Salomon Speedcross 6
Written by Neil Bryant
I started running trails back in the mid 2000’s, and the selection of trail running shoes back then was miniscule compared to now, where we have a dizzying number of options for every type of terrain, speed, conditions and of course foot shape. One shoe that I do remember that you could buy at the time, was the aggressively soled Speedcross from Salomon. Every race I went to there was always a few people wearing the Speedcross. I tried a pair but they were too narrow for my feet.
The shoe became more and more popular, as both trail and ultra running boomed, and it got updated a number of times. Six times in fact, and it still bears a striking resemblance to the first incarnation, though many improvements have been made.
Coros upgrades App with huge update
COROS Wearables Inc., makers of GPS sports wearables and training software, today announced the launch of its new mobile app, more accurate and detailed EvoLab stats, new watch firmware, and new API integrations with Google Health Connect, Intervals, and HRV4Training. The company also announced a price adjustment and credit offer of its APEX 2 models to offset the fluctuational change of the USD.
In its ‘biggest app upgrade to date’, COROS has redesigned its mobile companion app, which now features four simple pages, Progress, Activities, Explore, and Profile. As well as many standout features, there is a new Explore Page which includes an In-App Route Builder allowing users to draw, edit, erase, and download custom routes for runs, cycles, and more.
Coros APEX 2 Pro
Written by Neil Bryant for the URC
When I reviewed the Apex Pro from Coros, I was very impressed with the overall package, but there were definitely a few things that would really improve it. One of those things was the addition of maps, to make it more competitive with Garmin, and since I wrote that review, Coros rolled out a huge update (well, many!) that added maps! The maps are good but are still not quite as good as Garmins, but it was a massive step in the right direction and showed that Coros wanted to be taken seriously and were listening to the people and acting.
Then, they updated the hardware and released the Apex 2 Pro! On paper there are many improvements, but how do they all shape up in the real world. Was it worth the wait, and do you need to upgrade if you are an owner of the original Apex Pro?
7 Years to run The OCC
Written by Roger Webster
7 Years to run The OCC
I was accepted onto OCC on the 3rd attempt. Unfortunately it was then cancelled (Covid) and I deferred the next year (thought it was going to be cancelled) so 7 year after starting to collect points I was in and ready? 
Over the 7 years my knees were beginning to play up so would now attempt it as a power hike rather than a run! Could I keep up 5km per hour while allowing an hour for every 1000m of climbing, 141/2 hours in total. I would be going faster at the start, (6.5kph) but could I keep it up?
Suunto 9 Peak Pro
Written by Neil Bryant for the URC
It feels like a long time since I used my trusty Ambit 3 Peak! I loved that watch, and I still own it! What a beast it looks now! Beast maybe, but it was reliable for its full service except for its final year or so when its altimeter went wrong. A common problem, but overall, I was very happy with the Ambits performance.
Rab Stormveil and Kinetic Ultra jackets
Written by Neil Bryant for the URC
A while ago, I did a group review of Rab’s first foray into the running market with their Skyline range. Rab already had a pedigree for outdoor gear, so it wasn’t a huge surprise that, overall it was excellent. There were a few things that needed fixing, but generally it was a pretty rounded set of running gear. I was interested to see how things would evolve over time.
Garmin Fenix 7 Solar
Written by Neil Bryant for the URC
If you have any interest in Garmin devices, then you may well have heard the fuss being made from Garmin fanatics all around the world, as they eagerly waited for the release and details of the Fenix 6 update, the Fenix7. Earlier this year, it finally was released, but was it worth the wait?
This side shot shows off the red surround for the button which also helps prevent accidental pressing, and also on the face you can see the purple ring which is the solar panel.
TDG lessons learned
Written by Lawrence Eccles
To try and make this report less of the standard race report of, route description, got sick, felt better etc I decided to do it as lessons learnt that I, for the most part, already knew. I went with 6 lessons as I finished 6th.
The West Highland Way Challenge Race 2022
Written by Euan Fitzpatrick
This isn’t the story I thought I would be telling. I thought I would be reforming the monomyth, where I embarked on my adventure along the West Highland Way, faced a host of trials and ultimately crossed the finish line stronger and wiser. A journey of self-discovery after which I could impart wisdom with impunity. I’ve not got any of that. What I’ve got, instead, is the most beautiful memory of a beautiful day – and I’m even less sure that people want to hear that. Be warned this is a blow-by-blow account…
I’ll put it down now for personal posterity and to ensure that I don’t embellish the truth to the point of utter fantasy.