Table of contents for April - May 2022 in Trail Running

NEVER HAVE I BEEN QUITE SO EXCITED FOR a photoshoot as the one we did to explore the amazing looking Brighton Trail Marathon (p10) that is taking place in June this year. Yes, the course looks suitably stunning with some pretty impressive views of the sea, but what really captured my imagination most was the fact it starts just a mile from my nan’s sweetshop! How cool is that? My nan had a sweetshop in Brighton. Mind you, it was back in the late 1960s so things have changed slightly since then. But not much. The pier is still as grand as ever and, in fact, the race starts right by it – next to a statue of a certain Steve Ovett, the 1980 Olympic champion and Brighton’s second greatest…

WE ASKED YOU... Do you agree with new Highway Code rules? We asked whether you thought the change to give way to pedestrians at junctions was good for runners 57% Yes 18% No 17% Hadn’t heard about it 8% Indifferent #TrailShoeSelfie Send us your shoe selfies and hashtag them on social media for a chance to feature in the next issue SHARE YOUR PICTURES! Email them to tr@bauermedia.co.uk or via the #trailshoeselfie tag on social media, mentioning@trailrunningmag. /trailrunningmag @trailrunningmag @trailrunningmag Get in touch tr@bauermedia.co.uk GET OUR DIGITAL MAG Get Trail Running magazine on your Apple or Android device, for a great read on the go. Visit www.great magazines.co.uk/tr…

How do you train for something like Thailand by UTMB? Whether it’s the 168km, 107km or even – for most of us – the 54km route, you can’t regularly train at the distance. Given you’ll be spending so much of it walking rather than running, lots of long days hiking in the mountain is a great idea. Also, many ultra-runners swear by ‘back-to-back’ long runs. This may mean, for example, if you’re really serious and work up to it, a 30-mile run one day and 30 miles the next. Not everyone can do that but don’t overlook the usefulness of as many long runs (over 90 minutes) as you can, ideally over hills if that’s what you’ll be facing. These will help to condition your muscles for the continuous nature…

Running advice centres around efforts, threshold runs and trying to work out how to find that extra bit of power in the final kilometre of your run. But in reality you need to spend most of your week, indeed your year, simply going out and exploring new and exciting routes. It works wonders for so many different reasons. Throw that stopwatch away and just get out there and run for as long as feels comfortable. Forget the pace, forget split times and – I know it's tough as a runner – forget how far you've been. It's amazing how important those easy runs with fabulous views can be when it comes to improving your mental strength, and your dedication. Just give it a go!…

Organiser Primal Adventures, which has been running luxury wilderness experiences since 2014, said the ultra-marathon will be like no other. “We wanted to create something really special,” said ex-Special Forces operative and Primal Adventures founder Matt Smith. “The Highland Kings Ultra will combine the physical and mental challenges of an ultra-marathon with the ultimate in luxury and extravagance. Set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s rugged west coastline, the event will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. This is the first event to bring enthusiasts together with the world’s best athletes, giving them access to world-class advice, coaching and mentoring to prepare them for a true physical challenge.” ■ For more information visit highland-kings.com…

So what happens when you are a passionate trail runner, your times get slower, your training doesn’t work anymore and your cardiologist announces you have an incurable condition? In April 2017, I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and my direction of life took an enforced and irretrievable change. For someone who took a healthy lifestyle seriously, I was shaken to find that I had a potentially debilitating condition linked to the thickening of the heart muscle. Most of my symptoms were things that occurred in normal life, and I never imagined that, in the wrong circumstances, they could be life-threatening. I had read of the tragic cases of runners who have died suddenly from undiagnosed heart conditions, and suddenly felt very vulnerable. ‘The stress of not running was far worse…

