XBionic Soma Cap - A Review

It's no secret that I have been a fan of XBionic kit for a long time now. Yes it's expensive, but I have never had a bad bit of kit from them. As I am packing my bag for Thames Path 100 the sea of XBionic is apparent. Amongst that one piece of kit i expect may become a God send is the Soma Cap.

I have had this hat for over a year and a half. It's been worn in all conditions and franklys it's superb. I have never been a great fan of wearing hats. For me they I've get sodden with sweat, make my head too hot, don't keep the wind off my ears and many other issues. What i found myself doing on long runs was carrying three hat options. I would have my buffs, a cap and then a warm hat. I still carry buffs as frankly so Danny convenient, but the Soma Cap has dispensed with the need for multiple headwear options.

I cannot and frankly have no desire to go into the science debate that XBionic puts forward for its items. A scientist I am not! What I care about is how a product functions and whether it's right for me.

The thing I first noticed with the Soma Cap is that it looked far too small. There was no way that this thing was going to fit on my head. It did though and very comfortably it has to be said. This is because the hat is super stretchyyyyyyyy. When on the head though it doesn't look stretched or distorted in any way. The added bonus of this is that it packs down really small, can be chucked in a pocket or scrunched up and shoved into that last bit of remaining space in the bag. For those concerned by such matters it weighs practically nothing as well.

When I've worn the hat over extended periods of time I have not been disappointed. It's incredibly comfortable, stops any sweat from getting in my eyes and at no point was the product soaked in sweat. It does a great job of keeping the wind off too. With the design being such that it covers the ears as well, the wind protection is a welcome addition. This has meant I have worn the hat on wet days... Or more precisely torrential rain, sunny but cold, bloody freezing days, mild days where it's windy but normally too warm for a hat and everything in between.

The hat is far from waterproof and not does it claim to be, but what it does do is dry bloody quickly. Consequently on long races I don't carry multiple hats. Nor do I worry about additional headwear in drop bags. The Soma Cap stays in my bag and accessible throughout races. It goes on and off as required, although I have previously forgotten I'm wearing it. During night runs I've found I'm not fully aware of how cold it has become until I take the hat off, so plus 1 for the insulation aspect as well. Further verification of this being that every year since I've run I have suffered with chillblains under my ears. Since wearing this hat I've had no I'll effects. Now of course other warm hats would probably achieve this benefit, but I had not found one that efficiently kept my head warm without over heating.

The product washes well and retains its shape. Mine has been washed several times and still looks like new.

It's only real limitation (in my opinion) would be no peak to keep the sun out and on extremely hot days you may not want the total coverage it offers. For me if it's sunny enough to not want a hat on that's when I revert to a buff and sunglasses. Let's face it how often does this scenario occur in the UK ;)

The price point of around £30 may put a lot of people off. For me the hat has proved excellent value and something I highly recommend.

Elete Review

When choosing hydration supplements, electrolytes, energy gels and food there is a plethora of choice. With this in mind a product has to be pretty good to be noticed, although with that said there are several average products available. Further to this don't even get me started on suger free low calorie energy drinks!

My intrigue was grabbed when I was asked to try Elete as an alternative to the other electrolyte supplements That I have used. Prior to this I have always used Gu Brew or Nuun tablets. These are fine but a bit of a faff and bulky to carry in a pack. In addition I find that when they are dissolving it can cause bottles to leak whilst running and with bladders some time it can create a slight gunky residue. If someone can offer me a product that removes these issues then I'm always interested. It was proposed that Elete would offer this alternative.

The website for the product certainly does not hold back in its belief of the product. They have a host of testimonials for the product and are proud of the fact it's 100% natural product free from sugars and additives. This in itself is something that intrigues me as I am mindfully during an ultra I can naturally gravitate to pumping my body full of sugars.
The Elete website claims;

ELETE REDUCES AMOUNT OF WATER NEEDED TO HYDRATE BY MORE THAN 40%

This is a major bonus if this is accurate as there can be a tendency to guzzle water when running. With Tim Noakes new book, Waterlogged, advocating for drinking only when thirsty and being mindful not to drink too much, a product that can cut the need for water by 40% should potentially serve to benefit runners. In addition 40% is a lot in weight. If we work loosely on the basis that a litre weighs a kilo and as a runner I have been carrying 2litres of water at any one time then I am saving myself 800mls or 0.8 of a kilo. That is a lot of weight.

The contact us page also shows the company to be based in Forest Row. A little village in Sussex that I happened to grow up in and in fact the address is opposite a building I used to deliver a newspaper to. This relates in no way to the product but reminds me it's a small world.

Like any product the company is always going to be prone to "bigging up" the product. After all it would be shoddy marketing to say "yeah our products ok. It could be better" or worse still and a fact that should apply to a lot of products, "yeah our product doesn't work but you suckers will by it at an inflated price because it has a catchy name and is endorsed by an Olympian." The question to be answered is whether Elete delivers what it promises or is another fad.

Initial Impressions

The product appears to be simple and kept in a simple packaging with clear instructions for usage. It can be bought in varying
Sizes, but the little bottle is perfect for carrying during an Ultra. At 25ml (making up 10ltrs) it is the perfect sized bottle to cover the duration of a sizeable ultra. The larger Bottle can be decanted into the little bottle making this an excellent product to transport. Compared to some electrolyte tablet tubes or pots of powder you could carry Elete and forget you have even got it with you.

The product appears to have been careful and positive consideration towards function. A couple of drops squeezed into the lid provides an accurate measurement. This is likely to be a welcome convenience at aid stations. Potentially no more fizzing tablets causing leaks in bottles.

The initial impressions are almost too good to be true. Is this a diminutive product that packs a big punch or another product jumping on the running bandwagon and promising a lot but delivering very little?
The initial impressions are a 10/10 but let's see if the experience whilst running is the same.

Running Experience

As a runner I have found myself experimenting with different electrolyte products, but always settling on a product rather than being 100% happy with a product. I have always found there to be something not quite right with various products. It has varied from not sitting well in my stomached to be completely unpalatable or very sugary. For me flavour is always a huge compromise and I am far happier just drinking water.

