Thursday, December 15, 2011
are you kidding me?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Friday night nightmare
Friday night I had woken in a real panic convinced I had ruptured my
knee. Again. It was one of those flinch yourself awake moments that
we've all had except in my dream my knee wrenched and the ligament
snapped.
It was horrible.
Of course it was only a dream but weirdly it was on the anniversary of
my knee operation, something that I had not thought about at all. But
something that was obviously in my subconscious.
Friday, November 18, 2011
true north...
Friday, October 7, 2011
all the gear and no idea
- Brooks Glycerin running shoes with custom orthotics
- Injinji Socks
- Compressport Calf Guards
- Brooks Running shorts
- Nike Pro long sleeve base layer
- Asics short sleeve running top
- Garmin Forerunner
- RoadID (complete with 'Born to Run' quote engraved)
- The North Face running pack
- Camelbak bottle
- Powerbar gel
- HighFive Electrolyte
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Brooks pureproject
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Running a Marathon - What's harder?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
easy, light and smooth - an evening with Caballo Blanco
When I left I felt quite uplifted, inspired and motivated. Here was a guy who appeared to have found an idyllic simple life where he had very little and wanted for nothing.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Age Vs Performance
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Youth Football
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I forgot my insulin and it didn't matter
Emerging from the forrest and, like i said with my legs feeling great, I decided to add a bit extra to the run. 7-8 miles became just short of 11 at the 8min mile pace I wanted.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Between a fence and a hard face...
I was in Camberley earlier this week staying at a local B&B. I do this normally once a week to alleviate the travel effort. When I stay over I keep it simple, I have either my bike or my running shoes (or both) in the boot and that's how I use the time. A session and then food, TV, book and sleep.
Last night I stayed in a different B&B to normal and while not that far from the normal place it gave me an opportunity to run somewhere different. So at about 7pm I headed out on a different route. Within a couple of miles I found some nice off road stuff by a river, it was a lovely evening and there were a lot of dog walkers on the trail. I followed the trail and had to do a couple of switch backs as there were dead ends or in a couple of cases roads that just led into housing estates.Following the river path I eventually popped out onto a main road with signs welcoming me to Hampshire. This was a first as I don't think I have ever run across a county border before. Heading up the road I started to head in the vague direction of Camberley. I ran past Sandhurst Park which was full of activity, there was a running club/group that looked like they had just finished their run and four or five football teams doing their training. Around the park and onto the road I could see Camberley closer than I was hoping. so I took a detour through an estate, having asked a dog walker for directions. At the end of the estate was a makeshift path into the woods.
I have run the woods in Camberley before with Bracknell Forest an excellent place to run off road. I thought that this was where I was.I followed a path through the woods, there was thick scrub to my right and then the backs of houses. On my left a 6ft fence topped with razor wire. This was the perimeter of Sandhurst. Following the trail down through the woods it started to narrow. I thought this would be ok as it was a trail. An actual trail not just me hacking through. As I progressed the path narrowed in from the right with the trees getting denser. I was being pushed closer and closer to the Sandhurst perimeter fence.
I pushed through the trees, a quick look and yes it was a drive way, a couple of parked cars and then open road! I forced my way through as discreetly as possible and as I emerged a car pulled onto the driveway. I held up my hands and smiled wandering over to the lady driver I explained quickly that I had gotten lost and that this was my only way out. The driver then said to me, "oh, that's OK, it's not my house. I've come to collect my friend."Then I stopped. In front of me solid trees with thick branches spread out. I wasn't going to turn back so now squashed up against the fence I pushed my way through the trees to find some more trail. I made may way at walking pace half expecting someone from Sandhurst to approach me at any moment asking me what I was doing. Eventually I ran out of trail, there was nowhere else to go. I had fence on one side and thick trees on the other. Looking through the trees there were the backs of houses. I pushed through and could see back gardens. I thought about hopping through but quickly ruled this out as did not think it right to intrude to that extent. Looking further down there was a gap that I could see a drive way through. That was it!