California love We’ve got a lot of time for West Coast brand Vuori’s newest trail running range LA-based brand Vuori is now available in the UK for the first time, and combines its West Coast aesthetic with a bunch of practical touches to imbue us trail runners with a little extra in-the-know cool in the great outdoors this spring. Highlights of the range include the Trail Shorts (£75, below right), which offer a shorter, lightweight athletic fit with a built-in CoolMax liner and brushed elastic waistband. There is a hidden waistband pocket to store smaller items so you can go hands-free. They also have a four-way stretch, and quick-drying, moisture-wicking and have anti-odour properties. Ready for anything, the Ease Performance 1/2 Zip (£85, right) is versatile enough to be thrown…

Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar The Grenade’s Carb Killa protein bar is known for its chocolate flavour. They are low in sugar and have 214 calories as well as 23g of protein so the perfect choice to keep you full and give you a boost of energy. Mars Protein Bar Mars Hi-Protein bars are the perfect nostalgic sweet treat that’s now packed with protein. It is high-protein and low-carb, perfect for a quick snack. Optimum Protein Bars This Optimum protein par is similar to the Carb Killa Bar, but with a slightly different flavour and soft nougat layer supplying plenty of taste. Mars Snickers Protein Bar This protein bar is another great option from Mars with a great Snickers bar flavour packed with flavour and protein. This is the perfect…

NEWTON BOCO AT 6 Used by Alastair Watson Used since November 2021 newton-running.co.uk Running companies are having to step up their game in order to minimise a global footprint on the planet which in recent years has been all too heavy. That's part of the reason I like Newton Running as it's a socially-conscious company founded on the belief that running should also be about lessening the impact on Mother Earth by producing apparel and shoes that are environmentally sustainable. But what about, the Boco AT? It's an eco cheerleader by being made entirely from recycled material which is biodegradable. Each pair of shoes contains four recycled plastic bottles, coupled with the company's EcoPure technology which means the shoe decomposes 75% faster than shoes without Eco Pure. As a result,…

GET THERE The nearest train stations for route 7 are Barmouth or Blaenau Ffestiniog, there are regular busses that pass Coed y Brenin from both stations. For route 8, take the train to Harlech and a taxi to the start – the finish is close to Aberdovey train station. EAT HERE T.H. Roberts café, Dolgellau 01341 423573. Forest café at Coed y Brenin visitor centre. George III Hotel, Penmaenpool (georgethethird.pub). SLEEP HERE Trail runners Keith and Glenda run Mostyn Cottage B&B and self-catering lodges (mostyncottage.co.uk) in the heart of Coed y Brenin and on the Gold Rush trail; they will also help with transport if you’d like to run further afield. A home-made cake and a copy of the latest Trail Running magazine await your arrival! Or try YHA Kings…

I was a medal collector, and proud of it. After competing in several half marathons, I felt very proud of what I had achieved and grateful for all the places running had allowed me to see and experience. Slowly snipping time off personal bests and spending more of my hard earned money on running shoes, this hobby had grown legs (no pun intended). Until, one day, the 13-mile challenge didn’t feel like a challenge any more. The running bug had really sunk its teeth in and suddenly I was running marathons, mainly trail marathons, which kept my hunger at bay for a while. Knowing you can run 26 miles is quite a thing – but once you know you are capable of the unknown, it gets your mind racing for…

Taking place over the weekend of July 16-17, Race Across Snowdonia takes in two epic days of Welsh mountain running, from Aber Falls to Aberdyfi: a coast-to-coast grand tour of Snowdonia National Park. The route traverses a great variety of mountainous terrain, from the rocky, unforgiving Carneddau, Glyderau and Moelwynion ranges on day one, to the wild, rugged and pathless terrain of the Rhinogydd and Cadair Idris on day two. This is the perfect event for those who want to experience Snowdonia in full over two long days and is a great introductory event for those aspiring to complete longer, more challenging multi-day races. ■ For more info and entry details, head to: raceacrosssnowdonia.com…

At some point, all runners take time out, whether through injury, illness or just time spent doing other things. Inevitably this means losing fitness, so when planning a comeback, do so gradually and at a lower intensity and duration than you may have been used to. Often mixing intervals of slow running with walking is a good way to start, gradually increasing the pace and duration of running, and reducing the walking. Once you are running continuously, slowly increase the pace and duration of the run, giving your body time to adapt and get back to the level it was before. John Brewer, professor of sports science @sportprofbrewer…

