UROC – La Sportiva

Posted on January 19, 2013 by talkultra

January 18^th, Vail, CO and Boulder, CO– The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) and La Sportiva have entered into a partnership for 2013. By signing on as a major sponsor, La Sportiva will support the Ultra Race of Champions’ mission as The Ultra Running Championship and bring together the best of the best, on one course, on one day. The Ultra Race of Champions is presented by Competitor Magazine.

The Ultra Race of Champions was recently selected as the 2013 Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final: this is the first time that any Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final has been held in the USA. “It’s a match made in heaven” says J. Russell Gill III, UROC’s Event Director and CEO of Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports. “With the Ultra Race of Champions as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, La Sportiva’s mountain heritage is a perfect fit for the race”.

“La Sportiva is headquartered in the Dolomites, Italy which is also where the International Skyrunning® Federation was born ” says Dr. Francesca Conte, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports’ President and native of northern Italy. “La Sportiva’s history and experience with mountain running and World championship events makes it the perfect partner for UROC”.

The race, which includes three events, the Ultra Race of Champions 100K, the Über Rock 50K and Cruxy Half Marathon, will take place in Vail, Colorado on September 28^th, 2013. The courses for all three events are perfectly suited for the La Sportiva brand, and the three distances will challenge runners of all backgrounds. The Ultra Race of Champions course will start on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado and finish in Vail Village, crossing several high mountain passes. The 50K and Half Marathon courses will take place on and around Vail Mountain.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions and Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final! We have a great history of working with Francesca and Gill and know they will put together a fantastic event. This is going to generate excellent exposure for the elite field of athletes here in the States as they’re pitted against the toughest of the international competitors and is a huge success for the Mountain Running community as a whole” says Ian Achey, Events and Promotions Manager for La Sportiva. La Sportiva will be an exhibitor at the Champions Village, the UROC Expo in Vail.

Salomon Sense Mantra

Posted on January 18, 2013 by talkultra

The Salomon Sense Mantra may very well be a shoe that introduces ‘new’ runners to mid or forefoot running with cushioning and comfort and a 6mm drop or provide efficient runners with a shoe of greater comfort over longer distances.

The ‘Mantra’ is the the second brother to the S-Lab Sense that Kilian Jornet used in winning the 2011 WS100, the first brother being the ‘new’ S-Lab Sense Ultra.

Why the Mantra?

Well, the Sense and Sense Ultra at 4mm ‘drop’ may very well be two of the most desirable shoes in the run market place at the moment, but for many it may very well be a step too far… especially if coming from a conventional road or trail shoe with a 12mm drop.

Drop? What’s that then… well in the Mantra the ‘drop’ is 6mm. Clearly shown in this image.

Drop is quite simply the difference between heel and toe height. The ‘lower’ the drop, in theory, the more natural the foot strike. It has long been proven that a mid to forefoot strike is far better for efficiency. However, until the ‘barefoot‘ and ‘minimalist‘ movement primarily fuelled by Chris McDougall’s book ‘Born to Run‘, many of us probably didn’t even know what our shoe drop was…

Drop isn’t everything though. Cushioning is also really important. In the Mantra the cushioning at the front of the shoe is 10mm and 16mm at the rear, so, a cushioned shoe!

This additional cushioning combined with a 6mm drop clearly means that the Mantra is firmly placed at enticing two types of runner:

Firstly, Sense or Sense Ultra users who want a low drop shoe with additional cushioning for longer races or training.
Secondly, runners who have been using ‘conventional’ shoes who would like to move to a lower drop and improve run technique with a mid – forefoot strike.

The Mantra in a nutshell offers a little more cushioning than it’s S-Lab brothers, a little more protection and a longer OS Tendon to return more energy. The lower heel drop will allow tendons/muscles to absorb more shock from the running motion and remove stress away from joints. Ultimately, this improvement in run technique will provide greater running efficient for less effort, less injury and a more balanced runner.

OS Tendon? This provides a balanced flex within the shoe and according to Salomon provides improved energy return.

