Believe the hype. The atmosphere. The crowds. The organisation. The landmarks. The London Marathon is everything I’d imagined it would be…and more! 7 years I’ve applied through the general ballot. 7 years of rejection. 7 years of watching it live on the tv, soaking up the atmosphere from the comfort of my sofa. 7 yearsContinue reading “TCS London Marathon 2022”
Tag Archives: blog
Robin Hood 100
“When you run for 10 miles you have ideas. When you run for 100 miles you have epiphanies.” Michael D’AULERIO A 100 mile run. ONE HUNDRED miles. Who’d have thought when I started this running journey back in 2015 that I’d be towing the start line of a 100 mile race – I certainly didn’t!Continue reading “Robin Hood 100”
Birmingham Canal Canter 26.2
The Birmingham Canal Canter is organised by the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) and is open to both walkers and runners alike. With the option of either 18 or 26.2 miles, they offer a circular route exploring Birmingham’s extensive canal network – with it’s mix of rural countryside, industrial heritage and state of the artContinue reading “Birmingham Canal Canter 26.2”
Conti Thunder Run 24hr – Solo
The Conti Thunder Run is the original 24hr trail race consisting of as many 10k laps as you can muster in 24hrs. Held in the grounds of Catton Park, Derbyshire, it attracts thousands of runners each year and with the option of running solo, in pairs or relay teams of up to 8, it’s inclusiveContinue reading “Conti Thunder Run 24hr – Solo”
Ham & Lyme 100k
The Ham & Lyme 100k follows the stunning Liberty Trail which runs from Lyme Regis in Dorset to Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset, before turning around and heading back to the start line to finish on the promenade. I went into the event both physically and mentally unprepared. On-going Achilles and knee issues meantContinue reading “Ham & Lyme 100k”
Bluebell Challenge
The Bluebell Challenge is organised by Big Bear Events and challenges you to run as many 2.9 mile laps as you can muster within a 6-hour time limit. I’d come across this event fairly last minute via social media and the ‘lapped format’ immediately caught my attention. Held in the grounds of Hartshill Hayes CountryContinue reading “Bluebell Challenge”
Millennium Way Ultra
Well, I f’ked that up! The Millennium Way Ultra – despite milestone PB’s at 30 and 40 miles – left me feeling somewhat disheartened and proof that not all races go to plan. For anyone who wants to know how not to race an ultra, read on… The race itself is a 41 mile point-to-pointContinue reading “Millennium Way Ultra”
Ashby 20
Ashby 20 – now in it’s 30th Anniversary – is a 20 mile road race ‘organised by runners, for runners’. Based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch – a small market town in Leicestershire – the race attracts over 1000 runners and is considered to be ‘one of the last long runs’ in the calendar before the major springContinue reading “Ashby 20”
London Marathon BABY!!!
After 7 years of rejection, I finally got the email I’d been waiting for – and with it comes a flood of emotions. Excitement. Relief. Stress. Anxiety. I swore I’d never do a road marathon again. My passion lies on the trails – give me mud over tarmac – countryside over suburbs – hills overContinue reading “London Marathon BABY!!!”
Scott’s Dirty Dozen Trail Race
To quote the official website, the Scott’s Dirty Dozen Trail Race is “quite simply the best trail running event in the area.” I happen to agree. Set amongst the beautiful backdrop of Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, it’s the true definition of a trail run – with plenty of single-track, forestry trails, mud, hills and theContinue reading “Scott’s Dirty Dozen Trail Race”
Imber Ultra
I first ran this event in 2020 and was keen to give it another go despite last years event falling victim to the pandemic. The Imber Ultra is a 33 mile mixed-terrain race taking in the Salisbury Plain and the Imber Range Perimeter Path. Jointly organised by Avon Valley Runners and the Rotary Club ofContinue reading “Imber Ultra”
Volunteering – Robin Hood 100
Ask any race director and they’ll be the first to tell you that without volunteers, there are no events. It’s true. I’m guilty of taking races for granted. Don’t get me wrong – I’m the first to acknowledge and thank all volunteers – whether that’s in the local 5k parkrun, a large inner city marathonContinue reading “Volunteering – Robin Hood 100”
4x4x48 Challenge
The challenge: run 4 miles, every 4 hours for 48 hours. I stumbled upon the 4x4x48 challenge a couple of years ago and it has resonated with me ever since. Popularised by American fitness guru, ex navy seal and ultra runner David Goggins, it’s now an annual event featured heavily across all social media platforms.Continue reading “4x4x48 Challenge”
Maegen Fitness Lifestyle
I’ve never obsessed about my weight. I lead a fairly active lifestyle. I’m fortunate enough to be able to run 4 to 5 times a week, averaging between 30-40 miles outside training blocks and have completed distances from parkrun to ultramarathons. I’m happier, healthier and fitter than I’ve ever been yet my BMI classifies meContinue reading “Maegen Fitness Lifestyle”
Running Review of 2020
What a year! No-one could predict what 2020 had in store for us and as I type this, things looks pretty bleak as we head into the New Year. Running feels pretty insignificant compared to what’s happening in the real world but I’m trying to normalise things as much as possible. Running has always helpedContinue reading “Running Review of 2020”
The Waseley Hills – (Unofficial) Marathon DNF
