Tag: Great South Run

Kalenji Kiprun medium distance running shoes

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Kalenji (sold exclusively through Decathlon stores) have introduced a new range, the Kiprun. Kiprun is a range so simple there are only three to choose from:

  • Kiprun SD (Short Distance) for 10km
  • Kiprun MD (Medium Distance) for half marathon
  • Kiprun LD (Long Distance) for marathon

I like simple, so, when they asked me if I’d like to review a pair, bearing in mind I’ve got the Great South Run coming up, I chose the half-marathon ones. These medium distance shoes also come in a choice of neutral or pronation so, as I – despite being undoubtedly wonky in places – am a neutral runner, I chose those.

kalenji-running-shoes

Considering how light they are, they’re surprisingly cushioned and comfy. If I tried these on in a shop, I’d think ‘yes, these are the shoes for me’ (and then obviously trying on six more pairs before going back to the first pair and buying those).

I love these shoes. They’re light and springy and a perfect fit. My original thought on their appearance was they were a bit on the dull side, but when I got outside the pink bits were glowing neon. My last pair of running shoes cost £130, these are £69.99. I know which I’ll be buying next time.

So, today, I had the perfect shoes and the perfect running weather – warm but with a cooling breeze and a touch of drizzle.

Still did a shit time though. Ho hum.

For more information on the Kalejni Kiprun medium distance running shoes, visit their website.




Creak

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Creak. That’s the sound of my joints aching or the noise of the seams of my clothes bursting, take your pick. I’ve been a bit lax taking my glucosamine (I’ve been buying vegetarian ones from Health Span for a few years as they’re much cheaper than Holland & Barrett) – I know people say supplements are a con, but I know my joints creak when I stop taking them and stop creaking when I do. So, it’s either the supplements or I walk round in sports braces all day and I know what I’d rather do.

The seams of my clothes bursting is all my fault though, so I went to the gym this morning. Plus, I had a new sports bra to try out. Shock Absorber has always been my number one favourite sports bra and now they’ve done something amazing. They’ve made one you don’t need a degree in mechanical engineering to get in and out of.

The Shock Absorber Zipped Plunge Sports Bra has – unsurprisingly – a zip down the front. That’s it. No hooks and clasps to fiddle with and swear at, so even when you’re dripping in sweat, you just unzip it and it’s off. Another bonus with the lack of hooks and clasps is that it’s wonderfully comfortable. It’s only £25 which I think is a bit of a bargain.

Shock-Absorber-Active-Zipped-Plunge-back

Another bargain bit of kit I got recently was my US Pro leggings. I don’t like short shorts, or ones that are just under the knee. My preferred length, any time of year, is three-quarters and these are fab. A great length that doesn’t ride up, a waist band that’s high enough and stays up and all for £12.00.

US-Pro-leggings

 

I’ve got a new running app to try out tomorrow so I’m going to have to go for a run. I probably should anyway, seeing as I’ve got the London Duathlon and the Great South Run coming up. With all that running, maybe I should get some new shoes too. Perhaps some nice bright purple Asics, like these one here?

Something to motivate me

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bupa-great-south-run

Despite not particularly enjoying the Great South Run last year, I’ve signed up again. I’ll be careful who I allow to take off my chip at the end though and if I see that sour-faced old moo who stood on my blistered foot to get extra leverage to take off my chip last year, I’m going to stamp all over her feet and see how she likes it.

I had to give mine and iliketocount’s details to the man at Bupa who wanted to know, amongst other things, a) our estimated finishing times; and b) our t-shirt sizes. My t-shirt was bigger than iliketocount’s and my estimated finishing time was about an hour slower than his. Not embarrassing at all. Honest.

Still, hopefully (and I know I say this EVERY time I sign up for a race), it’ll give me the motivation to start running again. It motivated me enough to go to the gym after lunch, anyway, and I did 15 minutes on the treadmill. It’s a start.

Stats
Rowing machine: 20 minutes
Cross-trainer: 20 minutes
Treadmill: 15 minutes
GSRs signed up for: 1
T-shirts bigger than iliketocount’s: 1
Estimated racing times 1 hour slower than iliketocount’s: 1

(Sort of) still training for the Bupa Great South Run 2012

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bupa-great-south-run-2012-logo

 

IT’S THE BUPA GREAT SOUTH RUN 2012 TWO WEEKS ON SUNDAY, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!

Yeah, that’s how I felt when I looked at the calendar this morning. I could have sworn it was nearer six weeks away. Bugger. Oh well, I have been slightly reassured that I won’t be walking the entire ten miles (despite lately having a bit of a dodgy knee) as on Saturday I had a good training run of 10k when I actually ran 11-something minute miles for a change and didn’t have any walking bits. So, I probably won’t win, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be last either. Yay for me.

Today’s five mile run wasn’t the greatest run in the world but it would have been a flipping lot better if I hadn’t got a blister at two miles. Anyway, I limped through my five miles and still managed an average of 11-something minute miles (I’m keeping the –something bit secret, ok?) then I went to the dentist which was less fun than having a blister.

As you’ve probably noticed, the Great South Run is sponsored by Bupa and you should really go and ‘like’ the Bupa Running Facebook page and follow them on Twitter where you’ll find regular advice on how best to approach race day, a great running community and regular Q&As with sports medicine experts to assist runners with any injuries.

Maybe they can help me with my blister.

Stats
Distance: 4.75 miles
Time: quite a long time
Pace: 11-something m/m
Weeks until GSR: 2 on Sunday
Blisters: 1
Facebook pages you should go and ‘like’: 1
Twitter accounts you should follow: 1