tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59725339335718372512024-03-14T11:22:15.950+00:00CavemanClarkeTrail running shoe and apparel reviews. Natural and trail running coach, writer and reviewer since 2011. CavemanClarke aims to be a positive platform for great trail running products, events and services to receive their due publicity, to help trail runners decide on what are the best options out there for them!Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-54581266231830495462015-08-24T18:40:00.001+01:002015-08-24T18:40:54.621+01:00CavemanClarke in Trail Running mag, UK<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently, running makes men more attractive?! Well this was news to me. I knew it made the ladies rather appealing, but I always thought muscle-bound rugby players and men who spent more time honing the 'perfect' physique in dark-dingy gyms whilst spending countless hours staring at their own reflection and posting endless 'selfies' of their half-naked torso's on social media got the girls. Well it seems not! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHGdIYwHcVvy2DeYctp_mcDiJYvcuc7MF7FZ-F9k82xOvY7RmHPAstrFrrCxWoMcz8omh7NC6VFzFSTaJoVbyg6CFiTpbFDWO9xHp_PLFkwY280SN32Emq1ARDUGZ0uH996sA0jWZUK0/s1600/CavemanClarke+trail+running+mag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHGdIYwHcVvy2DeYctp_mcDiJYvcuc7MF7FZ-F9k82xOvY7RmHPAstrFrrCxWoMcz8omh7NC6VFzFSTaJoVbyg6CFiTpbFDWO9xHp_PLFkwY280SN32Emq1ARDUGZ0uH996sA0jWZUK0/s400/CavemanClarke+trail+running+mag.JPG" title="CavemanClarke trail running mag" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke trail running </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to an article in this months Trail Running magazine, UK, distance runners have historically been selected as better mates over their lesser-mileage counterparts. Something to do with high testosterone, high sperm count and a healthy sex-drive and distance runners were selected as ideal mates to hunt and breed. On top of this, generosity and intelligence were also mentioned as qualities of distance runners.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although I certainly don't want to dismiss this statement, I have yet to find myself fighting off the hoards of female fellow runners chasing me down the trails and often find myself chasing much faster female runners at events and races. Still, when I am struggling away on a cold rainy day, it certainly gives me something to hope for and giggle about. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and if this is so true, why does my wife give me the look of disapproval every time I tell her I'm heading out for a long training session?!?!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I will stick to running whatever the outcome of attractiveness, but it's a comforting bonus!</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-88224812008850180932015-01-19T19:00:00.000+00:002015-01-19T19:08:05.952+00:00CavemanClarke in this months Trail Running Magazine, UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicKlmx3uURd3G4gKXX8q6ReVm7WVFXCYmYNtHMBdcbcbwxDwR9pGbPMOb7JxjgBqWQRacFKlMc9LZ3Fw0ibTfIBmg_GjEtbBiWU_rqsAcKr2FaGu5c1FdCwVITTezhEYA8tYhNMl7dqI/s1600/CavemanClarke+trail+running+article.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicKlmx3uURd3G4gKXX8q6ReVm7WVFXCYmYNtHMBdcbcbwxDwR9pGbPMOb7JxjgBqWQRacFKlMc9LZ3Fw0ibTfIBmg_GjEtbBiWU_rqsAcKr2FaGu5c1FdCwVITTezhEYA8tYhNMl7dqI/s1600/CavemanClarke+trail+running+article.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thrilled to say that I have an article about choosing your first pair of trail running shoes in the current edition of <i>Trail Running</i> magazine; the heart of everything you need to know about trail running here in the UK and across the globe. I have read <i>Trail Running</i> pretty much since it first came out a few years ago, and it has often inspired my trail running journey and helped with many tips and tricks along the way. If you need a little inspirational 'kick-up-the-butt' on cold winter days, want to know the latest news and updates on your favourite runners or long to improve your own skills and fitness, this magazine won't disappoint!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiYuswpt1rSGYSA4E3BBg8yyI1GVBrNh806FU6WGkrsGiIBY14v_iDBRbxrUoTcxLTIGixcPWmQo7C-Grhtkmo0g_RDT7zaCvH12ADtua5XpKjJR-UYCqZMunXRYV7zUtyOBZS7cO59M/s1600/CavemanClarke+Trail+running+mag+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiYuswpt1rSGYSA4E3BBg8yyI1GVBrNh806FU6WGkrsGiIBY14v_iDBRbxrUoTcxLTIGixcPWmQo7C-Grhtkmo0g_RDT7zaCvH12ADtua5XpKjJR-UYCqZMunXRYV7zUtyOBZS7cO59M/s1600/CavemanClarke+Trail+running+mag+pic.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Grab the latest issue to keep up to date with what's hot in the world of trail running and see if you can spot me on your coffee break or evening at home! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4ivJf2dG5fVztwPSy3ma1SY1JVsrP4BJZ_N33steU5RKh80NXyvc6xyCfxQ-3awbRhe6j9I0rqrhddy8Jtjoa41xAMH8EVYeqC6jTEqpF6XD8tEII69PgV5-P3VK9Khm9uYjRw6-f9U/s1600/trail+running+mag+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4ivJf2dG5fVztwPSy3ma1SY1JVsrP4BJZ_N33steU5RKh80NXyvc6xyCfxQ-3awbRhe6j9I0rqrhddy8Jtjoa41xAMH8EVYeqC6jTEqpF6XD8tEII69PgV5-P3VK9Khm9uYjRw6-f9U/s1600/trail+running+mag+cover.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-48670620468834519192015-01-01T22:22:00.000+00:002015-01-01T22:22:16.320+00:00Prioritise for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHzGsZo8GZqyxWN2BX4_4xWeHGQb4gV1Rjq9_k1Dh97RzylWubCOueP24SkfU248hGrcaj2ti_ACKVns8mJbLIqMZ7KkinHk42pqGNnJ2a45ns_eIdjm_ueKovvWCasSt8w-O47rdJc/s1600/Mam+Tor+Trail+running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtHzGsZo8GZqyxWN2BX4_4xWeHGQb4gV1Rjq9_k1Dh97RzylWubCOueP24SkfU248hGrcaj2ti_ACKVns8mJbLIqMZ7KkinHk42pqGNnJ2a45ns_eIdjm_ueKovvWCasSt8w-O47rdJc/s1600/Mam+Tor+Trail+running.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new year has arrived and with it many of us will be turning to running to help change and transform our lives in 2015. You may want to run a marathon, lose weight or replace bad habits such as smoking or drinking with something more constructive and healthy. Whatever your reasons for promising to yourself and others that running is going to be a big part of your life in the year to come you need to take into consideration the art of prioritisation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running helps a lot of people in a lot of different ways. Whether it is your hour of freedom in a busy day or an escape for a tired mind suffering from mental ill health, running has helped transform many peoples lives. However, at the opposite end of the scale running can become a drug, an obsession and a hindrance in some peoples lives. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past few months I have learnt the art of prioritisation. Sadly, life has thrown a few blows my way. A persistent ankle injury and chest infection, work issues and daily hospital visits after my Dad was taken very ill a few weeks ago has meant that running has been forced to take a back seat for the past few months. In fact, today I went on my first run in 6 weeks! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh0xOCBDWzJ8GVnGVw0Au3lmf-qwh7el99m-PwGm3wwO6bDsCqYpD9Sxi_cdJKZXpzQzuKr_sKRpmYzPyhnmR99ib7angaxb0nTgus6leZSfuGHFQ-srYkxKtVvBvl5k1UPdvUc6foak/s1600/Sports+massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh0xOCBDWzJ8GVnGVw0Au3lmf-qwh7el99m-PwGm3wwO6bDsCqYpD9Sxi_cdJKZXpzQzuKr_sKRpmYzPyhnmR99ib7angaxb0nTgus6leZSfuGHFQ-srYkxKtVvBvl5k1UPdvUc6foak/s1600/Sports+massage.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first it left me feeling anxious and down as I had to accept that some of my goals for the year where not going to be achieved. What have I learnt? Running is not everything! Yes it is great fun, a release, escape and the closest to freedom many of us experience, but it is not the most important thing in life; not by a long way. It is a fantastic tool that helps many different people deal with a whole host of difficult situations, but it must remain in its correct place; a tool to use in appropriate times. We all need a kick up the butt to help us get out on rainy, cold days, but sometimes staying at home, seeing a family member or friend in need or getting an early night will do you more good. Sometimes your body needs a rest, your time and energy are needed elsewhere and life throws something at you that knocks you out and prevents you from doing what you love to do. Learn to accept and prioritise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2015 I am going to run when and how far I want, when it is appropriate. I am learning the art of prioritisation. If time and energy allows, I'm out there! I am going to work towards my goals and love every minute of it. But if my time and attention is needed elsewhere, I am not going to let it bother me or make me cross. I am not going to let running be my drug that I must have in order to enjoy a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpxZhpk-VMNXjnhbbVg_SC7cpwKkC7OZqroGaW5J4caLfm9LjafOk-L7XuLWcsALnU848087fIk2pFSXyYkV6iKM206w0vKIO0_OuG1gTQCmHcfuVVwwp_N_JUgtb3wrJl2mAGAtmN_M/s1600/jacobs+ladder+trail+running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpxZhpk-VMNXjnhbbVg_SC7cpwKkC7OZqroGaW5J4caLfm9LjafOk-L7XuLWcsALnU848087fIk2pFSXyYkV6iKM206w0vKIO0_OuG1gTQCmHcfuVVwwp_N_JUgtb3wrJl2mAGAtmN_M/s1600/jacobs+ladder+trail+running.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span>Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-19953933291545197802014-12-04T17:14:00.000+00:002014-12-07T17:47:31.363+00:00Top Trail Running Christmas Presents 2014<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas is approaching fast, and lots of you with trail running friends and family will be wondering what will bring a huge smile to the face of your loved one when they open it up on Christmas day. Some of you who regularly trail run may also be wondering what to ask for to further your ever-growing kit list and shoe collection. So, to help you all out, below is a compilation of some great gift ideas to meet the needs of any serious trail runner. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>***Stocking fillers***</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Smartwool PhD Run Light Socks:</span></b> </u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the winter it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold and wet. Get feet into a decent quality pair of merino wool socks, which retain around 80% of their warmth even when wet, and it makes for a much more comfortable and enjoyable run. No one likes cold feet!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdPxC8y6myScypUnrNDCy-DZxYd6rWe4e3XUBVpWGb3U6sO2FknLORF4I5ct50lcXD7rrFmTOgq1A7O5_bCnICx-tVoDH841z_dHfyEI8cGscSvATVwh1Lr877xcVJMU9Jl0qEcgR2Yk/s1600/Smartwool+PhD+Run+Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdPxC8y6myScypUnrNDCy-DZxYd6rWe4e3XUBVpWGb3U6sO2FknLORF4I5ct50lcXD7rrFmTOgq1A7O5_bCnICx-tVoDH841z_dHfyEI8cGscSvATVwh1Lr877xcVJMU9Jl0qEcgR2Yk/s1600/Smartwool+PhD+Run+Light.jpg" height="400" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Energy food and bars:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make sure no one is running on empty this Christmas. With a huge selection of high-energy natural foods, energy cakes and sports-specific bars and gels there is an endless list to choose from. Natural foods such as dried fruit and nuts are cheaper and probably better for your overall health, but sports specific products offer a convenient way to get the recommended energy, protein and electrolytes needed with the demands of high-intensity exercise.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFy5uFeHPUO2e66yc5GNzrhZClivRijDTF9aSoOT01apoeG0f6FfzIw8wHsFZZ7RcEA8S5ZOcmwI086IZPSLggkAKIL-3NvujIuHlv4ZHRhOsG5KzTF7NqNMIba0918ZdF0vEfbMrdPQ/s1600/Trail+running+energy+bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFy5uFeHPUO2e66yc5GNzrhZClivRijDTF9aSoOT01apoeG0f6FfzIw8wHsFZZ7RcEA8S5ZOcmwI086IZPSLggkAKIL-3NvujIuHlv4ZHRhOsG5KzTF7NqNMIba0918ZdF0vEfbMrdPQ/s1600/Trail+running+energy+bars.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Wild Running book:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give a gift of inspiration this Christmas with the recently released 'Wild Running' book by husband and wife running duo Jen and Sim Benson. Offering 150 amazing routes of varying distances all over the UK to meet your every running need, this book could lead to new and exciting running adventures of discovery.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBRB2Wf4Lx-csQAjQGU2hdeJ5sxDc5DS_o_R7ePzcxlk3tWsrjKyiF7SndOSC3u4JDMdewE_VXa-dQGkvVAIlLDRbMsBsxvkkm55UHhwmqklRKPzAp_ft5dSrid8axnNjkolb1xYqFjo/s1600/Wild+running+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBRB2Wf4Lx-csQAjQGU2hdeJ5sxDc5DS_o_R7ePzcxlk3tWsrjKyiF7SndOSC3u4JDMdewE_VXa-dQGkvVAIlLDRbMsBsxvkkm55UHhwmqklRKPzAp_ft5dSrid8axnNjkolb1xYqFjo/s1600/Wild+running+book.jpg" height="400" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">***Under the Tree***</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Salomon Fellraiser:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This shoe has proved its worth. Its won the World Trail Running Championships on the feet of Ricky Lightfoot, won multiple awards and recommendations from running and outdoor publications across the globe and seen many an everyday runner successfully complete their trail and fell running goals. This is a workhorse with a monster grip, and all this for an RRP of just £85! If wet and muddy trail and fell running is on the cards, and your looking for a durable shoe to see a runner through the winter training and racing season, then these are a must.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IvNy-E0HM5NtQqew1ggVD_YuTGzHyBXqzEmMvCwvI_UqsrOxrtQgOliFD1QaBjtF4Js-d6wOLsMw4Nqb7lDice_Tl9EdTgGYzai2yV_ZvLzO4PhoYa2aWPiIDQHcJl5G-Oh8Egk801Y/s1600/Salomon+Fellraiser.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IvNy-E0HM5NtQqew1ggVD_YuTGzHyBXqzEmMvCwvI_UqsrOxrtQgOliFD1QaBjtF4Js-d6wOLsMw4Nqb7lDice_Tl9EdTgGYzai2yV_ZvLzO4PhoYa2aWPiIDQHcJl5G-Oh8Egk801Y/s1600/Salomon+Fellraiser.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Merrell Bare Access Trail:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the weather isn't too nasty, and the trails ahead are long and hard, the Bare Access Trail is a fantastic choice to see you comfortably through to the end. With slightly more cushioning than some 'natural motion' trail shoes and a grip best suited to harder, dryer terrain, these little gems will suit the longer distance runner looking for a shoe to cover a variety of different trails. <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/merrell-bare-access-trail-review.html" target="_blank">Read a review here!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq5GVNlv4-eCCxHvl2DRXsGgBC-V8M04peBksrwRUivZMQ5SMx7z7Urx6jvelD4s2hgwRw3MYa23JCgadtYCxLsJRdhRO71aAgJ-ULHCFmRtCD6uvQnS4dg5SvXspEV7jIhGFMBfoxho/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMq5GVNlv4-eCCxHvl2DRXsGgBC-V8M04peBksrwRUivZMQ5SMx7z7Urx6jvelD4s2hgwRw3MYa23JCgadtYCxLsJRdhRO71aAgJ-ULHCFmRtCD6uvQnS4dg5SvXspEV7jIhGFMBfoxho/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Sports massage voucher:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the runner banned from the trails due to injury or a need for recovery after a hard training season, a sports massage is a great way to treat the body to a well-earned rest and MOT. Have a look locally for recommended sports-specific massage and treatment centres and get a session or two booked in to speed up recovery and get back to the trails.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh441hpx3esXZAnOiIRCGmqhin1VUzcX_NSSpMgDhDhZKKm8c1jCTXoDPzF6PGP3GwM_i4Y1-jvpAEZw0fCunPFAWAPkJkIcL6u1FTv0SjsTxqzJgPvjP-k4LLi1AdR4YSRxgKMqTeffsc/s1600/Sports+massage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh441hpx3esXZAnOiIRCGmqhin1VUzcX_NSSpMgDhDhZKKm8c1jCTXoDPzF6PGP3GwM_i4Y1-jvpAEZw0fCunPFAWAPkJkIcL6u1FTv0SjsTxqzJgPvjP-k4LLi1AdR4YSRxgKMqTeffsc/s1600/Sports+massage.jpg" height="400" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="358" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***Luxury item***</span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Suunto Ambit 2R GPS Running Watch:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those wanting a reliable and stylish way to monitor their runs, routes, distances, splits and much more, the Suunto Ambit range is ideal. The Ambit 2R is a run-specific model, saving you weight and money over the standard Ambits. With 8-25 hour battery life (depending on GPS setting), full route navigation and planning you will never get lost again...hopefully. After your run, connect it to your PC and download seemingly unending run statistics and data to keep on top of your training and PB's.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HKpowvOXnVKFpzpVTTH96V_Cf62_dAtfyCOfP9tA786LdwRmigfnhFBB8ZLfdTDbXwAVGpAOaTGnc_jn92izo3PMDjU6eIohEetm0nSxvOTLjPIxJHP2OFWlGeahvkck4vkOPtzrYV8/s1600/Suunto+Ambit+2R.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HKpowvOXnVKFpzpVTTH96V_Cf62_dAtfyCOfP9tA786LdwRmigfnhFBB8ZLfdTDbXwAVGpAOaTGnc_jn92izo3PMDjU6eIohEetm0nSxvOTLjPIxJHP2OFWlGeahvkck4vkOPtzrYV8/s1600/Suunto+Ambit+2R.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any runner serious about perfecting their technique and form should invest in a pair of FiveFingers and get the hang of natural running. The Spyridon MR are ideal for trail and fell runners due to the improved off-road grip and rock-protection plate. Extremely durable and childishly fun to run in (once you get the hang of it) these should be with you for many fun times to come. <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-mr-review.html" target="_blank">Read a review here!</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJEiXif_Ge-ngoeR_ds1NZwFYOvibFsM581Tgj-VwRebBrpcXV4FfxC6Z5jDmpkWR4jyRPf8uuGt1TBSQyswFgI5olrxY0yqX-eRKREvwC7XtkCv_TgyMWQp16EqU3XTCKdC-IFK5x98/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJEiXif_Ge-ngoeR_ds1NZwFYOvibFsM581Tgj-VwRebBrpcXV4FfxC6Z5jDmpkWR4jyRPf8uuGt1TBSQyswFgI5olrxY0yqX-eRKREvwC7XtkCv_TgyMWQp16EqU3XTCKdC-IFK5x98/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Windproof jackets are a definite in British winter weather. In fact, at times they are a must even in the summer months! Never get caught by a chilly breeze again but remain well ventilated and breathable with the new Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket. Magnetic closures around the neck allow the jacket to be worn with the front zip undone for better breathability and laser-cut holes in all the right places act like a racing car engine cooling system to enable you to run at your best in bad weather. <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/salomon-s-lab-light-jacket-review.html" target="_blank">Read a review here!</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsy6LQJINQwIcBmHCZXtzKPzf9z6qkPkhk1NT_j65BZJYulnqqdrJE9eYOfyz1mtIUFmSDg4zamyAqNnve2JfxyvBxCAdVNlCJ4eSCunKmFxY3eMavmmNG0tYCVw_RbkbkOoyKnGcLU8/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsy6LQJINQwIcBmHCZXtzKPzf9z6qkPkhk1NT_j65BZJYulnqqdrJE9eYOfyz1mtIUFmSDg4zamyAqNnve2JfxyvBxCAdVNlCJ4eSCunKmFxY3eMavmmNG0tYCVw_RbkbkOoyKnGcLU8/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+2014.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Christmas presents" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-57164919703033024682014-11-10T23:23:00.000+00:002014-11-10T23:37:42.891+00:00Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 3 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdmdbkkraCerPMzQVshXVq86YbBn0dpgOIl_B080bUe0x1Nm7HQPT1ViRtUVoSG2lluB2mwtpPZ_m0UCJZz6XDo0nNQtt9vOV4wxPKgtjkJp07pbfjeVxxMDZK9Rl_bLlWHnsgojIx4w/s1600/photo+4+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt9He7JH0niELzhtHaqzKjVwNb9QysDhkNoNaqdasbTHRGENycu-wq4FTND_TlXegdfW5yE6-5fc9m6vqOUddTz-cwbzf4GJgITzAoz7OwRwVhHn1TQm2bv9TC4u5CuzOGvgu5cuN32M/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyt9He7JH0niELzhtHaqzKjVwNb9QysDhkNoNaqdasbTHRGENycu-wq4FTND_TlXegdfW5yE6-5fc9m6vqOUddTz-cwbzf4GJgITzAoz7OwRwVhHn1TQm2bv9TC4u5CuzOGvgu5cuN32M/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+3.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Salomon S-Lab Fellcross is now in its third generation with the release of the aptly named Fellcross 3. Time really does fly, and so will you when you have these on your feet!!! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am always a little concerned when a new version of an already fantastic trail and fell shoe is released. I still use the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a> and am as happy with them today as I was when I first put them on my feet over a year ago now. So, what if they change something I already love in the newer model? There are certainly quite a few major changes in the new Fellcross 3, so lets take a deeper look.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></b><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Fellcross through the ages</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wluYRb8min2CR7ADs-NFeNfeHfVphTudZHHbYIpK7wFlDqn7fomrMEe2SXincB6BOZgsnN6jkNPXMfxalxJBbtUNHkYRQNqRBZvegfxID4O2KgYYO5y4tMm3Ky6tvPw-djfVLAKRFT8/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+1+2+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wluYRb8min2CR7ADs-NFeNfeHfVphTudZHHbYIpK7wFlDqn7fomrMEe2SXincB6BOZgsnN6jkNPXMfxalxJBbtUNHkYRQNqRBZvegfxID4O2KgYYO5y4tMm3Ky6tvPw-djfVLAKRFT8/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+1+2+3.JPG" height="400" title="Salomon Fellcross range" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the release of the original, the Fellcross have been a shoe of choice for many fell and trail runners looking for something low, light and grippy. Capable of ripping up any wet, muddy terrain, every edition in the Fellcross range has performed amazingly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What changes have we seen?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The design has changed somewhat through the three editions, but where the real changes can be seen is in the improvements in durability and feel. The sole unit in the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a> was the biggest improvement from the original <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-1-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 1</a>, giving greater surety across all terrains and an improved durability of the lugs. Moving from the Fellcross 2 to the latest in the line-up, the Fellcross 3 is still sporting the same Chevron lug pattern, but has seen the addition of the EndoFit sock-liner along with a drastic change in the upper materials which now use a denser, tighter weave mesh material to improve the water resistance and durability. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fellcross 3 sees the use of bonding and welding to almost eliminate the use of seams and stitches seen in far greater numbers on the previous models.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Also, the last has been narrowed to give a more secure hold on the foot and the rand is now a continuous band incorporating the toe bumper, side walls and structure to hold the heel in place.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnBBBggNT7hEjC7QUg3mkAA7-ymKIIxdSxTyZCRjd-6xw_1hbbvxEJgiLvbC8CJ4sLMZGSsCeWk3TfMQHAQ-l3NFHZrGi3-rMrDaWNVfjkz2sq6xrQwLqYWzY_zkj23zIEoh4btjubgc/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnBBBggNT7hEjC7QUg3mkAA7-ymKIIxdSxTyZCRjd-6xw_1hbbvxEJgiLvbC8CJ4sLMZGSsCeWk3TfMQHAQ-l3NFHZrGi3-rMrDaWNVfjkz2sq6xrQwLqYWzY_zkj23zIEoh4btjubgc/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3+review.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What is the Fellcross 3 designed for?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply put, the Fellcross is for wet, muddy and slippery fell conditions as opposed to general trails or paths. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salomon themselves state it is for athletes wanting to perform at top level in 'mucky conditions'. If steep ascents, descents and traversing grassy hills and mountains is your aim then t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he new-look and updated Fellcross 3, with improved foothold and lower wet weight will likely become your new best friend. Judging by the new design, they are also ensuring you look good while you do it too, which is always a welcome bonus!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPzg76-2ATyPjnDaSmJc7sRS9I3aO07kKqR4eFTSHqkowk8fKUvl2eWecmNuDTOgAnhFJhK9EU3OQXb94XHJiuAyRLDg9skBytbm3RXURhsODjBBgkkkhabmzUk_FANQCKTP4ozgMZQo/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+3+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPzg76-2ATyPjnDaSmJc7sRS9I3aO07kKqR4eFTSHqkowk8fKUvl2eWecmNuDTOgAnhFJhK9EU3OQXb94XHJiuAyRLDg9skBytbm3RXURhsODjBBgkkkhabmzUk_FANQCKTP4ozgMZQo/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Fellcross+3+review.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Technologies, Facts and Figures</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seamless Sensi-Fit construction</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EndoFit Sockliner </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tight mesh uppers improve water resistance and durability</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salomon Quicklace system and lace pocket</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tongue cover and TPU protective toe cap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low profile 4mm differential (9mm heel, 5mm forefoot)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fell running last</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contagrip M&S chevron patterned grip/sole unit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compressed, moulded EVA</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ortholite foot bed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low weight (just a tad under 300g for my UK10.5)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36dTyyHHrTk8MYBuGsj52pbY0rFqAMc89S6AaZfRb4_zHRVbot-QIZhjJYpNYfEBUBWTbrzEMYK5UmJlx1LozM6i-ef1w14qnYteAGgN0vbIumk_zcGfushvX0ASyIoQ1lusr5aBXJHs/s1600/photo+4+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeMM9eJWx6cK-i8VY7bWchIFHI2ngqKTUP-mF8tWfm3w6-WsQDY3H_Dx2FjBFBptG6TkAklQWa_-5Cgc93LLi1XeCe5CknwDcxUXbiaF_1zTw2mU3avhbCExs4oBoQLAVNAZVJ7RDSvM/s1600/Fellcross+3+Salomon+S-Lab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSeMM9eJWx6cK-i8VY7bWchIFHI2ngqKTUP-mF8tWfm3w6-WsQDY3H_Dx2FjBFBptG6TkAklQWa_-5Cgc93LLi1XeCe5CknwDcxUXbiaF_1zTw2mU3avhbCExs4oBoQLAVNAZVJ7RDSvM/s1600/Fellcross+3+Salomon+S-Lab.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>What you need from a fell shoe: Performance!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets jump straight to the point, Salomon have made the Fellcross 3 with a few main pointers in mind:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foothold</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grip (in muddy, wet conditions)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low to the ground</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lower wet weight</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has helped them to create an absolute monster for the wet days out training and racing in the fells. With very unstable soft ground you need a shoe that securely holds your foot in place and provides plenty of grip. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the inevitable encounter of water on the fells, whether it be due to long, wet grass or stream crossings and puddles, the shoe also needs to hold as little water as possible to reduce the weight increase of the shoe when it becomes wet, and allow whatever water that does get into the shoe to drain out quickly. I can honestly and safely say that the Felcross 3 offers all the aforementioned without any doubt. The performance of this shoe is incredible. You must remember that the Fellcross 3 is a pure out-and-out fell shoe, and therefore not really suitable for general trail use. The lugs grip with perfection in soft conditions, grip well on loose trails and give a reasonable level of grip on rock and hard-packed trail. Where they are definitely not at home is on any paths, tarmac or road! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyJTvvMb4Aq8FW2yDbcWIbm13YntoPhtxZQQp-qpD1w6ZCzl5S9wwNiPuRDIQz83Zwbl6TOGTauYpt-x_BIiu82oidBZyanYADe1FRC5l5DGOKyhdaDP1bK8GJldN1_XYSzMQWmpJpOY/s1600/Fellcross+3+shoe+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyJTvvMb4Aq8FW2yDbcWIbm13YntoPhtxZQQp-qpD1w6ZCzl5S9wwNiPuRDIQz83Zwbl6TOGTauYpt-x_BIiu82oidBZyanYADe1FRC5l5DGOKyhdaDP1bK8GJldN1_XYSzMQWmpJpOY/s1600/Fellcross+3+shoe+review.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The only drawback...maybe?!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, with these changes that make the new Fellcross 3 a securely fitted fell shoe capable of tearing into any soft terrain you decide to venture across, comes some possible drawbacks for some users. If you regularly run off trail in the wet stuff, have narrow feet and don't mind the feel of a narrow fell last, then you may as well skip this part of the review and head online or to your nearest Salomon retailer and grab yourself a pair; you won't be disappointed. If, however, like me, you have wider feet and prefer the feel of a wider fitting trail shoe then you may prefer the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG</a>; an incredibly capable trail and fell shoe for the muddier and wetter runs but with a wider, more natural-feeling fit.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy6cZd_U9QqRz74wlaCFvMKeX1zyNjk1I8u_w_xrEVFZbb_FeSVH0a-mmBrepQUJ3U1sTptQMVvhCNN9UnC0q820iFuKr1EfxAXrLdYC1ez2QLdlNBYwxJ6Hw_F0F6skEHnfjEqxuCTk/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3+shoe+review.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjy6cZd_U9QqRz74wlaCFvMKeX1zyNjk1I8u_w_xrEVFZbb_FeSVH0a-mmBrepQUJ3U1sTptQMVvhCNN9UnC0q820iFuKr1EfxAXrLdYC1ez2QLdlNBYwxJ6Hw_F0F6skEHnfjEqxuCTk/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3+shoe+review.JPG" height="400" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Other things you should know...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with any Salomon S-Lab product, quality is not an issue. These are a premium fell shoe for people wanting to get the best results from their running and need a light, low and grippy shoe to keep them on their feet and off their backside the entire route! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The incredible Chevron sole unit, SensiFit, EndoFit and quicklace technologies work perfectly in unison to hold the foot in place both on the ground and in the shoe to give a level of confidence unheard of in many other trail and fell running shoes. This really is a shoe for winning, and although I feel just like a Salomon athlete when I head out wearing them, you really have to push yourself to the limit in the worst of conditions to see these beasts perform at their best.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33o3JO3Yu-_haoMpWMeEJ1qV1Srh_ReKzZ4JQAzwT4KvF2Go2BwP1EWgP8vidVS8vGsiJqij5cW8oaQnhX8ehGemRXMxkpQuinUaM3tVHPMZlpcjTFLNHv2S0S9Tax8jvDvD67Ldkl68/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33o3JO3Yu-_haoMpWMeEJ1qV1Srh_ReKzZ4JQAzwT4KvF2Go2BwP1EWgP8vidVS8vGsiJqij5cW8oaQnhX8ehGemRXMxkpQuinUaM3tVHPMZlpcjTFLNHv2S0S9Tax8jvDvD67Ldkl68/s1600/Salomon+Fellcross+3.