A summer of off-road running races

We like to think that we have helped you through a winter – and spring! – of snowy, icy and frosty running. Our range of ice grips for running trainers will have been your key to keeping up the mileage and fitness levels over the chilly months. And now, with a good base of fitness, you will be set for a summer of great running.

Kielder Marathon

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ll already know about the great benefits of of-road running. In brief these include:

Less boredom: The countryside offers so many more scenic delights than the street pavements – and there’s a wealth of different routes to try.

Less stress: You’ll reduce the impact of the repetitive stresses of road running by running on varying terrains off-road.

Sense of freedom: You can run for as long as you want and to so many fabulous places as an off-road runner. Feel the freedom!

Great off-road running races

The number of off-road running events is on the increase. (These are more about running and less about obstacles. If you like the idea of advenutre trail races see our Joys of Trail Running blog.)

Run Balmoral 

April 28

A right royal 15-mile run through the picturesque Balmoral Estate, the Queen’s Scottish home.

See Run Balmoral

Highlander Mountain Marathon

April 27/28

This two-day run or hike takes participants on an adventure into remote Highlands countryside. While navigational skills are required, there are entry classes to suit most abilities and participants work in teams of two. An overnight camp also includes a communal feast and a ceilidh dance. The location remains a secret until close to the event but participants can be assured of stunning scenery and a great atmosphere. See Highlander Mountain Marathon

Barrowdale Trail Run

May 19

A number of distances including 13km, 21km and 42kmthrough lovely scenery and a variation of terrain, from lakeside to hillside. See High Terrain Events

Great Trail Challenge, Keswick

June 9

The Great Trail Challenge offers a choice of an 11k or 22k run set amid fabulous countryside.

Trail Marathon Wales

June 22

This popular event has sold out but it might be one to earmark for 2014. The choice is 21k or 42k of fabulous Welsh countryside running. See Trail Marathon Wales

North Devon half and full Marathon

June 30

A fabulous coastal route of 21k or 42k – and in an Area Outstanding Natural Beauty. See North Devon Marathon

Kielder Marathon & 1ok

October 6

It claims to be Britain’s most beautiful marathon – and why ever not?! Both routes of 42k or 10k start and finish at Leaplish Waterside Park and head through, aherm, beautiful countryside. See Kielder Marathon

Wild Man

November 16

The course of 10km or 15km is set on an army testing ground of Ash Ranges near Aldershot. This is for athletes who like their terrain and conditions to be tough and wild! See Human Race for details.

We welcome news of other events from our Ice Gripper readers.

This entry was written by fionaoutdoors, posted on April 19th, 2013 at 11:21 am, and filed under IceGripper News, Information and tagged

How to build an igloo!

Did we smell a little of Spring loveliness? Did we glimpse a few daffodils and crocus? Ha, well, not for long because it seems that winter has returned with a snowy blast. Rather

Build an igloo

than getting all upset and moany, you could have some fun in the snow playing snowballs with the kids or building a snowman or igloo.

What to wear for snowy fun

To enjoy the white stuff, you simply need to be dressed for the cold and wet. Walking or skiing clothes will be perfect. Put on a few baselayers first, both tops and leggings, then add a fleecy mid-layer and top with full waterproof jacket and trousers. Gloves, hat and boots or shoes fitted with Icegrippers are essential extras.

For walking or playing about in the snow check out our Ice Grips for Kids blog

How to build an igloo in your garden

Step by step igloo guide

With snow, the promise of a weekend and some time for family fun, why not build an igloo? It’s not as difficult as you might think – and it will help to burn off some of the energy stored up by spending too much time indoors out of the cold the last week or so.

Step-by-step guide to building an igloo

1)   The more the merrier for this part of the igloo building. The aim is to create as many blocks of snow as you can. Little ones can help each other, while teenagers and adults can make the blocks themselves.

2)    To make the blocks use a rectangular plastic container, like the kind that most kids have to store their toys. Pack in the snow and then turn upside down like building a sand castle. Choose the block size carefully though because you will need to lift the blocks up to make the walls and roof of the igloos.

3)   Clear a flat place in your garden or nearby park and mark out a circle shape so that you know where to place the first round of blocks.

4)   While your igloo building assistants continues to make snow blocks, start to place the blocks for the base of the igloo walls. You can decide to leave space for a doorway or dig out a doorway later.

5)   The second layer of blocks should be laid with each block above the joint of the blocks underneath. This staggers the blocks and makes the walls stronger, like brickwork in a wall or house. You can teach the kids about walls and stability!

6)   As you build each layer of the igloo walls, move the blocks inwards slightly so that you begin to create a dome shape.

7)   When the walls are high enough and the blocks are quite close together it’s time to make an igloo cap. This is positioned at the top of the igloo, like a roof. You might need an assistant to help with this, or call in the help of another adult. (You could put in a request for hot chocolates and biscuits all round to restore energy!)

8)   Once the basic igloo is constructed, it’s time to set about making it look beautiful. Fill in the cracks and holes between the blocks to create smooth inner and outer walls.

9)  If you have not left a doorway you’ll need to dig one out.

10) Now you can relax. Go back indoors – and then let the kids enjoy the fun of playing in the igloo.

We would love to see your photographs of any igloos that you build.

This entry was written by fionaoutdoors, posted on March 22nd, 2013 at 12:02 pm, and filed under Information and tagged