Key Features of the shoe:

Endofit : This is one of the key features of the Sense range that I love. It is an internal sleeve within the shoe, almost like a sock. It does mean that the ‘Sense’ range can be a little awkward to get on at first making you even question if you have the right size shoe. But once your foot slides in you are rewarded with a tight fitting shoe that grips the foot providing a firm, secure and confident feel. Designed for Kilian Jornet so that he could run without a sock. Please keep this in mind. I have gone true to size and use a thin sock and they feel great. If you are planning on using a more padded sock you may need a half size larger.

Dynamic Traction : A Salomon patented system allowing for maximum surface area and traction. Designed for ‘Road to Trail’ the Dynamic Traction grips in the dry and provides security in mud.

Profeet Film : Quite literally a thin fim that runs through the top of the midsole to provide security and protection from the trail that you will run on.

Sensifit : The upper wraps the foot for precision.

Quicklace : A renowned feature of all Salomon shoes with a ‘garage’ the top of the tongue to store excess lace.

Weight is around 260g for a UK9.5 so it compares well to the Sense Ultra at 230g and The North Face Single Track Hayasa at 280g (this shoe has a 10mm drop).

Testing

Early days yet but as one would imagine, this shoe brings many benefits to an already growing shoe collection. As an alternative to lighter and lower drop shoes such as the Sense or Sense Ultra, the Mantra will provide some welcome additional comfort on those longer days on road or trail.

Watch this blog and I will be back with an update as the miles and mud accumulates.

Salomon Running available HERE

Skyrunning 2012 Elite Listing

Posted on January 16, 2013 by talkultra

ULTRA

The Ultra distance races selected in 2012 were held in the following countries: Andorra, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Réunion, Italy, Spain, USA. The ranking is based on the best three results of the year – or two results, plus one from 2011, taking into account the top 15 men’s and 10 women’s results in each race.

The athletes are listed in alphabetical order according to their nationality.

ELITE MEN

AUSTRIA

Wagner Thomas

CANADA

Campbell Adam

FRANCE

Antolinos Fabien, Bringer Patrick, Buffard Sebastien, Camus Sebastien, Chaigneau Sebastien, Chorier Julien, Clavery Erik, Court Sylvain, Curien Yann, D’Haene Francois, Durand Maxime, Gault Emanuel, Guillon Antoine, Lanne Michel, Le Saux Christophe, Lejeune Arnaud, Lorblanchet Thomas, Martin Nicolas, Pasero Mikael, Pianet Nicolas, Rancon Julien

GERMANY

Reiter Philipp

GREAT BRITAIN

Conway Terry, Symonds Andy, Sharman Ian, Grant Joe (?)

HUNGARY

Nemeth Csaba

ITALY

Cavallo Giuliano, Dapit Fulvio

JAPAN

Kaburaki Tsuyoshi, Yamamoto Kenichi

NEPAL

Sherpa Dachhiri Dawa

PORTUGAL

Sa Carlos, Teixeira Armando Jorge

SOUTH AFRICA

Sandes Ryan

SWITZERLAND

Rey Jean-Yves

SPAIN

Bes Jordi, Castanyer Tofol, Jornet Kilian, Karrera Iker, Heras Miguel, Merillas Manuel, Perez Lopez Oscar, Sanchez Sebas

SWEDEN

Buud Jonas

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Bowman Dylan, Clark Nicholas, Clayton Cameron, Foote Michael, Gates Rickey, Grant Joe, Jaime Scott, Jones Dakota, King Maxwell, Koerner Hal, Krupicka Anton, Mackey Dave, Maravilla Jorge, Meltzer Karl, Olson Timothy, Pedatella Nicholas, Tidd John, Tiernan Zeke, Wolfe Mike

ULTRA

ELITE WOMEN

BRAZIL

Maciel Fernanda

FRANCE

Chastel Veronique, Combarieu Maud, Favre Corinne, Gobert Maud, Herry Karine, Lecomte Emilie, Martin Sandra, Motto Ros Sandrine, Valero Anne