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Fellcross 3" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are looking for a low, light and seriously grippy fell running shoe to ensure you stay on your feet in the fastest and wettest of conditions, then the Fellcross 3 is well worth a try. With its narrow fell last and secure feel, it may not be the best option for anyone with very wide feet or a need for extreme comfort. If you, like me, are one of these people, I would try the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Sense 3 Ultra SG</a> for a more comfy ride. But for those of you at home with a traditional fell last and feel, these animals will take you from one end of a training run or race to the other, through whatever harsh fell conditions you can throw at them, and leave you feeling more than capable of pushing yourself to your limits whilst letting the shoes do the rest for you. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This shoe is for you...</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You regularly run in the fells and wet, very muddy conditions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You need a fell running shoe with amazing grip for wet, muddy conditions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a narrow foot or like the narrow fell last</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quality and durability is important to you, and you want the very best in its field</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You want a low differential and un-cushioned fell shoe to keep you firmly planted</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lightweight shoe is important to you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't mind spending a bit more to get a premium product</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This shoe is not for you...</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You mainly run on trails that are not always muddy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a very wide foot or don't like the feel of a narrow fell last</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a limited budget and a nagging wife/husband/mother etc</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To get yourself into a pair of these, visit <a href="http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/s-lab-fellcross-3.html" target="_blank">Salomon's Website</a>. As usual, any comments, questions or queries please feel free to leave them in the comments section below!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-36846164629230514642014-11-03T13:38:00.002+00:002014-11-03T13:38:22.728+00:00THERA°PEARL Sports Pack: Reusable Hot and Cold Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjYYxEAcpNzdlVkcF6d2BMm0FzfDEVI6j6Ow-Y7jY_PwwlfmGTioosnbibSZ8-nO7zqUtJgwsjmsUj0B-PBgY7WdxfG2W7fYBdgGY-okSiws66vWmTF5wmw4ZsMuG8geA5exXCSHRwck/s1600/Therapearl+sports+pack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjYYxEAcpNzdlVkcF6d2BMm0FzfDEVI6j6Ow-Y7jY_PwwlfmGTioosnbibSZ8-nO7zqUtJgwsjmsUj0B-PBgY7WdxfG2W7fYBdgGY-okSiws66vWmTF5wmw4ZsMuG8geA5exXCSHRwck/s1600/Therapearl+sports+pack.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of us who love to get outdoors and explore new places, train for great feats of physical endurance or race in beautiful places across the globe, it is a sad reality that our fallible bodies will, at some point, get injured and require some love and attention. It is an occupational hazard, so to speak. At these times, hot or cold therapy can really help to reduce swelling, alleviate pain and speed up recovery. Traditional methods of using frozen peas, hot water bottles and buckets of ice-cold or hot water can often be inconvenient, messy and time consuming. If only there was a way to avoid soaking the floor, defrosting your peas, searching for that hot water bottle or clearing up wet towels and puddles on the floor.....enter the new <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL reusable hot and cold therapy Sports Pack.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTPAjpDe2GAk_c8K6ODOlbxCXsGpyAO7ks86e8GOZYHPfKtog8erwg9Xi-8_rVpO7Cy834f5Jhz9fxsQ5LT4isn9lRkqEnmLKVrmw9CoQeXR2j2K2D_JyXlIKMov9yi0sp43Iyd6CKM0/s1600/Therapearl+hot+and+cold+therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTPAjpDe2GAk_c8K6ODOlbxCXsGpyAO7ks86e8GOZYHPfKtog8erwg9Xi-8_rVpO7Cy834f5Jhz9fxsQ5LT4isn9lRkqEnmLKVrmw9CoQeXR2j2K2D_JyXlIKMov9yi0sp43Iyd6CKM0/s1600/Therapearl+hot+and+cold+therapy.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL?</span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px; text-align: start;">THERA°PEARL is a new drug-free, non-toxic way to treat a variety of ailments including sore muscles, swelling and inflammation, arthritis, sports injuries, aches, pains, stiffness and more. Designed by a doctor who was fed up with asking their patients to reach for the frozen peas or fiddle with potentially dangerous hot water bottles full of scolding hot water, the fully reusable range of </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL products bring a 'new degree of relief' time and time again, whenever needed. The small packs are full of small, soft pearl-like beads. This Pearl Technology is an innovative way of administering both hot and cold therapy (but not at the same time of course!). Simply put the pack in the freezer for a couple of hours, or slip it in the microwave for under a minute, and there you have the doctor-recommended 20 minutes of hot or cold treatment. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-weH6it7ejNWhBld89q3U2wyuat3FbKsKlzbyjBat8PDNWplGIi6UxoTljt3RpT-fSzxiLKDbtOS9L7-nHzxHdch3GiRNOB-9dX7mxACn73VFyx5ryO-qrDKty6NloVFNJNJFDTaKjg/s1600/Therapearl+sports+pack+therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-weH6it7ejNWhBld89q3U2wyuat3FbKsKlzbyjBat8PDNWplGIi6UxoTljt3RpT-fSzxiLKDbtOS9L7-nHzxHdch3GiRNOB-9dX7mxACn73VFyx5ryO-qrDKty6NloVFNJNJFDTaKjg/s1600/Therapearl+sports+pack+therapy.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sports Pack</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THERA°PEARL comes in a variety of different forms, but the product I have been testing is the Sports Pack, which comes in at 19.1x11.4cm in size. This makes it ideal to put in your kit bag or take with you to races and events (as long as you can get near a freezer or microwave). Due to the nature of the Pearls, the pack conforms to the shape of your body even when its been in the freezer. This is ideal for use around your neck or over your shoulder. It also means you can wrap it around a smaller part of your body such as ankles, wrists, elbows or fingers. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot or Cold?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply put, start with cold therapy at the immediate time of injury to reduce swelling and inflammation, and switch to heat a few days later, once swelling has reduced, to relieve pain and speed up healing by increasing blood flow. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benefits of Cold Therapy</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reduces inflammation and bleeding by restricting blood flow</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reduce pain and spasm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decrease metabolic rate of cells, reducing cell death and long-term damage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can therefore help reduce long-term recovery time if used soon enough</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benefits of Heat Therapy</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increases circulation to the area</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increased blood flow means more nutrients for healing and recovery</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relaxes muscles and improves range of motion/ease of movement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speeds up recovery and healing</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauH0NiD6LzehMfh_i5Y7khodJak1sbUabe6DOUeN-vFzbLC07fSBtAjhC_awlLJhF2NudLq4jj89Hs2OBoc_Qv0h28LpBl_d_q0G-N9FrkiNkM_1sydtUW1LTilYXhoMaAX0bDTb2Rj0/s1600/Therapearl+sports+injury+therapy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauH0NiD6LzehMfh_i5Y7khodJak1sbUabe6DOUeN-vFzbLC07fSBtAjhC_awlLJhF2NudLq4jj89Hs2OBoc_Qv0h28LpBl_d_q0G-N9FrkiNkM_1sydtUW1LTilYXhoMaAX0bDTb2Rj0/s1600/Therapearl+sports+injury+therapy.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">My thoughts on the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL Sports Pack</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">I have been really impressed with this new approach to injury treatment. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">Being a real fan of minimalism, i</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">t is the simplicity I like the most. It is one product that does two jobs, staying with you from the immediate time of injury through to complete recovery (hopefully!). No more faffing around with wet, melting ice-packs, frozen vegetables or horrid smelling 'magic' sprays. No more searching out your old hot water bottle and trying not to scold yourself filling it up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">The product looks amazing and still intrigues me with its beautiful looking Pearl-beads that move with great fluidity inside the pack, conforming perfectly to the contours of your body, safely and effectively delivering the hot or cold therapy that your tired, injured body so needs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><b>A couple of other useful tips:</b> I have also found this product an excellent companion for long-term sports injuries and niggles. I have often stuck it in the microwave to deliver soothing heat to stiff, sore joints and muscles to improve blood flow and promote healing to the area. And for those blessed months when injuries are no where to be seen, it doubles nicely as a pocket hand-warmer for short walks outdoors, or when sitting for long periods at your computer on colder days. It could even be used as a cool pack for tucking in with your lunch on hotter days I suppose?!. Sweet!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><b>Score and suggested improvements:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">There is a little room for improvement, as n</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">ot everywhere has a microwave.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"> I would like to see a version that can be heated in both the microwave and in boiling water to create an even more versatile treatment method. But w</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">hat an amazing idea that has been well executed in a quality product. I would happily give the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL Sports Pack</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"> a solid <b>9/10</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">To find out more about the full range of products available from </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">THERA°PEARL</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">, <a href="http://www.therapearl.com/" target="_blank">visit the </a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;"><a href="http://www.therapearl.com/" target="_blank">THERA°PEARL website</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Questrial, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.0000019073486px;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-49614616043169145432014-10-29T15:12:00.000+00:002014-10-29T15:27:24.542+00:00Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSCEFjdjkOseiBBW9dSz3XUKsEF1LQfdZuQSftz-TUl94IfwMYxEBBnndQDsRSA6F4OJPkBNL_tzRZfk_otxVx-iVa8Vk8PI1Xkx5No8AZNi-FArGTSuKvghSlXFgaIm0cJaOg3pU-CY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSCEFjdjkOseiBBW9dSz3XUKsEF1LQfdZuQSftz-TUl94IfwMYxEBBnndQDsRSA6F4OJPkBNL_tzRZfk_otxVx-iVa8Vk8PI1Xkx5No8AZNi-FArGTSuKvghSlXFgaIm0cJaOg3pU-CY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nights are pulling in, the days shorter, colder and the sun has faded to a warm glow at best. The wind begins howling through the night and chilly breezes begin challenging the trail runner still braving the summer shorts and t-shirt attire during the day. It is time to change the running wardrobe and bring out the winter gear! For most of us, this will include leggings, mid-layers, hats, gloves and of course, a windproof jacket. For those of you yet to get yourself protected from the wind, or anyone looking to upgrade to something better fitting, more functional and with superb breathability and features, the Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket is a fantastic choice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past few weeks I have taken every windy, wet and blustery opportunity to run in the new S-Lab Light Jacket to bring to you an honest, in-depth review of just what I think of the newly updated and improved windproof running jacket from Salomon.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhjciGj93Vy6rpBFU9TKDovp2k3REWuUwKCnM9_Ie6xmmvQxjJ45JsUthAshm8UbYVpNAUla7D7GK1SWlB3XPXHCjGTdFq-zQ9JhjH5z-rRApapmT2L5GqpdCUApLigCuoyz0okuhpew/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhjciGj93Vy6rpBFU9TKDovp2k3REWuUwKCnM9_Ie6xmmvQxjJ45JsUthAshm8UbYVpNAUla7D7GK1SWlB3XPXHCjGTdFq-zQ9JhjH5z-rRApapmT2L5GqpdCUApLigCuoyz0okuhpew/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDsGVIaekaU2H9bVAA43ZJI7WmrHTOv_CIoMMBL_NfXsqYVnJS-wezV4QrIyAua7EB5B91uS8qYN947tz34QAVeDMn_xkSYnb7QO7npDHnY6-dEunGo_j1VJZ5XHb7gppngjZKH0U1Y/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDsGVIaekaU2H9bVAA43ZJI7WmrHTOv_CIoMMBL_NfXsqYVnJS-wezV4QrIyAua7EB5B91uS8qYN947tz34QAVeDMn_xkSYnb7QO7npDHnY6-dEunGo_j1VJZ5XHb7gppngjZKH0U1Y/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Key Facts and Features</span></strong></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultra light, windproof and packable jacket</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Suitable for racing and training in mild-bad windy, wet conditions </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight: 100g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabric: AdvancedSkin Shield Fabric (stretchy and windproof) EL 10% PA 90%</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fit: Active fit MotionFit engineered technology (new revised cut)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Full front zip</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Magnetic collar stays closed when front zip is opened for ventilation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Laser cut holes for ventilation and breathability</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Extremely packable when not in use</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial;">Elasticated cuffs and bottom hem</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Colours: white, red and black (the staple colours for any Salomon racing fan!)</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vfPtM4o4r8laSS4J5uqKwYeSGrvGGJImE4Ma7zmIY4UoNJIzD0svNGoevUHuAXWfrKs64e7_IxDknWq07RHdhn3oWLuI4BRyX7c7mTyMzzZIYPaM3GsafXVmiFBfgbNyBYrb2Kv9ezA/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vfPtM4o4r8laSS4J5uqKwYeSGrvGGJImE4Ma7zmIY4UoNJIzD0svNGoevUHuAXWfrKs64e7_IxDknWq07RHdhn3oWLuI4BRyX7c7mTyMzzZIYPaM3GsafXVmiFBfgbNyBYrb2Kv9ezA/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+2014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">So what has changed in this years Light Jacket?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At first glance you may think, "Not a lot". But you would be wrong. This autumn/winter has seen some amazing changes to the Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket. Delve a little deeper and you will find a completely re-vamped product with some amazing new features and benefits on offer to the user. Let me enlighten you to a few of the main improvements.....</span><br />
<br />
<strong>Weight:</strong><br />
It is worth mentioning at this point that, unlike most changes seen in top quality racing products, the weight of the new Light Jacket has actually increased by about 30g. I suppose this had to happen at some point, as the way things have been heading over the past few years, give it another few season changes and we would all be running practically naked from head to foot! Product changes are not always about making something lighter, but rather better. I have always stated that a decent piece of kit is determined by how well it performs its task unnoticed to the user, whether it be footwear, clothing or electronics. When it works it just works, and it is only when you start to notice an item of your running kit that you realise something about it just isn't quite right. Salomon work tirelessly with top athletes across the globe to better their products, especially in their racing S-Lab line-up. They understand that athletes need their kit to do the job it is designed to do with maximum efficiency to allow full concentration and effort to be put into the performance on race day. The same applies for training; if your kit works with you it enables the user to get the most from your time training in both performance and enjoyment. This has certainly been the case with the new revised Light Jacket. Although slightly heavier, the new features are definitely worth their weight!</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C_evbWHCivtmqHEeJdCMiTn7EUgsJemaGtEK8ywxV86ucDpU4-u_77hNeXkOfE7ZE1CyRF3TpsJWrUKOoHU8yOLEiJe_kifgWvR7Zld_mhaHr7FkcF6KEYZzB0PSbtzzLgUxqggi55s/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+2014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C_evbWHCivtmqHEeJdCMiTn7EUgsJemaGtEK8ywxV86ucDpU4-u_77hNeXkOfE7ZE1CyRF3TpsJWrUKOoHU8yOLEiJe_kifgWvR7Zld_mhaHr7FkcF6KEYZzB0PSbtzzLgUxqggi55s/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+2014.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Fit and materials:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I cannot separate fit and materials as the two come hand-in-hand to provide a superbly fitted, but comfortable jacket. The previous Light Jacket was a great product with room for improvement when it came to fitting. The new Autumn/Winter 2014 Jacket has incorporated Salomon's new stretchy AdvancedSkin Shield fabric and closer fitting MotionFit engineering technologies with bonded/glued seams to improve both the fit and the freedom of movement at the same time. Combining these technologies has resulted in a jacket that fits closely to the contours of the body, whilst allowing a good degree of stretch in the material and complete freedom of movement when running. You really do not notice the jacket at all whilst moving. The AdvanceSkin fabric, although stretchy, is completely windproof, very breathable and with a small degree of water resistance, although you will get wet if it rains! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj9aHlV2bnAaOiLVCz1WyseR8C0Hw5YrDxs2oJfOnA68jgC4SprjflyyIdWRWNjmu0lYsOke8GgdjORNFc0BADdWjE9DLExJMpKDXwB7iKqJpRlG5WZlloZqY5uhaJ9X4Oem2GydyMYs/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj9aHlV2bnAaOiLVCz1WyseR8C0Hw5YrDxs2oJfOnA68jgC4SprjflyyIdWRWNjmu0lYsOke8GgdjORNFc0BADdWjE9DLExJMpKDXwB7iKqJpRlG5WZlloZqY5uhaJ9X4Oem2GydyMYs/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(6).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Breathability and Ventilation:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The windproof yet breathable fabric completely blocks chilly blasts of wind whilst allowing your skin to breath and not get too sweaty in comparison with older windproof jacket technologies. I absolutely loathe running in waterproofs due to the lack of breathability and the fact that you get wet anyway from the inside-out, so I have always opted for a windproof jacket when the weather turns nasty. I have, however, still been slightly frustrated with the lack of breathability of windproofs, opting only to take it out of my bag in the very worst of weather. When I have run in the new Light Jacket it has been quite the opposite. I opt to start my run wearing the jacket, and only take it off in the very best of weather. How is this possible? Due to the combination of a very breathable material and the cleverly positioned laser-cut holes that improve air-flow and ventilation. It works rather like that of a racing car. Air flows through the inside of the jacket through the holes in the forearms, under the armpits, down the centre of the upper-back and around the kidney area of your lower back. Not only does this allow hot, sweaty air to escape directly out of the holes but also creates a cooling flow of air as you move forward. The resulting effect is possibly the most breathable and ventilated windproof jacket on the market. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JT6Zi2X9wbofMQcAQ7RvqETsHQtlD9aA5P1kZf6mPe3aMGt15iFdJ3SDiiV8a1OSIcbI_5UhjFaQ_a6Bcq0Z9F5j_yrnQcNoF7cnPPE15h25Qef19PIUibNh8Gp_k-FhyrnOV7WR2gM/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JT6Zi2X9wbofMQcAQ7RvqETsHQtlD9aA5P1kZf6mPe3aMGt15iFdJ3SDiiV8a1OSIcbI_5UhjFaQ_a6Bcq0Z9F5j_yrnQcNoF7cnPPE15h25Qef19PIUibNh8Gp_k-FhyrnOV7WR2gM/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(4).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvelIPnFXrTVayWZkCkpn_B7h14ajMB3NpUgM74NzIIWdYGifD2EQ3Cq6-bYQ9IRX_BS-i73fi8HTBM90QiHBLRtmGi07J-2zHJnjJPoWN7eQ1GKcLgI0wyihJEImYYUHqLsSAeO5iPmY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvelIPnFXrTVayWZkCkpn_B7h14ajMB3NpUgM74NzIIWdYGifD2EQ3Cq6-bYQ9IRX_BS-i73fi8HTBM90QiHBLRtmGi07J-2zHJnjJPoWN7eQ1GKcLgI0wyihJEImYYUHqLsSAeO5iPmY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(7).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeLwRhUzbQ6VWHZ82HmA8UiS6V_-WEhwhmfdMLPDaP2Cb59VtXTxAHPpwU1SSGF1uE00pZS7BrjlECFwKUHSK8HQ-nwTdZWACG4GgPkNKnc8SSuK2J9f0XNFvynGGW2saxk0j-b8GXsM/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+vents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeLwRhUzbQ6VWHZ82HmA8UiS6V_-WEhwhmfdMLPDaP2Cb59VtXTxAHPpwU1SSGF1uE00pZS7BrjlECFwKUHSK8HQ-nwTdZWACG4GgPkNKnc8SSuK2J9f0XNFvynGGW2saxk0j-b8GXsM/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+vents.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Magnetic collar closure:</strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">This is possibly the most radical change in the new S-Lab Light Jacket. Three very small magnets are positioned in the collar to allow quick and easy closure and opening of the collar. The reasoning behind the idea is to allow the runner to have the zip of the jacket open to whatever length they prefer to improve ventilation in warmer, less windy moments of the run, whilst still holding the jacket in place via a closed collar. This also prevents the open jacket flapping about when unzipped and aids an easy closure when the weather turns icy again. I personally found this feature to work flawlessly over the time I have tested the jacket, although I do worry a little that in extremely windy conditions that the magnets would struggle to remain closed/stuck together, but this did not happen in testing. One great relief was to discover that due to the closely fitted MotionFit technologies, it minimalised any 'bellowing' in the wind when the magnetic collar was closed but the zip 3/4 down and the wind was blowing strong.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm29jlu4GIOLPTrgYD5zjXMzq8YOdInAB1qc3QTCvkSLMLga86p48gPSSOwZ0BJU9BYk93WDQbdA4hj4-pYP_ERILreyNtdww-U5mOEWA1V6DrJszMmGSBg89EXitKvy-B7RheuPng7U/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm29jlu4GIOLPTrgYD5zjXMzq8YOdInAB1qc3QTCvkSLMLga86p48gPSSOwZ0BJU9BYk93WDQbdA4hj4-pYP_ERILreyNtdww-U5mOEWA1V6DrJszMmGSBg89EXitKvy-B7RheuPng7U/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(9).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s6gMhjD4RwYOk1dvgqbTWddReDe-Pnuy87vXMtpEKP0ZpgptWMT69YaZutaeYxTs7ubtEDvzX08n67iZrt5FkS1p88d40lCDCAtrzebBZDy136PCtqEyOxBZvpMfVMDMpkrvLQNnMGg/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+magnetic+closure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s6gMhjD4RwYOk1dvgqbTWddReDe-Pnuy87vXMtpEKP0ZpgptWMT69YaZutaeYxTs7ubtEDvzX08n67iZrt5FkS1p88d40lCDCAtrzebBZDy136PCtqEyOxBZvpMfVMDMpkrvLQNnMGg/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+magnetic+closure.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>My thoughts on the S-Lab Light Jacket:</strong></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Simply put, the new Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket provides state of the art windproof protection, ventilation and comfort. What you end up with, is a closely fitted but extremely breathable and well ventilated windproof jacket that doesn't flap in the wind, and that allows the runner complete freedom of movement.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It does, however, come with an S-Lab price tag of £130, but it can be found cheaper (see recommendations below as to where to buy). I have had many comfortable and enjoyable runs in the Light Jacket, and if I were in the market for a new windproof, I would certainly be considering this awesome piece of kit from top trail running brand, Salomon. It all comes down to comfort and performance for me, and I have found the S-Lab Light Jacket a perfect companion in bad weather conditions due to increased and improved breathability, fantastic ventilation and runner-specific fit and performance.</span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTWDzJBVaAWzfhpNDWlAarqn_F-Z9Ve3uXpvgleZU4hUcCs8t2mS50jXWnRplX_FIUnUJ8aunCZZkOo15UUjzw6oARIOabLocbCbLkI2US4G5xRNF5d2r55m-5UiB2rQvjnr4sviRPc8/s1600/Running+in+Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFTWDzJBVaAWzfhpNDWlAarqn_F-Z9Ve3uXpvgleZU4hUcCs8t2mS50jXWnRplX_FIUnUJ8aunCZZkOo15UUjzw6oARIOabLocbCbLkI2US4G5xRNF5d2r55m-5UiB2rQvjnr4sviRPc8/s1600/Running+in+Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where can you get hold of one?</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you, like me, would like to get hold of one to keep you protected on those cold</span>, windy winter runs, the full size and colour range are available from </span><a href="http://www.castlebergoutdoors.co.uk/acatalog/salomon-s-lab-light-jacket-m-2014.html#a88887187529686_2dX" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Castleberg Outdoors.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many thanks Castleberg Outdoors for supplying the </span><a href="http://www.castlebergoutdoors.co.uk/acatalog/salomon-s-lab-light-jacket-m-2014.html#a88887187529686_2dX" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salomon S-Lab Light Jacket</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> for testing and reviewing! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cemqDs4egGiHbXD2j3yMoFSnw4oHqx-EBq-Rg72ZK4T-seqT8VC2w9u_jBqKUcAslhyphenhyphenRqG8YIkLyZnRfazg-UlN4hL4h_NqjPpvLjLgMI-n-dBfzyaJdaLBNMHtHQyNg4vQ_TNZsWxM/s1600/Castleberg+Outdoors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cemqDs4egGiHbXD2j3yMoFSnw4oHqx-EBq-Rg72ZK4T-seqT8VC2w9u_jBqKUcAslhyphenhyphenRqG8YIkLyZnRfazg-UlN4hL4h_NqjPpvLjLgMI-n-dBfzyaJdaLBNMHtHQyNg4vQ_TNZsWxM/s1600/Castleberg+Outdoors.png" height="200" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Happy Running everyone,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">CavemanClarke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">More pictures:</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUMRTjX3YH_Nc0oALS0B3-Nq6WZx_g_HCj1u00gSQeBU1Rm6wcSXjhW6oJGK4b9A-OJMQchs3Ig55grWvd7SSFbwTk1s8l42ggjUcqh46ePnQZeWs98NexyCdzssMvhTx26-X87nEq4o/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+material.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUMRTjX3YH_Nc0oALS0B3-Nq6WZx_g_HCj1u00gSQeBU1Rm6wcSXjhW6oJGK4b9A-OJMQchs3Ig55grWvd7SSFbwTk1s8l42ggjUcqh46ePnQZeWs98NexyCdzssMvhTx26-X87nEq4o/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+material.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR84TLcICXowBttawKEU_kXIylsLIuaiaoKyqvPpbTbileyL4b7NrSRR9BmJAD-acGEV8T3qmSHqgNiDYoV6GyS04v0k8R48QpaVjrkEpMrCdIMFLCRgmv5Kyfb9cFNrUKL-IMjJnxpXE/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR84TLcICXowBttawKEU_kXIylsLIuaiaoKyqvPpbTbileyL4b7NrSRR9BmJAD-acGEV8T3qmSHqgNiDYoV6GyS04v0k8R48QpaVjrkEpMrCdIMFLCRgmv5Kyfb9cFNrUKL-IMjJnxpXE/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(5).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhhSA0dUSf7SpwrIMoYoXOXZ3SuKSocew9GrCi4NPTWKTNVoJ8qqRFMm5Fzy0ugNP2A1qbtdOIENcLVGtGiMTqqCNYJsvpc4j6bzTmMmDQdoH3_FfGq7nH3P5sbYVFYXQl2zVO3H8gHo/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUhhSA0dUSf7SpwrIMoYoXOXZ3SuKSocew9GrCi4NPTWKTNVoJ8qqRFMm5Fzy0ugNP2A1qbtdOIENcLVGtGiMTqqCNYJsvpc4j6bzTmMmDQdoH3_FfGq7nH3P5sbYVFYXQl2zVO3H8gHo/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+(1).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-b2Ge6rkwyxs%2FVFDhfyGoezI%2FAAAAAAAABD0%2FwwwjCtUblco%2Fs1600%2Fsalomon%252Bs-lab%252Blight%252Bjacket%252Breview%252Bimage.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDsGVIaekaU2H9bVAA43ZJI7WmrHTOv_CIoMMBL_NfXsqYVnJS-wezV4QrIyAua7EB5B91uS8qYN947tz34QAVeDMn_xkSYnb7QO7npDHnY6-dEunGo_j1VJZ5XHb7gppngjZKH0U1Y/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+review+image.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YaPTUuC3Gko%2FVFDhcG6eIrI%2FAAAAAAAABDs%2F30xM8M4Or-g%2Fs1600%2Fsalomon%252Bs-lab%252Blight%252Bjacket%252Bimage.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhjciGj93Vy6rpBFU9TKDovp2k3REWuUwKCnM9_Ie6xmmvQxjJ45JsUthAshm8UbYVpNAUla7D7GK1SWlB3XPXHCjGTdFq-zQ9JhjH5z-rRApapmT2L5GqpdCUApLigCuoyz0okuhpew/s1600/salomon+s-lab+light+jacket+image.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-N8ICA51rTT0%2FVFD9KJ5t1hI%2FAAAAAAAABFo%2FYx03vhw_mKw%2Fs1600%2FCastleberg%252BOutdoors.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cemqDs4egGiHbXD2j3yMoFSnw4oHqx-EBq-Rg72ZK4T-seqT8VC2w9u_jBqKUcAslhyphenhyphenRqG8YIkLyZnRfazg-UlN4hL4h_NqjPpvLjLgMI-n-dBfzyaJdaLBNMHtHQyNg4vQ_TNZsWxM/s1600/Castleberg+Outdoors.png" -->Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-88518413889696614402014-10-22T18:40:00.000+01:002014-10-22T18:40:41.214+01:00Buxton Adventure Festival Trail and Fell Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9q-u_KeBTft4CykJ-qXcpncIBMQ7PBzyJMVHqqF0PJLa_sOvfkprq7HXLWMxQCCZVcwIUddG8fsnYmztGPjDfCo8D4LZvtyy_vde_nNVDkJnTE6H4iZ9ZVvM_i7lnf5902VqxUC8oaY/s1600/CavemanClarke+fell+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9q-u_KeBTft4CykJ-qXcpncIBMQ7PBzyJMVHqqF0PJLa_sOvfkprq7HXLWMxQCCZVcwIUddG8fsnYmztGPjDfCo8D4LZvtyy_vde_nNVDkJnTE6H4iZ9ZVvM_i7lnf5902VqxUC8oaY/s1600/CavemanClarke+fell+running.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of weekends ago took me all the way to Buxton Adventure Festival for a weekend packed full of trail and fell running workshops and inspirational talks. With 'CavemanClarke' being a place to shout about everything great in the world of off-road running, this little gem certainly deserves a mention! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekend started with a relaxed drive up Saturday morning in my beloved Bongo campervan. The plan was to have a gentle afternoon run, from the campsite where I was staying, to the Adventure Festival. The events I was travelling to see were all packed into a tight schedule for the Sunday. Upon arriving and tucking into some lunch, I changed into my running gear and headed off across the trails and into the town. Familiarising myself with where I needed to be the next day, I returned to the camper, cooked up an evening meal and relaxed with my copy of 'Run or Die' by Kilian Jornet to pass away the evening. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday morning came round and the weather was fantastic. Getting myself to the beautiful Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, I was ready for the first event of the day. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>David Taylor's Fell Running workshop in association with Trail Running Magazine:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAFqzNziwK5Wr_WAFXnVCA5hInnuBpgHYmSLzJkqsuKfmv0N1cZmR4Yp5L-svjIXm6IuImCP2pq3_qqdmB9g69w0pYAaHNurPSbBBx6jM6STKp7fBXw_bXwXiC3wl1q9a1azeFizMX5s/s1600/David+Taylor+fell+running+guide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAFqzNziwK5Wr_WAFXnVCA5hInnuBpgHYmSLzJkqsuKfmv0N1cZmR4Yp5L-svjIXm6IuImCP2pq3_qqdmB9g69w0pYAaHNurPSbBBx6jM6STKp7fBXw_bXwXiC3wl1q9a1azeFizMX5s/s1600/David+Taylor+fell+running+guide.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever wondered what skills and tricks are required to be be a successful and competent fell runner? With many years of trail running experience I was still very excited to learn more about the less-documented world of crazy men and women who chose to run anywhere and everywhere, without marked trails and in the middle of the most remote areas of the UK! David Taylor, fell running guide, was there to give a group of us the low-down on what you need to know, and what you need to be able to do, to be a fell runner. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjJpRID5se1H7W8sh_LfRAS-nQhEjJIGEpSrsU7HZo5qa_wqCMtpGaIb6rxsvMsO8L8fgLBWp0ev2c7xd_ZnrbtXzOKTnLS_PzsfI_HdkOYzOWsrkH7G92ATGPGD9EURd2ymYI3IO-Bk/s1600/Fell+running+workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjJpRID5se1H7W8sh_LfRAS-nQhEjJIGEpSrsU7HZo5qa_wqCMtpGaIb6rxsvMsO8L8fgLBWp0ev2c7xd_ZnrbtXzOKTnLS_PzsfI_HdkOYzOWsrkH7G92ATGPGD9EURd2ymYI3IO-Bk/s1600/Fell+running+workshop.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9bCeodSQb0xGHxIX8qXm58TRgER2g7CcyS-F3npGiO-zHjh4gAawIX8p0ggtF6IlDDTCi153jJc44DFTv6qbn5dCXfDW6xFiBcDOpnlRs_36GuzXwTQkovPhAr78XwPuvVRLZ5vMvsE/s1600/guided+fell+running+workshop+buxton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9bCeodSQb0xGHxIX8qXm58TRgER2g7CcyS-F3npGiO-zHjh4gAawIX8p0ggtF6IlDDTCi153jJc44DFTv6qbn5dCXfDW6xFiBcDOpnlRs_36GuzXwTQkovPhAr78XwPuvVRLZ5vMvsE/s1600/guided+fell+running+workshop+buxton.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Expecting a tall, quiet and gangly farmer, wearing nothing more than a very short pair of shorts and a brightly coloured club singlet, I am pleased to say Dave broke the mould with his trendy Inov-8 clothing and friendly, approachable character. The session started with a very comprehensive kit talk including clothing, footwear and backpacks before moving on to discussions about training and race nutrition and hydration. Training plans were discussed, as well as the importance of navigation and kit lists for races. Tips on reducing the weight of your kit were given as well as highlighting a few individual items of footwear and clothing that Dave personally recommended. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj8jxWsb3eU29p0NHAyrEox3GOKvFk1kh7f87tOBIg2viDbcky1Ka-hE5K7XU2Qwckrjv1Yog2LU9cHdgtGKtmmgC90o998cwV_3w6Cx2EyvkjbOsngTL29wTjtkmpEJ_PIruIQ_6oqw/s1600/trail+running+magazine+and+david+taylor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinj8jxWsb3eU29p0NHAyrEox3GOKvFk1kh7f87tOBIg2viDbcky1Ka-hE5K7XU2Qwckrjv1Yog2LU9cHdgtGKtmmgC90o998cwV_3w6Cx2EyvkjbOsngTL29wTjtkmpEJ_PIruIQ_6oqw/s1600/trail+running+magazine+and+david+taylor.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before we knew it we were heading up a steep slope for a guided fell run. With a variety of fitness levels and expertise at the event, Dave had planned a series of stops to learn techniques and take time to practise them. Up and downhill form, cadence and posture, speed, strength and agility were all discussed and instructed for everyone to work at their own ability. As soon as Dave thought we had no idea where we were, maps and compasses were produced and we were instructed to work out where we were and how to get to a given point of interest! I am happy to admit, signposts and route pre-planning on my Suunto GPS watch are more my current style of navigation, but this really highlighted my need to practise with a map more often.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dave was a top-quality bloke! He considered the needs and abilities of everyone, and taught us some fantastic tips and tricks to becoming a better fell runner in a clear and fun setting. It was a pleasure meeting him! Dave is available for guided fell runs, navigation courses and running workshops. An experienced and accomplished fell and trail</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> runner himself, Dave can teach you everything kit, shoes, nutrition, training and racing. For more information or to book a session with Dave, </span><a href="http://www.fellrunningguide.co.uk/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">click here.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3 great inspirational running talks presented by Trail Running magazine:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ngcOI265Gis5G_jYDvfAtCa-aPxD-mISNpEiCqtGa2qBuLGfnQ1ieXrGdwJ_oOwmrNM9gcY1o5SDoS9AWoY8f8feDIizFsW1cCK7IEbrhrhzVf1uk8Hj3MTAfHcdnKRgxsEwl7zPVCY/s1600/Charlie+Ramsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ngcOI265Gis5G_jYDvfAtCa-aPxD-mISNpEiCqtGa2qBuLGfnQ1ieXrGdwJ_oOwmrNM9gcY1o5SDoS9AWoY8f8feDIizFsW1cCK7IEbrhrhzVf1uk8Hj3MTAfHcdnKRgxsEwl7zPVCY/s1600/Charlie+Ramsay.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first of the back-to-back talks that Buxton Adventure Festival had lined up was by Charlie Ramsay, pioneer of the Charlie Ramsay Round. For those of you scratching your heads and wondering what exactly this is, it is where brave and adventurous dare-to-try runners decide to run 23 Munroe's, starting and finishing at Glen Coe Youth Hostel in the shadow of the mighty Ben Nevis, in under 24 hours. Maybe a wee bit beyond my current abilities, fitness levels and route planning skills, I was in awe of just how much grit and determination a feat such as this takes. Charlie, with his natural charm and clear enthusiasm for this challenge was happy to tell tales of the original record he set, details and tips of how to train and plan for an event like this, and glad to be accompanied by women's record holder Nicky Spinks to add a further exciting edge to the talk. Will I be trying it? Not quite yet, but never say never! To have a look at just what this entails, <a href="http://www.ramsaysround.com/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRVMS-1LLcUPL9uwZha2ppTl78Ac0QajM1xmRH5yYa4mfgerfpL7qlU01l84qFLNXGQjzfBV801uQOkh2RYQlYmjBxTDmZyO92QYGReMi7Tf9q25j8HYUxtYwbVXSxgc3rJk6lM0EVVA/s1600/Wild+Running+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRVMS-1LLcUPL9uwZha2ppTl78Ac0QajM1xmRH5yYa4mfgerfpL7qlU01l84qFLNXGQjzfBV801uQOkh2RYQlYmjBxTDmZyO92QYGReMi7Tf9q25j8HYUxtYwbVXSxgc3rJk6lM0EVVA/s1600/Wild+Running+talk.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More on my current level and passion for discovering new and exciting places to run for fun (without the need to run for an entire day and night) was the second talk by husband and wife run buddies Sim and Jen Benson with a highly motivating talk about their new book 'Wild Running'. With a mutual love for running and a whole host of medals and achievements under their belt they set out on a journey to discover where the best places to run in the UK are, compiling a comprehensive book of 150 wild trail and fell runs to try for yourself. The lovely duo passionately shared the excitement of discovery by running, with the logistics of how to care for a family, earn money to pay the bills and travel all over the country to run. If you, like me, are wanting to discover new places to travel and run, Wild Running is a great place to start. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see for yourself just where the best wild places to run in the UK are, check out Wild Running by </span><a href="http://wildrunning.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">clicking here.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ykwWEMG97Q1pCn4ebwuqoOUK82kUaNbozVqmJ1D0dlTkyKe9cuE0KLJ3RrTXs41j5JGvGc_vYf9D9etER6_AVxUoFKu4zsXM8Ll2dDlMhoaWUzhDMWrvcHt-I4hsYzHh0kA9gE8VYh8/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ykwWEMG97Q1pCn4ebwuqoOUK82kUaNbozVqmJ1D0dlTkyKe9cuE0KLJ3RrTXs41j5JGvGc_vYf9D9etER6_AVxUoFKu4zsXM8Ll2dDlMhoaWUzhDMWrvcHt-I4hsYzHh0kA9gE8VYh8/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, to finish off a jam-packed day of off-road running activities was an incredibly inspirational and emotional presentation by new Wainwrights record holder Steve Birkinshaw. Steve is a Cumbrian fell and trail runner who somehow managed to run 320 miles across 214 Lake District Peaks in 6 days and 13 hours. Amazing. Interviewed by Steve Chilton, author of the famous fell running book 'It's a Hill, Get Over It', Steve took us on a journey from the beginning of planning the challenge, to the emotional finish at Keswick Moot Hall. Running to raise money for two MS charities, Steve told us the motivation behind running this seemingly crazy adventure; "My sister has MS, I ran the Wainwrights to raise money for MS charities." Watching clips from the attempt, the sheer determination was clear to all. Bad blisters, extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation, bad weather and many tears of joy and sadness, this was a record that deserves our full attention. Steve raised over £12,000 for MS charities, and if you would like to find out more or make a donation yourself, check out his full story <a href="http://stevebirkinshaw-wainwright2014.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Buxton Adventure Festival and Trail Running magazine for a fantastic line-up and a really enjoyable weekend of trail and fell running fun and banter. I thoroughly recommend next years event and wait eagerly to check out what will be on offer!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwf9XsCzxaOtgqsTrqjchjzLmnC2A49B60C9SB8X6mK-vpz0KpsPGKZJ9V1d8qbU4FL73WDLojnt36MvVdltBZ0ThuTvOv_6qdbPSWgr9Wa5coJoFi9dtZ5MNk6VRsCupxlJYHSLV0YY/s1600/fell+and+trail+running+buxton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwf9XsCzxaOtgqsTrqjchjzLmnC2A49B60C9SB8X6mK-vpz0KpsPGKZJ9V1d8qbU4FL73WDLojnt36MvVdltBZ0ThuTvOv_6qdbPSWgr9Wa5coJoFi9dtZ5MNk6VRsCupxlJYHSLV0YY/s1600/fell+and+trail+running+buxton.JPG" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLTijm8YtHVmyUIrDdYuI2Tm5GXM9PTX2gF14muRG9vR-DEjw1glgXgnq7jAS6ZW01kaBQogmwjZUVr1dVFNyCWSjnnGXtoAmcqst85fpsLn80DbUySehf3MJ3VZOPIroh9vT3YOEtiw/s1600/fell+running+workshop+buxton.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLTijm8YtHVmyUIrDdYuI2Tm5GXM9PTX2gF14muRG9vR-DEjw1glgXgnq7jAS6ZW01kaBQogmwjZUVr1dVFNyCWSjnnGXtoAmcqst85fpsLn80DbUySehf3MJ3VZOPIroh9vT3YOEtiw/s1600/fell+running+workshop+buxton.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A6cPUypWY-md1Xsu4ij0Ubeq74tVr4326yfElLd350c2LkpfJC6EXDkDfgp7g0iyyDjn9ZewtesdZeJgAuC6ZEaNR-KHUJYwKlT8ucsIg7ycpy8d2ChxUsrzgvEA3So50pUGsoNVaiM/s1600/trail+running+magazine+sarah+ryan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A6cPUypWY-md1Xsu4ij0Ubeq74tVr4326yfElLd350c2LkpfJC6EXDkDfgp7g0iyyDjn9ZewtesdZeJgAuC6ZEaNR-KHUJYwKlT8ucsIg7ycpy8d2ChxUsrzgvEA3So50pUGsoNVaiM/s1600/trail+running+magazine+sarah+ryan.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBWi_06O1B1YeYh4K5FIaBy-K3mIcC8_pmbaeh3cReQ7Mao3Qvv9P-dK7CZmDvB5nzuNZYqx8GmqRBhZ82jPdSol8sAT32fsIguVVA0_Zw6aCyiTNUX9LgtngVgGOVGk5L7bPK-pH8oY/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw+talk+Buxton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBWi_06O1B1YeYh4K5FIaBy-K3mIcC8_pmbaeh3cReQ7Mao3Qvv9P-dK7CZmDvB5nzuNZYqx8GmqRBhZ82jPdSol8sAT32fsIguVVA0_Zw6aCyiTNUX9LgtngVgGOVGk5L7bPK-pH8oY/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw+talk+Buxton.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY1jTy81T-gH_Hfj5R7hbYzPy8l0vRnf6Zc8_aSDiJphvk3GqDqwEN721Ow8aGHORbQ6FQrnrp3CXTDeCb5CbApk1HR8p-YPtqX5w2RtzWf2PoiR0gqQOwx_cFJK8n5fYami7irB0-OQ/s1600/Trail+running+workshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfY1jTy81T-gH_Hfj5R7hbYzPy8l0vRnf6Zc8_aSDiJphvk3GqDqwEN721Ow8aGHORbQ6FQrnrp3CXTDeCb5CbApk1HR8p-YPtqX5w2RtzWf2PoiR0gqQOwx_cFJK8n5fYami7irB0-OQ/s1600/Trail+running+workshop.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonEHHCqPR6sTAJbkW-6ebEKE8nAQCRaZ2KpBmblDv18Mdq5GlUnQOjcd4GLTupUlNLyCR4xwm5QQYgS-Pigs49jvd5Pgs49TTlHF3C10_SzfMenShh7_hD_ZhQlpphAy5ijA49JJ6kmY/s1600/Buxton+adventure+festival+fell+running.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonEHHCqPR6sTAJbkW-6ebEKE8nAQCRaZ2KpBmblDv18Mdq5GlUnQOjcd4GLTupUlNLyCR4xwm5QQYgS-Pigs49jvd5Pgs49TTlHF3C10_SzfMenShh7_hD_ZhQlpphAy5ijA49JJ6kmY/s1600/Buxton+adventure+festival+fell+running.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With thanks to <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank">Buxton Adventure Festival</a> and all their sponsors (including University of Derby, Heason Events, Rab, Trail Running magazine) for the event. Also, special thanks to Jen Benson from Wild Running and Jimmy Hyland (<a class="" href="http://www.facebook.com/JimmyHylandPhotography" style="background-color: white; color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; line-height: 21.2999992370605px;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/JimmyHylandPhotography</a>) for the great photography used on this post.</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-77317342169294984082014-10-02T17:59:00.000+01:002014-10-05T19:03:32.456+01:00Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0iU-5nnakAEYJnfyWv0kl2doDrGI2PlEfCfHMSfacS2rWhOrdJmyrKxlRYxI9L7e-zKKIuYW-gC3ONotYNdhLzGuKqhtaRdzFWKKXC_2F29kLsulhwXNTuETkuGiazJBYhMa9bpBtrg/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0iU-5nnakAEYJnfyWv0kl2doDrGI2PlEfCfHMSfacS2rWhOrdJmyrKxlRYxI9L7e-zKKIuYW-gC3ONotYNdhLzGuKqhtaRdzFWKKXC_2F29kLsulhwXNTuETkuGiazJBYhMa9bpBtrg/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR ready to get muddy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the past few weeks I have had the pleasure of testing the latest trail and mud running specific model by Vibram FiveFingers; the Spyridon MR. The aggressive 'mountain bike tyre' tread pattern, coupled with the letters MR, which stands for 'Mud Runner', immediately let you know that this has been designed with the minimalist, natural trail runner in mind. Following on from its very popular and proven to be trail worthy predecessor, the Spyridon LS, I am glad to say that not too much has changed in the re-styled Spyridon MR. For those of you already accustomed to wearing a pair of FiveFingers, or any trail, mountain and fell runners out there looking to transition to a more natural running form, this is definitely a review that is worth your time reading! You may also want to check out my 'First Impressions' review of the Spyridon MR before reading on by <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-mr-first.html" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee, sit somewhere comfy and let me tell you a few good reasons why a Vibram FiveFinger Spyridon MR should be in every trail and mud runners selection of shoes.....</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGDDms4PMHS-O6bT2QqnMqLtqObgDxWT75ouoAgCTm3Qvtatld6z7ADeqZ5U4elFAzVy1iehgzR6odwyPSv3l951T3hgakqmS_Qa39aq0lu0qqpjz0cfponJmAkvKfjSYCk3AxiGugHM/s1600/VFF+Spyridon+MR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGDDms4PMHS-O6bT2QqnMqLtqObgDxWT75ouoAgCTm3Qvtatld6z7ADeqZ5U4elFAzVy1iehgzR6odwyPSv3l951T3hgakqmS_Qa39aq0lu0qqpjz0cfponJmAkvKfjSYCk3AxiGugHM/s1600/VFF+Spyridon+MR.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like a mud-ready, grippy and light glove for your feet, trails are no problem for these</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few things worth knowing about the Spyridon MR</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designed for the minimalist trail runner and obstacle mud runner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3D Cocoon Technology moulded into the sole for lightweight trail protection</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4mm sole thickness of MEGAGRIP Vibram rubber</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3mm polyurethane insole with anti-microbial Drilex Sockliner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speed laces give an excellent, custom and secure fit for a variety of foot shapes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Canvas style polyester uppers give an excellent wrap-around fit, good durability and a rugged design</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">360 degree lug pattern gives an excellent multi-directional grip over a variety of trail terrains</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight around 190g per shoe</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Machine washable to help keep them clean</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comparison with the Spyridon LS</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During my original review of the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-vs-spyridon.html" target="_blank">Spyridon LS</a> I completely fell in love with trail running in Vibram FiveFingers. Finally, Vibram had designed and manufactured a high quality trail specific shoe for people wanting something more natural feeling but grippy and protective. Since then I have run countless miles in my original Spyridon LS with no real problems other than the limitations of my own body. Upon receiving the Spyridon MR I was concerned that some of the things I loved so much in the original LS version would have changed or been replaced. Thankfully, what I discovered is that the Spyridon MR is more of an updated and re-styled LS. The sole unit is exactly the same, and the only real differences are a different looking and slightly improved fitting upper. The original LS were very tight fitting, allowing little adjustment with the speed laces. The new Spyridon MR have more scope for a wider variety of foot shapes and sizes. I actually have to tighten the laces now!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_26I39udGYPbR-JEf_J8omHCvmPjFJK43HoaoK9hIyK3-EqRb3p6BuWW0OyIjGdEoGTDsUIPAXtG6ePcMNP_eC9-5nE8EZpJnqMTIzFpsd87AraFtbw-rF1HcO-6Svoy97kzdm9hs7o/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+LS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_26I39udGYPbR-JEf_J8omHCvmPjFJK43HoaoK9hIyK3-EqRb3p6BuWW0OyIjGdEoGTDsUIPAXtG6ePcMNP_eC9-5nE8EZpJnqMTIzFpsd87AraFtbw-rF1HcO-6Svoy97kzdm9hs7o/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+LS.JPG" height="300" title="Spyridon LS " width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original Spyridon LS after two years use!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYsdz5pf-WCRoKbzhKoywyjFiqdPKErXWyWj_W6NtbgIJMUFmgu3Gr9NG8V0_qJsHTrCnM7YIskraP3w4rNzagQGrw_sxMa-2JRKtdcFFVJT_7VYH83BvW21CZwXKbdRnz2DXg4bWTIA/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYsdz5pf-WCRoKbzhKoywyjFiqdPKErXWyWj_W6NtbgIJMUFmgu3Gr9NG8V0_qJsHTrCnM7YIskraP3w4rNzagQGrw_sxMa-2JRKtdcFFVJT_7VYH83BvW21CZwXKbdRnz2DXg4bWTIA/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can't get a more natural shape of shoe than that!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural Running technique</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is essential to use correct technique and form whilst running. This applies to road or trail, short or long distance, people new to running or long-term runaholics. Correct technique enables an efficient form, reduced injury rate and faster, longer and more successful running experiences. So how can a pair of FiveFingers help? Too often, modern running shoes, with their built up heels and high levels of cushioning, not to mention their odd un-foot-like shapes, lead the runner to adopt bad habits and an incorrect running gait. What follows is a concoction of over-striding, heel-striking, slow cadence, bent hips and head chasing. Ever see a runner slouched over, staring at the floor and clumping along the trail or road? Not good! But not everyone who wears FiveFingers will suddenly look like an elite runner. It is still possible to run badly in Vibrams and I have seen it all too often. But, correctly trained and educated in how to run naturally, and aware of what bad habits to look out for, while <i>allowing sufficient time to transition properly with time for your body to adapt and strengthen,</i> running in FiveFingers can certainly have very positive effects on your running technique. The natural foot position and toe-splay, zero differential, minimal cushioning (and therefore maximal proprioception) and the very low weight of the shoes can allow your body to run unhindered and as nature intended. You could just run barefoot, but as I have previously stated, "I like to wear a shoe that allows the natural biomechanics and feel of running barefoot, whilst also providing good grip and some basic level of protection for the foot from the environment." The Spyridon MR fit this requirement perfectly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Freedom:</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, running is all about freedom. We all need to escape our everyday lives from time to time. When you have learnt the skill of running naturally and you put on the Spyridon MR to head out on the trails, you are instantly aware of a greater level of freedom than experienced in other shoes. I have often wondered why this is, and I have put it down to the fact that your feet are able to really feel the terrain beneath them, maximising proprioceptive feedback to the brain and enhancing the running experience. When you are 'more connected' with the environment around you, you feel lighter, faster, more present, aware, and part of your surroundings. The only way to properly understand this is to try it for yourself! If you haven't run in a pair of FiveFingers before, when you have adapted to wearing the Spyridon MR on the trails, you will experience a new level of freedom on your runs.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKYr1DgVs2CjVnl15K6SQvxSAJnS9QaIwIbRsx-BUgg9n-sJKNoIrGj6SR4Nahi-X1hxFsqlGuKeEgeUeenphMrPcTzKSKuuWZcxBKGyLsDstLOcGQYm_JkiGrfzXgimPnTUKU9dB-jIo/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR+review.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They look even better when you get them muddy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Strength and conditioning</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many runners and athletes train barefoot or in minimalist shoes to help strengthen their body. If you want to condition a part of the body, you have to load and use the muscles correctly to initiate the strengthening process. One way that off-road runners can try to strengthen their lower limbs is to strip away all supportive shoes and devices and focus on correct, natural running technique in a suitable pair of minimalist running shoes. If you are out on the trails, mountains or fells and looking for this kind of training partner for your feet, look no further than the Spyridon MR. Don't expect just wearing them to do all the strengthening for you. Remember to learn to run correctly, use them in conjunction with a good stretching and strengthning program and <i>listen to your body and allow time for it to adapt!!!</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7FcFMIu_BeDBKTdJ7SXcxxNNKXDaV3mXY5ZnNepJ7BNXViwByPVxBzh9M5hCpy_mxa7uZWZ0xRKgeq_w8iwEp8V6kT6mZjwjyFPVx8JAYW4KCFDYfd0P6yhsmD25wt3m5UVsK6ufp3g/s1600/Spyridon+MR+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secure fit with speed lacing and soft canvas uppers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quality</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always been surprised at the durability of Vibram FiveFingers. A lot of minimalist running shoes, especially ones designed for trail running, can have a shorter than average lifespan. So far with the Spyridon MR, they show no signs of premature wearing. If the Spyridon LS are anything to go by, these new Mud Runners should last ages. My original LS are still going strong after two years of regular use on the trails. Even the grip is still in excellent condition. I always wash my shoes after each run in warm water, rinse them under the tap and air dry with newspaper inside. Once in a while I machine wash them on a cold delicates cycle in a trainer bag. I have never had any quality issues with FiveFingers, and I expect the Spyridon MR to follow suit!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sya04zTcxlW9RRnbBJPsRTk9_X2qkRbIU_M2ilnSjpQn1d3jtOQbOnxri2WYTNLVWFCHP7antU6Xeap22PpjhcwU_8dNSNvu8O5gwKmLDgcun7j6gCEdkAMRV4bw1LPXyCM9E9nfVGA/s1600/FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR+Vibram.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sya04zTcxlW9RRnbBJPsRTk9_X2qkRbIU_M2ilnSjpQn1d3jtOQbOnxri2WYTNLVWFCHP7antU6Xeap22PpjhcwU_8dNSNvu8O5gwKmLDgcun7j6gCEdkAMRV4bw1LPXyCM9E9nfVGA/s1600/FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR+Vibram.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-directional lug pattern with 3D Cocoon Technology</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grip and Protection</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All I really want from my trail running shoes is good grip, a basic level of protection for my foot from the terrain and a comfortable ride. When taking into consideration that this is a <i>very minimalist</i> trail shoe, and therefore will not have the same level of grip as a traditional fell shoe, the same level of protection as a cushioned trail shoe or be as comfortable over harsh terrain as an ultra-distance racer, it still impresses me immensely. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he grip isn't really comparable to other trail and fell shoes b</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ecause your toes are able to independently</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> grip into the mud themselves. You are doing a lot of the work in this shoe, not just the tread pattern. Having a greater level of proprioception makes you more aware of what you are running over, and where to put your foot. Feeling the ground allows instant feedback to adjust stride, direction and power to avoid slipping or falling over. I have been more than happy on dry and wet grass, mud, gravel, hard-packed dry trails and even road sections and pathways. As far as an all-rounder is concerned, this is an excellent contender. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RpNDMB-SJXVC-mUufYqt3r5CH0f_8TTbClf2lLdD3NVyEEUAeMlhqD9zf_hjFkt0Ml4q8Z7ik25X6qmb6_nVykLr5ERfLQwzx1GGg0a_AOFg4wW2a3qijdeGYqyVHYIYTdqSm8numgw/s1600/Review+Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fantastic all-rounder, the Spyridon MR can cope with anything</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RpNDMB-SJXVC-mUufYqt3r5CH0f_8TTbClf2lLdD3NVyEEUAeMlhqD9zf_hjFkt0Ml4q8Z7ik25X6qmb6_nVykLr5ERfLQwzx1GGg0a_AOFg4wW2a3qijdeGYqyVHYIYTdqSm8numgw/s1600/Review+Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final thoughts...</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a trail shoe that knows exactly what it is. It is not a half-hearted attempt at being a minimalist shoe, or claiming to allow natural running despite having characteristics of a traditional running shoe. This is an all-out, pretty much 'barefoot' minimalist trail running shoe that allows a natural running experience. Although it is aimed at trails and mud runs, the Spyridon MR is happy whatever terrain you want to run over. It stands in my mind as a perfect all-rounder and strengthening tool for the whole body, but especially the feet and calves. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Spyridon MR is just something else, something different, and in a league of its own. That is why every dedicated trail, mountain, fell and mud runner should have a pair of these. You may well need time to allow your body to strengthen before running an ultra in them or even flying around a muddy 10k race, but I guarantee you will love the freedom and difference they make in your training and racing if you run correctly in a pair of Spyridon MR's! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To get hold of a pair of Spyridon MR, or even to check out the various other FiveFinger models available from Vibram, check out <a href="http://www.primallifestyle.com/Products/Footwear/Vibram-Fivefingers/Women/SPYRIDON-MR" target="_blank">Primal Lifestyle</a> - the official distributor of Vibram FiveFingers to the UK.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would love to know what you think! If you have any questions or experience of the Spyridon MR yourself, f</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eel free to comment below in the comments section!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-24608946840797393922014-09-30T16:34:00.003+01:002014-12-07T16:35:48.859+00:00Merrell Bare Access Trail Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SrwFWXxajPydArTXGvI5gqYReTyol-DhHX0YVA138GNt-mTLNkKe3W9KXST_vVDI_M5zewqV1skuU3wS7RmA0W9tDwjXVx88kaBvD79pvYtp8bPs288S0ciKTVqyK8JkjkKdLyCovmo/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SrwFWXxajPydArTXGvI5gqYReTyol-DhHX0YVA138GNt-mTLNkKe3W9KXST_vVDI_M5zewqV1skuU3wS7RmA0W9tDwjXVx88kaBvD79pvYtp8bPs288S0ciKTVqyK8JkjkKdLyCovmo/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" height="300" title="Merrell Bare Access Trail" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Merrell Bare Access Trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past few years I have tried, tested, analysed and reviewed many minimalist 'barefoot' trail shoes. In the early days, when barefoot, or 'Natural Running' first came into the spotlight, many companies were quick to produce a more minimalist shoe to meet the demands of the emerging market. They did this by attempting to strip back every aspect of the new shoe to an absolute bare minimum. This sometimes led to a fantastic product which clearly met the needs of a runner who wanted as little as possible on their foot to provide just enough protection from the environment and grip for the terrain. But often, it led to a product with reduced durability, that was far too extreme for the average runner wanting to transition into natural running. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over this period, Merrell have produced some fantastic shoes with a more minimal approach. The original <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/merrell-trail-glove-vs-new-balance.html" target="_blank">Trail Glove</a> still stands in my mind as a milestone in minimalist shoes, along with the likes of the brilliant but slightly stranger looking Vibram FiveFingers. Now, today, Merrell produce a wide range of trail and road shoes that meet a variety of requirements for people looking for a low, light and natural feeling running shoe. Whether it be zero-drop, a low drop, a wide toebox, natural foot shape or minimal cushioning, Merrell has the shoe for you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So where does the new Merrell Bare Access Trail fit in? Well, with a zero-drop differential from heel to toe, a natural foot shape and wide toebox, as well as weighing in at around 240g per shoe (UK10) it is certainly not anywhere near the likes of a heavy, traditional built-up running trainer. But it does have 8mm of squishy cushioning underfoot. For some, wanting a totally natural ground feel and maximum proprioception, this may put them off. But, what about those new to natural running, those wanting a softer ride and who run long distances over harsh, rocky mountain trails and dry, hard footpaths? After including the Bare Access Trails into my rotation of trail shoes over the past few weeks, I can safely say I have a thing or two to say that may help you decide if this could be the shoe that is right for you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEshzo8ZvD2M27FA3Lt8WajUU5yMPkrBZ22x_VDJ9BW9m2EMVqROJyysAGT1AcgWSKgkcb0tUzYw73MRYvj4V9689Tj_pWNJBb7XR6HUgWK2QnR9VvfHDnGDN3i8a0ZBXEiGhT2jknDe8/s1600/Merrell+Connect+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEshzo8ZvD2M27FA3Lt8WajUU5yMPkrBZ22x_VDJ9BW9m2EMVqROJyysAGT1AcgWSKgkcb0tUzYw73MRYvj4V9689Tj_pWNJBb7XR6HUgWK2QnR9VvfHDnGDN3i8a0ZBXEiGhT2jknDe8/s1600/Merrell+Connect+bare+access+trail+review.JPG" height="300" title="Merrell Bare Access Trail" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh out of the box and looking great! Better get testing.....