As trail runners, we do tend to get a reputation (at least from our significant others) for accumulating kit... However, with our focus now rightly on the ethos of ‘buy once, buy well’, it makes sense to invest in the best gear you can find for your budget. To that end, we’ve pulled together a selection of essential items from our sponsorship partners to give you an idea of where to spend your money this spring. All the prices you see are RRPs, so in some cases you can consider them a starting point! OS maps Start as you mean to go on with a real-life map from OS. Of course, you can subscribe to the digital maps and download them for offline use, but if that’s not your bag,…

STEVE CRAM The world-beating track runner on how he fell in love with the trails, p24 STEPH TWELL Olympic athlete Steph explains why she feels at home in the forest, p36 LIAM DEE He’s built differently... find out why he can’t get enough of the mud, p38 PHIL MARTIN We sent Phil to Thailand for a taste of the UTMB. He was hooked, p42 SEAN MCFARLANE Sean breaks new ground in the hills of Dumfries and Galloway, p50 JEN & SIM BENSON Our duo presents TR’s bumper spring kit special, starting on p78 /trailrunningmag @trailrunningmag tr@bauermedia.co.uk…

Run your best race Pointers from recent science that could help you to get the most out of training Carbs We all know carbs are important for good recovery and top performance. Scientists at the University of Tokyo looked at the issue of timing. Muscle glycogen repletion was best with a high dose of carbs in a single go straight afterwards. However, liver glycogen repletion was optimum via four smaller doses every 15 minutes. They suggested high-intensity exercisers may be better suited to the in-bulk method, but those on low-intensity prolonged exercise may find the smaller-dose regime advantageous. Sodium bicarb Sodium bicarbonate has long been a favourite of runners looking to gain an edge. A recent review published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition attempted to…

It’s April 1980 and I’m running up the gently inclining 9th street in Boulder, Colorado, wondering how on earth altitude training can be good for you. My first serious attempts to extract oxygen from the miserly air at 5500ft have left me with a stride length which could be measured with an old school ruler and a rasping noise not normally associated with a so-called elite athlete. Just as I’m about to turn around and ease my way back down the hill, the house line ends and the Flatirons loom large ahead of me as I enter Chautauqua Park. The foothills of the Rocky Mountains have their own imposing presence, accentuated by the dark, straight slopes that give them their name, but ahead of me a winding yellow trail entices…

Tough, windy Portland Coastal Marathon today followed by a run home as training for the ONER Rab Ultra 82-miler on the Jurassic Coast in April. 33 miles done today, and shin held up nicely. Graham Beckram Here I am at the end of my longest run to date, 18 miles. At 14.5 miles, I was ready to quit, I felt completely exhausted. But the path levelled out, I was able to pick up my pace and by some miracle I got to the end. I ran from Ditcham Park through Cocking and was met by my lovely family at Bignor Hill. I found some hills and beautiful blue skies. Hard. Proud Alys Walton-Bryan February 9, 2017 at 4.45pm – sitting in my office at home on a conference call and…

There are many qualities you'll appreciate in the right shoe for tackling the mud. Firstly, considering even the best footwear is going to hang on to clods of the stuff while you run, you need something that's lightweight to begin with. The inov-8 X-Talon Ultra 260 weighs just 260g (per shoe, and you'll probably want two of them). Beyond that, you need an aggressive outsole with lugs designed to slice and grip through the grime. The 8mm 'Stickygrip' teeth of these shoes is ideal for such terrain. Throw in an easy-going 8mm drop, a fair amount of cushioning, a locked-in feel (and therefore less likelihood of losing them in a bog), and a roomy toebox, and you might find the X-Talon Ultra 260 is the only shoe you need for…

