Life In The Saddle

Over the last few years, I have restarted running. Not Forrest Gump style—with hour upon hour spent pounding pavement; but rather the occasional trail run of between 5 to 15 kilometres in length. I have noticed several benefits from building multi-sport cross-training into my routine and lifestyle; both for cycling performance and sporting enjoyment. Does running help your cycling? I believe it does—it opens new doors, it strengthens muscles, and it increases variety. Muscle Strength and Conditioning The first notable benefit is improved muscle strength and a more rounded muscle profile. If you are a dedicated cyclist, you will have built up your cycling specific muscle groups; the problem is you may have neglected the other muscle groups in your body in the process. Secondary 'non-cycling' muscle groups play a key supporting role—they stabilise movement. If you neglect building up these muscles, then you increase the risk of injury. By cross-training through other ...

I cannot claim to be an expert runner. Nor can I claim to be an expert on running shoes. However, I can tell you that the new Strata 3 shoes from 361 Degrees are the fastest running shoes I have worn to date. The 361˚ Strata 3 Running Shoes are a mid-to-high mileage moderate stability trainer, designed to provide protective comfort and support mile after mile. As I launched into my New Year cross training spree, they have been an incredible asset for my feet. These shoes are comfortable, light, springy, fast, and seem to be lasting impressively well in the tough winter conditions of January. Their strength in these areas is down to a number of design features that set them apart from the majority of running shoes on the market. The first of these is the way that the shoe's sole is designed: with a full length QU!KFOAM midsole, and a QU!K Flex 4Foot at the front of the sole. The QU!K FOAM midsole is unique to 361 Degrees, and consists of an EVA rubber sole that is sculpted t...

Compression clothing boasts a number of potential benefits, from improved performance to better recovery and a reduced chance of injury. The true effectiveness of compression clothing depends on a lot of design factors though. The compression clothing range from Swiss brand Compressport features some of the most effective products that I have tried to date. In this review, I am looking specifically at the Compressport V2.1 Full Length Socks, and the Compressport Full Leg Compression Sleeves. Compressport V2.1 Full Socks The Compressport Full V2.1 Socks are designed to be the only compression socks you will ever need. Whether you are wearing them for recovery, running, travel, or everyday, they feature a multitude of design considerations that aid both comfort and performance. The most important thing with compression clothing is that they do compress your muscles; promoting blood flow to and from your extremities. Compressport use a very detailed sizing chart to ensure that ...

This weekend I have a challenge of a different kind. No bike. Instead, I am taking on a two-day 114km fast-hike around the perimeter coastal path of the Isle of Wight, wild camping en-route. This is a challenge that I have always been keen to try, and the opportunity presented itself this summer, as a close friend was also up for the challenge. I will write up a post-challenge blog post, but as a pre-challenge teaser, here is the kit that I am carrying for the run/walk challenge... Thule Stir 35 Rucksack Vaude Lizard GUP 1P Tent Vaude Rotstein 200 Down Sleeping Bag Vaude Sleeping Pad Vaude Thermal Seat Cushion/Pillow OMM Kamleika Race Jacket Adidas Terrex Polartec Windshell Adidas Terrex Merino Tee(s) x 2 Adidas Terrex Run Shorts x 2 Nørrona fjørå Powerwool Long Sleeve (Polartec) Runderwear Merino Running Underwear x 2 GripGrab Running Cap CEP Merino Ankle Compression Socks Darn Tough Merino Trainer Liners Compressport Full Length V2.1 Socks Topo Hydroventure S...

Doing some off-road running as cross training is a good idea for cyclists; it helps to build a more rounded muscle profile, and it reduces the chance of osteoporosis because of its weight-bearing nature. This winter, I have been running and walking in the Topo Terraventure shoes, and wanted to share my feedback here on Life In The Saddle. The Topo range pioneers a new style of shoe design, with a far roomier toe box than most. The design is intended to help the toes spread, which provides a more stable footing, and a more comfortable feel. The extra toe box room is certainly noticeable when running and walking, and it makes the Terraventure very comfortable for prolonged periods of wear. To make them 'all season', the Topo Terraventure shoes use a mixture of lightweight breathable mesh, combined with strong toe and heel reinforcement areas. This design means they are comfortable in summer heat, as well as in winter conditions; whilst also being strong and durable. For ...

Those with a good memory will remember that I reviewed a hoodie , as well as a casual tee and sunglasses from UK brand Sundried, back in 2014. The kit proved to be great quality, and I'm pleased to say it is still going strong. In this review, I've turned to their active range of clothing, and a pair of running tights that I've been testing out on my 'Spring Break' cross-training trail run streak. The Roteck Leggings from Sundried are a simple, but well designed pair of running tights. They use a good quality medium weight wicking fabric, with flatlock seams, to provide comfort and durability. The fit is good, and the medium pair that I have are plenty generous, and not at all restrictive (my sizes are listed on the Reviews page ). The elasticated waistband and drawstring, help to personalise fit, and avoid any annoying slippage. Other noteworthy features include a zippered mesh valuables pocket on the rear; as well as reflective cuffs on the ankles, for ...

Spring break - it's something that I've decided is a good idea in my training schedule. It entails leaving the bike alone for a week; then kitting up in some great run kit from CEP Sports, and pounding the trails on foot, rather than shredding them on my bike. My kit choice for a week of trail running comes from CEP Sports - a brand that I've previously featured a fair bit on the blog (see past reviews ). These products are some of the new season releases from the brand, and feature some great kit innovations. CEP Sports Performance Run Tights These are probably the most comfortable running tights that I've worn to date. The no-stitch seams on the CEP Compression Performance Run Tights mean that there is no chafing, no areas of restriction, and a lighter overall garment weight. These feel super flexible, and super fast (even if I'm not). They also have some really neat features: like an easy-access mesh pocket on the side that is perfect for gels or a key...

