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# TrailKube

Sorted!

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://trailkube.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [How I got into Running](https://trailkube.com/how-i-got-into-running-2/) - I’d never any intention of becoming a runner when I joined my local gym all those years ago (even though then that was when I’d already passed the age of 40). I was purely interested in getting fitter, having had to stop playing hockey as I couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game
- [Chiltern Ridge Half - The Most Unusual Start… and a Proper Trail Gem](https://trailkube.com/chiltern-ridge-half-the-most-unusual-start-and-a-proper-trail-gem/) - It was probably the most unusual race start I’d ever encountered — except perhaps the “head off when you’re ready” instructions during the slightly chaotic days of Covid. Having parked up in Wendover railway station, we took the short walk to the pub car park for the race briefing. Nothing unusual so far, although I
- [My First Ultra: What I Wish I’d Known Before the Start Line](https://trailkube.com/my-first-ultra-what-i-wish-id-known-before-the-start-line/) - Running your first ultra is a mixture of excitement, curiosity, and quiet apprehension. You’ve trained, you’ve read the race information several times, and you’ve probably spent far too long checking the weather forecast. But no matter how much preparation you do, there are always a few things you only really learn once you’re out there
- [How I got into Running](https://trailkube.com/how-i-got-into-running/) - Ten years ago to the very same weekend as the start of Capital to Country, I was in Florence, standing on the start line of my very first marathon. Why? 1 – Emily had said something to me in the March, and 2 – If was going to be in pain running this far, I
- [What is a runner?](https://trailkube.com/what-is-a-runner/) - A couple of things jumped out at me during one of my 10-milers with my training buddy with Sophy that morning. And something shortly after it. Neither of these thoughts would have been particularly noteworthy had it not been for the fact that I was trying to capture as many thoughts, observations and so on
- [Training with friends makes all the difference](https://trailkube.com/training-with-friends-makes-all-the-difference/) - I could not have done all that training on my own. Over 700 training miles done, I was travelling at about 11 minutes per mile on average, if not a little slower. That’s nearly 130 hours all told. Putting it like that doesn’t sound too many does it? Or maybe over 32 marathons sounds more
- [The National Running Show 2026: a few honest reflections](https://trailkube.com/the-national-running-show-2026-a-few-honest-reflections/) - I’m writing this a few days after the National Running Show, once the van’s been returned, the legs have recovered (standing up for hours on end is harder than I thought it would be), and my head’s had a bit of space to catch up with everything that happened. Getting there was… more than expected
- [Rwanda: Running Where Life Is Loud, Kind, and Relentlessly Uphill](https://trailkube.com/rwanda-running-where-life-is-loud-kind-and-relentlessly-uphill/) - I nearly didn’t take the TrailKube there at all. It was on the way there that I nearly didn’t take the TrailKube with me at all. At the airport, bags open, people milling about, I’d left it with a couple of friends while I nipped to the loo — and for a brief, heart-stopping moment
- [My First Back to Back Run](https://trailkube.com/my-first-back-to-back-run/) - I’d been watching a few documentaries about some amazing Ultra runners and was feeling distinctly left behind, what with just two months of running remaining before I needed to rest before my challenge. I was basically struck by a kind of panic that I’d left it all far too late and that I was never
- [The wrong shoes](https://trailkube.com/the-wrong-shoes/) - Last summer saw my return, after a hiatus of what I now know as “too long”, to my running club, Northampton Road Runners. Based at a new venue in the local University, now on the other side of town from me, all the routes would be unfamiliar to me, and that was certainly the case
- [Could I Run an Ultra?](https://trailkube.com/could-i-run-an-ultra/) - A Calm, Practical Way to Think It Through At some point in their running life, many people quietly ask themselves the same question: “Could I actually run an ultra?” Not race it.Not win it.Not chase a result. Just… do one. For some, the idea passes quickly.For others, it lingers — resurfacing after long runs, in
- [Should I run alone or should I run with friends?](https://trailkube.com/should-i-run-alone-or-should-i-run-with-friends/) - First up, I’m not going to tell you what to do, but have a look at the pros and cons of going solo as well as teaming up with your mates Solitary running can be just as rewarding as heading out with some friends, and many of us need a bit of a mix of
- [Running with earphones](https://trailkube.com/running-with-earphones/) - Music or no music? I see so many posts online where the topic of running with or without music is discussed, so I thought I drop my own views on that in here. First of all, the whole matter is one of personal choice, there is therefore no right or wrong answer, it’s up to
- [Hitting "The Wall"](https://trailkube.com/hitting-the-wall/) - I was trundling along, reasonably happily, 19 or so miles into the 2022 Manchester Marathon. My training hadn’t been anything like perfect but, having done around 20 marathons before, I reckoned I’d be OK. I was wrong. Horribly wrong. My legs started to feel so, so heavy, my breathing started to go all over the
- [Early Delaying Tactics](https://trailkube.com/early-delaying-tactics/) - That’ll teach me! As I woke on Sunday morning I thought I’d have a lie in, as I was feeling so tired and didn’t fancy getting up. Simply lying there was bliss, and I mulled over having found a new talent, probably honed over three years of working from home – the “what can I
