The Expedition Journals

Can a pair of running socks warrant a £44.95 price tag? 'The Run Sock' from CEP Sports does, in my opinion. Featuring medical grade compression technology, a second-skin fit to avoid blisters, and anatomically padded zones for improved comfort; these high-end running socks are my go-to for all long distance runs. The Run Compression Socks from CEP Sports use a proven blend of high-wicking yarns, which are designed to body-map to your foot's shape; this significantly reduces moisture build up and fabric wrinkles, both of which tend to encourage blisters when running. Targeted medical grade compression technology wraps around the calves and helps to keep blood circulating to your lower legs. Improved circulation helps extend endurance and improve recovery. In tandem, this compression technology reduces muscular vibrations that happen while running; significantly reducing the chance of shin-splints and muscular fatigue. The compression fit also stabilises your locomotor syste...

The AKU Alterra Lite GTX Waterproof Hiking Shoes are designed for hill walking and leisure wear; rated for anything up to a 'moderately difficult hike'. For me, they are the perfect winter walking shoes; with waterproof protection, superb breathability, and the versatility that they are not out of place on a wide variety of terrain. The AKU Alterra Lite GTX is made primarily of leather, with a Gore-Tex lining to ensure waterproofing and breathability. Inside there is a comfortable Ortholite insole to provide support for your foot, while the moulded EVA footbed offers cushioning and further support. The underside sole is a robust rubber tread that will find traction on a wide variety of terrain. The sole also features enhanced protection from stony paths and sharp scree. The Alterra Lite GTX fit very well, with the foot feeling well supported in the insole. The adjustable lacing system allows you to tailor the volume within the shoe to keep your feet comfortable in a var...

" I have never run more than 23 kilometres before… " is my response, when stood in the fading light at The Needles a fellow 'Challenge the Wight' participant asks if I can " run like you bike ". On hearing my reply, he looks at me with a slight wince " Ah, right… well. Good luck."… As the sunset casts an orange haze on the English Channel, and a warm westerly wind blows in over the cliffs of Alum Bay, I slightly nervously await the start of my first marathon… off-road, through the fast approaching darkness. 21:00 — The gun sounds, and amidst a cheer of support from friends and family, we are off. Up the lane to the coastguard cottages and the old rocket launch site; from where we will then turn eastwards, and traverse the downlands backbone of the Isle of Wight all the way to the finish at Culver Down — 26 miles (42 km) and 2900 feet (890 m) of climbing. This could be a long night. Up over Tennyson Down; down to Freshwater Bay; then up agai...