Don't get me wrong a sugar hit can sometimes be a godsend, but for me that's what the flat coke at aid stations is for. When I'm running I like to have one drink on the go not combinations of drinks. Water combined with Elete allows me to do that. Elete are proud of the fact there product can be added to any liquid. For me the fact it blends seamlessly with water is a big enough achievement. For others being able to add it to a cup of tea might be a huge attraction.
When I have been out running I can honestly say I have been able to drink to thirst and run efficiently and effectively. I would not know that I was drinking anything other than water. Well based on taste I would not know. Physically I have felt great and less fatigued than when using other electrolyte substances. I have felt well hydrated and enjoyed my running.

The claim of drinking 40% less fluids is not something I would have been sold on as a claim. I have always been someone who sweats a lot, regardless of the garments I am wearing. In addition I have always needed a lot of fluid. Over a 2 hour run I have historically needed between 2 and 2.5ltrs of fluid; made up of electrolyte drinks and water. Less than this has seen me feeling groggy, slow and often with a dry mouth.

Prior to composing this review I was not aware of the claim of a reduction in fluid consumption by 40% This was intentional as I wanted as minimal influence on review whilst I was running to feel. Following several runs it is noticeable that my fluid consumption has dropped dramatically, but I have felt great during every run. I have not felt groggy, or as if I have a dry mouth. These changes coincide directly with testing Elete.

The following is four examples of recent runs using Elete;

1. 2hr run - 500ml consumed (previously 2-2.5ltrs)
2. 80min run - 300ml consumed (previously 750mls-1lte)
3. 90min run - 400mls consumed (previously 750mls-1ltr)
4. 2hr run - 600mls consumed (previously 2-2.5ltrs)

I recorded the above information as I had become aware on the first run that I had a lot of water left in my bladder. I must stress again I have felt better consuming current levels. Even conservatively these figures are well above a 40% drop. My fluid consumption was always high others may not achieve such a sharp drop, but my experience is that Elete's claim is potentially justified.

The impact on my running has only been positive. I can now confidently carry significantly less water. This of course also means significantly less weight in my pack. Elete in effect has become more than just a electrolyte supplement. It has also become a weight saving device.

From my running experiences I can't fault this simple product. It's an easy 10/10

Conclusion

Elete is an excellent product and has become an essential element of my training and racing kit. I would urge any runner of any level to give this product a try.

The final benefit of this product was when I was struck down by the Norovirus. I could not keep any food down. I utilised Elete in cold water and it assisted in me feeling better. So this product would appear to have multiple purposes. From the perspective of runners if you are someone who throws up during races then Elete may be an even more essential element of your race kit.

Overall this simple little product really does carry a big punch.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Compressport Quad Guard Review

Having already worn, reviewed and enjoying the calf guards I was keen to try the quad guards. This eagerness was compelled by my quads "blowing up" at the North Downs Way 100. Following on from this my quads were in bits for several days. The only part of my legs that were not in bits were my calfs. This made me question the impact of the compression wear. In this particular case I had been wearing the compressport calf guards that I have previously reviewed on my blog.

So with the view being to put the quad guards on my Christmas list I was thrilled when Mark Barnes of HPF Consultants offered me a pair to review. With Mark sharing the same attitude as me of honest and unbiased reviews it was a great opportunity to test out quad compression, or more specifically compressports quad guards.

It seems over the last 12-24months compression wear has exploded on to the scene with every company finding their way to generate a product with compression involved. To my knowledge the jury is still out on any actual scientific evidence to validate the benefit of compression. I will be the first to admit though that whether a physical gain or a placebo effect I don't really mind as long as my legs are not blowing up and in bits before the end of an ultra.

As always this review is constructed from my opinions. I try to discuss issues that will universally apply to everybody, but remember what works for me may not work for you.

Initially I was not sure about my running experience in them. I believe some of this may be down to my over awareness of having compression on my quads. As time has progressed I have become less conscious of the sensation of the compression. In turn my enjoyment of running in these quad guards seems to amplify with every run, however there are some flaws in the product. Whether these are flaws with me or the product I invite you to draw your own conclusions from this review.

Initial Impressions
The product looks well made. They come in varying colours mine are black and pretty unremarkable beyond this to comment.

The quad guards feel nice to the touch and appear very well made. There are no notable seams and so it appears as if there should be no comfort issues in this respect.

The quad guards follow exactly the same principle as the calf guards in the sense that the cuffs of the top and bottom are there to keep the garment in place but offer no compression. The compression also becomes less restrictive towards the bottom of the garment. On the quad guards the top cuffs have what looks like small grey dots on the inside. These I assume provide grip and aim to stop the garment slipping. Assuming this is the case they achieve the job relatively well.

The garment is sold in varying sizes and there is clear guidance on how to identify the correct size for you. I can't stress enough how imperative it is that you get the correct size. Having originally been sent a size down I can confirm that there is a significant difference between the size groups. For me a T1 was never going on, no matter how much body glide is available, but the T2 fits brilliantly. Mine provide a lot of compression but that i attribute to being because I am on the borderline between a T2 & T3.

This fit appears to be good. The product takes a little manipulation to get into the right area. Once in place the garment appears comfortable if unremarkable. It's important though to remember the garment is not a custom fit to each customer & thus everyone's experience of comfort will vary slightly.

Overall my initial impressions were good and my hopes remained high for the product.

Running Experience

Having had the positive
Experience of the calf guards from compressport my expectations were high. The first few wears of the quad guards left me wondering if i was going to be placing them away in a dark cupboard (please note I have yet to decide what makes a dark cupboard stand out from any other cupboard) or on eBay for someone else to try.

My main concern was that I could not seem to get the quad guards to sit on my legs comfortably. This meant whilst running I was very aware that I had the product on. I felt the awareness more so perhaps than the garment was effecting the quality of my run.

