SportsShoes Blog

Well what a shocker – after 30 years in the business, our beloved Sportsshoes store is to turn out the lights and lock the doors at the end of July.

I am personally massively disappointed by this news and my thoughts are shared by many of my fellow runners.

The SS store is without question the best sports shop I have ever been in, offering an unbelieveable range of kit at very competitive prices and staffed by guys who actually know and care about what they’re selling.

I buy loads of stuff on line and love the convenience of internet shopping but I only ever buy things on line that I know will be what I want them to be – CDs, books, bike parts that sort of thing. I’ve only ever bought one pair of running shoes on line – because they were ‘cheap’ – and guess what, they didn’t fit properly, so all I’ve ever done in them is walk the dogs.

So what will I do when SS is no more – I have no idea! I guess I can buy on line for a while, at least until my current known favourite shoes have been discontinued but there after who knows….

I really hope the guys at SS can find somewhere else to offer a personal ‘real world’ service rather than simply disappear off into the faceless world of the internet. In my opinion you can only tell if a shoe is any good for you if you try it – they may look great on the screen but be dreadful on the scree!

28th April 2012 witnessed the 50th running of the Fellsman – a 61 mile race around the Yorkshire Dales starting in Ingleton and finishing in Threshfield near Grassington.

This was my 5th Fellsman and as a training run for our forthcoming Alpine epic adventure in August (PTL), Steve, Dave and myself decided to try and run it as a team of three.

We set off at 9am from a windy but dry and bright Ingleton cricket pitch and went straight up to the summit of Ingleborough from where we used a new ‘direct’ line off the hill to save some time.

Whernside and Gragareth came and went without hitch but as we started to make our way to Dent Steve was showing the early signs of fatigue.

We battled on up and over Blea Moor and into the checkpoint at Stonehouse which  this year was decked out as an army ‘mash’ tent. We grabbed pasta and sauce and headed off up the hill still munching but as we made the long climb up towards Great Knoutberry Steve began to slow and complain of feeling the cold. Dave and I waited for him at the summit and gave him an extra layer then we headed down to Redshaw where hot dogs were on offer.

A soggy trudge round to Snaizholme and then a long climb up to Dodd Fell saw Steve hit rock bottom and he was a very sorry sight as Dave and I watched him drag his weary bones to the summit checkpoint. Even some heart felt abuse couldn’t raise his spirits and when we reached Fleet Moss checkpoint Steve instructed us to leave him as he needed a rest so three became two.

Dave and I found a good line across Fleet Moss and the new checkpoints at Middle Tongue and Hell Gap and then headed down to Cray where we were grouped with another two runners John and Laurence for the ‘night section’.

With cups of spaghetti hoops in hand we headed toward Buckden pike for the penultimate climb of the day. With Buckden bagged we dropped down and round to Park Rash where we grabbed the enough food to see us to the finish and then headed into the dark to climb Great Whernside.

There was still snow on the ground near the summit and the checkpoint marshals had a hideous job as their tent was being lashed with freezing rain – this was not a place to hang around so we quickly made a dash for the fence that would direct us downhill through the cloud to a slightly milder climate.

The final checkpoint at Yarnbury was, as ever, a welcome sight and after being degrouped we all headed off down to the finish where a hot shower, massage and food was waiting.

Dave and I finished in around 14 hours 45 mins and I’m pleased to say that after his earlier troubles Steve managed to rally and came in around half an hour later.

Unbeknown to us as we were enjoying the delights of the warm and dry Wharfedale school drama was unfolding on the hills and following six cases of hypothermia the organisers decided (very wisely in my opinion) to cancel the race at 2am on Sunday morning – an emergency evacuation procedure swung into operation with buses sent out to recover all the competitors who had not yet passed the final roadside checkpoint.

At times like this you realise why there is a minimum kit requirement that is very rigourously enforced – even so, on a night like this when athletes have been on the move for 17 hours and are cold and energy depleated, a couple of thin tops and a waterproof jacket don’t do much to fend off the cold.

All in all another excellent event made even more challenging by the icy wind and wet underfoot conditions.

The race was won by North Face ultra runner Jezz Bragg in an excellent  time of just over 11 hours.

The renewed popularity of off-road running really is incredible.

When I first ran the 3 peaks race in 2001 (I think) sombody said it was a dying sport. That year there were around 250 starters and the old boys were harking back to the ‘old days’ when 500 people would enter each year.

