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Thursday 31 August 2017

"The Run Reigate was one of the best days of my life"

The Intersport Run Reigate is four years in September. We are proud of collaborating and sponsoring a race that is not only the Best Half Marathon 2017 (with fewer than 5,000 runners) in the country, is a 10K, Kids Race and an social event in Surrey that has helped raise in excess of £500,000 in 3 years for local charity partners and hundreds of UK charities. 

But the running races are your memories as well. That is the reason why we are compiling memories and feelings of the race on our social media in a section called "Your Intersport Run Reigate". We started with the article "Reigate Half Marathon recap" published by Anna Smith-James, known as Anna The Apple, in September of 2016. In that 'repost', Vicky Maher commented us her story, which is more than a comment is a life experience and an inspiration. Now, Vicky, who have lived the Run Reigate from different perspectives: runner, marshall..., has accepted our challenge and she will be the Simply Sports ambassador in this edition. Soon, she will tell us our blog how she is training for the 10K and her experience after the race. Thank you Vicky for sharing it with us and for being our ambassador. Below, we reproduce here her full text about her first Run Reigate:

"I ran Reigate half marathon in 2015 and I can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life. I had never run a half marathon before and whilst I parkrun most Saturdays stepping up from 5k to a half was hard work. Finding time and determination to train was the hardest part but I am not someone who does things by halves and I'm quite competitive with myself so I wanted to give it my best shot. I told myself I should be able to complete it in 2.5 hours and signed up with that goal in mind. 

Vicky Maher, Simply Sports ambassador in the Run Reigate. 

I remember two of my training runs very clearly, both the only occasions where I have been out running and nearly given up. The first was a run through Reigate town and up to Redhill before looping back home. I was around the 7 mile mark and just thought, I can't do this. I was ready to call home and ask for a lift and then thought no, even if you just walk home you can do it. So I carried on. The second time was just two weeks before the big day and I was aiming for 13 miles. I had run down lonesome lane for the first time and when I got to Meath Green it started raining. Within a few minutes it was coming down really heavily (my Bluetooth earphones never recovered!) And I got my phone out to call my husband to collect me and then stopped myself. I realised I was soaked through and actually it couldn't get much worse. Plus it might rain on the day. I carried on and was so chuffed with myself. 

She was supported by her family an her neighbours during the Half 2015 .

So onto the big day. Wow. I remember crowning Cockshott hill on the way out. There were huge crowds and I saw several people I knew and missed many more. I was already going faster than I had intended swept along on the wave of excitement. I already knew the course quite well having been on a water station the first year and living in Sandcross Lane which is on the route. I loved running down lonesome lane, it's so picturesque. I have to say I was grateful for every gel and water station! Coming up the a217 got quite tough, it felt very warm in the full sun and interminably long. My parents live near sidlow bridge and it was lovely to wave to my mum. She said afterwards I looked very relaxed which amazed me, I felt like I was struggling by then. 

Vicky at the finish in 2015.

The water station by the Beehive was very necessary and as I came up Sandcross Lane my spirit was somewhere beneath my feet. Then I saw my neighbours. They had all come out, my family too and they had put a banner up on the house. To hear them all cheering me on sent my spirit soaring and I knew then I could finish it. Coming into Priory park to family and friends waiting for me was just the best. I had done it in 2 hours 13 minutes and won a bottle of prosecco from my lovely colleague who bet me I couldn't get 2 hours 20 mins :-) The prosecco was fab but the bet itself was a real spur for me to push myself. I will always remember the atmosphere on route. So many people out cheering and clapping, kids on driveways handing out jelly babies (lifesavers!). They all adsed to a superb atmosphere and made me proud to live in Reigate. Last year I marshalled and this year I will run the 10k for the first time. Unfortunately I am struggling with an injury so I am not pushing for a fast time but I am determined to be fit enough to get round. I can't wait to be part of Run Reigate again". 

by Vicky Maher (Twitter @VixThatRuns)

Thursday 10 August 2017

Brooks Glycerin 15 or running with pillows under your feet

Brooks has decided to take another step forward in his particular search for the perfect cushioning in a running trainers. Cushioned, comfortable and soft could be the keywords for the Brooks Glycerin 15, released recently around the world and now available at Simply Sports.

Brooks has choosen “the ultimate super soft ride” as slogan for the new Glycerin 15. But, where is this supreme comfort on the shoe or, in another words, what's so special about this model?

The American running company inform that the “super soft cushioning” comes from the Super DNA midsole, which provides 25% more adaptable cushioning than the standard DNA midsole.

But it is not only more cushioning, the transition zone is smoother from heel to toe and the upper has the ability to move and expand with the stride thanks to 3D Fit Print technology. As additional benefits, Brooks highlights “Ideal Pressure Zones evenly disperse impact away from your body for an effortless ride. Air Mesh with four-way stretch expands with your foot and provides maximum ventilation”.


Details:

Support level: Neutral
Midsole drop: 10 mm.
Surface: Road
Weight: 300.5 gr. (Men) / 260.8 gr. (Women)
Midsole: Super DNA and full-length cushioning with Omega Flex Grooves
Outsole: Ideal pressure zones and blown rubber forefoots
Upper: 3D Stretch print, air mesh with 4-way stretch
Heel: Comfort collar

Reviews:

Running Shoes Guru: "A solid update to an already great line makes the Glycerin 15 a shoe that must be considered for high mileage daily running".
Contras: "None"

Sole Review: "The G-15 is a versatile neutral shoe in the true sense of the word, delivering a plush running experience which is deserving of the high price tag".
Cons: " The outsole durability is worst in class, and the SuperDNA midsole, while smooth, doesn’t deliver the engaging ride experience of other shoes featuring tech like Everun or Zoom".


JackRabbit: "The Brooks Glycerin is known for its premium cushioning and it still offers the same plush running experience with a lighter feel".

Runner Click: "The Glycerin 15 is a relatively lightweight and flexible shoe, despite the amount of cushioning Brooks manages to pack into it. It also provides good support for runners with medium to high arches".
Cons: "The Glycerin 15 is not the most expensive Brook shoe, but it is up there. But keep in mind, Brooks is known for quality shoes. I have already put enough miles in and haven't seen much in the way of wear and tear, so I expect that runners who purchase this shoe will more than get their money's worth".

Coach Mag: "It’s hard to imagine a more comfortable shoe than the Glycerin 15. Putting on them  is like slipping your feet into a warm bath".
Cons: "The grip on wet pavements was a bit lacking.

Running Warehouse: "Premium cushioning with plus comfort, the Glycerin 15 offers a few new updates while maintaining the soft, plush ride users have come to love".

Availability: The Glycerin 15 is available at Simply Sports (Reigate and Oxted) and Christopher Hull Sport (Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells) in Black/Electric Brooks blue (Men) and in Capri/Evening Blue and Evening Blue/Purple cactus (Ladies). The price is £134.99.