With a mind set to ensure I had exhausted all efforts I put on the quad guards pulling them up a little further than i thought seemed appropriate. The difference in my experience became like night and day. The fit was a lot better and I didn't find myself feeling the need to stop and adjust them whilst running. Given undertaking such an act is frowned upon, in several locations, I was most relieved.

I have run with these on in various settings and under various conditions. They are a comfortable fit and not restrictive to the natural running movement in any way. During long runs I have definitely noticed less fatigue in my legs and I have been able to go faster for longer. Some of this invariably will be down to fitness gains, but the level of increased support experienced by my quads was most certainly noticeable.

My main grumble whilst running in these was a sense of increased friction between my inner thighs. It never resulted in any sores, but I was conscious of the potential and applied an extra dose of lanacane to the area. It appears that the compression can cause
The top of the thigh to slightly, for want of a better term, bulge out. In this instance a part of the thighs that would never normaly come into contact can potentially rub together. Of course this could be a way of my body saying I need to trim my legs down a bit. This likely won't be an issue even registered by slimmer runners, but for the average joe it's some thing to be conscious off. I couldnt say if the issue would escalate further the heavier you are, but this is a real possibility. As already mentioned this apparent sense of friction did not lead to any chafing.

Once accustomed to the quad compression I can honestly say they have been a pleasure to run in. Not only do they provide quality compression they provide a convenient additional layer on those cold and icy mornings. A combination of these and the calf guards means its only my knees that get cold.

I'm not sure to what extent the quad guards have played a role but recently my perceived effort has greatly diminished whilst running. This is likely to be due to increased fitness but I'm confident that the quad guards have contributed. The best way that I can describe the feeling of the calf guards is my legs feel firmer and more stable. My gut reaction is that my legs feel like they are vibrating less. When running to feel and leaving watch in my pocket I smashed my half marathon pb by 20min down to 2hr2min At the end of the run my legs felt fresh and ready to go again.

The compression is still slightly awkward during sprint intervals. At this point I notice an element of restriction in my movement. I am then also aware of the cuffs of the guards rubbing on my thigh. With that said over long distances I absolutely love them. The slower pace does not bring about the same challenges as sprint intervals.

After a hard run the quad guards are not finished. I have noticed a positive experience from wearing them for an extended period afterwards. This has left my legs feeling fresher the following day than I could anticipate if not wearing them. Hopefully this will play out to be the case during my ultra marathons. I will provide an updated review then.

Overall the running experience is very good. Would I wear these for every run? No! I would not wear them every time I lace up my Hoka's. For every tough long run they will be one of the first pieces of kit in my bag, shorter less challenging runs or fast paced intervals will see the quad guards left at home. This is not so much a criticism , but more indicative of where I see the niche for compression garments.

It is my perception that compression wear is designed to reduce fatigue and increase recovery rate. The general purpose is therefore to make running easier. Perfect for race day, but in training I believe it to be important to exhaust muscles and make them work hard. This action in its own right assists in making future running easier. I do not sit here with any scientific proof but it is my opinion that wearing compression guards on short intense workouts may limit the benefits to be gained from these workouts. For long runs though recovery time appears reduced and so I can be back on my feet quicker. It also makes running back to back long runs more feasible and sustainable.

In general my running experience has been very positive.

Maintenance and Durability

The quad guards get used a lot and the nature of their use means they take quite a bit of a battering. I have taken to hand washing the product after each run. The beauty of the product is it dries super quick.

My quad guards have been worn a lot and they continue to feel like they did when they were brand new. There is no sign of wear and they continue to perform as well as the first day I took them out of the box.

Value for money

This is a really difficult question to answer and one that does not result in a straight forward yes or no. There can be no denying the product is expensive and so where it provides value for one it may just be a huge chunk of cash down the drain for someone else.

At over £50 this is not an item for anyone to buy without considering their personal needs. My view would be that if you are only interested in doing runs of an hour or less then the benefit of the product may not be worth the outlay and the money better invested in shoes and clothing. If you enjoy running on rugged terrain for extended periods of over an hour then this product could well be a perfect investment.

Training for ultras makes long back to back runs an important aspect of any training programme. To this end the reduction of Stress in the legs and the increased recovery rate could well see the quad guards
As excellent value for money.

Overall for me I would rate them as a sound investment and value for money. If you are running the trails and undertaking distances over 15miles I reckon you would get value for money. For others perhaps a useful but far from essential investment and maybe one better listed for a Christmas or birthday gift.

Conclusions

The product is not without faults. I have mentioned the issue of the top of the quad guards. They require a reasonable amount of manipulation to get into place. There is then the issue of friction between the thighs. With that said this could be my body telling me I need to get slimmer legs. Equally there has been no noted chafing.

I would suggest that for short distances the quad guards do not serve to provide significant benefits, but over long distances they are a fantastic addition to anyone's running cupboard and will assist to negate the effects of back to back long runs.

The price for me is value for money, but make sure you get the right size and use them in the right elements of a training plan. My experience is this only applies for long runs. If you want to run regularly and far then this becomes a sound Investment.

The best endorsement I can give is that one pair is robust enough to be used repeatedly, but when the time comes to replace them I will gladly do so. If I was not using them regularly then I'd probably query value and suggest that I should have put them on a birthday or Christmas list. Depending on your circumstances they are either a great investment or a novel piece of kit better left to ask someone to buy for you as a gift.

Happy Running!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Injinji vs ToeToe

Vs






I have searched for what feels like forever for a sock that I am happy to wear. Each sock I've tried has things that have niggled at me.

It was put to me that I should try ToeToe socks. In all honesty at this time I thought ToeToe socks was simply a term for socks that are worn like gloves. I did not realise they were a brand of this type of sock.

I like the ToeToe sock but they do fall into the category of socks that do not fully satisfy my needs.

The question left was whether Injinji could satisfy my need for a great sock. With a direct competitor already tried it made sense to compare the two.

Initial Impressions

TOETOE

The ToeToe socks look fairly robust and like they could take a battering. The material description of these socks is as follows,

*92%Coolmax (polyester) : It is an engineered yarn wickes away the moisture very effectively. Feet stay dry during activities.