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Merrell Bare Access Trail runner:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Designed as part of the M-Connect Trail series, the Bare Access Trail is for trail runners who still want a natural ride but with a bit more protection underfoot. If you want the feel of the earth beneath your feet, to help maintain a smooth and connected ride over rugged trail terrain, but you feel you need a little more cushioning than some minimalist 'natural running' shoes offer, without compromising agility and natural stability through lack of proprioception, these shoes are for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>The Merrell Bare Access Trail in numbers:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 0mm heel-toe drop (differential)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 4mm depth of outer lug pattern for grip over a variety of terrains</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 8mm cushioning from the M-Bound and UniFly midsole foam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 15.5mm stack height</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 240g approximate weight of UK10 shoe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- £85 or £115 RRP (non-waterproof/waterproof)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ3S4Awng5hJemPmmCI11rkO7iIGJvA8JYDfUA73kU1lE1_vuphofttAlFl8V4fyqek_gw7wncKDKy_Jk9Qs-gagxSlfsNU88E7Cn2aDifPKizZvxDPYYOHoo3W3MNgyq3zCrobRX_Zg/s1600/merrell+connect+bare+access+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ3S4Awng5hJemPmmCI11rkO7iIGJvA8JYDfUA73kU1lE1_vuphofttAlFl8V4fyqek_gw7wncKDKy_Jk9Qs-gagxSlfsNU88E7Cn2aDifPKizZvxDPYYOHoo3W3MNgyq3zCrobRX_Zg/s1600/merrell+connect+bare+access+trail.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shows the stack height of the Bare Access Trails</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b>The Merrell Bare Access Trail facts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Highly breathable mesh uppers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- TPU protective toe cap wraps toes and protects them well</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Uppers treated with M Select FRESH odour control</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Machine washable on cold delicate cycle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Specifically designed midsole for increased protection for the foot, while allowing good ground feel and a stable platform for increased agility and stability</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Available in both GTX and non-GTX versions (waterproof or not). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Df3hDSuQ3coxrR8ubDlpCRebXFLWmqqrkWg9pYNrBD8e2txw0zIUxbRjmA9IPURrejJ18R4ie4R-0fV5CMB4pXpy7NRgdeo_LBieGjLDWGjrwfr480Js-QkaLDtPodQEXEnbdvg4Dk/s1600/Bare+access+trail+by+merrell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_Df3hDSuQ3coxrR8ubDlpCRebXFLWmqqrkWg9pYNrBD8e2txw0zIUxbRjmA9IPURrejJ18R4ie4R-0fV5CMB4pXpy7NRgdeo_LBieGjLDWGjrwfr480Js-QkaLDtPodQEXEnbdvg4Dk/s1600/Bare+access+trail+by+merrell.JPG" height="300" title="Merrell Bare Access Trail " width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing off the great design and multi-directional grip</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First Impressions:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Certainly a handsome shoe straight out of the box, I instantly loved the design and 'Molten Lava' colours. Upon putting on the shoes for the first time you are immediately aware that this is going to be a very comfortable shoe to run in. The toebox is more than adequately wide enough, and the overall shape of the entire shoe matches the natural shape of the human foot perfectly (something that many shoes on the market somehow get wrong?). Inside the heel/ankle of the shoe, there are cushioned protrusions which improve both the comfort and fit of the shoe. Traditional laces tighten the shoe around your foot and hold it firmly in place, allowing excellent custom fitting over the arch of your foot. The laces pull on the structure of the shoe which both wraps the arch and secures the heel in place, and can be seen in the design of the shoe in the photo below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k3OTWndpSYidatLGicX4ApLueZy8-kwpuKh4AYm-2xfY2HNGuBJOj5Qe8MkGrkbPIkcOL4vqwin4m5CB8txYzfnI1OlU37y5TTDYJ96wcuPRWW_xJWELjiQ9O2jkalopGiAEHaTCdrw/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+shoe+review.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2k3OTWndpSYidatLGicX4ApLueZy8-kwpuKh4AYm-2xfY2HNGuBJOj5Qe8MkGrkbPIkcOL4vqwin4m5CB8txYzfnI1OlU37y5TTDYJ96wcuPRWW_xJWELjiQ9O2jkalopGiAEHaTCdrw/s1600/Merrell+bare+access+trail+shoe+review.JPG" height="300" title="Merrell Bare Access Trail " width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The solid structure of the shoe can clearly been seen in the yellow and black bands</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running in the Bare Access Trail:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With an ultra-light pair of very thin socks on (which is how I prefer to run in most shoes these days to avoid hot spots and blisters over long distances), the Bare Access Trails are very comfortable indeed. They suit the shape of my feet, allow them to spread out naturally and do not crease across the toes or create areas that rub or agitate my feet. The welcome zero-drop also allows for a natural foot position and therefore natural running experience. Proprioception is reduced in comparison with other minimalist running shoes without as much cushioning, but not too much so that your stride is affected in a big way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubOeo4Rcuu2itFnIt7AKkZk8bzZYHzysK9UFf51QBeX5lPVEo4DgeIQe5y06KW0N4rN-tfiBYowqp68kV_Nze7OhKisSBL0Gjwev2cp9_f3UwSmoGwStNrFqW6b0Rll_F_cWd6yb7z4U/s1600/Bare+access+trail+merrell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubOeo4Rcuu2itFnIt7AKkZk8bzZYHzysK9UFf51QBeX5lPVEo4DgeIQe5y06KW0N4rN-tfiBYowqp68kV_Nze7OhKisSBL0Gjwev2cp9_f3UwSmoGwStNrFqW6b0Rll_F_cWd6yb7z4U/s1600/Bare+access+trail+merrell.JPG" height="400" title="Merrell Bare Access Trail" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great natural shape and wide toebox</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Gore-Tex or not?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want a really breathable trail running shoe that drains well after immersing your foot deep in puddles or rivers, I would advise the non-GTX version and put up with wet feet on wet days. If, however, you really want to keep your feet dry, then opt for the GTX lined version. Remember though, breathability is somewhat reduced in waterproof shoes, especially in hot weather, and if you somehow manage to get wet feet, such as a stream crossing, your feet may not dry out for the rest of the run. For this reason, I always run in more breathable non-waterproof shoes to allow quick drainage and maximal airflow to my feet, but it is your choice to suit your needs and requirements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Grip and Traction:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although the grip is somewhat more aggressive than previous trail running shoes from Merrell, it is still clearly aimed at dryer, compacted and rocky trails found in abundance in places such as America; the home of Merrell. This isn't to say that the Bare Access Trails are of no use here in the UK. Far from it in fact! I have happily run many trails in them over the time I have been testing and have not had any issues with grip or traction in most circumstances. Where the grip does start to struggle is over very wet and muddy terrain. I have plenty of shoes specifically designed to churn their way through endless mud-glorious-mud, and so in one of these situations I would be happy to use a different shoe. If, however I was to run a dryer, stony and gravel ridden, multi-surface trail, I would happily take the Bare Access Trails out for a spin. '<i>Horses for courses'</i>, as they say!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnHS-R8UpdfMf0cJ-OC1kK55zfLhUUViTtGdeMWf-03px4iXQipAiYCVSfYXGFjhRhgbyNqnMUXZNo937aQDl9-yUjnGOLAqR66_DQuLNZqGHvIxHsWtDr1acyYgW0cXlhsEQf-_PNsE/s1600/bare+access+trail+grip+merrell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnHS-R8UpdfMf0cJ-OC1kK55zfLhUUViTtGdeMWf-03px4iXQipAiYCVSfYXGFjhRhgbyNqnMUXZNo937aQDl9-yUjnGOLAqR66_DQuLNZqGHvIxHsWtDr1acyYgW0cXlhsEQf-_PNsE/s1600/bare+access+trail+grip+merrell.JPG" height="300" title="Bare Access Trail grip" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grip is excellent for a variety of trails</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What the Bare Access Trail are good at:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are heading out on a long run over dry, hard-packed, rocky, rugged or mixed terrain then the Bare Access Trail are an excellent choice of shoe that will not let you down. Even if you encounter some unavoidable road or paved sections, this shoe will happily take it all in its stride. The zero differential puts your foot, and therefore your body, in a natural position. The wide toebox and natural fit of the shoes lets your feet work as nature intended, and the shoe certainly provides adequate protection for your foot from whatever the trails throw at you. You are pretty much guaranteed a comfortable and hassle-free run, especially with a thin pair of decent socks to further reduce the chances of blisters or hot-spots on longer, more demanding runs. Got a long way to go and need a comfy but natural feeling friend for your feet, then the Bare Access Trail are for you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<b>Things to watch out for:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of pointers here. Firstly, if your heading out in deep, slippery mud, you may wish to opt for something different. The grip is fine for the majority of terrains a trail run may take you across, but oodles of mud just isn't the best idea in these. Granted, any shoe can get through a sticky, muddy situation, but there are specific trail or fell shoes for the really muddy and wet days. Secondly, more cushioning can allow a runner to get away with bad habits and running technique. This was one of the arguments for transitioning into a 'natural' running shoe in the first place; less cushioning results in increased proprioception which in turn improves feedback to the brain to alter and improve running form. Therefore, don't be lazy. It is certainly possible to run naturally and correctly in the Bare Access Trails. Spend some time perfecting your technique and watch out for old habits returning, such as looking down at the floor in front of you or over-striding and landing on your heels. Also, schedule in some sessions somewhere safe and run barefoot or in very minimal shoes to ensure, when you do head out for a long run in the more cushioned Bare Access Trails, your form is spot-on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxpF11-eu7MW0P-ZRhWlhUoVE-gHBbcp07125hqaryVYB_PMGHFl-8P6RxhkMPvR-c4l8TFDR5Wa4Pgxrys0eoA77Uhl6uuLNYIY5c7fwC9cjgtW_NIkDGArX7kEl0skM6IBY2f14iK8/s1600/Merrell+Bare+access+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxpF11-eu7MW0P-ZRhWlhUoVE-gHBbcp07125hqaryVYB_PMGHFl-8P6RxhkMPvR-c4l8TFDR5Wa4Pgxrys0eoA77Uhl6uuLNYIY5c7fwC9cjgtW_NIkDGArX7kEl0skM6IBY2f14iK8/s1600/Merrell+Bare+access+trail.JPG" height="300" title="Bare Access Trail by Merrell" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b><u>Scoring 1-10 on 10 categories that make a good natural trail shoe:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b>
1) Weight: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Ground Feel: 6/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Protection: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Natural Foot Position: 10/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Natural foot shape: 10/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Comfort: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Grip and traction: 8/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Durability and Quality: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Pricing: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Design: 9/10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>CavemanClarke score: 88/100</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Conclusion:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been really pleased with the way the Bare Access Trails have performed. They are an ideal natural-feeling shoe for longer, dryer and rocky trails, and I look forward to my continuing use of them for both training and racing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The comfort is outstanding, the quality is excellent, and the grip performs well over a variety of terrains, with the only exception being deep mud. On top of all this the Bare Access Trail is a fantastic looking trail shoe that comes in a variety of great colours and even with the option of being waterproof or not with the addition of a Gore-Tex lining. Some c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are must be taken</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> so that the added cushioning doesn't lead to a lazy and incorrect running technique due to a reduced level of proprioception, but when used correctly, the Bare Access Trails are a fantastic addition to anyone's collection of natural running shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If long, rugged trails are your choice of runs, then the Bare Access Trail could well be a top contender for your choice of footwear to help you reach your peak!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone, and as usual, any comments or questions, please feel free to leave your reply in the comments section below!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
</div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-12482921407200724132014-09-23T12:34:00.000+01:002014-09-23T12:34:23.797+01:00Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR First Impressions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_B4I7DwqAyiHBBeMaumZBSJkyG19Q20B5uU5XsCZgaTRKJvmPHsMSULCjBB-V61Bf5gt_EQY5DXnrYwC7nuMcqPXs0zJCxiHRPbbqhDyEl_vQFHoGrXvcWAyD9zvNYKrqx5Gfxawb5s/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_B4I7DwqAyiHBBeMaumZBSJkyG19Q20B5uU5XsCZgaTRKJvmPHsMSULCjBB-V61Bf5gt_EQY5DXnrYwC7nuMcqPXs0zJCxiHRPbbqhDyEl_vQFHoGrXvcWAyD9zvNYKrqx5Gfxawb5s/s1600/Spyridon+MR+by+Vibram+FiveFingers.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so excited to receive a pair of the new off-road, mud-loving and trail ready Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR to test. As some of you may know, my running journey began nearly five years ago with a pair of FiveFingers, and it has completely changed my life ever since. Back then, it was the dark confinements of a spit-and-sawdust weightlifting gym that housed my workouts every week. Even then, I knew I preferred the great outdoors but I just hadn't found the exact activity in which to explore and enjoy it yet. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With constant agony and grief I attempted weekly runs to supplement my training and work on my cardiovascular fitness, only to be consistently plagued by back and leg problems. A friend that I lived with at University, studying Sport Rehabilitation, mentioned a recent lecture on 'Natural Running' which caught my attention, and so got the ball rolling in a journey that would lead me to re-learn to run naturally, change the type of footwear I used for running and everyday life and propel me to make huge life-changes which would lead me away from indoor exercise and out into nature; the world of long-distance running. And it was a pair of FiveFingers that originally went with me, and I am pleased to say will always find a prime place in my many pairs of training and racing running shoes I have today. It was changing the way I moved and ran that made the difference, and I chose Vibram FiveFingers as my choice of footwear as they allowed my body to move in a more natural way, forced me out of bad habits and let me know pretty quickly when I was doing something wrong.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things have moved on a lot since the original pairs of KSO's and Classics, that allowed me to transform the way I ran and thought about natural human movement, were released. Today, Vibram FiveFingers have a whole host of different sport and lifestyle specific models to suit your given activity. For me, trail running is where my heart is, out in the middle of creation and away from the modern lifestyle of computers, social media and the internet in general. I was so excited at the release of the original trail running specific <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-vs-spyridon.html" target="_blank">Spyridon and Spyridon LS</a> and really impressed by their performance and comfort. Today, I am equally glad to be bringing you the good news about the new Spyridon MR (full review to follow soon). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_M_rZeROcBZTD0H3I-t0ZJfcJA6BzDprsAy7QdFdc3nc_gPZ3J6ttJe-oJaqZRzPQv7n5zVQ0x5NR-3y5_0NAmloUtPyo031Gf0FoYaVkAE-Yxhttx8m5comzUV2rZOQz0QvZ3xQOhs/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_M_rZeROcBZTD0H3I-t0ZJfcJA6BzDprsAy7QdFdc3nc_gPZ3J6ttJe-oJaqZRzPQv7n5zVQ0x5NR-3y5_0NAmloUtPyo031Gf0FoYaVkAE-Yxhttx8m5comzUV2rZOQz0QvZ3xQOhs/s1600/Vibram+FiveFingers+Spyridon+MR.JPG" height="300" title="Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready for a run on the local trails</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>First Impressions:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great fit, comfortable and grippy, these FiveFingers are definitely worth shouting about. Not everyone loves these crazy looking toe-shoes, but I certainly do. I always enjoy the freedom of movement experienced when running in a pair of FiveFingers, and when on the trails and fells, the Spyridon LS has long been my training shoe of choice. So, when the release of the new Spyridon MR was announced I was initially somewhat concerned. Why? Well, my first thoughts were, "Why fix something that isn't broken?". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon receiving a pair to test I was glad to see that the sole unit has remained the same, with the fantastic mountain-bike tyre tread pattern that allows far better grip than previous FiveFinger models had. So what has changed? Not a huge amount actually, which in the case of the Spyridon is a very good thing. But there are important changes to consider; the MR is a slightly tweeked version of the original LS. The upper material is softer on the foot, the fit is more accommodating for a wider variety of foot shapes and the look has been dramatically changed. In essence, the MR is a re-branded and improved LS. The LS stood for 'Laces' and the MR stands for 'Mud Runner', clearly aimed at the Obstacle Racing community as well as the Trail Runner. I have never been that involved with obstacle races, preferring instead to travel to hilly and mountainous countryside for a trail or fell running experience in natural surroundings, but this shoe is more than capable for either!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be bringing you a full review soon, but for now I will leave you with the comforting knowledge that for those of you who already love the original Spyridon LS, you will not be disappointed with the improvements in the Spyridon MR. And for those who have yet to experience the freedom of running the trails in a pair of extremely light, durable and grippy FiveFingers, the Spyridon MR could prove to be a real eye-opener for you.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who want to get yourself into a pair of the new Spyridon MR, they are available from <a href="https://www.primallifestyle.com/Products/Footwear/Vibram-Fivefingers/Men/SPYRIDON-MR" target="_blank">Primal Lifestyle</a>, the official distributor of Vibram FiveFingers to the UK!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-18372560949336451312014-09-13T12:44:00.001+01:002014-09-13T15:49:40.541+01:00Salomon S-Lab Sense Tank and Short Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY3kmAf-ofvHogozQ39nqvJuUf6cc_JvZdhusuKFjRBfhpvo7hxk-1RD0qVDpJpiSSVEeh7tg6eWf4MlQPgdDocICvkS6WJtanjmVtME9IPZ6cXbDq8hD7kp6tN9GZHQUFwXMsSxeh70/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+tank+and+short.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWY3kmAf-ofvHogozQ39nqvJuUf6cc_JvZdhusuKFjRBfhpvo7hxk-1RD0qVDpJpiSSVEeh7tg6eWf4MlQPgdDocICvkS6WJtanjmVtME9IPZ6cXbDq8hD7kp6tN9GZHQUFwXMsSxeh70/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+tank+and+short.PNG" height="400" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense tank and short" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready to head out on the trails in the Salomon S-Lab Sense range</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A vest is a vest and shorts are shorts, right? Wrong! The world of trail running offers the runner an almost impossible decision when trying to choose the right shoes, clothing and apparel. With a whole host of great brands producing fantastic products for both athletes and recreational runners, just how do we choose the best kit for our adventures and hours spent out on the trails? In this brief review, I hope to enlighten you on why you might want to part with your hard-earned cash to kit yourself out in the Salomon S-Lab Sense tank and short.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>The S-Lab Sense range:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Salomon International athletes have worked together with the developers at Salomon's S-Lab to create the brand new S-Lab Sense range. Already highly popular with trail runners across the globe due to the prestigious <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-review.html" target="_blank">S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra</a> and <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</a> shoes, the Sense range has grown in the last few months with the introduction of clothing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highly influenced by world-class Salomon athlete, Kilian Jornet, S-Lab Sense is focussed on natural running, with "Freedom to move in the mountain; no interference between you and your environment". Check out the full Winter 2014 range <a href="http://www.salomon.com/uk/range/trail-running-s-lab.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RSc-qYITIAabdTc9xVYOmX6iaHrusHfheLgph0l7ddBX63khKv4m7OdqNLtwOwYFzY1iAEzW4-vc7Qio85XM90fM9rFQEdxBtbPlfNIQNwkWnL7-UNV0jfwL7DQCSmOlH5JgQoGxJEA/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+tank.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RSc-qYITIAabdTc9xVYOmX6iaHrusHfheLgph0l7ddBX63khKv4m7OdqNLtwOwYFzY1iAEzW4-vc7Qio85XM90fM9rFQEdxBtbPlfNIQNwkWnL7-UNV0jfwL7DQCSmOlH5JgQoGxJEA/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+tank.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As light as a feather!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salomon S-Lab Sense Tank:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you first see this running tank-top, you are immediately surprised at just how light it actually is. A top that scrunches up to almost nothing, the tiny postage packet it was delivered in felt like Salomon had forgotten to put the item in the bag! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The extremely breathable and odour resistant Cocona fabric is ultra-lightweight and comfortable to wear. The laser-cut holes in both the front and back panels allow excellent ventilation for long runs in warmer climates. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcvS0224-1ppWvSA7oVol6_rvXCWn81JBFj6lhRW1Taz9MiyXkOMcke9tg6dHDpmk4vkOVL81-oB2oaCPrW4JEvxMVeiohGaRYghD5y-ShgdtKG7MgvgbTZnDoWKZDTAzFVDT6m1-fvs/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+tank+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcvS0224-1ppWvSA7oVol6_rvXCWn81JBFj6lhRW1Taz9MiyXkOMcke9tg6dHDpmk4vkOVL81-oB2oaCPrW4JEvxMVeiohGaRYghD5y-ShgdtKG7MgvgbTZnDoWKZDTAzFVDT6m1-fvs/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+tank+(1).JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense tank" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laser cut holes for better ventilation and breathable Cocona fabric</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tank is an active fit with flatlock seams. Down the side of the top are mesh ventilation panels to allow greater breathability where it is most needed. When holding the top up to the light, you can actually see straight through it, as seen in the picture below:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEwX1YaatRoSNm0N8x_WtgXlT1D9ZfDj5Xt-E-SFCzmdJA1uEvJCJhqhyphenhyphenEgo1OpKwsVqkf3PZmIFbZkGpaPCVIIDT-pkBHfxzNrTZOSsQIDzsLuW0DrBanItaTkoUJlOSGetIAMEViJA/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+tank+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEwX1YaatRoSNm0N8x_WtgXlT1D9ZfDj5Xt-E-SFCzmdJA1uEvJCJhqhyphenhyphenEgo1OpKwsVqkf3PZmIFbZkGpaPCVIIDT-pkBHfxzNrTZOSsQIDzsLuW0DrBanItaTkoUJlOSGetIAMEViJA/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+tank+(2).JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense tank" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultra lightweight and breathable</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Salomon S-Lab Sense Short:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It came as another great surprise when I received my next, seemingly empty package from Salomon. Floating around somewhere in the air contained within the sealed parcel was the Salomon S-Lab Sense short. Salomon state that, "Sense minimalist running shorts are so light you won't feel them when you run". I couldn't even feel them in the bag!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcBHM6Mon1y5GibNje53YX4gjwz4WQBOaF5LG0DOEPVA4ugRfwKqg9B3Dq51-xfBSI8SqV2iM53t5UKgehOk7xcIrO2QrzTFYAOAYHJn-xOCW5tiDJJTiFPY4dvq_JJ3GQH9n1-tWzR4/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+short.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAcBHM6Mon1y5GibNje53YX4gjwz4WQBOaF5LG0DOEPVA4ugRfwKqg9B3Dq51-xfBSI8SqV2iM53t5UKgehOk7xcIrO2QrzTFYAOAYHJn-xOCW5tiDJJTiFPY4dvq_JJ3GQH9n1-tWzR4/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+short.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense short" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anti-chafe inner, laser cut ventilation and pockets in the waistband ideal for long runs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The active fitting AdvancedSkin ActiveDry fabric with MOTIONfit technologies is highly breathable, again with laser cut holes front and back to allow an almost racing-car-like cooling system. The air flows through the fabric and in the holes at the front, is directed along the contours of the body and finally flows out of the laser cut holes in the back. They contain an inner-brief, along with two large pockets (one on the front and one on the back) and two smaller side gel pockets neatly incorporated into the elastic waistband, to allow slightly longer runs without the need of a backpack or waist belt. These shorts are definitely 'Designed For Freedom'!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycYRCDbmx_vvNUMXZELlkEYQPkwqqWYK9xYpt-oiq5V4_rzE3GJHh0b-4I90MUbZQSmnp7CHPiTXCBJq3Ba4wiYrX0dIkBKd5sfBAsc4rC_PH7-tZcvRcAuEjEbm7NySZNhhSTZqBjuU/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+short.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycYRCDbmx_vvNUMXZELlkEYQPkwqqWYK9xYpt-oiq5V4_rzE3GJHh0b-4I90MUbZQSmnp7CHPiTXCBJq3Ba4wiYrX0dIkBKd5sfBAsc4rC_PH7-tZcvRcAuEjEbm7NySZNhhSTZqBjuU/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+short.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense short" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here you can see the fabric and laser cut holes up-close</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do I love the Salomon S-Lab Sense range so much? It matches perfectly with my philosophy on trail running. Minimalism allows us to run naturally, leaving us feeling free and unhindered, allowing us to explore. You don't notice good gear when you run, it just works with you as you would want it to. I have never felt so free, almost naked, as I do when I run in the Salomon S-Lab Sense range. Very impressed!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-24146019906986838822014-09-11T17:41:00.000+01:002014-09-13T16:03:40.853+01:00Cotswold Outdoor Wings For Life Relay<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7SYtaO6Q35vkTjToX8xoegEJ7qy42AbZJsUcdaWxoSXyn9gpfRP_gZAgwLUKg_3kHWio93L3DCi-WgCIxOupJ_6aQnrqEh5njSRpMsGn2qpeGh_ya5f9K-fxRbJeFsyDEFlB57hMVdI/s1600/Cotswold+Outdoor+Wings+For+Life+relay+Cambridge+to+Milton+Keynes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7SYtaO6Q35vkTjToX8xoegEJ7qy42AbZJsUcdaWxoSXyn9gpfRP_gZAgwLUKg_3kHWio93L3DCi-WgCIxOupJ_6aQnrqEh5njSRpMsGn2qpeGh_ya5f9K-fxRbJeFsyDEFlB57hMVdI/s1600/Cotswold+Outdoor+Wings+For+Life+relay+Cambridge+to+Milton+Keynes.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cambridge - Sandy - Milton Keynes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It gave me great pleasure to be a part of the <a href="http://community.cotswoldoutdoor.com/news/2014/6/5/wings-for-life-relay/" target="_blank">Cotswold Outdoor Wings For Life</a> shop relay! Cotswold Outdoor, a popular retailer for everything you need for the outdoors and adventure since 1974, is raising money and awareness for the Wings For Life Charity by holding a non-motorised relay of over 3000 miles between the 69 stores, nationwide. I, along with friends Chris Green and Nathan Heathfield, were responsible for taking the baton from the Cambridge Cotswold Outdoor store, to the next store in Milton Keynes. It was decided that Chris and I would run from Cambridge to Sandy, hand over the baton to Nathan, who would then complete the leg to Milton Keynes on his bike.