How I almost won the Steyning Stinger Marathon
I could have won the Steyning Stinger Marathon. I should have won the Steyning Stinger Marathon. Had I been running the 2012 version, I would have been clear in first […]
The 66-mile running specialist
I’ve found a running niche. I am a 66-mile specialist. My training program is geared to running this exact distance, not a mile more, not a mile less. Apart from […]
Ultrarunning: eliminating the ‘poison’ of doubt
Not a day has elapsed since June 3, 2012, when I haven’t reflected on the events of those 24 hours: a successful Bob Graham Round, all 42 peaks, 66 miles […]
Mountain travel: why running trumps walking
I can’t remember the last time I went to the mountains to go for a walk. The idea is absurd. Why walk when you can run? As I descended (a […]
Ruts stop running: the Southerns are off!
I hear some good excuses in my line of work. I heard a superb one today. And it wasn’t from a child. The South of England Cross Country Championships, due […]
Overcoming adversity and adverse conditions at the Box Hill Fell Race 2013
The 2013 edition of the Box Hill Fell Race was a treacherous affair, ran in conditions that can only be described as adverse. Snow had fallen the previous day, so much […]
I am the 1739th member of the Bob Graham Club
It is official. I am a member of the Bob Graham Club. Member number 1739, sandwiched between Martin Spooner (1738) and Andrew Kirkup (1740). This is a reward (one of many) […]
Nocturnal wanderings in Surrey and London
A night run of at least 30 miles from Guildford to London had seemed a good idea earlier this week. Today – at home, in the warm and dry, surrounded […]
2013: so far, so underwhelming
I have been underwhelmed by 2013. Isn’t a new year meant to herald inspiration? Where’s mine? Blogs, Facebook and Twitter were bursting with positivity on New Year’s Day: people embarking […]
An anarchic run around the Seven Hills of Edinburgh
Running is an expression of anarchy. What other sport lacks limitations? Running is a metaphor for life; what path you choose to take. Running, essentially, is freedom. I was reminded […]
The obligatory Christmas Day run
The obligatory Christmas Day run seems a long time ago. Meat, vegetables, trifle, chocolate and champagne (and present opening, of course) have filled the gap between then and now. This […]
Wombles and Christmas puddings: the ignominy of being beaten by a fancy dress runner
‘You do know…’ my mother whispered into my ear, moments after I had finished the race ‘…that you were beaten by a Christmas pudding?’ Yes, dear mother, I was well […]
