Steve Kalclash, a die-hard vegan and barefoot running fanatic, normally does the bulk of his running on the road, but we wanted to get his verdict on the new Trek Ascent. So he’s recently been putting in the miles off-road, trail running, and he made this short video to let us all know his first impressions of the Trek Ascent.
Who is Steve Kalclash?
For those of you that don’t know Steve, he is an inspirational character. His YouTube channel is growing bigger all the time and his videos range massively; from his vegan diet to product reviews, and training tips involving running, cycling, and weight lifting. His favourite Vibram FiveFingers model (given he is a road runner) is the Bikila EVO, but he’s a massive fan of the KSO EVO too. He also reviewed the KSO EVO earlier this year for us. See the video here.
The Trek Ascent – An Overview
In the Trek Ascent ‘Family’ there are three styles all featuring the same patented MEGAGRIP sole. They are all great for trail running, hiking, trekking, and casual use. The sole offers great grip on all surfaces, but is not too aggressive, making it still a good choice for road running too.
The TREK ASCENT is the original, featuring a synthetic upper fabric. The lightest in the range, the Ascent is fast and grippy, ideal for off-road racing and mud obstacle events (i.e. Tough Mudder). The synthetic, lightweight upper fabric means the shoe dries quicker should you get it wet.
The TREK ASCENT LR is exactly the same as the TREK ASCENT, expect the upper fabric is a combination of Hemp and Kangaroo Leather. This combination of materials makes the shoe naturally water-resistant and more durable.
The TREK ASCENT INSULATED is the newest style in the range, and is reinforced with wool inside the shoe making it really warm. Ideal for winter and cold weather.
I’ve been using my KSO Evo for more than 12 months now, and as they’re about to hit the 1,000 mile mark, I thought it was about to time I showed some love for them. Here’s an overview and my long-overdue review.
If you have a pair of KSO Evo, we’d be interested to see or hear how your Vibrams are getting on too.
A Brief History of the KSO Evo
In case you’re wondering, KSO stands for Keep Stuff Out. Evo is short for Evolution, and evolve is exactly what this shoe has done.
The KSO Evo evolved from the original KSO and since the shoe’s release in February 2014, the KSO Evo has become the most popular FiveFingers style. It is not surprising, then, that Vibram have decided to make absolutely no changes to this shoe for 2015 (except release new colours, in grey/black for men, and purple/grey for women).
2015’s KSO Evo
Original KSO for women
Speed-Lace System
The original KSO featured a hook and loop Velcro fastening system that I felt was flawless. I was skeptical about the new speed-lace system on the KSO Evo, but I was very quickly won over.
The lace system provides a much wider opening of the shoe that greatly enhances the ease of getting your foot in to the shoe. For me, there is no more squeezing and fumbling to get your feet in to the shoe; the foot slides straight in. Easy on / Easy off. Pop on a pair of toe socks, and its even easier.
Once you’ve got the shoes on, you slide the lace and release the quick lace button and you won’t have to readjust the shoes again during your workout. It is that simple.
950 miles in: upper
950 miles in: soles
950 miles in: inside
950 miles in: side profile
Ground Feel
Often referred to as proprioception or barefoot feel, the KSO Evo wins hands-down in this department. With a maximum sole thickness of just 4.7mm, you are able to get fantastic feedback from the ground. Whether you like it or not, you really do feel everything under your feet.
The XS Trek sole features a zig-zag pattern that provides a surprising amount of grip, and because the sole is so thin from heel to toe, there is total flexibility.
What is the KSO Evo best for?
The KSO Evo is perhaps the most versatile shoe in the Vibram FiveFingers collection. I’ve used mine for road running, on the treadmill, on dry trails, in the gym, for leisure and for travelling. It is impossible to put the shoe in to one category so I’ll give an overview for each and a suitability rating.
Road / Treadmill Running
The bulk of my 950 miles with the KSO Evo has come from road running. The low weight makes for an excellent road and treadmill shoe. There is no bulk to slow you down and the thin sole ensures you maintain a good cadence.
