So, in no particular order here a few of the little gems that I couldn't live (well, run) without.
I've mentioned a few times in the past that I'm a Hoka fan. Now I'm a huge fan, as I love their new additions - the Kailua Comp and Rapa Nui - even more. They look more like regular running shoes, so you don't get the double takes from Joe Public. They still provide the same protection and cushioning but the Rapa Nui are more responsive off road and the Kailua Comp are ideal for faster road running. Previously I only wore my Hoka for longer distance running, but now they are every day use. And after I bought three pairs of them, Hoka asked me to be one their sponsored athletes. A gal can never have too many pairs of shoes, right?
Since posting my feet fixing post this year, I'm still looking for ways to improve things. My feet are significantly better using the new regime, but not perfect. After a visit to Up and Running in Keswick on a Lakeland run recce I was looking to purchase some more kinesiology tape. Unfortunately the shop didn't stock my usual tape, but fortunately Paul Tierney introduced me to RockTape H2O. This version was designed for water sports - surfers, swimmers, water polo players, triathletes...and ultra runners in the Lake District. OK the latter might be a stretch, but it should be included in the category. It stays on longer - even in tough conditions - and is significantly better, so ranks pretty high on my new favourite finds. Thanks, Paul.

On the subject to fairer climes, anyone living in the UK will know we're experiencing a spell of wonderful weather and high temperatures just now. Even in Scotland. My previous favourites post included Banana Boat sun protection products, but they need a repeat mention as their new products are even better. I love the Sport products and the the Kids' Powder Dri Lotion - for both myself and Cairn - It does literally sink in really fast to leave a powder-like feeling, so there no greasy or sticky feeling. And it smells amazing. I really wouldn't use anything else.
Running in the UK, I've certainly put my Drymax Socks through the wringer. The range includes socks for different weather and conditions. As previously documented I went from blister-plagued to blister free on the very wet and muddy Thames Path 100, using the Lite Mess No Show and since running in the dizzy heights of up to 30 degrees (that high for Scotland!) over the passed few weeks, the Drymax Hot Weather Mini Crew have been fantastic. For really wet and cold weather the Drymax Maximum Protection Running Socks are in a league of their own. I know, it's a wonder I have time to run at all with all the dilemmas I face before even getting out of the door!
I'm a gal who likes to accessorise, so the Dirty Girl Gaiters are right up my street. Plus, there serve a pretty good purpose and stop little nasties getting into your shoes. Double bonus. The only negative I can think of is that I shouldn't have bought the GM the lovely butterfly print ones for her birthday. Every time I see her in them, I wish I kept them for myself :-)
Salomon are pioneers when it comes supplying products for trail and ultra distance running. I bought the Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12-set backpack in the spring and have used it on all my long runs since. It's so comfortable that I even use it for runs that I could have got away with wearing a bottle belt. It's a well thought-out product with great space and easy access. The only downside to it is the clips. They're a nightmare. And with cold hands virtually impossible to deal with.

S-lab rucksacks and gear |
I promise this will be the last plug for Salomon, but they new Exo S-Lab Twinskin Skort deserves a mention. I should point out that up until purchasing this little number, I've always been against skorts. The concept - and the name - is ridiculous, but I love this one. It doesn't have any special powers, but it's different from anything else on the running market. And it makes me feel like Anna Frost when I wear it. Yeah, I know, only in my head.
On the same something-different note, I've recently bought a pair of the X-Bionic Ladies Effektor Running 3/4 Power Tight. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. X-Bionic stuff ain't exactly cheap, by the quality and material is amazing.

Electrolyte sports drink tabs, High5 Zero remains a firm favourite for me. They contain the vital Vitamin C and electrolytes, including sodium, magnesium and potassium, but they are also portable and refreshing. I just take them with me on a run and fill up from streams. They don't have the nasty taste that some electrolyte tabs have and most importantly for me, there's no sticky mess. I've had many a mid-race/run meltdown over sticky hands.
The fuel behind the GB 24 hour team is Alpro Chocolate Soya Milk. I think we emptied supermarkets in Poland and in Holland of their supplies. Team Manager, Richard Brown swears by it and we just do what we're told. Soya Milk is high in plant protein and more palatable and digestible. So when nothing else will go down, chocolate soya saves the day.
This is a bit of a random addition, but Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream is last but not least. You will probably know the brand name for luxurious beauty product, but their Eight House Cream is a skin protentant and nothing short of magical. The marketing bit: The skincare classic that soothes, restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked, dry skin. Soothes roughness, redness and minor skin irritations. I've used it to prevent chaffing and blisters and it works a treat.
5 comments:
I can understand the choc soya milk thing. One of the few things that didn't turn my stomach while pregnant both times - gotta bode well for the chunder tum later on in a race :-). I like the look of the back pack so much. Those bars are lovely. Good choices all round I'd say!
Oh pretty shoes! And such a helpful post, I am hoping (at some point in the possibly-far-distant future) to run my second ultra; and this is the most useful information I have come across so far. Thank you!
Good stuff. I had the same problem with the S-Lab clips, but you can shave a little plastic off the "claw" part with a sharp knife, which makes them much easier to use without affecting the security. Just do it a bit at a time until it feels right.
Is it permissable to run ultras sponsor-free?
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