Light, green, runners abound

Guest Blogger: Alf Empty

April brings British Summer Time, light in the evenings, green in the hedgerows and runners in abundance where once there were none.  BST meant my first evening run without a head torch, where I had seen no other runner for several months, the light brought out about twelve.

I have midweek routes that I really enjoy, with enough interest for me to relish my familiarity rather than suffer from boredom.  April brings a green wave, May covers the Hawthorn in white foam, June will paint the forest floor blue ... and so it goes on.  In any season, my long midweek run is the big confidence builder, more so than my long, long run.  I often meditate that my evening run is more than twice the distance I ran on my first long, long run.  The fact that I don't find this a big deal, reminds me how far I have come since I started running.

 Spring in the hedgerows.





Some runners will have decided that this is the year that they will run their first marathon.  Those who have chosen Beachy Head, as I did, will be starting their training now if they have not done so already.  I envy them the fresh taste of the experience to come.  It starts when you commit and from your first long run, and continues for some time after the marathon while you come to terms with all you have achieved.  It's a life changing journey, to be enjoyed from first to last.  Confidence sometimes wavers, I find it comforting to know that - DO all the training, don't skimp, but do treat yourself kindly and you WILL succeed and you will recover quickly.

 - Alf Emty
Half full or half empty, it's the same amount of beer.

I'm too busy to train! From our guest blogger: Alf Empty

The subject of a blog I read recently was staying motivated for long, weekend runs.  My approach is to plan weekend runs carefully to include as much interest as possible.  This usually means fine scenery, but also includes variety in terrain.  I don't think of long runs as training, they are days out.  I apply pretty much the same principles when choosing events, which is why Beachy Head is such a favourite.

My last few long runs have been no exception, full days out in the Peak District.  Highlights have been; surreal weathered boulders by low winter sun, bare white birch woods in the mist, paths by shimmering rivers, snaking ridges, the incredible Alport Castles and sunsets from the last summit of the day. 

There is nothing like running from one beautiful place to another to keep one motivated. Keep the journey interesting too and motivation to stop becomes more of a problem.  I have that one sorted as well, I make sure that I have a favourite food in the car.  Chipotle, bean and cheese wraps are my current favourite. 

So there we are, I am far too busy enjoying myself to 'train'.  Now does any one have any tips on making the laundry after a day on muddy hills appealing?

- Alf Emty

Half full or half empty, it's the same amount of beer.