[Chet]

Lol.

Nope I'm not that cheesy

Random sock update

Was thinking about Sealskinz "waterproof" socks, but after chatting to Nicky and reading a bunch of reviews I'm not convinced they are properly waterproof. Which is worse than having normal socks cos I could end up with a load of water in my sock, unable to drain!

So opted for some Sealskinz sock liners (not waterproof, just a decent liner), and some standard Thorlo running socks.

Just so you know

[Matt M]

You're so dedicated.

I would have turned up with my old running shoes, a pair of threadbare jogging bottoms, and old knackered t-shirt and my mums gardening gloves.

[Chet]

Naw. Its just an(other) excuse to buy kit

[Matt M]

I was the same on my first 5k. I went out and bought a few Nike compression tops, fancy running shorts, etc. I wouldn't do that again, but it's fun to shop!

[nickyhusky]

Matt M, on Jan 24 2008, 12:39 PM, said:

You're so dedicated.

I would have turned up with my old running shoes, a pair of threadbare jogging bottoms, and old knackered t-shirt and my mums gardening gloves.

There's a lot to be said for that approach to TG! Lots of people do just that. Though I'd always recommend running tights. If you wore jogging bottoms you might just find that as you emerge from the mud, they don't emerge with you. which might be a little embarassing, especially if you don't wear tight boxers.

On the socks front, I wore my Sealskinz socks in the bath today just to check that we weren't making a huge mistake in not wearing them. Within 5 minutes they were as wet inside as they were outside. Which actually felt quite nice while I was lying in the warm water, but may possibly be less pleasant in the freezing climes of TG.

Admittedly, mine are a bit big, and I'm sure they'd last longer if they fitted tightly, but they are designed for hiking etc not actually being immersed in chest-deep water. They make excellent welly liners though, and I'm sure I'll wear them out walking the dog.

[Paul]

I'd follow matts approach and turn up with a similar lack of real equipment!

[Matt M]

This is why Chet beats us in so many challenges.

[Chet]

Just got insurance cover from these guys:

SportsCover Direct

Insurance for TG. What a funny concept

[nickyhusky]

I forgot to get insurance. Never mind. Last time HB and Son were ill on holiday, and it cost us about £200 or something for medical care, I forgot to claim it back anyway, so insurance is generally a bit of a waste of time for me.

On the equipment front, the Sealskinz hat and gloves were great. The gloves did get wet inside by about 3/4 of the way round the obstacle course, but any other gloves would have been soaked right from the start, so I'd definitely use those again.

I'm glad I wore my windproof running jacket too, even though it's no longer the pleasant aqua colour it used to be. I'm sure it helped me not get too cold.

Though I was boiling on the run, so next time I'd have HB stationed at the first obstacle, with my jacket, hat and gloves so that I don't have to carry them round that bit.

The Inov-8 shoes were very good too - I've got ones with huge grips, and they do grip very well. And I've only got one blister. They're not great for normal running, but they're well suited to TG.