- [Determination - and Bootcamp](https://trailkube.com/determination-and-bootcamp/) - I guess at some point during 2023 it was inevitable that times were going to get tough in business, and until the August I thought I was riding out the toughest of years really quite well. I’d managed to pick up few new clients and lost a few others on the way through the first
- [Running Safely: Simple Habits That Keep You Confident on Every Run](https://trailkube.com/running-safely-simple-habits-that-keep-you-confident-on-every-run/) - Running Safely: Simple Habits That Keep You Confident on Every Run Have you ever set out for a run just as the was setting (a lovely time to head out I reckon) and suddenly realised you’re half invisible to traffic? Or maybe you left the house without your phone and prayed you wouldn’t twist an
- [Leg Day](https://trailkube.com/leg-day/) - I only had about 40 minutes available last night to do my strength work, so needed to get my skates on. Usually I’d attend a group class for this, but there isn’t one on a Monday. It was down to me to decide what to do. After a brief warm up with bands, I moved
- [Eating During an Ultra – What to Pack and When to Eat](https://trailkube.com/eating-during-an-ultra-what-to-pack-and-when-to-eat/) - Getting your ultra fuelling strategy right is crucial to surviving in the race. I’ve see it all go horribly wrong, and I’ve eaten some different stuff whilst out on the trails myself. Making sure you eat properly for an Ultra just isn’t like you do it for a Marathon or shorter event. In fact, for
- [Music or no music?](https://trailkube.com/music-or-no-music/) - I see so many posts online where the topic of running with or without music is discussed, so I thought I drop my own views on that in here. First of all, the whole matter is one of personal choice, there is therefore no right or wrong answer, it’s up to you. I could of
- [THE FIRST STEP (BEFORE THE FIRST MILE)](https://trailkube.com/the-first-step-before-the-first-mile/) - I didn’t set out to build a brand. I set out to run. Like many people, I was looking for something more—more clarity, more energy, more purpose. I didn’t find it in a boardroom or on a spreadsheet. I found it somewhere between the quiet footfalls of an early morning run and the cold snap
- [How to Get Your Running Club Involved in the 2x1x24 Challenge](https://trailkube.com/how-to-get-your-running-club-involved-in-the-2x1x24-challenge/) - Looking for something new to inspire your club members? The TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge is an approachable, flexible way to build camaraderie and test your collective grit—without the pressure of a formal race. Here’s how your club can take part: ✅ Pick a WeekendChoose any date that works for your group—no official start time required. ✅
- [Who Is the TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge For?](https://trailkube.com/who-is-the-trailkube-2x1x24-challenge-for/) - The TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge is designed for runners who are curious about endurance but don’t feel ready for a full ultra. If you can comfortably run 10K, you already have the base fitness to take this on. It’s perfect for: ✅ Club runners looking for something fresh to inspire their members✅ Marathoners wanting a new
- [How the TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge Started](https://trailkube.com/how-the-trailkube-2x1x24-challenge-started/) - Hi, I’m Owen—a passionate trail, marathon, and ultramarathon runner from Northampton. Over the past decade, I’ve completed over 30 marathons and a 5-day stage race across Nepal that taught me the true test of endurance isn’t always the distance—it’s the discipline to keep going, hour after hour. After that experience, I wanted to create something
- [Why I Love Running in the Dark](https://trailkube.com/why-i-love-running-in-the-dark/) - There’s something special about running when the world is asleep.No distractions, no traffic, no noise—just the quiet rhythm of your breath and your footsteps. During my 2x1x24 Challenge, the overnight hours were when the magic (and the struggle) really began.You learn a lot about yourself at 3am. You learn what you’re made of, how you
- [The Art of Showing UP](https://trailkube.com/the-art-of-showing-up/) - Some days, you’ll spring out of bed at 5am, ready to smash your miles. Other days—most days, if we’re honest—you’ll feel tired, achy, or a bit low. Here’s the thing: showing up anyway is what separates the dreamers from the finishers. Whether it’s your first parkrun, a 50k ultra, or the TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge, the
- [A Wave of Extreme Tiredness](https://trailkube.com/a-wave-of-extreme-tiredness/) - Yesterday I was buzzing with energy. Today, I could barely summon the strength to swing my legs out of bed. The day before, I’d worked all day, led a bootcamp session, and gone for a run. By evening, after a shower and a hot chocolate, I was spent. But even then, I couldn’t sleep properly.
- [A Little Sports Massage](https://trailkube.com/a-little-sports-massage/) - A Little Sports Massage (…or a lot) It had been six years since my last deep-tissue sports massage. I remembered it wasn’t exactly relaxing—but nothing prepared me for the battering my left leg was about to receive. What was meant to be a straightforward maintenance job turned into a one-and-a-half-hour battle of endurance. Ben, my

## Pages

- [New Home Page TK](https://trailkube.com/) - RUNNING KIT. SORTED Everything you need.Exactly where you need it. TrailKube keeps your running kit organised, visible and ready to go — at home, on race day or wherever your running takes you. BUY TRAILKUBE - £42.99 Designed by an ultra runner. Built for runners. RACE DAY SHOULDN'T START LIKE THIS Where the hell did
- [The TrailKube Story](https://trailkube.com/the-trailkube-story/) - ABOUT TRAILKUBE I’m a runner. I got fed up with losing my stuff. I’m Owen. I’ve run everything from local trails to multi-day ultras in mountains, forests and deserts. And wherever I ran, one irritating little problem followed me around: keeping all the kit organised. TrailKube came from trying to solve that problem for myself.
