Things Runners Don’t Talk about #3: pooing alfresco

What happens when you get caught short on a run? It happens. It’s not something runners talk about much – so I hope this blog helps! It’s inevitable The longer you run, the longer you spend on the trail – and the more food you need to eat to fuel yourself to the finish. If […]

What it's like to run ultras in your 50s

I’m not quite sure how being in my 50s is supposed to feel, but I’m pretty sure I’m not feeling it. I still run ultramarathons, love music as much as I always did, and the memory of turning 30 still seems within my grasp. As much as I might not ‘feel’ it, the reality is […]

How to run when it’s so cold you can’t feel your toes

It’s sub-zero outside and the wind is bitter. You’re asking yourself whether you should go out for a run or stay in the warm. If, like me, you start your day with a run, then it’s probably dark as well – which only adds to the quandary. Get the right kit Running in the cold […]

10 things I wish I’d known when I started running

It’s the classic question: what would you say to your younger self if you could? Here’s my take on that, now as an ultrarunner in my 50s: Make a plan and record your progress Use whatever works for you: keep a paper journal, or start by reviewing your Strava data each week against your goals. […]

Things Runners Don’t Talk About #2: blisters on the trail

I first attempted a 100-miler back in 2010 in the Cotswolds. My brother-in-law was crewing me and I was doing well. Disaster struck around the 60-mile mark: blisters. Blisters soon graduated to blisters upon blisters. The pain was excruciating and I DNF’d 75 miles in. I’m still kicking myself about it now. Until that race, […]

Things runners don’t talk about #1: fungal toenails

I’ve decided to start blogging about the things I often talk to coaching clients about, or with fellow endurance running friends – but that don’t normally get written about. Fungal toenails might not be the nicest topic, but I hope this helps someone who’s also wondering how to tackle it. So, here goes… Two decades […]

Starting as you mean to go on

Yesterday (17th January) was ‘ditch your resolutions day’, when statistics show most resolutions will have fallen by the wayside. For the first time in many years, I haven’t set any new year’s resolutions. I’m already on a journey to improve my fitness (Super Fit at 50), so that’s probably enough for now. The new year is […]

A final festive thought

Thank you for all your comments and tweets over the past week, especially around the challenges we all face at this time of year. From dark wet nights and crowded social and work commitments, to simple lack of mojo, and feelings of guilt, it’s easy to see why a lot of us are missing our […]

The constant juggle: how to balance life with endurance training

Does this sound familiar? You start the week with training runs booked in, then life gets in the way and you end up stressed, juggling all your responsibilities and feeling like you’ll never meet your goals. By Sunday, you’re deflated, feeling that you’ve failed or let yourself down. If that sounds like you, you’re definitely […]

Super Fit at 50: When change plateaus

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the first results of my efforts to get Super Fit at 50 (i.e. my journey to become a faster, fitter endurance runner and bag more energy for what’s important in life along the way). I’d lost a bit of weight. That’s now bottomed out. I’m 5kg below […]