GERMANY

Bottger Julia, Calmbach Andrea

GREAT BRITAIN

Hawker Elisabeth, Greenwod Ellie

HUNGARY

Wermescher Ildiko

ITALY

Canepa Francesca, Fori Katia

NEW ZEALAND

Frost Anna

SPAIN

Fraile Uxue, Iruretagoyena Leire, Martinez Nerea, Picas Nuria, Roca Emma

SWEDEN

Forsberg Emelie

USA

Africa Darcy, Bosio Rory, Bruxvoort Kerrie, Claridge Rhonda, Howe Stephanie, Howard Elizabeth, Kimball Nikki, Lewis Tina, Moehl Kristin, Nordell Ashley

See the 2012 élite listings: Sky and Vertical

Updated January 16, 2013

Revelation – A visual poem

Posted on January 16, 2013 by talkultra

“The heat and the softness of the sunshine

The peace and the rawness of the storms and the cold.

The motion and the rhythm and the ebb and the flow

Of the tides and the wind

Of this glorious weather all around”

Watch this incredible movie on the link below

http://vimeo.com/57370112

by Sebastien Montaz-Rosset – see his Vimeo feed HERE

UROC – Ultra Race of Champions

Posted on January 15, 2013 by talkultra

Registration opens today. Will you be toeing the line (for the Ultra Race of Champions) on September 28th in Breckenridge?

www.ultraroc.com

The season closing race for the Ultra Skyrunning Championships. Of course it’s some 9 months away. But as the race fills up and you are made aware of ‘who’ is taking part in this race, you don’t want to look back and think… I wish I had entered in January!

Vail, Colorado, January 15th, 2013 – Registration for the Ultra Race of Champions, the Championship for the sport of ultra distance running is set to open on January 15th 2013 at 12 noon mountain standard time (MST), or 2pm eastern standard time (EST) at http://www.ultraroc.com. The date for the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions will be September 28th.

“We are very excited,”

says J. Russell Gill III, Ultra Race of Champions Event Director and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports CEO.

“A lot of work goes into making this event possible, and it will be thrilling to see it all come together on race day. With UROC as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, I cannot wait to see how to field shapes up this year. We have already been getting inquiries from several top runners, whose names are right now top secret. After we open registration and as we confirm some of the elite athletes, we will be posting them regularly on the race website and on Facebook.”

“UROC is open to everyone,”

says Francesca Conte, Ultra Race of Champions President,

“and I am very excited to see what kind of response we get from the international audience, particularly from Europe. The International Skyrunning® Federation has been promoting the event as the Series final for months, and a lot of our Facebook Likes have been from Europe”.

Several factors contribute to the appeal of the race. As the ultra running championship, the race attracts most of the elite runners from the USA. As the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, the race will now attract an even larger international field, and many of the best European athletes. The spectacular backdrop of the Colorado Rockies and the point to point course from Breckenridge to Frisco, to Copper Mountain, to Minturn and to finish in Vail Village is a big draw for runners of all backgrounds passionate about running in the mountains. Lastly, the Vail name is nationally and internationally recognized as a summer destination location. The point to point course is contingent upon US Forest Service permit approval.

Runners will be able to register beginning on January 15th, 2013 at www.ultraroc.com

So what you waiting for….

Iditarod Trail Invitational

Posted on January 15, 2013 by talkultra

This race is not for everyone. A mistake at the wrong time and place in the Alaskan winter wilderness could cost you fingers and toes or even your life. At times the only possible rescue will be self rescue. For those who do not agree with this philosophy, expect marked trails and more support there are other races out there which will cater to your needs.

Most races try to entice you to enter by telling you what a great experience you will have. How pleasurable it will be. Not the Iditarod Trail Invitational.

Image of Geoff Roes copyright Geoff Roes

As Geoff Roes proved. This is one seriously tough tough race. In 2012 he was the first man home covering 350 miles in 6 days 23 hours 25 min. Mmmm makes Western States look like a piece of cake eh!

In 2012 only 18 people finished the 350 mile race. The first man home was Peter Basinger in 6 dyas 15 hours BUT that was on a bike! An impressive 6th victory for Peter. Overall 2nd and 3rd was taken by bike riders and then Geoff Roes, 4th overall and 1st runner. Incredible.