- [TK Buy](https://trailkube.com/tk-buy/) - TRAILKUBE Your running kit. Sorted. £42.99 One portable place for your running kit — with adjustable padded dividers and lid pockets so everything stays visible, organised and ready when you need it. ✓ Adjustable padded dividers✓ Storage pockets inside the lid✓ Free UK delivery BUY HERE TrailKube arrives empty, ready for you to organise around
- [Home](https://trailkube.com/home/) - Arrive calm. Organised. Ready. Everything we build helps you do exactly that. Nutrition Nutrition Training Training Events Events Kit/Gear Kit/Gear Home TrailKube Trail Kube Click a face to find out more FROM RACE DAY CHAOS TO CALM The Problem If you've ever prepared for a trail or ultra race, you'll know the scene: kit spread
- [SiS Review](https://trailkube.com/sisreview/) - Product Review - SiS Isotonic Energy Gel Pros Easy to open Watery texture Pleasant orange taste No stomach issues Cons No energy boost Very weak impact Not for long runs Quick Verdict Best for: Simple, reliable fuelling Standout: No water needed (isotonic) Downside: Bulky and less efficient Overall: A dependable gel that's easy to use, but starting to feel
- [Review - STYRKR - 50g Gel](https://trailkube.com/styrkr50g/) - Review - STYRKR - 50g Gel Pros Easy-to-consume smooth texture Maintained consistent energy levels during a demanding session High-carb format suitable for longer efforts Flows easily from the packet Cons Extremely sweet flavour Artificial taste that may not appeal to everyone Left an unpleasant sticky feeling in the mouth Packaging tore poorly and caused spillage
- [High5 Review](https://trailkube.com/high5review/) - Product Review - High5 Energy Gel Quick Verdict Best for: Easy consumption if you struggle with thick gels Standout: Very watery, drink-like texture Downside: No noticeable energy boost Overall: Easy to take, but lacks real performance impact Compare energy gels → Check Price on Amazon Pros Very easy to consume No mess or stickiness Pleasant
- [GU Review](https://trailkube.com/gureview/) - Product Review - GU Energy Gel Pros Strong energy boost Compact and Practical Easy to use No mess Cons Thick texture may not suit everyone Comes out in blobs Quick Verdict Best for: Performance-focused runners needing a real boost Standout: Noticeable energy impact Downside: Thick - but surprisingly easy to take Overall: A strong performer that delivers when it
- [TORQ Review](https://trailkube.com/torqreview/) - Product Review - TORQ Energy Gel Pros Easy to open Smooth, non-sticky texture Good flavour No stomach issues Cons No immediate energy boost Subtle effect May not suit those wanting a quick hit PRODUCT REVIEW - TORQ Energy Gel Quick Verdict Best for: Simple, reliable fuelling Standout: Compact, easy to use, and mess-free Downside: More of a steady
- [Gels](https://trailkube.com/gels/) - Gels Return to all Nutrition Energy Gels: Tested on the Trail, Not Just on Paper I've tried more gels than I'd like to admit - some brilliant, some genuinely regrettable at mile 18. Below are my top 3, the ones that earned a permanent spot in my vest after real miles, real climbs, and real
- [Nutrition](https://trailkube.com/nutritionhub/) - Your Nutrition Hub
- [Race Reviews](https://trailkube.com/racereviews/) - Race Reviews
- [Race Review - Maverick Chilterns Trail Marathon - 2026](https://trailkube.com/mavmar2026/) - Race Review - Maverick Chilterns Trail Marathon - 2026 Go Back to All Race Reviews Maverick Chilterns Trail Marathon 2026 Review Having run the half marathon at Maverick Chilterns in 2025 and thoroughly enjoyed it, Sophy and I decided it was time to step things up and tackle the full marathon this year. That decision
- [Review - Balega Socks](https://trailkube.com/balegasocks/) - Product Review - Balega "Hidden Comfort" Socks Quick Verdict Best for: Trail runners, long-distance runners, and anyone looking for all-day comfort Standout: Comfort so good you forget you're wearing them Biggest Strength: Durability and long-term reliability Overall: A premium sock that delivers exceptional comfort, a secure fit, and practical protection from trail debris. After years
- [1000 Mile Sock Review](https://trailkube.com/1000milesock/) - Product Review - 1000 Mile Socks Quick Verdict Best for: Long-distance running, trail and ultras Standout: Zero blisters over 10 years Biggest Strength: Durability and long-term reliability Overall: A proven, no-nonsense sock that just works - especially for long runs Compare running socks → Check Price on Amazon Pros A proven, no-nonsense sock that just
- [Review - Precision Fuel - 30g Gel](https://trailkube.com/precision30/) - Review - Precision Fuel - 30g Gel Quick Verdict Best for: Long runs, races, and endurance training Standout: Consistent energy with no stomach issues Biggest Strength: Easy to take while running, with a smooth texture and practical packaging Overall: A well-designed gel that delivers reliable energy without the usual mess, stickiness, or unpleasant aftertaste Compare
- [Becoming - Coaching](https://trailkube.com/becoming-coaching/) - Where would you like to begin? Every woman who finds Becoming arrives at a different point. Some are curious - quietly wondering if there's something more, but not ready to commit to anything yet. Some are ready to move - they just need a structure that fits around the life they're already carrying. Some are
- [Home - Becoming](https://trailkube.com/becoming/) - You've built a career. A life. A version of yourself that everyone else recognises. But somewhere along the way, you lost the part that was entirely, undeniably yours. "Becoming" guides professional women in their 40s and 50s through trail running, not to get fit, but to reclaim something you can't buy, delegate, or fake.
