Ashton Court Sunday morning Run

Over the last couple of months I've found it hard to get out running with my usual running pals. I did so well earlier in the years, getting out two or three times a week either early in the morning or at the weekend. My work pattern has shifted slightly and I'm only getting out at the weekend. I'm hoping this will change after Christmas. I do a regular 10k run around Ashton Court avoiding the concrete paths. I try to run all off road which is great fun squelching through the mud. The ground is so soft this time of year that my joints don't seem to mind this weekly torture.

As I pass dog walkers, mountain bikers and fellow runners, a simple acknowledgement or 'hello' is all that is required to keep the morale on a high. Its a great time to clear the head and think about the forth coming week. With my food and alcohol consumption due to increase over the next couple of weeks, a good weekly run is certainly essential for this time of year.

Local food fest and places to explore

I attended the Hengrove & Stockwood Food Festival over the weekend. It was a great little community gathering with delicious foodie treats, childrens crafts and music and information about local food growing projects. One of the main attractions was an apple press from The Bristol Apple Press Collective. In front of your eyes they made juice using apples from the rediscovered orchard on Stockwood Open Space nature reserve and it tasted gorgeous.

After looking at a giant map of the area it got me thinking that it would be great to do a run or bike from Brislington to Stockwood Open Space. Its a beautiful area full of wildlife yet just on the doorstep of BS4. No need to get the car out. As with so many green spaces in Bristol this is also another area under threat of development. So get over there and check it out.

Outdoor sporting legend Bill Smith dies

As a fan of off-road running and someone who would like to get into fell running I had to write a post about Bill Smith. A greatly respected fell runner and author of one of the sport's definitive works, Stud Marks on the Summits, Bill died last week. Check out the report in The Independent and the Fell Runners Association.

Thank goodness September is over

Firstly a huge apology for not posting for ages. September was a crazy month. I guess if I take a three week holiday in France in the summer holidays, I will undoubtedly pay for it the following month ie September. But it’s been an exciting month and now I am training for a half marathon. Read more here

Bristol Half Marathon

Good luck to everyone doing the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday.

Local run before the holidays

Did a local early morning run the other morning with my two regular running buddies. Great to get this done before everyone sets off on their various hols. We did a shortened version of our usual 7k run. We  ran down and up Allison Road (a good hill), down into Eastwood Farm, along by the river, back up through Eastwood Farm, through the cut-through into the top fields behind Broomhill Junior school, down into Victory Park, exiting the park by the cemetry, through St Lukes Church and home.

Apart from nervously running past a gang of doberman dogs all went well. No shin-splint or leg pain. I finally feel like I have recovered from my injury and have a spring in my step when running. Now looking at booking some more events, possibly the Wye Valley half marathon in September and Ashton Court 10k in November.

Planning to do lots of running on holiday. Well I'm saying this now. I may well get there and just think blow this, it's far too hot.

Happy holidays everyone!

RunBristol Cross Country Series

Just heard that RunBristol are adding a weekend of off-road events to it’s portfolio of races - Bristol Half and Bristol 10k. Due to be held over the weekend of 12-13th November 2011 in Ashton Court, the off-road events include a Cancer Research UK 10k charity run and the McCain Bristol Cross Country Challenge.

A special guest at the event will be Olympian Tim Hutchings. Hutchings twice won a silver medal at the World Cross Country Championships  in 1984 and again in 1989.

The 10k sounds very appealing to me!

Sports Day - Victory Park

It was great to see all the kids at Holymead Junior School enjoying their sports day in Victory Park last week. The rain held off and the sun shone. Jessie came home complaining that her legs were aching so that's a good sign that she did lots of activities. Shame they didn't include a race for the mums and dads!

We did the Bristol Race for Life

So Jessie and I and her pals ran The Race for Life on Saturday. We ran in the afternoon in glorious sunshine. I have to admit I thought it was going to be a bit of a mud bath after the torrential rain we had in the morning. I felt for the morning runners doing the Race for Life 10k.