Everybody likes good socks. Stance make some great ones; whether it's for running or casual wear. The Stance Camo Fusion Wire socks are a lightweight pair of running socks; providing minimal cushioning, but maximum comfort. I'm a big fan of the design pattern, and Stance have added some neat little details like the reflective logo for increased visibility. The Stance Fusion Wire socks feature a breathable mesh to help your feet to air; but reinforced toes and heels to help keep the socks durable. These feel supportive, comfortable, and they seem to be lasting well. Check out the great range from Stance at Stance.com (Link)  

Winter means cross-training, and that means trail running. In this post, I've picked out a few of my kit highlights for this season... CEP Wingtech Compression Tee I admit, the phrase "sensorimotoric stimulation" had me lost. The principle behind the Wingtech tee from CEP Sports is quite simple though: the special cut and 'Smart Wingtech Stripes' send subliminal reminders to your brain, to help you maintain a better posture. Everybody knows that good posture is important. Did you know that it also promotes muscle development though; further leading to better future posture. Effectively, this shirt promises to improve the way you run, and in doing so reduce the risk of injury, and optimise performance. Does it work? Well, it certainly feels supportive.  The Wingtech Stripes have a notable effect on pulling your shoulders back, and pulling your core tighter. The result is that running in the CEP Wingtech tee gives you a noticeably more upright posture. ...

Trail running is becoming more of a regular feature in my training regime. Once a week, I am going to attempt to run the 18 kilometres into work, and 18 kilometres home. I tried it one way a few weeks ago, and it went well; except that I arrived at work feeling distinctly parched, and to find the water supply in the office had been shut off for a few hours. I started looking for a better solution than running with a water bottle, and came across the neat little TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt from Nathan Sports. Nathan Sports produce a wide range of bottles, hydration belt, flasks, and running packs; to keep you supplied with fluid on your runs, and also to help you carry valuables and food. The TrailMix Plus Insulated 2 Hydration Belt is their neat little belt for trail running adventures; with enough capacity for vital fluids, valuables and a few snacks or gels. The pack has a wide elasticated belt, which fastens at the front using a strong quick release clip. There is plenty of a...

When it comes to winter cycling and running socks, Merino wool is king. The natural fabric, sourced from Merino rams, is a true wonder product. The strands in Merino wool are thinner than in traditional wool, which means they allow better temperature regulation; providing warmth when it is cold, and a cooling effect when it is warm. Thinner fabric strands also mean that the fabric is truly breathable, and less itchy than traditional wool. Finally, unlike synthetics, Merino wool actually captures and traps bacteria! That means no more stinky socks... The Elite Merino+ Cushion Crew socks from Feetures are some of the best winter socks I've tried. Cut to around halfway up the calf muscle, they provide a luxurious amount of coverage for your feet and lower legs; enveloping them in a natural microclimate of warmth and comfort, even in damp conditions. The cushioning on these Feetures socks is also superb. Whether it is running, walking or riding; they provide that delicate balan...

'Running' perhaps isn't the only adjective that should be used to describe taking on last weekend's OMM in the Galloway Mountains, Scotland. You should also add 'Climbing', 'Scrambling', 'Hiking' and most definitely 'Bog Bashing' to the list; it is a running orienteering event of pretty extreme proportions... Friday saw us drive from Portsmouth to the Galloway peninsula in South West Scotland; a casual 15 hour journey by minibus. We picked up my running partner Ben in Penrith enroute, and completed our four man team from Wiggle. Welcomed at midnight by the cheery OMM team, we settled down for a few hours sleep, not sure what to anticipate from the next day's race. The OMM is a running orienteering event series, with events in the U.K., France and even Japan. The events all hold the same format: on the start line, teams are given a list of checkpoints out in the mountain wilderness - each one is worth a different number of 'p...

Last month, I wrote a blog on the ' Five Benefits of Cross-Training ', and talked about how I have recently started building in some trail running into my training routine. With that change, has come the opportunity to test a whole new spectrum of kit; from shoes to shorts, and even underwear! Cyclists soon learn that 'going commando' is by far your best option with bib shorts. The chafing from those seams doesn't bear thinking about. What about running though? As a relative newbie, I wasn't sure, and experimented a bit both ways. Neither seemed completely 'right'. Then, the folks at Runderwear came up with a solution... The briefs and boxers from the company provide a great option: seamless underwear. The security and warmth of underwear, but without the discomfort. I have tested both the briefs and the boxers, and found them both incredibly comfortable. The seamless technology means there is no uncomfortable rubbing. The fabric is far more ...

In May 2015, I posted my review of the Aftershokz Bluez 2 Headphones ; they proved to be an incredible product, which changed my daily commute significantly. The bone conduction technology used in the Aftershokz range, means that you can enjoy your favourite tunes whilst riding, but still hear the warning sounds of traffic and ambient noise around you. This new-found ability to listen to music whilst riding safely, meant that I've used the Bluez 2 on an almost daily basis since; they deservedly featured in my Fifteen Festive Stocking Fillers for Cyclists 2015  blog post. Last month, Aftershokz released the new Bluez 2S bone conduction headphones. I always thought that the original Bluez 2 were very good (clearly), but even the best products have a few niggles. Like any good R&D company though, Aftershokz took on-board user feedback, and the new Bluez 2S headphones promise to be the perfected product. Better Sound Quality and Reduced Leakage The first improvement,...