- [My Journey](https://trailkube.com/myjourney/) - My Journey My Journey TrailKube didn't start as a business. It started growing out of my own experiences, ups and downs as I made my way through the countryside, here in the UK and, later on, in wilder places around the world. I was never really into going any faster. I just wanted to see
- [Becoming - About](https://trailkube.com/becoming-about/) - About Becoming This isn't a fitness programme. It's a reclamation. Becoming exists for the woman who has spent twenty years being brilliant for everyone else - and is quietly wondering if there's anything left that's entirely hers. The woman we're here for She's capable. Successful, even. She holds things together in ways most people don't
- [Becoming - Alert](https://trailkube.com/becoming-alert/) - Alive You've been looking after everyone else for so long, you've forgotten to notice yourself. Alive is a free 5-day email series - a gentle invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember what's possible. Start "Alive" - It's Free You're good at this. Frighteningly good. The career that demanded everything. The family that needed you
- [Becoming - Spark Guided](https://trailkube.com/spark-guided/) - Spark - Guided Ten days. With someone in your corner. Everything in Spark Solo - plus a Discovery Call, a midpoint check-in, and a debrief with Owen. Your plan, your pace, your coach. Book your Discovery Call - £97 founder price THE DIFFERENCE Some people want a plan they can follow quietly, in their own
- [Becoming - Trails](https://trailkube.com/becoming-trails/) - Trails The finish line is real. So is everyone waiting for you there. A 3-month trail running journey - from where you are now, to a 10k finish line in the UK countryside. With a group of women who become something more than training partners. Find out if Trails is right for you THIS IS
- [Becoming - Articles](https://trailkube.com/becoming-alert-copy/) - Articles From the sofa to the start line. And everything in between. Honest writing about trail running - what it feels like before you start, what surprises you when you do, and what keeps you coming back. No expert gatekeeping. No performance theatre. Just the real stuff, from someone who's been on the trail ahead
- [Becoming - Spark Solo](https://trailkube.com/becoming-spark-solo/) - Spark - Solo Your first ten days. Built for you. A bespoke 10-day movement plan - designed around your life, your body, and where you are right now. Get Spark Solo - for just £47 THE PROBLEM IT SOLVES You know you want to feel better. More energy. More clarity. That quiet sense of I'm doing
- [Race Review - Race to the King - Castle - 2026](https://trailkube.com/rttk2026/) - Race Review - Race to the King - Castle - 2026 Go Back to Race Reviews Race to the King 2026 - Castle Route (50k) - A Proper Trail Day Out Having tackled the Coastal Route in 2025 - and baked in the heat while doing so - I approached Race to the King 2026
- [Race Review - Wendover Woods Half - 2026](https://trailkube.com/wendover-2026/) - Event Review - Wendover Woods Half - 2026 Go Back to All Race Reviews Wendover Woods Half Marathon 2026 - Race Review This morning I headed down to Wendover Woods for the Wendover Woods Half Marathon, not sure what to expect but hoping for a cracker. With Race to the King 50k (Castle route this
- [Lower Body Exercises](https://trailkube.com/lower-body-exercises/) - Lower Body Exercises Great lower body strength is one of the biggest advantages a trail runner can have. Climbs, descents, uneven terrain and long hours on the trails all place huge demands on the legs, hips and glutes, especially once fatigue starts to build. These exercises are designed to help build strength, balance and durability
- [Box Step Up](https://trailkube.com/box-step-up/) - Box Step Up Go Back to All Strength Exercises Box Step Up Why it matters for trail runners The box step up is one of the most specific strength exercises for trail runners because it closely mimics the movement pattern used during steep climbs. Every uphill step requires you to lift your body weight onto
- [Glute Bridge](https://trailkube.com/glute-bridge/) - Glute Bridge Go Back to All Strength Exercises Glute Bridge Why it matters for trail runners The glute bridge is one of the best exercises for activating and strengthening the glutes, which are among the most important muscles for trail runners. Strong glutes help drive you uphill, stabilise the pelvis and maintain efficient running mechanics
- [Bodyweight Squat](https://trailkube.com/bodyweight-squat/) - Bodyweight Squat Go Back to All Strength Exercises Bodyweight Squat Why it matters for trail runners The bodyweight squat is one of the most fundamental exercises a trail runner can perform. It develops strength, mobility, balance and movement control using nothing more than your own body weight. While it may seem simple, the bodyweight squat
- [Lunge](https://trailkube.com/lunge/) - Lunge Go Back to All Strength Exercises Why it matters for trail runners The lunge is one of the best exercises a trail runner can do because trail running is essentially a series of single-leg movements. Every step, climb, descent and obstacle requires strength, balance and control on one leg at a time. Lunges build
- [Strength Training For Trail Runners](https://trailkube.com/strength-training-for-trail-runners/) - Strength Training for Trail Runners Return to Training Hub Trail running places huge demands on the body. Uneven terrain, steep climbs, tricky descents, mud, rocks and constantly changing footing all require far more than just cardiovascular fitness. Strength work helps build the durability, stability and resilience needed to cope with those demands. It also mixes
- [Training](https://trailkube.com/traininghub/) - Your Training Hub
- [Building TrailKube](https://trailkube.com/building/) - Recovery, Running & Rebuilding Long before the races, mountains, and events came recovery, rebuilding, and the gradual process of learning how to live life differently. This series shares some of that journey.
