Today's fell running gear

My plan for today was a 28km route from Glossop, over Kinder, round the Kinder Downfall route and back to Glossop. I've written about the run on my post, Frozen Glory.

So what did I carry for this run? Heading out solo onto Kinder is not to be undertaken lightly. Although a popular route for walkers and runners, and with a good (though cold) forecast here's what I packed:

OMM 6ltr bumbag (whistle is integral)
Sol Emergency Bivi bag
Waterproof trousers
Waterproof OMM smock
Food & water
3x handwarmers (I did think I'd need to crack one so took 2 spare, as it was none were used)
Big warm waterproof gloves
Warm hat + windproof beanie
Spare buff
Money (first time I've ever needed this in an emergency, not that this was an emergency, if you know what I mean!)
Compass
(no map as I know the route/area very well, but I do have viewranger on my phone just in case)
Phone in waterproof pouch
Torch - zipka - it does go dark every day, and even though I wasn't planning to be out late I always have one with me

Plus I was wearing:
Mountain Equipment Ultratherm jacket - wonderful and warm, but not too hot and great to just unzip when I need to vent.
Buff
Thin gloves
Long running tights
Base layer
Blister-inducing Orocs!!

What I should have had with me:
Compeed + plasters + tape
Different shoes for this one today

Brief comments on the INOV8 Orocs:
Apart from obviously giving me a blister, which is fairly standard for some new shoes I'm reasonably happy with how they performed. They are very loud and obvious when you're on tarmac, and though I would love to not run on tarmac at all there's the bits from home to open country/paths that are just not possible to avoid. On frozen ground the shoes were lovely, very confidence inspiring. But, on total glassy ice on the flagstones they were lethal...just as any shoe would be. I had hoped with the studs they'd give some grip on ice but no such luck. I'll report in again once I've worn them again.

Mountain Equipment Ultratherm Jacket

A few weekends ago my other half was trying on this jacket. After a bit of discussion I realised it could be a good alternative to my Arteryx Atom SV. I always stick that in my rucksack on long runs in winter, well autumn, winter, and spring...or any sort of weather that could have me seriously chilling off if I had to stop. The size 10 Ultratherm was too small, the 12 would be OK. I actually think a size 11 would be perfect for me, but alas they don't do odd sizes. I thought about it and put it on my 'list of things to seek out for next winter'. Then, a discount code for ratrace appeared about 48hrs later and 48hrs later still the jacket arrived.

So, how is it? Well so far it has been used, but not in anger. I was spectating at the Round The Resers race last night and took it with me for later on, knowing that I'd probably not be heading home until after dusk. The evening was warm in the sun, definitely shorts and vest weather. The Ultratherm seemed like overkill lurking in my rucksack. Moving to the finish line to watch the runners coming in, especially my team mates in Glossopdale Harriers, we were stood in the shade.

More importantly we were only feet from the reservoir and a million midges decided it was feeding time. The Ultratherm was my only long sleeved option so on it went. The temperature had dropped a little now the sun was lower, and in the shade it was chilling off a little. I was a bit concerned I'd be too hot but my temperature regulated well. The inside of the sleeves is really comfortable with the micro-grid liner. Good to know, as often I'll be out running in just a vest or tshirt.

With all runners in it was a brisk walk to a pub (labour club?) for the prize giving and a well earned pint for the runners. The jacket was comfortable on the move, still not too hot. Inside though I soon started to get hotter with the jacket on, even sitting still so I was back down to t-shirt only.  I'll report back at some point once it's been used in anger.

The Mountain Equipment website has this information on the jacket:

SUMMARY

Windproof, fast drying and functional across a huge range of temperatures and conditions the Ultratherm Jacket is essential kit for everyone from serious mountain runners to Alpine climbers.  Perfect when worn alone for the most highly aerobic activities and yet layers smoothly under shells and insulation in harsh conditions.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• He30 outer fabric; exceptionally lightweight and windproof
• EXOLITE I inserts aid fit during dynamic activity
• Micro-grid wicking lining to regulate temperature and next-to-skin
comfort
• HC hood is adjustable and concealed in collar
• Active cut with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
• Twin-needle and flatlocked seam construction
• Offset Napoleon chest pocket
• YKK® moulded front zip with rear flap
• Lycra® bound cuffs and hem drawcord
• Packs into chest pocket