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
In Praise of Blueberries
My personal attack on purple broccoli has led to a public backlash and the running police are on my case for promoting a more individualistic and maverick approach to training. Random boxes of fresh vegetables (including copious quantities of the dreaded broccoli) have been left on my doorstep, and my email inbox has been … Continue reading In Praise of Blueberries
Forget the Purple Broccoli
There are many resources for aspiring runners like myself to access in that never-ending quest to squeeze the last ounce of energy and effort from our bodies as we chase our individual running goals and personal bests. The quest is never-ending in the same way that the finishing line in Madeira Drive seemed to recede … Continue reading Forget the Purple Broccoli
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
Psychologist on the Move 