- [What Life Was Really Like Before I Quit Drinking](https://trailkube.com/lifebefore/) - What Life Was Really Like Before I Quit Drinking Blackout. That's where this story probably needs to begin. Not because it was the single worst thing that ever happened to me, but because it perfectly captured where years of drinking had quietly taken me. I came round somewhere around two in the morning, standing on
- [Recovery, Running and Rebuilding](https://trailkube.com/origins/) - Why I'm Writing About Recovery, Running & Rebuilding TrailKube started as a simple product to help Trail and Ultra runners keep all their kit organised. To reduce pre-race stress and anxiety. It grew. Now I'm looking at it as a becoming a fully-fledged trail and ultra running website. Not for elites and record-breakers, but for
- [How I Quit Drinking](https://trailkube.com/how-i-quit-drinking/) - How I Quit Drinking It may take a few attempts - but so what? Below I take a chapter from my book "Losing my Addiction" (written about a year into my quit) and learn that all it takes is succeeding just ONE more time than you fail. Here goes: Back in the 1990's there was
- [Why Trails?](https://trailkube.com/why-trails/) - Why Trails? For so many of us, trail running is about far more than pace, distance or finish times. In many ways, these factors become almost irrelevant. Instead, running the trails, across the countryside, wherever we can, becomes a way to reconnect with nature, challenge ourselves differently, quieten busy minds and experience movement in a
- [Why Trail Running Feels So Different from Road Running](https://trailkube.com/whytrails/) - Why Trail Running Feels so Different from Road Running "Modern life is built around straight lines. Nature isn't." That's usually my answer whenever somebody asks why I spend so much time running through forests, hills, mud, rain, rocks, roots and places that most people would probably describe as "hard work". Because the truth is, trail
- [862](https://trailkube.com/862-3/) - 862 to Kathmandu - Seeing how far 'maybe' can take you Return to My Journey 862 to Kathmandu This is where it all got a bit more serious. What started as a simple idea (actually, something of a massive impulse buy), to run somewhere utterly extraordinary and have the trip of a lifetime, ended up
- [Life Outside Running](https://trailkube.com/lifeoutsiderunning/) - Life Outside Running Running might be the headline, but it's not the whole story. My love of life extends much further than running, and sometimes I wonder how I fit it all in, but somehow I do. From Music to Rugby, my Allotment to Public Speaking, I also find some time to train for my
- [Training, Events and Reviews](https://trailkube.com/training-events-and-reviews/) - Training, Events and Reviews Trail running is about far more than simply turning up and running. Training, preparation, nutrition, equipment and race experiences all play a part - and over time you gradually discover what genuinely works for you and what really doesn't. This section brings together honest reviews, practical training ideas, race experiences and
- [Introduction to Trail Running](https://trailkube.com/introduction-to-trail-running/) - Who This Is For? This day is ideal if you are: a road runner curious about trail running new to trail running and wanting some structure looking to build confidence off-road wanting a more relaxed, enjoyable running experience You certainly don't need to be fast, just up for a challenge. In fact. all you need
- [Supplements](https://trailkube.com/supplements/) - Supplements Return to all Nutrition Supplements and sports nutrition can play a role in trail and ultra running, particularly around recovery, hydration, energy, and overall training support. These reviews are based on real-world use and honest experience rather than hype or marketing claims - because what works brilliantly for one runner may do very little
- [Review - SIS Hydro Electrolytes](https://trailkube.com/review-sis-hydro-electrolytes/) - Product Review - SIS Hydro Electrolytes Quick Verdict Best for: Trail runners wanting simple, reliable hydration support without stomach issues or messy bottles Standout: Clean, easy-drinking electrolyte mix that works consistently without fuss Biggest Strength: Pleasant taste and excellent practicality during longer runs Overall: SIS Hydro has quietly become my go-to hydration tablet for trail
- [Events](https://trailkube.com/eventshub/) - EVENTS Not all races are what you think you've signed up for! Some pass you by, some you vaguely remember, and a few stay with you long after the finish line.Whether you're looking for your next challenge or just want to know what it's really like out there, this is where it all starts.Find an
- [Review - Cod Liver Oil](https://trailkube.com/codliveroil/) - Product Review - Cod Liver Oil Quick Verdict Best for: Runners looking for a simple, low-cost long-term health supplement Standout: Easy, preventative support for joints and general wellbeing Biggest Strength: Cheap, accessible, simple and effortless to take consistently Overall: One of the least exciting supplements I take - which is probably exactly why I continue
- [Kit/Gear](https://trailkube.com/kit/) - Kit/Gear
- [Warrior Rage Pre-Workout Review](https://trailkube.com/warriorpre/) - Product Review - Warrior Rage Pre-Workout - Blazin' Blue Razz Quick Verdict Best for: Gym sessions, strength-focused workouts, people who enjoy strong stimulant-based pre-workouts Standout: Intense flavour and noticeable "buzz" effect Biggest Strength: Definitely makes you feel like something is happening Overall: A very "full-on" pre-workout that gave plenty of sensation - but ultimately very
- [Toastmasters](https://trailkube.com/toastmasters/) - Toastmasters I've always enjoyed (?) public speaking, particularly when it involves sharing my recovery journey and hopefully helping other people through honesty and lived experience. I joined Northampton Speakers Toastmasters in May 2024 because I wanted to become far more confident and capable as a speaker. Since then it's been challenging, rewarding, slightly nerve-wracking at
- [TrailKube](https://trailkube.com/trailkube/) - Your Kit, Your Crew, Sorted! Race prep shouldn't feel like a race. TrailKube keeps every gel, plaster, and headtorch organised - for runners and the crews who support them. Get Your TrailKube Today Click Here to get yourself a TrailKube for just £42.99 Packing our mandatory and other kit before Race Day is always a
- [Salomon ADV Skin 12 Trail Run Vest](https://trailkube.com/salomonadv12/) - Product Review - Camelbak Trail Run Vest Quick Verdict Best for: Longer trail runs, carrying full kit Standout: Close, body-hugging fit with lots of storage Biggest Strength: Comfortable and stable over long distances Overall: A very capable vest that does a lot well - but with enough small frustrations to notice over time Return to
- [Hydration and Packs](https://trailkube.com/hydration/) - Hydration and Packs Return to Main Kit Page Carrying water, fuel, and kit is a key part of trail running - especially as distances increase. These reviews are based on real-world use and research, but as with all gear, fit and feel are personal, so it's always worth trying options yourself where possible.