In 2013, Arc’teryx athlete Joe Grant will be taking part. I plan to catch up with him before and after this incredibly challenging race and the interviews will be on Talk Ultra.

The Race

The Iditarod Trail Invitational is the world’s longest human powered winter ultra. Beginning in Knik, Alaska it follows the Iditarod Trail to McGrath covering 350 miles. Ironically this is called the ‘short race’. They also have a ‘long race’ covering 1100 miles finishing at Nome, Alaska. Support is minimal. Two snow machines ride ahead of the leaders providing a broken trail to McGrath. Food drops are provided at 130 miles, 210 miles and in even numbered years a feed is provided at ‘Cripple‘ and odd numbered years at ‘Iditarod‘.

That’s it!

Between checkpoints, racers are solo or may work with each other. If they continue to ‘Nome’ for the 1100 mile journey once past McGrath it os solo all the way apart from a food drop at ‘Ruby‘. After that they can use village stores, mail packages ahead or possibly use a school for a warm nights rest. Hard core!

Somehow this quote seems a little understated: Tim Hewitt, six time finisher of the 1100 mile race said:

“It’s the toughest race in the world.”

History

The Iditarod Trail Invitational follows the historic Iditarod Trail. The famous sled dog route runs 1000 miles through frozen Alaska every March since 1973 in memory of those brave individuals who brought the important serum to Nome in 1925 during a diphterie outbreak. Using bicycles as a means of transportation on Alaska’s frozen rivers and tundra might seem a little odd and a crazy idea, but men looking for gold around 1900 that couldn’t afford a dog team actually used what they then called a “wheel” and followed the gold rush from Dawson City to Nome on the Yukon River on bicycles.

How do you get in?

This is the most remote and longest winter ultra race in the world.
Competitors in the human powered event go through an interview process with race organizers Bill & Kathi Merchant.

If they have the skills and knowledge to be self sufficient in cold weather, such as high altitude mountaineering experience or previous arctic expeditions they can enter the race.
Prior finishes in races such as the following are qualifying events.

The 2013 race roster is available to view HERE

Official Race Website HERE

Joe Grant has a great blog called Alpine Works. Follow this HERE

Additional reading – 2012 winner of the 350 mile race, Geoff Roes wrote a detailed report for iRunFar available HERE

Zegama – Aizkorri

Posted on January 14, 2013 by talkultra

A highlight of the 2012 race calendar and without doubt a highlight of the 2013 calendar.

Zegama – Aizkorri has opened for pre registrations. Don’t hang around. If you want to race in the mountains on some tough technical terrain with the best in the world, then is is one for you!

Go HERE

Part of the 2013 Skyrunning calendar.

The 2012 edition of the race was remembered for many reasons. A stacked field (Transvulcania had happened just 7 days before) that included Max King, Kilian Jornet, Mike Wolfe, Dakota Jones, Nick Clarke, Tom Owens, Joe Grant, Ian Sharman, Luis Alberto Hernando, Nuria Picas, Emelie Forsberg, Zhanna Vokueva, Lauen Jeska, Oihna Kortazar and many more…

The dry and hot volcanic conditions of Tranzvulcania contrasted nicely with the torrential rain, cold temperatures, snow and thick mud of the Zegama-Aizkorri race with tough man of the ultra scene, Nick Clarke saying:

“Now that is a proper mountain race… I wasn’t ready for that!”

Race Information

XII. ZEGAMA-AIZKORRI MENDI MARATOIA

Skyrunner World Series 2013

42.195 kilometres / 5,472 metres of accumulated height gain.

26th of May, 2013

ZEGAMA [Gipuzkoa]

DESCRIPTION

A medium mountain route over the Aratz massif and the Sierra of Aizkorri which includes the four highest peaks in the Basque Autonomous Region ( Aratz – Aitzkorri –Akategi and Aitxuri ). From the town of Zegama ( 296m) you climb up to the high point of Otzaurte (652m ) and then follow a route along paths and mountain tracks of great natural beauty. It combines forests with steep rocky slopes and high grazing land. It is very technical and with a high level of difficulty.

