It's been about six weeks since I posted so I thought it was time for an update. As you can see from the infographic above I am pleased to be able to report that my recovery from my ankle injury is going well. The larger "red" block represents my training load and the "grey" blocks... Continue Reading →
Have you ever been told to "walk before you run"? I know I have! It's an often used expression when we're learning new skills and maybe trying to do more than we should in our enthusiasm to be better. I believe it can literally be applied to our running in a couple of ways and... Continue Reading →
The May bank holiday weekend was a busy one for me. Whilst the country bathed in glorious sunshine I was tucked away in a classroom with 13 other budding running coaches for two days as I began the formal part of my England Athletics coaching course. To be fair we did get to go outside... Continue Reading →
"No one ever said it would be this hard" sings Chris Martin of Coldplay fame, this thought keeps going through my head and is something David Blackman highlighted in his blog blackersdoesbateman which is a great read if you are contemplating adjusting your running style to reduce heel strike and improve efficiency. Back to Chris... Continue Reading →
Just under a week after the Wigan 5k I find myself in Argyll on the beautiful west coast of Scotland, at Ganavan beach to be more precise ready for the regular Saturday morning parkrun. I had considered not doing the parkrun and taking a gentle run out from where we are staying near Scammadale as... Continue Reading →
I felt my training was going ok, the transition to the new running style was feeling more natural and I was enjoying feeling lighter on my feet as I ran, so encouraged by my improved time at the Trotters 5 miler I decided to enter the Wigan 5k. I ran this race last year and... Continue Reading →
So I've now completed the first phase (3 weeks) of my half marathon training and I'm pleased to report after day one's inauspicious start (you can read about it here) I've managed to keep pretty much to my plan since. If you've read my previous posts you'll know that I'm using this plan as a test... Continue Reading →
Time for a general update on progress as my HM training starts this week, I'm one week into the new nutrition regime, it's 4 weeks since completing my LiRF and 10 weeks since I began changing running style. Let's start with the HM training. Monday was day 1 of a 12 week plan and following... Continue Reading →
Having run my first race in the Xero Prio yesterday as well as covering 200km in training I thought it was time to post a review on these shoes. First a few words on running shoes - there are literally hundreds of different running shoes to choose from and it can be mind boggling to... Continue Reading →
Today was my first race of the year, a lovely 5k run around the paths and trails of Leverhulme Park in Bolton, it is also the first race in our club championship. I felt I did too many races last year which was all great experience but this year I plan to be more focussed... Continue Reading →
Do you remember taking your first steps? Me neither, I also don't recall any PE teacher at school explaining to me how to run, I just, well, ran in plain old plimsoles. so it was with some interest that when I read a book called Older Yet Faster (OYF) written by Keith Bateman and Heidi... Continue Reading →
My running journey began some 15 years or so ago when it was suggested that I should do some more exercise (well more than nothing), eat more healthily and drink less alcohol (more water). So armed with new trainers my running journey began. Now don't get me wrong in my youth I was pretty active,... Continue Reading →
Faster as I get Older 