Tempo winter series

Tempo events from Stratford upon Avon host several events throughout the year.  Their winter series is a series of five 10k running races held at Ilmington.  The series starts in October and there is one race per month through to February. The 10k route incorporates running up the infamous Larkstoke hill, and also loops around the village of Ilmington. Starting in October the route is run anti clockwise, November clockwise, and continues to alternate direction for all 5 races.

You don't have to do the whole series but if you sign up to the whole thing straight away you get discounted entry (this year £55!) bargain.

If you complete the series you get a free hoodie. 

Purple hoodies this year

There are series points too and this year there were prizes for first second and third female/male overall and first in age group prizes.

Engraved crystal glass for 2nd female in the 2015/2016 series

The event is extremely well organised and has a lovely friendly atmosphere. 

Rob Minton, One of the tempo team,  starts the race off and then magically appears at the top of the hill to encourage and praise everyone and is there again at the finish to do prize giving with Sarah Bland, another member of the hard working tempo team. 

Prize giving with Sarah Bland

This series for finishing each race you receive a pack of quality sausages from the local butcher!
If you're a vegetarian you get chocolate instead! 

Sausages from Barry the Butcher

There are cash prizes  at each race for first 2nd and 3rd female/male and firsts in age groups.

Cash prizes!

I have done this series twice now and can thoroughly recommend if for value for money, atmosphere,organisation, a 'challenging' course (!!) and great consistent winter training.

New year new gear!

New year new gear! Thats right. Courtesy of Brooks rep Vicki. At Christmas Brooks were running a little competition for running shops that they supply. Basically you had to post a festive photo on social media of shop staff and brooks products. Here's ours!

My colleague Kirk and I with our festive offering!

This little classic won the two of us a pair of Brooks running shoes of our choice and a running jacket each. I opted for the Ravenna 7. A shoe I hadn't tried before. As much as I love my Pure Cadence,  I felt as though I wanted something with a little more structure for my longer runs. (I turned 50 in January so also thought maybe it was time to start thinking of protection!)

Ravenna 7

                                                                                                                                                                 

I I've used them 3 times now and can honestly say I really like them. I'm a mild over pronator, so for me there is just enough support without the shoe feeling really rigid. I like the way Brooks have blended in the support on this version, no ugly grey

The heel counter feels really firm, I like the way it really holds my heel, and no slipping.

Comfort

There is plenty of room in the toe box. It is definitely deeper than the cadence. This suits my wide forefoot and the fact that I lift my big toe when I run. Plenty of room for my toes to swim around.

I've used them 3 or 4 times now.  They are a real comfort shoe for me. Plenty of cushioning. Yes they are a little heavier and less flexible (so I feel less fast) than the cadence, but for my longer training runs or shorter slow recovery runs they are perfect. And I love the colour!

folds up tiny

The LSD jacket is so light! It folds up to nothing (into its own pocket) and has an elastic carry loop so

folds into its own pocket and has a carry strap

that you can carry it around your arm whilst running if you don't need it for the whole run.

I have made good use of this whilst running around Malvern and on the Malvern Hills. It does it's job perfectly. It really has protected me in the cold driving winds we have had recently.  It's kept me dry and warm on the most blustery of days....and we've had a few of those! This jacket looks great. It is a real classy design, I get great comments every time I wear it. Again, I love the colour!

blustery run

The back is slightly longer than the front so it comes down over your bum. Keeping everything warm and protected from the elements!

covers your bum

It has a nice big reflective strip down the back too for visibility.

reflective strip

This jacket is semi fitted, so therefore very stylish and flattering. 

Thank you Vicki, two fantastic products that I feel I will get loads of use out of this season :)

2 great stylish yet practical products