RUN 156 - Light is not only at the end of the tunnel

While i've always been a person who embraces change without fear, they challenge you to grow and discover who you are and what you can be. It is also important for me that i have constants in my daily life; my wife is the first, without her all else looses focus, she challenges me to, but supports me when i need it, even when she needs me too. The second is running. Its a constant completely within my own control, there's 100% payback, whatever i put in I get back directly to me, its a win win for me. When so much else in life slips through your fingers, or is simply out of reach, or presents itself to you not without a struggle; running makes me feel strong, powerful, confident. It helps me reach my core, to remind me of who I am, and what i am truly capable of, the resolve, determination, confidence, stubbornness that marathoning and trail running teaches me bubbles up to the surface with each step i take in a pair of running shoes. Unlike many addictions, it clears the mind and shows the way forward, and that's why i love it so much. [9.01m - 1:09:40 - 07:40/m]

[Light, not only at the end of the tunnel]

RUN 155 - An early morning run... too early for some?

Definitely could have done with a little more sleep today, i got up early to help my wife get ready to go off to Ireland for work; a trip she does every couple of weeks, so i saw her off and headed out for my run. The outward half felt slow and heavy, the coffee helped, running back felt much better, and was slightly faster. Even so i averaged 07:40/mi which is a minute faster than my average pace of 2009, but I didn't feel i was pushing hard, i think i'm going to signup for the Bristol Half Marathon in May, its a few weeks before my last Trail Marathon of the season on Exmoor and would be a good fast race shortly before my taper. Still struggling to get much more than a nod from 50% of my fellow runners i encounter... one really excitable hello from a Australian guy though, are Londoners really all that grumpy!? [5.98m - 45:55 - 07:40/m]

[Infinite variation in the banks of this great river]

REVIEW 2 - Garmin Forerunner 301 [www.garmin.com]

So a friend is thinking of buying a running watch and wanted my opinion... i've been using the Garmin Forerunner 301 for the past 3 years, which she knew, what she didn't know was that i'd been thinking for a while of upgrading myself. A good opportunity then for us both to learn a little more about the marvels of Garmin!

The 301 is a really awesome watch, i bought mine from ebay for about $60 when i was living in Chicago. It was old at the time, and is now clearly even older now, but is it outdated? Lets start with the 301:

I use my Garmin on every run, and i take it everywhere, its taught me to understand my body, my form and to recognize my own pace, so god forbid if i ever run without it, i kind of know how fast im running. There are lots of reviews detailing all the functions, if thats what you're looking for try here. I'm going to tell you how i use mine and what i like about it.

I set data to automatically split data mile so I can see how long each mile took what the pace was, the number of calories burnt, average high and low heart rate and more. You also get all that for the overall workout too of course

I also set performance ranges, so if I run too fast or too slow it tells me, same for heart rate which is more important, it also let's me monitor average pace which is what I track most closely over time.

Heart rate is really important it let's you monitor your fitness level, my maximum heartrate has come down a lot over the last couple years. It comes with a heart rate chest strap, which wirelessly transmits to the watch, placement can sometimes be tricky.

All the data syncs to the computer via USB and you can view it in tables or with graphs, it also displays the run route on a map.

There are two other settings for bike riding and "other" for other sports, which i've used for snowboarding, which generates some really cool graphs, especially of elevation change.

You have to get used to not looking at it all the time and focus on the actual run, i typically look at each mile split to check pace, it'll beep at each mile and display data for that last mile. There are also different training modes like a virtual partner where you set a certain pace or finish time and the watch tells you if you're ahead or falling behind.

Yes it is a little bulky, and yes it can take 5-10 minutes to track the satellites, but its light and the battery life is great, probably about 10+ hours per charge, it charges from USB so i dont even use the charger usually just plug it into a PC. The bulkiness isn't an issue to me at all, its comfortable to wear, just doesn't look as cool as the 205, 305 or 405

I've not had the chance to use either of these newer watches, so i'll save judgement until then. The data display appears the same, there are additional graphical screens which the 301 doesn't have at all and i believe that the speed of satellite tracking is improved, but i've heard battery life isn't so good. Other than being slightly smaller too i'm not sure what additional benefits either has over the 301? If you do, please let me know!

