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.

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.

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.

Running Shoes

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

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!