For some folks, there’s a strict schedule to stick to when training. This has its merits and I recognise the value of that discipline. For me though, almost every run is a mindful opportunity. To listen to my body. To look at the skies. To feel long grass brush my shins. Delight in the uphill that’s making me work hard. Watch the heather sway across … Continue reading Oh. my. god. moments of beauty
Something I struggled with on Endure 24 as opposed to trotting over The Ridgeway last year, is the difference in goals that I wrote up yesterday. Your path might tread some of the same ground as other people’s, but what’s in your heart and head creates a different experience among different expectations. After picking up an injury I focused more on what I could still … Continue reading It’s your race to run
I’m taking part in the Endure 24 challenge today, in Leeds. Over the course of 24 hours, solo entrants, pairs, and teams, compete to see how many laps of an 8km course they can do. I say compete, but it’s not a competition in the strictest sense, at least not for everyone. I’m here to gauge where my fitness is at relative to this time … Continue reading Endure 24
Of course, Nike used an extra word and made it a better slogan, but the message is the same. Are there any tricks to getting out for the run when you’re not enthused? Well, some. My top tip is to make sure that the runs are a) almost always enjoyable, and/or b) tied in to a goal that you care deeply about. If all else … Continue reading Just go, and do it
Something about how I run, coupled with the rough terrain I enjoy running over, means I as I move my trailing foot forward it catches on my ankle bone now and again. Quite painfully, and sometimes drawing blood. My running technique could be improved to combat this. Perhaps I should run on more even terrain, at least more often. Maybe I should buy longer socks, … Continue reading Tape on the ankle
Taking a break isn’t stopping. Pausing for breath isn’t stopping. Considering your direction isn’t stopping. Calling enough, for today, isn’t stopping. Knowing your limits isn’t stopping. Stopping isn’t really stopping, unless you say no more. And what then? Treat yourself well, recharge as you need to. Be proud of your journey. Kindly, keep going. Continue reading Not stopping
For less than £30 I’ve got access to all the Ordnance Survey maps on my phone (and other devices). I also invested in some good trainers to comfortably make good use of the maps. Neither bring me any particular status or are obvious waypoints as I think about life’s journey. Together they make that journey more magical. Food for thought when I next hanker after … Continue reading My two favourite purchases of 2021 (so far)
More often than I’d like, I find myself not wanting to get out and get rolling. Especially since the third UK Covid lockdown and what felt like an interminable winter. When I can, I nudge myself out of the door with a number of tricks, and afterwards almost invariably feel much better for it. This morning, when the alarm went off early, I really wanted … Continue reading 8 out of 10 jogs / jobs
On a long hilly run it can feel like you’ve given a lot without having gained much ground. Looking back often sets you straight – you can see how much ground you’ve covered and the obstacles you’ve overcome. Perhaps you haven’t gotten as far as you’d like. Maybe it was particularly hilly or rough underfoot. An honest appraisal helps get things in perspective. So, too, … Continue reading The past, and its obstacles
I remember when I was 18 getting back from a three mile run and feeling exhausted. I more or less collapsed on the stairs when I got in the house. Today, at 45, I enjoyed nearly 13 miles with a good friend and after getting home took my dawg out for a good walk. I’ve put in a lot of training since I was 18, … Continue reading What do you want to be better at
Sometimes You Learn 