RUN 216 - South side sun!

Running south is even more varied and beautiful, quieter and more residential, this icy lakefront can be all yours on a day like today, pretty amazing for a city home to millions.



[Definitely the most beautiful section of the lakefront, bbqs and weddings!]

RUN 215 - North side ice!

Back with my favorite running partner, on the shores of Lake Michigan with the Chicago skyline beckoning me, the tranquility of this place, especially on an icy winters day like today its absolutely awe-inspiring.  I feel massively fortunate to know this place and to share in its contrasting beauty… big city buildings and miles of unending varied shoreline.

[Worth running even covered in ice!!]

RUN 214 - Stop and look, there’s much more to see

Running connects you much more closely to the world around you… it heightens the senses requiring a level of observation which isn't otherwise often experienced.  Especially in city life, there are always other objectives which discourage us from taking the time to stop and really observe the unending detail around us.

[Beauty in the most simple of things]

RUN 213 - My running ‘perfect storm’

There are times when everything falls perfectly into place and a run magically naturally evolves to appear before you.  Having the time free of constraints, and pressures to complete it to allow another task to begin, combined with visiting family or friends to create a destination A to B run rather than A to A, returning to a near perfect and varied route, with roads, fields, forestry.  These things provide a clarity of mind which seem to make the difference between a typical and an amazing run.

[one of my favourite places in the world to run]

RUN 212 - Training schedule, or schedule training?

Finding the constants which running can slot into seems to be my best bet to maintain the level of mileage (and sleep!) I’d like to maintain in my life, I live 7 miles from work and can run there faster than the public transportation system can take me there, combining it with my work schedule is the challenge; perhaps adjusting my run schedule and committing to that morning routine rather than the bus/tube/tube interchange is the key?

[Picadilly Circus]

RUN 211 - Every little helps

It matters very little whether you run a mile, ten or twenty, the distance is insignificant compared to the psychological boost in confidence of stepping out of the door and making the effort, keeping it a regular priority is the challenge of a busy city life.

[Heading to the street below]

RUN 205 to 210 - I've been a bad, bad blogger! ... must do better

I've been lazy, pure and simple.  Making time to run during the week in addition to commuting and at the expense of time with my wife or socializing seems to be an eternal struggle which I feel like I’m barely winning. My next marathon (In Angelssey, North Wales in January) means that December I need to get back on track and ramp up my long runs… my mileage has been good with a 7 mile run either to or from work, but I need to push myself again, its so hard to compare the coastal trail marathons, but id really like to come in about 5hrs in Anglessey.  2011 I’m going to refocus on road races, begin with a few half marathons and 5-10k races and build some speed, with marathons in the final two thirds of the year, with a view to a bigger challenge in 2012! …

While I love the freedom of running to work and avoiding public transport, urban running is definitely different to my usual distance runs along the river where I can control pace and form, although avoiding pedestrians and cars is good practice for marathon racing, working your way through the crowds.

I’d like to get to the point where my fitness level and mileage is consistent enough to be able to build up to a marathon within a month or so, racing or running a marathon every other month seems like the best way to get that consistency and rhythm of training going, and that’s the advise I’ve had while racing around the coast of England and Wales over the last year.

I’m kind of a lone runner, I’m not really interested in joining a running group or training in a team, I’m not anti-social, it’s just that even if your running partner is of the same fitness level, either one can have a bad day, feel tired or unwell, its completely personal for me and I don’t really bow to peer pressure, my own success or failure is the biggest motivator for me.  Although there are a few really good friends who I’ve run with at different stages; when I started, and needed her help to push me forward (Nici!)  when we discovered a common passion and were able to share it (Victoria!, Ron!), now recently my friend (Ika!) recent ex-smoker(!), who is discovering her (perceived) boundaries and learning the biggest lesson; to push through them!… but there’s always something for me to learn too… it’s so easy to become complacent with my fitness level and fall into a pace pattern, 8:30 marathon, 7:00 half marathon, 6:00 5k… seeing Ika push through the final mile as I shout at her not to stop; that she can do it, reminds me that I can do it too… I have many other friends who have become runners, hopefully I’ll be able to run with them soon too.

