Keep the shiny side up
Keep the shiny side up. Keep the shiny side up. Keep the shiny side up
– Dave Mackey mantra when descending technical terrain to focus on leaning forward, foot placement 2-3 steps in advance, lifting feet by driving knees and arms high and wide for balance
Salomon ultra running hydration pack review: Advanced Skin S-lab 12 Set 2012
Review of 2013 Advanced Skin S-lab 12 Set
Reviewers say:
Good: More like a cropped waistcoat than a pack, the high ride and front strapping (twin link) system make it feel part of your body so you forget it’s there even when fully-loaded. The front strapping system (which replaces chest and waist straps and buckles) expand as you breath, without losing pack positioning. Underarm routing of liquid makes access easier. Attention to detail on storage, with internal zippable compartments: handles compulsory gear on runs like UTMB – comes with fitted emergency blanket and whistle. Multiple compression points to maintain fit.
Bad: Because it’s more like an item of clothing, you need to factor its ‘warming impact’ as an extra layer. Although you can work out what most things do/ are for, features like pole carrier are poorly explained; things like the spare velcro gel pocket for switching at aid stations are genius in a small way. As with all packs, a certain degree of double-jointedness required to access bottom rear pockets on the run. Slightly small 1.5l bladder, but substantial front access bottle holders compensate. High-end pricing.
Price from: £150/$180
Links:
Almond butter sandwich with bananas and honey
Through his competition over the years at Badwater and other ultra distance events, Dean (Karnazes) has adopted an almond butter sandwich with bananas and honey as his ‘go to’ food. Another? Soy sauce on bread. As for fluids, he relies on Pedialyte (an electrolyte replacement drink for children suffering from diarrhea and vomiting) – A Few Degrees from Hell: The 2003 Badwater Ultramarathon by Scott Ludwig
Running in snow and ice: Kahtoola Microspikes review
Reviewers say:
Good: No straps or buckles, so easy to take on and off after practice while standing. Minimal adjustment required. Spikes sit where your weight is. Perfect for thick ice, snow or frozen ground. Effectively mini crampons you wear over your training shoes. Lightweight and within minutes you don’t know you’re wearing them. Small and compact so you can carry them when not in use.
Bad: 9mm spikes means pressure points if thin soles and snow & ice is not thick enough
Price from £41.99
Links:
Brighton Trail Running 