Road / Treadmill Running Rating: 9/10
Trail Running
As you know, trails can wildly differ. From smooth, dusty trails, to boggy, wet single-track, to technical descents, it is impossible to get a trail shoe that suits all off-road terrain. The KSO Evo is definitely not a good shoe for mud (for that, see the Spyridon MR), and for technical terrain that may have sharp stones and gravel, you really don’t want a sole this thin (for that, see the Trek Ascent). But in the summer months when the trails dry up and you’re present with dry terrain, the KSO Evo really can perform. The zig-zag sole pattern offers substantial off-road grip and the lightness of the shoe makes it very agile. Just be careful of anything sharp or gnarly underfoot!
Trail Running Rating: 4/10
Gym use
The polyester mesh upper fabric is extremely breathable and is treated with Aegis Anti Microbial, which prevents the build up of odour. I’m no gym monster, but I do enjoy indoor training and bodyweight exercises, and I find the KSO Evo extremely capable. The flat, low-profile nature of the shoe provides unparalleled balance. The KSO Evo may just revolutionise your ‘leg day’ at the gym!
Gym Rating: 9/10
KSO Evo: Good in the gym!
Leisure use
I don’t wear Vibrams very often for everyday use. I use mine solely for training and travel, but that’s just my personal preference. However, the KSO Evo is perhaps the least offensive of all Vibrams. The design is minimal, the black colourway is relaxed, and they are extremely comfortable. Like slippers, honestly!
Leisure / Everyday / Casual Rating: 6/10
Travel
When travelling light, you want things that take up the least room with the least weight. The KSO Evo is not only both of those, but is also extremely flexible; you can roll them up – They are packable footwear!
Wearing the KSO Evo after completing the Via de la Plata
Travel-friendly: The KSO Evo are inside the handlebar bag
Slipping in to the KSO Evo after a hard day’s cycling
My KSO Evo, despite the high mileage they have already endured, still look almost new. The upper fabric remains intact, the soles show only mild signs of wear on the outside of the forefoot, and they still smell (relatively) fresh. My first pair of KSO (original) lasted 1,300 miles, and I’m expecting to get at least another 1,000 miles from my KSO Evo.
2015 is here and we’re delighted to present to you a wonderful range of Vibram FiveFingers. We truly believe that this year there is something for everybody. Old styles such as the Trek Sport and the Seeya LS have made way for new releases, and we’re thrilled with the offering.
We’ve given them all a quirky name so hopefully you’ll be able to use this to figure out which style is best for you and your preferred uses. Each style has a quick overview so you can easily understand what the shoe is designed for:
The Big Hit – Trek Ascent / Trek Ascent LR
The Mud Racer – Spyridon MR
The One For Water – Signa
The Elegant Choice – Alitza Loop
The Classic – VI-B and EL-X
The Bestseller – KSO Evo
The Revolutionary (aka The Expensive One) – KMD Evo
The Indoor Favourite – KMD Sport LS
The Road Runner – Bikila Evo
The Waterproof One – Bikila Evo WP
The Casual One – CVT-Hemp
Have a read through the article and click the images to see the full product description of each.
The Big Hit – Trek Ascent / Trek Ascent LR
NEW FOR 2015
Trail Running
Trekking / Hiking
Mud / Obstacle Events
The Trek Ascent replaces the Trek Sport and the leather (LR) version has been released to satisfy the huge demand for an off-road leather shoe.
The shoe offers incredible rugged traction for all surfaces but is most capable on off-road adventures. The MEGAGRIP sole compound ensures you’ll have a firm and grounded experience when you’re on the trails.
The Trek Ascent LR does exactly the same job, except you can expect more durability with added water resistance from the leather and hemp upper fabric.