I'll keep up with the daily posts from now on, promise!

[Ika & the Chicken]





[Sunrise over west London]





[Harry Potter World Première]





[Beautiful woodwork, but slightly awkward]




[Tunnel vision sets in sometimes, just run to the next light]

RUN 204 - Commute at your leasure

One of the greatest things about running, is that you can actually stop whenever you like! there's so much to see around us, running takes you places you might never have gone otherwise, taking the time to stop and look around is the easiest thing to do, but so often the mental pressure to keep on going can be so strong we miss opportunities to see the world in a new way, or talk to different people.  All runners stop, and all runners walk at some point, its ok, so long as you keep moving forward.  [6.68m - 56:51 – 08:30/mi]

[War memorial at Hyde Park corner]

RUN 203 - 13.1 for FUN

There are times, as I've said before, I really just have to run... I feel compelled, physically or emotionally... usually I have an idea of how far I might go, other times no idea, those are the absolute best, like tonight... that release of energy, where it comes from exactly i don't know, but maybe just knowing its there is enough. [13.1m – 01:39:45 – 07:37/mi]

[Running can often put you in the perfect place at the perfect time]

RUN 202 - 'Something' really is better than nothing

A short run, but totally worth it, you don't have to commit hours or multiple miles every time you step outside the door, so long as you keep getting out there, rain or shine, happy or sad. [1.02m – 10:48 – 10:34/mi]

[Fulham Bank of the Thames]

RUN 201 - I Run to eat!

The truth is i run to eat! (and drink) how fat and unhealthy might i be if i didn't run!!?? i often wonder that, and very often when running in the city, I'm confronted with sights like this!  I didn't stop to eat a Full Fryup, but i definitely cook one that night! [6.99m – 01:00:27 – 08:39/mi]

RUN 200 - Athens, birthplace of the Marathon

A pretty amazing run and view to mark my 200th blog post today! Not the longest of runs, but challenging nonetheless given the 270m climb up Lycabettus Hill to a beautiful little church, and a perfect view of the Acropolis and the Olympic Stadium.  To be in the birthplace of the Marathon is awe-inspiring, running races, training and meeting other runners on the road has exposed me to an untold number of amazing people, places and stories; who inspire each other.  The challenging of running is for us each to make of it what we choose; there will always be someone faster and stronger who i strive to be more like, motivating me to push myself, which in turn i hope can inspire others into discovering their potential too.

[Athens, Greece, the birthplace of the Marathon!]

RUN 199 - I really don't like treadmills, even if they're in Athens

When i started running again almost three years ago, during the Chicago winter, it was in a basement gym with my friends Nici & Melissa, on a treadmill... i really enjoyed it at first, and trained up to 13/14 miles on that machine! ... that's a long time to spend staring at a wall, that's when we started running outside, and i've not been on a treadmill since.  My running has become so much more that a get fit routine, so much more than the treadmill can give me... even if the view through the window is of the Athens city and mountains beyond.

[Treadmills, not for me anymore]

RUN 198 - Tube Strike #2

Second 24hr tube strike today, with a couple more to come in the next couple of months. Not that I'd notice other than the heavier pedestrian traffic on the streets. Not everyone can run ur cycle to work, either physically or geographically, but I do wonder what my limits are, I'm not the first, others have wondered much more than I ever will and achieved it too... If we don't ask ourselves these questions and challenge our own preconceptions of who we are, well never know what were capable of.

[Old Street]

RUN 197 - Running makes me richer

Running takes you places, obvious; yes... but what i mean is that take a typical day without a run and theres no comparison it to the variety of places and people I'm exposed to while running.  That's why i don't listen to music while running and i don't run in a gym, i want to see things, go places i wouldn't have otherwise... share them with a running partner, or share your stories with friends and family... it might be a small effort by comparison to others, but i know I'm richer for it.

