MILLY VOICE

My current favourite running shoe is the Salomon Speedcross 3. I remember much earlier in the year, heading out for a training run on a small section of the Bob Graham route in a pair of minimal grip trainers. I was slow,had little confidence and not necessarily steady.

Trusting your gear, as I recently experienced while ski touring proved, is everything. Especially if you are someone who enjoys running on varied, rocky terrain. When it comes to competing, there are so many parts to a race, from where your head is at, to what you eat and when, keeping hydrated, weather conditions etc - so knowing you can feel good about simply moving should be a fundamental basic and not a main concern.

My Speedcross 3's are really reliable off-road trainers.The first pair got me through the majority of OCC training and the actual race day of 53km. Comfortable enough on the flatter moments and yet steadfast on the incline and downhill, they just felt comfortable throughout - I never thought about them, and that is a good thing. For anyone new to long distance running or looking for new shoes, these are perfect for off road/ trail running. Reasonably light, slim lined and incredibly comfortable, and yet an expert grip on the sole.

I cannot state enough the importance of the right footwear for running. Your feet deserve the upmost respect for the distances they take you, so a decent pair of shoes is what is needed if you want to endurance run.

Winning my second pair at the Ennerdale 25km trail was a nice surprise, and putting on my new pair has marked a new chapter of challenges. My first Salomons now look pretty epic - like the rings of a tree trunk - they tell a story. Looking forward to what story the new shoes will tell!