Weaknesses: Just doesn't work as well as the old yellow model (of which I has 4 pairs) but I can't quite figure out what's changed apart from the colour. I think it might be more stable and that's restricting the movement of my foot too much.
Overall: Still a good shoe but where I did several ultra marathons in the previous version I just don't trust this one to go the distance. I also suspect it's contributed to some recent injuries.
'GOOD FOR THE NOT-TOO-ROUGH STUFF, AND RUNS WITH SOME ROAD'
Strengths: Lightweight, supportive and responsive. Ideal for trails and multi-terrain races.
Weaknesses: Not for the really rough stuff - sole is not ever-so grippy and the upper is not waterproof.
Overall: Good shoe as long as you're not wading through bogs. Just wore then for the Salisbury 54321 marathon and they were ideal for that mix of trails and road and some light rough.
'ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE TRAINER - ALMOST A RACER'
Strengths: Very light - halfway between my racers and my normal trainers. Like wearing slippers but very responsive and good grip in the wet. Only £30 from the factory outlet.
Weaknesses: Not ever-so supportive, I wouldn't wear them for more than say 10 miles but shouldn't need to if keeping them for speedwork. Horrible brown colour!
Overall: Excellent for the price, great for speedwork
'NEVER AGAIN SAY, “WHERE AM I?” 20 MILES INTO YOUR LONG RUN'
Strengths: Accurate, reasonably light and packed full of features. Can load data onto the computer and it gives course profiles.
Weaknesses: The signal is lost running through the woods. Not good at measuring short interval sessions. The lap button is not in a good place.
Overall: This has become an extension of my arm – it’s difficult to tell you how much I love this gadget. I used to plan runs, measure on maps using bits of string or awkward little wheely-devices. Now I just strap on the Garmin and go. I’ll explore all the various routes and always know how far and fast I’ve been. It even has a map to at least get me back to a previous part of the route if in doubt (useful for running during business trips to Holland). It seems very accurate and consistent and the only down side is running through the woods where the signal is lost. It's also good for programming interval sessions. Brill!
Strengths: Easy to follow. Comprehensive. Especially good for beginners but there are nuggets in there for more experienced runners. Speed training and marathon sections are good.
Weaknesses: No programmes for non-marathon races.
Overall: A good, comprehensive guide, easy to dip into with a nice friendly feel to it.
Strengths: Lots of science stuff - worth reading if you can stick with it. The biographies of the great runners are fantastic, including good training advice. Especially ggod for marathon and ultra runners.
Weaknesses: Big & heavy! Complex.
Overall: The Bible. I constantly dip into this and found the ultra advice really useful for the London to Brighton this year. The author seems to know his stuff. I especially liked the advice on injuries, "never accept a final opinion from someone who isn't a runner"
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