The Trek Ascent – Available for both men and women in a choice of different colours
The Mud Racer – Spyridon MR
Mud / Obstacle Events
Trail Running
If you’ve ever ran a muddy obstacle event you will have no doubt seen people lose their shoes in the mud or witnessed people losing their grip on the wet and muddy sections. That’s where the Spyridon MR comes in. MR stands for ‘Mud Runner’ and the shoe is equipped with a multidirectional lug pattern to ensure solid grip in all directions. Additionally, there is a molded 3D cocoon nylon mesh in the midsole to disperse impact.
Men’s and Women’s Spyridon MR
The One For Water – Signa
Surfing and Watersports (Kayaking, Rowing, SUP)
FiveFingers’ signature water sport shoe, the Signa is ultra-thin, flexible and lightweight. The Signa offers incredible grip thanks to the WAVEGRIP sole compound and is very comfortable, both in and out of the water.
The Signa – Available for men and women
The Elegant Choice – Alitza Loop
NEW FOR 2015
Yoga, Pilates, indoor sessions
Fitness Classes
Casual & Leisure
Available for ladies’ only, the Alitza Loop replaces the incredibly popular original Alitza. Favoured by yoga, pilates and barre practitioners, but is also great for any indoor activities. Lightweight, breathable and perfect for fitness classes and studio sessions as well as travel and casual use.
The Alitza Loop. An elegant, ladies-only style
The Men’s Classic – EL-X
Indoor Training
Travel
Available for men only, although women with wider feet often prefer the EL-X. This simple ‘barefoot’ shoe has no fastening mechanism and is versatile, comfortable and easy on and easy off. Equipped with Vibram’s thinnest sole (just 3.5mm), the EL-X offers incredible ground feel. The minimalist nature of the shoe, its flexibility and its low weight make it a perfect travel companion.
The EL-X. Available in black and red/black. Designed for men but also suitable for women
The Women’s Classic – VI-B
Fitness Classes
Casual & Leisure
Yoga, Pilates, indoor sessions
Travel
Available for women only, the VI-B is for the elegant minimalist. Consider this an ‘evloved ballet flat’; featherlight, breathable and slim-fitting. Great for indoor training, casual use and for no-fuss travel. Also comes with a free polyester mesh bag that matches your shoes!
Available in a choice of colours, the beautiful VI-B
The Bestseller – KSO Evo
Indoor Training
Road Running
Casual & Leisure
Travel
The KSO Evo replaced the original KSO back in 2013 and has become a firm favourite since. Ideal for pretty much anything, it is difficult to say what the KSO Evo is actually best for. Its great for hitting the gym, for tarmac running, and due to its sleek design (that isn’t quite as ‘outrageous’) as some other styles, the KSO Evo is popular as an everyday shoe.
Always a hit! The KSO Evo available in various colours for both men and women
The Revolutionary – KMD Evo
NEW FOR 2015
Parkour, Free Running & Similar
Indoor training
Casual & Leisure
Inspired by the rise in parkour and free running, the KMD Evo is a revolutionary new shoe from Vibram Fivefingers. The upper fabric is made from 100% low elastic polyester filament (similar to Nike’s FlyKnit material). The sole is fantastic for dynamic movement, for climbing, leaping and balancing. Its true that this shoe is expensive, but the KMD Evo certainly feels like a luxurious product.
Leap, bound, climb, run. The KMD Evo for men and women
The Indoor Favourite – KMD Sport LS
Indoor Training
Walking
Previously known as the Komodo Sport, the KMD Sport LS is hands-down the best indoor training shoe from Vibram FiveFingers. The multi-drection lug pattern on the soles makes it great for agile, lateral movements and intense workouts. The flexibility of the shoe provides great feedback (barefoot feel) and the upper fabric is reinforced in places to support the likes of rope climbing and other CrossFit-type exercises.
The KMD Sport LS: Available for men and women in various colours
The Road Runner – Bikila Evo
Road Running
Indoor Training
Walking
The Bikila Evo is an ideal shoe to transition in to barefoot running. At 6.5mm the sole is about halfway between the thinnest and thickest making it a perfect indtroductory shoe.
