Upslide Down

On Tuesday I was at the Olympic Park for a run with a bit of a difference.  Instead of running horizontally, I was running vertically - up the Orbit, that is, the peculiar helter-skelter-like structure next to the stadium.  It's 114.5 metres tall with 455 spiral stairs.  I did this event last year and knew … Continue reading Upslide Down

Sugar Free

Eight days ago, I decided to get a grip on my out of control sugar consumption.  I already knew I was eating too much sugar, and that this was probably the main reason that I was having trouble losing weight, but I was still shocked when I sat down and counted up how much sugar … Continue reading Sugar Free

Chase The Ferry

During my running career I've been beaten by a pillar box, all four tellytubbies, the Eiffel Tower, a man with one leg and countless small children, but never a ferry.  I therefore decided to join the Viewtube Runners for their race against the ferry. The Woolwich Ferry opened in 1889 and transports 2 million passengers … Continue reading Chase The Ferry

Richmond parkrun

Seven months ago, I said: and I must admit that this bold statement was at the forefront of my mind as I struggled around Richmond Desert, sorry, I mean Richmond Park this morning.  With the temperature hitting 33 degrees, my body informed me that running was unavailable and walking was the only available substitute.  Therefore … Continue reading Richmond parkrun

Vegan Cheese

I've read several times that prospective vegans worry about giving up cheese, but that after a couple of weeks without it, they suddenly started to find it rancid, repulsive and disgusting and are never tempted again. I think they are probably lying. A decent cheese is without a doubt the thing I've missed the most.  … Continue reading Vegan Cheese

Veganuary!

My next challenge is something completely different.  I'm giving veganism a whirl!  I read about Veganuary (a campaign organised by the Vegan society, challenging people to eat like a vegan for the whole of January) earlier this year, but didn't think it wise to make drastic changes to my diet whilst marathon training.  So better … Continue reading Veganuary!

Runger

I re-followed the Brighton Marathon Virgins Facebook group the other day.  I unfollowed it a couple of months ago, partly because of some annoying comments from self appointed experts (who have no right being in a beginner's group in the first place) but mainly because I was looking at other people's distances and times and … Continue reading Runger

Are You Ready?

Today Brighton Marathon Weekend posted a photo on their Facebook page of two suspiciously cheerful men named Sam and Rob approaching the Brighton Marathon finish line pushing a young girl in a wheelchair, with the caption "3 weeks to go!  Are you ready?" Am I ready?  Let's see.  I suppose I am ready, a bit like … Continue reading Are You Ready?

A Rant

A bit of a rant before I set off on today's run. As you may recall, I've suffered a bit with the weather lately, completing runs in minus eight wind chill, thick snow, driving wind and rain, and slippery ice.  Yesterday was supposed to be my long run day and today my yoga day.  However, … Continue reading A Rant

Barking parkrun

Thanks to the thoroughly shitty service on the Gospel Oak to Barking line, my trip to Barking has been put off at least a billion times.  I had begun to think that I would never get there, and was fully expecting to divert to Finsbury Park this morning.  But amazingly, the train obliged, and I … Continue reading Barking parkrun

Oh Shit

Six days to go until the Brighton Half, and I was feeling pretty good all things considered.  The fact that the Brighton Half has a sensible cut off (3.5 hours - you could walk half of it and still be well within the limit) and that I didn't need to worry about being followed through … Continue reading Oh Shit

Maranoia

It's official. I've reached that stage. The stage where you aren't going to get any sense out of me until April 15th. The onset of Maranoia, which is a state of anxiety afflicting marathon runners in their latter stages of training, whereby they are constantly convinced they will become ill, injured or otherwise afflicted by … Continue reading Maranoia

Yoga

I go to yoga once a week.  I don't love it and I don't hate it.  I do it because I think it's good for me - particularly in stretching out my angry legs and improving my non existent balance. I sometimes go to Pilates too, but I prefer yoga because there's more of a … Continue reading Yoga

Run Failure

I'm feeling like a Run Failure this week. First of all there was my disgrace at Highbury Fields. Then on New Year's Day I decided not go to Double Parkrun, or even Single Parkrun.  Because I hardly ever go out drinking/partying these days, and spend a lot of time saying "I can't because I am … Continue reading Run Failure

RunThrough Christmas Greenwich Park 10k

Christmas these days seems to be defined by a distinct lack of activity, closures and cancellations and gleeful gluttonous overconsumption of poor quality foodstuffs. Thank god for RunThrough to save us from all this with a festive run in Greenwich Park! They'd pulled out all the seasonal stops, with marshals in inflatable Santa suits and … Continue reading RunThrough Christmas Greenwich Park 10k

RunThrough Chase The Moon Olympic Park 10k

Yesterday it was off to the Olympic Park for another RunThrough race.  Throughout the summer, RunThrough organised a series of "Chase The Sun" races, taking place in a variety of parks throughout London on Wednesday nights, starting at 7pm.  As a shiftworker I am always extraordinarily grateful for any company that puts things on on … Continue reading RunThrough Chase The Moon Olympic Park 10k