URCCoaching

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? 

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? 

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.  

Find Your Path

Undoubtedly the most outstanding mountain athlete of all time, Kilian Jornet is a living legend who balances athletic grit with patience and humility. From setting the UTMB course record to executing two mind-blowing speed climbs up Mt. Everest within a week, Kilian holds some of the most prestigious titles in ultrarunning. Inspired by his deep connection to the mountains, Kilian’s limited edition APEX 2 Pro delivers world-class training technology and unmatched style, and so much more.

A self-described 360° mountain athlete, Kilian demands the best in navigation technology, which is why he chose the all-new APEX Pro 2 as his watch. With COROS global offline mapping, checkpoints, custom route planning, and more, you can go anywhere outdoors with confidence.

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. 

Then I got sent two new samples. A windproof jacket, the Stormveil

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?

F7 redbutton

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.

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.

tdgshoe

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.

Written by Ian Conway

Before running the Lakeland 50 in 2021, several family members told me I would finish it and want to do the 100 in 2022. I wasn't so sure, and after finishing in a little over 10 hours, I immediately said I couldn't and wouldn't do the 100. It took a few days before I changed my mind completely and put reminders in my diary to make sure I didn't miss the entry date!

Training

My training went pretty well on the whole, with a few hiccups along the way.

  1. Killian Jornet x Tommy Caldwell + Killian race analysis!
  2. Kailas Fuga Pro 4 shoe
  3. Northern Soul