Tough Mudder Volunteering - North West

will update but some photos from Tough Mudder North West as a volunteer today, a great day with lots of great people :)

Update 

I have recovered now, so an update on a day volunteering at a tough mudder, it is so worth the effort! you get all the great atmosphere, the runners love you (well the water you give at water stations anyway) and the help you give over walls etc, the Tough mudder folks are really well organized they feed you well and we got lucky and had the chance to work a water station then change later to an obstacle so had the best of both worlds, the more you put in the more you enjoy the day. All the folks helping and working with us were hands on helping people over walls etc, and all said they would do it again, so I would recommend it to anyone,, and don't stand back get involved and muddy! we certainly did...

Boot Bananas shoe deodorisers - REVIEW

Well...how to approach this.....
I stink! not in general (I hope) but my running shoes certainly do, its a common problem I'm sure there are other out there tempted to bury their long distance shoes and just dig them up next run....well throw away that shovel and buy Boot Bananas instead!

a great concept not only do they deodorise your running shoes/work boots etc but they absorb moisture to prevent build up, prevention rather than cure is always best. what else is nice is they are the creation of a nice couple Phil & Alex who decided to do something about shoe stench! (I'm sure its broken up a few runners relationships...)

so this is Boot Bananas I've used them for a while and the important part...they work! shoe interior definitely feels drier and I've even force tested them on a few family friends with the old ' do my trainers smell' and they have been surprised, which means they must have noticed the stink previously!

So do your shoes,yourself and more importantly your friends and loved ones a favour and pick up and use some Boot Bananas! :)

Update see the Boot Bananas movie here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YabenjHy8c&feature=youtu.be

Gareth (TheTryAth)

NEWTON RUNNING KISMET - Stability Shoe - REVIEW

Hi
As you guys are aware I'm recovering from injury and as part of it I've been advised to go for stability shoes as part of my recovery. Thanks to the folks at +Newton Running ,I am going to be using the Kismet stability shoe.

I have now started my jog and walk recovery program, so this is my review of the Kismet shoe.

Out the box

First impressions count, a nice looking shoe not as bright as some models so gives it a bit more all round use, all though the it has a good amount of reflective surface for safety.The shoe is light weight at 275g, it also has the usual Newton running construction which is robust even though light, this is the benefit of when the people making shoes are real runners themselves!

Field test

I have taken the Kismet shoes out on the two run and walk I have done so far in recovery, first I noticed  how comfortable the shoes are, when ever I run at slow speeds seems I really feel the comfort or lack of it a shoe, these give a great ride. The construction of the 5 lug  tread pattern gives a smooth action through your foot, considering they are 'all round' shoes I thought they felt very quick, will be interesting to up the pace in them as my leg heals up.

overall

I love these shoes! they feel so comfortable and stable, I've always been a fan of Newton and once again they live up to expectations.

Gareth  (TheTryAth)

Newton Running UK      Newton Running

Newton specs

The Newton recipe for success: one part determination and one part Kismet. Kismet? Destiny. This 5 lug P.O.P 2 Core Trainer is the everyday go-to shoe for a runner needing the extra bit of functional stability found in our broad and stable e.m.b platform. Responsive, comfortable and stable with a 4.5 mm drop - this shoe is the entry into our open-chamber Action/Reaction technology. It's easy to put on and impossible to take off. It's love at first stride. It's Kismet.

• Item number • M011914

• Weight • 275 g

• Heel-to-toe drop • 4.5 mm

• EMB • Yes

• Upper

  • Seamless engineered mesh upper • 360 degree reflectivity • Heel lace lock

• Outersole

  • 5-lug P.O.P 2 platform • Action/Reaction technology in the forefoot and heel • Biomechanical metatarsal sensor plate • Open ground surface EVA in mid-stance • Durable s.h.a.r.c (super high abrasion rubber compound) outsole composite in forefoot • e.m.b extended medial bridge for additional stability 

Volunteering and mud

Hi
this weekend I'm off to a tough mudder event with a friend, not as a competitor but as a support volunteer. It is dual purpose for me, firstly I have always really appreciated the volunteers who support runners with drinks, snacks etc and more importantly encouragement so be nice to give something back.

 The second reason is a more selfish one, as part of my gradual recovery from depression and anxiety issues I need more social interaction as I find it difficult, I am worried about this but as will be in small groups and all fairly anonymous as a faceless supporter hopefully I'll be able to cope and take a step forward to getting more of a life...


so looking forward to a muddy weekend:)

Gareth (TheTryAth)

things to come...

Hi
also soon and as I'm back more active got a few reviews coming on a few great bits of kit which will be exciting,look out for reviews on +Julbo awesome eyewear and the great guys at +Newton Running  plus some fantastic named Boot Banana's


so looking forward to reviewing and writing

Hi
things have been a bit on the difficult side lately...and struggled to find the goodness and motivation, hopefully leg has healed enough I can start doing some light jog and walk sessions which I think and hope will help pick up my mood...

I also just wanted to thank the people who help and support me, the folks on twitter and the companies and brands who support my running and me, and trying to promote running/ trail running to help cope with mental health struggles.

big thanks to long time supporter +Newton Running who love running care about runners.

Happy running/walking or just looking at clouds out the window, whatever your doing...

Gareth (TheTryAth)

Alfie my furry fitness friend.

Hi
meet  my furry fitness friend and also my mindfulness coach..might not be able to run but a few miles out with him cheers me up #petpositive this little dog is great for mindfulness and positive thinking.

He always finds it great stuff when he is out and helps pick up my mood. a reminder to focus on not what has happened and is gone, not what might happen and is out of our control but to enjoy what is happening and what we can do now...thanks Alfie :)