Life In The Saddle

Life is nothing if not a series of challenges. Challenge keeps you alive and kicking: pushing boundaries and training hard, so you can kick down doors that would otherwise be left firmly shut. One of the hardest parts of a challenge though, is gauging where to set the bar. Too high, and you won't achieve. Too low, and it isn't truly a challenge. The #WildWight was an adventure challenge of a new kind; for both myself, and for my trek buddy Fraser. It was ambitious… 114 kilometres of fast walking over two days, with a lot of elevation. I have done long treks, but nothing quite to this level. It was achievable, but unfortunately on this attempt it proved to be a bar too high… We began at 06:30 at Ryde Pier. The sun was coming up, and a strong westerly wind was immediately in our faces as we turned onto the Coastal Path that we would follow for the duration of the day. Past Quarr Abbey, through Wootton, and onwards to East Cowes. The time past quickly as we chatted abo...

This weekend I took on our self-made #WildWight challenge, and my shoe of choice for the ultra-distance trail run/hike was the Topo Athletic Hydroventure trail running shoe. The Hydroventure is the world's lightest fully-waterproof trail running shoe. It uses a single-layer eVent waterproof membrane with a breathable upper mesh and lining, for a lightweight shoe that doesn't feel at all like most rigid and bulky waterproof trail running shoes. On the sole, the Hydroventure features a multi-directional lugged traction rubber outsole, with a full-length rock plate to protect against stone bruising. An EVA mid-sole then helps to provide cushioning, and a 3 mm heel to toe drop gives a stable and reassuring step. We covered 33 miles in one day on our #WildWight challenge, and despite hot conditions the Hydroventure performed very well. The breathable material allowed my feet to remain dry and comfortable, while the sole provided traction on a real mix of on and off-road te...

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...