Anyway we got round the 5k route with a bit of a struggle. I joked in my last post that Jess might run bare foot if she didn't wear her trainers at least once before the race. (She had been refusing to wear them despite loving them when we bought them). But that's exactly what happened. Last year she flew round the course wearing basic kiddies trainers from Clarks. This year she was wearing new "clumpy" trainers,  if that's the word to use, from Clarks, but she struggled and moaned so much that I said, "right, take off the trainers and run bare foot!" and that's exactly what she did. In fact her mate did the same and all of a sudden they were racing ahead. They loved it and their feet felt so much better on the cool soft grass. They got lots of cheers from the crowd as they ran along in their muddy socks.

I think she should just wear her daps next time or just a very basic plimsoll/running shoe. Just goes to show these fancy trainers aren't all what they are cracked up to be. Does anyone have any tips on running shoes for kids? Obviously Jessie is only nine and wouldn't normally be running 5k, but it would be interesting to hear if any other parents have had similar problems with kiddies trainers.

We rounded off the run with a huge picnic and a game of rounders! Lots of fun.

Running & Volunteers

I was out running in my local park the other day and couldn’t help thinking about the importance of volunteers and the difference they make to running. For someone that prefers to run off-road through local parks and open spaces, it doesn’t seem like that many years ago that I didn’t feel comfortable running on my own around the local parks and always made a point of teaming up with someone. A number of the local parks had suffered from anti-social behaviour, the playgrounds were vandalised and falling apart and people generally were not using the parks that much.

Thankfully this has all changed due to local volunteers setting up park groups and getting things sorted especially in Victory Park, Nightingale Valley, Eastwood Farm, Arnos Court Park and Arnos Vale Cemetery.

Check out the rest of my post on Bristol Running Resource.

Race For Life on Saturday

Jessie and I are running the Race for Life on Saturday on The Downs with several thousand other women and young girls all dressed in pink. Last year Jessie completely surprised me with her speed so I am a little worried about keeping up with her. We've also done a bit of fundraising for Cancer Research UK.

Lets hope the rain stays away as traditionally we always have a huge picnic after the race. Yes you guessed it, cakes, chocolate, cakes, crisps and did I mention cakes........

Happy people in Eastwood Farm

Did a fab relaxed run this morning with my running buddy. We haven't been out together for ages and it was a real pleasure. Struggled, of course on the hills, but generally took it easy. Must mention that everyone we met this morning running through Eastwood Farm were so friendly. Lots of 'Good mornings', 'come on girls!' and other words of encouragement and smiles. It doesn't take much to be cheerful and it certainly helps struggling 'middle-aged women' like us get round their running course. Christ I hate that expression. So lots of thanks to you happy people.

Juneathon Update - Not so good

Oh dear, I signed up to Juneathon with all good intentions to run and exercise everyday in June. Trouble is I have been suffering from mild shin splints and my regular running/fitness routine had gone out of the window. So here's my five excuses for not keeping up with the Juneathon action plan.

1) I was out of routine
2) My regular running buddies have been away or busy
3) I have been busy with work
4) The kids have been ill
5) I've been out socialising  - not good for early morning runs

But...... I have upped my yoga routine - 2-3 times a week, and ran whenever I can when we have been away in the campervan. I did a great circular run on The Gower a couple of weeks ago, some Fartlek training in the local park and today I did a fab 10k run on Black Down (Beacon Batch - the highest point in the Mendips). Despite having a bit of a sore heal, I had a great run. It was all off-road - just how I like it, and with plenty of hilly. But it was worth it. Amazing views across to South Wales and lots of fun running DOWN the hills. A good day. So though June wasn't my best month for running, I have finished the month on a high and hope to continue through July. So thanks Juneathon for keeping me motivated through June.

National School Sport Week

It's National School Sport Week this week, and schools across the country will be taking part.

For many people school is often the first introduction to running and becomes something you either love or hate. I was a sprinter at school all those years ago. I wasn't that brilliant - but certainly preferred sprinting compared to long distance. Yet when I was recommended by my school to join the local athletics club I only went a few times and stopped going after about a month as I didn't like it. Hey ho such is life. Now I prefer long distance, but still look back to those school sports days with fond memories.