*7%acrylic, 2%elasthane : Elastane provides optimum stretch and acrylic is used to ensure durable long lasting fabric. (taken from Likeys site)

The ToeToe look pretty bomb proof. The initial impression is that they may be a sock for the longer distances. They are made of similar materials to many other running socks i have used. Nothing novel about the material and so it is assumed the nature of the fit is what is expected to stand out on these socks.

INJINJI

Upon receipt of these socks my initial response was that they feel nicer to the touch than ToeToe. They appear to have similar construction but the heel cup looks to have a flap of excess material. It is intriguing to see how this will fit. The socks are also a notably thinner material.

The technology of these socks is as follows,

Anatomical Interface System (AIS) is engineered to separate your toes with a thin, anti-friction membrane that is both lightweight and breathable. Seamless in construction, the tetratsok forms to every contour of your foot. This allows for true restriction free movement from your heel to five toes, encourages healthy circulation, and eliminates skin on skin contact between your toes to prevent blisters from developing.

Material
75% Coolmax
20% Nylon
5% Lycra (info taken from Likeys site)

The initial impression of the Injini is that they have a softer feel and appear less rigid than the ToeToe socks. This surely would bode well for comfort?!

In respect of initial impressions

ToeToe: 8/10
Injinji: 9/10

At this point it is appropriate to consider Fit.

Fit

This category is a point where Injini excels beyond ToeToe. Both pairs have been tried and tested and the following opinions are constructed from at least 150 miles run by me in each pair.

ToeToe

When wearing these socks it can feel like they have very little flex. I can have real trouble actually getting the socks on. Once the socks are on they are comfortable to wear and it potentially appears the apparent rigidness may be there to protect the feet.

My main concern with these socks is that I find excess sock around the toes. If the toe sections are pulled in I find the heel of the sock tends to ride up the back of the ankle. With this said they still remain comfortable.

Injini

Straight out the box these socks fit great. The soft and slightly more forgiving material makes these socks much easier to put on in comparison to their counterparts. The fit in the toes is precise and no material is left loose. The apparent flap on the heel creates almost a bucket that the heel of the foot slots neatly in to. The precision of the overall fit is fantastic!

The only area that could be seen as potentially negative of the Injinji is that the sock feels a little loose around the ankle. This though is a personal preference. On a day to day basis I like my socks to feel like they have a lot of elastic built in. With that said the Injini are super comfy and the seemingly loose fit of the ankle never presented as an issue when running.

For Fit the score is as follows,

ToeToe; 7/10
Injinji; 9/10

Experience whilst running

Let's face it this is the most important element of the review. They could look rubbish and be made of barb wire if when running they made your feet feel amazing.

When running both socks are pretty good. I can imagine runners experiences being divided on these socks.

ToeToe

In the ToeToe I felt like my foot was encased inside a sock. Whilst ToeToe socks divide the toes I felt limited ability to wiggle my toes. The sense of restricted movement may be to some people's liking. This sense of restriction combined with the main novelty of the socks may serve to reduce friction and in turn lessen the occurrence of blisters. Sadly this was not my experience of the sock. I found the restriction almost uncomfortable. This may be down to my feet, but I also found that I got blisters on runs over 6 miles. I suffer blisters and so this may not be a fault of the sock, but I am mindful it may relate to the fit issue with the loose bits of sock causing friction.

INJINJI

With the Injini socks the minute I put them on they were exceptionally comfortable and this view did not change whilst running in them.

The socks fit really translates to a positive running experience. I was able to wiggle my toes and felt in know way restricted. The sock feels thin by comparison to the ToeToe socks but strangely appeared to have greater cushioning than the ToeToe. The material feels great on the skin and even running in torrential rain for 15 miles had no ill effect on my feet.

My feet felt well ventilated in the Injini and were noticeably cooler after long runs than in ToeToe socks.

The scores for running experience,

ToeToe; 6/10
Injinji; 9/10

Durability

After several runs and several washes how do the socks stand up? This is a slightly closer call, but in reality is another win for the Injinji brand. Both sets have been through the wash several times. Whilst both pairs are in one piece the ToeToe socks have stiffened slightly and this fit has worsened. In comparison the Injinji socks still feel new. The stitching on the toes of the Injinji overlay in a way that looked like one might start seeing splits or loose threads. This has not been the case and the socks remain with a perfect fit and are still great to run in.

Scores for durability;

ToeToe: 7/10
Injinji: 10/10

Value for money

Some would say that everything comes at a price and the same could be argued in this case. Using the Likeys site for a direct comparison the ToeToe socks are around £7.99 whilst Injinji are about £12.59 despite the price difference the quality and performance of the Injini, in my opinion, justifies the higher cost. They are nearly twice the price, but feel like twice the sock. So much so I have bought another pair. With that said what ToeToe delivers for the price should not be ignored and is in itself an excellent achievement.

Scores for value for money;

ToeToe: 8/10
Injinji: 9/10

Conclusion

In every category of this review I believe the Injinji socks shine through. ToeToe presents a good product but not one that I believe
Can stand up to the Injinji. If you don't want to pay the cost of the Injinji then the ToeToe is a reasonable alternative.

With great comfort and excellent fit the Injinji is one of the best socks I have worn. It is definitely the sock I now wear in training.

Lots of people have been raving about double layering socks for ultras. With my experience of the Injini's I shall definitely consider giving their sock liners a crack.

Once again this review is based on personal experiences and some people may have different views. For the purpose of this review Injinji not only wins against ToeToe but is the best sock in my current collection. I'd be intrigued to see how the Liner socks feel.

For now I will be wearing Injinji until someone shows me a better sock more suited to my feet.

Happy Running!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Compressport Calf Guards Review

Compressport Calf Guards Review




There is much debate (like with most running products) about the benefit of compression clothing. I can only speak from personal experiences. To date my only point of reference have been the Skinz products. My use of these has always been with mixed feelings. Each item I have owned has been comfortable. Have I noticed a significant benefit from the compression? The honest answer has to be not really.