RUN 154 - Thames Path & finding inspiration

Headed further east on the Thames path than I'd run before, although eventually caught up with parts of the path I've run before i was able to discover the linking pieces. I expected the trail to extend further, but found more hard surface than i expected, would probably have run better with the road shoes and not the trail shoes. Pace and strength remained strong though which bodes well for road marathons in the autumn once the trail marathons are over. It's funny how if you look hard enough the world puts forward the tools you need, a tree felled after probably a 100 years of growth, fighting on to be born again. [20.48m - 2:50:49 - 08:20/m]

[Life goes on in the face of adversity]

RUN 153 - Ravenscourt Park & Camel-Paks?

Spring is definitely here, no need for wind or water proof jackets anymore, its warm enough to run with a single layer finally, i feel lighter and faster. I've been running with my waist belt again in place of the camel pak which i've been using while racing in the coastal trail marathons, but I'm thinking i should switch back to the waist belt. I used to have problems keeping it stable on my hips, but that doesn't seem to be the case now, and i definitely feel lighter and faster without carrying the extra backpack. So I'm practicing rationing water and Shot-Bloks and plan on replenishing supplies in the race when my wife meets me. I'd like to pick up another half hour at least if possible on next months race, although, unlike road races, these coastal routes are not comparable at all and this next one in Cornwall has more elevation change than the last, but its good to have a goal, and a backup goal too! [3.74m - 29:21 - 07:50/m]

[Spring has sprung at Ravenscourt Park]

RUN 152 - West London to Syon Park & more

I love runs where i can 'kill two birds with one stone' today i needed to check out some new areas around our home, running there saves time and gives a dual purpose to the run, an additional mental stimulant, more useful the longer the run. My route took me past Syon Park in west London and back home again, i discovered two new stores i was looking for and a few more possible running routes along a tributary of the Thames. My pace was also consistent and faster than the norm, I need to download my Garmin and examine my annual and quarterly averages. [6.02m - 46:33 - 07:43/m]

[Apparently 'Private' this seemed to be an entrance to Syon park]

RUN 151 - Leyland Court & not so quiet country roads

Back in Bristol for a few hours today, took the opportunity to run out through some country roads, was expecting to find a footpath to divert off to but didn't, so had to run on along the road, should have waited a little longer for traffic to die down, country commuters speeding along the back roads of South Gloucester probably weren't expecting to see me there, and with no sidewalk, limited grass verges i turned back a little early, picked up the pace and made good use of the hills to make the most of it all. I take running shoes with me everywhere, just in case, i love those opportunities to run in new places, and if i forget them, i've been known to buy new ones rather than miss an run route! [3.14m - 24:13 - 07:43/m]

[Beautiful but busy roads]

RUN 150 - Teddington Lock & Beyond

Long runs can reveal so much that is consealed by a shorter distance, both physically and mentally. Simply being on your feet for hours on end can be a struggle, having the mental stamina to push through each mile after mile, while remembering to monitor pace, form, fluid and food intake can take a toll. Add to that an injury or even the hint of one building and the miles can seem longer and longer. My strategy is to break the distance down, an 28m A-A route becomes two 9m runs, focus on the mile pace & time and ignore the totals, that also helps stabilize the effort and keep to an overall race plan. That said, I was really excited to discover the Thames pathway runs all the way to Gloucester... 180miles! [17.72m - 02:39:20 - 08:59/m]

[Teddington lock on the River Thames]

RUN 149 - Kew gardens Victoria gate, and more

Running lets you experience the world much more closely, the details of the places, the people and the weather are much sharper, your connection to them much stronger, focused as each of them approach you from the distant road or trail ahead. Places you may never have realized existed suddenly offer themselves to you. [4.01m - 31:56 - 07:57/m]