This year the 3 peaks clashed with the Fellsman so I was interested to see if both events on the same day in the same area would affect entry numbers – not one bit! Both events were full with the 3 peaks maxing out at 1000 entries and the 62 mile Fellsman also taking its maximum of 500 entries.

Neither of these races are fun-runs aimed at the masses but are both serious tests of mental and athletic ability run over some of the harshest terrain the country has to offer. The fact that they attract such large fields of dedicated participants is a fantastic sign that off-road running is truly back on the map – long may it continue!

Hmmm isn’t the weather simply glorious…..

This weekend it’s the mighty Fellsman – 62 miles around the Yorkshire dales taking in just about all the major peaks except Pen-Y-Ghent as it travels from Ingleton to Threshfield near Grassington.

Last year we had good weather but I suspect this year’s race might be a tad on the damp side

The peat bogs across Fleet Moss and Middle Tongue are legendary in normal conditions but after 2 weeks of constant rain they’ll be true man swallowers!

The plan is for Steve, Dave and I to run in our PTL team which will be interesting. Steve’s a Fellsman vet of 8 races, I’ve done 4 but Dave’s a Fellsman virgin so is oblivious to the delights awaiting him….

Report to follow.

Well after a nice rest last week on the family holiday in Cornwall, it’s back to the serious business of ultra running tomorrow morning with the 37 mile Calderdale Hike.

Myself, Steve and Dave (AKA the PTL Cunning Runts) will be running it as a team along with our Bingley Harriers teammate Ali Raw.

Never done it before so it should be fun.

Report to follow.

Westerlands Cross Country Club – Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit.

Westerlands Cross Country Club

Westerlands Cross Country Club was founded by Bill Sheridan in 1977 for postgraduates of Glasgow University. The club therefore began life as an offshoot of Glasgow Uni Hares & Hounds, before branching out into hill and off-road running.

Westerlands takes its name from the old Glasgow University Sports Ground at Anniesland. This facility no longer exists since the playing fields were sold off to property developers in the mid 1990s. Instead we now meet at the new Glasgow Uni Sports Complex at Garscube.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Saucony Lady Omni LX Running Tights II

Saucony Drylete lady Running Tights

Reviewed by: Helen Macpherson

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Warm; comfortable fabric; good reflective strips.

Worst Points:

Fit at waist.

Other Comments:

I first tested these on a very cold day running at the coast and found them warm apart from when running into a head wind. I tested size Small. I am a small size 12 and found the Small leggings a very neat fit but the waist seemed quite wide. Even with the cord tied fairly tightly, the leggings tended to slip to my hips a little. I don’t know if this would have happened with the next size up. Otherwise I found them very functional.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Salomon Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Reviewed by: Brian Brennan.

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Great feel to the material and very comfortable against the skin, good ventilation control with the mesh on the back and under the arms plus the zip, good reflective areas also. The material blocked the wind very effectively.

Worst Points:

Only minor thing would be the lack of thumb loops to the sleeves.

Other Points:

I tested this top over three runs, the first was a hill run up Ben Vrackie in below zero temperatures with almost no wind and it was excellent. I tend to overheat, particularly on the climb and the breathability of the garment plus the mesh inserts were good enough to cope. The next run was also a hill run, this time on the Tarmachan Ridge, but conditions were much worse with high winds and a lot of snow on the ground. Again the garment coped really well and it coped with the wind keeping me warm enough even at the top of the Munro as long as I kept running. The final run was one of our clubs evening hill reps sessions on a cold night in Glasgow and it again coped well with the sweat built up in a series of short sharp bursts.The shirt I tested was a large, I usually wear a medium, and it fits quite well so if in any doubt get the size above your normal one

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Cannock & Stafford Athletics Club – Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit.

Cannock & Stafford Athletics Club

Cannock & Stafford AC is a family orientated club based at Rowley Park in Stafford.

The club caters for athletes of all ages and abilities and competes in the National Young Athletes League, National Junior League, Midland Senior League and Midland Veterans League as well as cross country leagues during the winter.

Last season (2011), the club were champions of the Midland Senior League Division 3 and both mens and womens champions in the Midland Veterans League (North Division)

For further information, see the club’s website at www.csathletics.com

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ron Hill Vizion Powerlight Running Tight

Ronhill Vizion Contour Running Tights

Shaun Ainge (age 46 – sprint coach and veteran sprint athlete)

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Probably the best fitting and most comfy running tights I’ve worn.