But that’s not all. The Bikila Evo is the premium road running shoe from Vibram FiveFingers. The lightweight EVA midsole provides a thin blanket of cushioning that really helps during races and long runs.
Rapid! The Bikila Evo, for road running
The Waterproof One – Bikila Evo WP
Road Running
Snow and Ice
Poor Weather Running
Introduced in late 2014, the Bikila Evo WP was a godsend to many. Finally, we have a ‘barefoot’ running shoe that is 100% waterproof. A total revalation, the Bikila Evo is startlingly good-looking, and the ICETREK sole compound acts as a sticky grip on ice and snow.
The Casual One – CVT Hemp
Casual & Leisure
Travel
Minimalist shoe lovers will be impressed by the CVT Hemp. Lightweight, breathable and stylish; there’s no fastening mechanism – it’s a simple slip-on shoe where the heel can also fold down to act like a clog. Durable and comfortable.
CVT Hemp, available for both men and women
What do you think of 2015’s Vibrams?
With the increase in people participating in muddy obstacle events and the growing popularity of trail and ultra running, we believe the Trek Ascent is going to be the big favourite five-toe’d shoe of 2015. But there seems to be a massive movement in people getting fit, going to fitness classes and PT sessions so the KMD Sport LS and the KSO Evo are likely to be big hits too.
Which is your favourite style for 2015?
If you could, what else would you have liked to see?
Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post every-so-often to our favourite customer questions, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’.
This week’s customer question comes from a lady looking for Vibrams to wear for walking the Trails.
Can I Wear the Trek Sport for Trail Walking?
Yes, the Trek Sport is absolutely fine for trail walking. A lot of the Vibrams (in my opinion) are a little too thin for walking on trails, but this Trek sole is thick enough to offer protection whilst still offering a degree of ‘barefoot’ feel.
The Trek Sport. Deep lugs provide grip and stability on the trail.
Waterproof style of Vibram FiveFingers.
There aren’t any waterproof styles as such, but there is one style that is water-resistant. The Lontra is built on the same sole as the Trek Sport, expect the upper fabric is insulated and repels water. We are discontinuing this style (hence the generous discount) as we have have several dissatisfied customers; the sizing comes up a little large and others have commented that the neoprene cuff is a little too tight.
Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
The other two styles worthy of consideration are the Spyridon MR (good for handling mud, thinner sole than Trek Sport) and the Trek Sport Sandal (same Trek sole, different upper fabric).
Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post every-so-often to our favourite customer questions, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’. So, without further ado, here is our latest CQOTW:
I recently can a Tough Mudder in my KMD Sport. They had enough grip, but let in a lot of debris. Which Vibram FiveFingers would you recommend for tackling mud obstacle races?
Its been very busy for us this week, we’ve recently taken delivery of new stock, including New Balance and Ultimate Direction, as quite coincidentally, we are ‘re-strategising’ to target trail runners and obstacle runners!
New Balance Minimus: Zero Drop. Perfect for trail running
The KMD Sport is best in the gym, indoor training, and tarmac running. I am really surprised you found them to have adequate grip on your Tough Mudder.
The KMD Sport LS. Typically designed for the gym
For mud/obstacle use, the stand-out style is the Spyridon MR. The MR stands for Mud Runner and was designed for muddy events. I can’t comment from personal experience, as the Spyridon has always been one of those shoes that has never quite agreed with me, but our customers love that shoe.
The Spyridon MR. Vibram’s offering for muddy events
The other option (and a personal favourite of mine) is the Trek Sport. The tread is actually deeper than the Spyridon MR, so it provides better traction on the trails. It is built on the KSO platform (which stands for Keep Stuff Out) so if you’re looking to keep the dirt out, this could be the one for you.
The Trek Sport. Deep lugs provide grip and stability on the trail.
Further, keeping grit and debris out is never easy, especially when you’re swamping around in mud. However, from personal experience, a pair of toe socks combined with fastening your shoes up extra tight has always been the best solution for me.
