The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

I may be a BahHumbug when it comes to the Christmas period, but I thought I'll share some items I've recently purchased and some wants.

Recently bought
Eggsercizer - A squeezeable egg-shaped hand and finger exceriser (see what they did there). Similar to a stress ball, but egg shaped and comes in different strengths.

Wobble Cushion - Development strength in those calves and ankles. Also fun when standing on one leg whilst washing up, making sandwiches, etc. May be even more fun when standing on it when showering, but I haven't tried this yet. Smile

Running High by Hugh Symonds - Only browsed through this so far, but looks a good read. An account of a continuous run over 303 mountains in Great Britain and Ireland. Continous means he ran to/from the mountains aswell.

Off-Road Running by Sarah Rowell - Again only browsed through this so far but it can be used as a very good reference book. Covers all aspects of off-road running, cross-country's, mountains marathons etc, but also training, cross-training, techniques, nutrition, etc

Lakeland Mountain Challenges and The Welsh Three Thousand Foot Challenges by Ronald Turnbull and Roy Clayton - two excellent guide books for walks or runs in the mountains

Wants so far
I'm considering get a couple of the Ranulph Fiennes books but have't decided what yet.

What's in your Santa's list or recommendations?

Mark

_________________
The hills are alive........

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Mark, good post. Let me say that if you only ever have one book on running get for yourself or mates 'The Lore of Running' by Tim Noakes. Everything you will ever need - marathon/ultra training plans. Injury avoidance/recovery. The physiology and biochemistry side of things. And because it is a weighty tome you can put it in a rucksack and train with it......

I will come back with more later.....

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

I am on the lookout for a Hi 5 Gel Flask Belt -

any one seen any special offers that include freebies before I direct from Hi 5 ???????

http://high5-online.com/acatalog/Accessories.html

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Karl, hi. If you can wait until after Xmas I could pick up something like these in US. I order stuff to a friend and they deliver for my big case carry back....

http://www.ultrafit-endurance.com/hyeqpa.html

http://www.fuelbelt.com/fube20pr.html

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fuel-Belt-Rev...Z003QQcategoryZ2913QQcmdZViewItem

personally I find GU gels in the foil pouches better and put yr electrolyte in a camelbak.....

or you can use Ernie's approach - suck the dew from leaves, chew small rodents and insects for fuel..

rgds
Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Mark that is terrible.......

rds
Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

Mike, thanks for the info - the bottles/belts look a bit chunky for my liking (they would ruin the line of my running top).

I have a camelbak (or is it just the way I walk?) and wanted and in-between belt for marathons, etc. that don't have fuel stations, and only supply water. I normally only put water in my camelbak to avoid the messy cleaning problems.

"is that a gel pack in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me...??"

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Karl, in that case I will poke my suggestions right up....

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

no MM your ideas, as ever, are inspired.

Running the benfleet 15 twice was inspirational - put me down.

"A mediocre idea that generates enthusiasm will go farther than a great idea that inspires no one. "

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Cheers karl...plus brilliant quote I will use in all work meetings from now on...

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

HEAD TORCHES - feedback please.

MM - suggestions for good ones...??

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Hi Karl, in my modest opinion this is the best sucker. I have 3 main ones 2 petzl's (one of which has a main lamp and 3 Led's and a Black Diamond Moonlight . But just get the Petzl Myo XP - it's light (pardon the pun) lasts for a long time on one set of batteries, and the beam and shadowing are fine. Also has a single button action to give you that extra burst of light when you think .....Godfrey may be hiding in a bush somewhere...

rgds
Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

cheers Mikey (I mean MM) I will take a look for the Petzl Myo XP on t'web and get some prices.

Will this stay on at my sub 6 min.mile pace thro the woods ?

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

No! and you still run into tree branches, trip over tree roots and bash toes against rocks. The only consolation................not many people will be around to hear the streams of invective and obscenities. However, you may leave a wake of traumatised badgers, foxes, rabbits etc. Unless of course you are running in Rayleigh. In which case they will have heard it all before.... Smile

)
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 255 Location: Benfleet

I have a pair of Cibie Super Oscar rally spotlights if you want them. Maybe a bit big for your head and you'll need a couple of 12V car batteries to carry about, but it'll be like walking in daylight :-)

I do have a Petzl Myolite 3 (the one with the main beam and 3 leds). For most of the time the leds do a reasonable job with the main beam sometimes not being sharp enough, so I think MM's suggestion of the XP will be the better bet (and less weight).
_________________
The hills are alive........

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

The lightest long range headlamp on the market.

Specifications:
Xenon halogen bulb for long range lighting (76 m).
On/off adjustment bezel:
beam can be focused,
on/off and zoom can operated in same movement,
the bezel is easy to use, even when wearing gloves.
Tiltable lamp body.
Adjustable elastic head band, top strap is an option.
Simple, around-the-head fit: easily identifiable and put on in the dark.
Water resistant for all-weather use.