DATE: 26th of May, 2013

START AND FINISH: Zegama ( Guipúzcoa ) –09:00 Start.

TOTAL LENGTH: 42.195 km.

CONTROL POINTS: 14

REFRESHMENT POINTS: 13

FLYING SPRINT: Aizkorri ( 22.58 km )

ACCUMULATED HEIGHT GAIN: 5.472 metres

MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 1.551m Aitxurri

MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 296m Zegama.

TECHNICAL PERCENTAGE OF COURSE: 70% approx.

CLIMATE: Medium mountain, possibilities of intense heat, strong winds, fog or rain.

TIME LIMIT: 8 Hours.

CLOSING TIME OF CHECK POINTS

RECORDS: 3 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds (Rob Jebb, masculine ).

4 hours, 38 minutes, 19 seconds ( Emanuela Brizio, feminine ).

DIFFICULTY: Very high.

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 450

Scott eRide Grip 2

Posted on January 13, 2013 by talkultra

Scott are renowned for cycling and skiing products. I know first hand the quality of the cycling products, In my previous life as a cyclist and triathlete I had used Scott extensively for bikes, clothes, shoes and helmets. However, Scott as a running brand grabbed my attention when I witnessed Marco de Gasperi crossing the finish line of Sierre-Zinal in first place. In chatting with him I became aware that particularly in the UK they are pretty much unknown.

As often happens a series of events post Sierre-Zinal meant that I had several samples to test. Ironically this coincided with myself picking up a knee injury and as such I had to pretty much put all product testing to one side until I got better.

My eRide Grip 2 had tempted me for a few months, the glowing yellow tempting me to take them out. As my injury progressed, finally in November 2012 I was able to resume some running and take the Scott’s for a spin. Or should I say several spins.

Weighing in at 336g for a UK9.5 this compares well to other shoes in direct comparison. For example a Salomon Speedcross 3 is 350g and a Salomon S-Lab Softground is 367g for the same size. For a lightweight comparison, The North Face Single Track Hayasa is 280g and the Salomon Sense Ultra is 230g.

The heel to toe drop is 11mm and as such allows direct comparison to the Speedcross 3 and Softground. Also, a key element of the eRide Grip 2 is the aggressive outsole.

The outsole really is aggressive and as such makes running on all terrains a pleasure. It grips well on rocks, grass, mud, sand, lava and works incredibly well on road and hard trails. The shoe has a very cushioned feel and provides real comfort over longer distances. I was really impressed how the shoe felt on the road. Of course this shoe is not for that type of surface but if you are ever out training or racing and need to transfer from trails don’t worry. This shoe can handle it!

The upper is a very breathable and lightweight mesh. A bumper at the front of the shoe provides adequate protection from rocks and other objects but not as much protection as other brands on the market. The tongue is free fitting and not very padded but perfectly comfortable.

The laces have an elastic feel and work really well. Get the shoe tightened and tied and then don’t worry. In use I never had to re tighten my laces and that included some outings of up to 9 hours. A neat addition 2/3 of the way down the laces is an elastic that stretches from one side of the show to the other.This allows you to hold the excess laces in place so they don’t bounce and flap around. Not as ground breaking as Salomon’s ‘Garage’ but it does the job and it is a welcome addition

The heel area is reinforced very well and provides a real secure and comfortable area. It is this area that provides real security on the trail holding the foot firm. Padding is excellent but at the back of the shoe this padding may come a little high for some… I had no issues whatsoever but I have heard one or two comments referring to this.

One of the key features of the shoe is eRide. eRide is designed to offer a faster foot transition when on the ground by providing a ‘rocker‘ platform. The unique rocker shape creates a very stable midstance, promoting the faster and more efficient running style that runners strive for.

Now depending on your foot strike you may feel a real benefit from this rocker or you may feel a faster transition if you are already a mid to forefoot runner. Certainly if you are a heel striker, as the diagram shows you will hit the ground with the rear of the shoe and the ‘rocker’ will then help you transfer quicker to the propulsion phase. This will increase efficiency and reduce strain. On any downhill section, the rocker works really well allowing you to strike with the heel and efficiently move forward to the next step. Another key feature (and you will see this in the image of the sole above) is that the sole has NO raised arch. Therefore the eRide Grip 2 has a solid platform from which to strike the ground and this once again reduces inefficiency.