Not all runs go to plan. The Waseley Hills, at 150 acres is situated in South-West Birmingham and is a popular range of hills which form part of the North Worcestershire Path. Off the back of completing a marathon around the Lickey Hills a couple of weeks ago, I’d set myself a challenge of runningContinue reading “The Waseley Hills – (Unofficial) Marathon DNF”
The Lickey Hills (Unofficial) Marathon
The Lickey Hills – my old stomping ground and the setting for my latest adventure. With over 524 acres of hills, woodland trails and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, it’s an idea location for a bit of Type 2 fun! I’ve been running the Lickey Hills religiously for the past 5 years – it’sContinue reading “The Lickey Hills (Unofficial) Marathon”
Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon
It’s good to be back. The pre-race nerves, the tension that builds as you make your way to the start line and the excitement as you cross the timing mat – I’ve missed it all. The Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon is billed as the final race in the calendar and this was to beContinue reading “Milton Keynes Winter Half Marathon”
The Edale Skyline
The Edale Skyline is a 24 mile circular run around the stunning vale of Edale in the Peak District. With over 5000ft of elevation, the route summits Win Hill, Kinder Scout, Brown Knoll, Rushup Edge, Mam Tor, Black Tor and Lose Hill. I’d been planning a visit to the Peak District for a few weeks.Continue reading “The Edale Skyline”
The Black Mountains
I love an adventure! I’d run the Black Mountains at the end of last year, not as a race but with a group of friends who have the same love of the trails as I do. The hills have some serious elevation, throw in some technical, mixed terrain and you have the idyllic runners playground.Continue reading “The Black Mountains”
Worcestershire Circular (Unofficial) Ultra
I’d got the idea of running the Worcestershire loop from Kate, a friend from club who had devised the route and posted it on Strava. The route was a 32 mile circular starting and finishing at her parents house in Bromsgrove. I lived a couple of miles away so starting and finishing from mine wouldContinue reading “Worcestershire Circular (Unofficial) Ultra”
Normal is no Longer the Norm: Covid-19
It’s been 4 months since my last race – and subsequently my last post. The world has changed. The Covid-19 outbreak has been a global pandemic which has threatened our health and lifestyle choices; causing so much fear, stress and anxiety to many. The norm is no longer normal and daily routines are non existent.Continue reading “Normal is no Longer the Norm: Covid-19”
Imber Ultra
My first official ultra of the year and a run I thoroughly enjoyed! The Imber Ultra is a trail run covering approximately 33 miles of the Salisbury Plain and the Imber Range Perimeter Path. Conditions underfoot are a mixture of mud, grass, gravel and hard trail. The race wasn’t on my radar until Paul, aContinue reading “Imber Ultra”
Running Review of 2019
In reflection, 2019 has been by far the most successful, rewarding and challenging year since I started this running journey back in 2015. It’s been a year of personal achievements and milestones as well as having it’s fair share of tears, injuries and mental health issues. Running has turned from an addiction into a lifestyleContinue reading “Running Review of 2019”
Post-Race Blues and Stuggling to find my Mojo
It’s been two weeks since I completed Lakes in a Day and I’ve done very little in terms of running. In all honesty, I’ve struggled with fatigue and illness but more worryingly, I seemed to have lost my mojo. It’s not uncommon, I know I’ve felt like this post marathon or milestone run before. ItContinue reading “Post-Race Blues and Stuggling to find my Mojo”
Lakes in a Day
It was 07:59 and I was standing at the start line for the Lakes in a Day 2019 ultramarathon. Everyone around me looked nervous, it felt unnervingly quiet and I felt sick to the stomach. What lay ahead was a 50 mile race from Caldbeck to Cartmel covering the length of the Lake District fromContinue reading “Lakes in a Day”
Navigation Training and a LiaD Recce
Week 16 – Peak Phase w/c 02.09.2019 Recommended mileage: 50 milesActual mileage: 48.8 miles Monday came around fairly quickly. Ruth and I were at the Moseley Folk Festival all day Saturday and Sunday was spent tobogganing for Oliver’s birthday – I still can’t believe he’s 5! I’d rested the knee somewhat in terms of runningContinue reading “Navigation Training and a LiaD Recce”
Post Holiday Blues and Another Injury Scare
Week 15 – Build Phase w/c 26.08.2019 Recommended mileage: 40 milesActual mileage: 21 miles I’m aware that I’ve not posted for a couple of weeks but I’ve just returned from a 2-week family holiday on the Isle of Wight and went on a social media sabbatical; which was just what I needed! I’ve learnt notContinue reading “Post Holiday Blues and Another Injury Scare”
Rest, Recovery and Aching Limbs
Week 12 – Build Phase w/c 06.08.2019 Recommended mileage: 40 milesActual mileage: 3.4 miles I did it! I ran the length of the River Tees, from it’s source in Durham to the sea in Redcar. 92 miles! Yes, 92 MILES! I’m still buzzing. I’m still overwhelmed. I’m still in pain. My feet are in bits,Continue reading “Rest, Recovery and Aching Limbs”
The Teesdale Way 2019
The Teesdale Way is a 92 mile trail which follows the River Tees from it’s source at Dufton in Cumbria to the sea at South Gare in Teeside. The trail runs through the remote high moorlands of Cumbria and Durham to the industrial landscapes of Teeside and the coast. The journey is comprehensively waymarked; woodenContinue reading “The Teesdale Way 2019”