[View into Kew from Victoria Gate]

RUN 148 - Private gardens and Royal Parks

Headed west on the streets today towards Notting Hill, my 6m A-B route didnt quite get me to Holland Park, i looped around the Royal Crescent just east of Shepards Bush roundabout. Designed in 1839 with these private gardens in front, inspired by its older namesake in Bath, the contrast of wealth and near poverty is as close as anywhere in London. Beautiful old houses stand next to, well, just old houses, next to 50's/60's 'carbuncles' where old houses were bombed in the war. The private gardens are of course beautiful, but, they're private, so you and i can't go in. Thats ok, we don't need them, we have the Kings beautiful old dear hunting grounds, Hyde Park, Regents Park, and all the other outstanding Royal Parks in London which, as spring/summer approaches, will soon be filled with people like you and me, running and picnicking in peace. Royal Crescent's gardens are perfectly situated 3 miles into todays run, where i can loop around and head back home. [6.4m - 43:33 - 06:48/m]

[Royal Crescent Gardens, London]

RUN 147 - Is that a Mosque or a house off the Great West Rd??

Leading a happy contented life while still challenging yourself is a difficult balance often with dramatic highs and lows. With great risk comes great rewards, a simple fact often forgotten at the low points. Have confidence in yourself and be secure enough to allow those you love and live your life with to help you, but remember that they need you too. There are crutches everywhere, many positive, many less so, indulgent tendencies can often overcome which offer little support. For me, in addition to my wife; my love... i have running, its overindulgence when i need it may seem obsessive to some, but its benefits are undeniable. It can challenge me so greatly such that all else is placed in perspective, and the 'high' that I'm sure i get is almost as addictive as my other irresistible vice... chocolate! another balancing act in my life, to run or to eat chocolate!? [3.92m - 29:16 - 07:27/m]

[Mosque or a house? I can't find out!?]

REVIEW 1 - Iphone armband [www.mobilefun.co.uk]

What I love about running is that it requires no equipment or setup, although on long runs especially I need to carry water, food electrolytes, sometimes a camel pak and jacket, and of course, my iPhone. When racing I use it to call my wife and update my progress, and of course to take photos, so I need easy access to it. The nice people at www.mobilefun.co.uk sent me an armband to test out. An entry level armband at around £10 it provides adequate support and some basic protection. Raising the phone from the waist where it's usually stored definitely helps maintain good form, and the touch screen still functioned through the plastic cover too which is useful. The armband was comfortable and easy to put on and take off, and it maintained position while running too. As an everyday fair weather armband it functioned perfectly, for poor weather I'd need more water protection where the phone slides in, at the bottom and around the earpiece. Many runners however don't venture out in the rain and this strap would be more than adequate, it's stable, comfortable and the touch screen can still be used. From a design perspective, the model i tested had a popper to secure the phone is on the inside of the armband which makes it trickier to close while wearing. The Velcro fastening to the arm is not continuous and so has 2 positions it can be secured in which seemed to suit my bicep size, a bigger or smaller arm may not have such a good fit.

At half the price of more well specified armbands, this entry model is worth considering, it certainly posed no concerns from a stability or comfort perspective, but for more inclement weather which a significant number of my runs are subject to i'd recommend spending the extra 5 to 10 pounds to get complete piece of mind and protection. www.mobilefun.co.uk have a full range of products from entry level up to products like the XtremeMac Sportwrap which although i haven't tested appear to have more complete protection.

RUN 146 - First real run of Spring?