As I turned towards the house the owner was in the doorway. Arms crossed she had a face like thunder. I went through the same routine, hands up, broad smile and apologetic. I got nothing. She was clearly unhappy and couldn't see the funny side of the story. I said my piece and then just ran off.
I hope that she relaxed about it as she now has a story about a really sweaty man popping out of her hedge onto her driveway story that she can use. Either that or she fences her side of the pathway so it cannot happen again.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Cyprus almost Barefoot
week and run 6 times. Tonight was different as I ran in my vibram
fivefingers. I did a route that I ran yesterday and thought it would
be good as there was a lot of trail which would be softer underfoot.
I've read a lot about barefoot running, the benefits the negatives the
folklore. Those that love it live it and those that don't just don't
bother.
My experience tonight is one that is far from unique in barefoot
circles but was new to me.
I set out and frankly was mincing. I was struggling for a rhythm. As I
relaxed my stride settled and I felt light and supple. Although on
trails there was a lot of shingle. After a couple of sweary moments
where I landed plum on a piece I noticed that my feet relaxed and that
my forefoot was landing more supple. By that I mean I was using my
whole forefoot not just the ball of my foot.
On the softer trails I felt great. Feet were skimming the surface and
I was barely making a sound. On Tarmac it was a little different.
The temperature outside today was in the region of 38c. The road was
hot and as I ran on the Tarmac I could feel my feet getting hotter.
This resulted in a blister in the middle of the ball of my left foot.
Nothing too major but certainly something that will see me back in
conventional running shoes for tomorrow.
What was good though was that I found a comfortable pace in the heat.
I cannot run as fast in vibrams as I can in shoes so I didn't. Running
slower felt comfortable, relaxed feet and breathing. It's still hot as
hell but not once was i struggling.
I love my vibrams, I've worn them to walk the dog, on hikes in woods
with family and on the school run. Today wearing them on a run I
finally got them, they make sense and feel good. The sensations you
get in your feet feel brand new yet they shouldn't.
A responsive ride, excellent shock absorption and cushioning that
changes with every step. No arch support required, no torsion control
necessary, no air bubbles, no waffles, no zig-zag.
Ladies and gentlemen you just met your feet. The best running shoe ever made.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Meeting Dean Karnazes (07/07/2011)
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Active Kids Bleinhem Duathlon - 5th June 2011
It was a great morning's work by her in a fantastic settings with the finish of the women's elite race in the background. The really interesting thing is that the Active Kids at Blenheim has really grown in the three years that we have been involved as participants. The organisation, race brifeing and support for the kids from the Active Kids team was, as ever, first class. The smiles of all the kids testament to the fact that kids love to compete, they love to race and they love to emulate what their parents do.
Every kid gets a t-shirt, every kid gets a medal and every kid gets to run under the tape at the end. That doesn't diminish the effort that they put in it just encourages them in the right way.
This has to be a significant step in the right direction for all the kids that take part...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Blenheim Active Kids Duathlon 2011
As part of the weekend there is an opportunity for kids to race a duathlon as part of the Active Kids organisation.
Amelie is entered in the 8-9 age group race and will be completing her third year at the event. Her race will take place over the following distances: 700m run / 1150m bike / 350m run
Luca will be taking part in his second duathlon in the 10+ age group racing over the following distances: 700m run / 1400m bike / 350m run.
This is a training video...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's happening - Born to Run 37 Mile Ultra
It will suit me as i have realised that what i just love is running, the simple act of running.
Clarity of mind, fitness, endorphins the whole 9 yards of what is good and great about a run.
Well tonight i have taken the first step and actually entered one. It's the Born to Run 37mile Ultra in Wales next March. I think that @stoddy38 will be joining me which will be cool.
You can see the route here: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/32336892
It's a long way off but already i'm excited about the prospect! Bring it on!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Runners World Forest of Dean Trailblazer 10k - 22nd May 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Forest of Dean Trailblazer - 22nd May 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Garmin Connect
13years on i'm still a runner.
Monday, April 11, 2011
for the avoidance of doubt.....
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Photo-A-Day Project
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Plans and Dreams...
2012, however will be different!