The Skinz products are a nice fit, but they appear to loosen after a few washes. Most notably the calf guards would fall down around my ankles until about 90min into a run, seemingly defeating the issue of the compression in the first instance.

I have been somewhat on the neutral stance about compression gear since these experiences. I have been keen for compression gear to be effective as my calves have historically had a tendency to scream and turn into solid blocks when under stress. Many people have been proactive in saying compression gear would solve it. Well up to this point all I could say was the product I owned had not helped.

With the above information in mind I was reluctant to consider an outlay on any further product that may assist me. I wanted more definitive assurance about a product. I could not find any such assurances and so turned to the good people of Likeys for advice. In speaking with Martin he was very upbeat about the products from Compressport. Martin has always given sound advice and without wanting to become a Likeys cheerleader they only appear to stock products they have faith in. Nonetheless I remained slightly cynical. The difference being my cynicism was being directed at a brand as I deliberated a purchase. With my conscience on my shoulder telling me to be sure before I purchased I hesitated some more. After an impromptu conversation with a friend on twitter we started discussing Compressport. I had happened to notice him wearing them in a recent photo of him running a marathon. During the discussion he mentioned he much preferred them to Skinz products and in turn highlighted the issues I have already raised. This advice was enough to push me over the edge. After carefully measuring my calves I placed an order with Likeys

I have given the detailed run down (no pun intended) to this purchase to draw the readers attention to the slightly jaded position I had of compression gear in the build up to this purchase.

Initial Impressions

The calf guards straight out of the box have a quality feel. They look convincingly more sturdy than their Skinz counterpart. The upper and lower sections are designed to prevent slippage. They are quite difficult to initially get on, however, they are tight but not too tight.

The product looks good and feels good. These are the initial impressions, but the product needed to be tested to give a confident response in respect of their performance.

Calf Guards in Practice

As mentioned above they present as being a good comfortable product. More importantly they appear to provide excellent levels of compression.

I have now worn these calf guards on multiple races of varying distances from 10k to 100miles (67miles completed). I have also used them regularly in training.

The compressport have a great fit. It is essential that you measure your calf properly when selecting sizes. Also I should note when choosing size if you are between two sizes then go up a size. I nearly went the other way after my experience of Skinz and I done that the compressport would have been too tight.

It was a bit of a strange experience when I first run in these and I was still very indifferent about them. My first experience was on a 7mile run. The route was fairly flat and mainly road. During this run I was really conscious of a restriction around my calves. Not painful or bad, but an unusual sensation. What I can say is after the run there was no pain in my calves. With that said it's generally longer runs when the fatigue sets in that I have issues.

In taking the calf guards out over several more runs I began to notice a few things. Not all of my observations were great, but the overall experience has been positive. For me my training has shown I don't like wearing calf guards on shorter training runs (under 10miles.) During these runs I just don't feel any benefit and I find if I'm going to try and sustain a fast pace the compressport feel too restrictive. When I start talking about longer distances the review takes on a whole different perspective.

Over longer distances these have been exceptionally good. Inevitably when distance is a factor my pace slows and over time aches and pains creep in. When wearing the compressport calf guards over these distances I have had zero calf pain and absolutely no tightening of the calves. If you factor into this I am including my recent attempt at North Downs Way 100 where I managed 67 miles. Then the statement of no calf pain takes on greater significance. Please note I did not fail to finish the 100 miles because of my calves. My calves felt great. I have found over distance my calf guards leave me feeling like the calves have been well supported.

An added bonus of the calf guard is they provide a great layer of protection when running trails. I have found occasions where I'm running through nettles and not noticing. With trail running this is sometimes unavoidable and it's always nice to have any additional protection. Yes it's not the primary or secondary purpose of the calf guard, but it's definitely an added bonus.

Much is spoken about the quality during racing, but the benefit with this product most definitely extends into recovery. Having pulled from the North Downs Way 100 I was stiff in the quads and my hamstrings and my feet were sore. My calves felt great and then I left the calf guards on for 8 hours after the race. This was longer than I intended, because they were so comfortable I forgot I was wearing them. The pleasant surprise was that at no time during or after the North Downs Way 100 did I have any calf pain. Perhaps this was just a coincidence, but perhaps not.

One tip I would note is that taking them off can be a pain. I have found if you roll the top of the calf guard down over your feet (so the calf guard is inside out) then it can be pulled off very easily. This may be obvious to some, but after a long run I'm not always thinking clearly and had been tugging at the bottom to pull the calf guard off.

So overall a fantastic product. I won't ever use them for short runs, but I'm not sure that's really what they have been designed for. For long runs I shall always be wearing them.

Everyone is different and they may not work for you. I know as many runners at the top of their game who don't feel the need as those that love them. For me they work and I'm a big fan of the compressport option. If you are at all interested have a look at the product and decide for yourselves.

Happy Running!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

X-Bionic Boxer Shorts

X-Bionic Boxer Shorts Review

The awareness of X-Bionic in this country appears to have rapidly grown almost over night. I love the proposed principle of "turn your sweat into energy." why not utilise the one thing that feels like my biggest hindrance during physical exertion.

My biggest concern with X-Bionic is the starting price. Nothing seems to come cheap. So is this a case of a company cashing in on a growing market and then to disappear when people realise the products are poor? Or is it the case that the prices reflect quality products that one will continue to want to own?

How to delve into the X-Bionic world without breaking the bank

There are a couple of products that don't cost the earth. The wallaby wristbands. These can be purchased for around £9 and I have already posted a review of them. The other and perhaps more telling piece of kit is their boxer shorts. At between £19 and £25 they are not cheap, but for most they will not cripple the bank account.

With this price range in mind I have purchased and tested the boxer shorts. Below is the review of this product.

A word of warning! It is very difficult to effectively review such an item without straying into the odd moment of TMI (Too much information) You have been warned :)

Initial Impressions

Upon arrival the boxer shorts present in a relatively unassuming manner. From within a simple box that is covered in information and explanations of technology you pull out a fairly normal looking pair of boxer shorts.

The have some orange v stripes on the front and back and are quite pleasant to the touch. Beyond this they are fairly unextraordinary!

