Enduro Plus Hydration Pack Review

I've used the great looking Enduro Plus Hydration Pack from The North Face for my last two ultras. It only arrived two days before the Lakeland 100 where it did a great job through 38 hours of effort. I then took it to Chamonix for the 60 mile CCC where it again behaved flawlessly.

It's a very short and squat design that sits low on my back and does look a bit strange when fully laden. However it is incredibly comfortable and I've had no issues with chafage or the pack bouncing. My back bears permanent scars from racing with packs with a longer back length but in 165 miles of racing in extremes of heat and 'dampness' I've not had a single problem.

Finishing a soggy Lakeland 100 with the low sitting Enduro Plus under my waterproof

I like my comforts so had it stashed pretty full for both races but with a bit of work its 9.5 litres should accommodate a very lightweight mountain marathon set up. its just a wee bit small for working in the mountains (bothy bag, first aid kit, spare jacket etc) but I'm finding it ideal for most of my own running and cycling adventures 

For me the Boa anti slosh tightening system to secure and compress the water bladder worked as it should but solves a problem that doesn't really exist. Certainly the water bouncing and sloshing about is not something I've ever worried about in any other pack as expelling the air before sealing the reservoir also does a pretty good job. The wire and dial system adds weight and complexity and I had a few issues on the Lakeland 100 when with cold and wet hands kit was snagging on the exposed wires.

I used the mesh pocket on the back for a water bottle on the Lakeland 100 and for my windproof on the CCC and it worked very well being easy to locate with a bit of practice. I find the side pockets on some race packs, which are placed up towards your arm pits, rub against my arms when I'm running but are awkwardly placed when trying to grab a drink or replace your bottle. Placing this feature on the back of the pack makes far more sense ergonomically. On this pack some form of closure would be useful for when carrying gloves, arm warmers etc and a second staggered holder would also be an interesting development.

The included water bladder was very good with a two litre capacity and a large opening. The valve was about average in terms of water flow but it didn't feel like hard work to suck even when working hard and the nifty little magnetic holder for the tube is a great innovation and worked incredibly well. If it's a faff to drink while racing then you won't so little design features like this work incredibly well in the real world. I'm not usually a fan of racing in the heat but coped surprisingly well on the first day of the CCC remaining well hydrated throughout which I can probably attribute to this pack.

The website mentions stash pockets on the chest harness but I think they meant on the waist belt which features two spacious pockets. The lightweight floating harness did get twisted when putting the bag on but once everything was secured then the pockets were perfectly positioned and a pretty good size. An internal loop in th epockets for clipping compasses / GPS would be a welcome development.

The fashion is currently very much for race vests but if you are looking to carry a bit more equipment and like a more traditional pack with some very modern features then the Enduro Plus is certainly worth a look.

ITERA 2014

Coast to Coast Adventure Race

 The initial sea kayak stage from Whitehaven

In an unusually sensible decision for me I decided not to race the Open Adventure Coast to Coast race a few days before the CCC. I completed this four day adventure race in 2011 and was keen to compete again but thought I'd save the legs for the main event. However it did mean I was able to enjoy the atmosphere and buzz of the race as a supporter shuttling equipment, feeding my competitor, filming and generally drinking coffee in the sun.

The race began in a millpond like Whitehaven harbour with a sea kayak stage around to St Bees. As the flotilla swept around the headland they were met by choppy seas and things became a bit more exciting. A couple of competitors had to be rescued and ferried to the beach while the leading team capsized within sight of the finish and had an eventful swim and clamber through the rocks with their kayak to reach transition.

Day one is the most demanding for competitors and support crews alike. As the racers headed off on their bikes the boats were transported to Crummock Water. The next stage was a paddle in to a headwind along the length of the lake, an interesting and energy sapping unsupported portage and back into the boats to paddle to the far end of Buttermere. Finally the race took to the hills for a run over Robinson, Maiden Moor and Catbells. With the finish in Keswick in sight there's a final sting in the tail with a 600m swim across Derwent Water. After the days efforts the cold water triggered leg cramps in even the hardiest of competitors and the rescue kayaks were kept busy providing a floating stretching service. As the racers hobbled from the water they faced a short run in to the centre of Keswick and the finish outside the iconic Moot Hall.