[Stop and look, theres so much to see which we let pass by]

RUN 196 - Freedom & power

There is so much we rely on to 'survive' the lives we've created for ourselves, so much that were sure we can't live without, even those things which grind on us, take them away and we expect to suffer or fail.  Rise up and you might surprise yourself how little we really need to be happy, embrace those parts of life you have the power to take into your own hands (or feet!) and the freedom brings happiness with it.

[Chinatown]

RUN 195 - Running again

My running; and blogging (sorry!) routine has been right off recently, today marks the first step back to normal, it felt great to throw my gear on, run out the door and keep going as long as I had time for without tiring or pain.

[Low tide on the Thames]

RUN 194 - Race day anxiety

I love race day, the thrill of the challenge, looking forward to discovering how much I can achieve under the organized pressure against myself and other competitors. It's always an exciting morning, but slightly nervous too, and I'm certainly not the easiest person to be around at that time... Races start early and there's lots to do on those mornings. I'm massively fortunate to have people who love a d support me, and put up with my anxiousness, wish me well, then cheer me across the line, hours later. I can't thank you enough! My first  race in a month or more, (The inaugural Farnham Pilgrim Half Marathon) and my first run over 5 miles in a month since my back pain, I was extra anxious to say the least... I also didn't pick the easiest course to ease my way back in, multi terrain, lots of undulation, some bigger hills and lots of deep sandy bridal ways! My goal was to finish in under 2hrs which I did, and I placed 87 out of about 400, 35th in my age group, not bad all things considered...  and best of all, no back pain!

    [Running up that hill...]

    

RUN 193 - Pain free again in Malmo Sweden

A month on and only two visits to an Osteopath who could easily double as a David Brent impersonator, I find myself running along the southern Swedish coastline with an old friend and his son, with little to no discomfort in my back! The constant nagging pain I felt before which my muscles were tensing to protect has  past and loosened up.  The constant cut to the bone pain at the base of the spine which followed has past too, as if it had slowly migrated down and dropped right off! Good thing as my next race is in Sunday, a quiet little half marathon an hour outside London. I'll set a very steady pace and treat it like a recovery run, forget the time and just jog through to the finish. Without running I'm a less motivated, moodier, sadder person. I need it, and have promised myself to better prepare my body to ensure I keep on running...

[My running Swedish running coach]

RUN 192 - Running out of patience

Saw my osteopath again last week, waited 3/4 days before running, kinda expected to be all cured, but there is still tension, i need more time, its definitely getting better, but its killing me not getting out running.  I need to fix my bike and keep active while this heals, nothing keeps my attention like running does, thats something i need to work on in the future too, i need to compliment my running with other core and cross training, im not a gym person though, i think i'll look for a class the wife and i can do together.  I have so much more i want to achieve.

[low tide, i should lower my expectations too]

Run 191 - High tide & High Confidence

My first run after a week of niggling back pain, i never felt as strong as i did today, partly my desire to get back out there, and partly the new running shows my wife bought me.  These are absolutely the best shoes i've ever had (Brooks Adrenaline GTS10) ... ive been wearing these Brooks since the GTS7, and these are by far the best.  Theres so much support and theyre so light, cushioning through the midsole and the front of the foot too, cant wait to race in these! (oh and i'll be seing a chiropractor in the next couple of weeks, after which ive resolved to give more attention to core training, im unbearable when im not running!)

 

[High tide along the Putney embankment]

RUN 192 - So much to learn; the pursuit of truth

I guess after 190 runs blogged there IS still more to learn, this journey to discover what running is to me and understand it's value may never end, or maybe, as I'm beginning to realise, the truth of any matter only reveals itself when it's over (you never know what you've got till it's gone) in which case I hope I never find out. The best we can do is recognize those people and pastimes which bring us joy, persue them with vigor and know that our lives are richer for it.