My mate is a P.E teacher and has been planning her school's sports week for months. She has so much enthusiasm for sport - I wish she was teaching at my daughter's school. Lets hope there are plenty more PE teachers out there like her that inspire kids to get out there and take part.

Learning to read is a national problem

Just came across the Evening Standard's campaign to raise awareness about the charity Volunteer Reading Help. It's all about helping children to read in London.

While this is a great idea, this is a national problem and there are already systems in schools where parents can volunteer to read with other children in their primary schools. I have been volunteering at my daughter's school for three years as a Better Reading Partner. The difference a little bit of focussed reading makes to a child is simply amazing, not only with their reading but also with their overall confidence. Why does it take a London based newspaper to raise awareness that there is a reading problem in the UK?

Running & Mud

I know it's the summer and we're supposed to be basking in hot sunshine, but with Glastonbury this weekend and the Wimbledon fortnight upon us, sunshine inevitably turns to rain and with rain we have mud and this year like every other at Glastonbury, there's mud and lots of it. So as most of the population of Bristol heads over to Glastonbury for the annual mud bath, a few sneaky Bristolians have been enjoying themselves on the mudflats of the River Avon. Check out the Bristol Festival of Mud . Looks like loads of fun. Thanks to the team at Yoho Media for the video. So what has this got to do with running. Well nothing really apart from our obvious obsession with mud and getting dirty. The growing popularity of the Sodbury Slog and the Mud Runner Adventure Series just proves it.

Usain Bolt - Running Man

Usian Bolt is the latest - and fastest - in a long line of sprinters from Jamaica who have left the opposition in their wake over the last few years. There are many theories to explain the phenomenon - some scientific and some less so. In this programme, Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere takes a jog across the island to put those theories to the test.

Usain Bolt: Running Man -http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b011w8b1/

An inspiring story for any sprinting hopefuls.

A Bad Run

OK so I signed up to Juneathon a couple of days ago with the intention to run every day, blog every day and log every day through June. I missed the first week as I was away - well that's my excuse - and the website does say you can do any form of exercise, so it doesn't necessarily have to be running.

So keen to get back into my running regime after a bit of a layoff due to shin splints I went to yoga last night - a fantastic class. I came back feeling a foot taller. Today I went for an early morning run and that's where it all went wrong. It was my usual 7k route which includes some hills and I struggled pretty much all the way round. Well certainly on the hills. I mean I slowed up to the point of going backwards. What's going on with me. My legs felt like lead weights. Maybe it was just a bad day. Maybe its my age. Maybe I'm premenstrual. I don't know. Anyway what ever it is lets hope the running improves. If I can run these hills in the cold months of January I should certainly be able to do them now.

OK now I have ranted I feel so much better. I do find though that some days I run with a spring in my step and other days, well…….. it’s a struggle. Does this happen to anyone else? Please don’t tell me it’s just me!

7k 48mins

Britain's Park Story & the value of nature

Described as 'the lungs of the city - historian Dan Cruickshank reveals the history of our public parks in the BBC programme 'Britain's Park Story'. Did anyone watch it last Sunday? If not here's a link to BBC iplayer.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00t9qv8/Britains_Park_Story/

Cruickshank travels the country to discover the evolution of the nation's urban public parks, a story of class, civic pride, changing fashions in sport and recreation which helps re-evaluate the amazing assets they are.

Talking about the importance of our parks and open spaces, there have recently been two interesting features in The Guardian - Managing parks and green spaces despite budget cuts and The true value of nature is not a number with a pound sign in front a live debate in response to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs National Ecosystem Assessment. Both are certainly worth a read.

Many thanks to the Bristol Parks Forum for forwarding these links and GreenSpace UK

Half Term Hols - Croyde Bay Run

So I haven't blogged for a while as I have been away for the half term hols in the camper. Managed to do just one run while I was away. Roughly a 5k run from the campsite in Croyde to Baggy Point and back. The route included running through sand dunes (a good test for the recovering shin splints), a steep climb up Middleborough Hill, weaving between caravans in the sea-front holiday park and part of the South West Coast Path. Probably not my favourite coastal run as I had to negotiate running through Croyde on a busy day, but it was great to get on the coast path - once I found it. I asked a guy in one of the surfing schools where the coast path was and he didn't have a clue. Couldn't believe it! Thankfully his colleague had more local knowledge. Didn't see anyone rock climbing at Baggy. Probably too early for most climbers.