Day 2 began in the half light of a misty morning with a short but sharp climb on the bikes up out of Keswick to Thirlmere Dam. The midges were out and hastened competitors through transition and into their kayaks for the paddle up Thirlmere. A muddy portage, change the shoes and away up the side of Helvellyn heading for the summit in the cloud. Navigation was certainly an issue for some of the competitors this year and there were a few variations on the normal descent via Swirral Edge and Hole in the Wall. The final paddling stage was from Patterdale to Pooley Bridge along the length of Ullswater.Conditions were improving fast but all the racers made it safely past the ice creams and on to the bikes for a mainly on road blast to Kirkby Stephen. Within a few miles of the finish an unsecured map restricted a competitors view at high speed and she found herself sliding along the road minus her bike. Missing several layers of skin but made of tough stuff she was able to finish the day and with a bit of good work by the medical team was able to complete the four days.
Low cloud gave a challenging start to day 3 with a boggy run over Nine Standards with even some of the most experienced competitors struggling with the navigation. Meanwhile the local farmer was doing a roaring trade in teas and coffees at transition as the support crews relaxed after an early start! The rest of the day would be spent on the bikes initially offroad on some great mountain biking over the moors to Castle Bolton and then following minor roads to Northallerton. Unfortunately another highspeed bike crash caused one of the leading teams to retire from the competition although the two remaining members did complete the course - in a particularly fast time.
The final day was spectacular as the early morning cloud inversion burned off to give a hot and dry day. The first racers were on their way at 4.30am making their way through the gloom on a short road bike to Swainton. The early start was worth it though as they climbed out of the cloud for a stunning sunrise as they ran over Carlton Bank on the Cleveland Way. A long biking stage then followed. Less technical than yesterday but mainly off road as far as Gainsley and then back on to the minor roads as far as Whitby. In a major route change from 2011 the final leg to the finish at Robin Hoods Bay was a run along the cliff top path dodging the bank holiday tourists. The staggered start times meant that the majority of the competitors finished within a short space of time of each other and there was a real party atmosphere on the terrace above the sea where the finish gantry was located. A top event with some very close racing. There were clear winners in each category but further down the field sometimes only seconds separated the racers after four days of racing. Race reports can be found at here and results here.

The field heads for St Bees and some rough conditions!

 Stunning early morning on the Cleveland Way

Fast mountain biking on the fourth and final day of racing

Thoughts on the CCC - Kim Collison

Adventure racer Kim Collison (@CollisonKim) is another newcomer to the UTMB event.  A third place in an un-recceed 2013 Fellsman means he's going to be quick over the CCC course. Unfortunately illness stopped his attempt on the Lakeland 100 while at the front of a strong field but a recent good showing in the English Fell Running Championship counter at Turners Landscape showed a welcome return to form.

Why do you run ultras?
I really enjoy challenges which stretch me and the feeling you get from overcoming these challenges.

Can you give us a quick overview of your running history / ultras etc?
Initially I ran a lot as a kid going to a running club and competing in cross countries and road races. This drifted away through university and travels abroad. After settling back in the UK in 2008 I started to run, bike, paddle again. I started to get into orienteering, adventure racing and fell running.  My first foray into ultra running was the completion of a Bob Graham round in 2009 following in my fathers footsteps but with injury following soon after ultra running did not feature again until this year really. Instead my focus was changed towards Expedition adventure racing competing in races in the Lakes 2010, South Africa 2011 and finally in 2012 going to the World Championships in France with Team Mountain Hardwear coming 15th. 2012 was also a good season for me in fell running terms placing in the top 10 in the English Championship series. In 2013 the AR World Championships is still a priority but with the race not until December I wanted to target some personal ultra challenges this summer. This included the Lakeland 100 and the CCC. In preparation for my debut 100 miler, I have participated in several other mountain ultras building up to July. In December Tour de Helvellyn 38 miles, March Wurthering Hike 32 miles, April Dawn to Dusk 42 miles, April Fellsmen 61 miles.  

Do you know the route at all? Are you planning to recce it before the big day or just enjoy what comes?
I will have to just enjoy the course as it comes with little if no time to recce the course, this sometimes can add to the adventure, with the discovery of the unknown.

How has training being going? Can you give us a sample of your program?
Training went well early season getting in some big 100 mile weeks and more recently closer to 60 mile weeks. After a couple of races in June I've struggled with some muscle fatigue and a cold and my form has faltered a little but with some rest I feel rejuvenated and have bounce in my step ready for the Lakeland 100. I will rest for a week after the 100 and then get three 60/70 mile weeks, work dependent before resting for the CCC. 

What's the key bits of your equipment. Are you a fan of poles?

Key equipment for me is a MHW Blazer waterproof, really light and breathable and the MHW Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket, super light, warm and can use in the wet. A Petzl Nao great lighting for running through the night. Will be using poles as they are great assistance on those ascents, just hope I can learn to use them effectively.

Cushioned or natural running shoes?
I believe in natural running and used barefoot running to come back from injury and to work on technique but I will be wearing a shoe with a little bit of cushioning with low differential and lightweight. Still trying to maintain a natural style.

Any thoughts on nutrition. What are your secret ingredients?

I try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg, fish,  good fats and a reduction in simple carbs, not quite paleo but towards that direction. However I love eating so probably eat too much!!

Do you have a target time?
I think a sub 11 hour time would be realistic and with the hope of pushing closer to ten. This will depend on how I manage to recover from the 100 miler and what impact the altitude will have on me.

Any plans for the UTMB in the future?

Hopefully 2014!!