Interview with Pete Wallroth

Pete Wallroth is 40 years old, married with three children living in Glossop, Derbyshire. He was a non-runner in 2013. He now runs 45 miles on average a week. He started road running initially but focus on trail and fell running since doing his first ultramarathon four years ago. He also runs to help recover …

Interview with Emma Shallcross

Emma would describe herself as a developing runner always on the lookout for her next challenge. From swimmer to triathlete Emma has learned that progress in running starts with your mindset, closely followed by a true commitment of time to the sport. What is your proudest running achievement? I’d probably say completing my first solo …

Interview with Paul Neill

Paul Neill got into running about 16 years ago, purely from a fitness and weight-loss perspective. He was 22 stone and has now run countless 10k races, half marathons and marathons. He has also recently become a coach in order to help others like himself. What is your proudest running achievement? My proudest running moment …

Interview with Harvey Gallagher

Harvey Gallagher is a father of five, grandfather, vegan and not-for-profit CEO. He is an avid parkrunner and GoodGym member, as well as an ambassador for Kate Percy’s GoFasterFood and MegaMeterRun. He loves cycling and runs all distances, including ultramarathons. What is your proudest running achievement? There are many, but supporting a young man in …

Interview with Sophia O’Sullivan

Sophia O’Sullivan has been running for four years off and on. She started as a volunteer at Poole parkrun and eventually got the courage to join in as a runner albeit a very slow one. Since then she's discovered the joy of being part of a 12-month challenge with @MegaMeterRun, completing 50x 5km in 2019. …

Interview with Oliver Harrison

Oliver Harrison started running, very occasionally, in 2002 but only properly got into running in 2007. He was quite unfit, had a poor diet and was a smoker. Then, his girlfriend's sister (now sister-in-law) invited him to join her and her partner to complete a triathlon. He did it by giving up smoking and training …

British Athletics Cross Challenge 2020 Race Review

The British Athletics Cross Challenge attracts quality athletes from the home countries. On Saturday 11 January 2020, Stirling’s Kings Park hosted a very wet and muddy series of cross country races. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2020 British Athletics Cross Challenge senior events?” and what lessons all runners can …

Interview with Neil Tabor

Neil has been running since spring 2018. After a medical in April 2017 he realised his weight of 16 stone 8 pounds needed reducing. He joined a gym and initially struggled with 5 minutes of brisk walking on a treadmill. He improved his diet and in April 2018 he had lost 6 stone. He ran …

Interview with Mark Lawson

Mark Lawson has been running for about 10 years. He suffered a nasty bike accident when he was sixteen, breaking his right ankle and leg. He worked hard to walk again but was never into sports. Later in life, after a conversation with his friend’s wife, he realised he was approaching 40 years old and …

Interview with Alasdair Barrowman

Alasdair Barrowman is in his early forties and has been running since he was in the Army at 16 years old. He was reasonably competitive at cross country and completed several half marathons with a personal best of around 1:30. What is your proudest running achievement, and why? My proudest running moment is slightly embarrassing …

Interview with David Swales

David Swales began running five years ago after wanting to get fit as a result of being diagnosed as a type 2 diabetic. He is not the typical type 2 diabetic as he's not overweight, exercises a reasonable amount and eats a good diet. After a 10k trail race about 3 1/2 years ago he …

Women’s World Championship Marathon 2019 – Review

On Sunday 27 September 2019, the city of Doha was host to the first ever night-time marathon at the World Athletics Championships. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 women’s World Championship marathon?” and explore what lessons all runners can learn from this historic race. What happened in the race? …

Chelmsford Marathon 2019 Race Report

Race Report: 20 October 2019 Before the race, I wasn’t sure what performance I was capable of. It would be the last race of a long running season. I had hoped before the year that I could set a new personal best. But that felt impossible. The weather was ideal; cool and dry. As I …

Great Scottish Run 2019 – Review

The Great Scottish Run is one of the biggest running events in Scotland and attracts many elite athletes and recreational runners of all abilities. On Sunday 29 September 2019, Glasgow hosted stand-out half marathon performances from East Africans, who dominated the race. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 Great …

Cardiff Half Marathon 2019 – Review

The Cardiff Half Marathon is an iconic road race for elite athletes and recreational runners. On Sunday 6 October 2019, the Welsh capital was host to some amazing Kenyan performances but sadly a runner also died after completing the event. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 Cardiff Half Marathon?” …

Saltmarsh Ultramarathon 2019 Race Report

5 October 2019The race director counted down and shouted “Go!” I quickly maintained the 9:00 per mile pace I wanted. Runners were soon strung out along the grassy trail. I briefly spoke to a competitor with an American accent, who had previously run a 50k race. His predicted time was several hours quicker than mine.I passed through a …

