These arrived yesterday and I was keen to test them. The fields are waterlogged and muddy, so it was a good time to go out in the Challengers. Lack of sleep and the residue of the chest infection (that has plagued me since Oxford half) is keeping my runs fairly brief, but this was an enjoyable run none the less.
I’ve mostly run on roads recently, partly because I was half marathon training for most of the summer, but also because ill health has kept me close to home, and I’d forgotten how much I love trail running: that empty world feeling where you can stretch out, breathe, feel connected to trees and small creatures, huge skies and wheeling birds.
My feet got submerged several times, but the shoes seemed to drain really well so that they felt dry by the time I got home. They were steady on wet grass, soggy leaves and slick concrete. The only surface they struggled with was deep mud - but I’d read that was the case in various reviews, so I knew what to expect and so slowed down and proceeded with caution.
It was only a little run - two and a quarter km - but it took me across soggy fields, down an unexplored twisty, narrow footpath that ended in somebody’s garden. Then back through the wet fields again onto road, that was flooded halfway across.
Altogether a lovely run, though brief, and a delightful experience of the shoes.
Good run for you today Flick, I like the shoes and those leggings as well, I am glad that you found the shoes very comfortable to run in, not much we can do about the flooded fields and muddy paths, just hope all this rain transfers over to Australia where they need it.
You were very wise on just running two and a quarter K, sensible lady.
This morning I reran run 3 of week 6 of C25K, I always love Laura saying at the end that "you are now officially a runner", enjoy the rest of your day.
Thank you Alan. Yes I hope it goes to Australia too, though ad gentle rain so they don't get flooded. But for me it was the perfect set of conditions to test the shoes, and the reason I went that way x
I got them from Sports shoes, but they seem to be running low on stock. I suggest doing a google search to see who has them cheapest. I got mine in the same size as my other running shoes, but it was a bit of a leap of faith that thankfully paid off. They do them in standard and wide fitting.
Very glad the new trail shoes worked out well for you, Flick! And how lovely to get back to nature again...that’s what I love about running, too. 💕 xxx
Sounds fab that does. Looks it too 😃. Love trail runs. They are life-affirming. I like the changes in gradient all the while you’re out on the trail. You huff and puff a bit more perhaps but you feel so much more alert and switched on somehow. I like the hedges and the fields, the birds etc It’s just lovely. Loads of horses and dogs too 🙂
I’ve not been on mine for a bit as to get onto it is via a deep, mud hole I call “the mosh”
that first cold shock from getting wet into your shoe 😱😳 🥶😁👍🏃♀️
Funny you should say that as I’ve felt uplifted all morning since that run. I love trail running above everything - I’m such a nature lover. I’m certainly huffing and puffing at the moment, can’t tackle even a gentle slope. I have to remind myself I used to eat hills for breakfast.
The water in the shoes experience was surprisingly mild- the shoes seemed to shrug off the wet. Though my socks were damp when I got home, they didn’t feel it while I was running.
Nice shoes flick! You must have loads of shoes now🤣🤣 might start and call you Imelda !🤣🤣
in reply to
Thank you 😊❤️
Well, the thing with this Imelda is that the shoes wear out, so it isn’t as bizarre as it sounds 😉 I have four pairs of Ons but two of those are on their last legs, so to speak. I shall carry on rotating the Ons until they wear out. I hasten to say that my collection of everyday shoes is extremely sparse 😂
Ah, Flick! Running in my favourite shoes and on my favourite type of run! So glad you got on well with the Challengers - I use mine on road and trail. I agree about the very deep mud but I think this is the case with most trail shoes actually! I have recently bought a second pair, so I can trash one pair on the trails and still have a slightly cleaner looking pair for the local roads! That said, they always clean up really well and my first pair still look pretty good.🙂x
They’re fab aren’t they! I love my Rincons too as they are so speedy, light and responsive. Have also ordered some Clifton 6 for long road runs. Set up now, all from the January sales. Also seriously broke, but with my knee and back problems I have to be sensible and I rarely spend money on anything other than running gear.
Lovely Flick, you and your gorgeous new shoes have inspired me to go out sloshing again soon! Won’t be until next week now, but I’m sure there will still be mud and puddles waiting for me! 🏃♀️🏃♀️
So pleased that the challengers proved well for you Flick. I have a high arch, but not sure which gate they support. There are some fab Hokas out there though. I hope your chest improves, you don't deserve to suffer with it.
