THE Run Stirling Cross Country International was the kind of athletics event which makes you grimace, yet leaves a broad grin on your face all at the same time.
Make no mistake, the relentless wind and torrential rain made conditions in Kings Park nothing short of brutal for those who were brave enough to toe what was the muddiest of start lines.
Yet to see so many carry on regardless and willingly battle against the elements – a good number of athletes even seemed to rather enjoy themselves in the process – was the kind of uplifting sight which reinforces why this is such a fine sport to be a part of.
Given the doses of bad news which are served up so regularly in the world of athletics, this was a much-needed tonic. This was to witness sport very much in the raw and at its most basic – yet compelling – best.
Little more could have been squeezed into what was an eventful programme. There were races within races within races in this latest stop on the British Athletics Cross Challenge, where Home Countries International, Celtic International, and Scottish Inter-District titles were also up for grabs.
The host nation rose to the occasion, winning the Home Countries International senior men’s team gold for the first time in eight years, as well as the under-20 women’s gold for the first time ever. Scotland, in fact, won seven of the 10 team gold medals available on the day.
There were no individual honours for local hero Andy Butchart, the Olympian’s fall whilst leading opened the door to Wales’ Kris Jones, who made light of the conditions, while senior women’s victory went to Kate Avery after a performance during which she looked in complete control as she led the England team to gold.
Perhaps the sun didn’t shine but this was a day when an athletic discipline was shown in perhaps its best light.
Jones gets the better of Butchart
Denne historien er fra January 16, 2020-utgaven av Athletics Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 16, 2020-utgaven av Athletics Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Carbon Footprint
You'd have had to have been running on a different planet to miss all the recent debate about carbon-plated shoes. The talk of bans and performance enhancement has been so widespread that even non-runners are asking their running friends about the potentially magical footwear.
Trail time
WHEN looking for a trail or off-road running shoe, it’s often all about the grip. However, given that no two paths are the same, careful consideration is required. What’s the terrain like where you’ll wear the shoes the most? If you’ll be negotiating soft, wet and muddy conditions then look for deeper lugs. For tackling gravel tracks and forest trails then more evenly spaced lugs will work better. When it comes to cushioning, consider how hard the ground will be; if it’s soft then you’ll be fine in low-profile shoes, but on those firmer tracks reasonable cushioning will be called for.
Stay neutral
EVOLVING every year, if not month, neutral cushioned shoes are seeing developments in cushioning materials and dynamics at a pace which is nothing short of astonishing. The latest models feature new polymers in the midsoles to give them a cushioned feel while at the same time keeping their weight to a minimum. Give them a spin and choose the most comfortable for mile after mile of shock absorbing running.
Support network
WHEN it comes to ‘over-pronation’, a common question is ‘how much is over?’. With no hard and fast rules, it’s best to choose a shoe that instinctively feels right. Gait analysis can often assist in helping you make this choice and your specialist running store is always a good place to start if in doubt. To help you make that choice, here’s a selection of some of the best ‘support’ shoes around.
Need for speed
THE racing shoe segment of the market is becoming somewhat split. This is partially due to the rise of carbon-plated footwear but also the fact that many shoes are becoming much lighter. Here we take a look at some of the leading contenders to toe the line in.
Gadget show
WITH technological products to enhance every area of life, running is now no different. From headphones to treadmills, the devices to aid performance and recovery are endless. Here we take a look at some of the latest gadgets and gizmos to enhance your training.
What's in a shoe?
We bust some of the jargon around footwear
How To Prime Your Immunity
Taking steps to shore your body’s defences has never been more important. Here’s how to do it, says Peta Bee
English Schools Survival At Stake
Covid-19 could lead to ESAA losing thousands this summer
Covid-19: Athletics Events Are Wiped Out
Unprecedented calendar changes due to Covid-19
