Super Fit at 50 – checking in

Since early September, I’ve been on a mission to become a leaner, fitter, meaner ultrarunner – and have more energy for work and family life. I’m calling it ‘Super Fit at 50’! So, here’s what’s happened so far. I’ve lost 5kgs. The weight loss hasn’t been linear, but it’s definitely on a downward trend! My […]

How to avoid being ‘obsessively obsessive’ when pursuing endurance goals

Endurance runners have one thing in common: we’re all incredibly driven to achieve our goals. Succeeding over long distances requires a degree of mental focus – the kind that gets you through pain, obstacles and adversity. But how do we maintain a sense of perspective on life, yet also pursue these massive goals? Is it […]

Endurance at 50 – feeling finite and getting ‘super fit’

I’m about to embark on a journey to improve my fitness, health and general wellbeing – ‘Super Fit @ 50’. I’m setting milestones to measure my progress along the way. The first will be to get a six pack by December – the ‘six pack challenge’, if you will. The real goal, however, is to […]

Runners: Are you secretly dehydrated?

I was unable to provide blood for a simple blood test two hours after a 10-mile run. This may seem obvious to some of you, but I was shocked. Some background… I’m about to embark on a journey to lose weight, become fitter and stronger, and generally improve my health and well-being – something I’m […]

When life gets in the way

I returned home following my DNF at this year’s CCC with a renewed focus on my running, general health and wellbeing. For 20 days I was on it! I was at home so my diet was good, I was exercising twice a day and I lost weight and felt a whole lot fitter and sharper […]

CCC Race Report – ‘Tough love’ at Trient

What a journey and what an amazing experience! Brutal, beautiful and so enriching. Never thought I would write something so positive about a DNF… The CCC finished for me at Trient, having completed 44.5 miles of the 62-mile course and 12,372 feet of accumulated elevation in 18’45”. Trient There was a bus load of competitors […]

Four ways to stick to the task, even when you’re not sure the end goal is realistic

What happens when the goal you originally set needs to change? Or when you really doubt you can achieve it because other things have changed? It’s all well and good setting goals (based on what you know at the time), but there will inevitably be times when you need to reassess. Have you ever reached […]

Choosing a cause - how to find a great reason to run

At 9am on 31stAugust, I will line up with 1,900 kindred spirits and fellow competitors to compete in the CCC – a 101km race from Courmayeur to Chamonix in the French Alps and cousin of the world-famous UTMB. This is my first mountain race, and with 6100m of positive elevation I am excited and a little […]

What is coaching, exactly?

Coaching is huge. There are apparently 1.3 million sports coaches in the UK, serving over 7 million ‘coachees’. A recent survey found that 81% of people found that coaching improved their enjoyment of sport, meaning it has real impact across the board – from novices and weekend warriors, to GB athletes. So, what is coaching […]

Feeling out of my depth

I’m writing this just after my first ever surfing lesson. I was rubbish and it was exhausting, but I feel exhilarated. I’m going back tomorrow for a second go. Hopefully I’ll manage to actually stand up… It was a bit of a proud moment, watching my family and the rest of our ‘pink’ beginners group […]