Need to get back into regular running now I'm back in Bristol. Just came across Juneathon. Could be a good way to up the running.

The Wolf Run

Just came across this crazy off-road event The Wolf Run. Lots of mud, obstacles, water and running all thrown in together. Sounds fab! Shame its not closer to Bristol.

Tyntesfield Ten - I did it

I can't believe it. I managed to do the Tyntesfield Ten last night - a 10k (ish) race organised by Nailsea Running Club and the National Trust. Why am I so surprised? Mainly because my leg was really sore before the race (shin splints) and I almost didn't do it. It was a case of strapping my leg up really well and just seeing how I got on.

Thankfully the first 3k was a circular route before heading off into the hills, so I knew if my leg was really hurting I could pull-out at that point. But I didn't need to. I took it really easy, soaked up the friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings and finished the whole race in just over an hour. Well chuffed especially after missing out on the Bristol 10k! So a massive thanks for all the support from my running pals and the volunteer helpers.

I stretched out after the race, iced my leg when I got home, had a bath, drank a recovery drink and all seems well today. Yee Haa! Having a sports massage later following the recommendation of my physio.

Would I do this race again? Absolutely. This is a run I would highly recommend particularly if you like running off-road. It's well-organised, with lots of helpers and the course varies a lot. Hills, narrow paths, open fields, spectacular scenery and of course you get to explore the grounds of Tyntesfield. A great run. This years race was started by two-time Olympian and local running legend, Nick Rose, co-owner of Up and Running Bristol, the sponsor for this great event.

I must mention just after the finishing line I got chatting to Tom from the Relish The Great Outdoors intiative. In partnership with the National Trust he is organising a series of great sounding races where the whole family can be involved. The first is at Dyrham Park where there will be a 10k multi terrain race and team relay, a 3km fun run and a 300m run. Sounds fab.

Tyntesfield 10k - just four days to go!

So the newly established Tyntesfield 10k run is just four days away and am I worried? Yes!

To begin with I was concerned about the hilly terrain, but then again in such beautiful surroundings, this should inspire me on and it's also off road. Phew! No, my main concern now is my right leg. I've got shin splints. Too much training on roads for the Bristol 10k which I didn't end up doing due to illness. I've seen a physio at the University of Bristol Sports Medicine Clinic and have another session on Monday, so fingers crossed I should be OK to do it. Though I know shin splints don't disappear over night. Lots of intensive stretching required.

More green space news

And here's another update as reported in the Evening Post.

Park sell-off on hold, but not scrapped

THE highly-criticised plan to sell off more than 40 green spaces across Bristol has been put on hold – but that does not mean it has been scrapped just yet.

Latest on the green space sell-off

The big green space sell-off saga in Bristol seems to be on-going. Here's the latest news in the Bristol Evening Post: Letters to sell-off petitioners 'an expensive waste of time'

Bristol Downs Duathlon, 4th June

This sounds like a fun event on the Downs, 4th June. Anyone doing it?

Bristol Duathlon Our events are women only duathlons, run - bike - run events. They are fun and challenging with a supportive environment. They are held in beautiful locations around the UK. Like triathlons, the multi sport of duathlons are fast growing and a great way for you to test your fitness.

Aches & Pains & No 10k

So today I should be rejoicing about how well I ran the Bristol 10k, talking about how I struggled to the end, ran a personal best, and celebrated as I crossed the finishing line with my hands in the air. But no. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. I caught a bug (from my lovely hubby) on Saturday so by Sunday morning (the day of the run) I could hardly lift my head off the pillow let alone run 10k.

I kept thinking about trying to get up, saying to myself  'come on Sharon, you know how good a run makes you feel.' But I had no energy and just sitting up was an effort. Who was I trying to fool. There was no point even contemplating trying to get changed for the 10k. So I mourned as I texted my running pals to say I would not be coming. They ran for me instead.