Scott boast the benefits of eRide as follows:

1. Healthier body position
2. More energy efficient
3. Natural midfoot strike
4. Lower profile heel
5. Smoother ride
6. Minimal and lighter weight

Refreshingly when I looked for technical specifications for the shoe, the Scott website provides minimal information:

Category: Trail Running
Weight: 340g USM 9
Heel to toe drop: 11 mm
Technologies: eRide Push-through plate High traction rubber
Lace: bungy
MaterialUpper: Mesh/Synthetic Overlays Lower: EVA/rubberSize run

It may be me but that really is a stripped down description of a shoe, No fancy names, no technical jargon I don’t understand… it’s simple. The only term that needs clarification is the eRide and they provide a very good description and breakdown of that.

TESTING

Initially I was running in these shoes for 30-45 mins on soft, muddy and wet terrain in the UK winter. Comfort was noticeable immediately. I enjoyed the feel of the shoe around my foot. The heel area offered security and for a mid to forefoot striker the eRide did help propel me forward allowing me to keep my cadence high and short. My runs from home always require me to do at least 1 mile on the road before I can get to the trail. The shoe really did feel comfortable over this hard unforgiving terrain. I was surprised at this particularly considering the aggressive sole.

When on the trail the aggressive sole immediately did it’s job providing security and grip were other trail shoes had failed. I must point out here that it performed on a par with Salomon Speedcross 3, Salomon S-Lab Softground and the Sportiva Raptor.

In December I went to the island of La Palma to run on the Transvulcania La Palama course. The only shoe I took was the eRide Grip 2. It was an opportunity to test the shoe on a daily basis on some tough and gnarly terrain but also a great opportunity to use the shoe for hours in contrast to minutes.

I ran, walked and hiked over the Transvulcania course for 12 days. A short day was 2 hours, a long day was 9 hours. I ran over rocks, ran through lava fields, made my way through pine forests, ran along beaches, navigated through boulders and crossed rivers. At no point did the shoes let me down. No hot spots and no blisters. I had all day comfort in conjunction with firm grip on a multitude of terrain. Was I impressed? Absolutely.

Any negatives?

After two weeks on the Transvulcania course I threw the shoes away. No, not because I didn’t like them… but I had worn the sole away (at least in areas). This makes me question if the compound of the sole is maybe too soft? But then again, would I want Scott to change this? My answer is a definite NO.

I do believe that the sole compound is ideal for offering grip on a multitude of surfaces. On hard and wet rocks the eRide Grip 2 performed exceptionally well, had the compound been harder that may very well not have been the case.

Did the sole wear down too quickly? Arguably yes but then again the Transvulcania course is like running on sandpaper (coarse sandpaper). In addition to the abrasive lava we had to contend with sharp jagged rocks, boulders, gravel and a multitude of surfaces that would have worn any shoe down. My partner ran for 2 weeks with me in a different shoe and brand and had a similar scenario.

Conclusion

A great trail shoe that offered a secure, firm and cushioned fit on a multitude of surfaces and terrain. The eRide technology certainly helped with an efficient run stride and overall comfort level was excellent.

Sizing is true to size.

If you need an all round trail shoe then the eRide Grip 2 is a strong recommendation.

You can see all Scott Running products HERE

The 2013 model is now available in a new colour way – blue/black

The North Face Single Track Hayasa

Posted on January 12, 2013 by talkultra

Fresh out of the box, The North Face ‘Single Track Hayasa‘. I am a real fan of TNF products, the ‘Flight Series‘ in particular offers a great range of products that transfer to so many disciplines. Light, functional, well fitting, breathable and ultimately great quality. It’s nice to remove them from the packaging, put them on knowing that they will do the job.

In regard to run shoes, The North Face I guess are still ‘newbies’ and in the past they have received mixed reviews about the footwear they have created. I have to say I had the original ‘Single Track’, you know, the really great looking shoe… black, red & white. Not only did it look good but it felt good.