Short recovery runs around the neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon are a wonderful treat, the pressures of time and pace fall away, replaced by a tranquil sense of reward and relaxation. Stretching out the tightness of yesterdays muscles, sharing a beautiful spring afternoon with dog walkers and children playing as the shadows stretch for each other under bright sunny skies. [1.79m - 13:02 - 07:15/m]

[Long spring shadows on Turnham Green]

RUN 145 - Bromley (?) Brook & Richmond Park

I was excited for today's run, although I had a busy day ahead and my pace seemed to drop of a little. I headed east along the river until I came across the wetlands and the Thames cycle network which heads towards Richmond Park. I felt a little pressure to get back home which was on my mind a little as i ran, i forgot to switch my Garmin from bike mode back to running, and i was convinced something was off with the mileage it recorded, my pace seemed quick, but i was 1 or 2 miles short at half distance, either way it was a good run, the next few weeks i need to pick up the training a little for next months coastal marathon in Cornwall, i feel like i have a bunch of solid routes mentally planned out now so i can start pushing a little harder without thinking about navigating. [12.94m - 01:45:58 - 08:12/m]

[i think this was called Bromley Brook!?]

RUN 144 - Turnham Green, London

Sometimes I just need to run, regardless of what else I have planned for the day. Whether it's cabin fever, stress or restlessness, running always helps. It's not running away from the thought or problem, the run always returns me to the point where it started, but it brings me back a different person, recharged and re motivated. I know it, and so does my wife, if i don't act on it, she's there to let me know i need to just get out for a while. [1.86m - 12:25 - 06:41/m]

Sunrise over Turnham Green railway embankment

Run 143 - Chiswick Causeway & Holst's House

I love running in Chicago, the massive expanse of the grid system and the endless lake shore are perfect for long runs, endless views and the road before you unfolds at your feet; theres lots to explore but you never get 'lost'. London is different, its winding streets, dead ends and serpentine river carves its way west to east, with almost uncountable beautiful bridges crossing back and forth. Each turn taken out of curiosity leads to something entirely unexpected. Discovered today; a multitude of cosy riverside pubs that i can't take my wife to for Sunday lunch; who knew Hammersmith bridge was so beautiful!; enchanting private gardens on the river, seperated from their owners homes by a cobbled street; and on the south bank heading home, Gustav Holst's house; so a captivating run it took me twice as far as planned. [7.82m - 01:01:42 - 07:54/m]

Riverside gardens on the Thames

RUN 142 - Small dogs in Tockington, South Gloucestershire

Heading out the door at 7am on a Saturday morning before my conscious brain can convince me that my hangover would best be served by another couple of hours in bed is the only way to get started sometimes. It's always worth it, chilly still this morning, i headed out with a general direction in mind along the A38 towards Gloucester, a route I know well, i planned to turn off north at a random road, lane, track and see where it took me... unfortunately it took me somewhere else ive run before, but then i noticed a public path which id never seen before... it took me across beautiful open farmland and country lanes towards Tockington, where i twice needed to be protected from a couple of angry mini dogs being walked by the owners! [7.62m - 01:03:15 - 08:18/m]

Farmland with Tockington beyond

RUN 141 - Lot's Alt, River Thames

Still troubled by some lower back pain, thought about not running, but quickly put that aside and hit the streets. Felt much better for it! Still slightly awkward but felt really strong pushing down the street past Kew bridge steam museum, past house boats on the river to a multi use development in an old wharf which I saw from the south bank of the river a few weeks ago. I picked up the pace for the second leg back home and finished strong, very glad I didn't stay home. [4.13m - 31:54 - 07:44/m]

Lot's Alt beyond

RUN 140 - Gunnersbury Park & Triangle

I've had some back pains since coming back from North & South America, most likely due to the hundreds of extra pounds of luggage we brought back to London. I rested it a few days but just had to get out today and run. It definitely felt awkward and sloppy but I think I'm better for it now... So much of running is mental training, reminding myself of my own painful experiences helps, as does the thought of people far more dedicated to much greater goals than mine. [4.18m - 32:55m - 07:52/m]

[An old clay tile kiln next to a

clay pit, converted to a boat

house viewing platform by a

pond]