I was disappointed not to go as the atmosphere at the Bristol 10k is pretty amazing. I never forget the noise of the crowd cheering along that final 1k as I completed the 10k last year. But I've got a few more running events lined up over the next coming months, so as long as I remain injury free and don't catch a nasty bug at the last minute all should be OK. Check out the Bristol Running Resource for regular updates on races and running events in the local area. There's loads for all abilities, so there is something for everyone.

A great story of a fearless runner

I love this story.

Kendal woman chases down attack suspect in her pyjamas

A FEARLESS Kendal fell runner pursued an alleged assailant through the streets of a Lake District town - in her pyjamas and trainers. Natalie White, 28, a former British hill running champion, sprinted after a man she believed had butted her friend in the face leaving him poleaxed on the ground with severe injuries.

 

Bristol 10k - five days to go

The Bristol 10k is nearly here and apart from a couple of running buddies dropping out at the last minute due to injuries I feel pretty well prepared.  I ran a couple of 10k training runs last week - one on my own as I will probably be doing the Bristol 10k on my own. I was pleasantly surprised at how good I felt. I ran without a water bottle and without music and just focussed on the distance. A few days later I ran the same route with my other running buddy and managed a personal best of 56 minutes!

Weekly rant - Running and crazy hair

I thought it was time for another weekly rant. Now I'm not one to polish my hair into fancy hairstyles. As most of my friends know my hair has a world of its own. One day it may look relatively OK, almost chic, other days it looks a little deranged. But most days it just looks completely random and wild. So what am I supposed to do with my crazy locks when I'm running?

So often I see other women running with their hair bouncing around like they have just come out of a hair salon. My hair is not quite long enough to tie up; it's too thick to wear a hat - I just overheat; and if I put in hairclips etc they just fall out! I was wondering about investing in one of those running hair band things. I've gone beyond caring what I look like but it would be good to be able to see where I am going. Do any of you girlies have any suggestions?

Race for Life T-shirt

Christ, the postman must think this house is full of fitness fanatics. Today my Race for Life number arrived and Jessie's t-shirt. It looks huge so I may have to ask granny to adjust it for her when she arrives at the weekend.

I should probably get Jessie to do a few runs before the event, at least to break in her trainers. Last year her only complaint was that her feet hurt and she was feeling hot. She wasn't remotely out of breath.

I'm getting a little worried about this year's run as Jessie can weave in and out of all the other runners with ease while I'm stumble along behind saying 'excuse me, sorry, coming through" etc in an effort to keep up with Jess. Very comical.

Bristol 10k

Well my number has arrived for the Bristol 10k and its only two weeks to go. Arrgghh! Need to step up the running. Hopefully I won't be as nervous as last year - my first ever 10k event. Also I don't have to worry about Jessie's birthday party which I had organised on the afternoon of last year's 10k.

Last year the atmosphere was electric and the crowds were amazing. I'm running for St Peter's Hospice this year and hope to knock some minutes off my previous time. Fingers crossed.

Cornish Running

I've been on holiday for a week in Cornwall. Amazing weather, lots of eating and sitting around on beaches trying to shield myself from the North West wind. I also managed to do some running along the beautiful Cornish coastline. The first was a short run from Ayr campsite in St Ives. The views were gorgeous, but the path was something else. I know I rave on about running off road but I just got really frustrated with the rocky terrain and ended up walking or jogging most of the route. I guess I was feeling a little fragile, or should I say lazy. So rather than hurtling down the rough trail at high speed (wishful thinking) I soaked up the atmosphere and breathed in the sea air. Not so great for my running though. I needed something to push me to run harder.

It didn't take long. The next day I spent an hour or so contorting myself into various positions trying on wetsuits with the intention of dragging myself into the April sea. Brrrrrr. I tried on several winter wetsuits in a surf shop in St Ives, run by a number of cool-looking surf dudes. The whole process was all rather embarrassing to say the least because 1) I know nothing about wetsuits, 2) everytime I tried on a wetsuit I had to ask someone to extract me out of it, and 3) I looked like a complete frump. How I imagined I'd appear in a wetsuit was a world apart from how I actually looked. Looking in the mirror was a bit of a shock but it certainly gave me a kick to step up my running!