- [Brooks Ghost 16 Shoe Review](https://trailkube.com/ghost16/) - Product Review - Brooks Ghost 16 Quick Verdict Best for: Road running, everyday miles, mixed training Standout: Effortless comfort you barely notice Biggest Strength: Consistent, reliable performance across all runs Overall: A genuinely dependable all-rounder - the kind of shoe you keep coming back to Return to All Shoes → Find on Amazon Pros Effortless
- [Other Shoes Reviews](https://trailkube.com/othershoes/) - Other Shoes These are the shoes I've used for everyday training - a mix of road and hybrid options depending on the terrain. As always, they're based on my own experience, so use them as a guide rather than a rule. Return to All Shoes Coming Soon
- [CamelBak Trail Run Vest](https://trailkube.com/camelbakpack/) - Product Review - Camelbak Trail Run Vest Quick Verdict Best for: Beginners and everyday trail runners Standout: Simple, comfortable, and easy to use Biggest Strength: Reliable all-round performance without overcomplication Overall: A solid, no-fuss entry into hydration vests that does exactly what most runners need Return to All Hydration Systems & Packs → Check Price
- [Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0](https://trailkube.com/ud6/) - Product Review - Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 Quick Verdict Best for: Long runs, ultras, and serious trail runners Standout: Excellent fit and high-capacity storage years Biggest Strength: Balance of lightweight design and long-distance capability Overall: A serious piece of kit designed for runners who need to carry more - and go further Return to
- [New Balance 1080 Shoe Review](https://trailkube.com/nb1080/) - Product Review - New Balance Freshfoam 1080 Quick Verdict Best for: Walking, recovery wear, all-day comfort Standout: Exceptionally soft, cushioned, "cuddly" feel Biggest Weakness: Caused severe blistering almost immediately when running Overall: Incredibly comfortable at first, but for me completely unworkable as a running shoe Return to All Shoes → Find on Amazon Pros Extremely
- [Sock Reviews](https://trailkube.com/socks/) - Running socks Return to Kit Hub Coming Soon Return to Kit Hub
- [Shoe Reviews](https://trailkube.com/shoes/) - Running Shoes Return to Kit Hub Running Shoes Shoes are one of the most personal choices you'll make as a runner. What works for my feet, running style, and terrain may not work for yours. These reviews are based on my own experience using them in real conditions - but they're a guide, not a
- [Top 5 Shoes](https://trailkube.com/top5shoes/) - Back to All Shoes 👟 Top Trail Running Shoes (UK) I've tested a number of these shoes on real runs - long trails, mixed terrain, and the kind of sessions where comfort and reliability actually matter. Others are based on detailed research and feedback from runners who've put serious miles into them. Because in trail
- [ON Hybrid Review](https://trailkube.com/onhybrid/) - Product Review - ON Hybrid Quick Verdict Best for: Dry trails, mixed terrain, and everyday use Standout: Comfortable fit with good heel cushioning Watch out for: Stones getting lodged in the sole + poor wet performance Overall: A shoe that feels great initially but struggles to deliver as a true road-to-trail hybrid Compare running shoes
- [Race Review - Spires and Shires](https://trailkube.com/spires/) - Event Review - Spires and Shires 2021 Go Back to All Race Reviews Some races are about times, splits, and performance. Others are about the experience. Spires and Shires sits firmly in the second category. From the moment you arrive at Naseby Playing Fields, there's a different feel to it. Registration takes place in a
- [Top 5 Energy Bars](https://trailkube.com/top5bars/) - Back to All Nutrition Energy Bars Energy bars can be a great option when you want something more substantial than a gel - especially on longer runs or when you're out for a while. That said, they're not all equal. Texture, taste, and how easy they are to eat on the move can vary a
- [Torq Organic Carrot Cake Flapjack](https://trailkube.com/torqflapjack/) - Product Review - Torq Explore Flapjack - Organic Carrot Cake Quick Verdict Best for: Longer runs where you want something more substantial than a gel Standout: Easy to eat mid-run despite solid texture Biggest Strength: Balanced texture + steady energy Overall: A genuinely enjoyable, practical alternative to gels Compare Energy Bars → Check Price on
- [Grenade Review](https://trailkube.com/grenadebar/) - Product Review - Grenade White Chocolate Energy Bar Quick Verdict Best for: A treat-style energy boost between gels Standout: Feels like a chocolate bar, not "fuel" Downside: Slightly chewy with a bit of a crash later Overall: A really solid addition to your fuelling options Compare Energy Bars → Check Price on Amazon Pros Feels
- [Chia Charge Flapjack Review](https://trailkube.com/chiachargeflapjack/) - Product Review - Chia Charge Flapjack - Banana Quick Verdict Best for: Natural-feeling energy and hunger control on longer runs Standout: Easy to eat with a smooth, gentle energy release Biggest Issue: Poor packaging (brittle plastic) and very crumbly Overall: Great fuel inside… let down slightly by how it's packaged Compare Energy Bars → Check
- [Gigs](https://trailkube.com/gigs/) - Gigs My taste in music is… varied. From 2-Tone to metal, punk to reggae - if it sounds good, I'll go and see it live. There's no real pattern, no strict genre - just whatever makes me nod and smile. Over the years that's meant gigs ranging from John Grant and The Wandering Hearts to
- [TOPO Mtn Racer 4 Review](https://trailkube.com/topomtn4/) - Product Review - TOPO Mtn Racer 4 Quick Verdict Best for: Natural running feel and long-distance comfort Standout: Wide toe box + secure midfoot fit Watch Out for: Less plush than max-cushion shoes like Speedgoat Overall: Topo shoes are not trying to be the most cushioned, fastest, or flashiest. 👉 They're trying to feel right
- [HOKA Speedgoat7 Review](https://trailkube.com/hokasg7/) - Product Review - HOKA Speedgoat 7 Quick Verdict Best for: Long-distance trail running across mixed terrain Standout: Cushion + grip balance for all-day comfort Biggest Strength: Reliable, "do-it-all" trail performance Watch out for: Slightly bulky feel for faster/technical running Overall: A true mountain workhorse - refined rather than reinvented Compare running shoes → Check Price
