running, reading, nonsense.
Tapering is a strange but necessary phenomena. To a non runner it may seem strange to make a reduction in training right before a big race, but for runners it is vital to go into a peak effort as rested as possible. If you aren’t familiar, tapering means to decrease mileage and intensity in the… Continue reading Tapering
Photo by Daniel Olah on Unsplash About a year ago the race that I had returned to serious training for was supposed to happen. The weather was dreadful; the skies were leaden, leaking. The grey pavements were soaked. I sat in my car, windows steaming, spiralling into the zone. I had arrived early, nervous energy… Continue reading Race Day
You don’t need to race to enjoy running, in fact I’m sure there are some people out there who find more joy in the sport without the push of the competitive side interfering with their hobby. Indeed, although I just called it a sport, it is a hobby as well. It is both, for me,… Continue reading The Progressive Run
Autumn has kicked into gear in typical British fashion by being completely inconsistent, with the temperatures celebrating the dusky season by kicking themselves up a notch. This is no reason to complain, it is a reason to pursue one of my simpler seasonal goals: to explore some new run routes, ideally involving some hills. Last… Continue reading Ivinghoe Beacon
It is more than enough to head out the door and just go in running. This is a methodology that I particularly enjoy for longer runs on the trails, or just in places that I am not so familiar with, as those runs are more about finding a little quiet, or going on a bit… Continue reading Breakfast and Fast.
It isn’t autumn just yet, but the storm strength winds which have been recently blowing through have littered the paths, roads, and trails with leaves, giving the sense that although it may not actually be here, it is most definitely on the way. It has been a strange summer. Early in the year I was… Continue reading Autumn Watch
I wanted to put in some long easy miles yesterday but it was hellishly windy. A bit of wind is nice. It keeps the air moving around the body, cooling you, drying the sweat a little. A lot of wind is terrible. A stiff headwind can make any pace feel gruelling, and can turn an… Continue reading Gimme Shelter
I go to the woods at least once a week now. There are hills there that would be good for high effort reps, but I don’t usually go out there for that reason. After a tough weekend session I needed a win. I needed some peace. I needed to feel good about running. And I… Continue reading Slow Day in the Woods.
I don’t usually struggle to get out and run in the mornings. I’ve been consistent enough throughout the year that it just happens without really thinking about it too much, but when a run isn’t just a run, when it’s a workout, then things can be a bit challenging. It can be tough to wake… Continue reading Coffee, Banana, Running Fast.
Most of the running books I’ve read have looked into the world of the elite. I’ve read about insane ultrarunners, for instance, learned of legends like Emile Zátopek, and have heard all about the intense natural ability of Kenyan marathon runners. It’s always nice to get a different perspective though, hence the enduring appeal of… Continue reading Runners Book Club: Your Pace or Mine?
run into words 