[Fulham Football Ground]

RUN 190 - New shoes & nowhere to go

Full of excitement for new shoes, full of pain in my lower back after weeks of building tension (need a new mattress) can't run, not happy.  Will see what tomorrow brings.

[new shoes, nowhere to run]

RUN 189 - The wrong back-pack

Ok, so i guess i might have spoken too soon, runners do suffer from equipment failures too... although the real failure was in mine.  Should have just taken the camel-pak, but i didn't want to carry it in addition to my work bag, so had to run with one strap over my next and the bag under my arm.  Yes it slowed me down, but i had the time, and i choose not to be too obsessive about my training schedule; every run is a good run.  Got changed in the (really quite nice!) toilets at Picadilly tube, from Picadilly across Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and towards Fulham, got directions to the Kings road home a nice lady and plodded on, bag under arm.  Full of confidence and determination i arrived home in the perfect mood to plow through a pile of paperwork and bills that needed attention.  [didnt wait for the Garmin to track the satellite, so no info today!]

[Running from the hustle & bustle home]

RUN 188 - Man-power 1 : Pedal-power 0

Monday is usually a cross train day for me, cycled the 10 miles across London to work this morning, feeling energized and ready to start a busy week. Began the ride home; a little later than I’d hoped… made it about 1.5miles and blew a tire, no pump, no tools, no chance to fix it. I’m sure you can’t take a bike on the bus, and I couldn’t see myself dragging the bike underground into the sweaty tube, so I ran. That’s what I love most about running, and why I’m not interested in cycling; cycling needs too much stuff, there’s too much between my body and the endeavor. Except for social conventions, I could run home naked if I wanted to, it’s the most honest and natural expression of fitness and endurance (swimming’s a close second!) Its true, I wasn’t prepared; I had no pump, no tools etc and a more experienced cyclist would have been back on the saddle in 20 minutes I’m sure. But you know what, running that bike the final 8 miles home, I would estimate I was passed by 50-100 such people, who must wonder why I’m running 07:30/m miles pushing a bike along the pavement; not one offered any assistance. In my experience, runners have a greater sense of camaraderie which today only went to prove. So if you’re a cyclist too, and encounter someone in need, lend a hand, you might need one too one day.  [8.5m - 01:05:10 - 07:38/m]

[The offending bicycle tire, not looking as flat as it is]

RUN 187 - A New Commute

We’ve moved again, closer to the city, and a quarter mile from the river, my run routes just got a new lease of life, and now work is under 10 miles from home across the city, close enough for me to consider running to work a few days a week as part of my schedule. Ran the route home for the first time, got a little lost, felt a little slow but ran steady, there are options for me to shorten the run route too, throw in a bus, train or river boat, even one of Boris’ bikes and I should be able to at least run home each day, or at least move my long runs into the work week, shorter runs to the weekend and free up some more time to spend with my wife. Although im missing my coastal runs now, must sign up for the Endurancelife 2010 series, also looking at Loch Ness, Normandie, Norway ‘midnight sun run’ and a few others too for the 2010/2011 season, ill update my schedule in the next week or so. [8.72m - 01:14:01 - 08:29/m]

[Londons new cycle network goes live]

RUN 186 - Me and my Garmin

Just like every other run I turned my Garmin on before changing, then walked out the door and forgot it.  My instant reaction was fear, that i wouldn't know how well i was running, and that i might get les out of the time i was about to spend.  That was of course untrue, just as it has been each of the other times i've forgotten my watch, or if the battery has run out on a long run.  For me, the assessment of each run adds to my enjoyment and evaluation of each runs worth, the danger is that i come up short; maybe not enough distance, or not quick enough.  Its definitely an extra layer of the high i get, validation that i have done a good job! but do i need it? o think i do.  That's not to say i didn't enjoy running without the Garmin, and perhaps theres value in the occasional watch free run, but maybe thats because i know my body well enough now to know if im feeling strong, running hard, pushing myself or taking it too easy.  I know i can run at a 7, 8 or 9 minute mile without the watch, but maybe thats not it.  I look for interesting places to run, its a chance to experience more of the world around me, but thats only at most half of whats happening.  What im doing is more about me, my body and my abilities, which is why i dont listen to music, i want to connect with my body and listen to its needs, my garmin helps me understand more about how im performing, and thats why im going to charge her up right now, ready for tomorrow!