The next coastal run on the Lizard in Cornwall was inspiring and great running terrain. Hills, breathtaking views and soft grassy slopes. Perfect.

Did I get in the sea you may ask? Well my husband did. My eight year old daughter did. But I just dipped in a toe and that was enough. It was freezing. I like to think that the wetsuit will be a long-term investment. I watched some great body boarding action at Kynance Cove though. Amazing.

Children and running

Running or jogging in childhood could protect against bone problems in later life, according to research carried out in Bristol.

Check out the report in the Bristol Evening Post.

A great run for a great cause

My running buddy's house mate is running the London Marathon on Sunday for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research in memory of her best friend Polly who lost her battle with Leukaemia. Check her fundraising page here.

The Marathon Season

With the London Marathon just a couple of weeks away, when 30,000 runners will be pounding the streets of London, it comes as no surprise that most of us will probably know someone who is training for this big event. People travel from far and wide to take part in this magnificent event. I'm not doing it myself, but I know several people that are and I wish them all the very best. I never forget when my brother ran his first marathon despite being advised not to by his doctors because of his asthma. He went on to complete two London marathons and still runs regularly.

If anyone out there is thinking about running a marathon check out my lowdown of the World's Favourite 10 Marathons at The Running Bug.

Thinking about the London Marathon and the number of people running takes me back to probably my first ever running event back in the 1980's when I ran and walked the famous Sport Aid event in Hyde Park. Little did I know then how much I would enjoy running now in my 40's. Does anyone else remember that amazing event or indeed take part. I wish I could find a photo of it somewhere.

A great South Bristol Running Route

Had the best run this Sunday. The sun was shining, everyone we ran past was smiling, and motivation was high. My running buddy has been feeling a little low recently about her running, but after Sunday's run she can give herself a well-earned pat on the back. We ran 13.5k and it felt good. Could probably have gone further if we had more time. I'm sure the good weather helps. Seeing as I've entered the Bristol 10k, Tyntesfield 10k and the Race for Life I need the training.

We ran a circuit that takes in Victory Park, open fields via public footpaths off Ironmould Lane to Hicks Gate, the River Avon Trail, Nightingale Valley and St Annes Woods. It's a great route, mostly flat apart from a couple of steep hills running out of Nightingale valley. It makes you really appreciate there are some great places in BS4 in which to run, walk and jog. We passed numerous horse riders on the river path and several teams of rowers. We initially took the high path through the woods and then descended down to the river. The last time I did this route the river path was incredibly muddy and hard going. Not this time.

We ran past this rather worrying sign on the way and then on past Beeses Bar & Tea Rooms and Eastwood Farm Local Nature Reserve on the opposite bank. We started craving cold drinks and wholesome cake. Can't wait until Beeses opens at Easter. We crossed the river by the Co-op in St Annes and then trotted through Nightingale Valley all the way back to Allison Rd. What a great route. It's just a matter of linking up green spaces with public footpaths. Easy.

An ethical running top - Finisterre

I was asked to test the Finisterre Brisa running top and simply don't want to take it off! Here's the review. Many thanks to Finisterre and Bristol Running Resource.

ParkRun Bristol Update

Ashton Court in Bristol is set to become home to ParkRun Bristol - a free weekly organised running event in the city. Check out the latest news from Bristol Running Resource.

Run for Japan

Run for Japan is bringing together the global running community and showing solidarity and support through dedicating runs around the World to the people of Japan.  Checkout this article.

Running Shoes

Confused about what running shoes to buy? Here's a great article about running shoes on Bristol Running Resource

Who says campaigning is a waste of time?

Bristol City Council's Area Green Space Plan is being looked at again after 6,900 signatures signed the "Big Save Our Parks Petition". This is great news for Bristol's parks and green spaces and great news for runners out there who want to continue exploring their local green spaces.Check out the report in the Bristol Evening Post.

Councillors now have the chance to throw out the much criticised sell-off plan thanks to people standing up for what they believe.  It just goes to show that a little campaigning can make so much diffrernce. We saved our  forests, so why can't we save our local green spaces?