I was hoping therefore that there was more substance than aesthetics to these boxer shorts.

Boxer shorts in use

I have now worn these boxer shorts out on a few runs. It has to be said that prior to wearing these boxers I've only ever really worn non-technical underwear. In a nutshell the underwear that I have worn has been from tesco. It neither has substance or aesthetics. With that said i can totally appreciate the common sense behind wearing technical underwear.

Normally on a run I am oblivious to what underwear I have. The exception to this is that moment as the sweat trickles down your back. I don't think I need to continue with this description. We have all been there and we all know it's not pleasant. My main surprise then was the complete removal of this unpleasant experience, whilst wearing these boxer shorts. My bum and upper thighs felt cool and a consistent temperature. It made me feel very aware of sweat elsewhere. There is a danger I may now need to try other x-bionic products to negate the sweat in these areas.

Any negatives to the product?

It's hard to find any significant fault with this product. They are comfortable to wear and appear to do the job they set out to do.

I found one small issue during the early stages of a run. This issue is that whilst the boxers first fit nicely they feel like they initially move/ruck up the leg slightly. The movement is only slight but initially felt slightly exaggerated. It is not uncomfortable and now I'm use to it I am barely conscious of it. I do wonder if this issue could be cured by making the legs of the boxers slightly longer?!

Conclusion

These boxer shorts are comfortable if not unique in the comfort they offer. What appears to be the outstanding element is that 1 hour in, 2hours in ...... These boxer shorts remain as comfortable as if they have been on for 5mins. With this in mind I anticipate these becoming a much loved element of my Ultra kit.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Led Lenser H14 Review

LED Lenser H14 Review

Big piece of kit, but packs a punch
When I first entertained the concept of this Ultra Running malarkey it never occurred to me that I would need a headtorch. In first entering the 2011 Beacons Ultra I became aware that a headtorch is mandatory kit. Fuelled with this information I explored the Likeys website. I came across the Petzl Tikka XP2 and happy with the look I purchased it as part of my required kit. It has 85 Lumens and was fairly light weight. Lumens meant very little to me save to say that the more lumens you have the brighter the torch.

During my venture into longer distances I have become aware of just how dark it can be when running. I felt the Petzl Tikka XP2 was more than bright enough and in truth for most things it probably is. With that said there is a wide array of torches with varying degrees of brightness. It was suggested to me that another option might be the LED Lenser h14. With 210 lumens the headtorch is reportedly a lot brighter than the Petzl Tikka XP2. There are also a variety of ways the led lenser h14 can be worn or used. I figured it was worth a look, particularly for dark trails with lots of tree roots.

After placing my order I eagerly awaited the arrival of my new headtorch. Upon arrival it was evident how much brighter it was than my current torch. Please note the review is not intended as a face off with the Petzl Tikka XP2, it's simply the other headtorch that I own.

Upon arrival the disparity in brightness between headtorches was apparent.

Led Lenser H14 on full power

Petzl Tikka XP2 on full power
The difference between the torches is even more noticeable on low power setting.

Led lenser H14 on low power
This is compared to the Petzl on its low setting.

Petzl tikka2 on low setting
Both headtorches also have an effective spotlight.

Led Lenser H14 spotlight

The spotlight option on Petzl tikka XP2 is good, but by no means as powerful as the Led Lenser H14

Petzl spotlight

The benefit of the Lenser is that it has a good level of adjustability. It is not a case of bright or dim setting. You can have pretty much any level in between. There are also another multitude of light settings. One being a hazard prevention it is meant to deter wild animals and dazzle attackers. Not much good for me right now but potentially beneficial if I ever do get to do Western States.

In reality the two biggest assets of my torch that I use are the ability to adjust the strength of the lighting on the headtorch and the ability to adjust the focus from wide focus to a spot light. For me the other features are nice to have, but not really used all that much.

The battery pack is easily accessible and batteries seem to last a reasonable amount of time. I also find that this headtorch is relatively heavy but the battery pack is positioned at the back of the head and effectively distributes the weight. If one prefers the Battery pack can be detached and placed on the waist or in your bag.




Battery pack at back of headband



Batteries are easily accessible

The torch sits comfortably upon my head. Whilst it is not a torch that sits on my head and I forget it's there, like with the Petzl, it is far from a nuisance. In the pitch black at NDW100 I was happy to be wearing this torch.

I leant it to my friend Sam Robson who observed some glare from the bright light on cold breath or bouncing back off the fog. These are conditions where I think you would having to dip any head torch. If you are only ever running in these conditions then this torch may not be for you.

If you are at the front of the pack looking to shave off seconds, saving weight, then again this may not be the torch for you. The bulkiness can also be a bit of an issue if you are running with a small pack and trying to condense the mandatory kit.

The head torch options are absolutely vast and I'm sure everyone will have a different preference. Equally no sooner than this review is completed I'm sure someone will release a new product to blow us all away.

If you are simply looking for a head torch that gives off enough light to fill you with confidence and can be used to light the path ahead and illuminate distant objects, then this could be the torch for you. Plus you always know the security setting is there if you stumble across a bear :)

I also considered purchasing the Petzl Nao which looks great, but at nearly three times the cost of the Lenser Led H14 it should look great. Prices vary greatly between websites. With a bit of searching you can pick this head torch up for around £50 and that in my mind is a pretty good deal.

I alluded to there being many ways to wear this torch. Other than on your head and waist there is also the ability to attach it to your bike.

Finally if you want to avoid having to replace the batteries you can buy a pack with a rechargeable battery. This is the LED Lenser H14R. For me I wanted the battery pack as it meant I could simply switch out the batteries of I needed to and I didn't feel I could justify the additional cost.

I love my LED Lenser H14. Whether you will love it only you can say.

Happy Running!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

X-Bionic Wallaby

X-Bionic Wallaby review

Initial view is they look like a good wristband

I have been becoming more aware of X-Bionic over the last few weeks, perhaps mainly because their products seem so expensive. I was interested to if there is justification in the price tags or whether it's a case of marketing a product for people with "all the gear and no idea."