    

    [Sun setting over the River Thames]

RUN 185 - You're stronger than you'll likely ever know

If theres one thing running has taught me its that I have much more potential than i'll probably ever know how to release.  When i don't run i get anxious, i'm afraid of loosing momentum, i don't ever want to hear myself say "oh yeah, i used to be a runner, i ran a bunch of marathons" i suppose i'm afraid of failure.  That fear motivates me, experience shows that i grow stronger and stronger, while a week off running gives a physical break, my mind seems to continue training, often when i doubt myself most is the time i prove to have made the most progress.  Today, a strong run out through Fulham Palace Gardens, across Putney Bridge past the University rowing clubs, and a fast strong return leg.[3.69m - 26:22 - 07:08/m]

[River Thames & the University Rowing Clubs at Putney]

RUN 184 - Sometimes you just have to MAKE time

There are days when it seems there is just too much to do, no time for everything, something has to give; sometimes it just is the morning run.  There are days when thats ok, and others when the opportunity exists for something special, something out of the ordinary, and you simply have to make time.  Like today, i'm in a wedding, in a city with miles of near perfect lakeside running track; and the chance to run with a good friend and catch up for a few miles together.  Throw in a movie set (Transformers 3) and it makes the effort thoroughly worth while.  So why not everyday?

[Helicopter filming Transformers 3 on Michigan Avenue!]

RUN 183 - Run, Swim, Run with an old 'friend'

Running to the Lakefront  mid afternoon on a scorching hot Chicago afternoon, excited like i'm heading to visit an old friend.  The lake draws ever closer, my pace is great considering the heat, then i hit the beach, full of families and singles enjoying the sun, sand and, lake...  the heat is stifling and oppressive, not great for running, but i'm doing much better than i expect to, and feel strong over the sand across the beach.  I found a quieter spot and took of my shoes and watch and waded into the beautifully cold water, soaking my shorts and running vest before continuing back home.  The lakefront is the perfect running environment, wide open space free of traffic and distractions, flat, with a variety of running surfaces, beaches and water to cool off in.  Running here is easy, every step is a joy and a gift which i will never take for granted.  I don't get the chance to run here as much as i used to, so now appreciate its running perfection even more... if you have the chance to run here, make the most of it... i know i will. [4.51m - 32:25 - 07:11/m]

      [Hollywood Beach, Chicago North Side]

RUN 182 - Back to the Lake

The draw of this beautiful lakefront is so immense to me as a runner, having to wait 3/4 days to get here is heart wrenching.  Running demands so much mental strength and motivation, theres something comforting about running with such a massively powerful natural body.  Much like the coastal marathons I've run the last few months, being in the presence of such beauty, power and tranquility seems like the perfect accompaniment to the act of running itself.  I've never run in an environment more consistently motivating and emotive as the Lake Michigan... each step along its ever changing shoreline is a gift to be cherished. [4.01m - 35:14 - 08:48/m]

[The far north shore with the city beyond]

