Arley footbridge

So far running on through this knee thing seems to be ok. Didn't do the mileage I wanted to last week but did get in about 16 miles yesterday all on trails. Since I started in the dark and ended up in the light I got some photos too which was nice, unfortunately my free Lightroom 4 trial has ended so no fun photoshopping until I get $150! Also it was kind of annoying taking photos, my lens kept kept getting fogged up and also smeared with grit and sweat from my attempt it clean it off. But, it was nice to be out in the light for a change. This post is kind of odd, nothing seems to be in sequence with the words and photos. I guess it's better than no photos. Sorry.

Arley

I've come to the conclusion that whatever is wrong with my knee is the pes anserine. The junction at the tibia where the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosis all meet up. I've got tenderness there when I push on it. Otherwise no other pain. Did some more Googling and some people recommend heat so I tried that yesterday and it seemed to help so far. So add that to the repertoire!

Victoria Bridge over the Severn

Ended up running out the Severn Way to Arley and back along the river via Bewdley on Sunday. Very muddy and wet with all the rain we've been having which was really annoying until the sun came up. The river was definitely high and had blown out a few portions of the riverbank trail. I wore my Salomon Speedcross shoes for some more traction which was needed, especially with my knee. I've always wondered why one would need that much traction, well for places like this! The ClimaShield waterproof fabric worked really well too, although I still feel it's too hot until winter.

Salomon Speedcross CS

Bewdley

Devil's Spittleful Reserve

So I've decided on what pack I'll run with at Brecon Beacons Ultra. Got an UltrAspire Surge race vest that I've been running with and I've been quite happy with it so far. The capacity is enough since I'm not planning on using a water reservoir so all the clothing fits inside. I'll need to cut down some of the straps too since there is a lot of extra flapping around. It seems that gear reviews are everywhere these days but I may do a write up on this thing anyway in the future.

lame stock photo, UltrAspire Surge

More and more though I am looking forward to the Ultimate Direction "Signature Series" race vests that are coming out in 2013. I do not like running (racing) with a water reservoir because it is too time consuming to fill up during a race and these new race vests will have bottles on the shoulder straps. I'd never thought I would tolerate bottles hanging off of there but lately have been considering the benefits of bottles and having my hands free, lately it;s been cold hands. There are a few companies over and in Europe that do that already but the quality and fit of the pack just isn't there.

Anyway, maybe next time I'll give a run down on the Surge.