MORE INFORMATION The new website scotlandstartshere. com is really helpful with lots of resources, and also has an associated app. The walking section is huge and provides great running routes with plenty of choice. OUR ROUTE We took this route up Screel: komoot.com/ tour/619654214?ref=wtd but there are several options and, once on the open hill, there are lots of trods so, with the sea to the south being a good orientation point, this is a good place to explore. A more circular route taking in Bengairn can be found at komoot.com/ tour/619657523?ref=wtd. THREE OTHER ROUTES MERRICK The highest peak in the Galloway Hills is Merrick. The classic route is an out-and-back effort on a good solid track, turning to grass nearer the summit. komoot.com/ tour/619621049?ref=wtd CAIRNSMORE OF CARSPHAIRN Cairnsmore of…

As a professional runner now making a living from racing, it is surreal reading some of my blog posts from when I was working as a building surveyor in London and competing at weekends for fun. I can still remember many of those races vividly, and one event left a lasting impression – my first real fell race, where I discovered a love for moving in the mountains and a glimpse of my potential to be good at it. The event was the 2014 Welsh 1000m Peaks Race (welsh1000m.org). 24-year-old me had already found a love for running, and had even won a few races, but in the lesser-known discipline of obstacle course racing. Mountain running was a different beast and one that, after reading Feet In The Clouds by…

IAN SHARMAN Four-time winner of the Leadville 100 and a successful coach. sharmanultra.com DAVID TAYLOR Fell running guide and coach who teaches navigation skills. fellrunningguide.co.uk ISABEL ANDERSON Sports dietician and passionate trail running enthusiast. Izzynutrition.co.uk ROB HOBSON Keen runner and registered nutritionist at Healthspan Elite healthspanelite.co.uk COLIN DUFFIELD Qualified coach and run leader with interest in off-road conditioning. togethertrail.co.uk Q How can I predict my time for another distance? Andy Harris, Aberdeen A It’s relatively simple when it comes to the road. Do an internet search for “race time predictor” and you will find various online tools to help you. You can enter your 5km time, for example, and see what you would likely run for the other most common distances. Bear in mind that some runners are better suited…

The nature of trail running means we’re more likely than road runners to be in remote locations. Whether we’re in a race or on a training run or even just volunteering at an event, knowing how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) could save someone’s life. Trained medical personnel are likely to be present at races and should obviously be called immediately if needed, but the time taken to get to someone suffering a cardiac arrest is crucial. Part of the reason Tony got in touch is because he wanted to encourage runners to learn CPR, and runner and paramedic Owen Williams agrees that all runners should consider it a skill worth acquiring. “It’s exceptionally important,” he says. “Our attitude in the ambulance service is we want everyone to know how…

We use in-house and independent experts with sports and exercise backgrounds and many years of trail-kit testing under their belts so you can trust our kit reviews. PAUL LARKINS TR editor Paul has selected his pick of the best new kit, from running apparel to wearables. LIAM DEE Never one to skimp on recovery, our resident race whippet Liam runs down the best protein bars, p77. JEN AND SIM BENSON Our intrepid explorers have put together a seven-page guide to spring trail running essentials, p78. PHIL MARTIN Fresh from his Thai UTMB exploits, contributor Phil rates is just one of TR’s staff to rate his footwear, p88.…

Spring is here, so we've rounded up the best new kit to keep you cool and dry WOMEN’S LEGWEAR ON ACTIVE SHORTS 190g UK 10 on-running.com Scoring high for versatility (as well as comfort, performance and quality) these combine a snug fitting, longer-length inner with a looser-fit overshort. The two button together, keeping them securely in place, and can also be worn separately. VERDICT Innovative, versatile, well-thought-out. ICEBREAKER MERINO CRUSH PANTS 285g UK 10 icebreaker.com These cosy, breathable joggers are ideal for warm-ups and chilly mornings. Made from merino with added Nylon for quick-drying durability and elastane for stretch, the fit is relaxed, not baggy. Two pockets, comfy drawcord waist. VERDICT Smart, technical, breathable, endlessly comfortable. JANJI7/8 GROUNDWORK TIGHT 2.0 195g M eu.janji.com Made with Bluesign-approved Nylon, these offer a…

