Author: Iain

The Awesome Running Playlist – Track 1

I was going to start this post with a clever explanation about beats per minute (BPM) and your running stride per minute (SPM)

There’s the story that American running coach Jack Daniels analysed the stride of many elite runners. He found that they almost all took 180 steps per minute (or 90 steps with each leg).

Turns out some of the runners he analysed actually took less than 180. The 180 was a rounded average, and unless you missed it they were ELITE. Finally, most beginner or intermediate runners take less than 180.

So let’s forget about BPM and SPM. It’s too complicated and a waste of our time. Let’s just focus on good tunes. Continue reading “The Awesome Running Playlist – Track 1”

Thames Towpath 10 Race Recap – 8th April 2018

Thames Towpath 10 2018
A foggy grey morning!

I previously ran the Thames Towpath Ten 7 years ago when I was flirting with running and thinking about being fitter. Back then it was a beautiful Spring day and we went for beers and burgers afterwards down by the Thames.

This year Spring brought grey cloud, drizzle and temperatures edging towards 10 degrees C. Continue reading “Thames Towpath 10 Race Recap – 8th April 2018”

Run Your Body – Running Tops

Running Top Navy
Say it loud and proud. I AM A RUNNER!

I mentioned in my Christmas list post that I’ve set up a store to sell a small number of running tops I’ve made up. The website is called Run Your Body.

I’m always been on the lookout for new and interesting running or exercise tops that make a statement in a clean and classic way but I’ve never been able to find them. Continue reading “Run Your Body – Running Tops”

How to change up your running

2008 London Marathon

post-race blues (saying)

Definition

  1. the mental comedown after 16 weeks of committed training after a big race or marathon
  2. the tendency to relax and stop training after success or failure at a big race
  3. the urge to eat pizza and binge watch Netflix following a period of athletic dedication

The post-race blues can come in many forms and happen for many reasons. Continue reading “How to change up your running”

On Cloudventure Waterproof – Running Shoe Review

Cloudventure Waterproof
Credit – On Running

Price – £140

Available – On Running

For a number of years, I have been trying to find a trail shoe. I’ve been through a couple of pairs of Nikes (which I know fit me well). A Shield version, a Gore-Tex version and a lightweight pair. They’ve either not had enough grip, been a bit bulky or not been waterproof. With no new versions or designs coming out, I had to look for another brand. Continue reading “On Cloudventure Waterproof – Running Shoe Review”

Pay Yourself First – Use your time wisely

wasting-time

I had a semi prepped post on the Adidas City Runs Fulham 10km Race Recap ready. The race was due to take place this Sunday, however it got cancelled on Thursday due to the weather.

As the mini “Beast from the East” has not yet occurred, I don’t know what the weather actually did, but I commend the organisers for postponing the race due to health, safety and travel concerns. It must have been a tough call. I would have only had to travel a couple of miles to get there, but if you were coming from further afield, snow and icy roads are not what you want.

So instead of a post all about my new PB (a PB was very unlikely to happen), you’ll have to go with a post about productivity. Continue reading “Pay Yourself First – Use your time wisely”

How to start cycling to work

What if I told you there was a magic pill that would make you healthier physically and mentally as well as saving you money. By taking it, you’ll also be saving the planet and if you’re a Socialist, help the NHS. It could also get you to work quicker.

If you could, would you buy that pill?

That pill can be cycling to work. Continue reading “How to start cycling to work”

Stop complaining and do something about it

Not complaining
-15C Husky Sledding. Not complaining.

For a year or so I’ve been looking at making my life simpler and less stressful. One of the ways of doing this is that I have stopped complaining about stuff I can’t control.

There are a couple of things I say regularly that summarise how I go about this –

“It is what it is”

and

“Control what you can control”

Continue reading “Stop complaining and do something about it”