Interview with Helen Erwin

Helen is an author of historical novels by day, and a foodie and exercise blogger in her spare time. She’s been a runner since 2012, preferring to cycle prior to then. It was when her mother died that she began to take running more seriously. Running helped her get through the grieving process, and was …

Interview with Justin Gillette

Justin Gillette is a busy man. When he isn't taking care of his four children and spending quality time with his wife he is winning marathons, coaching runners and being featured in Runners' World. You can find him on Twitter and Facebook.What is your proudest running achievement, and why?I often get asked what is my favourite running accomplishment. …

2019 SimplyHealth Great North Run

8 September 2019 Two minutes after the horn blew I crossed the start line. I took advantage of the wide road by  weaving amongst runners. The inevitable euphoria of a big race meant my pace was faster than I wanted. I slowed then kept my pace steady despite the surprising undulations. I had to keep …

Interview with Emma Neachell

Emma Neachell is a full-time hydrologist and part-time runner. Growing up in the countryside, she has always been a keen runner, representing her school at cross country and long distance events, starting when she was 11 years old. She then finished in the top 10 of the Midlands Independent Schools Cross Country Championships at Bedstone …

Interview with Yiannis Christodoulou

Yiannis Christodoulou started running back in 2012 after being inspired by the London Olympics. He initially wanted to get fit and stay healthy, but then lead him to competing for the Great British Triathlon Age Group Aquathlon team at major Championships. Follow his running journey on Twitter and Instagram. What is your proudest running achievement, …

Interview with David Knowles

David Knowles began running as a 16-year-old. He was a sprinter to begin with, competing at 100m, 200m and 400m. Then at university he moved to middle distance track events. His running highlights include running at Crystal Palace and at a Loughborough International event in the 1980s, and more recently running to raise money for …

Interview with Dominic Toms

Dominic Toms has been running since the 2015 London Marathon. He has now completed 16 marathons and is also a director of golf academy. More information about Dom can be found on his Twitter account and website. What is your proudest running achievement? My first London Marathon in 2015 is my proudest achievement because I ran the whole …

London Diamond League 2019 Overview

The Müller Anniversary Games at the London Stadium, East London, was the tenth Diamond League meeting of the 2019 season. There were a lot of impressive performances, especially from the athletes of Great Britain, such as Lynsey Sharp winning the 800m and Dina Asher-Smith clocking another sub 11 seconds for second-place in the 100m. Muir …

Monaco Diamond League 2019 Overview

The second half of the Diamond League 2019 season continued at Monaco recently. Conditions were warm and windless in the city-state on the French Riviera. The glamour of the area was matched with some astonishing results. Give Your Best Only When You Need to As focused as athletes should be on the start line of …

Stanford Diamond League 2019 Overview

Instead of Oregon’s city Eugene playing host to the seventh Diamond League meeting of the season, Stanford University in California was the location for the (Steve) Prefontaine Classic. Notable athletes shone in the sun at the halfway stage of the annual elite series. Top Honours for American Men Unsurprisingly there was much anticipation for how …

Interview with Kay Drew

Kay Drew has been running since the late 1980s, and ran her first marathon in 1994. She has completed a marathon in every US state, and qualified for the Boston Marathon more than once. To encourage new runners, she started a running group. It still meets weekly 19 years later, although they run less than they …

Stockholm Diamond League 2019 Overview

The Swedish capital of Stockholm hosted the third Diamond League meeting of 2019 last Thursday. The windy and chilly conditions made the racing more challenging. But the quality field still shone considering it is so early in the track season. Asher-Smith Triumphs Again After her 200m victory in Doha (the first Diamond League meeting of …

Interview with ‘The Runninger’

Tony Green was born in Australia and when he relocated to Sydney he started running because he hadn't any friends to play team sports. In 20 years he has run 15 marathons with a personal best of 2:56. He is also an advocate of minimalist running, preferring to wear mostly barefoot sandals. He documents his …

2019 Great Baddow 10 Mile Race

My race report from my third 10 mile race, almost beating my time from my race 13 days prior.

World Relay Championships 2019 Review

The 2019 World Relay Championships last weekend was packed with drama. Unlike in usual athletics events, the constant baton changes between athletes proved the deciding factor in determining winners and losers. As a result the medals were never predictable despite the obvious world-class talent on display. Reasons for Imperfections   Nations with the very best …

2019 Witham May Day 10

My race report from my second 10 mile race, achieving a new personal best from the previous year.