As the world slowly reopens it’s a perfect time for trail runners like us to start to think about what’s next on the horizon. ‘Plenty’ is the short answer, but why not start with the mountainous Portuguese island of Madeira – a location perfect for running as well as relaxation? Let’s start with the running. The Madeira Island Ultra Trail (MIUT) is a 70-mile island-crossing epic that is one of Portugal’s toughest races and is now a fixture on the Ultra-Trail World Tour circuit. True, that’s right at the sharp end of what the island has to offer, but it is an amazing route complete with forest paths and incredible views. Then there’s the deep valleys or tough climbs. And finally, of course, the sea. “Ever since I ran the…

✔PACE YOURSELF Don’t race off like you’re an Olympian, you’ll only suffer later ✔FUEL YOURSELF PROPERLY Take plenty of food, and make sure there’s nutritional value. Pick things like bananas for longer lasting effects ✔TEST YOUR NUTRITION FIRST BEFORE RACE DAY Save yourself from the inevitable by testing out what you’re going to eat on race day ✔MAKE SURE TO SPEND PLENTY OF TIME ON YOUR FEET DURING TRAINING Even if that’s just walking ✔DON’T OVERTRAIN! Make sure you get to the start line ✔PICK A RACE That you’re excited about ✔WEAR DECENT SOCKS And take spares for the end ✔SAVE THE SUGARY STUFF FOR THE SECOND HALF Sugar is great for a quick fix, but too much of it makes you sluggish, and it will stop giving you the…

Speed Lite If you need to take more than just the basics but still need to keep the weight down, the Speed Lite series offers the perfect companion. Designed for fast hikes and runs, the Speed Lite has a clever, lightweight construction. With minimised features, deuter Lite back system and use of especially lightweight and sustainable materials, the weight of the Speed Lite series has been reduced to an absolute minimum. The Speed Lite 13 comes with a detachable waist belt (and no hip fins) to shave off a little extra weight. Thanks to its athletic V-line and anatomically-shaped shoulder straps, the lightweight all-rounder offers enormous freedom of movement, meaning the pack stays secure regardless of the terrain. A high level of comfort and technical functions without the extra weight…

SPORT FIT Supportive compression from the cuff through the arch and around the ankle and midfoot, which aids stability and improves balance. ZERO DEBRIS CUFF Extended, close-fitting cuff to prevent debris entering the sock. NATURAL TOE SPREAD Wide and unrestrictive toe area allows toes to splay naturally. TOE GUARD Reinforced toe area to avoid splits, holes and blow outs when descending. DISCOVER MORE For more information on Bridgedale’s Trail RUN range, please visit bridgedale.com…

When it comes to longevity in running careers, it’s easy to spot two extremes. Often the elite runners at shorter distances retire in their thirties or sometimes even twenties. Meanwhile, some runners seek to go on and on forever. Take the late great Ron Hill: as well as being world-class, winning European and Commonwealth titles at the marathon, he ran every day for 52 years. And then there’s Ireland’s Tommy Hughes, who competed at the 1992 Olympics in the marathon and, nearly 30 years later, ran 2:30 for the distance at the age of 60. Even though most of us could only dream of their success, we’d all love to know what the secret is to running well as you age. We know we’ll get slower once we get past…

In my experience, runners don’t tend to be a vain lot. I mean, how could we be? This is a sport that requires stamina over style, sweat rather than a shimmering glow. The combination of knee-high compression socks with running shorts is a look that no-one over the age of eight should try to pull off. And yet we don’t give it a second thought because running makes us feel great! After running 26.2 miles, or any distance for that matter, it just feels plain wrong, to not congratulate your body and its amazing achievements. I’ve run nearly 20 miles with a friend, before bothering to tell her that a combination of sweat and sun-cream has created a real fly trap on her décolletage. We simply don’t care. We are…

