Archive

  • o.t.s.o…..the 3 Castles update

    Having decided on a whim to have a go at the 3 Castles ultra run 6 weeks ago, I’ve averaged just 28 miles per week since then, with the highest mileage week being 40 miles, and the longest single run being 17 miles (only just over half the race distance). So with just a couple Read more

  • o.t.s.o…..the 3 castles ultra

    Back in 1996 I discovered that an end to end footpath had recently been established along the river Medway, from Rochester to Tonbridge. Of course, in my mind that immediately became a route that needed to be run ! My diary notes from the time show that with characteristic lack of planning and preparation, just Read more

  • otso…..2 minutes of wisdom

    I started 2025 with a persistent cold, a heavy dose of the midwinter blues and felt very lacking in ambition or inspiration. Indeed, I only went out for my second run of the year on 23rd Jan !!! But – the cold has finally lifted and I’m running again, and by sheer chance last week Read more

  • …..diary of an also ran 7

    Sunday 19th June 1983 was a hot and fairly windy day, but this time I stuck rigidly to my pre-race plan of aiming to run 6’30”s for 20 miles and then hang on to the finish to get a PB. As I went through 20 miles in 2hrs 10’40”, I was very nearly spot on, Read more

  • …..end of year report

    If you happen to be feeling a bit down at the moment, probably best to give this one a miss (but at least it’s short). It’s a habit of mine at this time of year to look back on the year that’s ending, and maybe look forward to an ambition or two as the New Read more

  • …..diary of an also ran 6

    I had begun to feel that I was more naturally suited to the longer distances, and had entered my first “Ultra” – this being defined as any distance beyond the 26.2 miles of the marathon. Dipping my toe in the water rather gently, I entered the South London Harriers 30 mile road race which was Read more