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9SgNtmT5Ey815evZxqAt_TDfPd2z0K5L-k4aHUNTZ6td8iKfV3UEKK-gtdDQV4jARVXHfV23iGaFaPjW9jjKEGMp8LefhpTbHnxuE40yi6oJum-h4C28bw_ORi3zby7f8JlWhGPyVbQ/s1600/CavemanClarke+and+Chris+Green+pre+Cambridge+to+Sandy+Wings+For+Life+run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9SgNtmT5Ey815evZxqAt_TDfPd2z0K5L-k4aHUNTZ6td8iKfV3UEKK-gtdDQV4jARVXHfV23iGaFaPjW9jjKEGMp8LefhpTbHnxuE40yi6oJum-h4C28bw_ORi3zby7f8JlWhGPyVbQ/s1600/CavemanClarke+and+Chris+Green+pre+Cambridge+to+Sandy+Wings+For+Life+run.JPG" height="400" title="Cambridge to Sandy for Wings For Life" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me and Chris ready for the Cambridge to Sandy part of the Wings For Life relay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Wings For Life Charity:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, many people across the world, and not just people involved in extreme activities, are involved in terrible traumatic accidents. In fact, the majority of people affected by spinal cord damage are people involved in road traffic accidents. It can happen to anyone! These accidents cause disruption to the nerve fibres and damage to the cells. Current commonplace knowledge teaches that severe damage to the spinal cord can result in the individual becoming paralysed and wheelchair bound for life. But the Wings For Life charity believes otherwise. Spurred on by the fact that the research into paralysis is heavily underfunded, they are currently researching and pioneering new and exciting ways to reverse the effects of spinal cord damage, raising awareness of the fact that it can happen to anyone, and supporting the lives of those already affected by paralysis. To find out more, and to support the charity, click <a href="http://www.wingsforlife.com/en/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WriNBoGUnLKtkbJQyNHuttwXQvRBRv7SXEucfJqQvwmAKRkLU7Aw3chJYKpYPFDbOihMtCNinOg_3sJ9PwRKwSL-gps53VXIHNfIZEPGBo5LSv8w059lsG_rIxNoyv2t7rT-Vt6WQg4/s1600/wingsforlife.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WriNBoGUnLKtkbJQyNHuttwXQvRBRv7SXEucfJqQvwmAKRkLU7Aw3chJYKpYPFDbOihMtCNinOg_3sJ9PwRKwSL-gps53VXIHNfIZEPGBo5LSv8w059lsG_rIxNoyv2t7rT-Vt6WQg4/s1600/wingsforlife.png" height="138" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>The run from Cambridge to Sandy:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day, perfect for running. Not too hot and not too cold, the weather was kind to us. An early start and slow trip into the centre of Cambridge in rush hour traffic, and I was immediately reminded why it is that I run trails and not roads! Arriving at the shop in our running gear, we stocked up on energy gels and bars, kindly donated by SIS (<a href="http://www.scienceinsport.com/" target="_blank">Science in Sport</a>). We were going to need them! We had 37km (23 miles) between us and Sandy, where Nathan would be waiting to finish our leg of the relay.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the baton safely tucked in Chris' bag and the GPS tracker switched on, I fired up my Suunto Ambit 2R, which already had the trail route uploaded onto it. We were off! For Chris, this was going to be an epic adventure, running almost twice as far as he had ever run before! Thankfully, my experience and pace information from the Ambit 2R allowed me to hold him back as the adrenaline and excitement powered us forward at what would have been an unrealistic pace to continue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roads made way to footpaths, which in-turn made way to dirt tracks and farm trails as we left the city and its hustle and bustle behind us. The first 10km quickly passed and we found ourselves firmly in the middle of Cambridgeshire rural countryside.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlAelFitNcZKVcIfOR3BlNu8jFjDHox2ij09mdQticwgtMJtNv3YV-bwuQsACRyy6SFzoY0F9KnCPriFUyqftGWEAzZ8yaDvoNcoaXboy6rcelpeEKph4NzRxvRTefkpFUyVbaRerb1k/s1600/Wings+For+Life+Cotswolds+Cambridge+CavemanClarke.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlAelFitNcZKVcIfOR3BlNu8jFjDHox2ij09mdQticwgtMJtNv3YV-bwuQsACRyy6SFzoY0F9KnCPriFUyqftGWEAzZ8yaDvoNcoaXboy6rcelpeEKph4NzRxvRTefkpFUyVbaRerb1k/s1600/Wings+For+Life+Cotswolds+Cambridge+CavemanClarke.JPG" height="400" title="Cambridge Trail running Wings For Life" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">En route from Cambridge to Sandy on the Cotswold Outdoor Wings For Life relay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the help of the SIS energy gels and bars we comfortably made it to the 20km mark. So far so good! The weather was perfect, our kit was working well, we were well fed and hydrated, and the Suunto Ambit 2R had faultlessly guided us along every turn in the trail. It was between 20 - 30km that the distance surpassed Chris' longest run-to-date, and he was really beginning to feel it. His legs stiffened up violently as I welcomed him to the world of long-distance running! We slowed the pace, had a quick rest break for some more water and energy and bravely pressed on towards the goal ahead.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwO0TR5bWUS1tjuMnZ0tkKoLRnt4NsAcmfO10LGAtQgxSqZnGbv5cJtLW_YCaWDufoh8XeomcRBLtFhC_0dQbmzQ_DKJjgaDhGwIfQojxEtaXMEn5NKoaYF9iktTNb2k5NnLy4tTPvD4/s1600/Chris+Green+Wings+For+Life+Cotswold+Outdoor+relay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwO0TR5bWUS1tjuMnZ0tkKoLRnt4NsAcmfO10LGAtQgxSqZnGbv5cJtLW_YCaWDufoh8XeomcRBLtFhC_0dQbmzQ_DKJjgaDhGwIfQojxEtaXMEn5NKoaYF9iktTNb2k5NnLy4tTPvD4/s1600/Chris+Green+Wings+For+Life+Cotswold+Outdoor+relay.JPG" height="400" title="Cotswold Wings For Life relay" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris pressing on to Sandy - awesome effort!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fields, woodland and villages passed one by one, trail after trail. Our bodies begun to feel the effects of the distance we had covered and begged us to slow to a halt and rest. I told Chris to dig-deep and remember one of my running mantras "Just Keep Going". The route took us through stunning pasture land, empty fields and past beautiful old farm buildings and stately homes. Cows and wild animals watched bemused as we trotted along on our journey in the middle of nowhere. Sandy was fast approaching and we were nearly at our destination. Our spirits began to lift and awaken, improving our mood, and we knew victory was within our reach. As we told our legs to "Shut-up" we left the final, beautiful and solitary trails and emerged once again into a concrete jungle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooApncwjiB0wg_uGu9TZ1xj8uteoUu2Ll1aEIsocI1ZkojiU1p7XvPUQVJwxt1-4GWlKYYZuKD61p2EPuBlsdAx-yLZ-adTU4hPkTuVCmmhoo92Om8Vvto4iJ_4yThdONgGy58cfuMJQ/s1600/CavemanClarke+on+the+Wings+For+Life+Cotswold+Outdoor+relay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooApncwjiB0wg_uGu9TZ1xj8uteoUu2Ll1aEIsocI1ZkojiU1p7XvPUQVJwxt1-4GWlKYYZuKD61p2EPuBlsdAx-yLZ-adTU4hPkTuVCmmhoo92Om8Vvto4iJ_4yThdONgGy58cfuMJQ/s1600/CavemanClarke+on+the+Wings+For+Life+Cotswold+Outdoor+relay.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Victory was within reach!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we hit the paved roads of Sandy, we picked up the pace to finish strong. Emotions of joy bubbled up, and the elation of what we had taken part in and achieved were strong in our hearts and minds. Together we sprinted the last few meters into the market square. Finding Nathan, we handed over the baton and sent him on his way to Milton Keynes.....our part in the Wings For Life relay was done! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris had run nearly double what he had ever run before, and we were in desperate need of fluids and calories. A pub just across the road? Perfect!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw78H1oqtlTAFGHzA1G5BP6Fukz4g93z9HBXhqeDmoL-ji4xHBFi7Zhlr6z7rKcRvd6Pff71WI5RvqaZVhUJEx4HZGn16FKZ4L-wyZHu19zoE_n0pko3sBECKSFN1CHzju1T-mRooZZU/s1600/Chris+Green+after+his+epic+run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw78H1oqtlTAFGHzA1G5BP6Fukz4g93z9HBXhqeDmoL-ji4xHBFi7Zhlr6z7rKcRvd6Pff71WI5RvqaZVhUJEx4HZGn16FKZ4L-wyZHu19zoE_n0pko3sBECKSFN1CHzju1T-mRooZZU/s1600/Chris+Green+after+his+epic+run.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>To support the Cotswold Outdoor Wings For Life shop relay and donate, please click</b> <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=cotswoldoutdoor&isTeam=true" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><u>Acknowledgements:</u></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to SIS for the much needed support by providing us with energy gels and bars</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhwHNMcomMCXvuFkCd99b6RzJkDrZm03eF7-xkhezKOFx0YjtZnQy7Et8HtMej1bcluJTK3Pdo78l4v9njiQTFc-qo6AJ_O0JcYQmK8Q9BIif_cVf74M0iJ_to075UBEoD5_pQvRSU8/s1600/SIS+sports+nutrition+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JhwHNMcomMCXvuFkCd99b6RzJkDrZm03eF7-xkhezKOFx0YjtZnQy7Et8HtMej1bcluJTK3Pdo78l4v9njiQTFc-qo6AJ_O0JcYQmK8Q9BIif_cVf74M0iJ_to075UBEoD5_pQvRSU8/s1600/SIS+sports+nutrition+(1).JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-29458558532687795682014-09-11T13:29:00.000+01:002014-09-13T16:03:52.127+01:00Trail and Fell Running Workshop at Buxton Adventure Festival, Oct 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolxV9DXoPS5Q8t2BdQU-SydsPPFnLV_EZKzI24XeVtDBk_eBH-hRw9rxYnZgf5tUUtfSQX9fRwjOoMfCG0L2ufbh5-IE-oVEHEVBsZCxead0hJuTIB5XZAf7wVmlPrrZ4iFgd0mPIHiE/s1600/Buxton+Adventure+Festival+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolxV9DXoPS5Q8t2BdQU-SydsPPFnLV_EZKzI24XeVtDBk_eBH-hRw9rxYnZgf5tUUtfSQX9fRwjOoMfCG0L2ufbh5-IE-oVEHEVBsZCxead0hJuTIB5XZAf7wVmlPrrZ4iFgd0mPIHiE/s1600/Buxton+Adventure+Festival+2014.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exciting news everyone! On the 12th October 2014 Buxton Adventure Festival will be hosting FOUR inspirational and educational trail and fell running events, and I will be there to make the most of this great opportunity.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buxton Adventure Festival is an awesome weekend of unbeatable Peak District activities, inspirational speakers and motivating adventure films: click <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for more info! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a keen trail and fell runner who takes any opportunity available to get to the beautiful Peak District for a fun-packed weekend of excellent trails and discovery, I just couldn't bear the thought of missing what is on offer on the Sunday (12th October). </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Here are four reasons why every keen trail and fell runner should go:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCryJGui4tMoG_IV3nNXgP6_Sn6j4qkqmVpZ-GvtISfhDjZdEfu4_5lsl8qKcs0Reofrv_Qno9KrB1KZfLC-2syDy88Dn8KCknzR0kfE7bSBb5yV2BTY_74oYorCrZR9A4OZLnpwQU5Q/s1600/DaveTaylor+FellRunningGuide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCryJGui4tMoG_IV3nNXgP6_Sn6j4qkqmVpZ-GvtISfhDjZdEfu4_5lsl8qKcs0Reofrv_Qno9KrB1KZfLC-2syDy88Dn8KCknzR0kfE7bSBb5yV2BTY_74oYorCrZR9A4OZLnpwQU5Q/s1600/DaveTaylor+FellRunningGuide.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) David Taylor's Trail and Fell Running Workshop</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an unmissable one-off 1/2 day workshop and guided fell run with fell running guide David Taylor, in association with Trail Running Magazine. Dave is a seriously experienced fell runner with a whole host of medals and crazy achievements to his name.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The practical workshop will include:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- A 5 mile guided fell run</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Advice on uphill and downhill technique</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Information on different training methods</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Navigation skills</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- How to run over different terrains</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Chance to discuss nutrition, shoes, gear, race preparation and more!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also joining the run will be Trail Running's Sarah Ryan and Wild Running's Sim Benson. Places are limited to 12, so book now <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/speakers-films/wild-running/trail-fell-running-workshop/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to guarantee your place and learn from the experiences Dave has had over his many years running.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkElxuTnNATaFaSclN0b_ck4p7kRX_PFLwdf-Bvm24eUmFNMK99Bm9cJwmAHCWMucKOYbjjfVQBFzT1Owjk8-vHz9TplZx8YDZsDNo1yeg0Smu-3Dw7hXtBSxtWkEFfB87tbEZT60K86A/s1600/Charlie+Ramsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkElxuTnNATaFaSclN0b_ck4p7kRX_PFLwdf-Bvm24eUmFNMK99Bm9cJwmAHCWMucKOYbjjfVQBFzT1Owjk8-vHz9TplZx8YDZsDNo1yeg0Smu-3Dw7hXtBSxtWkEFfB87tbEZT60K86A/s1600/Charlie+Ramsay.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Charlie Ramsay with Nicky Spinks</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the fell running workshop there is a series of 3 inspirational running talks. The first is with epic Scottish running challenge creator Charlie Ramsay, with an introduction by Peak District legend Nicky Spinks. Ever heard of the 'Charlie Ramsay Round' or fancy finding out how it's done? Then this talk is a must for you. The Charlie Ramsay Round is one of the UK's biggest fell running sub 24 hour challenges, along with the likes of the Bob Graham Round. Come along to find out how Charlie set the original record and how Nicky has worked tirelessly to break the female record in May! Click <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/speakers-films/charlie-ramsay-with-nicky-spinks/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to book your tickets.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj03KBTRKlh0WQnLARn-8PMyNd2qhBi6XwW6_RAU13ZJ7TCi6FcAP13-QgdSJFx0jgRzYmZdkmw-3D_U-4I7uFSfxrZD-6XU7OmlQrXHjKf9KdzM4EufyoCL_q8HMMwSURu6yncPTRGc/s1600/Wild+Running+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKj03KBTRKlh0WQnLARn-8PMyNd2qhBi6XwW6_RAU13ZJ7TCi6FcAP13-QgdSJFx0jgRzYmZdkmw-3D_U-4I7uFSfxrZD-6XU7OmlQrXHjKf9KdzM4EufyoCL_q8HMMwSURu6yncPTRGc/s1600/Wild+Running+talk.jpg" height="200" title="Wild Running" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Wild Running authors Jen and Sim Benson</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book now to hear from the authors of the new and exciting book 'Wild Running'. Husband and Wife due Jen and Sim Benson have compiled a book about how to escape into the wildest parts of the UK's incredible countryside using running as your method of transport. Most trail and fell runners are looking for new ways to explore and escape the everyday stresses that life inevitably brings, so why not book <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/speakers-films/wild-running/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to discover something fresh and different!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqQCdNFQ1Y-TC5kibsxi1aLUw3q053sCoDqKciVFcA7d2t1Yi6-zIwq_arPmkFOgB-_E5A572TQbvJeuhD0vbKVcBM0X47bKR2mp-OQGzdewuELMjghidTD8a3DZn36mkWiknRQh8wIU/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqQCdNFQ1Y-TC5kibsxi1aLUw3q053sCoDqKciVFcA7d2t1Yi6-zIwq_arPmkFOgB-_E5A572TQbvJeuhD0vbKVcBM0X47bKR2mp-OQGzdewuELMjghidTD8a3DZn36mkWiknRQh8wIU/s1600/Steve+Birkinshaw.jpg" height="225" title="Steve Birkinshaw" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4) Steve Birkinshaw - Ultra Fell Runner</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final talk is by Cumbrian fell runner Steve Birkinshaw; the record breaking Wainwrights fell runner. Steve Chilton, author of 'It's a Hill, Get Over It' will be interviewing Steve Birkinshaw on just how it was possible to prepare for the 320 mile, 6 day and 13 hour, 214 peak Lake District record which helped raise over £12,000 for MS charities, and why this is so close to his heart. Can't wait! Book your tickets <a href="http://www.buxtonadventurefestival.co.uk/speakers-films/steve-birkinshaw-ultra-fell-runner/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to hear his story and pick up some tips and motivation!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there you are - four reasons to be at this years Buxton Adventure Festival. I will be there, making the most of this fantastic opportunity to learn, listen, be inspired and motivated to achieve my own personal challenges for the years ahead, and it would be great to see you there too!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE6VV58uNJwVrWV3uaw6CDtpUW6x_clSVkemUNX-wFdmZmUx7CPrV9Z_7TnrvLEndhW4Av13eHrCG_0HeZmuYbuTKMxK49TGDyGnHjZcPcLGpcpjxEXMbS2CflWG0l9HYya5hKMWbNQ4/s1600/Buxton+Adventure+Festival+talks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqE6VV58uNJwVrWV3uaw6CDtpUW6x_clSVkemUNX-wFdmZmUx7CPrV9Z_7TnrvLEndhW4Av13eHrCG_0HeZmuYbuTKMxK49TGDyGnHjZcPcLGpcpjxEXMbS2CflWG0l9HYya5hKMWbNQ4/s1600/Buxton+Adventure+Festival+talks.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-35404346926496950482014-09-05T15:41:00.002+01:002014-09-13T16:04:11.946+01:00Trail Running magazine...the perfect coffee break!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G1-b8IQUIhJM4f2KcNSXbwCywbDdbqfYyi5io7s655i1CmtDDNa0a5gwc-Wrj-4wHjEGGpWN-eoLkU-sidAo7NIjW-dM_EPdrmH0tnO0vAAM0Z-uzzNsszMv1Xz0uhE_0bdopr6BLKI/s1600/Trail+running+magazine+coffee+break.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6G1-b8IQUIhJM4f2KcNSXbwCywbDdbqfYyi5io7s655i1CmtDDNa0a5gwc-Wrj-4wHjEGGpWN-eoLkU-sidAo7NIjW-dM_EPdrmH0tnO0vAAM0Z-uzzNsszMv1Xz0uhE_0bdopr6BLKI/s1600/Trail+running+magazine+coffee+break.JPG" height="300" title="Trail Running magazine" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for a well earned coffee break!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exciting news! This months latest edition of Trail Running magazine is out in the shops and, as usual, I have been and fetched myself a copy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Why buy Trail Running?</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why on earth not? For just £4.50 (or even cheaper if you subscribe) you get inspiration, motivation, training plans, gear and shoe reviews and interviews with top athletes and adventurers! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month, find out about nutrition for running, read an interview with top Salomon athlete Kilian Jornet, learn how to love autumn running, discover how to sleep well to make the most of your hard training and read about how ordinary people like you can achieve great feats of running endurance. On top of this, you can follow training plans, discover what the best kit to part with your hard-earned cash is, find a route and race near you and stay in touch with the trail running community. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The only problem is, by the time I can tear myself away from the magazine, my coffee has gone cold.....</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more info <a href="http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/outdoor-interests/trail-running-magazine.html" target="_blank">click here</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-39391598388572816732014-08-28T16:33:00.000+01:002014-09-13T16:04:40.145+01:00Trail Running in Edale and Kinder Scout<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9tlBW7qvxF66JfqFZ3L4Jaq5hT6_Z6qREAN1hqazBJqgF3r76ozXRagsLzFMEcqVrNTos0qyl1ZOyoz2QlcmntCDAm34tql7isV39m7HBNcOj3Bwl8yqDFgge4enM9FjohO_UY44BD8/s1600/Trail+running+Kinder+Scout+Edale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9tlBW7qvxF66JfqFZ3L4Jaq5hT6_Z6qREAN1hqazBJqgF3r76ozXRagsLzFMEcqVrNTos0qyl1ZOyoz2QlcmntCDAm34tql7isV39m7HBNcOj3Bwl8yqDFgge4enM9FjohO_UY44BD8/s1600/Trail+running+Kinder+Scout+Edale.JPG" height="300" title="Trail running Kinder Scout" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke enjoying Kinder Scout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bank holiday weekend just passed will hold fond memories for me for many years to come. It was pure and simple freedom. As a keen trail runner and reviewer of the latest off-road running gear I was keen to take some of my favourite trusty pieces of kit, along with my newest Suunto toy to the quaint little Derbyshire village of Edale in the Peak District; a trail runners paradise! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living in rural Cambridgeshire leaves me needing hills and mountains, and the Peak District is by far the easiest accessible place for me to get my fix and some decent training in. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PDZcgg4OioeknDtp2ZBvNCmuLyscZgMJMnHw2r9ncLw2aRzrl6nKn-7swPzqfcf4uKyJo0VYPeVeEflAIclzXII8aiDIHCbFba0qUtdG8Ndjl7gwYQbkszxg3V0St7WZ-wsNrYEeER0/s1600/Jacobs+Ladder+Edale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PDZcgg4OioeknDtp2ZBvNCmuLyscZgMJMnHw2r9ncLw2aRzrl6nKn-7swPzqfcf4uKyJo0VYPeVeEflAIclzXII8aiDIHCbFba0qUtdG8Ndjl7gwYQbkszxg3V0St7WZ-wsNrYEeER0/s1600/Jacobs+Ladder+Edale.JPG" height="86" title="Trail running Kinder Scout" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The view from the top of Jacobs Ladder</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since deciding a couple of months ago to invest in a campervan, my wife and I have managed to get away quite a bit at the weekends. Often making a long weekend of it, we take a Friday or Monday off work to make it worth while travelling that bit further. This weekend we managed to work it that we would travel Thursday evening and Monday afternoon, leaving plenty of time to get lots of interesting runs in. So, just before leaving I got my new Suunto Ambit 2R out of the box, connected it to the laptop and begun planning routes for the weekend.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0CbuWgadTpMA4AO4bcc7KtIRYYRVCLFBWc2vOtxGBrN4ygPqXZ9FTPG7ZlS0PIG7GlmzVYEnry4QLCqo2Le11KznEyNmkQweQsDf9rTXXi_xFdmBL74gf8Ai8qo6kf7a3tARyGwTmEU/s1600/Suunto+Ambit+2R.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Suunto Ambit 2R" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unboxing the Suunto Ambit 2R</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I absolutely adore the Peak District, of which Edale and the surrounding area never fails to excite and satisfy my desire to get out and run beautiful technical trails. This weekend passed was by far the best visit to date. Not too hot, not terrible weather or constant rain, the atmosphere and temperature were perfect for exploring the hills at speed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZcSSug5EOeiECzWcqgQL3qy_-SyaxMzTjbPAFuw0DWG6BYzImfTAsF-vGgKEbLXUxPLBaYPcAH7THu0xsYsuueGQrJSzBDz0b-CgXEhyrCEjB3btJqk7QOwhx1jwe5XLW00zXZbeRmU/s1600/Kinder+Downfall+trail+running.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kinder Downfall" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kinder Downfall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was decided that Fridays route would allow my wife Hannah to get a good feel for the 'Peaks style' of trail running, as she has only run flatter routes in the past. So, I planned a nice little circular route from Edale. It ascended and descended over Mam Tor and into the stunning village of Castleton for a break and a pint, before returning via a different lower route. I have never been so surprised at someone's natural ability to run hills and technical terrain with so little previous experience. I was so proud of the effort Hannah put in, despite suffering a little with a sore ITB. The day was perfect. Time spent doing what I love most with the person I love most. You can't get better than that! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdbXpOSftgDKdaOqEHIhMuV2usz_PDOSpRmOK7lhbarTsEJOuNQkSRdePeAToxs4E7Fc6L3lguYjgPiYwp8aswahUeAZIZQNlX_6CcRWKe0L548X30G1KjXMeqLw7Fxlat7iWrubppyw/s1600/Mam+Tor+Trail+running.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hannah and Bella at the summit of Mam Tor" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah and Bella at the summit of Mam Tor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturdays route would see me climbing Jacobs Ladder onto Kinder Scout, traversing the Edale skyline and returning via Grindsbrook and the Pennine Way back to the campsite. Hannah would rest this day to allow an epic run for her on the Sunday. It was time to try a route that in the past had left me lost at the top of Kinder Scout in 10m visibility, and so for me, a perfect opportunity to try the 'Run a Route' navigation feature of my new Suunto Ambit 2R. This was the main reason why I got the watch in the first place; to allow trail runs in unfamiliar territory. So, packing some water, food and basic emergency equipment in my trusty <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/trail-running-hydration-pack-review.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Adv Skin Hydro 12 set</a> race vest and pulling on my trusted, grippy <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Fellcross 2</a> I was off! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PHnee6d6EVunv6ectyX9V0vnX34RygvN1iM0CaHL5bjwvrxbEkucRqtwjMvlMiYvv-NdRDpJ-iQ5AFtTcmY46zBYyA5ulLq3nA-h9PZI9_ADf45a__GB0-wVvUle5Re-dH5kRCEdNiA/s1600/Edale+valley+trail+running++(2).JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Edale trail running" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A view of Edale from the Edale Skyline</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the point where I cannot hold it in any longer; the Suunto Ambit 2R was faultless! Amazing! Immediately finding the GPS and loading the route, I stuck to the on-screen track I had planned and it directed me perfectly and accurately from start to finish of the route. Yes, I took a map and compass just in case I had any problems, and I always think this is a good idea in unfamiliar territory, but I never once thought of using them. The watch informed me of everything I needed to know (and more) and safely guided me across a previously terrifying route that I had once got horribly lost on. It goes without saying that the rest of the gear I had chosen to run in also performed flawlessly. I would happily say that a run which had previously been labelled a disaster had become one of my favourite trail runs to date. I loved it. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEFBTNM5hGB-TWB-zhp8xjhU29FDulp52guyaGQdR7hiy1xmg-Q9cPVtM7l6xE_kxigGeuDHwJkpuoTcDqtKhqBkfSG7Zyac_R-NHkwViue7ZdYCJFNHnwszWY3Q__FOBQHT8NE0Qu_Tk/s1600/Grindsbrook+trail+running.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Peak District Trail running" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grindsbrook</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sundays route would take us both to see Kinder Downfall, the peat bogs on top of Kinder Scout and then a second visit of the Edale Skyline for me. Once again, Hannah really amazed me. She powered up the hills, admired the views, had a really good go at the downhills and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. And what a fantastic experience it was, once again guided perfectly by the Suunto Ambit 2R's route navigation features. You just don't get hills and views like this in Cambridgeshire!!!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEx5rCPW9si7xpTO0iKqWQL0WZrmjib2RX1DLtRxmFAMVuDeUyTz8GFJCPP5YbWOv2T5mdQ8Czs2Jj8jd_ZMvelUTK1uSebOw1NM4Owj2FU_aO2hQe1nWn5xvxh54M4yxXfx_rvHogK44/s1600/Kinder+scout+trail+running.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kinder Scout" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kinder Scout Summit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AcriYU-0MhwmArpmKV7CWhPlfeQdGvmBz_iVTU-aYVlBVEkhbdyn7BM6yDFF42AO40UivNhFRLDXYxDANNKMPruK5FbQ_sroUvTUnNrPf95iiPE-WUgX4wvsIeaGpSPKT8bfIm-kqzw/s1600/Bella+trail+running+in+edale.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kinder Scout" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bella loved it too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplnzhQmpMsluhtJhHrpuNOfJHaiOhPe3U9mUO_HNnATGX3GSWlo4IaatyQa8Z2Ngd1PVwBYSOz6qSP0Y28Ierv8F-90LUDQmbcnmIZ26XVZplWhwGw1CEw4AADZQcy7hzw2jHN8Vexzk/s1600/CavemanClarke+Kinder+Downfall.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kinder downfall trail running" width="240" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bella takes a drink while I put my hardshell on for a windproof break!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a blessing to be able to down tools and head to the Peaks to do what I love most. Trail running has brought so much joy, peace and excitement into my life, (as well as a whole host of cool gear!). I have explored beautiful new places, met great people and felt so free and alive. Creation is an amazing thing and trail running is the way I like to explore it. And all the cool gear and shoes? What really defines <i>'good' </i>shoes and apparel? Well, I would say:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: start;">'Good trail running gear leaves you able to focus solely on the activity and experience itself'</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4YKaLlew-vx1oJIZCDFlcNcVSppG-cnBzBo68XMiGjTg-zpQoslN3N8alpft1eRkS0je2utvb5rMqyy0SgmRnjgnObNprkBtOttLFyS8VAgeBZOhyphenhyphenNLe2sHtcTetmuBCc_Uia6JndI8/s1600/CavemanClarke+trail+running.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Trail running Kinder Scout" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke Trail running Kinder Scout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcFGpH3kVhoBAgySK6cLd5rf1IBxssZPCwmIi7sDXhXsJmWjc8tqCDWRhrhVrKAlyiLIKSAchKF7kgB9GZVV6dl6I32FnLj_tEyeFaIpLlUVdMdOwDWn3iEgPK0faz2unnYRtPSv9FCA/s1600/Hannah+trail+running.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Trail running Kinder Scout" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah Trail running Kinder Scout</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to have Monday as a rest day due to heavy rain and poor visibility, and so I would try my tired legs on a fast flat route back home in Cambridgeshire farmland later that evening! The hill training certainly showed; a home route that usually takes me 36 minutes was blasted in around 31.....a great excuse to get back to the Peaks soon ;-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzF8UQH5KCRoOGxstXyABdSCw9Gw30Hm7IXa1_qvUTle3fscg6NfqlTtE3uTY9fBJXxLomn4CZub1BWRJ8TEhsv17ejzxSZMokU2BXtANP71blcT77GY0WRprQynyd-VtiCMVCmQOw44/s1600/jacobs+ladder+trail+running.JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jacobs ladder trail running" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Admiring the view at the top of Jacobs Ladder</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-40123792950516289292014-08-03T22:28:00.001+01:002014-09-13T16:05:05.645+01:00Womens Inov-8 Trailroc 236 review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg5FsBJl3qSf_RzlfPCDIaNN_7xY3daCbPMwM1VjTtmDQzDPr6qKk08bFqr_VRte-i-Ajl-KPCQwyK8MvQSv9Fw6iDLtufMEITO-LmoOej8DGlk3iV6E7y8RZhORLgpluSxjbgV_aJQI/s1600/Inov8+Trailroc+236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimg5FsBJl3qSf_RzlfPCDIaNN_7xY3daCbPMwM1VjTtmDQzDPr6qKk08bFqr_VRte-i-Ajl-KPCQwyK8MvQSv9Fw6iDLtufMEITO-LmoOej8DGlk3iV6E7y8RZhORLgpluSxjbgV_aJQI/s1600/Inov8+Trailroc+236.JPG" height="300" title="Inov-8 Trailroc 236" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inov-8 Trailroc 236</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is with great excitement that I bring you my second guest review! After previously being really impressed with the mens <a href="https://www.blogger.com/(http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/update-on-inov-8-trailroc-235s.html)" target="_blank">Trailroc 235's</a><span style="font-size: x-small;">,</span> but discovering after only 150km that the uppers split across the metatarsal flex point, I was keen to see any improvements that Inov-8 may have made in the 236's.The Inov-8 Trailroc 236 has proved a very popular trail shoe for women in both training and racing situations, and with the help of my wife Hannah I hope to help you make the choice of whether this may be the trail shoe for you. I have been sending her out on the local trails in all weathers and dragging her to races across the country to enable me to interrogate her on the pro's and con's of the women's specific shoe in the well-known Trailroc series. And so, it's over to Hannah to fill in the blanks.