Having been banned from tarmac I have to make a bit more effort to go out for exercise as running from home invariably starts with road running. Swimming (breaststroke is SOOOOO boring, but has been prescribed) and cycling (static bike is bearable if I can get the one right in front of the gym TV) have featured frequently for the last week or so thanks to my new gym membership (special offer 6 weeks for £49). Outdoors I have been a bit careful what I get up to.
During the first fine, frosty weekend of the year Sarah and I went orienteering near Buttermere. We crunched through icy puddles along the side of Crummock Water and up into Mosedale.
The sun in the dale kept us nice and warm whilst on the move, but this did not last.
The water that drains into Black Beck and Scale Beck filled the bog at the bottom of the vale and each step took us through the crusty frost into icy cold ankle deep water – lovely!
Haertened by still being able to walk after this outing I decided to try the inaugural Crosby Commoner (a new fell race of a little over 10 kms) this weekend and, in spite of dark clouds and the usual damp conditions, persuaded Sarah to partake as well. There was a decent turnout of what we estimated to be about 60.
During the week I had treated myself to new fell shoes because I was a bit tired of sliding around in the mud in trail shoes.
Sadly we were not accompanied by any supporters or coat-holders so there are NO photos (I’m sure there will be official ones on the web somewhere). The course wasn’t too hilly but one could tell it was the start of the year and I could definitely tell that I have had to cut back on training lately. It was also quite hard work because about 90% of the route involved fighting a strong headwind – rather trying to say the least. Still, I staggered round and, much to my joy, I did not totally seize up afterwards. Back at Sarah’s I was able to get out of the car unassisted and am not walking like John Wayne 🙂
Happily, although this was the first time I had worn my new shoes, they were perfect and no hint of a blister or hot spot developed: 10/10
The upper part of the shoe is all very interesting, but can we have a picture of the business-end of the shoe next time – the sole?
Excellent shoes, comfy, light and stick to the rock like in a dream. I use them as walk-in shoes and they’re just perfect. Yes, I agree, 10/10. :star: :star: :star:
hope it will work, if yes, here’s the business-end. 🙂
hmm, let’s try again … 🙄
Pretty good! 😉
Mosedale near Crummock Water looks beautiful.
The shoes look the business. 🙂
Last year when I was getting frozen feet I thought about getting some goretex shoes, but instead opted for the cheaper sealskin socks. They’re great.
Not entirely sure I see the point of Gore-tex shoes, as the water would either get in over the top or via wet socks wicking it. Sealskinz sound better. I’m not sure my old-style w’proof sox would fit in my running shoes as they are pretty thick but thanx for reminding me about them, I might give them a go!
Yep, waterproof running shoes don’t work, you get wet feet. But, they do keep you warm(er). Once the water is in it warms up with your body heat, and a bit like a basic wet-suit, you then stay warmer. Without the waterproofness you just keep getting fresh cold water circulating through your shoes taking any heat away. So, the benefit comes from keeping the water in!
Of course that circulating cold water would be nice in summer weather… How far away is spring?
fair point, just like walking boots really
If your feet get cold, you’re not going fast enough 😆
I never go fast enough. In fact I’m lucky to be going at all!
It depends how long you’ll be out for. My first mountain marathon I used goretex shoes and ended up with huge cracks in my heels. Never again. They’re fine for an hour or so, but your feet just stay too wet to spend two days in them!
Everybody is different though right… I used mine on my first (and only) MM too. I had wet feet all day, both days, and no issues.
I tried a pair of these on today because I desperately need to find a replacement for my Montrail Highlanders, which aren’t been manufactured anymore. The fit at the back of the shoe was fine, but they were slightly too wide at the front, and most annoyingly the fabric seemed to crease into the top of my foot when I bent it. 🙁