And thank you re the chest and for being so sweet. The chest is frustrating because I can’t see an end to it. Boo 😒 Never mind, it has to improve soon xx
Hi quirkybee! I've just replied to Flick below about my shoe conundrum but wanted to say that I have high arches too plus wide feet and pronate a lot. I changed to Hokas about 18 months ago and they're fab! Great for high arches and stability and versatile for road or trail. I have to go up half a size. Hope you can find some to try on. 🙂
Hey Slinkymalinki that's lovely of you to mention that. I have to get back into running and I want to so much. I blame lack of time, which is the truth, but sometimes it becomes too much and I end up not making an effort to get out there, but my lovely Mum passed away before Christmas, so motivation is even worse, but since I read about Flick mentioning the Hokas, I'm secretly hoping a purchase would encourage me, haha, who am I kidding, eh? 🤣
That was kind of you to mention the fit, but I wouldn't know which model of the Hokas to start with 🤔
Flick is very good with the trainers though and she knows whats what, as well as being a fabbo runner. 💜 Xx
Oh, sorry to hear about your mum. I know how you feel - I started running 'out of the blue' a couple of months after my mum died (3 years ago). Getting out there is hard isn't it, especially in this uninspiring weather. I'm doing C25K again with my son who's doing it for his DofE Silver and can honestly say I have no desire to get in from work and run in the dark (he's fast as well and I'm not!) but I do feel good after and I'm sure you this means you can have more wine & cake too 🤣!! Perhaps a new pair of trainers & maybe a buddy to run with might lift your spirits. (I often feel my mum is with me when I run and I have chats with her - crazy I know). Let us know how things go. 🤗
So sorry to hear about your mum Beth. That’s a huge life change too. I think you SHOULD start running again. We’ve had death in the family this last year, plus Alzheimer’s, and someone close to me has inoperable cancer: Running has kept me sane, it’s the most wonderful mood enhancer. And you were doing so well with it. 😘 🤗 xxx
Ps: lots of info online. I looked at various Hoka models, read tons of reviews and narrowed it down. But the best route would be to try them in a running shop. I would have gone to Up & Running in Oxford but the women’s sizing stopped a half size lower than mine. You will need at least a half size larger than your non running shoes- about a thumbs width between big toe and front of shoe. If you have an Up & Running anywhere you can get to to try, they do a very good fitting service. There’s a Run & Become in Cardiff and an Up & Running in Chester, but I’m guessing they may be too far away. Otherwise pick a model that looks right and buy from somewhere that lets you return unused without any hassle. Sports Shoes does this and so does Ultramarathon Running for example.
According to one review. I read, the Rincons don’t offer as much support as other Hokas, so best check that out if you pronate. The Cliftons are similar and more supporting. I have a neutral gait so don’t know much about specific support shoes x
Good to hear from you, Flick! You certainly put the Hokas through their paces on their first outing. I agree with your findings. I have the Challenger ATR 4s and they've made a real difference to sore ankles/shins and help with the stability no end. I found the cushioning a bit weird at first especially when walking but I think you get used to it quickly. I've been thinking about getting a lighter shoe & night a pair of Brooks Ravenna 10s in the sale. They felt comfy in the shop & I used to have the 8s but after a couple of runs I feel that although they're lighter they are nowhere near the Hokas in terms of cushioning. Don't know whether to keep them for a lighter shoe on grass in summer or cut my losses and sell them. A lighter Hoka might be the option - your Rincon looks interesting.
Anyway, ramble over. Hope you go from strength to strength and have a wonderful year of running in our beautiful countryside. 🌳🌷x
I’m seriously impressed with both pairs of Hokas. I can’t speak highly enough of the Rincons by the way. They have the cushioning and are less stiff feeling than the Challengers yet are very fast and responsive. You feel as if there is nothing on your feet. I’ve ordered some Cliftons too, which are similarly cushioned but less speedy, for recovery runs and general running.
The Brooks Ravenna have a 10mm heel drop, which is twice the height of the Hokas. That’s a massive difference. I had some Brooks when I first started running and the height at the back made me heel strike. If you are used to running in the Hokas, with 5mm heel drop, I would have thought the Brooks would feel odd.
Anyway, I’m being messianic about Hokas!
You too have a wonderful running year. Spring and longer, warmer days are just round the corner 😊🐝🌷🌞x
quirkybee and Slinkymalinki I think the best guide is probably comfort, so kind of ignore anything I’ve said about pronation etc. If you try them and they feel right and your feet arent doing odd things, then it’s a good bet that they are the right shoes - hmmm ...
Sometimes it is just enough to be out there. Glad your comeback is going well. Only snag about running trails in this weather (which means every run I do apart from PR) is digging the mud out of your shoes so regularly! Good for the soul I guess. 😊
Well strangely the soles seemed to have shed the mud by the time I got back! Never had that before
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Trail Shoes: A Cautionary Tale (Mea Culpa)
Two shorts runs along the Ridgeway between White Horse Hill & Waylands Smithy & back again
Mud glorious mud! Widnes Chris Lam 5 mile trail race. 
Eight weeks and 20 training runs to go to the trail marathon