Interestingly I didn't feel that the price tag was too bad for this particular item. At £8.99 for a pair I was reasonably happy. If we consider the disparity of the cost of a technical t-shirt and a non tech t-shirt then the cost difference can be worlds apart. The price of the wrist bands was a good start.

I've read a lot of things about the X-Bionic technology and all the awards they have won. These seem to be genuine and not like a movie review that has been chopped and changed to sound much better than the review and indeed the film was *cough, cough, Prometheus, cough cough*

As well as what seems to be genuine awards and a positive response from the Ultra Running community the Wristbands look good. I first saw them being worn by Neil Bryant at the North Downs Way 100 and thought they looked pretty cool. To be honest at this point I hadn't thought much more than that. My view was a wristband is a wristband. Whether its bought from an unknown brand or X-Bionic it's ultimately just a wristband.

So is a wristband just a wristband?

My initial experience of the X-Bionic product was tainted with some sceptism, but so far the experience has been good. They are lightweight and comfortable. The company claims;

Your sweat is too precious to be wasted. Special hi-tech knitting-structures and the patented 3D-BionicSphere System widely disperse the perspiration in a film over the skin at the wrist, where blood vessels are closest to the surface. Cooling occurs by evaporation which contributes to keep the body temperature at the optimal 37oC and therefore, powerful. This natural turbo charger therefore effectively turns sweat into energy. The more you use the X-BIONIC Wallaby to mop sweat from your brow, the greater the benefits.

Now if it is a case of using sweat as a turbo charger then I should be off like a rocket. Sadly I can't say that I am off like a rocket, but certainly I feel very comfortable. The wristbands appear to absorb the sweat well, at no point is sweat dripping off my hands. When I have finished running and I remove the wristbands they are relatively dry.

It is difficult for me to comment on the level of benefit coming directly from the wristbands. What I can say for definite is that in recent runs I have not felt like I'm overheating and I have been feeling the need to consume less water. Even if the Wallaby wristbands play a small factor in the improvement then for the price I believe they are worth a go.

One issue I have is that in wearing both wristbands it can be difficult to wear a watch. One option would be to wear one wristband and alternate them between runs. It seems to me the optimal use is to wear both wristbands. I have no problem with wearing my watch higher up my wrist, but for some this may be an issue.

Why are these wristbands called
Wallaby?

The packaging appears to answer this very question.

The wallaby is the role model. As the animal licks it's underarms frequently, it creates the evaporation cooling process. It cools the blood an consequently the whole body. Scientists have proved that the human body performs best at 37 C. X-Bionic cools an turns sweat into energy.

I like these wristbands and if it is a case of wearing these, or licking my arm pits during a race, then I know what I'd choose :)

Happy Running Everyone!

Hoka One One Review

Hoka One One Stinson Evo Review


After careful consideration I decided to buy the Hoka One One Stinson Evo. These shoes have been gaining increasing levels of attention amongst the Ultra Running Community.
Why was this show gaining so much attention? Perhaps it's down to the success of runners such as Mimi Anderson and Karl Meltzer. The talent of such runners is undeniable and both are huge advocates for the Hoka. If this was not the reason perhaps it is the design of the shoe. They are a stand out from the crowd, although some people have called them clown shoes, I really like the design. Maybe the tag line "Time to Fly" was selling the shoe? After all when running an Ultra who wouldn't want to feel like they were flying?!

The other possibility was that the shoe is just that damn good. I was hoping that this comment would be the real reason. I don't want to be buying a shoe just because someone else wears them or because of a snappy tag line. To be quite honest they can look like a dogs dinner as long as they are comfortable to run in. As a result I was pinning my hopes to the fact the shoe is just "that damn good."

In trying to make my decision it did not get any easier. This is a shoe that is well above the average cost of a pair of running shoes. Generally i pay in the region of £50-£80 depending on whether I can get the end of a line in my size. Cursed with size 12 feet I rarely get an end of line sale. Regardless of the spectrum of costs the Hoka commands a much higher price tag of around £120. In effect I am being asked to pay 33% more for the shoe. So I was left querying if they could be 33% better than my previous shoes. Until this point I was making a transition from my Inov8 319's to the Brooks Pure Grit.

Both the 319 and the Pure Grit are good shoes, but not without their issues. I find the 319 to be very heavy and does not support me in a mid foot strike. The 319 also gives me horrendous blisters. The Pure Grit is a lovely shoes, however I find that after 3 miles my feet are sore and by 10 miles my feet are throbbing. The Pure Grit is also no good, in my opinion, on the road.

I am keen therefore to find a shoe that is;

1. Comfortable
2. Relatively stable
3. Good on road and trail
4. Good over long distances

The research I had conducted
Suggested the Hoka may be a solution to my needs.

I spoke to many people about the shoe. Despite the growing awareness of the show it seems that for every person who loves them there is someone who is relatively apathetic for the shoe. At £120 I cannot afford to be apathetic.

The running community were as ever very helpful in assisting in my decision. As ever Sue and Martin Like of Likeys were particularly helpful and forthcoming with information.

I have looked into the shoe, researched it and looked into it some more. Ideally I wanted to visit Likeys and try them, but I could not find the time to get to Wales and wanted to be able to break a pair of shoes in before the Beacons Ultra in November. Eventually I plumped to give the shoes a try. The main reason being that those who were not fans generally seemed to be indifferent about the shoe whereas those who liked them were verging on Fanboys. I have been told try these shoes and you will never go back. I hoped this would be true and so with baited breath spent another week toying between the Stinson Evo and the Mafate2. Eventually I decided that the Stinson Evo was probably a better overall shoe. With that decision taken I searched for the cheapest deal which I'm pleased to say was on the Likeys website. Pleased because it meant I got the best deal possible and also I have always had outstanding service from Sue, Martin and their team. So I registered my card and paid the £121.49

As ever with Likeys the delivery was prompt. I ordered them one day and received them the next. I was now ready and excited to try the shoes and bring my review of them to anyone who cares to read it.

