Tales of Trails, Mountains and Rocky Roads

This time last year, I did the MEC 10km race. It started at Sue Higgins Park and whilst predominantly flat, there were a couple of climbs on the out and back course. I ended up finishing in around 41.30 which was nowhere near my PB of 37 minutes, but then I’m not really bothered about chasing PBs these days – a bout of plantar fasciitis back in 2008/09 caused me to slow dramatically and I’ve never regained that same level of fitness or pace, nor the confidence that went with it. However, I do still like to use my recent race times as a benchmark of how training is going, and to set realistic goals for the more important events I have planned over the coming months. I decided not to do the MEC race this year, opting instead to do the Spring Trio 10km as I wanted a less hilly course to enable me to really just go for it. A month or so ago, I ran a disappointing 10k race - the weather had been favourable, I was feeling fit, and there really weren't any ex...

It’s that time of year again where social media is awash with the buzz of the London Marathon – certainly where my old UK running chums are concerned – and I can’t help but feel a little bit nostalgic thinking back to the many times I’ve pounded the pavements of the capital, along with thousands of other people, both as a novice marathon runner back in the 1990’s right up to running with the elite elite as part of the England AAA National Championships in more recent years. I ran my best times on the London course and I’m sure that this weekend, there will be many others celebrating – whether it be smashing a PB, finishing their first marathon, breaking a time barrier, or overcoming an illness against all odds and getting across the finish line. I’m sure there will be plenty of stories to tell, and I can’t wait to hear them.  "The Wall" at the London Marathon  For me, the London Marathon always meant it was spring time and every year that I did it, c...