- [Top 5 Socks](https://trailkube.com/top5socks/) - Go Back to All Socks Top 5 Running Socks for Trail & Long Distance (UK) I've been testing running socks during real training runs - long trail efforts, back-to-back days, and all-weather conditions - to see what actually works when your feet are under pressure for hours at a time. Because in trail running, socks
- [Kiprun R500 Sock Review](https://trailkube.com/kiprunr500/) - Product Review - Kiprun R900 Socks Quick Verdict Best for: Lightweight, minimal feel with excellent breathability Standout: Secure fit with zero slipping or bunching Biggest Strength: Reliable performance - no blisters over long runs Overall: A solid, no-friction sock - but not for those who want comfort underfoot Compare running socks → Find at Decathlon
- [Lucozade Review](https://trailkube.com/lucozadereview/) - Product Review - Lucozade Energy Gel Quick Verdict Best for: Emergency back up option Standout: Recognisable Brand impact Downside: Difficult to open and umpleasant texture Overall: It works - but everything about using it makes running harder. There are far better options available Compare energy gels → Check Price on Amazon Pros Provides energy boost
- [Interval Training](https://trailkube.com/intervals/) - Interval Training Go Back to Training Hub What Interval Training Actually Improves Before getting into the sessions themselves, it helps to understand what you're actually training. You'll often hear terms like VO₂ max and lactate threshold. They sound technical, but the ideas behind them are simple - and they make a real difference to how
- [Top 5 gels](https://trailkube.com/top5gels/) - Return to Nutrition Hub Most gel guides are written from a desk. This isn't. I've been testing energy gels during real training runs - hill sessions, long efforts, and low-fuel conditions - to see what actually works when you're tired, breathing hard, and need something reliable. Because in trail running, gels aren't just about energy.
- [Event Finder](https://trailkube.com/eventfinder/) - Event Finder There are thousands of races out there - finding the right one can be overwhelming. To make it easier, I recommend using Find a Race - one of the best tools available for discovering events. You can filter by distance, location, terrain, and more to quickly explore what's out there and find your
- [Tempo Runs](https://trailkube.com/temporuns/) - Tempo Runs Go Back to Training Hub Comfortably uncomfortable… and one of the most useful sessions you can do. Tempo runs sit in that awkward space where you're not flat-out, but you're definitely not cruising either. It's a sustained effort. Controlled. Purposeful. The kind of running where you settle into a rhythm and then hold
- [Hill Sprints](https://trailkube.com/hillsprints/) - Hill Sprints Go Back to Training Hub Short. Sharp. Unpleasant. And incredibly effective. Hill sprints are one of those sessions that don't look like much on paper. A short hill. A few hard efforts. Plenty of recovery. Simple. And yet, once you're halfway through the first proper effort, you quickly realise there's nowhere to hide.
- [Race Review - Race to the King 2025](https://trailkube.com/rttk2025/) - Race Review - Race to the King 2025 Go Back to Race Reviews Race to the King 2025 - Not Quite What I Expected… Until It Was I went into Race to the King 2025 thinking I knew what I was signing up for. A coastal 50k. Sea air, open views, long stretches alongside water,
- [Race Review - Ultra X Spring Trails - 2026](https://trailkube.com/uxspring2026/) - Event Review - UltraX Spring Trails 2026 Go Back to All Race Reviews Ultra X Spring Trails - From the Other Side This time, I wasn't running. No nerves on the start line, no checking kit for the tenth time, no quiet wondering whether I'd taken on a bit more than I should have. Instead,
- [Race Review - Runaway Adventures Chiltern Ridge](https://trailkube.com/runawaychilterns/) - Event Review - Runaway Adventures - Chiltern Ridge Go Back to All Race Reviews The Most Unusual Start… and a Proper Trail Gem It was probably the most unusual race start I'd ever encountered - except perhaps the "head off when you're ready" instructions during the slightly chaotic days of Covid. Having parked up in
- [Race Review - Maverick Chilterns 2025](https://trailkube.com/mavchilts2025-2/) - Event Review - Maverick Chilterns 2025 Go Back to All Race Reviews Proof that you don't need to go far for it to feel like an escape. After deserts, mountains, and places where you genuinely question your life choices, it's easy to assume that something closer to home might feel… lesser somehow. It doesn't. The
- [Race Review - Ultra X Rwanda 2026](https://trailkube.com/ultraxrwanda/) - Event Review - UltraX Rwanda 2026 Go Back to All Race Reviews Rwanda: Running where Life is Loud, Kind, and Relentlessly Uphill I nearly didn't take the TrailKube there at all. It was on the way there that I nearly didn't take the TrailKube with me at all. At the airport, bags open, people milling
- [Race Review - Ultra X Morocco](https://trailkube.com/ultraxmorocco/) - Event Review - UltraX Morocco 2024 Go Back to All Race Reviews You go to the desert for the heat. You don't expect the rain. The first thing that struck me wasn't the landscape. Not straight away. It was the feeling. Landing in Marrakech and being met by the team from Ultra X, there was
- [Race Review - Ultra X Finland](https://trailkube.com/ultraxfinland/) - Event Review - UltraX Finland 2025 Go Back to All Race Reviews It started, as these things often do, with something faintly ridiculous. A quiet walk to the start through a perfectly kept park in Lahti, birds doing their thing, locals out with their dogs, and me… helping myself to a handful of poo bags
- [Allotment Page](https://trailkube.com/allotment/) - My Allotment This is where things slow down. No rush, no urgency, just fresh air, a bit of space, and whatever needs doing on the day. Some days that's planting, some days it's weeding - a lot of weeding, actually - but there's something oddly satisfying about it all. You get to know the rhythm
- [Rugby](https://trailkube.com/rugby/) - Rugby - Northampton Saints I love supporting and watching Northampton Saints. It's one of the things my wife and I do together, and that's probably the biggest part of it. She enjoys it just as much as I do - in fact, she'll go on her own if I'm off running somewhere, which says a
