The Expedition Journals

Earlier this year, I travelled to one of my favourite spots – the Dolomites. These Italian mountains are one of the best locations in the world for road cycling, mountain biking, hiking and trail running. I was there for hiking this time, but I saw dozens of super fit individuals training for mountain ultra-marathons, such as the UTMB, and every one of them was using poles. That got me thinking, and researching...  Lightweight carbon fibre poles have been popular with hikers for a decade or more, but it is only in recent years that they have really taken hold in the trail running world. In the mountains, running with poles, particularly uphill, can have several advantages: it can help to increase your speed, decrease the strain on your joints, and help support you on unstable terrain. Are there any disadvantages to running with poles? There is a small weight penalty, and a possible increased trip hazard, but on the whole poles can be a great benefit. The video below shows you...

The trails are drying out and I have been enjoying exploring new routes and hills in the Taroko 4 trail running shoes from 361°. The range of 361° shoes has always fitted me well (run true to size), and they use some of the best quality materials that I have seen in running shoes to date. The result is durable and comfortable running shoes that stand the test of time and miles. The Taroko 4 are designed to be all weather trail running shoes, with exceptional stability and durability. Featuring a breathable recycled mesh upper with a seamless design to reduce chafing, and an ergonomic fit that moulds perfectly to your upper foot; they are comfortable and lightweight for all kinds of trail based adventures. Clever features like a lace pocket on the tongue are great to see. The soles of the Taroko 4 are a rugged rubber outsole that offers impressive grip on a variety of surfaces; while the cushioned midsole with a 9mm heel to toe drop provides support and protection from vibration. Reliab...

The Rab Veil 1L is a lightweight belt pack designed for trail running, hiking and general outdoor sports adventures. The breathable fabric, secure and comfortable design, and neat storage features make this a versatile and indispensable companion for your everyday adventures. Made from strong yet highly breathable Ripstop Mono Mesh, this ultralight minimalist mountain running belt pack is perfect for carrying your necessities on your fast-paced adventures.  The Ripstop Mono Mesh provides a strong yet breathable framework, which is 50% lighter and retains 70% less water than spacer mesh normally used in backpacks and hip-packs. Weight has further been kept to an absolute minimum, and breathability maximised; with details such as mesh pockets, laser-cut holes on the waist belt, and a low profile design. Storage comes in the form of one main zipped lumbar pocket (1 litre), with an internal zipped security pocket; this set-up is perfect for snacks, gels, a phone and house keys. Th...

There are very few pairs of running shoes that I would run an off-road marathon in, having only worn them for 15 kilometres previously. I did just that with the 361° Yushan Trail Running Shoes, back in 2019 on the Challenge the Wight event. They were, and are still, the most comfortable off-road trail running shoes that I have worn to date. My fond association with the 361° brand came after trying their Strata 3 Road Running Shoes in early 2018; they proved to be incredibly comfortable, stable, and supportive straight out of the box. I have subsequently run over 700 kilometres in them. When I signed up for the ' Challenge the Wight ' night marathon, I was well aware that my shoe choice would not only play a part in comfort, but also whether I would even finish the event. Due to a relatively collapsed arch and a wide toe spread, I have suffered from repeat problems with cramped or blistered toes, and vulnerable ankle joints—I was the kid who had to wear boots to school (b...

When it comes to shoes—for running or cycling, fit is 90 percent of the battle in getting a comfortable and injury-free choice. The adidas TERREX Agravic Boa Trail Running Shoes use the unique Boa Fit System most seen on cycling shoes—to give these trail running trainers a precision-level fit. They are fast, featherweight, and offer a comfortable platform for off-road running in dry trail conditions. I recently reviewed the new Suplest Cross-Country Edge+ Pro Mountain Biking Shoes on lifeinthesaddle.cc . The comfort and performance of those shoes was exceptional—thanks to the clever carbon arch wrap support that the Boa Fit System delivered. With Boa now becoming more widely available on trail running shoes, and after a pleasing experience with adidas TERREX shoes in the past, I decided a pair of the new SS20 adidas TERREX Agravic Boa shoes were worth a shot… The TERREX Agravic Boa shoes are sold as " light, fast, and stable trail running shoes—with the Boa Fit System for ...

The Taroko 2 Trail Running Shoes from Chinese brand 361 Degrees are the latest innovative all-terrain running shoes to come out of their highly acclaimed research lab. I had a positive experience with the 361 Yushan trail shoes, so I was keen to test out this new release… Last year, I ran my first off-road marathon in a pair of 361 Degrees Yushan Trail Shoes—they did well… I took line honours, without a single blister or injury, despite having never run further than 25 kilometres before. Since then those shoes have done many runs and races, including last year's Original Mountain Marathon . The OMM was what finally killed the Yushans. Scotland's bogs give shoes a real beating. Since then, I have been lusting after another pair. Then, earlier this year 361 Degrees released the new Taroko 2 trail shoes. I could not resist… 361° was founded in 2003 and has quickly grown to become one of the biggest sports brands in China. Their philosophy is to deliver high-quality runni...

I first ran the Original Mountain Marathon in 2016, on the mountains and marshes of Galloway, Scotland. That event I labelled 'Bog Bashing' for the arduous terrain; we did not believe another location could be so challenging. The 2019 edition, in Largs (also West Scotland) proved me very wrong... The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) is a two-day ultra-running orienteering event, hosted every October in a remote and hostile landscape. Self-sufficient teams of two must navigate between hidden markers, and camp out overnight in the wilderness. It is a challenge of endurance; pushing both physical and mental limits. When you sign up for The OMM you can pick either the Line Course or the Points Course. This year, my running buddy Ben and I chose the 'A Line Course'; a set order of checkpoints that you have to visit, totalling a direct line distance of 65+ kilometres, with 3000 metres of height gain over the two days. Welcome to Scotland… It is 21:00 on Friday nig...

The Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) is a two day ultra-running orienteering event, hosted every October in a remote and hostile landscape. Self-sufficient teams of two must navigate between hidden markers, and camp out overnight in the wilderness. This is a challenge of endurance; pushing both physical and mental limits. Here is what I am packing... I first ran the Original Mountain Marathon in 2016, on the moors and mountains of Galloway. The weather was bleak, but both my running partner and I relished the challenge. You can read more about that first edition here . This year, we are making a return. When you sign up for The OMM you can pick either the Line Course or the Points Course. This year we have chosen the 'A' Line Course; a set order of checkpoints that you have to visit, totalling a route distance of 65 kilometres, with 3000 metres of height gain over the two days. In 2016, we completed the Medium Points Course; where you visit as many points as possib...