Trail Running magazine...the perfect coffee break!

Time for a well earned coffee break!

Exciting news! This months latest edition of Trail Running magazine is out in the shops and, as usual, I have been and fetched myself a copy!

Why buy Trail Running?

Why on earth not? For just £4.50 (or even cheaper if you subscribe) you get inspiration, motivation, training plans, gear and shoe reviews and interviews with top athletes and adventurers! 

Thoughts for a New Year: the five main reasons why I run

Every so often, I find myself pondering over exactly why I love to run. Over Christmas and new year these thoughts returned to me, and I just couldn't put them out of my mind until I admitted to myself what it is that keeps me plodding mile after mile. So, one very wet and cold day, when I was out with the dog on one of my usual routes near where I live, I let my mind wander to think it over and figure out exactly why I had turfed myself out of my warm house and into the harshness of a British winter, and here is what I came up with:

The five main reasons why I run.....

Dare to think...

I just had to share my thoughts with you. For a while now I have been observing people around me. Yes, we all do this naturally, but I mean really observing people.

I often get told, "You think too much." So ironically, I've been thinking about this and whether people have a point or not, and have come to a conclusion. It's not how much you think but rather what you think about that makes the difference. It all comes back to the simple truth in life; think positive and be happy and successful or think negative and nosedive into sadness and depression. Constant negative thoughts can lead a person to utter despair and unhappiness. But positive thoughts can lead you to be the best that you can be; considerate, interesting and successful in whatever you choose to do.

One of the main factors that differentiates humans over other creatures on this planet is our incredible ability to think, analyse and adapt accordingly. Thinking is clearly not bad. In everyday life it is a real blessing to be able to think hard and fast to be the best that we can be. As unavoidable factors change around us we have to adapt quickly or else be left behind. Have a think about it; what would you do in the following situations?

A member of your family went out for a run ages ago and hasn't returned yet.
You are organising a charity event and on the day all the equipment you needed doesn't turn up.
You are a personal trainer, you plan a workout and upon arrival suddenly discover your client has a really bad injury.
You have friends coming round for dinner, and 30 mins prior to their arrival you find out they are vegetarian.

Vibram FiveFingers Review

The now 'world famous' and 'conversation starting' individual toed footwear, that arguably started and has carried forward ever since, the barefoot running craze, definitely deserves a blog post of its own.

You either love or hate these shoes, and I love them with a passion!

Before the Vibram FiveFingers (VFF's) arrived on the scene, shoes had taken us far away from natural movement, encasing our feet in strange shaped, supportive and cushioned structures that ultimately resulted in the weakening of one of the bodies most amazing biomechanical tools; a coffin for the strength and development of the lower legs and feet. Well done and congratulations Vibram for jumping straight in the deep end and giving the world a shoe that allows the user to move as God intended us to.

Fun vs Injury

Hi faithful followers and anyone visiting

Just been thinking about injury and fun recently since whilst training for my 1st ever marathon in September have picked up some pains! Just wanted to post some (hopefully) wise words regarding training, having fun and getting injured.

These are my own personal reflections on the past few weeks and may not apply directly to everyone out there. Remember; your body is unique to you, so only you can truly learn and know what best suits you.

Iliotibeal band syndrome (IT band syndrome) is a common runners injury. Its a band of fibrous tissue that runs from the outer hip down the outside of the leg and inserts under the knee joint. Increasing mileage too quickly, over training, faulty biomechanics, footwear, leg length differences and bad running form/technique can all contribute to IT band syndrome.