The annual end of year report summary for 2025 is definitely: "could have been worse" Skipping over the fact that the inevitable slow decline continues, there were a few bright spots during 2025. One of which was completing a short ultra - my first in many years. The 3 castles run along the Medway valleyContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..2025"
…..diary of an also ran part 9
I arrived at the start line feeling fresh and well ready for it. The rough plan was to set off at 6’15” pace and finish as close to 2hrs 45’ as possible, however with a hilly course to contend with, the very hot weather on the day made a good time less likely. Adrenalin gotContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran part 9"
…..diary of an also ran – part 8
Once recovered from my treadmill incident, the better quality training showed itself to be paying dividends when I recorded a new p.b. for 10 miles, knocking nearly 2 ½ minutes off my previous mark with a 57’03”. The next 3 weeks included a race each weekend, with a 3rd place finish in the low keyContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran – part 8"
otso…..it don’t come easy
In June and July, I had a run of 7 races in 7 weeks, which I think is probably my most intense spell of racing for at least 25 years. I hadn't really planned it that way, it just happened that a number of races that appealed to me across a wide span of distancesContinue reading "otso…..it don’t come easy"
Penshurst midsummer relay 2025
The tremendous success of the 2nd running of the Tonbridge AC Midsummer relay at Penshurst on Wednesday evening would suggest that this event has already established itself as a firm favourite on the athletics calendar. This link goes to the report of last year's inaugural race: https://onthesubjectofrunning.com/2024/07/05/o-t-s-o-relays/ Nearly 140 teams - a 50% increase onContinue reading "Penshurst midsummer relay 2025"
o.t.s.o…..3 castles report
If you are harbouring any thoughts of having a go at an Ultra distance run, the 3 castles race would be a very good way to start. At 50 km it is at the shortest end of the ultra distance spectrum and is just a modest step up from the marathon - but that's notContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..3 castles report"
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 coupleContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..the 3 Castles update"
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, justContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..the 3 castles ultra"
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 weekContinue reading "otso…..2 minutes of wisdom"
…..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,Continue reading "…..diary of an also ran 7"
On the subject of running..... 