and his family’s lifestyle during 2020. He fuelled without animal products, didn’t create any plastic waste and even collected litter as he went along. Damian was already going to extraordinary lengths to help the environment, even before Covid-19 came along. He travelled to Snowdonia from Bath by public transport to complete his Paddy Buckley Round record, requiring two buses and three trains to get back. He was restricting his overseas travel and his journey to the cancelled UTMB was to have been by bus and train. When we ask him if there is any more that the running community could be…

‘Running at night can take some getting used to, but with the right gear it really is an amazing experience’Charlie Sproson, mountain running guide Like a rollercoaster ride, the world of night running is one of uncertainty and excitement, and now thanks to incredible headtorches like the Silva Trail Speed 4XT, it’s also got theme park security. All the thrills you’ll ever need as a runner but at no additional risk to your wellbeing. What’s not to love? “It’s almost emotional,” laughs Charlie Sproson, a trail runner and mountain guide who specialises in escorting runners around the legendary Bob Graham route – most definitely an exercise in night-time illumination if ever there was one. You try getting around the BGR before it’s dark! “Running at night can take some getting…

Training for a race is like building a big puzzle. It’s important to break things down into manageable chunks and work through it one piece at a time. For example, if I’m doing a 100-mile race, that’s seriously daunting if you look at it as a one-off, but I just break it down. I have a mantra: ‘Process, not outcome.’ And I know that day by day, run by run, week by week, month by month I’m getting one step closer to the race and what I want to achieve in it. So that not only helps to keep me motivated, but also keeps me really focused on the job at hand. Having a ‘why’ is really important, too, whether you want to do your first Parkrun or a sub-five-hour…

CIMALP DROP EVOLUTION 864 362g (UK 11) cimalp.co.uk  £120 Running in low drop shoes sounds like a good idea as they work on ankle mobility and foot strength while you run, but if you’ve tried to wear them, they can also be tough to get on with. So, this great looking shoe provides you with a graduated journey downwards from 8mm to 4mm using the insoles provided. If wider fit shoes are your thing, then these tick that box. Cushioned, stable, and sporting all the grip you’ll need, these also take care of detail really well. The fit is great and the uppers are well protected. They’re also breathable, use a seamless inner structure to avoid friction and have a Lycra tongue. VERDICT Nice idea, nice shoe. Good package ADIDAS…

In the sweltering heat of Miami, Florida, Alex Cantwell was getting fed up with paying a small fortune for a pair of headphones that wasn’t designed with running in mind. He noticed that nearly everyone he saw would be wearing a headband or hat to keep the sweat from their eyes as well as their headphones – so why not combine the two? That’s where the idea for FitFones came from – an audio headband designed specifically for running, which doesn’t break the bank. “Our whole idea was to keep things simple, especially when tech is more expensive and with more features than ever,” Alex tells us. “We just wanted to create something comfortable, affordable, and which works well when you're running. If you’ve spent hundreds on a nice pair…