Didn’t hinder my movement at all when running.

Mesh panel at back of knees helps avoid sweating.

Hi-viz flash down side of upper leg would be excellent for road runners.

Worst Points:

The pocket design at the back is poor with a zip running horizontally across the middle of the available area. This means it is awkward to fit anything in

Other Comments:

I’ve worn these running tights for winter sprint training which has utilised a full range of movement. As mentioned above, they have never hindered my movement when running. I would recommend this item.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas AdiZero Long Tight

Adidas Adizero Long Tights

Jonny Anderson (age 27 – 100 & 200m sprinter)

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Light weight and breathable
Warm
Good wick-able material
Eye catching design

Worst Points:

Zips caused a little bit of rubbing across my ankles

Other Points:

N/A

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ronhill Lady Aspiration Powerlight Tights

Ron Hill Lady Aspiration Powerlight Tights

Natalie Ainge (age 19 – sprinter and jumper)

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Nice length and fit well around legs
Comfy to wear
Attractive design

Worst Points:

Slightly baggy around the crotch area

Other Comments:

None

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Stopsley Striders- Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Stopsley Striders - Runners Reviews

Stopsley Striders jogging club was formed in 1982 from the embers of a local jogging course organised by local international athlete Tony Simmons. We are primarily a road and cross country club however in the spring and the summer, most of our racing is on the road.

We now have a membership of over 200 with all abilities – from County champions to those who just run to keep fit or to complete in a fun run. Our main aim is to keep running fun and to enjoy ourselves!

We have 11 qualified coaches who take coached sessions. We meet at Luton Regional Sports Centre, St Thomas Road, Luton LU2 7XP on Monday and Thursday nights at 7:20pm, prompt. After any announcements our members split into groups to run various speeds. Most members also meet in the bar afterwards for a chat and perhaps to arrange a weekend run together. Find out more about us here: www.stopsleystriders.org.uk.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

ADIDAS LADY ADIZERO SHORT SLEEVE T-SHIRT

Adidas Lady Adizero T-Shirt

Reviewed by: Tracey Barrett

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Highly effective at wicking sweat away.

Worst Points:

Very baggy.

Other Comments:

Lovely shirt.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

ADIDAS LADY ADIZERO TIGHT RUNNING SHORTS

Adidas Lady Adizero Shorts

Reviewed by: Louise Peters.

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Fits like a glove. Very easy to run in – hardly know you’ve got them on.

Worst Points:

Do ride up slightly around top side of hips making them a bit wrinkly.

Other Points:

Don’t normally wear these style of shorts as have always felt material a bit itchy but these feel great as soon as you put them on and I am definitely a convert.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas Lady adiVIZ Half Zip Running Top

Adidas Lady adiVIZ Half Zip Long Sleeve Running Top

Reviewed by: Mark Sains.

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4.5

Best Points:

Warm and very bright (with luminescent strips so that I was seen in pitch black!)

Worst Points:

The seams across the shoulders are different to other shirts I wear and rubbed for the first few runs.

Other Comments:

The cut is the same as other Adidas shirts, but slightly looser so you could add an additional baselayer as well (if it was really cold!)

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Peel Road Runners - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

Peel Road Runners - Running Club

Peel Road Runners are a Tamworth based running club, from Staffordshire in England and are now in their 20th year. The club was formed around Christmas 1991, after a breakway move from Tamworth Athletics Club and consisted of founder members, Chairman Greg Hall, President Ray Rogers, Secretary Dee Hall, and Treasurer Dave Ostins. Club colours are black and yellow.

Club membership is now at a healthy 67 and we meet every Tuesday and Thursday night at Tamworth Snowdome at 7pm to run between 5-7 miles.

Peel Road Runners are active members of the Birmingham & District Invitation Cross Country League having competed in the competition for over 5 years. For the coming summer, the Peelers will be joining the Burton & District Summer League. For more info see www.peelroadrunners.co.uk.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ronhill Lady Tights

Reviewed by: TRICIA BUNN

Star Rating (Out of 5): 4

Best Points:

Lovely soft fabric, very comfy. Great high viz strips which weren’t too obtrusive! Tie waist useful and a superb, very roomy back pocket which I loved. Really enjoyed wearing these to run in….shame its been a bit warm to test their warmth in the winter months, but I reckon they will be more than up to the job of those long winter training runs

Worst Points:

A little baggy around the thigh and tummy area for me – I had to tie them up tight! Also, I am 5ft 8 and found them long – not too long, but for someone shorter, this could be a problem.

