Autumn trail running essentials
As the days get shorter, the weather cools and the ground becomes softer, her my autumn essentials to help you brave the elements and most importantly enjoy your time outside!
Get out on the trails this Autumn
Shoes - Your feet are going to get wet and muddy you need to learn to live with it! It is key therefore you choose appropriate shoes and socks. Shoes need to be comfortable and give you grip across a wide variety of terrains - mud, rock, grass and paths. It can take time for you to find a shoe you really love and I like those that transition well from road to trail. In my experience the two that do this really well are the Altra Lone Peak and the Saucony Peregrine. We aware that in very muddy conditions there is no silver bullet and you will slip around. You will need 5mm / 6mm lugs in the Autumn (this is the depth of the grip or studs on the sole.
The Saucony Peregrine was the first trail shoe I bought (after extensive research) and it has always stood me well. It is sturdy and comfortable and holds up in a variety of conditions. Check out prices on Amazon https://amzn.to/4d0Nl8m
The Altra Lone Peak. Check out prices on Amazon https://amzn.to/3Pl66tu
Shoes do come with Gore Tex versions, the idea that when water enters your shoe (as it will) the Gore Tex warms your feet. It all comes down to personal preference but I prefer to use standard shoes even in very cold weather.
Socks - Essential to get right. I love CEP socks as the are extremely hard wearing and give some good support around the achilles and ankle. If I had to choose any piece of kit from this list, these would be them. For colder conditions, especially if you are wading through streams and rivers a merino sock can do wonders in keeping your feet warm. I like the inov-8 merion socks. TOP TIP It is key when out on the trails to have an ankle length / high sock sock, short socklets can easily let debris into your shoe.
Check out prices here for CEP socks on Amazon her https://amzn.to/4gfYZPM
Jacket - Something light weight which will keep the wind and rain off but can be stowed away in your pack is key. There are a huge variety on the market and OMM is my go to brand for this. The Kamleika jacket is my go to, it has taped seams, keeps me dry, has useful illuminating detail for when running on roads and stows away easily. The jackets come in some great colours too. Check out prices here https://amzn.to/4618Bsg
Running Belt - For short and mid length runs a running belt is good investment for stowing everything from your phone, water, gels and my favourite one can even take a jacket. I use the Compressport Freebelt Pro. It has amazing capacity and five years later is has not lost it’s elasticity. You get used to wearing it quickly and if you are running for and hour or two I do not find I need a pack. Have look at it this link https://amzn.to/3zbawPA
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