…..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 NewContinue reading "…..end of year report"

…..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 wasContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran 6"

…..diary of an also ran 5

I started off 1982 with a significant jump in mileage, putting in 5 successive weeks of 35, 39, 50, 47 & 50. This produced some faster times in regular training routes, but also resulted by the 5th week in shin pains and a loss of enjoyment as for the first time, I was chasing mileageContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran 5"

…..diary of an also ran 4

London/Manchester/Harlow My second race ( and second marathon ) could hardly have been more different in scale and character from the first.  From the thousands of runners and spectators and the high profile media razzamatazz  that accompanied the London Marathon, my second foray into marathon running had an altogether lower key feel about it. TheContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran 4"

…..diary of an also ran 3

9am Sunday 29th March on Greenwich Park saw the start of the first Gillette London Marathon. The boom of a 25lb cannon set the 7000 runners off on a cool damp morning. Large crowds lining the route gave a first indication that this was an event that would secure it’s popular place in the BritishContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran 3"

…..diary of an also ran 2

The poor standard of athletics at my school was underlined by the fact that while I was among the best there, and was always well to the fore in all track and cross country events, when we had to take on our counterparts from other schools in the district my distinctly average ability was shownContinue reading "…..diary of an also ran 2"

…..diary of an also ran

The saga begins..... I've previously mentioned how important it has been to me to keep a written record of my running over the years. Commencing in March 1981, in the early days, it was helpful to keep track of the training sessions and techniques, and to see what was getting results. After a while though,Continue reading "…..diary of an also ran"

o.t.s.o…..Joss

When it comes to British fell running, there has simply never been anyone to match the achievements and status of Joss Naylor. Born, raised and spending pretty much all of his life farming in the isolated lake district hamlet of Wasdale head, he established time and distance records that have stood the test of time,Continue reading "o.t.s.o…..Joss"

o.t.s.o…..relays

I always used to really enjoy relay racing. They add an extra dimension to the already competitive nature of a race. I'm always conscious of the fact that if you have an off day, it's not just yourself that suffers ! I mention this, having just run in my first relay race for many yearsContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..relays"

o.t.s.o…..old timers

This post was prompted by a large gathering a couple of weeks ago of predominantly Tunbridge Wells Harriers members - past and present, who gathered to commemorate the life of someone who was a very important figure in the club's history. Bob Lawrence died just before Christmas after a short illness. It was his wishContinue reading "o.t.s.o…..old timers"