Hardmoors 55

Just a few hours after finishing the Hardmoors 55 and I'm sat in the sun in Reykjavik on my way to a guiding job in Greenland. The legs are feeling good and I'm reflecting on what was a very successful day out. After a long winter guiding in Scotland the body was creaking and somewhat foolishly I got myself straightend out by my physio just the day before. The muscles were a bit stiff for the first few miles but I soon settled in to a steady rhythm. One of the most pleasing aspects of the day was getting the nutrition sorted. A combination of sausage rolls, cheese and bars kept me on an even keel throughout the day and I didn't really experience any low points. As expected after a winter in big boots I had no speed in my legs so focused on getting round with no injuries and a negative split. Many of the tracks were at right angles to the prevailing wind and on the exposed ground were buried in knee deep snow drifts. By the time I reached these areas a good trail jad been worn in although it was still almost impossible to run but the leading group must have had a very tough time of it. A number of gates would have needed digging out although on one occasion the drift was big enough just to step over. The temperature never rose above freezing and frozen water bottles and gels were the order of the day. Full marks to the organisers for going ahead with the event in these xonditions. In fact many competitors failed to battle through the snow to the start but those who did had a memorable day out fighting the elements.

Race Diary

 70 miles down on my successful Bob Graham Round

My ultra season is about to start leading right through to the CCC at the end of August. The endurance is  there after a winter season guiding in Scotland so I’ll be focusing on speed and technique drills and trying to stay injury free

March    Hardmoors 55 - A 55 mile trail ultra along the Cleveland Way from Guisborough to Helmsley. With copious amounts of snow in the area this sounds like it’s going to be a wee challenge as it follows exposed ridge lines throughout its length. www.hardmoors110.org.uk

April    I’m guiding in Greenland in April and early May. Good for the stamina and even some sprint training if I meet a Polar Bear!

May    A challenging 24 hours on our feet in the hills for my Antarctic expedition team. Details are still being finalised but with just over a year to go until we depart for the south we are aiming to push our limits as a team. I suspect they’ll be some tyre dragging! www.south2014.com

June    4 Seasons Fred Whitton - A spot of cross training. This classic sportive takes in six of the Lake Districts biggest and steepest passes.  112 miles in the saddle and no walking allowed. www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk

July     Celtman - In only it’s second year this event has already gained cult status. An ironman distance triathlon in the beautiful Torridon hills comprising a 3.8km swim in a chilly loch Sheildaig, a 202km bike ride on the highland roads and finishing off with a 42km fell run over Beinn Eighe  www.cxtri.com

July    Lakeland 100 - 103 miles of trail running around the Lake District. A great event but fingers crossed it’ll be third time lucky for me. Injury curtailed my 2011 attempt at 50 miles while I didn’t feel I could give 100% last year as the event was just three days before I was away guiding in Greenland. Surprisingly common sense caused my retirement at 75miles. www.lakeland100.com

August     The North Face CCC….

The North Face Hyper-Track Guide Running Shoe

Jez Bragg recently completed a wee run wearing a pair of these shoes. His awe inspiring Te Araroa trail run covered 3054km along the length of New Zealand in 53 days. A pretty impressive resume for this new trail shoe from The North Face.

I’ve had a pair for around 8 months and have been very impressed with the fit and comfort provided by what is a very lightweight shoe. I’ve moved through a number of brands as my feet have changed over the years. From Salamon to La Sportiva and now to The North Face. More running and less rock climbing in the last few years have meant my feet have spread and are now pretty broad across the forefoot. Many trail and fell shoes are designed on a narrow last and I always split or damage fell shoes where the upper joins the sole by my big toe joint. The H-T Guides fit my very British mountaineers foot incredibly well and I’ve never had any issues with blisters or pressure points. The forefoot is very wide but the upper controls the foot very well and it doesn’t roll off the sole unit even during traverses.

My running style is also moving towards a natural or barefoot style as a way of protecting my knees. Figured it was easier to change my biomechanics than lose weight! The H-T Guide has a small 8mm heel raise and a low profile sole so makes an ideal half way shoe.  The low ankle cuff initially felt insecure but has now moulded to a perfect fit.

The shoes only failing is the grip. For dry trails and rock it works perfectly but for UK conditions any depth of mud will create a good Bambi impression. I’ve experimented with it on the fells but took a couple of heavy falls on wet grass.  Interestingly Jez used this shoe in the bad weather and snow of the 2012 UTMB and didn’t report any issues.

Because of the grip issue I haven’t taken them anywhere too demanding but with around 400 miles run, mainly off road, they’re bearing up very well for a lightweight shoe.  They’re no sign of any damage to the uppers and the sole are wearing well. The North Face suggest these shoes are suitable for road running as well and I’ve seen  nothing that would contradict this. However the question has to be asked - why would you want to run on the road?!

For trails and footpaths in dry conditions the Hyper-Track Guide is almost unbeatable giving a very responsive and highly agile ride. A bit more care is needed in typical UK conditions but it still has its place and is currently my favoured shoe for training and racing.