Before I review let me just provide a brief run down of my running experience and physical health. I believe it is relevant to the review.
I have a history of being very active. My running CV is relatively short. I used to be an active participant in Taekwondo and reached black tag. I started running in 2008 and in completed the Eastbourne and Hastings half marathons in 2hr14 and 2hr7 respectively.

At the end of 2008 I injured my left ankle. In performing a jumping Kick at Taekwodo I landed on the side of my foot and my ankle went one way and my body the other. The consequence being a grade two tear of my ATF Ligament. I have not done Taekwondo since and have carefully nursed my ankle back to running. Last year being my first ever Ultra in November, Beacons Ultra. In Fact last year was the first time I have completed a marathon. Despite training and progressing with strength work my ankle remains a weak point for me and something I'm mindful of when selecting footwear. I am also not a slim runner at 6ft and 14stone (14st11 before starting Likeys 365 challenge) With this in mind I was extra cautious with the Hoka as some people have spoken about rolling their ankle in the shoe.

Initial Impressions

Upon arriving I have to say I was delighted with the shoes. It is clear that they are bigger than most other shoes.

Above is the Hoka and Pure Grit

It is clear that there is a sizeable difference in the shoes. It is fairly easy to see why people identify this as Maximalist Running. There is a plethora of cushioning within the shoe and so it seems inevitable that it would look like a bigger shoe. Some people may not like it and I guess these are the people that see them as clown shoes. I personally love the look. As mentioned before though I'm looking for an effective shoe not a pretty shoe.

The shoe has speed lacing. It's not speed Lacing in the traditional sense. The laces take a little time to get tight, but they look good and appear to have a good locking system to keep them in place. They also don't bounce all over the place like some lacing systems.

The sole is a lot wider than other shoes. It appears to be the view that it gives an increased platform from which force can disperse.

Underside of the Stinson Evo

Again I think the underside of the shoe looks pretty good and presents as if it may have a lot of grip.

My only concern was that the body of the shoe appeared to be quite thin. The shoe looks well built and feels well built. I hope in the long run this will negate my one reservation borne out of the initial impressions.

Body of shoe seems potentially thin

The shoes sole although big still promotes a mid foot strike and encourages a roll on to the forefoot. The heel has a 4mm drop and so still follows the same ethos as many minimalist shoes in this respect.

Overall my initial impressions were good and I was excited to take the shoes out for a test run.
My initial impressions were an 8/10

Experience of the shoes

Before compiling this review I wanted to do a few test runs in the shoes. I have done several 3/4 mile runs and a few of 8+ mile runs. I have run both on the road and the trail. My trail runs have included compact tracks and dense grass and public footpaths.

In wearing the shoes I first noted that it was like putting on a pair of slippers. Very comfy and an excellent fit. I find it difficult to find a shoe that fits well. Normally I feel like I have too much room in the toe box or like the sides of my feet are being pinched. No such issues in these shoes. I generally require somewhere between an 11 and a 12. With the Hoka I have gone for a 12 and it feels like a perfect fit.

My feet feel completely secure in the shoes and there is little to no movement of the foot. With the initial comfort I was pleased by the feeling as I began to run. I can honestly say that I don't feel any loss of connection with the ground and am aware of the surface I am running on.

There is a good level of comfort whilst running. The cushioning ensures that I don't feel like my feet are pounding the streets. The sole also feels like it is actively encouraging my feet to roll onto the forefoot and I feel positively like my feet are driving forward rather than down into the ground.

Initially my runs were on the road and the comfort is good if not amazing, but step off road and the feeling of comfort magnifies ten fold. It becomes like running with slippers across cushions. I had been told they feel like running across clouds. I'm relieved to say they don't feel like this. I was concerned that such a feeling would be achieved by losing energy as the foot sinks into a cushion and thereby more energy being required to run. This is totally not the case and if anything I feel like the energy is being used more efficiently. I also think the shoes are comfy on the road, particularly when compared to other shoes.

The feeling I have when running in these shoes can only be described as like adding suspension to my feet. The feet adapt to the terrain and the cushioning is enough to generate comfort without losing an awareness of my footing.

The shoes are good on road, but excel off road. I have felt able to run faster with less impact and after runs am feeling really good and zero after effect in my legs. If you have not been running in minimalist shows before then you may notice some ache in the calf muscles initially whilst you adjust. I did not have this experience, but as mentioned have been running in Pure Grits.

These shoes are so much fun and for me are getting better the more challenging the terrain. They are particularly good running downhill as they absorb the impact so well. Little things in road running like stepping off kerbs is more comfortable and I have had no issues with my ankle at all.

A lot of people have commented about an increased propensity to roll ones ankles in these shoes. As mentioned my ankle is my weak link and touch wood I have not come close to rolling my ankle. If anything I have found a new confidence with my foot placement. I question if people are perhaps becoming over confident and if this has led to a misplaced foot and a rolling of the ankle. I believe that the shoes give an honest feedback of the ground below and so when the ankle moves it's because the ground is changing. For me if I'm listening to my body then this feedback allows me to manage the terrain and 'fly' over it. Just remember to stride over tree roots and obstacles and you will be fine. No shoe in the world is going to stop you falling if you trap your foot on a tree root. Equally leaping and striding in these shoes is a lot fun.

The further I go in these shoes the more I am in love with them. I have yet to do a 20 plus mile run in them, but as soon as I do I will update my views.

At the moment I am loving my running and loving running in the hoka. It's providing a good foundation for my running and I'm having some real fun with them. They give grip, but not too much. The lugs almost feel slightly sticky lifting of the ground and this seems to give added traction. Like a lot of shoes they are a little awkward on wet slippery mud. The lugs clear mud well ands as such I have avoided the feeling of running with bricks on my feet.

The shoe has a good balance of function and weight. The shoe is surprisingly light. It's a great shoe and i can't wait to run the Beacons Ultra in them.

Overall it's early days but I love the feel of the shoe and am a big fan. Not quite a Fan Boy but definitely getting there. If the durability stands up then I will definitely be investing in another pair when these need replacing.



Happy Running Everyone!