Skiing in Scotland with a bit of running

I'm not really showing off, but it was a quite a surreal experience coming back from Scotland after three days skiing. No flights were involved, no waiting at airports, just lots of driving. Despite the weather being gloriously mild and sunny, there was still plenty of snow for skiing. OK I know its not the Alps. The pistes were short and narrow and some runs had tufts of grass poking through, but it was skiing in the UK and it was fab.

We stayed in Aviemore and arranged ski hire at Loch Insh Watersports Centre - a short distance away. We weren't that organised with ski school and ski hire and thought we would just leave all that until we got there. Being half term we were lucky to get any skis at all and ski school for the kids was fully booked everywhere. But that didn't matter. Dave and I drew on our rather limited knowledge of skiing and gave the girls a very relaxed introduction to skiing.

Intially we thought we would ski at Cairngorm, but it seemed everyone else had the same idea and the place was packed. Instead we took the quieter option by driving to The Lecht ski area - about 40 mins from where we were staying. This was perfect for the kids - lots of easy runs - and Dave and I took it in turns to ski down the blue runs. By the end of the three days Jess had also mastered skiing blues. All without ski school! So a big thanks to the lady I spoke to in the swimming pool changing rooms who gave me the tip of trying The Lecht.

I also managed to squeeze in a 8km run through the forests near Aviemore. I often run with other people so it was quite a treat to take myself off and run on my own through this beautiful woodland.  This is what running is all about. The only sounds were the wind blowing through the trees and the nearby river. Perfect. The Aviemore 10k looks very inviting.

So if you fancy a bit of cheap skiing, there is still loads of snow in Scotland, so get on up there!

Winter running motivation

It’s tough to keep motivated about running in the cold, dark winter months, so if you made it through January and February give yourself a pat on the back and keep the enthusiasm going.

To keep this momentum going through March, push aside any excuses not to run. Make sure you keep yourself feeling fit, healthy and motivated and take care to avoid any strains or injuries. Here's a few motivational tips in an article I wrote for The Running Bug.

Running the Race for Life with your daughter

I've just booked myself and Jessie, my eight year old daughter, to do the 2011 Race for Life in Bristol.

We did the race together for the first time last year and I had no idea how Jessie was going to get on. I thought I could probably take it easy and gently trot around the course behind her. How wrong was I?

From the moment the race started she was off - darting in and out of the crowd leaving me and all her friends behind. It was difficult to keep up with her and I felt sure she would run out of steam very quickly.

Tiny as she is, she simply run through the gaps between various groups of ladies while I politely repeated "excuse me, excuse me" whilst attempting to squeeze past and keep up.

At first I was concerned that she was going to get knocked over by other runners and walkers as they wouldn't see her. As the race continued and I realised it was more a matter of keeping up with her - I cursed my alcohol consumption from the night before. When she did finally stop, it wasn't because she was out of breath but because her feet were hurting. After a little rest, a sip of water and a mini water fight, her mate caught up with us and we all finished together.

I can't explain how proud I felt about my little girl. I just remember everyone cheering her on and fellow runners praising her and smiling. It was a great day for everyone - well everyone perhaps except her sister who had an attack of hayfever. Jessie did so well last year that we thought we would do it this time for charity.

Jessie is particularly tiny for her age and she continually complains about being small and light. Yet being small obviously has some advantages like being a mean runner!! The race also gave her confidence a massive boost.

I wonder how we will get on this year? Certainly more enjoyable than my Longleat 10k that I did last week. That was tough. The hardest 10k yet.

Weekly Rant - WHY?

Ok I've decided to have a weekly rant. I love running, I love being able to walk outside in open green spaces, forests and nature reserves. I love the great British coastline and I love being able to see the sky, the wildlife and nature. Is it TOO much to ask to preserve just some of this for my children and their children's children to enjoy. Why is the Government so determined to sell-off all our green spaces and beautiful forests. It's all very well building carbon neutral houses in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, but taking away our green spaces and forests is just exacerbating the situation. Once it's gone. It's gone forever!! Has the world gone crazy?