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbBLZotyRkgFuSIGpSbZwbwkq9wD0mWd8bXHLtsTzT4mK5dqztOieX9-MQgxtehuxzeljda11HBpYm8qLEXWWdqhpzTADt93lJMdc9062Xs2aykIWRjomExoQ2l4yZ_XeQSn0h7xCFr8/s1600/Inov-8+Trailroc+236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbBLZotyRkgFuSIGpSbZwbwkq9wD0mWd8bXHLtsTzT4mK5dqztOieX9-MQgxtehuxzeljda11HBpYm8qLEXWWdqhpzTADt93lJMdc9062Xs2aykIWRjomExoQ2l4yZ_XeQSn0h7xCFr8/s1600/Inov-8+Trailroc+236.JPG" height="300" title="Inov-8 Trailroc 236" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>CC: Why did you buy the Inov-8 Trailroc 236?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah:<i> "I was after a more minimal lightweight trail running shoe with good grip, as my road shoes were not cutting it in wet weather. I didn't want to spend huge amounts of money and I came across these on offer in my local sports retailer, so I thought I would give them a try."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<b>CC: I sadly found the durability of the men's Trailroc 235's not up to scratch, as they split at the metatarsal flex points after 150km. How many Km's have you run in these and how have you found the durability of the 236's?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah: <i>"I have no idea how many Km's I have run in them, as I don't have one of your fancy GPS watches yet, but I run a couple of times a week and have had these shoes for a year now and they are not showing any signs of significant wear and tear. They do get cleaned after running in muddy conditions though, which always helps increase the life of a trail running shoe, as mud is slightly acidic which, over time, eats into and weakens the stitching, materials and glue." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG9SOKzVScg7InChvSNlyh8ancHZhw_qF5AihSgZ9fk6RmVjtr6ywBoGg7qQ1Nh2pw4JrERrJWeLtsu7hEfeOjOkBIt71piSWcZvJ-KZo-qsiwDEAM5tVAZQlfH5d8ZAqsaIZzJrDngk/s1600/trailroc+236+by+inov8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG9SOKzVScg7InChvSNlyh8ancHZhw_qF5AihSgZ9fk6RmVjtr6ywBoGg7qQ1Nh2pw4JrERrJWeLtsu7hEfeOjOkBIt71piSWcZvJ-KZo-qsiwDEAM5tVAZQlfH5d8ZAqsaIZzJrDngk/s1600/trailroc+236+by+inov8.JPG" height="300" title="Inov8 Trailroc 236" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No wearing on the metatarsal flex points this time!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CC: How comfortable are they?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah:<i> "Personally, not extremely comfortable; because they are a minimal trail shoe I find them less comfortable than the more cushioned road shoes I wear to fitness classes and work, and I find the soles quite ridged compared to other minimal shoes I have, such as the New Balance Minimus I wear to Bootcamp sessions. I haven't had any blisters or hot spots so I don't have any complaints with the comfort and the shape is perfect for my very narrow feet."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSWFcHseDyf8ExeO96Bgb-kU7-7KKIO6i-KPXc9O0akXzj1hy3cBEvyUEm2UfjDvmILiN_nQsFoJMRbcILT9K367LXoy-YKKd6ycaUapr3hzjN-52sWEQm6MJqQ7ZzsWaqOZ-hPZZg7g/s1600/Inov-8+trailroc236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSWFcHseDyf8ExeO96Bgb-kU7-7KKIO6i-KPXc9O0akXzj1hy3cBEvyUEm2UfjDvmILiN_nQsFoJMRbcILT9K367LXoy-YKKd6ycaUapr3hzjN-52sWEQm6MJqQ7ZzsWaqOZ-hPZZg7g/s1600/Inov-8+trailroc236.JPG" height="300" title="Inov-8 Trailroc 236 " width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quite a narrow fit, ideal for people with narrow feet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CC: What is the grip like?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah: <i>"I think it's really good for what I need. For muddy fields, grass footpaths and slightly technical terrain they provide a good all-round level of grip, however I don't like them on pavement or road sections as they are too clumpy, like most trail shoes. The only time I have found the grip to fail is on sticky mud when the tread pattern clogs up and you lose the effect the lug pattern should have to keep you from slipping."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUzqOBNHyBqany2cGU5oimzWyosj5h_YvmhAlTd_5vwkNPuStm-8JG00qAnA1FP7MziaPX0OKAbc0YShkakECRu9qMnK6aHs8Jv1bM8RYVMUpErkVOnK6VBfGRt1VJyMfgNNxaTdZBR8/s1600/Trailroc+236+inov8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUzqOBNHyBqany2cGU5oimzWyosj5h_YvmhAlTd_5vwkNPuStm-8JG00qAnA1FP7MziaPX0OKAbc0YShkakECRu9qMnK6aHs8Jv1bM8RYVMUpErkVOnK6VBfGRt1VJyMfgNNxaTdZBR8/s1600/Trailroc+236+inov8.JPG" height="300" title="Inov-8 trailroc grip" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inov-8 Trailroc grip is great for varied trails</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CC: What is the best thing about these shoes and what would you like to see improved, if anything?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah: <i>"The best thing about them is their reliability and trustworthiness. Every time I put them on I know they will perform well, grip well and not cause me any comfort issues or blisters. I also think the design is pretty cool too, which is always a welcome bonus! The only thing I would like to see improved slightly is if Inov-8 could make them a bit more comfortable by increasing the flexibility of the sole and softness of the uppers. But this is being picky!" </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>CC: Would you buy these shoes again and why?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah: <i>"Yes, definitely! They always perform reliably every time I wear them. I just put them on and go, no issues! If you start noticing things about a shoe it is usually because of a slight problem. When you put on your shoes and just run, you know the shoe is right for you and the terrain your running on. These do just that for me."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyF80R9eSvTJ6kn9NebDRgC9WI0YTEIb0pkiBCLUSLHYwYvW9L_Wf-W_C9Yjeb63rqvnSRXGVozB88zxUfhcqFp-Dm36CE8PRDOyxCRMv2d0CBpjLe8RnCbMWaGuhUzecOYzboF9PkslY/s1600/Womens+inov-8+Trailroc+236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyF80R9eSvTJ6kn9NebDRgC9WI0YTEIb0pkiBCLUSLHYwYvW9L_Wf-W_C9Yjeb63rqvnSRXGVozB88zxUfhcqFp-Dm36CE8PRDOyxCRMv2d0CBpjLe8RnCbMWaGuhUzecOYzboF9PkslY/s1600/Womens+inov-8+Trailroc+236.JPG" height="300" title="Inov-8 Trailroc 236" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>CavemanClarke's take on the Trailroc 236:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the popularity and proven track record of the Trailroc series this shoe seems to have been a real success in the minimalist trail running world. The original Trailroc's that I trialled many moons ago suffered with poor durability across the metatarsal flex points, and resulted in splitting after only 100-150km, but later models seem to have improved on this. At close inspection of the Trailroc 236, the area that usually falls foul and splits seems to have been injected with a clear glue substance to strengthen the upper material and prevent splitting. Combine this with a slightly narrower foot of some runners and these shoes seem to perform effortlessly for their user. If, however, you have particularly wide feet you may find the durability of the uppers will be reduced somewhat due to stretching of the upper material to accommodate your wide feet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All said and done, my wife loves them, and that means more miles together on the trail. Just please don't get them too dirty, as I know just who will be given the task of cleaning them up again!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29wZfPl0ouBCUWYyrbQWq4Zhvl_wfCeKtGusJthzdl-oBSAz16aIRR1FbYEV48gao3rwBqJdHg4H18SUZevIqt1BsQxUn2dUU3GCQbQQeohSXzAb-0LBlSJ2ad4NPOZX2Qbi1tF-qigU/s1600/trailroc+236.png" height="290" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Inov-8 Trailroc 236" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah loves getting her Inov-8's dirty! <br />She also loves getting her husband to clean them for her!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29wZfPl0ouBCUWYyrbQWq4Zhvl_wfCeKtGusJthzdl-oBSAz16aIRR1FbYEV48gao3rwBqJdHg4H18SUZevIqt1BsQxUn2dUU3GCQbQQeohSXzAb-0LBlSJ2ad4NPOZX2Qbi1tF-qigU/s1600/trailroc+236.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span>Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-76675916798284586242014-07-30T14:47:00.000+01:002014-09-13T16:05:32.266+01:00Ashmei Ullswater 9 & 20 mile trail runs, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ-E4MlWsofzo3mwxzPat3_Sfv7WGybjlF_hjO4kRKxGpkf9jlyPMRYkztDRSA5un7E84vR9mn_HKxoed6w9PN_V_UCFF9MZZYpGe1zTEEUp1mP28_5IKmznIHBlHQlhZ_W3vplmhrxE/s1600/Ullswater+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ-E4MlWsofzo3mwxzPat3_Sfv7WGybjlF_hjO4kRKxGpkf9jlyPMRYkztDRSA5un7E84vR9mn_HKxoed6w9PN_V_UCFF9MZZYpGe1zTEEUp1mP28_5IKmznIHBlHQlhZ_W3vplmhrxE/s1600/Ullswater+23.jpg" height="356" title="CavemanClarke and Paul Yeoman" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke and new run buddy Paul Yeoman</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not too long ago, I had a fantastic weekend trail running in The Lakes. Pooley Bridge, a small village situated by the quietly lapping waters-edge of Ullswater was to host the 2014 <a href="http://ashmei-events.com/" target="_blank">Ashmei</a> 9 and 20 mile trail runs. Thirty and a half miles later (more about that in a minute!), a few new friends and with fun tales to tell, I fondly look back at what turned out to be a really great event.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started early Friday morning, packing my new favourite toy. After much consideration and saving, my wife and I decided to invest in a comfortable way to travel and stay all over the UK without having to slum it in a tent or pay through the nose for a B&B. So we bought ourselves a campervan; a Mazda Bongo to be exact. After shuddering at the weather forecast, carefully remembering everything on the race kit list, and not forgetting the espresso maker, (after all, we are glamping now!) we headed off on the 4.5h journey to Ullswater. Upon arriving we pitched up in a lovely spot with all the other campers staying for the weekend and sat back to ponder what the weekend would bring. Ashmei events had set up a huge tent-marquee with race registration, chill-out area, food section and shop selling their merino wool run clothing and merchandise. A fire pit was smouldering away and an inspirational running movie was playing on a big screen. Nice!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPKINw0Se80CmXOJT9bc6HPLzzQyLcvGne_UHUXathY-ojyApEqq6e2cFZxOyKsHvTp3oYDPwB-1c5mHhO0S5QPij1ejYbjDGKktUX6VXhGJMhCsHRQZQecVtH3N00SLVHfBHtKudb08/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPKINw0Se80CmXOJT9bc6HPLzzQyLcvGne_UHUXathY-ojyApEqq6e2cFZxOyKsHvTp3oYDPwB-1c5mHhO0S5QPij1ejYbjDGKktUX6VXhGJMhCsHRQZQecVtH3N00SLVHfBHtKudb08/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(1).JPG" height="240" title="CavemanClarke's Mazda Bongo" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much more comfy than a tent!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb-efRrUtWpsHT8ysjdPiaA-iIjyoXXGpd0R_-1QZNyDenPd4Q8FyVtPvECpfGInmbqG4q1m_wT9J2RuFI_dE4Orqo6wqvKyunS8w09uB0R4svrXrvewy6goRZt4K3jRmVgqXGbJU7rA/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(3).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb-efRrUtWpsHT8ysjdPiaA-iIjyoXXGpd0R_-1QZNyDenPd4Q8FyVtPvECpfGInmbqG4q1m_wT9J2RuFI_dE4Orqo6wqvKyunS8w09uB0R4svrXrvewy6goRZt4K3jRmVgqXGbJU7rA/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(3).JPG" height="150" title="CavemanClarke's Mazda Bongo" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home from home</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTBq31rcgff8SlTO7gBhDDgiyeDEA597DDsOnzwALgDCnUcqpR5pO6gCxP4KEu8iImVA-2EH9gkQ6YMnywLOR2d_Rj0k16erwDuV1NOVMheAKyTlN53Q0M0FrOjPHLow1n2SDqclIeP8/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTBq31rcgff8SlTO7gBhDDgiyeDEA597DDsOnzwALgDCnUcqpR5pO6gCxP4KEu8iImVA-2EH9gkQ6YMnywLOR2d_Rj0k16erwDuV1NOVMheAKyTlN53Q0M0FrOjPHLow1n2SDqclIeP8/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+(2).JPG" height="150" title="CavemanClarke's Mazda Bongo" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coffee for the morning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The 9 miler</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoZbgey_02iq98UPhAjlVjGq9-fsZVqiveaKcDFhWd8vHpFTJlkyFaN10Jw4gcbu4AFB3AafIew_FQy2JRF3yvsQQpLR4enYCRmIWjTZZmah5y1qVC6-zm0U9NDGbu6Q_85rhdBLpuRk/s1600/Ullswater+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoZbgey_02iq98UPhAjlVjGq9-fsZVqiveaKcDFhWd8vHpFTJlkyFaN10Jw4gcbu4AFB3AafIew_FQy2JRF3yvsQQpLR4enYCRmIWjTZZmah5y1qVC6-zm0U9NDGbu6Q_85rhdBLpuRk/s1600/Ullswater+5.jpg" height="212" title="Ashmei Ullswater 9 miler" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready for the start of the race</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I awoke Saturday morning to glorious sunshine for the 9 mile trail run. Note to self: never believe your iPhone weather App! Meeting and greeting the group of runners from all backgrounds and abilities is always a pleasure at races. Comparing shoes, hydration systems, GPS watches and talking all things running is always a highlight for a gear-geek like me. And to top it off, some of them had even read my reviews in the past! Lining up and bearing in mind that I was running this 9 miler as a 'warm-up' for the 20 miler the next day, the race started and the super-fit bounded off into the distance leaving all the 'normal' folk like me in the main pack. The course was a double loop of 4.5 miles, and began by climbing a relentless and energy sapping hill up onto the fell. Once on top it stayed there, winding through rocky paths and heather-clad trails until it worked its way steeply back downhill to the start/finish. A quick glug of water and a couple of helpless jelly babies and it was back up the thigh-burning hill for the second loop. It was at this point that I realised my Cambridge-born weakness; uphill! "Must train harder" I said aloud to myself at one point. But every cloud has a silver lining. A group of lads who overtook me on the hill and left my site in no time were not to beat me! This is where I discovered my strength! Hours of admiring Kilian Jornet's downhill technique would pay off, and flying down the steep rocky paths I overtook them just before the finish. "Where did you come from?" was their surprised gasp as I passed them on the home straight! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3hfR2p3WMvgx1c-DXtPHnUW5SAXkvT7mw6iPoZZ_v9S1O0mTS5zC4gWImHmegp_weG-uT5gcPTom7C6u1fGxADyWn1HFLXnr7ZWrgs660KCP6Ys2vAxuPvWsGAP9UpTWD3JH7tBJcro/s1600/Ullswater+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3hfR2p3WMvgx1c-DXtPHnUW5SAXkvT7mw6iPoZZ_v9S1O0mTS5zC4gWImHmegp_weG-uT5gcPTom7C6u1fGxADyWn1HFLXnr7ZWrgs660KCP6Ys2vAxuPvWsGAP9UpTWD3JH7tBJcro/s1600/Ullswater+9.jpg" height="213" title="Ashmei 9 miler" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTJ0IWhng_Tmm_JEIn8GfmY0QLStGEhyphenhyphen8J5iS7wcFao9Iq-aWBmsdj1zrQmJ9UX2joNALbwW5cbBq4SVCepZH6qbdpvfzZn_kShZBUWlr3qYz3gUs9fd6zXOPRpdAw0GuD0dyTjev_Ac/s1600/Ullswater+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTJ0IWhng_Tmm_JEIn8GfmY0QLStGEhyphenhyphen8J5iS7wcFao9Iq-aWBmsdj1zrQmJ9UX2joNALbwW5cbBq4SVCepZH6qbdpvfzZn_kShZBUWlr3qYz3gUs9fd6zXOPRpdAw0GuD0dyTjev_Ac/s1600/Ullswater+11.jpg" height="213" title="CavemanClarke" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT66n_UBsMi04aIzV4LnBMok7sE3TmOAS4wkameDmQttUDjwLGmimMCGZ34379yPpRGBCuXBrmCmjEWUPCejCtSMcCl1XnsgGY26i_L746YzV1b40dQT7hh8194cHc-Wh7cwsXIsvNEQ/s1600/Ullswater+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT66n_UBsMi04aIzV4LnBMok7sE3TmOAS4wkameDmQttUDjwLGmimMCGZ34379yPpRGBCuXBrmCmjEWUPCejCtSMcCl1XnsgGY26i_L746YzV1b40dQT7hh8194cHc-Wh7cwsXIsvNEQ/s1600/Ullswater+21.jpg" height="320" title="CavemanClarke finishes the 9 miler" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The 20 miler (aka The 21.5 miler!)</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1C5KBCkjmZ0wpFoNIQTdWXXtTjQiDEkSSye_EBF067LdxS_k0sDMYee2ImrkrwQR0oT-m4wGdWhMO46f6dgkAcu0wQLmqXhcLferKVmBNutHP4cYlH_emYUPWSYy3bdiPu6v2z6FDOPE/s1600/Ullswater+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1C5KBCkjmZ0wpFoNIQTdWXXtTjQiDEkSSye_EBF067LdxS_k0sDMYee2ImrkrwQR0oT-m4wGdWhMO46f6dgkAcu0wQLmqXhcLferKVmBNutHP4cYlH_emYUPWSYy3bdiPu6v2z6FDOPE/s1600/Ullswater+16.jpg" height="213" title="20 mile briefing" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">20 mile briefing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83sMHnDoIeh1HVV-FQkyASNjMmTgXhiOQLNJWbsKjQ7i9TWrQ5yQ3HDeYIS7j85Rk3XXrFM8IJ37Km0LFk-epjMiN3zsgL03dEohuR9d-ujzN2ONlmoGjVK6SW4QwFCuiuPDR1RrgMCs/s1600/Ullswater+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83sMHnDoIeh1HVV-FQkyASNjMmTgXhiOQLNJWbsKjQ7i9TWrQ5yQ3HDeYIS7j85Rk3XXrFM8IJ37Km0LFk-epjMiN3zsgL03dEohuR9d-ujzN2ONlmoGjVK6SW4QwFCuiuPDR1RrgMCs/s1600/Ullswater+13.jpg" height="213" title="CavemanClarke" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading the map of the route</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next day, after a chilled out afternoon post 9 miler the previous day at the local pub in Pooley Bridge it was time to conquer the 20 mile single loop of the Ullswater Lake. Once again, the iPhone-predicted thunder and rain was nowhere to be seen and the sun shone blisteringly hot on the 50-something runners ready for a good trail run. I teamed up with a new-found friend Paul Yeoman from the day before, and we agreed to stick together, as he had never before run the distance and I had been out of training due to an irritating ankle injury that just won't shift. At just after 8:00 in the morning the race was under way. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwGBVK9jNn8lmj_vncgmI9H6gZs-T00qAd-oB92-iu5tU7opNbUDqrKyosy_MH9fGAdeKPXY7q2NKneoYntoUxxihBF-nAzxByatgLeBXd8VSyhuFp1QsaEtCWXHCCwQF0vHHL8lWn34/s1600/Ullswater+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwGBVK9jNn8lmj_vncgmI9H6gZs-T00qAd-oB92-iu5tU7opNbUDqrKyosy_MH9fGAdeKPXY7q2NKneoYntoUxxihBF-nAzxByatgLeBXd8VSyhuFp1QsaEtCWXHCCwQF0vHHL8lWn34/s1600/Ullswater+1.jpg" height="320" title="20 mile Ashmei race " width="301" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOf-RPSiBcnPn_Y7VcIekf1uWesvveGojV63tHvjL-awA0bp7jSm6381gniyw9xSdHcNumPAUbHy19hyphenhyphen_MUcasvbzdNfc7kuftONKXrbaRT0Yntnltmye75cRJdHmT1wh1j4qmnh2cd4/s1600/Ullswater+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOf-RPSiBcnPn_Y7VcIekf1uWesvveGojV63tHvjL-awA0bp7jSm6381gniyw9xSdHcNumPAUbHy19hyphenhyphen_MUcasvbzdNfc7kuftONKXrbaRT0Yntnltmye75cRJdHmT1wh1j4qmnh2cd4/s1600/Ullswater+14.jpg" height="213" title="CavemanClarke in the forest section" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I'll get this off my chest straight away; the 20 miler soon turned into a 21.5 mile race, partly due to local youths moving some of the signs, sending the whole pack in a loop through a forest, and partly due to a large proportion of runners missing a signpost and having to take an extended pathway to rejoin the route! Imagining those youths standing at the finish line of the run certainly helped with the sprint finish, believe me!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF_rDgytmz78QfAezmiUitIw9O3jWBcC5cKDeXA2XK2ZgbLlT8lyUHJvKhEGGo_agecnUcMHmHSxvEZmc69Otd5W-8TSe7CY3UfcrwTgowHmZeDxBq1lVFyPMCik01Juj52sX8wsSgVs/s1600/Ullswater+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF_rDgytmz78QfAezmiUitIw9O3jWBcC5cKDeXA2XK2ZgbLlT8lyUHJvKhEGGo_agecnUcMHmHSxvEZmc69Otd5W-8TSe7CY3UfcrwTgowHmZeDxBq1lVFyPMCik01Juj52sX8wsSgVs/s1600/Ullswater+4.jpeg" height="213" title="CavemanClarke and Paul Yeoman" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY23rplue37aQkvW1KVgizDZ2GVWt3QnhjOswVXA26-eU_7RTUyKqA_XgkuuZH9xkh0-ip1PF80uCN0_iOl1e-hu1sMwVB99YvHdv0LhFRsHROALgjPmt_AUO2FAbZY2_f2Fs8gznwx0A/s1600/Ullswater+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY23rplue37aQkvW1KVgizDZ2GVWt3QnhjOswVXA26-eU_7RTUyKqA_XgkuuZH9xkh0-ip1PF80uCN0_iOl1e-hu1sMwVB99YvHdv0LhFRsHROALgjPmt_AUO2FAbZY2_f2Fs8gznwx0A/s1600/Ullswater+19.jpg" height="213" title="CavemanClarke and Paul Yeoman" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route was spectacular. It looped the entire lake and provided some of the most breathtaking views I had seen in months! I love the Lakes. It is like Heaven on earth for me. It can also be like hell on earth when you are attempting to run up some of the mountains and hills! It turned out that Paul did most of the waiting for me, especially on the uphill sections. Together, we made our way along the beautiful trails, taking in glorious views, sunshine and lush green scenery as we ran. Comradery between runners was much appreciated by all, with constant support and friendly chatter the entire way to the finish line. Also, the two aid stations along the route were well stocked with energy gels, water, squash, cola, sweets, flapjack and crisps!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iytIK2NSOizI4lJHji4hq1e30P9w9yfCcvEegdW3wUL-Y4WdcjBSnE9ycIGNj-abXqS7Mbm1TGIf6ZtZKiPiosjJNgQqKTF3DW_uGpvjqbrM_6JzKMH7QKeKENXQOI-0ha7JJUcuSvc/s1600/Ullswater+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_iytIK2NSOizI4lJHji4hq1e30P9w9yfCcvEegdW3wUL-Y4WdcjBSnE9ycIGNj-abXqS7Mbm1TGIf6ZtZKiPiosjJNgQqKTF3DW_uGpvjqbrM_6JzKMH7QKeKENXQOI-0ha7JJUcuSvc/s1600/Ullswater+18.jpg" height="213" title="Refueling at an aid station" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu-ICVY79UrbqusHyx6IY5pn2S8qMXNtFDonB-1bGjowiGeVeTOpzt5McfO6jcD8b7JJpeH_Z96lk1c9QNjh0HgUEmfznbwDvO01ewXyMcpJRKp5wO1T8CW34JqPYY1fTHIA7gvrl1gg/s1600/Ullswater+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOu-ICVY79UrbqusHyx6IY5pn2S8qMXNtFDonB-1bGjowiGeVeTOpzt5McfO6jcD8b7JJpeH_Z96lk1c9QNjh0HgUEmfznbwDvO01ewXyMcpJRKp5wO1T8CW34JqPYY1fTHIA7gvrl1gg/s1600/Ullswater+3.jpeg" height="213" title="Refueling at an aid station" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhg25zHGiGJYnpsq4ClZXhxzVsnXCuzW5fLEO9Cos97O67FJRNt73RDW_ZjEQVjkb7EcfPtny45xemkeiYTx2kh8og6HKCGoshR2Kg-i5kQgfP6dYlgo7R6_i2IvkK-fFsyqb2nZz8zI/s1600/Ullswater+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhg25zHGiGJYnpsq4ClZXhxzVsnXCuzW5fLEO9Cos97O67FJRNt73RDW_ZjEQVjkb7EcfPtny45xemkeiYTx2kh8og6HKCGoshR2Kg-i5kQgfP6dYlgo7R6_i2IvkK-fFsyqb2nZz8zI/s1600/Ullswater+17.jpg" height="213" title="Refueling at an aid station" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>What is important to learn.....</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After what I had found 'one of the hardest trails to date' due to my lack of training, hills and the heat of the day, the finish line was a welcome sight to all. With crystallized sweat dripping from eyebrows, empty water bottles and energy tanks, and a great new sun tan it was a sprint to the finish line. Paul had stuck with me all the way, and could have finished quite a long way in front of me had he run solo, but he was there beside me. A guy I had only met the previous day on the 9 miler. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>This is what trail running is all about; not just keeping active, moving across beautiful landscapes at pace or pushing your limits in the great outdoors, but also making new friends and supporting one-another all the way.</b></i> <b><i>This is why I love trail running so much.</i></b> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are angry and over-competitive, trying to prove yourself or constantly beat others, take up another sport. Yes trail running has a competitive aspect at the higher levels, and this is healthy, but deep down in every true trail runner is the desire to get outside, enjoy pure freedom and share this experience with like-minded runners, encouraging and supporting all the way. Thanks Paul for showing this spirit in all its glory!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sxLc23H5TehZfqKBf_htenQEpWlBZgAfJeh0VVW1sG2dECrWWV31wDHX4plXt8JmI_GeUr1hoyDa-JyRP9j3hyphenhyphenuzi8Z0J1s6zkBwG6yCdx-MRobLiuNyK6cdRP-KisUwkUA9GUhLgG0/s1600/Ullswater+20.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CavemanClarke and Paul Yeoman approaching the finish line of the 20 miler" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke and Paul Yeoman approaching the finish line of the 20 miler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivP9Xbv1HDrYHZQ3EwFgZWywTtOuJLgS-4ai2IzMEeQ3tJvNeBeg8CMvzUlX6mVOtniqQX9KRwUkcVERYcSqPQ2r4ZnR5TTjTvEIxEvqjE23fb_BR_4DyL4CXFJ022SYi5C5-wq7xvdiw/s1600/Ullswater+24.jpg" height="269" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ashmei 20 miler finish line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A huge thank you and well done to Ashmei for organising and running this event. It was a great weekend and a fantastic trail running experience. I hope to be back next year :-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Paul Yeoman has just completed running at least 1 mile a day (many more most days!) in remembrance of his Mum who sadly died of cancer a few years ago. He has decided to continue this to 1001 days running in a row. He is raising money for Cancer Research UK and if you would like to sponsor him please go to </i><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/PaulYeoman22/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.justgiving.com/PaulYeoman22/</a> <i>and help to save lives!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Pictures courtesy of and thanks to Ashmei (http://ashmei-events.com/category/blog/), Paul Yeoman and Hannah Clarke</span></i></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_R1eip-chfc%2FU9i0VarZDNI%2FAAAAAAAAAyc%2F9lAbZxwYlls%2Fs1600%2FBongo%2BUllswater%2B" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNb-efRrUtWpsHT8ysjdPiaA-iIjyoXXGpd0R_-1QZNyDenPd4Q8FyVtPvECpfGInmbqG4q1m_wT9J2RuFI_dE4Orqo6wqvKyunS8w09uB0R4svrXrvewy6goRZt4K3jRmVgqXGbJU7rA/s1600/Bongo+Ullswater+" -->Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-40044356686281665352014-06-26T17:40:00.001+01:002014-11-09T22:35:10.555+00:00Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpBbm4CNJSOtcYGUpf1eClxc739ZQoBXk425OQQiE0loY7eCl3o-SZcObmeFGVlsJlDKN34KsfkOvszt11Ean7F7cR-iS70vFyIY6tRPiJPMj_jxokYfqtAC3fdKm3ga7eZi5BWoMwa8/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpBbm4CNJSOtcYGUpf1eClxc739ZQoBXk425OQQiE0loY7eCl3o-SZcObmeFGVlsJlDKN34KsfkOvszt11Ean7F7cR-iS70vFyIY6tRPiJPMj_jxokYfqtAC3fdKm3ga7eZi5BWoMwa8/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" height="300" title="salomon s-lab sense 3 ultra" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Review: a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> comparison with the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground:</span></u></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome everyone to what I feel is a very exciting post, in which I will be reviewing one of the newest and latest releases in the top quality Salomon S-Lab, athlete-inspired line-up; the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra. I will also be comparing it to its wet-weather twin, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG (soft ground). For a full review of the Sense 3 Ultra SG please <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">click here!</a> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have tried a lot of minimalist trail shoes over the past few years (as you can imagine), and occasionally one pops up that feels right, grabs your attention and takes you miles, and miles, and miles.....It is very seldom that two come along at the same time, but this has certainly been the case in relation to the Sense 3 Ultra and Sense 3 Ultra SG. Racing footwear has become far more of an easy choice. Simply look out of the window, and if its dry and hot out there, put on the Sense 3 Ultra. If its wet, slip on the SG version. Sorted!</span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuMaHAUfaRk9Kv_5aa8yyJwHgUxYykM1XlxU0FDFUfhOa7pMmbxGtoTWVZS0xyurNET8jcYCUxVzDPitbUDOs8uQFR4kRraFqTcqWlzZiXijtSACOp2ZN3MNi-bZi_ciqABDAhf4Yt2M/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuMaHAUfaRk9Kv_5aa8yyJwHgUxYykM1XlxU0FDFUfhOa7pMmbxGtoTWVZS0xyurNET8jcYCUxVzDPitbUDOs8uQFR4kRraFqTcqWlzZiXijtSACOp2ZN3MNi-bZi_ciqABDAhf4Yt2M/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What a beauty the Sense 3 Ultra's really are!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>What Salomon say:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evolution has continued from the input given by Kilian Jornet from his experiences in races such as the Western States 100. The shoe has been designed to be ideal for ultra-distance races in hot and dry conditions and boasts improved durability and stability in its third iteration. The Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra is a low, lightweight and breathable ultra distance trail shoe!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>The S-Lab Technologies in the Sense 3 Ultra:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural running: The natural motion allows the foot to move freely with a low heel-toe drop of 4mm which helps with an even foot strike. The S-Lab construction reduces the weight making the Sense 3 Ultra the lightest, lowest racing shoe in Salomon's prestige range. Salomon also state that the <b>low heel drop of 4mm </b>promotes a midfoot strike with greater agility.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx41Hgs60_hfsD1bgiYxvq-Nv768QYuy9EMzrOwqjgmFh8B-8o_JCuGIZagHYhukI75kKZ5YMf9aN8AoQonz-oqJWTMU5x7p6Px5-qyLxTuEuCmlhyphenhyphenVCq8Reaz_1s_R4EQ9x6RIkc3dD4/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx41Hgs60_hfsD1bgiYxvq-Nv768QYuy9EMzrOwqjgmFh8B-8o_JCuGIZagHYhukI75kKZ5YMf9aN8AoQonz-oqJWTMU5x7p6Px5-qyLxTuEuCmlhyphenhyphenVCq8Reaz_1s_R4EQ9x6RIkc3dD4/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" height="300" title="sense 3 ultra low light and fast" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Salomon Sense 3 ultra: low, light and fast</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Features of the shoe:</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Breathable open mesh upper</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Super lightweight around 230g (size 8)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Low differential of 4mm (13mm heel and 9mm forefoot)</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Seamless SensiFit and 2nd Skin seamless construction enhances comfort</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Quicklace system with lace storage pocket</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Tongue cover prevents trail debris entering the shoe</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- EndoFit sock-liner holds midfoot well and allows shoe to be worn with or without socks</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- TPU protective toe cap</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Dynamic traction from a non-marking Contagrip sole</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Profeel Propriotection rock-plate in the forefoot with OS Tendon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PHOTOS:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJIO3RKFK4kou_9_vlCiXfD-XQHrP-IE9bjLQVBu-1A3MkDgnGkEjskR0sS9yHJgc0Yvz4W-yDdMr4Stcrs8XpSuKCCDKN9TLjQb0Eej5VCC6RQpUBHtbZPzEl6q2FXfF12xAK7kqcUM/s1600/New+Sense+3+Ultra+from+Salomon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJIO3RKFK4kou_9_vlCiXfD-XQHrP-IE9bjLQVBu-1A3MkDgnGkEjskR0sS9yHJgc0Yvz4W-yDdMr4Stcrs8XpSuKCCDKN9TLjQb0Eej5VCC6RQpUBHtbZPzEl6q2FXfF12xAK7kqcUM/s1600/New+Sense+3+Ultra+from+Salomon.