Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: Simey on September 18, 2012
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Hey all, so I'm wanting to put my desire for beginning mountain running into action and have a idea of a couple of tracks to start on.
What equipment is important for a beginner bearing in mind my runs will be of short duration to begin with in fact it will be a walk/run for the first sessions sticking to well trodden paths.
What I consider very important is the right footwear and this is always my priority. Can anyone suggest a good make, what I'm looking for in this type of shoe or good web sites giving reviews on kit.
I probably have the other kit required ie running shorts, tees and shower proof jackets. I am sure however in the future if I want to build up the miles and time spent in the mountains running better quality of kit is important.
For now it's gently, gently baby steps I may come back in a month saying I hate it lol.
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Salomon speedcross 3 is what I am using. These are very light weight but have super grip. I used the speedcross 2 before that and love the feel of them.
A good windstopper is a must if you are planning getting into the hills specially as you say you will run/walk to begin with. You dont want to get cold. Even though you are planning short runs I would still gear up for a long run because you never know what might happen out on the hills.
Hydration pack is always a good way of carrying all your gear. Sometimes I would run with a water belt if it was smaller runs but you are limited to what you can carry on the belt. Hydration pack can hold food gels and plenty of water and your waterproofs.
There are plenty more experianced mountain runners on here than me so hopefully they will give you some more advise.
Always tell someone your planned route and try to stick to that. If you think you my go further or off the beaten track if your feeling good on the day tell someone your route 1 and your extended route should you feel up to it. Good to carry a phone in a waterproof bag or sandwhich bag.
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Hey Simey,
I think I listed bazillions of shoes on the last thread so I'll not mention again other than to say fit is important so be prepared to try on or order a few sizes or makes/send some back.
I tend to like a wide fit for trails and my long runs, but if you are well off road you'll want a snugger fit to stop your foot sliding around on angled ground. Probably anything comfortable good to start. Unfortunately there's little that's cheap. May get some older Speedcross 2 on offer. Mizuno Harriers & Walsh Spirit Lite may be £20 or so cheaper than the other offerings too but you'd need to order them online I think.
Avoid gore-tex type shoes, they never dry. Those wee ankle gaiters may be a good idea to keep bits of heather out of your shoes (but not needed on most trails).
Good socks important too. I like wool as it's warm when wet and comfortable. Icebreaker and Bridgedale are good bets. I'm signed up to SportsPursuit (http://www.sportpursuit.com/join/Craig_Lloyd_10202) and there are regular sock offers on it near half price.
mregan is right about the the other stuff. I find a buff and thinny gloves always fit somewhere...even your shorts waistband if you're really going minimal :)
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as also mentioned on the other thread, sports direct do some cheap fell shoes, http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x-tr-mens-trail-running-shoes-213090 although if sticking to the main trails (e.g. the brandy pad) then road shoes will do most of the time as will last longer, the grippy stuff will be needed if coming down the grassy slopes, but these will wear out quick if using them on the hard ground a lot
you may also want to get a set of leggings if going off trail (or orienteering), i've just picked up a set of ron hill classic leggings from ebay (approx £15), not as tight as many of the other offerings so more is left to the imagination 8)
as for gloves i use a cheap set of builders gloves available from most hardware stores for about £2, they have a mesh back which dries quickly and a slightly rubberised palm which is great for scrambling up rocks
a handheld water bottle is useful
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-run-bottle-764060?colcode=76406037
i like the 300ml one, the 500ml is a bit big for my pocket
or just use an ordinary water bottle, carry it til empty and hide to pick up on the way back
a lot of shorts have no pockets, and i love my pockets as i don't like the waistbelts, so try and get some with two back pockets, i can put my phone and camera in each and they don't bounce about much, anything in side pockets bounces too much, and make sure your key is well secured, don't want to lose that! i've heard of a key not working after running with it in the inner shorts key pocket as it had got damp with sweat and wouldn't open the car til it dried out, maybe get a magnetic key holder and keep it on your car so you know you won't lose it