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.