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU2MAqwmYrDkiECdhH0roGT5Kju-7hCHObePnKAzTO2pt3U3gufJ-drPjkaslGp4jMR5N5DhW7B_69HGGovr3jeUsdypRXkZo-3kk_7VUSPgOmit2Nu7TX_x6jrJ-i7UFouOOe8K-l1s/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsU2MAqwmYrDkiECdhH0roGT5Kju-7hCHObePnKAzTO2pt3U3gufJ-drPjkaslGp4jMR5N5DhW7B_69HGGovr3jeUsdypRXkZo-3kk_7VUSPgOmit2Nu7TX_x6jrJ-i7UFouOOe8K-l1s/s1600/S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" height="300" title="salomon sense 3 ultra trail shoe" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n25jzOvg6ErlyKcMdtpsl4i4pC1scIUr6NeQnQS5kpv7SGbRXDCh3mS18MkpIrw11IOEexvSduefaTCZ6-x3uuj1HThA0P6s5lf7HazU3Bw-pQdrhy8Be1B0oSc9gxGSoqiN26mM_3I/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra+grip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9n25jzOvg6ErlyKcMdtpsl4i4pC1scIUr6NeQnQS5kpv7SGbRXDCh3mS18MkpIrw11IOEexvSduefaTCZ6-x3uuj1HThA0P6s5lf7HazU3Bw-pQdrhy8Be1B0oSc9gxGSoqiN26mM_3I/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra+grip.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmm0zqUEo4vwwWL57Rftan5o1aXKXl56bHBoRxp4ZA5iHBRYIJr0sL25QzD3O2o4a2E2nd8A3AFcRABUkMdlTZJIqBttVPcChaHsTXhonZV8lUSRJy1TXMNvSX2toS97DGPfFmDGrKbg/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra+Salomon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmm0zqUEo4vwwWL57Rftan5o1aXKXl56bHBoRxp4ZA5iHBRYIJr0sL25QzD3O2o4a2E2nd8A3AFcRABUkMdlTZJIqBttVPcChaHsTXhonZV8lUSRJy1TXMNvSX2toS97DGPfFmDGrKbg/s1600/Sense+3+Ultra+Salomon.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxMKwm7kVXL4e1ZIwC69JancGHn_1jL7rPYNsTr8lTUvBzm3mKK5phG_6jiBgpTLb8PieYG4H4YeSIdPktYHCTGl1FJErENE2N0QHQ_SpXKoRFxcv2_E2hoEvviZQUdxzbfA-_FGPNFU/s1600/S-Lab+Salomon+Sense+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxMKwm7kVXL4e1ZIwC69JancGHn_1jL7rPYNsTr8lTUvBzm3mKK5phG_6jiBgpTLb8PieYG4H4YeSIdPktYHCTGl1FJErENE2N0QHQ_SpXKoRFxcv2_E2hoEvviZQUdxzbfA-_FGPNFU/s1600/S-Lab+Salomon+Sense+3.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g0KNz0kGgQrp0ASg_y7qAgLQbgQUH_xvYjwrATeGabav6KmRt0z1YHecR5DmozvXG7DyF6fOFi5B9UckyjmjNoXh_HqF62rZP736WV8awNSUg5ssvMnoPk5qx6b7u-W54YhzbecFII8/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+Ultra+grip.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6g0KNz0kGgQrp0ASg_y7qAgLQbgQUH_xvYjwrATeGabav6KmRt0z1YHecR5DmozvXG7DyF6fOFi5B9UckyjmjNoXh_HqF62rZP736WV8awNSUg5ssvMnoPk5qx6b7u-W54YhzbecFII8/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+Ultra+grip.JPG" height="320" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra grip" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOXRld1O9hpuOGgYktvimnGWDesZgFFWz0rhHDtlydaep1XQrVFE1UPhwvDcwh3mfwc3X0i6FuYmAtR8OLlZwFaV7r1ifnmr0H_itcQB-W8rEy3U488Lbzq8WwaeNjEhJBzqvI8BrauU/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOXRld1O9hpuOGgYktvimnGWDesZgFFWz0rhHDtlydaep1XQrVFE1UPhwvDcwh3mfwc3X0i6FuYmAtR8OLlZwFaV7r1ifnmr0H_itcQB-W8rEy3U488Lbzq8WwaeNjEhJBzqvI8BrauU/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3.JPG" height="320" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra uppers" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Review and comparison with the Sense 3 Ultra SG:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scoring: 1 = low, 10 = high on 10 categories important for a good natural trail running shoe, giving an o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">verall score out of 100:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1) Weight: 9/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lightweight trail shoe is paramount to me, allowing an unaltered, natural running technique and stride. The Sense 3 Ultra come in a fraction lighter than the SG; 255g and 280g respectively. This is largely due to the absence of huge rubber lugs jutting out of the bottom of the shoe, but also taking into consideration the lighter-weight mesh uppers. I certainly do not have any complaints here, and the only way I could see to lighten the shoe further, without compromising durability, would be to lower the 4mm heel lift, therefore losing some material. Some though, would argue that this would limit its use as an ultra distance shoe.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2) Ground Feel: 9/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra allows sufficient proprioception to make for a safe, agile and comfortable run over a variety of terrains. The rockplate in the forefoot, known as 'Profeel Propriotection' dissipates impact caused by sharp stones and trail debris well, without compromising on ground feel and sensory feedback during your run. This is ideal in long distance racing and training. The Ultra has better ground feel than the SG version, and therefore gains a point in this category.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3iQI_OpzJHgDqshDrWXKvOrgnqyVtIaBtRn1DATdMn4Y-IeeT41N7HOhTlHxh5lTfSUJx7Hp-ZqsnGK3iMo8wYUaiNElN_lOCDKiSLy6K1sMeTB-_SwPQf2N84kpCtrD-RgULm2CinA/s1600/upper+sense+3+ultra+salomon+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3iQI_OpzJHgDqshDrWXKvOrgnqyVtIaBtRn1DATdMn4Y-IeeT41N7HOhTlHxh5lTfSUJx7Hp-ZqsnGK3iMo8wYUaiNElN_lOCDKiSLy6K1sMeTB-_SwPQf2N84kpCtrD-RgULm2CinA/s1600/upper+sense+3+ultra+salomon+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="sense 3 ultra" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not too much between your feet and the trail</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Protection: 10/10</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra provides perfectly adequate protection in all the right places, keeping your feet safe but still maintaining a lightweight construction. I have not noticed any difference between the Ultra and the SG versions here.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yqpa6uMZjUH8saPsFuwn9npvwKw80K8q_6eDl9qlQNb3pD3H5pLXU-NwXAw_MRU08SETfQTBcKfG7i8T68R1vdLgXrZOcIhp_zfh2TJejGDRTfcFKI7tkoDenjifVzWJSekdfkfgd7M/s1600/sense+3+ultra+vs+ultra+sg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Yqpa6uMZjUH8saPsFuwn9npvwKw80K8q_6eDl9qlQNb3pD3H5pLXU-NwXAw_MRU08SETfQTBcKfG7i8T68R1vdLgXrZOcIhp_zfh2TJejGDRTfcFKI7tkoDenjifVzWJSekdfkfgd7M/s1600/sense+3+ultra+vs+ultra+sg.JPG" height="300" title="salomon sense 3 ultra " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfectly adequate protection for the toes and feet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Natural Foot Position: 6/10</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 4mm heel-toe differential in both the Ultra and the SG means I have to knock-off a few points here (one for each mm drop) as I have done in past reviews. The foot is not in a completely natural position. This may be better suited for ultra distance races and training runs, but I personally prefer a natural, unaltered foot position of 0mm differential.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5) Natural Foot Shape: 9/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along with its soft ground wet weather twin, the Sense 3 Ultra are the best shaped Salomon shoes I have tried, fitting like a slipper. In the past, Salomon shoes often came up too narrow for my feet, but the Sense range seems to have a more natural fit by becoming far wider in the forefoot and toe box. There is still room for a slightly wider option for people like me with very wide feet, but they are definitely wide enough to comfortably use on training runs and long distance races.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlfRH-u1KfTKVDWFR1SdYN8TzLxny43VUXVHBV_Y9kGRS9w5wkfNsGi8JohoZmTSqLseRqhIeQxGOSTG70Ixt3mgGfd0YJnETet9Ftzr_Ap11616ABPCXn3sNppQ7C-nmLZnU5_NazrE/s1600/Salomon+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlfRH-u1KfTKVDWFR1SdYN8TzLxny43VUXVHBV_Y9kGRS9w5wkfNsGi8JohoZmTSqLseRqhIeQxGOSTG70Ixt3mgGfd0YJnETet9Ftzr_Ap11616ABPCXn3sNppQ7C-nmLZnU5_NazrE/s1600/Salomon+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" height="400" title="Salomon Sense 3 range" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Identically shaped</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6) Comfort: 10/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The seamless EndoFit and SensiFit constructions result in a trail shoe that holds your foot in all the desired places. The natural shape of the S-Lab Sense range means that the Ultra and Soft Ground are easily two of the most comfortable pairs of Salomon shoes I have ever worn and run in. They both feel identical to wear in terms of shape, with a more breathable upper on the Ultra and a heavier sole unit with slightly reduced ground-feel (on harder trails) on the SG being the only noticeable differences between the two.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7) Grip and Traction: 10/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have still, to date, never been disappointed by the performance of the Sense 3 Ultra SG in wet and slippery conditions. In my previous review of them (<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">click here</a>) I used the SG over a variety of terrains and was thoroughly impressed with their performance for wet weather conditions. When it comes to the Sense 3 Ultra, I have been equally impressed by their performance. Yes, of course they don't perform as well in wet, muddy conditions, but that is why Salomon have cleverly and thankfully released a wet and a dry version of the same shoe. When the ground is dry and hard, whether it be pavement, road, dry grass, dirt tracks, rocky terrain, mountain paths or gravel, the Sense 3 Ultra copes perfectly with it all. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3gQcdQRr0x7V_tEbahWMM6MA_AR2H_ATv-zyDEvIx_R-oLoqu8fc1yfUQtVieAg62Ni9SweHdqOJFHy80ij_ds5aU8Rafq-66FQydHfvIBilNqb0wtlaabg-Jle2Vvu-8paX0ZwtB7k/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+range.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3gQcdQRr0x7V_tEbahWMM6MA_AR2H_ATv-zyDEvIx_R-oLoqu8fc1yfUQtVieAg62Ni9SweHdqOJFHy80ij_ds5aU8Rafq-66FQydHfvIBilNqb0wtlaabg-Jle2Vvu-8paX0ZwtB7k/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+range.JPG" height="400" title="sense 3 grip" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Showing the difference in grip between the Ultra and Soft Ground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISoMzoKeTzKvP-EM-rhLPhyphenhyphenCKNaqveU2KQvqfCGVk5GQ9DJXSbap8mKSfT9rDsJh1cfKTTLs0gmkXv_PErRng-zwmQfNLRY6LUPwJxrtb0Sj1ND3T62JbnSvrkpr8uAerTYr5lK7frEM/s1600/comparing+the+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISoMzoKeTzKvP-EM-rhLPhyphenhyphenCKNaqveU2KQvqfCGVk5GQ9DJXSbap8mKSfT9rDsJh1cfKTTLs0gmkXv_PErRng-zwmQfNLRY6LUPwJxrtb0Sj1ND3T62JbnSvrkpr8uAerTYr5lK7frEM/s1600/comparing+the+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="sense 3 grip" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Great grip for dry and wet weather descents</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKseBl2rc2te5T6EDWOsyzaxTB71lTTwRvNc9MfeuDVibV_tAIpga6IK97uv3xxG53VukUQ5odbXZGb0qCsJ4CLmSD8AQF8eaE4zEaN5ib4GlkXEFvvDix7QDcfutSDpyXnWeWFpaBew/s1600/grip+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKseBl2rc2te5T6EDWOsyzaxTB71lTTwRvNc9MfeuDVibV_tAIpga6IK97uv3xxG53VukUQ5odbXZGb0qCsJ4CLmSD8AQF8eaE4zEaN5ib4GlkXEFvvDix7QDcfutSDpyXnWeWFpaBew/s1600/grip+sense+3+ultra+and+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="S-Lab Sense grip" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fantastic grip for ascending gradients in wet and dry conditions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8) Durability and Quality: 10/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are still no issues to report with the SG, and I have put quite a few miles on them now. There are no signs of premature wear and tear at all. The Sense 3 Ultra's have followed in-suit and have performed equally well showing no reasons to worry over durability to-date, even with the more breathable uppers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXThrFY6k4umQsuEULDw0QIUL41GI86Tvhmlp1XSp8KYHPQDm6vmACBXtZVRgln7N1e4mn40SQljrbeae5wUJrqRauCAfmBs4x-hLl6I3qN4U61PfQfDUiQ69yjeV3lZrruiqkuNhGn6U/s1600/sense+3+ultra+and+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXThrFY6k4umQsuEULDw0QIUL41GI86Tvhmlp1XSp8KYHPQDm6vmACBXtZVRgln7N1e4mn40SQljrbeae5wUJrqRauCAfmBs4x-hLl6I3qN4U61PfQfDUiQ69yjeV3lZrruiqkuNhGn6U/s1600/sense+3+ultra+and+SG.JPG" height="300" title="Sense 3 durability" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not showing any worrying signs of premature wear</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9) Pricing: 8/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both the Ultra and the SG retail at £140 in the UK. Therefore, the excellence of these magnificent trail shoes comes at a price. Being a part of the Kilian Jornet and Emilie Forsberg athlete inspired S-Lab racing range means they have been designed to meet the needs of Salomon's top athletes. To me, if I find a shoe that is comfortable to wear and performs just as I require, price is less of an issue. However, I would want both of the versions of the Sense 3 in my arsenal of trail running weapons to equip me for all weather conditions, and this really starts to get expensive! If these shoes were to drop in price to around the £100 mark, the Sense 3 range would obliterate their competition in the trail, mountain and fell running market!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10) Design: 10/10</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have completely fallen in love with the design and colour-ways of both the Sense 3 Ultra and the Soft Ground. When I put them on I immediately feel like a Salomon athlete, fast and light on my feet. Of course, due to the fact that I live in flat-as-a-pancake rural Cambridgeshire, this soon comes to an end whenever I encounter any kind of incline!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhka9cM2ngLDy8GG5Ap7pvxCyhxfcASPC38jmk88OS-kxa0ecgAq7qsaXsgh9SCBp3Q3ySF2KICKhWrnhn3yi8BaLzihAZCtkCTsNQVv5VA97zoUCyIW-K16Lv2ouoYrO873KOB4t6nA/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+vs+ultra+sg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhka9cM2ngLDy8GG5Ap7pvxCyhxfcASPC38jmk88OS-kxa0ecgAq7qsaXsgh9SCBp3Q3ySF2KICKhWrnhn3yi8BaLzihAZCtkCTsNQVv5VA97zoUCyIW-K16Lv2ouoYrO873KOB4t6nA/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+vs+ultra+sg.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon Sense range" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both fantastic looking shoes!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CavemanClarke score: 91/100</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion:</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a fantastic duo the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra and Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground really make! With the ability to run naturally in a comfortable and lightweight trail shoe for racing and training situations, in both wet and dry weather conditions, this is a top quality and well executed combination. Simply throw both pairs in your kit bag and decide at the trail destination which pair is the most suitable for the terrain and conditions underfoot. This is a match made in heaven for the trail, mountain and fell running community. Both pairs are a pleasure to run in when worn for their specifically designed wet-or-dry trails, with a good level of 'cross-over' if weather conditions suddenly change during the course of the route you are running. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra range gets a 'double-thumbs-up' approval by me!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Salomon for the opportunity to test and review these beauties! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For further posts on the Salomon S-Lab Sense range:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground review</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-sg-first.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG - First Impressions</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/an-update-on-salomon-s-lab-sense-3.html" target="_blank">An update on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.790000915527344px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="color: #333333;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-34362513831444851192014-06-04T16:50:00.002+01:002014-09-13T16:15:48.190+01:00Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra preview<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1XvL1BUVVpBAUY0nVa1Z3XROV9QPcxJ6Jt21m68qpCVxiWaL9ONAHuJM-3FOiflwaCwM5j28CQ7fapOPx_EdaYb5PAKRjXF92lQwrNO0k4bzhw06U2VOcPBZpRLfzhSppDRdoPifM38/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1XvL1BUVVpBAUY0nVa1Z3XROV9QPcxJ6Jt21m68qpCVxiWaL9ONAHuJM-3FOiflwaCwM5j28CQ7fapOPx_EdaYb5PAKRjXF92lQwrNO0k4bzhw06U2VOcPBZpRLfzhSppDRdoPifM38/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What better surprise than to arrive home after a hard days work, to be greeted by a parcel delivery sitting on the doorstep containing one of the latest releases by Salomon in their prestigious S-Lab line up for 2014; the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After recently testing, reviewing and being very impressed with its wet-weather twin, the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</a> I was more than excited to get these on my feet, out the door and on the trails in dryer weather to see just how they compared. The perfect opportunity was only a week away; a 10km race in which I had entered myself, along with a few of my run coaching and Trinity Fitness Club clients. I knew it would be a tough course, very hot weather and with plenty of rolling countryside (aka hills!) and over a variety of terrains, so it would be ideal to put these shoes through their first paces. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the race now behind me and only a couple more runs needed before I can bring you a full review on the Sense 3 Ultra's, it won't be long now until I will post a full comparison review between the Sense 3 Ultra and the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Grounds.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Full review coming soon...watch this space! Until then, happy running!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span>Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-83188900296405494322014-05-29T18:41:00.001+01:002014-09-13T16:16:13.480+01:00Trinity Fitness does the Wimpole HooHaah 10k<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix49thyL_MgFDyyqbYNx3KVkh_Jh6mn2heY_6mOUheLCf8i67CTvlmN5HFBu0gQVB_o_qdKwLdvCGdyfR2LsIDT74A2Hr95aISZgR6xjLSHiLD5EOfhHjHVFU3hqfb58fG00nXN2pjo3c/s1600/Trinity+Fitness+run+coaching.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix49thyL_MgFDyyqbYNx3KVkh_Jh6mn2heY_6mOUheLCf8i67CTvlmN5HFBu0gQVB_o_qdKwLdvCGdyfR2LsIDT74A2Hr95aISZgR6xjLSHiLD5EOfhHjHVFU3hqfb58fG00nXN2pjo3c/s1600/Trinity+Fitness+run+coaching.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinity Fitness runners Hannah and Anais complete their first 10k race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It gives me great pleasure to help people achieve things that they doubted they could do, or once thought they would never even have imagined trying. Last week, I took some of my Trinity Fitness <a href="http://trinityfitness.org.uk/school-of-running/" target="_blank">run coaching</a> and <a href="http://trinityfitness.org.uk/bootcamp/" target="_blank">Fitness Club</a> members to run the Wimpole HooHaah 10k race in Cambridgeshire, UK. The group was a mixture of first-time 10k runners, people returning to running their first race in years as well as regular runners. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much practice and some last minute run coaching to help people get the best out their race experience, the day was upon us. Nerves collided with excitement, the thrill of the event coupled with anticipation of what the course would throw at us and how our times and goals would pan out. It was a scorching hot day with no sign of even a light breeze to bring some relief from the intense heat. Gladly, some of the run was to take us through tree-lined paths and small woodland, but there was still a fair few kilometers through open grassland and fields in full force of the unrelenting sunshine! Still, we were there, each of us with our own hopes and goals, and ready to face whatever the course could put in front of us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The route started with a lung-busting uphill section that slowed the best of us right down. After a short recovery period and a long, sweeping section through fields and around the edge of the trees it was into the woodland and along a beautiful tree lined path that wound gradually up and down hills and into the grounds of Wimpole Hall Estate. A few kilometers through the grounds and the finish line was in sight. Spectators lined the finishing stretch and gave the runners energy to sprint the last 100m! At around 10.2km it certainly wasn't a PB course, but it was a run steeped in traditional British countryside views and history. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to run the trails, and it has been an absolute honour to share my passion with others and see them experience the pleasure and freedom that trail running brings. An achievement by all who ran, a fun day in the sunshine taking in the English countryside views and an insight into the social side that running can bring to your life, I feel wholeheartedly that the event was a complete success for those running with Trinity Fitness. Well done to all of you who ran and I really hope it has inspired you to keep on running.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One runner who had never before run a 10k and was doubtful to whether they would be able to complete the course, said after finishing, "It was really hard work, especially in the heat and up the hills, but I did it, got my first running medal and really enjoyed the pint of beer and pub meal afterwards! I'm thinking of running another race soon and I really did enjoy the social aspect of sharing the feeling of achievement with all the other people who ran too." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd8s2T-XceqEukHaApRGRNSosegJden7Too_2GKFAvWSWjk9nGlYC8iF32Un_yUCvGr1QIOaP3BUPwuhyU1Scjmzwmxjw5V4oO4jBEzuEUAjOfSQfydOQ0wWNqnahFxLzsTKgmql34YM/s1600/Trinity+Fitness+does+Wimpole+HooHahh+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd8s2T-XceqEukHaApRGRNSosegJden7Too_2GKFAvWSWjk9nGlYC8iF32Un_yUCvGr1QIOaP3BUPwuhyU1Scjmzwmxjw5V4oO4jBEzuEUAjOfSQfydOQ0wWNqnahFxLzsTKgmql34YM/s1600/Trinity+Fitness+does+Wimpole+HooHahh+(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the pub after a tough and hot 10k race</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-65584629625408493142014-05-03T16:26:00.000+01:002014-09-13T16:16:44.207+01:00Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground Review<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm6Is7HP6aJWAaF_8s7nEJsfufoRVbw6ynvnqYZUYnWy2Czs3d_u45QVQ-faHC1fcYO8Z5kmVo-JIEdwZT1j1Neqywxiz8QWiqQK9FkVPG4HhyphenhyphenguiCRWtXqsuPEl69sO97CZE4H3YjBA/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigm6Is7HP6aJWAaF_8s7nEJsfufoRVbw6ynvnqYZUYnWy2Czs3d_u45QVQ-faHC1fcYO8Z5kmVo-JIEdwZT1j1Neqywxiz8QWiqQK9FkVPG4HhyphenhyphenguiCRWtXqsuPEl69sO97CZE4H3YjBA/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra+SG.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon s-lab sense 3 ultra soft ground" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ready for the trails: the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in December 2013 I was excited to bring you a review of what I thought was one of the best trail shoes for wet and soft ground conditions that I had ever tried; the Salomon S-Lab <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a>. I thought it would be some time and take some beating to better such a great trail and off-trail shoe, but in next to no time at all Salomon have done just that by releasing their latest shoes in the S-Lab Sense range, the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground (SG). I managed to get my hands on a pair of the Sense 3 Ultra SG and set out to test them on my local trails. I knew even before I got out the door that I was in for a treat, as I had never put on such a comfortable trail shoe from Salomon; the fit was perfect! Over the next few weeks I took them out on the trails to put them through their paces, alternating with other trail shoes to get an accurate idea of how the Sense 3 Ultra SG perform. Here is what I found.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJvp4F-VgQV5DsGPziCW7aZzke6dSVaDb7DYlC8wwq-7ViqAgV41StO_Hu7sY7TvyPSuHWIf8JZBFBXJMP-IERd8RDLX8-dnNEAhF6a-Iv7jwfJmRaJ_dcj8If-4swV7sU4uK4APNORg/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM0Eo4ja4lzdgyw2u7jw2KQ9ABSKteOzR1qkAVlpjdQn139hKCb7QBYxtt5UUCvrdS6FevqSDdMZgQvkqYtiz8iah01kMVM1O1T-GDsBqBYer-IbGLdX7vkVIeCfPPYV-hhUDF2qevng/s1600/Salomon+sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM0Eo4ja4lzdgyw2u7jw2KQ9ABSKteOzR1qkAVlpjdQn139hKCb7QBYxtt5UUCvrdS6FevqSDdMZgQvkqYtiz8iah01kMVM1O1T-GDsBqBYer-IbGLdX7vkVIeCfPPYV-hhUDF2qevng/s1600/Salomon+sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quality and very comfortable over longer distances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Salomon say.....</u></b></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Take the aggressive tread of the SPEEDCROSS, apply it to the low, light and fast S-LAB SENSE concept, and you've got an athlete requested, ultra-distance trail running weapon for soft ground."</i></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Designed for:</b> soft ground grip, ultra distance and to be lightweight</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>S-Lab Sense Technologies</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Natural running:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural motion frees the foot to move, with a reduced heel drop for an even foot strike. S-Lab construction reduces weight to make the S-Lab Sense the lightest, lowest racing shoe in Salomon's range. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Low Heel Drop:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To promote midfoot striking and better agility</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Features:</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Super lightweight: 230g (size 8)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Low differential at only 4mm (13mm heel and 9mm forefoot)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seamless SensiFit and 2nd Skin seamless construction enhances comfort</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quicklace system with lace pocket</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tongue cover prevents trail debris entering shoe</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EndoFit sock-liner holds midfoot well and allows shoe to be worn with or without socks</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TPU protective toe cap</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mud&Snow Contagrip similar to the SPEEDCROSS</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Profeel Propriotection rock-plate in the forefoot with OS Tendon</span></li>
</ul>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To help you understand how these shoes perform I will score them 1 - 10 (1 = low, 10 = high) on 10 categories which encompass a good minimalist trail and fell shoe, giving them an overall CavemanClarke score out of 100:</span></i></b></b></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