The ‘Single Track Hayasa‘ is a shoe designed for speed. Greatly influenced by TNF athlete Tsuyoshi Kaburaki from Japan, Hayasa actually means ‘Speed’ in Japenese.

Tsuyoshi Kaburaki

It is a shoe ready for racing and as such sits low to the ground with a 10mm heel to toe drop (8mm toe /18mm heel). Weighing in at just over 8 oz for such a lightweight shoe protection has not been compromised.

At the front of the shoe we have a puncture resistant toe cap and on the tip of the shoe, you do have additional rigidity. This will add some protection from kicking rocks etc. But in real terms and in comparison to other brands the toe bumper is relatively small. When we move to the rest of the upper, we can see that there is basically a lot of mesh. The shoe will drain really well and breathability will be excellent as you might expect.

Seams are extremely low in the upper and the TNF have used welded seams. The lace loops attach to an internal cage (see the silver/white). This fabric is on both sides of the shoe. When you lace up, it pulls on the fabric in and it wraps around your foot to create support.

The shoe when on with laces adjusted feels very snug and the tongue is gusseted and attached to the upper. It is very padded and in conjunction with a plush heel box the shoe is a pleasure to wear.

The toe box is wide and has plenty of room. Maybe too much room for some so it would be wise to check on sizing to ensure that you get the correct feel. I personally went a half size larger but I do wonder if I may well have been better going ‘true to size’.

Starting just behind the toes and going to the back of the shoe is the ‘Snake Plate‘ (green). The snake plate is an alternative method to the standard ‘rock plate’ that you find in many trail shoes. Instead of one large plate, as the name suggests this one snakes in and out. The idea being increased flexibility. Ultimately, protection and flexibility combined that also means a saving in overall weight. The rear of the shoe has a ‘cradle‘. The cradle is created, like a bucket I guess for your foot to sit in. It provides stability and security. I have to say this is one key feature I initially like. Just walking around you immediately notice a firm hold.

Without doubt a neutral shoe with a 10mm drop. You have 8mm of foam at the front and 18mm at the rear of the shoe. In this ‘low drop’ and ‘minimalist’ environment 10mm may very well be snubbed by many but this shoe sits low to the ground and as such provides a very natural feel with protection and cushioning.

My initial concerns with this shoe are with the outsole. It has low profile lug which is ideal for road, hard pack trail and/ or rocky trail but in any mud they will be pretty much useless. The front of the shoe has directional grip so when going uphill you have traction as and when required. In the heel the lugs are reverse facing which will add grip when going downhill (if required). The middle of the sole is void of grip.

Testing?

Well, that is to come.

I have been provided with these shoes to test in a Jungle environment so please keep an eye on my blog for an update in February. Until then I will be running on some road, hard trail and even some mud to see how the Hayasa perform before heading deep into a rainforest…

SPECS

Upper:

Lightweight, minimal upper construction
TPUwelded support overlays
Lightly protective toe cap
Perforated EVA Northotic™ footbed

Bottom:

TPU and EVA CRADLE™ heel-cushioning and stability technology
18 mm/8 mm heel/forefoot heights
Dual-density, compression-molded EVA midsol
Blown rubber forefoot
High-abrasion rubber heel
TPU Snake Plate™ forefoot protection

Shoe Technologies:

NorthFit: The mission of NorthFit™ is to scientifically provide the outdoor athlete with the most precise fit between the human foot and a footwear last, as they both relate to the demands of the specific activity for which the shoe is worn

Snake Plate: The Snake Plate™ consists of a plate that winds back and forth in the forefoot, allowing the foot to flex in a natural manner while delivering protection and rigidity.

Northotic: Biomechanically engineered Northotic™: The North Face® has taken the conventional footbed and elevated it to a superior level with enhanced stability, support and cushioning.

Cradle: The North Face® CRADLE™ technology is engineered to naturally absorb impact, stabilise the foot and promote an anatomically correct stride by supporting the perimeter of the heel and ensuring the fatty tissues under the bursa are biomechanically positioned. CRADLE™ achieves the perfect balance of protection, control and comfort to inspire confidence for any foot on any terrain.