- [Race Review - Race to the Stones 2021](https://trailkube.com/rtts2021/) - Event Review - Race to the Stones 2021 Go Back to Race Reviews 100km. My First Ultra. This really did come about after some rather questionable decision-making. And then as we crossed the start line at dawn, the words: "Only 20 parkruns to go." That was Rob, right on the start line of Race to
- [Speedgoat 7 review](https://trailkube.com/sisreview-copy-2/) - Product Review - HOKA Speedgoat 7 Quick Verdict Best for: Long-distance trail running across mixed terrain Standout: Cushion + grip balance for all-day comfort Watch Out for: Slightly bulky feel for faster/technical running Overall: A true mountain workhorse - refined rather than reinvented. Compare Running Shoes → Check Price on Amazon Pros Excellent cushioning for
- [Spinning Cube Test](https://trailkube.com/spinningcube/) - Nutrition Nutrition Training Training Events Events Kit/Gear Kit/Gear Home TrailKube Trail Kube Trail Kube
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- [Training Drills](https://trailkube.com/trainingdrills/) - Training Drills, Intervals etc Return to Training Hub
- [Ultra-Curious?](https://trailkube.com/trailkube-copy/) - Why is Ultra Running so fantastic? Ask a group of ultra runners why they do it and you'll rarely get the same answer twice. Yet beneath all the different stories there's a shared understanding: ultra running offers something far richer than simply covering a long distance. It's not just about running further - it's about
- [About](https://trailkube.com/about/) - Owen Jones Founder Welcome to you all! Hi, I'm Owen - Trail Runner, Entrepreneur, Early Riser, Project Manager, Personal Trainer (Bootcamps) and the slightly obsessive mind behind TrailKube. Trail Runner Author Project Manager Entrepreneur Bootcamp Operator Public Speaker Like many of us, I've stood in my bedroom in the early morning wondering where on earth
- [Contact](https://trailkube.com/contact/) - GET IN TOUCH
- [TrailKube Challenge](https://trailkube.com/the-2x1x24/) - Are YOU ready for the TrailKube Challenge? Join the Challenge here The TrailKube Challenge What Is This Challenge? The TrailKube Challenge isn't your typical running event. It's not a race. It's not a fundraiser (unless you want it to be). It's a personal and community test of discipline, grit, and good humour. The format is simple:
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- [Clothing](https://trailkube.com/clothing/) - Clothing Dad hatRated 0 out of 5 £20.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
- [Trailkube Kit Organiser](https://trailkube.com/trailkube-kit-organiser/) - You've trained for months. You've planned every mile. But your kit? But your kit? If you're anything like me, your headtorch is in your sock drawer, your gloves are MIA, and your spare batteries… who knows? As each race went by, I become more and more annoyed at my lack of organisation, the "kit explosions"
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- [Affiliate Disclosure](https://trailkube.com/affiliate-disclosure/) - Affiliate Disclosure I believe in transparency on the web and so I am disclosing that I’ve included certain products and links on this site that I will earn an affiliate commission for should you decide to make a purchase. My goal with this site is to help educate you on the possibilities that exist online

## Products

- [TrailKube Running Kit Organiser](https://trailkube.com/product/trailkube/) - TrailKube is your ultimate kit organiser—beat pre-race packing panic with this modular gear box for trail, ultra, marathon, endurance and all other runners.
- [862 to Kathmandu - 5 Days running in Nepal](https://trailkube.com/product/862-to-kathmandu-5-days-running-in-nepal/) - Read the real story from one of the original "Capital to Country" Nepal ultramarathon runners. Signed paperback of "862 to Kathmandu" available from the author.
- [Running Companion - for remembering the runs that mattered](https://trailkube.com/product/runners-companion-for-remembering-the-runs-that-mattered/) - Running Companion is a thoughtfully designed journal for runners who want to remember how a run felt, not just how fast it was.
- [Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt](https://trailkube.com/product/short-sleeve-unisex-t-shirt-2/) - You didn’t just run—you conquered! Celebrate your grit and endurance with the official “I Smashed the TrailKube 2x1x24 Challenge” tee. Bold, iconic, and conversation-starting, this shirt isn’t just for wearing—it’s for owning your achievement. Whether you're repping it on recovery days or inspiring your next adventure, this is your hard-earned badge of honour. Limited to
- [Unisex Hoodie](https://trailkube.com/product/unisex-hoodie-2/) - We all love a hoodie. Why not show your support for the newest brand in Running Kit? Go on, you know you want to! • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the back • Matching flat drawstrings • 3-panel hood • Blank product sourced
- [Dad hat](https://trailkube.com/product/dad-hat/) - Strut it in style with the new TrailKube hat. Perfect! • 100% chino cotton twill • Unstructured, 6-panel, low-profile • 6 embroidered eyelets • 3 ⅛” (7.6 cm) crown • Adjustable strap with antique buckle • Blank product sourced from Vietnam or Bangladesh This product is made especially for you as soon as you place

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## Product tags

- [trail running](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/trail-running/)
- [kit organiser](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/kit-organiser/)
- [race day gear](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/race-day-gear/)
- [running box](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/running-box/)
- [ultramarathon](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/ultramarathon/)
- [mandatory kit](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/mandatory-kit/)
- [packing system](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/packing-system/)
- [gear storage](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/gear-storage/)
- [runner gift](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/runner-gift/)
- [kit chaos](https://trailkube.com/product-tag/kit-chaos/)