August 2009

[glaconman]

I seem to remember the 400 meter runner Iwan Thomas being a big advocate of beach running and I'm sure he must be one of many.

Kind words that are much appreciated EG. I guess every dog has his day. As a fellow stop-start runner you'll know the seemingly inexplicable feeling of waiting for that day to come then hoping you can seize the initiative. Abit like surfing perhaps.

I even won a trophy earlier in the year. Not a big deal in the scheme of things but something to be proud of nonetheless. Not awarded to the fastest but to the most improved runner over a series. Handicap races turn the usual race format on it's head; giving everybody a chance to cross the line first. There should be more of them.

If I've learnt anything over the last 6 months it's that the key to enjoying running and keep it going is now variety.

What I really enjoyed about your last marathon was the fact that you understood the significance of the event before you ran it. You knew the history and was able to put your own run in context.

In this country there's a great tradition of middle-distance running. But have any of us run a mile at Iffley Road?

Step down the distances. Join a club. Mix it up. And roll back the years.