Christ I need to go for a run! Check out the following links and spread the word.

e-petition to try to get a debate on the whole green space proposals at the Bristol council house, at http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/petition/1403#div_sigs

Save Our Forests petition:
http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/s/save-our-forests

OK. Deep breath. Slow. Now back to work.....

Beacon Batch exploration

Did a great run today in bright winter sunshine. Four miles around Beacon Batch in the Mendips. I must have walked around there when I first came to Bristol but haven't been there since. With the grandparents staying for a few days Dave and I grabbed our chance to leave the kids for a couple of hours and ventured off for an explorative run. Straight up the hill to the high point, across the top and then down through the woods. The views across to Bristol and Blagdon Lake were amazing. Makes you really appreciate that we live in a beautiful part of the country.

There were lots of people around taking a Sunday afternoon stroll. I will have to go back there with the girls. No doubt there will be a bit of grumbling with the hill, but plenty of rocks to scramble over and a handy pub nearby.

Why go for run in the dark, cold and snow?

So while some of you were wrapped up warm in a cosy bed, muggings here had planned to go for an early morning run with two running pals. So when the text came through saying "look outside - still up for a run?" I had a moment of hesitation. A thin layer of snow was covering everything. Oh well, I could have a lie-in instead. I was up late last night writing copy for a deadline and a lie-in of half an hour would be good.

Who was I trying to fool? The kids were already up. Then my other running pal texted saying we could use our running crampons… Of course, I'd completely forgotten. We'd ordered a pair of Yaktrax Pro ice grippers. They were only £20 and are great for running and walking on ice. Could have done with them back in December. But was there enough snow to warrant wearing them? I was beginning to question myself. Why was I going for a run? What was driving me?

I asked Dave if he thought I was mad going running this morning. His reply was "no, going ice climbing in Scotland for a weekend is crazy." Dave's last trip up there was something of an epic. Maybe that's it! In comparison to his long drive, long walk-in carrying a huge backpack and then ice climbing up some sheer cliff, going for a short run in the snow in Bristol is kind of tame really. I've tried ice climbing - along time ago now - and believe me it is the most knackering, exhausting, frightening thing I have ever done! And that was without the long drive. No. Running out of my front door is just right for me.

So with a sense of adventure we strapped on the crampons and ventured out into the dark, cold and snow. Just round Victory Park and through the top fields and back. I wasn't really convinced that there was enough snow to wear the crampons but they did give that little bit of extra confidence. Walking to school was far more slippery when I decided not to wear them. That would be typical. Go for a run and then end of twisting my ankle walking to school!!

Anyway the run was lots of fun and a real stress buster. I overheard someone say that there was no snow in Bishopston. So sounds like it was just us South Bristol lot that got the snow. The kids were very happy. Anyway enough rambling on. Must get on with some work.

New Years Resolution

I promised myself I would get back into yoga in 2011. It's all very well doing all this running stuff but it's no good for those of us who are not naturally supple. However much I stretch, yoga seems the only thing that does the trick. Having suffered from sciatica in my early thirties and then a prolasped disk, believe me I know how important it is to stretch and stay supple. So yesterday I went to my first yoga class in months with Lila at Yogaprema and it was great. I had done some practice at home, but it's not the same as attending a class.

Here's to staying supple and avoiding injuries in 2011!

ParkRun Bristol

2010 was a great year for my running and I hope 2011 will be even better. I've just entered the Longleat 10k in February to keep me motivated for the next few months. For anyone out there with a New Years resolution to get fit and start running check out www.bristolrunningresource.org.uk. The site is full of information on running in Bristol, running routes, lists of races and running events in the area and some great blogging - including a few by myself.

A recent post mentions ParkRun, a great initaitive spreading throughout the country to get people running 5k in parkland. Sounds like one could be coming to Bristol. But you don't need an orgainsed event to start running. Team up with a mate and get running. Feel good, feel fit and stay trim for 2011.

My first run of this year was a real stress buster after an intense night in the childrens' A&E after my daughter got glowstick fluid in her eyes. I almost cancelled my morning run as I was so tired but pleased I didn't. I felt so much calmer after the run.

Happy New Year everyone!