Injinji Original Weight, No Show toe socks.
Both the Spyridon MR and the Trek Sport are currently on offer. The Trek Sport is currently £40 off, but this price will be increased over the weekend. We also have an offer on a pair of Injinji toe socks (offer only applies to that particular pair), where you can pick up a pair for better than half price when you place an order with us.
Ultimate Direction’s ‘Jurek Endure’. Another piece of kit that will simplify your life on the trails
If you’re an early-riser like me, you’ll have noticed that the sun has been a little slower coming up over the horizon. I have found my running circuit through the woods much harder to navigate, and that my morning bike rides require me to mount a rear light for visibility.
If, on the other hand, you do most of your outdoor fitness on the evening – you may have felt the warmth of the sun slowly fizzling out earlier than it had done the week before, or that you cast longer shadows on your way home from your run.
The Significance of the Sun
The sun, for many, acts as their ticket to outdoor exercise. Many don’t like to run in the dark. Others only get out while its warm. If you’re in that bracket – you had better start making the most of the last of the long summer days.
How Are You Going To Make The Most Of It?
Today, 21 August 2013 in Redcar (on the North East coast of England) we’re going to benefit from 14 hours and 34 minutes of daylight. This time next month, we’ll have just 12 hours 17 minutes of daylight. That means, over the course of this next month we are going to ‘lose’ 2-and-a-quarter hours of daylight!
Today in London you will have 14 hours 14 minutes of daylight. Next month, you will lose almost 2 hours of daylight, giving you just 12 hours 16 minutes.
It’s Not All Doom And Gloom
The shortening of the days does bring huge benefits to us outdoor-loving folk. We will start seeing nuts and berries really flourishing, and with each day you’ll notice more of the bushes bearing ripe fruit. How about that for free ‘fuel’ while you’re out running? …Just grab a couple of blackberries as you pass by!!
Choosing The Right Shoes
The warmth that summer brings allows us to wear less – And that applies to footwear too. Get out and give barefoot running a whirl. Just slip your shoes off for a mile and see how it feels – You’ll surprise yourself at how much you will enjoy it!
Or perhaps you want to run a little further and need a bit of protection underfoot? That’s where we come in. Here are my top three shoes for the closing summer months:
Brand-new from Vibram FiveFingers; the men’s EL-X offers incredible ‘barefoot’ feel, having such a minimal sole. The upper fabric is so light and breathable, it makes running in the warmth an absolute pleasure. The flexibility of the sole also means it is the perfect choice for alternative activities such as slick-lining, climbing, and parkour.
Ha! Self-Promotion or what?!?
While the EL-X is a male-specific style, ladies need not feel left out. They too have some brand-new styles to try out: The Alitza and the Entrada. They feature the same sole as the EL-X, except the upper is exposed giving you maximum breathability whilst exercising. The Entrada‘s style is perfect for yoga, pilates, hitting the gym, and running.
Barefoot running – except – you pop a sole under your foot with some lacing. Sounds simple, right? …That’s because it is. You simply measure your foot, order your size, and customise your very own huarache-style sandal. Perfect for running. A great substitute for summer sandals that come in colours: black, brown, red, blue, and green.
Do you like to run off-road, on trails, through woodland, across hills through luscious countryside? Me too. That’s why I keep harping on about how brilliant the Trek Sport Sandal is. I’ve always like the original Trek Sport , but the Sandal version is much more fun, more breathable, and looks better too. The ‘Sandal‘ title might be a bit misleading; this ‘shoe’ features slits in the side and a wicked colour scheme in black and yellow! The Trek sole provides barefoot feel, but features enough tread to cope with the demands of running your favourite trails. This style is my favourite to date – and these beauties are available for both men and women. Result!
The Trek Sport Sandal – Perfect for trekking!
Freebies
…And don’t forget – All orders over £50 come with FREE DELIVERY and a FREE FEETUS BUFF!
