Thoughts from the road

In July I planned to publish a blog post reflecting on my lockdown streak. For 153 days, I escaped the repetitive lockdown routine to get some fresh air and recharge. Then injury struck. On 23rd July, one mile into a sluggish but otherwise normal run, I felt something pull sharply in my lower back. At the time it felt like something that should resolve itself within a few weeks with rest and some yoga. I shook off my doubts and…

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The Unofficial Endure24: My introduction to endurance running To those outside of the running community, a 5 or 10k may seem like a feat of endurance. Beyond 10k, the marathon is the pinnacle of road running. Every race should be judged on its own merit. Yet, during a 24-hour endurance event, beyond the parameters of an organised race, competitors are challenged to push further. There’s something alluring about that. During the Unofficial Endure24, my first attempt at a 24-hour event, I…

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Over the last four weeks, the Lockdown 5K Smackdown challenge has provided invaluable motivation. After a promising start to 2020, with a 5K personal best on New Years Day and the Oulton Park 3.5 Hour Challenge in February, my running suffered during the early part of the Coronavirus Lockdown. That was, before the Lockdown 5K Smackdown challenge commenced. Coronavirus Lockdown: Faltering Motivation So much is uncertain. Tuesdays are usually sacred, free from work and reserved for a night with Ramsbottom…

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The 23rd February 2020 was an historic day. The government enforced a partial lockdown for the first time in our history due to the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19. The next few months will be challenging but it is imperative to stay focused, positive and productive. In this post, I will explain why I think this is essential for the Coronavirus Lockdown period. So Far So Good Just after New Year, I set myself a number of targets to achieve by…

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Learning of the Manchester Marathon postponement was a huge disappointment. I have felt good in the last few months, enjoying a brilliant day at Oulton Park in February on my longest training run. My sub-4 target was well within reach. But these aren’t ordinary times and it’s no time to mope. There are much bigger things at play than a lost race or two. Over the last two weeks or so I’ve come to terms with the idea that I…

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Manchester Metrolink has been an integral part of Manchester’s travel network since the first scheduled service between Bury and Victoria on 6th April 1992. The line between Bury and Victoria connects a number of towns to the north of the city centre. Both the length of the line and regular stations make it an unlikely but ideal running route for marathon training. Running the Manchester Metrolink The idea to run a part of the Manchester Metrolink was devised as a…

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If last year’s goal was to finish the Manchester Marathon, this year I want to go one better.  You can only find your limits by pushing your boundaries.  Only when you are at the edge of what you thought possible do journeys of discovery begin. What better way to test myself than by attempting to shave almost 17 minutes off my marathon time.  This is the story behind my sub 4 marathon attempt. This isn’t a how to guide or…

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