RUN 181 - Gunnersbury Park 10k

About a mile from home, the perfect substitute for a sunday morning training run in the park. A little too close to midday for my liking, the weather was hot, but breezy in the exposed open field course, but shaded during a good portion through the trees as we weaved through the figure 8 2 lap course. After 15 minutes of casual confusion finding the subtly marked start line, a group of about 140 runners lined up to hear our marching orders. The lady addressed the crowd saying, “if anyone expects to run sub 40 minutes, then please step forward” … the crowd laughed in unison and all took a step back! … my 10k PB was about 46 minutes, which was a year ago, and I hadn't raced anything less than a marathon or half since then... I had no idea how speedy I might be today, but I held my ground and hung with a couple other guys who did the same. The start was called and were off up a slight hill to the first turn in the open field, i'm shooting for about 7:30/m but, like always, I started out too fast and ran the first 2 miles about a minute quicker than that! … settling down, I can see the field in front of me, first place is obviously way out of all our league and had a big lead, but counting back, im in 12th place running with one other guy, and one a few hundred yards behind. I make it into the shade and through the first lap and im feeling pretty good, forgot to fill my water bottle, but took one at half way drank half and poured the other over my head. My pace felt good around 7:00/m and I started thinking about pulling ahead of the guy in front, whos pace seemed a little less steady... then my iphone and drivers licence fall out of my belt and I loose a load of time going back for the phone, and then the id also! (should have worn the cheapo iphone armband!) the marshall directing the course says “you have to make up that time now!” like I didnt know already. I pushed on, id lost 2 places, and had about ¾ of a lap to go... I pushed on, steady in the sun and faster in the shade, passing one more guy as I approached the final turn towards the incline up to the finish, I cheered on the fun runners as I lapped them, encouraging their efforts, which relatively are often as great as mine... with the finish area in sight I opened up to see what I had left in reserve, the great thing about these races is that you can make them as challenging as you like while having some fun, testing out your fuel tanks, I sprinted up through the finish and it felt awesome to know that I had more left in me... next time i'll use it on the track. A new PB and 11th place out of maybe 140, 3 minutes faster than my previous 10k PB, and only a minute off of third place, what could I have done had I worn the armband and pushed a little more!? … a real fun run, well organised, if a little casual, no complaints except for one sport where the course turned 90 degrees, could have used a marshal, otherwise, great race and another medal for the collection!

[Lining up with fellow +40m 10k runners]

RUN 180 - Run, Drink, Run

Being a runner requires dedication yes, but it also requires an ability to mold life around this pastime which I love so much, being open to ways it can become part of everything you do already, rather than it being an effort to include; at odds with the other aspects of life. Giving it that same priority is the only way to embrace the highs it offers and avoid it becoming a little practiced hobby, a fuel for self imposed guilt.

[Brook Green, London]

RUN 179 - Kensington Palace Gardens

Ran across Hyde Park and the Serpentine towards High St Kensington on my way west.  The parks are beautiful and packed this time of year, especially on such a hot day.  I had my camelpak with me this time though so remained well hydrated, but the sun was still pretty hot and i had to adjust my pace to keep cool, i guess i'm learning after all!  I think i got a little too much sun though, feeling quite lethargic now.  [5.12m - 46:35 - 09:06/m]

[Kensington Palace Gardens]

RUN 178 - Thank Clif for shot bloks!

Summer arrived with a vengeance this weekend, and as a runner, the heat is no friend of mine, and lately so are early mornings.  So today i find myself running through the building heat of the mid morning.  I was eager to get out the door too and didn't take enough water, probably didn't adjust my pace for the conditions either.  Basic mistakes which i've made before, told myself i'd not make again and then forgot all about my promise to myself.  Fortunately i had some Clif Shot Bloks in my belt which really help replace all the electrolytes i'd been profusely sweating out and really helped me home, this is why i don't race in the summer, since my first marathon in Chicago 2007; heat acclimatisation is perhaps the key, whether the issue is 'heat stroke' or the heat affect on blood pressure is interesting discussed here using the 2007 Chicago Marathon as a case study.  The definition of 'extreme' temperatures therefore depends on what you're accustomed to and your training.  Todays conditions were certainly 'extreme' compared to the previous months, and i was reminded of the need to prepare and consider those conditions before heading out the door.  Runtheplanet.com have some great dvise here. You, and I, would do well to take note. [7.36m - 01:02:33 - 08:30/m]

[cooling off in the shade before heading home]

RUN 177 - "Run-River Boat-Run"

Another beautiful evening, another beautiful commute; sprint down to Blackfriars, hop on the river boat (to Putney this time - bar on board by the way!) and a easy 4m run home along the south bank of the Thames over Hammersmith bridge and into Chiswick.  Heckled by some yobs, kept on running, calves were a little tight from yesterday, must remember to stretch more post run.  The boat ride is a little slow, but its a good break after the sprint down the the pier, time well spent i still believe.  [4.15m-33:22-08:02/m]

[The sun sets over the river, lighting up the route ahead]

RUN 176 - "Run Forest Run..."