Are you looking for the perfect ‘barefoot’ trail running shoe to wear during summer? The Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport Sandal may be the perfect option.
The KSO Trek Sport is one of the bestsellers at Feetus.co.uk. It features a fantastic sole, ‘grippy’ enough for trail running, yet not too rugged making it a good choice for running too. Many love the Trek Sport for their boot camp training too. Versatile and practical.
BUT… When I first heard saw the images of the Trek Sport Sandal, I thought Vibram had gone mad! Why would they make a ‘barefoot’ sandal with five toe pockets and a rugged sole? Then I saw the recommended retail price. £110 for a sandal… Who in the right mind would pay that?
That is – until the BIG Vibram FiveFingers SS13 shipment arrived on our doorstep. I was bowled over by the Trek Sport Sandal as soon as I saw it in the flesh.
The Trek Sport Sandal coped very well on the rugged terrain. Much of the route covers the Cleveland Way, which is a mix of woodland trails, singletrack, stony paths and old rock paths. I was concerned that the vents in the side of the shoes would let gravel in, but this was never an issue.
The Sandals were in their element with it being such a hot (29C) day.
After 12 miles I could feel the shoes starting to rub. I suppose this is natural, given that this was the very first time I had ever worn them running. All new shoes take time to ‘bed in’, and before starting, I was expecting blisters.
CONCLUSION
The Trek Sport Sandal is a very capable ‘barefoot’ running shoe, and handles dry terrain with ease. Comfortable on various terrains, the Sandal is best suited to warm-hot days when the ground is dry.
If you’re a fan of the Trek Sport, you will love the Sandal version. I certainly prefer this to the Trek Sport, mainly due to its breathability and without question its aesthetics. The Trek Sport Sandal looks awesome!
I do feel that Vibram have got their price wrong for these shoes though. £110 is a HUGE amount to fork out on what is advertised as a ‘sandal’. Without knowing exactly how good these are in advance, its difficult to say whether I would be willing to splash the cash on these – but now I have them, they are my go-to pair of Vibrams for trail running as well as day-to-day use during warmer days.
Looking for a ‘barefoot’ running shoe that can handle the trails with confidence? Look no further than the VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Trail.
The Look
It is clear to see by looking at the Neo Trail that this shoe is of very high quality. The upper is double-stitched and made up of a strong, breathable material. The inner features little but adequate padding around the ankle and the tongue giving the shoe a very comfortable feel, without being too suffocating.
The Sole
As with all VIVOBAREFOOT shoes, the sole is ultra-thin to provide maximum proprioception, whilst being puncture-resistant. Barefoot runners will be pleased to know that the toe box offers generous room to allow your toes to splay and expand naturally.
The lugs on the sole provide incredible grip when hitting the trails. We recently reviewed the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon trail shoe, and were disappointed with its performance in wet, muddy conditions. You won’t find that problem with the Neo Trail (or its little brother, the Breatho Trail – which features the same sole).
The shoes come with a removable insole. This is a nice touch, and gives you the flexibility to play with the amount of barefoot / ground feel that you want.
The Performance
On trails, both in the dry and wet, the Neo Trail performs admirably. The shoes handle technical descents, dirt, slippery rocks etc with complete ease. The Neo Trail is also extremely durable, and you will find that you will be able to clock up some serious mileage before any notable signs of wear.
Why Should I Choose the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon?
If you love Vibrams, but are looking for something more rugged, more trail-friendly, yet minimalist, the Spyridon could be the perfect shoe for you. But is the Spyridon as good as it looks? Feetus.co.uk takes these trail-suited barefoot shoes to the test and offers an unbiased review…
THE LOOKS
The Spyridon look incredible. They feature a laceless, hook and loop Velcro closure system similar to the likes of the KSO and Trek Sport. This system hugs your ankle and folds through a loop over the instep of your foot.
The upper fabric is a coconut fibre material, which is both flexible and breathable, whilst reducing odour.
