Stage 2 of the 2013 Insane Terrain Running Series, supported by Merrell, took place at the idyllic yet extremely challenging surroundings of Grange Farm in Wansford, just north of Peterborough.  The venue is used for horse cross country and off road driving experiences making it an ideal venue – and a very tough one!

Whether you’re a barefoot aficionado, a relative newcomer or still pondering whether or not to make the switch, learning the correct barefoot running technique is essential. Research about the benefits and ‘how to’s’ on barefoot running are aplenty, but here Merrell Pack Leader and barefoot running specialist, Piers Stockwell, gives you his bite size top 10 tips on how to achieve the perfect Merrell Bareform running technique.

1. Ingleton Waterfall Trail – Yorkshire
Distance: 4.5m/7K
The Walk: Ingleton Waterfall Trail is one of the most stunning walks in the Yorkshire Dales, offering walkers a combination of beautiful waterfalls and ancient woodland. This famous walk has been a popular attraction since its opening in the late 1800s, in its early years 3’500 people were recorded visiting the site on a single day. Thankfully the trail is less busy now, allowing its walkers a peaceful and enjoyable walk. Beginning in the village of Ingleton, the general circular route follows up the River Twiss and back down the River Doe along a fairly well-defined path. Keep an eye out for some of the trails most impressive waterfalls in the higher area of the Doe Valley. The path covers areas of incline, however it remains accessible for most as steps are provided where necessary. Unfortunately, this deems the path unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.  Please be aware that this is not a free trail, admission is £5 per adult, £2 per child or £11 for a family ticket.
More info: http://www.ingletonwaterfallstrail.co.uk

Using high-tech straw polls of fellow Merrell ‘outsiders’, we’ve selected the top 10 UK runs and races…

Spending many hours seated at desks or in front of a TV has allowed our bodies to grow into the shape of a chair – tight hip flexors, weak gluteal muscles and no ankle flexibility. This week’s post will explain postural issues, how it affects our running stride and how to fix it. Remember, the more often you stretch in the day – ideally for 15-30secs – the quicker your muscles will grow longer.

We have teamed up with Insane Terrain Running Events!

Lowri Morgan is an adventurer and ultra-endurance marathon runner, having competed in some of the most extreme races in the world. She is one of only six people to ever complete the notoriously difficult 6633 Ultra in the Arctic, a 350 mile non-stop footrace over eight days. Despite being told she would not be able to run competitively again after a serious knee operation, she has since competed in numerous marathons as well as the illustrious Ironman Challenge and Jungle Ultra Marathon in the Amazon Forest.

If you think you can’t get more out of your walks, runs or hikes, think again. Merrell Barefoot can help tune up your stride and turn on your adventure. Discover how to stimulate your senses and awareness, develop stronger muscles and find a more balanced posture in the shoe designed to move you.

What sparked your interest in barefoot running?
I first became interested in barefoot running to improve my efficiency for long distance events. I looked at efficiency in terms of biomechanics and realised that we run most biomechanically efficiently when we are bare foot. This is the way our bodies are designed to be as our bodies haven’t changed much since caveman days! For a long distance event, the more efficient you are, the more energy you will have at the end of the race where it matters most.

What inspired you to become a Royal Marine Officer?
It was a fortuitous route actually. I travelled for a year in Australia after school working and learning to dive. I then made my way to Cyprus and worked as a dive instructor for a year or so, before coming back and joining the Royal Navy with a view to becoming a mine clearance diver. However, after a few days’ experience with the Royal Marines I transferred straight away and loved it. I spent the next 8 years with the Royal Marines.

What was your most challenging adventure with the Marines?
Working for Nelson Mandela on the peace process in South Africa would probably be my most challenging adventure with the Marines. We had to assist with the guerrilla army being integrated into the South African army with the whole world watching and worried about how things would shape out.

You left to pursue a career leading expeditions. What prompted this change?
I was 29 years old and having a great time with the Royal Marines but was really missing the sea and diving. I had always wanted to lead expeditions, explore and dive so I decided to take a chance and went off to study Marine Biology.

What’s the greatest expedition you’ve ever led?
It’s difficult to say really, there have been many projects over the years that are all so different. I’d say the most momentous was the discovery of a sunken city off the coast of Tamil Nadu in India. The initial feeling was one of disbelief. The sheer scale of the site was so impressive, and the fact that it was so close to shore. This gradually gave way to absolute elation.

What leadership qualities are required when heading up an expedition?
You have to be well organised and lead from the front. Everything has to be well planned out and you can’t take any shortcuts. Some people experience genuine pressure and stress when out on an expedition so you have to be sympathetic and listen. Everyone has their own style but I always make sure I’m approachable to everybody in my group.

How does it feel being able to share your experiences with millions on TV?
It’s amazing! I go to some very special places, meet incredible people and see some fascinating animals. It really is incredible to be able to showcase my experiences and share them with others. I love it and am very lucky to do what I’m doing.

Tell us about your dog Reuben.
Reuben is a big part of my life; he’s my right-hand-man and constant companion. He was abandoned twice when he was young so when I picked him up we spent six months alone together in Scotland. He’s the perfect travel companion and makes me laugh my head off. Everyone knows him now too which is great and he gets all the adulation.

What’s been your career highlight?
Being among bull sharks, tiger sharks and great whites in Aliwal Shoal, South Africa was amazing. I’ve swum with baby humpbacks in Tonga and seen seven sunfish at once in Bali. However I’d have to say that I hope the best is yet to come!

Where did the idea of the 7 ultramarathons come from - was it yours?
I was out racing in the Ice Marathon in Antarctica anyway- I’m always keen to max out any trip and thought I’d take the long way home, seeing some of the most epic places on earth. However as a doctor we get pretty short holidays so I had to do the 7 ultra marathons in a week

You obviously do long distance events regularly, did you have to change your training much in preparation?
I ran a maximum of 185 miles per week, for a fortnight. I also deliberately did a few night runs to prepare me for the jet lag. The severity of the weather was difficult to prepare for. Even Aberdeen is no match for Antarctica temperature wise