I can't recall how many times some random pedestrian has spoken these three words to me as i'm running.  Usually through a city on a day which most other people might choose not to run, i think it's a compliment, at least thats the way i choose to take it.  People don't question cyclists in the same way, is it that the perceived effort of running is greater and perhaps unobtainable? not necessarily true; a 3 mile run home is perhaps as challenging as a 6/7mile bike ride.  People often don't understand why we run, especially with a backpack home from work... why not take a bus or a train?  i'm not sure why, maybe its because i know i can, or i want to find out if i can.  [5.0m-42:27-08:29/m]

[The Italian Gardens in Hyde Park]

RUN 175 - Back to the River

I haven't been feeling great the last couple of weeks, hence my reduced and sporadic running schedule, it was partly a cold which caused a cough which moved to my chest, but as that subsided, the stuffy and irritated nose persisted.  With the cough gone, I'm thinking i may have some allergies or hay fever which I've never suffered from before... i don't like it and it definitely doesn't help when running.  I'm taking something for it now and hope that it keeps it at bay.  I always think that running when you least want to is the best time to do so, the rewards are always greater.  Summers are difficult for me, i don't like running above 65/70 degrees so much, hopefully it will rain more! i do however like that!  I'm not planning any marathons through July/August and will stick to local shorter races, I hope to pick up a bi-monthly marathon schedule beginning in September and get a few races in Europe.  [4.45m-37:31-08:25/m]

[The end of the north side Thames Path as it hits Brent...]

RUN 174 - Choosing to prioritize

It's tough to find enough time in the day to do everything you want to without feeling fatigue, but what do you prioritize when it all becomes too much? Most likely the gym or wherever you exercise suffers, it's all too easy to say you just don't have the time or energy. Personally, I've never felt worse after running than I did beforehand, 'lack of energy' is an excuse I can motivate myself through. As fir the former, next time ask yourself how your time is better spent, did you get more from those 30-60 minutes than you might have got running? For me the answer is so far always "no"

[no map needed when running west, follow the setting sun]

RUN 173 - where are you running; one year on

Well, I seem to have missed my blogs one year anniversary! only by just over a week, so lets just celebrate it today! 170 [ish] posts during that time, you'd think i'd have answered the question by now and can close the book... not likely... its not that i haven't given a variety of reasons where and why i  run, its just that i know there are many more to be discovered.  I ran south towards the river today from Islington, about a mile and a half and caught the river boat to Chelsea Harbor, and then ran home from there, another 5 miles of so... i got a bit lost,and it took longer than i thought, but that isn't the point.  When i did get home, i was so energized, i had the energy and motivation to cook dinner, clean, do laundry, try on the new clothes with my wife which my mother-in-law sent us, eat dinner and shower within an hour of getting home.  I'm sure like me you've come home many times, drained from the struggle to get home by bus, train, sat in traffic and fighting through busy sidewalks.  Running makes me happy, and it makes me a better person to be around... there might not be a better reason than that, but that won't stop me running or blogging... thanks for following and hopefully you can relate to some of these rambling, runner or not. [6.17m - 50:41 - 08:12/m]

[a relaxing mid-run boat ride helps moderate the distance]