Tenacious Grip: Tenacious™ Grip is a high-abrasion, sticky rubber designed for maximum off-trail traction that will also withstand the rigors of rough off-trail surfaces.

X-Dome: X-Dome™ functions as a heel-cushioning and propulsion mechanism that propels the foot from heel-strike into the subsequent stride stages.

The Spine

Posted on January 11, 2013 by talkultra

The Spine is one of Britain’s most brutal races. The longest, coldest and most demanding mountain marathon in Britain. 268 miles of ice, snow, cold and savage winds. Competitors have 7 days to complete the race.

Ironically, the UK has had a very mild, if not wet, October, November and December. But with this weekend, just as The Spine is set to leave Edale the weather looks to be on the change and as the race says, it may very well be : 268 miles of ice, snow, cold and savage winds.

At 268 miles this is not a multi stage race in a Marathon des Sables style format, this race has a start and a finish. Quite simply, the first one to reach the end wins the race. So this is all about managing your effort and minimising your time resting or sleeping.

The Spine Race was first attempted in January 2012. During this first attempt they witnessed many courageous attempts to finish the 268 mile course. Three athletes would eventually finish. The race was won jointly by Gary Morrison and Steve Thompson, closely followed by Mark Caldwell.

Who is running?

The Spine Race is open to anyone with appropriate experience who wishes to test themselves and compete in a truly brutal race. You will face the most extreme weather conditions England has to offer; deep snow, ice, gale force winds and rain in a gruelling non-stop, 7 day race from Edale to Kirk Yetholm. It’s not just the conditions that are against you – your own body could become your worst enemy with tiredness, fatigue, sleep deprivation and exposure playing havoc with your performance. To finish you must be prepared and willing to push yourself harder than ever before. Entrants list HERE

The route

The Dare 2b Spine Race is a 268 mile, non-stop, winter mountain marathon encompassing the entire Pennine Way. Widely recognised as the most demanding National Trail in Britain, the Pennine Way crosses some of the most beautiful, difficult and challenging terrain found in England, including; the Peak District, Cheviots, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park – finishing on the Scottish Borders.

There are 5 checkpoints that you must visit along the route to complete the race. The CP’s are distributed evenly along the course and it is here you will receive hot food and water, resupply, beds and showers (available at 4 of 5 CP’s) and medical attention should you require it. These checkpoints run from the start to the completion of the event. The CP’s are staffed 24/7 to provide as little disruption to your race as possible. They provide a haven from the sometimes hostile weather.

Checkpoints are located at:

Hebden Bridge
Hawes
Middleton-in-Teesdale
Alston
and Bellingham

A resupply/ drop bag is moved by the RD for you to the next CP as you progress through the race.

The longest day on the race is the second day. This is the longest section of the course between CP’s (approx. 60 miles). In 2012 the average completion time for this section was between 22 and 30 hours. Most competing athletes withdrew at this point of the race.

The Spine Team also monitor the course 24/7 to ensure competitor safety and our support vehicles carry additional hydration for competing athletes (minimum 2 litres per athlete per day). Along with the course monitoring you are permitted the use of a personal support team.

Route Profile

410.5 – 431 Km (255.1 miles – 268 miles dependent on route)
11,195 m (36,729 ft) ascent
890 m (2,920 ft) maximum height

Entrants & Updates

You are able to see a list of entrants and follow the leader board HERE

Currently they have 31 participants listed.

Additional Race – Spine Challenger

The Dare 2b Spine Challenger is a 108 mile, non-stop, 60 hour, winter mountain marathon between Edale and Hawes. This challenging and extremely technical section of the Pennine Way is not just the baby brother to the Spine Race – it is a physically and psychologically demanding route that demands concentration and respect.

The Spine Challenger is a wickedly difficult event. From appearances 60 hours looks like ample time to easily complete this course; however, appearances can be deceptive. The rugged and very technical nature of this race is mentally taxing as you have to constantly be aware of foot placement. Coupled with the limited daylight hours, and the necessity to run in the dark, you can start to build a very clear picture as to why we had only 1 official Challenger finisher in 2012.