I was thinking of something to write, looking back over a month of sport, and I've come up with just about nothing. Okay, so the new year honours have been handed out, and Eleanor Simmonds got her reward for those incredible Paralympian performance, among other worthy recipients. But February... It's a really dull month for sport, isn't it?

Skins has launched what they say is a world-first in sports clothing, a range of gradient compression tops and tights that also create a cooling sensation over the body and help enable clearer thinking when under pressure. 

Reydon Sports have unveiled their biggest ever catalogue for 2009 as they continue to push the boundaries in sports wholesale.

Badminton brand Carlton has re-signed Nathan Robertson as a brand ambassador on a four-year contract until December 2012.

This summer sees the launch of the Aqua Sphere Powered Long Swim Series, which coincides with the brand's Ironman Aqua Sphere powered tri wetsuits. The races will be over the Ironman distance of 3.8km in open water, so athletes can really test themselves. Anyone can take part, and the series runs from July to September in four locations.

NB has appointed Peter Russell Performance Category Manager for the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). Russell has built up a broad spectrum of experience in the running industry where he has held a series of product-related positions with Asics, Mizuno, and Reebok.

International sportswear brand Prostar has continued its commitment to grassroots football by announcing a strategic partnership with Soccersixes, the UK 's largest network of Football Association affiliated small-sided football leagues.

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has announced Gray Nicolls will be their new kit suppliers from this season, with Tom Richardson, Chief Executive of GCCC and Richard Gray, of Gray Nicolls signing the contract recently [pictured].

Dunlop has signed Nick Matthew to a four-year deal to endorse squash rackets, luggage, string, grips and balls. The 28-year-old currently ranks 12th in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Men's World Rankings, and will be using the new Dunlop Aerogel 4D Evolution 120 racket, a signature series frame, available as part of the new 2009 Dunlop squash range.

Mitre has proudly unveiled its latest signing - the El Salvador international football team. The British sports brand now supply the Central America national football team with home and away kits, training, and bench wear until August 2010.

If the market won't come to existing price points, there is only one thing for it, according to many of Europe's leading team-wear producers: take the price points down to the market.

Under Armour have many things going for them, not least arguably the best logo in the industry! Great technical clothing, be it base layers or compression gear, right through to headwear and athletic tops. Now, though, they move into - for them - uncharted waters with the launch of a line of running shoes. Blair Tripodi, Director of International Marketing, Under Armour Europe, talked to SGB about the move and the shoes.

During preparation for a race, a runner will gauge what suits them in terms of hydration; Gatorade recommend runners to hydrate two to three hours before exercise. "Active people should aim for at least 250ml of fluid at this time and an additional 125ml 10 to 20 minutes prior to exercising," they advise, adding: "Thirst is not a good indicator of hydration. If you wait until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated."

Another interesting product which can be used to boost the body on a distance run is OxyShot. As we know, under stress and physical exertion, the body's requirement for oxygen increases substantially. Until recently it wasn't possible to supplement oxygen levels naturally or without the use of compressed gas cylinders. 

If you consider that for most amateur athletes a really repectable time to run 26.2 miles is under four hours, then they will need to take on food as well as hydration. When we eat even the most simple foods blood is re-directed to the stomach to process using vital time and energy. CarboSHOTZ Energy Gel is a complex carbohydrate liquid/gel that is designed to fuel active muscles during activity. The science behind these gels is to minimise the amount of time required to process a food into glycogen.

Ronhill is a name synonymous with good quality running gear. They aim to continually improve and enhance the protection of runners - the Vizion collection was specifically designed to help runners and athletes be seen by other road users which includes their LED technology (of which I'm a big fan!).

Shoes are of particular importance for the marathon runner - the right shoe can make the difference between finishing or not finishing a race. Most runners will have had a gait analysis test and the main brands cater for neutral and overpronaters.

New to the Brooks range is a neutral shoe called Ghost - this high-end performance shoe is built for the biomechanically efficient runner who wants to go fast. The Ghost's articulated hyper-flex contact rubber outsole provides a resilient experience with every step, while its sprung toe and modified arch give a secure mid-foot wrap and spectacular toe off. The shoe also benefits from an Ortholite sockliner and moisture managing Element Mesh. The Ghost has enough quality cushioning for long, slow training runs, as well as feeling ultra comfortable at high speeds. Men sizes are available from US 8 to 15 and Women's US 6 to 12.

Asics GEL- DS Trainer 14 has a new sole construction using particles of rice husks, which have sharp edges that work in the same way as a running spike, coupled with leather powder's outstanding water absorption. The leather powder breaks the water film on every foot strike creating a wet grip in damp conditions. International Marathon runner Mara Yamauchi says: "Distance running is a personal challenge, which tests you to the limit. The ASICS GEL- DS Trainer is a great shoe for distance runners."

Men's Arnuva 50 Boa from North Face is built for the athlete who runs road and trails it provides mechanical assistance to the midsole and support for overpronators. The UltrATAC all condition rubber outsole has excellent wet/dry traction for running on or off road. It offers the cutting edge Boa lacing system for a rapidly adjustable, secure fit. RRP £95 Mens sizes 7 -14.

adidas, the official partner of the Flora London Marathon, has developed an official London Marathon apparel  range with performance in mind, featuring the lightest and softest fabrics available and all of the latest adidas innovations. The Flora London Marathon is a gruelling enough challenge, so it's a priority to ensure that runners feel comfortable and cool as they make their way around the 26.2 course.

The introduction of Skins latest, revolutionary ‘ICE' styles will be of major interest to runners at all levels. These tops and tights create a cooling sensation over the body and help enable clearer thinking when under pressure.  This is made possible by Microencapsulation Technology (MET) - which embeds thousands of tiny menthol microcapsules into the garments. 

