Running into the Wall

I missed a trick with last week's post when I literally ran into a wall - well, at least kind of stumbled against it. This week I had an encounter with the metaphorical wall that elite endurance athletes like myself try to avoid. Yesterday was my last long run before the big event. I approached … Continue reading Running into the Wall →

Running in a Straight Line

My posting schedule is about as reliable as a poorly run train service. Keen observers will have noticed there was no Sunday service. This was not due to planned engineering works. Other commitments meant that I had to take a swerve (not exactly a straight line, then - more later) and again risk incurring the … Continue reading Running in a Straight Line →

Running Behind Schedule

I skipped my Sunday long run this week - as in missed it, not that I actually skipped and gamboled like a lamb for several miles. That would be something to blog about! My plan was to do a Monday long run instead, but that didn't quite happen either. Quite happen? Let's be honest, it … Continue reading Running Behind Schedule →

Running with Jelly Babies

This is a sign of things getting serious - 35 days out from the big day and I'm turning my attention to my nutritional strategy. I have dabbled with dates, fiddled with figs, and today I've been jogging with jelly babies. They pack a good carbohydrate punch, and with correct pacing of their consumption, can … Continue reading Running with Jelly Babies →

Running with Hydrogen Legs

Today's long run was not as long as I had hoped, and it took me a bit longer to complete than last week. Back on Brampton Valley Way, this time in the mist, which had mostly cleared when I took the photo at the end. I tried to use the running style improvements I practised … Continue reading Running with Hydrogen Legs →

Running in the Drizzle

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 →

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 →