Other Comments:

Thank you for allowing me to test these – it was a real privilege. Hope my comments are useful.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Ronhill Mens Running Tights

Reviewed by: Richard BUNN

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Very comfortable.

Worst Points:

A little pricey.

Other Points:

The tights give me the freedom of running in so called running shorts but cut out the icy wind and rain. I am genuinely converted to running in tights after years of suffering the cold but being reluctant about wearing a restricting running legging. I used to believe that I would be limited by the constraints of suffocating tights but these Ron Hill tights allowed my legs to move effortlessly and my skin to breathe freely.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

 Ronhill Vizion Powerlite Tights

Ronhill Vizion Powerlite Tights

Reviewed by: Mark Harriott

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Stretch Panel behind the knee, Seems do not rub at all. Vented panel to sides and back below the waist, reflective strips and a very useful zip pocket at the rear.

Worst Points:

None found.

Other Comments:

Basically these are just so comfortable, feel like a second skin to wear and very lightweight they also take up very little space when rolled up and are ideal for travel.

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East End Road Runners - Reviews of Sportsshoes.com running kit

East End Runners

East End Road Runners, the only dedicated road running club in Newham, is affiliated to UK Athletics and England Athletics (2659155) and is a founder member of the award winning Newham Athletics Network. The mix of our growing membership reflects our location and work in the UK’s most ethnically diverse community.

The club is based at Terence McMillan Stadium (Newham Leisure Centre), situated at 281 Prince Regent Lane, London, E13 8SD

We currently meet three times week (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) and all of our sessions are led by qualified and experienced athletics / running coaches. For more information please see www.eerr.org.uk.

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See below for reviews:

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Hi Viz jacket (bright pink)

Star Rating (Out of 5): 2.5

Best Points:

Very lightweight and seems to offer a bit of protection against the wind.

Worst Points:

Badly sewn.  This garment was obviously a second or a reject as it could not go into any store or merchandise outlet. The stitching was faulty – so bad in fact the pocket had a gaping hole, making it unusable for small items.

Other Comments:

Garment literature claims that jacket is water resistant, but this was not tested. Not sure if drivers could see me any more clearly, but running near Beckton Park along Strait Road, they certainly gave me a wide berth. Literature offered a competition entry that expired one year ago. This confirms my thoughts about garments not being merchandisable. I would not pay £45 (as was marked on packaging) for this item.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Asics thermal top

Star Rating (Out of 5): 3

Best Points:

Forgot I was wearing it.

Worst Points:

Sizing – it was too small and too short

Other Points:

I was delighted to be given a thermal top but on first impressions I thought the fabric felt cheap.  It also came up really small.  I’m a size 10 and the medium top barely fitted me.  The neck sits quite high and felt a bit odd.  I also didn’t find it particularly warm while I was standing about waiting to start my session HOWEVER all those negatives aside once I started running I found it comfortable and appropriately warm.  I soon forgot I was wearing which is exactly what I’d want with running kit.

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Item Tested and reviewed:

Adidas Adizero Long Running Tights

Adidas Adizero Long Running Tights

Reviewed by Lynne Lewis

Star Rating (Out of 5): 5

Best Points:

Attractive, Great Fit, Great Value, High Quality, Warm, Wash Well

Worst Points:

Pocket, leg length

Other Comments:

I own a few pairs of running tights and they range in price from £70 for compression tights to £20 for standard running tights. One major problem with cheaper tights is they tend to fit badly and smell after a few washes, these tights fitted great and remained odour free are five wash.

They had the added bonus of a zip at the bottom of each leg that enables you to get in and out of them with ease, a must when returning tired from a long run. Although not a major selling point of these tights, visibility is helped by the yellow stripes on the thighs and a few inches of reflective piping on the zips. I have only worn these tights in light rain thus far, but I was kept both warm and dry. On warmer days the tights performed well by keeping me cool.

Overall I was very impressed by the product especially for the price! The only faults I can find (if I am being really picky) is the length of the leg was maybe one inch longer than I would of preferred and I would also prefer a pocket located on the small of my back with a zip as opposed to the pocket provided that is located on waist band at the top of the right leg. I would definitely recommend this product to friends.

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