The upper also features a very attractive design with a kind of semi circle pattern atop a painted material. The shoes are not waterproof or water resistant, so if you’re planning on using these FiveFingers in the rain then you’re bound to experience wet feet. Of course, for most Vibram-wearers, this is quite expected.
THE SOLE
The main reason you would buy a pair of Spyridons is for the sole. The sole is very reminiscent of a mountain bike tyre, with a knobby, ‘grippy’ tread. This tread features quadrilateral lugs that lean and face in different directions, supposedly to offer grip and aid agility when running on trails.
The shoes perform wonderfully in dry conditions. Take these out over some dusty trail or dry single-track and you will be extremely impressed. They offer a great deal of traction, cope well with quick changes of direction, and feel reliable when negotiating technical sections. Providing you are light and nimble on your feet, the sole provides adequate protection, giving you confidence to give it your all on your off-road run.
The Spyridon Sole
The performance in wetter, muddier conditions diminishes somewhat. I found the Spyridons to lack adequate grip to cope with the demands of technical trails in wet mud. Over 12-miles of the Cleveland Way on a cold, wet day, the Spyridons did not give me the confidence to attack the trails with conviction, and I found myself holding back to avoid slipping too much.
Additionally, I found that once water found its way in to the shoes, they became uncomfortable and not breathable enough.
PROs
Perform admirably in dry conditions
Perfect for trail running and
Good barefoot feel, though not as much as Vibram FiveFingers KSO
The look incredible – a great design
Good, secure fastening
Toe protection
CONs
Lack adequate grip in wet conditions
Not breathable enough in wet conditions
They run slightly small
SUITED TO
Dry trail running
Obstacle events such as Tough Mudder (the glove-like fit and Velcro fastening means you won’t lose these shoes in deep mud!)
Question: How often do you get the chance to meet with a load of like-minded people, attend a presentation by a top ultra trail runner, trial a full range of the best sport nutrition on the market, and then take guided runs through some beautiful Shropshire trails?
Answer: Not very often (unless you’re a pro runner).
Well that’s exactly what Torq (in association with FreeStak) put together for a group of trail runners this weekend.
A Trail Team is (Almost) Born
This was billed originally as an ‘Assessment Day’ to help select a small group of amateur trail runners to form the inaugural Torq Trail Team. Not only would this team proudly represent Torq at events across the country and have a healthy supply for Torq goods at their disposal – but they would also be taken for a training holiday to cover the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) circuit. Not bad eh?
Saturday: Education. Inspiration. Perspiration.
The format of the day was very relaxed. After an hour of socialising, a brief introduction from the charismatic Simon and Julie from FreeStak, we received a fantastic presentation from Torq’s nutritional guru, Ben. It’s fair to say that we all learned an awful lot from what became an interactive session covering all aspects of ‘fuelling’ on the run. Don’t hit that wall!
We were then treated to a superb session with Stuart Mills. Thought-provoking, inspirational, controversial, and more… “Run as fast as you can, when you can”, “If you’re doing core work, you’re not doing enough running”. If you’ve never stumbled across Ultra Stu’s blog before, do it today, you won’t regret it!
Inspired and wired (on gels), we donned our running gear to hit the trails across the Long Mynd. Often surrounded by low cloud, battered by a side wind, and shin-deep in snow, we were distracted by great company and beautiful views. The only competitive aspect of the run was perhaps the rush for the showers at the end.
Sunday: Long Run
Sunday’s schedule was simple. You either ran a 2-hour circuit, or a 4-hour circuit, and your reward would be a well-earned hotpot in the hostel. The typical British weather did little to put the hardy group of trail runners off on what turned out to be an unforgettable day of running.
Picking up the paceStanding around ‘Torqing’
The Future
Torq and FreeStak have got big plans for this concept going forward, with plans for the next few years already being formulated. It’s fair to say that interest in this Trail Team will only grow, but who knows, if you stay up to date with Torq via their Facebook page; it could be YOU in 2014…
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