</b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-gkRmuDFOBMSVtgQQD6CmNgT8_9UdM_VU3TVOZGMud9vPkuhzxPfW0aUx55c-odgaBd7-bR2PgGB4CGA7aqmQ1NQcXCpP20o1Jn9ZAk3v4r18x4Et36oZf57BisEvmFlTWheCBHBQts/s1600/Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-gkRmuDFOBMSVtgQQD6CmNgT8_9UdM_VU3TVOZGMud9vPkuhzxPfW0aUx55c-odgaBd7-bR2PgGB4CGA7aqmQ1NQcXCpP20o1Jn9ZAk3v4r18x4Et36oZf57BisEvmFlTWheCBHBQts/s1600/Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground are an extremely lightweight trail running shoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Weight: 9/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good running shoe must always be lightweight to allow a natural form and cadence. My pair of UK10.5's weigh in at 280g per shoe. This is an extremely lightweight trail shoe that therefore allows you to run very comfortably without any unnecessary added weight affecting your stride. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Ground feel: 8/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, these shoes do not have the ground feel of extremely minimalist shoes such as the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-vs-spyridon.html" target="_blank">Vibram FiveFingers</a> but they do allow sufficient proprioception to make for a safe, agile and comfortable run. The Profeel Propriotection rock-plate in the forefoot dissipates sharp stones and trail debris well without compromising too much on ground feel and sensory feedback whilst running. A good balance in my opinion and similar to the feel of the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Protection: 10/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra SG have just enough protection in just the right places, keeping the feet free from unwanted and avoidable injury but still maintaining a lightweight construction.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnZe2YvvDQmYS3kl1E4cQdGd18OC1RKVSmyJI00P5_09Ew4lFNGPdeFtMUzU7g3TstlHCX6P2qxrElkaURqMgaRTde8tfeyk7JcAEtbQUF8W7hUA2LlhqmdWUqbyrPVWvAH17yTXDHWA/s1600/sense+3+ultra+SG+salomon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnZe2YvvDQmYS3kl1E4cQdGd18OC1RKVSmyJI00P5_09Ew4lFNGPdeFtMUzU7g3TstlHCX6P2qxrElkaURqMgaRTde8tfeyk7JcAEtbQUF8W7hUA2LlhqmdWUqbyrPVWvAH17yTXDHWA/s1600/sense+3+ultra+SG+salomon.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protection in all the right places</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Natural foot position: 6/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Due to the 4mm heel-toe differential I have to knock-off a few points (one for each mm drop) as I have done in past reviews, as the foot is not in a completely natural position. However, on uneven terrain and especially in wet and muddy trail conditions, this small drop becomes unnoticeable and insignificant and I am more than happy to wear these shoes. This is especially relevant over longer distances, which is what the Sense 3 Ultra SG are designed for.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) Natural shape of foot: 9/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra SG are the best shaped Salomon's I have tried, and it really makes a difference on a run! My foot slips into the shoe, with plenty of forefoot space and room for natural toe-splay, but tightly held by the EndoFit sock liner around the midfoot and also securely locking the heel in its place. It fits like a slipper! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnPDzG5bD6hRGs1Hv_IR8WlCsMHPIJNhw59I7VbqeV9bh2CTJNOvBzpPXwzPHuhCDHOb82sK-BBQs45_wh8YNot3yusjitfCL43QL4aPSfxr5V6_BbXI3qyMeLITGflH37Xl0iMe7ezA/s1600/salomon+sense+3+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnPDzG5bD6hRGs1Hv_IR8WlCsMHPIJNhw59I7VbqeV9bh2CTJNOvBzpPXwzPHuhCDHOb82sK-BBQs45_wh8YNot3yusjitfCL43QL4aPSfxr5V6_BbXI3qyMeLITGflH37Xl0iMe7ezA/s1600/salomon+sense+3+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most comfortable Salomon's I have ever tried!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6) Comfort: 10/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Sense 3 Ultra SG are by far the most comfortable pair of Salomon's I have ever worn and run in. The seamless construction, natural shape and EndoFit/SensiFit constructions hold the foot in all the right places, whilst allowing sufficient room for the forefoot and toes. I have no issues with the last or comfort at all, and this is a first for me with Salomon shoes, as I have always found them to be slightly too narrow in the past, especially when wearing them for long periods of time. This for me, is one of the main selling points of the Sense 3 Ultra SG.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7) Grip/traction: 10/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never been disappointed by the performance of the Sense 3 Ultra SG when it comes to grip and traction. I have tried these shoes on grass, mud, gravel, rock, hard-packed trail and even pavement! In wet, muddy and sloppy conditions I would put it on par with the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a> and have not really noticed any significant differences between them on this type of terrain. Where the Sense 3 Ultra SG comes into it's own and surpasses the abilities of the <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html" target="_blank">Fellcross 2</a> is its ability to perform effortlessly over a wider variety of terrain. Yes, of course, it is not at home running the pavements and roads of a city street, but it does provide better stability and grip on hard-packed trail, rock, gravel and dry mud than other serious off-road trail shoes I have tried in the past from a variety of manufacturers. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFqiWibD8D_J_3jUX-Px2A6lLsBKadFJdFrGwzwE6QNv3HSbisVorQF5oTdGRB5R_osP0zhNtgI445ywWNx2IAu8EyvVh3FRGoaGygm1cdFo2r2xlIyNIYZ-bVfCwAeuKuIhq3CmrCFY/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+SG+s-lab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFqiWibD8D_J_3jUX-Px2A6lLsBKadFJdFrGwzwE6QNv3HSbisVorQF5oTdGRB5R_osP0zhNtgI445ywWNx2IAu8EyvVh3FRGoaGygm1cdFo2r2xlIyNIYZ-bVfCwAeuKuIhq3CmrCFY/s1600/salomon+sense+3+ultra+SG+s-lab.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grip and traction of the Sense 3 Ultra SG will not let you down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8) Durability/Quality: 10/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, no issues here! This is a tough category to judge as only a lot of time and mileage can cast a true light and representation on the durability of a pair of trail shoes, but so far both the grip and the uppers are showing no signs of premature wear and tear. Phew!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9) Pricing: 8/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At a RRP of £140 in the UK, the excellent performance and comfort of the Sense 3 Ultra SG comes at a price. The Sense 3 Ultra SG's are part of the prestigious S-Lab racing range, carefully designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of their top athletes such as Kilian Jornet and Emilie Forsberg. Therefore they will always come at a slightly higher price, but if the cost of these shoes was to drop to around the £100 mark the Sense 3's would obliterate their competition in the trail running market.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10) Design: 10/10</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide for yourself, but I absolutely love the design of the Sense 3 Ultra SG. When you put them on your feet to go for a run, you immediately feel fast and light! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD_vGXnrpchGEKFynV6WgeQeP9M_6jSuyGuD4N7qAP99dr6zRMyiqKafimDBd2Ji-m9sifdQtT1mJL2gG1dalWsT3Dtf15LLI5o6JhS1rwRapqMVdDRAMD6vmDmw4pixVqtzPKe4XFl0/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+ultra+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilD_vGXnrpchGEKFynV6WgeQeP9M_6jSuyGuD4N7qAP99dr6zRMyiqKafimDBd2Ji-m9sifdQtT1mJL2gG1dalWsT3Dtf15LLI5o6JhS1rwRapqMVdDRAMD6vmDmw4pixVqtzPKe4XFl0/s1600/Salomon+Sense+3+ultra+SG.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fantastic looking trail shoe makes you feel light and fast.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">CavemanClarke score: 90/100</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Congratulations Salomon for creating an extremely comfortable, lightweight and excellent quality trail shoe that performs superbly. I have enjoyed every minute spent exploring the trails in these shoes, and have been very impressed with the performance and comfort I have experienced over a wide variety of terrains and distances. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would thoroughly recommend the Sense 3 Ultra SG to anyone wanting to get the most out of their running. Whether you really want to push your limits on race day, or just have a seriously comfy and trustworthy pair of trail and fell shoes that will perform fantastically in soft ground conditions and very well over a wide variety of other terrains and conditions, this shoe is an excellent choice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDHBgIoiu3k8KIZLM7_cn3765-Cq0v7RisjnePIyY9J8RufiX0KDHY1jjdpRcH6VPZszQL_cUkxcARA6ZsMbauZMhs1rHhOtcmdKV4WhYS-HeVD73dQYkOBZn687uvX8VsZHVbySLjL8/s1600/s-lab+sense+3+ultra+sg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxDHBgIoiu3k8KIZLM7_cn3765-Cq0v7RisjnePIyY9J8RufiX0KDHY1jjdpRcH6VPZszQL_cUkxcARA6ZsMbauZMhs1rHhOtcmdKV4WhYS-HeVD73dQYkOBZn687uvX8VsZHVbySLjL8/s1600/s-lab+sense+3+ultra+sg.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monster grip similar to the Speedcross</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAg5h6P5wles4wbNs-Vk8yYhkWfCRNNhGuWEGfKJTK1ON3zBuTBpzXpmgynXu0QMbRGnle6V59t4Jxw695z7vYBVqtNf8JNS6l-gSyaz5ocEkHCCl1Mp8IUy5P3lk66xkBESj5JAGSt8/s1600/sense+3+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAg5h6P5wles4wbNs-Vk8yYhkWfCRNNhGuWEGfKJTK1ON3zBuTBpzXpmgynXu0QMbRGnle6V59t4Jxw695z7vYBVqtNf8JNS6l-gSyaz5ocEkHCCl1Mp8IUy5P3lk66xkBESj5JAGSt8/s1600/sense+3+SG.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About time these hit the trails, never to be this shiny again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G4AEESlZSCZklXGRR1n1V0z0XkD8o_hcwNEVM1Ekzfe5dTIV6fegRZHPrKyYJcekML5k2_D1EYORYSISJIOdPkWkG1mCmXFBzU-eKN6mh9ArxI14zRL6eIiPWt5AmMF6Jb-L87qWDw4/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+sense+3+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6G4AEESlZSCZklXGRR1n1V0z0XkD8o_hcwNEVM1Ekzfe5dTIV6fegRZHPrKyYJcekML5k2_D1EYORYSISJIOdPkWkG1mCmXFBzU-eKN6mh9ArxI14zRL6eIiPWt5AmMF6Jb-L87qWDw4/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+sense+3+SG.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They certainly excelled my expectations. Now to clean them...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why you would buy this shoe:</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Extremely comfortable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lightweight</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural running feel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Excellent grip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very good quality</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWuFYRKyY56t8xbSazO8TXZ7mQScg-91lT5yshTlVwdNoVQ9C9-JdknN9n9jHLt9wqX2bSLJVnLUxw2ZnLAI5K9vHu1gwl00oyEQzbubGslPli7tX1_Xrvbw8S8lpvOotpqVLaO_ne1U/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWuFYRKyY56t8xbSazO8TXZ7mQScg-91lT5yshTlVwdNoVQ9C9-JdknN9n9jHLt9wqX2bSLJVnLUxw2ZnLAI5K9vHu1gwl00oyEQzbubGslPli7tX1_Xrvbw8S8lpvOotpqVLaO_ne1U/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" title="Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quality materials and construction have created a serious trail running weapon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running everyone</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other posts about the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground:</span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-sg-first.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG - First Impressions</a></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/an-update-on-salomon-s-lab-sense-3.html" target="_blank">An update on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG's</a></h3>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-review.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra review: a comparison with the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</a></h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-17496240859438447612014-05-01T14:32:00.001+01:002014-09-13T16:17:04.830+01:00The West Highland Way, Scotland!<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGWuZlTgW2doELh2uHPX5Sdjv5GZNq2WLhWszOdvIQV8zT7imyvexW6vaHMZxzT4OHG44qymLNziiYgjSy_8W2jxVEkJS_wGAClWQBQfcPldp4iTeOqQ2g6wEnWGHNRLl_qefu3WSjJQ/s640/blogger-image-651429912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGWuZlTgW2doELh2uHPX5Sdjv5GZNq2WLhWszOdvIQV8zT7imyvexW6vaHMZxzT4OHG44qymLNziiYgjSy_8W2jxVEkJS_wGAClWQBQfcPldp4iTeOqQ2g6wEnWGHNRLl_qefu3WSjJQ/s400/blogger-image-651429912.jpg" title="The West Highland Way" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The West Highland Way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
What a fantastic experience. Carrying all I needed to camp and live for the week, I have just walked the West Highland Way long distance footpath in Scotland, UK. 96 miles of incredible trekking, scenery and nature and I certainly feel refreshed and excited. What a well needed break from the usual 'daily grind' (so to speak) that we all accidentally fall into as we go about our usual daily tasks at home and at work.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXV0o6GaHeTFu2yt0EGmcFBNfj-lkiExOsWJWhONcE2mosJDyr_5qZjHkyhjW0C1GErd84HfMabOVn49jYjMXcIWchrq0prZVLy_lRT0cHDpnHVIB4-JFWRl4c7TjUMMbEOpF36khLvo/s640/blogger-image-251649397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXV0o6GaHeTFu2yt0EGmcFBNfj-lkiExOsWJWhONcE2mosJDyr_5qZjHkyhjW0C1GErd84HfMabOVn49jYjMXcIWchrq0prZVLy_lRT0cHDpnHVIB4-JFWRl4c7TjUMMbEOpF36khLvo/s400/blogger-image-251649397.jpg" title="Loch Lomand" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Lomond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So why am I telling you all about this on a trail running blog? Well, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it makes for an ideal long distance multi-day or ultra run, as the paths are easily run and very well marked and signposted. I decided not long into the walk that I would be returning to run the trail one day in the near future. With B&B's and hostels along the way, it would easily be possible to run from one end to the other over 3 days with only a small pack of essentials on your back. Secondly, I really wanted to share a few photo's and ideas with you all.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wD4SPPi3tUPPiem8Gx5VANY64IZEYVCsYaTHDmfqZdgdhsu-2UXiB6vA_WXqn8EoDTuYu7kAoS8TCNlo4ov47u1lmt4g-f4_kPKUoeHAwZxLHAW_HJNIFTL_uiO5KUa8B2YHyrbqzBY/s640/blogger-image--924034165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wD4SPPi3tUPPiem8Gx5VANY64IZEYVCsYaTHDmfqZdgdhsu-2UXiB6vA_WXqn8EoDTuYu7kAoS8TCNlo4ov47u1lmt4g-f4_kPKUoeHAwZxLHAW_HJNIFTL_uiO5KUa8B2YHyrbqzBY/s400/blogger-image--924034165.jpg" title="Conic Hill" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conic Hill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes we all get bogged down with our usual daily tasks and work, and it pays to escape and explore every now and again. It refreshes the mind, excites the senses and gives your mind a real break from everything that, over time, can get us all a bit down at times. Getting into the hills and mountains, walking beside the Lochs and wild camping in the middle of nowhere with no mobile phone reception is about as far as one can escape in the UK, and the therapy certainly works.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J_mkNqYwe3FowBoqa1GZRoptBxQrUMLgXBuOQno0V6962gzXR0EDbfppGpi3XIXGn-WQ6hbfMHb4OHJWV7scK8eXyqzAedm-AYflYk4HGzkpPiVjBgbF4u15bAdoZi6pXwD5rpCQUyw/s640/blogger-image-40999348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3J_mkNqYwe3FowBoqa1GZRoptBxQrUMLgXBuOQno0V6962gzXR0EDbfppGpi3XIXGn-WQ6hbfMHb4OHJWV7scK8eXyqzAedm-AYflYk4HGzkpPiVjBgbF4u15bAdoZi6pXwD5rpCQUyw/s400/blogger-image-40999348.jpg" title="Wild camping at Rannoch Moor" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild camping at Rannoch Moor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
With fresh ideas, new exciting challenges planned and a more grounded idea about what is really important in life I am not regretting even a minute of the experience.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KKkyJCLCIb02EOuWwQ4FJjF_Fxl3vL017LJBXbvjn6OR4Jq_zqxHQP3T_1JiFZ_tgVQVkcb235QoPVDHDnbBARa3wtuG_PEARi5psiKM-v8k7z2UoWrj_-5sIuFjOelA8MlN_TuND60/s640/blogger-image--702836667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KKkyJCLCIb02EOuWwQ4FJjF_Fxl3vL017LJBXbvjn6OR4Jq_zqxHQP3T_1JiFZ_tgVQVkcb235QoPVDHDnbBARa3wtuG_PEARi5psiKM-v8k7z2UoWrj_-5sIuFjOelA8MlN_TuND60/s400/blogger-image--702836667.jpg" title="Loch Lomond" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Lomond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a whole world of nature, adventure and discovery out there.....and the freedom you experience when you explore it is certainly liberating, especially when you only have your own feet for transport and everything you need in a pack on your back. The simplest things in life are always the best! It was one of the best experiences of my life. Try something new and exciting this year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUPopnQe7NBt_kim0YIPWZI1sRvBpq7AZAPpo2TnqfDh5nEL4gbY7fRUbDhZeOktXtFPLmVwVyLHNzRxN1ZWuTw2t6Nn4q7MNF4kKqVSQqEpyHc-WBRNzlSFZnk2D3-Bnz3bgh_BRyJ4/s640/blogger-image--106437918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUPopnQe7NBt_kim0YIPWZI1sRvBpq7AZAPpo2TnqfDh5nEL4gbY7fRUbDhZeOktXtFPLmVwVyLHNzRxN1ZWuTw2t6Nn4q7MNF4kKqVSQqEpyHc-WBRNzlSFZnk2D3-Bnz3bgh_BRyJ4/s400/blogger-image--106437918.jpg" title="Stag on Rannoch Moor" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stag on Rannoch Moor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wwsv3zBdzcJ69qYecCfklORzto324DM63EICIcOndu23TxF374k9UALp2bCfLTa7YqrG-ptTJAgsFv8kErv0-NwozR9ypBfLDKmh1OkQySBX7bKM4FE9x-S_XM9h7UkYWigDCctDyB0/s640/blogger-image--1654027706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wwsv3zBdzcJ69qYecCfklORzto324DM63EICIcOndu23TxF374k9UALp2bCfLTa7YqrG-ptTJAgsFv8kErv0-NwozR9ypBfLDKmh1OkQySBX7bKM4FE9x-S_XM9h7UkYWigDCctDyB0/s400/blogger-image--1654027706.jpg" title="Glen Coe" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glen Coe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvIB8U9hc3HLwqNmaBfyHp4usAtdWXhPaYmdAE7ZLV3_T0y-tNwWFpFdfdrYO9XYR4jh25CTd-ZJ7izpcWkdWIZheGs_upZXYnNxnSmyIuKTOrKq7saNr80Q5Uh6NE8LLpt7r9sXqnP4/s640/blogger-image-1103766190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvIB8U9hc3HLwqNmaBfyHp4usAtdWXhPaYmdAE7ZLV3_T0y-tNwWFpFdfdrYO9XYR4jh25CTd-ZJ7izpcWkdWIZheGs_upZXYnNxnSmyIuKTOrKq7saNr80Q5Uh6NE8LLpt7r9sXqnP4/s400/blogger-image-1103766190.jpg" title="Wild Camping on the West Highland Way" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Camping on the West Highland Way</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-deUo_80bPAUwr3ztjYJLrXH9MQJSqpzFB1gj-tXUFZNTvUFTfHWVfgF3EACRmbNpvuzs15IQTSHQWk0Hhvvtm1gslYf42e_wt7nk1OwonJdywSj1g-HQ-lxqF4KGKvdkwGKMVBiVAaU/s640/blogger-image-1343492959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-deUo_80bPAUwr3ztjYJLrXH9MQJSqpzFB1gj-tXUFZNTvUFTfHWVfgF3EACRmbNpvuzs15IQTSHQWk0Hhvvtm1gslYf42e_wt7nk1OwonJdywSj1g-HQ-lxqF4KGKvdkwGKMVBiVAaU/s400/blogger-image-1343492959.jpg" title="Summit of Ben Nevis" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit of Ben Nevis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J2YV2G6llnLBxBmPPhh47VF7QLJMAkMbscsDYPhF0jdcbOF06-cyCZQxPWumOl_J__peDMmRO7SMGSwoFHCHrJYriol8gdX9eKz19AvZ992F5vOxq4AwHnz3tQ_6m519qBFSgqAjrlc/s640/blogger-image--1080315856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9J2YV2G6llnLBxBmPPhh47VF7QLJMAkMbscsDYPhF0jdcbOF06-cyCZQxPWumOl_J__peDMmRO7SMGSwoFHCHrJYriol8gdX9eKz19AvZ992F5vOxq4AwHnz3tQ_6m519qBFSgqAjrlc/s400/blogger-image--1080315856.jpg" title="Rannoch Moor" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rannoch Moor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSRNCMCquvqLwhlBZrNgUTAOgwxKkwmDRAQUVWRnLARdWkn4JFfVOi4d0wP91sglXWuiGT_Vz-zs_xaaKZvu81cvA6u7LMXCpXnAItJd5WF-FVLe_Je1NJBTvAau35KB5cmu4ZaqdtYc/s640/blogger-image-315897742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSRNCMCquvqLwhlBZrNgUTAOgwxKkwmDRAQUVWRnLARdWkn4JFfVOi4d0wP91sglXWuiGT_Vz-zs_xaaKZvu81cvA6u7LMXCpXnAItJd5WF-FVLe_Je1NJBTvAau35KB5cmu4ZaqdtYc/s400/blogger-image-315897742.jpg" title="The Summit of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Summit of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaCMWMmhs_YCN8UvBU6KDjVuhJWjs30UJNTNCX3At0nfYKJlId16RWugcXleCPTz1BuXHqk7dIourcmamGsZp5jKyI6a-O173RpNaBdhjH198x4BL13REc0_pt08xJUmTNHwmE7ZpfP8/s640/blogger-image-513164862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaCMWMmhs_YCN8UvBU6KDjVuhJWjs30UJNTNCX3At0nfYKJlId16RWugcXleCPTz1BuXHqk7dIourcmamGsZp5jKyI6a-O173RpNaBdhjH198x4BL13REc0_pt08xJUmTNHwmE7ZpfP8/s400/blogger-image-513164862.jpg" title="The beauty of the Scottish Highland Mountains" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beauty of the Scottish Highland Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Happy running and exploring!</div>
<div>
CavemanClarke</div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-82593344156978864412014-04-10T13:26:00.001+01:002014-09-13T16:17:24.874+01:00An update on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG's<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just before I disappear into the Scottish Highlands in a couple of days to walk the West Highland Way long distance footpath, I thought it was a good opportunity to give you all an update on how I have been getting on with the newly released Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG's; the soft ground version of the new Sense 3 Ultra's. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>For the full review please <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">click here</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyn9QTohLCvwr2kTfX-i19gm-oEyaNHAWt7cddBd9HQJXE9ZA6P-GS_q5INNiSOzmSk6R6x2kqRsdyK0lkxLsmQU2Q2-cWy7W-8CuzWAv37MQG_b-2JZxG-TaZlBoOy6BSSVzgguiDZU/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra+SG.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Salomon Sense 3 Ultra SG's are a very comfortable and grippy trail shoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I will be honest! In true unpredictable English weather fashion, the sea-proportion of rain we had experienced over the last few months that left half the country wading to work suddenly stopped. Since then, I have only experienced a few odd days when the heavens opened enough to soften up the local trails enough to truly test the capabilities of the Sense 3 Ultra SG's! But, in true CavemanClarke dedication, I have put on, run in and scrutinised every detail of the Sense 3 SG's as best as the weather has allowed, and here is what I have found so far.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comfort:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what really impresses me most about the Sense 3 Ultra SG's. These are by far the most comfortable pair of Salomon shoes I have ever tried to date. This is largely due to 5 main factors. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) The shape; the width of the forefoot is far wider than previous models I have tried. When put sole to sole with my Fellcross 2's (both the same size) the Sense 3 SG's overlap the edge of the Fellcross by quite a few millimetres, leaving much more room for the forefoot and toes to naturally spread. This is a very welcome experience for someone like me, who not only has a wide foot, but prefers a natural feel over a traditionally narrow race last.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) The weight is very minimal leaving your legs and feet feeling fast and light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) The low differential of 4mm and minimal cushioning brings the foot closer to the ground and increases proprioception whilst encouraging a natural running gait.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) The EndoFit sock-liner wraps the foot comfortably and securely and works well in conjunction with the SensiFit lacing system, to leave you feeling like the shoe is simply a gripping</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and protective extension of your own foot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) The upper materials allow a well ventilated environment for the foot to breath and remain at a comfortable temperature. Yes this does allow easy entry for water, but I have always preferred a shoe that allows air-flow and easy drainage of any water that enters the shoe due to water crossings and deep puddles.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><b><u>Grip:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would happily say that these grip as well as the Fellcross 2's, even though they feel different. The Fellcross grip tends to 'bite' into the terrain in quite an aggressive fashion, leaving quite a messy 'churned' footprint, whereas the Sense 3 SG's leave you feeling sure-footed without the need to shred everything in your path. The lugs are larger but fewer on the Sense 3 SG's and I think they give a better ride over a wider range of terrain such as harder packed trails as well as wet, muddy trails.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3khofgTbrCUodCznV-7F-5JqO7hza9NVs8pIPO2U0Vo7rNrSnrmdLp5osXfZAqpssWaJSTmmmkD5Z4AlJtukGrBVWODDQ-VI9jqdKxgf5u4ZyoNM5RHKXk6KAj3kB2tzDTVGEGCjRTrY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+sense+3+SG.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muddy, wet conditions are no problem for the new Sense 3 Ultra SG's by Salomon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much more testing and trialling is needed before concluding that these are my favourite pair of Salomon's so far, but it is starting to look that way! But first, I need some more rain and miles to see how these shoes hold up over time in terms of durability and versatility. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I can say with confidence; if you want a grippy trail shoe for training and racing in wet, soft and muddy conditions, but you also require a natural last and comfortable roomy forefoot rather than the usual narrow race last and feel, then this is certainly an excellent choice for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any comments or questions, feel free to post below</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy running</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further posts on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground:</span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-sg-first.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG - First Impressions</a></h3>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground Review</a></h3>
</div>
<div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-review.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra review: a comparison with the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</a></h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5972533933571837251.post-29176300144047801892014-03-16T21:00:00.000+00:002014-09-13T16:18:48.553+01:00Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG - First Impressions<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The long-awaited release of the latest evolution in Salomons Sense range has arrived, and boy has it made an impression! I have managed to get my feet into a pair of the new Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG; the soft ground specific model in the third generation of the already successful Sense range of S-Lab racing products.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>For the full review please <a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">click here</a></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWARAMKHuA1poNUfVyqNQRl9MWP6bA7BIyNlTfVHgN975EHUx3D5yw6lcfJ-EhAUDlvF7QSEaZvrIr4yj7D7cyrEPRII0c86VX2T5P9Uy72jKwOJTs0rxDbCW50x-BvWMRtYiGkAUuxaU/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWARAMKHuA1poNUfVyqNQRl9MWP6bA7BIyNlTfVHgN975EHUx3D5yw6lcfJ-EhAUDlvF7QSEaZvrIr4yj7D7cyrEPRII0c86VX2T5P9Uy72jKwOJTs0rxDbCW50x-BvWMRtYiGkAUuxaU/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+Ultra+SG.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Delivered and out of the box, a few photo's for review purposes before the mud spoils the pretty colours and it was straight out for a 10k to see just how good the Sense 3 Ultra SG's really are...</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAg5h6P5wles4wbNs-Vk8yYhkWfCRNNhGuWEGfKJTK1ON3zBuTBpzXpmgynXu0QMbRGnle6V59t4Jxw695z7vYBVqtNf8JNS6l-gSyaz5ocEkHCCl1Mp8IUy5P3lk66xkBESj5JAGSt8/s1600/sense+3+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAg5h6P5wles4wbNs-Vk8yYhkWfCRNNhGuWEGfKJTK1ON3zBuTBpzXpmgynXu0QMbRGnle6V59t4Jxw695z7vYBVqtNf8JNS6l-gSyaz5ocEkHCCl1Mp8IUy5P3lk66xkBESj5JAGSt8/s1600/sense+3+SG.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Comfort and Fit:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was immediately evident that these are a very comfortable pair of trail shoes. In the past, Salomon shoes have been associated with a narrow last and fit, leaving people with wider feet struggling to be comfortable on longer runs. This doesn't seem to be the case with the Sense 3 Ultra SG. Couple the shape and last with the EndoFit sock-like liner and SensiFit system held in place with the quick lacing system and these are certainly the most comfortable pair of Salomons I have tried to date. Straight out of the box and out for a 10k and there was no blisters to worry about and not even a hint of a hot-spot anywhere. Also, my toes were left plentiful room to spread inside the toe box, resulting in a very comfy ride. Perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4rrsLrmaNtKlC_VJIknXjK4wx5BazYpLU-cu-VQyRBuTP_WckVi9az6HxM2Bdc9BJIl30sQQj8Cp0V7LM9eun61KnmJKPKXAt80hQVOGkPymlq-jf8o5fe8Uwesce1VhvfYY05N0798/s1600/salomon+sense+3+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4rrsLrmaNtKlC_VJIknXjK4wx5BazYpLU-cu-VQyRBuTP_WckVi9az6HxM2Bdc9BJIl30sQQj8Cp0V7LM9eun61KnmJKPKXAt80hQVOGkPymlq-jf8o5fe8Uwesce1VhvfYY05N0798/s1600/salomon+sense+3+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Grip:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The grip looks similar to the Speedcross, as if the Chevron Contagrip M&S lugs have been added to the previous Sense Ultra sole unit. Add to this the super lightweight upper and low-slung 4mm drop (13mm heel and 9mm forefoot) and this is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a serious weapon for running in wet, muddy and snow conditions. I certainly encountered some very wet and muddy trail conditions on my first run in the Sense 3 Ultra SG's and the shoes handled it perfectly. I would liken the grip and performance in wet and soft ground conditions to that of the Fellcross 2 (http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/salomon-s-lab-fellcross-2-review.html</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">), but with a more comfortable fit, last and upper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit87vORXa9aEUENRSzWmfEKu1pMP_SE-h_rpE7HCOfEi2JDkOe1j-VZjmR3opt1T_g8DvLOe7P147NkPdcdLlb4pSBX9c3XqpXsyXpPDO272u_09cTeOYON20vdp19XebyPMOJcm-PwK8/s1600/s-lab+sense+3+ultra+sg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit87vORXa9aEUENRSzWmfEKu1pMP_SE-h_rpE7HCOfEi2JDkOe1j-VZjmR3opt1T_g8DvLOe7P147NkPdcdLlb4pSBX9c3XqpXsyXpPDO272u_09cTeOYON20vdp19XebyPMOJcm-PwK8/s1600/s-lab+sense+3+ultra+sg.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with all trail shoes with a more extreme grip and lug pattern, the ride is somewhat compromised on very hard and flat surfaces such as very hard-packed trail and road, but then that is not what this shoe is for. We all encounter some road or paved sections between trails so it is worth mentioning, and the shoe will happily handle the odd bit of hard terrain, but I would try and stick to wetter and softer ground if you can. If you wanted a similar shoe for drier and hotter conditions then Salomon have answered this with the release of the new Sense 3 Ultra; pretty much the same shoe but with a less aggressive tread pattern and different colour-way (red and white).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Quality:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time will tell on the durability of these stunning trail shoes, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but judging on the reviews of the predecessors</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the Sense range and other Salomon shoes I have reviewed in the past, I am not expecting any sudden disasters as these shoes appear a top-quality product.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoblhtCidz4r1v6ahdAp9rcRa4GNUMz7-GTkx_n2h476SeuS6B4RllBMIE7U2M9TGNSdeYyaEq5fYs_BG5JNZifdbAAUcc3cl38c-jt03PDQDrb_MuQ3JykOBpJsovYmcj4k-4PJOYbBU/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoblhtCidz4r1v6ahdAp9rcRa4GNUMz7-GTkx_n2h476SeuS6B4RllBMIE7U2M9TGNSdeYyaEq5fYs_BG5JNZifdbAAUcc3cl38c-jt03PDQDrb_MuQ3JykOBpJsovYmcj4k-4PJOYbBU/s1600/Salomon+S-Lab+Sense+3+ultra+soft+ground.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far so.....well, great! I am really looking forward to putting these soft ground trail weapons through their paces over the next few weeks. If the current trend of the Sense series is continued in the Sense 3 Ultra SG's, then I have very high hopes for these shoes. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until then, happy running everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYx2XYQVASA03GHqFEAC7r4E-jdMvHU1c_Xn7XSMcEOWVXQl0wxq4ILtbr0qkog72Ll3IJWFFZMWCbUGlmCQ7t1Kex_BTNp3f4G04a9B7veFg5fd8ha9Xh9HbOcb-LdJi_B2nwpsqzgY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+sense+3+SG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYx2XYQVASA03GHqFEAC7r4E-jdMvHU1c_Xn7XSMcEOWVXQl0wxq4ILtbr0qkog72Ll3IJWFFZMWCbUGlmCQ7t1Kex_BTNp3f4G04a9B7veFg5fd8ha9Xh9HbOcb-LdJi_B2nwpsqzgY/s1600/Salomon+s-lab+sense+3+SG.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CavemanClarke</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Further posts on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground:</span><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/an-update-on-salomon-s-lab-sense-3.html" target="_blank">An update on the Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra SG's</a></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-soft-ground.html" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground Review</a></h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<a href="http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/salomon-s-lab-sense-3-ultra-review.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Salomon S-Lab Sense 3 Ultra review: a comparison with the Sense 3 Ultra Soft Ground</a></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Caveman Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05712238731550110051noreply@blogger.com0