RUN 172 - [re]Learning to go with the flow

Theres nothing wrong with relearning a lesson, best to be glad you did and move on.  Its all to easy to let life dictate your routine and squeeze out those activities or responsibilities which don't seem to contribute to our basic needs.  The hierarchy of those needs is certainly up for debate, for most of us making money and paying bills usually seem to make their way to the fore.  They are however quite unimportant in meeting [most] or our psychological needs, the people, places and activities which please us are all to easily forgotten.  Taking a step back, recognizing those basic facts and checking if they've become applicable to you will in my view improve your life immeasurably more than the accumulation of money.  Of course bills need paying, but its vital that we asses our lives regularly to ensure the balance of needs is met, for yourself and those you spend your lives with.  Learning to work with the other uncontrollable aspects of your life is the key; find ways to adapt to achieve the same end result rather than vainly trying to impose old habits on constantly changing circumstances... like me, you'll be much happier for it. [5.91m - 48:45 - 08:14/m]

[England's imperial past shines even on the dullest London day]

RUN 171 - You don't have to sit in traffic or on a crowded train, run to work!

Have an expensive, hot, crowded commute by public transport? think about running; or cycling... look around as you sprint walk to descend deep underground and catch a train home, you'll see people doing things differently, you can walk up oxford street quicker than a bus.  There are no delays when you run or ride a bike home, no fighting for a seat, no sweaty peoples armpits in your face, plus you'll have combined your commute with your daily workout, saved time and its cost you nothing.  Sure it's not going to work every day, drunk running is just as dangerous as drunk driving; but three days a week should be feasible, give it a try, believe me, you'll feel empowered.  The only thing you have to watch out for is people 'running' to catch a bus or train!  [8.78m - 01:24:50 - 09:39/m]

[Tourists and people running for buses make fun obstacles!]

RUN 170 - Bank holiday Sunday post-marathon jog

Felt very restless this morning, a week after the Exmoor marathon, i guess my mind and body are back in sync and ready to run, it felt good to be moving again, although i could definitely still feel the effects of 5000+ ft of elevation change over the course of that race.  Good to be back on level ground and enjoying the quiet early streets of our neighborhood.  

[A quiet peaceful city morning]

RUN 169 - Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series; Stage 7 - Exmoor

I feel like i should say i faced my most difficult challenge this weekend, running the Endurancelife Marathon (27.1m instead of the usual 26.2!) final stage in the 2010 Coastal Trail Series on Exmoor, England. However, writing this a few days later, with the benefit of heinsight, i'm not so sure. Yes, it was definitely a massive challenge, and after fighting with one particularly massive 900ft(?) hill around mile 17, even the slightest hint of an assent brought my forward progress to a painful crawl. But, i never stopped moving; only to greet my family, take a photo or check in at the official pit stops, if i had to walk i walked up the hills.

Usually in a marathon or any race, time is a reliable measure of improvement, but not here, one race bears absolutely no relation at all to the next. From the freezing rain and driving winds in The Gower (28.2m!), to the ankle twisting rocky paths of Cornwall, to the heat and massive inclines of Exmoor, the series has been absolutely stunning! and i'll definitely be signing up for some of the new course next year, i'd definitely recommend you do too. Regardless of what kind of runner you are, theres a course for you, 10k, half or full marathon. Forget pace, just run and enjoy the stunning scenery. The Endurancelife people do an amazing job organizing the events, as good as any big city world renowned marathon.

With that said, am i a converted road runner? am i a trail runner now? no, if i wasn't a city dweller, then perhaps, but i wouldn't want to ever limit myself but such a narrow definition. I'm going to switch to some shorter distances over the summer months (i don't do well in heat!) and plan on more marathons in the fall when the weather cools down a little again, (thats the plan at least! we'll see if i stick to my word) and i can hit some of the european city marathons, hopefully all this hill training has improved my physical and mental stamina and i can improve my PB.

[27.1m - 05:48:06 - 12:50/m]

[The first steps of many, and on level ground!]

[Runner Jam in the middle of nowhere, up a 'small' hill!]

[Not your usual marathon route ahead, somewhere out there is the finish]

[Running across the first ridge, after climbing the first hill]

[Stunning views across the Exmoor Coastline, downhill for once!]