Springtime has not really started in the steppes of Northamptonshire - sure, there are lots of daffodils and the trees are beginning to blossom, and birds have been busy collecting twigs for their nests, but the sky has not really got into the spirit. Grey skies and rain have dominated of late. But we elite … Continue reading Running in the Drizzle
Author: Derek Lee
I was born in Croydon, South London and eventually settled in Northamptonshire. After more than 30 years as a clinical psychologist in the NHS, my welcome retirement finds me dabbling in bits and pieces - e.g., writing, running, martial arts and photography.
The Not-so-Long Good Friday Run
I set out for my run this morning with intentions that proved to be greater than my ability to deliver. This was due to the recent downturn in my training because of feeling unwell. My cardiovascular and respiratory systems have had a bit of a holiday, so they were suffering from the first day … Continue reading The Not-so-Long Good Friday Run
Running with an Urti
I have been looking after someone's urti for the past few days. I don't know to whom he belongs, but it has meant that my activity levels have been lower than I would have liked this week. There have been opportunities for mid-week running, but in the end I opted for a glass of wine. … Continue reading Running with an Urti
Running a Country Cousin
To paraphrase Brendan Behan, I'm not sure if I'm a runner with writing problems or a writer with running problems. When I sit down to compose these running posts, I always try to find a suitable title that will provide a good peg for the story, and one that will hopefully spark some curiosity. Today … Continue reading Running a Country Cousin
Running Like a Penguin
Further to last week's post (Running Against the Rules), I have received a warning letter from the marathon police threatening to confiscate one of my training shoes for a week. This would have meant training in hopping mode, and I didn't fancy getting in touch with my inner frog. So, despite the inclement conditions, I … Continue reading Running Like a Penguin
Running Against the Rules
It is not widely known that we elite athletes have to sign up to a solemn code of practice once we put on our personalised running shoes. These are not personalised in the sense of having our initials embroidered on them (but I daresay this could be an option), rather they match the degree … Continue reading Running Against the Rules
Running and Social Facilitation Theory
Oh, my mind was busy today as I trundled along for my weekly "long run". I was aiming for a Pavarotti. To be more specific, it was a flat Pavarotti. The flat part is self-explanatory - after my struggles with hills (or "positive inclines") during earlier long runs, I thought I would revisit a fairly … Continue reading Running and Social Facilitation Theory
Running and the Electric Brae Phenomenon
Today's "long run" did not get off to a promising start. It was lovely to see the bright morning sunshine reflecting off the lake as I approached my usual parking place, but there was a strong icy wind that pierced like a stiletto and offered a degree of resistance - so, sharp, but also like … Continue reading Running and the Electric Brae Phenomenon
McRunning Man is Here!
Oh, what an apposite moment to announce the arrival of McRunning Man - well into Burns' Night and no haggis nor wee dram of whisky has passed my lips, and no skean dhu drawn with culinary intent. This new blog post category has been created to record my various trials and tribulations as my training … Continue reading McRunning Man is Here!
The Abbreviated Runner
In the pantheon of elite runners, one may think that the abbreviated runner is a close cousin of the inebriated runner. This is a fundamental error, due to putting too much importance on rhyming - which, incidentally, is the curse of the poetic runner, who can also be found in the pantheon, just ahead of … Continue reading The Abbreviated Runner
Psychologist on the Move 