We are what we are as a result of genetics. But experience and in particular, early happenings, play an important part of what we become. How much influence our teachers have may often be under-estimated. As we spoke, I wondered about Graham Taylor's early teachers.

With all the negatives that abound at the moment, most of which we are helpless to influence, what a delight that the days are lengthening and thankfully politicians and bankers can't interfere there even with their deft, manipulative, hollow words - but I'm sure they would if they could. I feel so much better when I can get home in the daylight and don't have to use my SAD lightbox, saving money on electricity into the bargain.

Well, ispo was certainly fun again this year. It's so damned big, and there's so much to see and do, that one comes away wondering if you shouldn't spend an entire week there. The only fly in the ointment was a brilliantly effective general transport strike on the third day which effectively brought Munich to a standstill. It was spectacular; no public transport was staffed at all, so Munich residents took to the roads. Of course, so did ispo attendees, and the result was gridlock, give or take.

There are many indications that the 16th edition of the leading international trade show for nature sports is on course for continued growth. Thanks to the expansion of the facilities, OutDoor 2009 (16-19 July) will have the honour of introducing a new foyer, conference rooms and additional press centre, and two new halls have been added to provide a total of 85,000 square meters of exhibition space. With over 600 exhibitors registered for the event (a 13 per cent increase) from 39 countries, OutDoor 2009 has reported a record demand compared to this time in 2008.

In 2008 TEKO reduced the size of it's packaging by 50 per cent and now the brand has taken further steps to make their recycled and recyclable packaging even more energy and resource efficient by reducing the ink used by up to four times and subsequently reducing the ink drying time by the same margin.

The Outdoor Industries Association (OIA) has announced that it will be headline sponsor of the 2009 Innovation for Extremes conference (Innov_ex 09), which will take place at Lancaster University Management School on May 6. The OIA will work closely with founders and organisers Mike Parsons and Mary Rose to deliver an event that has immediate and long-term relevance to association members and the industry as a whole. This year, the over-riding theme of the event will be ‘eco-innovation in the context of recession', reflecting the challenges that companies face in the current economic climate.

Berghaus has made three key promotions as it embarks on the next stage of its global growth strategy. Michael Lockett has been appointed to the position of vice president Asia Pacific, Sarah Wilson has been confirmed as marketing director and Tina Payne will assume the role of human resources director. All three roles are new and take immediate effect.

Leading manufacturer Victorinox has worked with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to create a tool that young people can depend on in emergencies.

Outwell, a leading innovator in the family camping market, is working in partnership with National Family Week, a new national initiative to celebrate family life in the UK.

The winter summit of Makalu (8463m) - until now it has never been trodden by the human foot during the harsh winter season. At 2pm on Monday 9th February 2009 The North Face global athlete Simone Moro, together with his team-mate Denis Urubko, reached the summit and realised the dreams of so many. The winter crown of the Himalayas, Makalu is a true giant in stature (at 8463m it is the fifth highest mountain in the world), in beauty, and in the minds and imaginations of the best high altitude alpinists of the world.

Global Sports and Outdoor brand HI-TEC continues to increase their commitment and investment within the Outdoor footwear market with the announcement of two brand new Global Product Manager positions.

Bridgedale Outdoor has invested in a team of three staff trainers who will be hitting the road to educate shop staff in Bridgedale stockists about the company's technical outdoor socks.

Coleman UK  has tied up new wholesaler partnerships with Grove Products, Highlander and Unipart Leisure. These new partners will become valued additions to their existing major wholesaler network which includes Dalesman International, County Hardware, Maceoins, Decco and Toolbank. With a combined customer base of over 2,000 doors, Coleman and their wholesale partners will further extend the reach and availability of the Coleman, Campingaz and Sevylor brands across the UK and Ireland.

For spring/summer 2009, Berghaus has updated and improved its iconic Explorer boot range. The renowned Explorer "straight from the box" comfort remains, and has been enhanced with key developments.

For Spring 2009, KEEN present their inaugural collection of Trailhead technical transport. In the spirit of the brand's signature Newport sandal, the Newport Pack (£69.99) offers 32l of versatile hybrid functionality on- or off-trail. Constructed in rugged ripstop polyester, the Newport offers stacks of space for trail essentials with a wealth of handy compartments and even a padded laptop sleeve. The large main compartment incorporates a hydration bladder sleeve with hose slot and additional side water bottle pockets.

The Dynamic XCR low cut boot lives up to its name, offering an extremely low weight of only 850g per pair, attractive styling and a durable construction with a combination of Mycro-Suede and Micro-Mesh upper.

The current economic climate presents a real challenge to businesses and many outdoor employers are coming under increasing pressure to keep a tight rein on their budgets. As companies face tougher choices to ensure they remain profitable, training budget cuts are being considered, especially if the return on investment is not immediately apparent.

ispo 09 took place over four days at the beginning of February and was, as ever, absolutely spectacular. The organisation, the show itself, the venue - everything is on such a huge scale that one almost wants a whole week to see everything. With that in mind, this is just a 'potted highlights' as to cover everything would need the whole issue.

There's some great boots out there, synthetic and leather. It's almost hard for the end user to go wrong when buying, so manufacturers have to make something special to stand out. Andi Hayman - who is also Southern Area Sales Manager for Rosker - explained to SGB what makes them special, and a lot more besides.

Walkers are walkers: it's easily defined. And climbers are climbers: even more distinct. But somewhere between the two there lies a semi-vertical twilight zone; where walkers employ hands as well as feet in order to keep heading upwards. In its simplest form, it's a steep, rocky section somewhere along the voie normale where the hands are suddenly brought into play, and a few simple climbing moves are needed to keep the show on the road.