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
Category: Training Log
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
Keep on Running
I have been an established marathon runner for a week and a day since completing the Brighton Marathon on 9th April in a time of 5 hours 46 minutes and a bit. Most of the intensive training was undertaken during the winter months, and then we ran on the hottest day of the year so … Continue reading Keep on Running
Race With the Devil
Let's get off on the right foot here - unlike the opening lyrics of the song by Gene Vincent, I do not think I have led an evil life. I am not trying to out-run the devil on judgement day, but the imagery seems to be quite apposite in the current situation. The day in … Continue reading Race With the Devil
Twist and Shout
So, to continue the theme of using song titles for my running blogs, we have one that is not immediately obvious. The incident occurred 5 weeks ago, along the banks of the River Nene as it flows gently through the Northamptonshire countryside at Titchmarsh nature reserve. The ground was very wet and muddy due to … Continue reading Twist and Shout
The Long and Winding Road
Time for another update on my marathon training adventures. I somehow managed to squeeze out enough energy to complete a 10 mile training run on New Year's Eve, much as one would squeeze out the last bit of toothpaste from the tube. This was one circuit and a bit of Pitsford Water, plus a bit … Continue reading The Long and Winding Road
On the Road Again
Training took a little dip in the post half-marathon period, mostly due to low level bugs and the usual pressures and distractions of everyday life. We elite athletes just need to be left alone, untroubled by things like work, gardening and shopping, but for some strange reason no-one appears to give us this freedom! I'm … Continue reading On the Road Again
Psychologist on the Move 