If we were to ask you to describe a typical runner, how would you answer? As time goes by, we’ve realised it’s becoming increasingly difficult to answer that. Those who are part of our #Run1000Miles challenge are not all pencil-thin ‘athletic’ types, they vary widely in fitness and their motivations are diverse. Many of them are new to running and surprised they are finding themselves attempting to run 1000 miles in a year. We asked our group for their stories on why they don’t fit the stereotype – as if there is one anyway. THE GIFT OF RUNNING I am a yoga teacher and decided to start running to improve my cardiovascular fitness and to give me something to aim for during the first lockdown. Today, I ran my 100th…

Running is incredible for our physical and mental wellbeing. It reduces the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke, but also boosts our mood, helps us sleep well and can nurture social connections when we train with like-minded others. Many runners meticulously plan their training schedules, paying close attention to the balance between long runs, easy runs, tempo runs or interval work. But a lot of us seem to forget the importance of prioritising recovery, which is often the most vital component of any running programme. Recovery allows our bodies to adapt to our training load, so we become fitter and stronger. It gives us time to heal and to replenish our energy stores. If we don’t incorporate recovery time into our training plans, we can…

Seamless transition 66° North trail running range, from £80 To help us deal with the predictably unpredictable British springtime, 66° North has a range of insulating, and waterproof, gear for men and women that’ll ensure frosty mornings and rain don’t stop the fun. The Grettir Reflective Running Pants (£80) are made from lightweight and compressive Polartec fabric, and feature (as the name suggests) reflective panels down the sides. There’s also a handy rear pocket for essentials. The £150 Karsnes Windbreaker is cut from a lightweight stretch fabric, has two zipped front pockets and a further pocket at the rear; it’s ideal as an extra outer layer. For the more sodden days of spring, the Straumes Gore-Tex Infinium jacket (£250) fits the bill, with a breathable shell fabric combining with weather…

ZEROFIT HEATRUB MOVE £40 Independent tests have shown this to be twice as warm as others (we have to agree, it's jolly warm). It features a 45% polypropylene construction on the inside and a hollow polyester shell that combine to regulate body temperature so as we work harder for longer, we don’t overheat in the conditions. The construction removes sweat from the skin; the hollow polyester design ensures it evaporates. ZEROFIT HEATRUB ULTIMATE £55 Technologically enhanced fibres inside the garment are activated through movement, gently brushing against the skin to generate heat instantly. Unlike most other baselayers, the Ultimate does not work on the basis of ‘compression for heat’ – so not only does it provide greater warmth for runners, they also don’t feel restricted by an inability to move…

1 ST ANTHONY HEAD, CORNWALL Picturesque peninsula 2 RACE TO THE STONES RECCE, OXFORDSHIRE Run the ridgeway 3 CLENT HILLS, WORCS Easy summits 4 CLUMBER PARK, NOTTS 8.4km of flat parkland 5 HIGH RAISE, CUMBRIA Ups and downs in the Lakes 6 THE BLUEPOOL, GOWER PENINSULA Beat a path to the dunes 7 GOLD RUSH TRAIL, COED Y BRENIN Accessible Snowdonia 8 RACE ACROSS SNOWDONIA A massive day of climbing! 9 BEN LAWERS, PERTHSHIRE Northern exposure 10 OLD MAN OF HOY Stacks of fun on Orkney IS IT RIGHT FOR ME? EASY Simple to navigate, short distance run  MODERATE Some navigation needed, longer distance run  HARD Navigation & mountain skills needed, long run…

We talk a lot about comebacks, but usually only in terms of professional athletes. But what does it mean for an amateur runner? Scott Jenkins’ personal and humbling experience is a lesson in mental fortitude and the power of dreams... I’m an amateur ultra-runner whose hobby outside of a corporate job for Johnson and Johnson is to run extremely long distances whilst raising money for charity. Over the past 11 years I have undertaken a lot of ultra endurance endeavours to raise money for charities close to my heart, none more so than Operation Smile. These challenges have offered me the opportunity to experience the world and make memories with friends and family, and each year I would set myself goals to try to push myself and my body further.…