Technical Specifications:
Operates with 3 AA/LR06 batteries (included)
Spare standard bulb included
Weight: headlamp (100 g) + batteries (75 g) = 175 g
List Price: £26.99 Our Price: £22.99

comments...????????????
this is more in the Father Christmas price range I was looking for....??????

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Typical reaction from a Rayleigh member - lets' go cheap and forget the quality. I think this is the Petzl Tikka.....you would be better off with a Lamb Madras.....

Check this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/default.aspx?ReferID=googmtnbra

for more options

apart from price......

its illumination/weight/burn time/does it look nice set on a juanty angle on yr head. Bottom line you will get what you pay for. Also, in my view (hope Mark backs me up) the LED's are more robust than halogens. And always have a backup even if it is a pocket key fob light for when you have to change batteries....oh and spare batteries.....

alternatively.....Ernie uses either this or just sets fire to the hairs on his arms... or use a candle...

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

I haven't got time for this Rayleigh v Hockley petty squabbles !

"Nothing is more discouraging than unappreciated sarcasm. "

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Have you recently bought a book on 'Famous, if not oblique quotes?'

rgds

Mike

The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time.
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 1691 Location: Rayleigh

Sadness is almost never anything but a form of fatigue.

Ernie · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 184 Location: Hockley GORC

I have a TIKKA plus which has 4 Led's and a combined weight (batteries and Torch) of 78 g. It probably doesn't light up the Universe and might not come up to Mike's high standards but in my opinion I dont need it brighter and if you need more light then try running in daylight.

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

Xmas gifts I can recommend or want:

Powerbreathe - the red sports version. Use in the car to and from work. Hurts like hell initially...forget the nose clip use your fingers. I cannot overstate how good this is.

Pair of Sealskinz waterproof socks - they now have thinner ones then the original.

Decent pair of gloves that are waterproof, windproof, wick well and don't look like an Eskimo would turn his nose up at

Someone to explain how my Suunto works so i can bring it out of the sock drawer

A decent running hat - one that covers the ears, is waterproof, wicks well and doesn't look like Noddy's

A training plan that can be stuck to and works.....

A wobble board - don't know why but it would be guaranteed to annoy my wife so that's a result at least
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

jacklarge · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 239 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

MM,

Headgear:

The January edition of Runner's World has a review of a few winter hats and gives the editors choice award to Hilly Runner's Winter Cap (£14) http://www.hillyclothing.co.uk. Don't know personally if it would fulfil your exacting Hockley standards.

The most expensive one RW reviewed was (of course) a Gore Running Wear 'Sky Hat' (£25) which should be more breathable by the nature of its material.

Quite a lot of people seem to be impressed with Bufs - though again I haven't been able to personally try them, this time due to The Wife's veto. Apparently she doesn't want the locals thinking she's married to a mad land-locked pirate (it's not as if I was going to get the eye patch either) Sad

.

Finally...
Viz-style Top Tip: Cold head during your winter run? Simply fashion left-over hair from your household (pets are especially useful) into a Jimmy Saville wig - the great man is well known for his running prowess - slap it on your head before you go out for that toasty Jim-has-fixed-it effect.

Cheers,

John
_________________
"As the days go by, we face the increasing inevitability that we are alone in a godless, uninhabited, hostile and meaningless universe. Still, you've got to laugh, haven't you?"

- Holly, ships computer, Red Dwarf

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 953 Location: Hockley

John, many thanks brilliant advice. I will go thru the Hilly site in more detail. I liked the Flag hats...a Saint George one would be great for next years West Highland Way Race. That plus my continual reference to Braveheart, tight fistedness and catching wild haggis - God how they laugh....

I have a buff but cannot work out in any detail how to turn it into the fantastic different designs from Pirate to many others unless my daughter shows me.....

Your suggestion about using my many Yorkies hair is a sound one. I hope however this comment was not a personal jibe. Ernies photos from the RR ahave apparently been doctored by Karl to make it look like I have thinning hairline and that my ears stick out. Both not true!

rgds

Mike
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

jacklarge · Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 239 Location: Rayleigh, Essex

MM,

No personal slight intended. All my slights are directed at anonymous public entities or statistically significant masses that cannot personally beat me up.

Cheers,

John (8th dan in cowardliness)

mikemoreton · Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 543 Location: Hockley, GORC.

It may be too early for Xmas wants for 2007, but any hints on what type of watch to get for running? You know, the Garmin type thing.
Yes, i am new to this gadgetry, but its a case of......I want one

Hint, tips and guidance greatly appreciated

Mike
MM2

Steffan · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 543 Location: Basildon

Mike, Garmin 305. You will never need any other running gadget!
Well except the new Nike + ipod thing etc!!!!!
cheers

Stevie · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 413 Location: Benfleet

Or the 205 if you arnt bothered about the Heart Rate Monitor, to be honest ive had my 305 over a year and havent used the HRM yet cyclops