Why and How to Plan for a Running Injury

If I consider what I would do if I got a running injury my instinct would be to “push through the pain”. Perhaps reduce my volume or intensity, or both. But stopping my running altogether would be my last option. I’m a runner, after all. Therefore, I must keep running. In the past I believed …

Interview with Irish ‘Parkrun Tourist’

Donal Murphy was born in Ireland and played Gaelic football until in 2010 he hurt his back and couldn’t play anymore. Ever since he has focused on non-contact sports, such as triathlon. As of 2 March 2019, he ran all 111 parkruns in Ireland. It took him two and a half years. He documented his …

World Cross Country Championships 2019 Review

The 43rd edition of the IAAF World Cross Country Championships was set to be a memorable one. 520 athletes from 63 countries were competing for titles in the Danish city of Aarhus last Saturday. The course, a 2km lap repeated multiple times, consists of constant undulations, with short sections of mud, water and sand. But …

Winter Training 2019

Goals of Winter Training Winter training is crucial for runners of all abilities. Generally, this period is a time to build an aerobic base, without the pressure of running hard. Thankfully (for some), the early months of the year are not packed with road races for recreational runners. After 2018, which saw me suffer intermittently …

Vitality Big Half 2019 Review

Both the men’s and women’s races were stacked with talent for the second year of The Vitality Big Half. This already popular event is also the British Half Marathon Championships. But many of the elite runners were testing themselves for the upcoming Virgin Money London Marathon. As the race unfolded last Sunday, appearances were deceiving, …

The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes: Book Review

How did Dean Karnazes’ heritage influence his running? Both his maternal and paternal roots are in Greece, and are known for both their resilience and tranquil way of life. Karnazes’s genetic linkage is also distinguished by abnormally enlarged, bifurcated calf muscles. Growing up, did Dean Karnazes run? Yes, Karnazes did run, winning a mile race …

Grand Prix Athletics in Birmingham 2019 Review

The IAAF World Tour came to Birmingham last Saturday. The experienced international field were all looking to make their mark on the upcoming year with world leads. The competition was intense and ambitions high. But the overriding theme of the event was that others can truly make you run faster.   Oskan-Clarke Muscles to Victory …

British Indoor Athletics Championships 2019 Review

The 2019 British Indoor Athletics Championships, held in Arena Birmingham last weekend, showcased the best of British athletics. The two-day event did not disappoint. There were so many heats, semi-finals and finals that coverage was non-stop throughout Saturday and Sunday afternoon. There were storming wins for Laura Muir (in the 3000m) and Tom Bosworth (in …

Dubai Marathon 2019 Race Review

The 20th edition of the Dubai Marathon is another spectacle of East African marathon supremacy.The elite race starts at 6am local time. The sky is still dark, but the bright streetlights and little wind mean conditions are ideal. The marathon is held on relatively new roads, with flat, smooth tarmac.The men’s race has three Kenyan …

Goji Berry Protein Smoothie

This new recipe is a unique blend of superfoods, made from carefully chosen but accessible ingredients. It only takes 60 seconds to create in a high-speed blender. Simply add all the ingredients below and create a delicious and nutritious smoothie. 100g dried goji berries (calcium) 85g apple (vitamin C) 65g bananas (potassium) 50g ground almonds …

Run Like Duck by Mark Atkinson: Book Review

This book review of Run Like Duck by Mark Atkinson answers the 15 most important questions every runner should know.What is Run Like Duck?Run Like Duck is an autobiographical book, which details the running journey of UK’s Mark Atkinson.When was Run Like Duck published?The paperback was published on 15 November 2018 by Sandstone Press.Who is …

Great Stirling Cross Country 2019 Race Review

Although cold, conditions in central Scotland last Saturday were dry. Coupled with the fast, flat (for the most part) golf course, the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Cross Country races suited track runners best. The 3-team competition may not have resulted in a massive field of runners. But the rivalries were evident and promised intense racing over …

My 2019 Running Goals

My focus for 2019 is consistent, progressive, endurance-based and injury-free running.

6 Elements to Improve Endurance Running

The best tips about athletic performance I learnt from reading Alex Hutchinson's 2018 book 'Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance'.

Elite Champions at 2018 European Cross Country Championships

The three lessons that every runner should appreciate, on display at the 2018 Cross Country Championships in Tilburg, the Netherlands.

Outlasting Ultra Pain for Great Causes

Discover the incredible runs "Karno" has completed and the reason his pain is worth experiencing.

Solutions to the Uphill Battle of Ultramarathons

Read more about the ultramarathon exploits of British radio personality Vassos Alexander in his book 'Running up that Hill'.

Strong Finish at Chelmsford 10km for Final 2018 Race

My final race of 2018 ended in a successful sprint finish, but not everything went to plan.

4 Reasons for the New 2018 World Half Marathon Record

Despite the astonishing achievement I analyse why Kenyan Abraham Kiptum had many factors in his favour as he broke the long-standing half marathon world record.

Waiting to Pounce at 2018 NYC Marathon

Read how the elite men and women fared during the 2018 New York City Marathon, and some tips every runner can apply.

Pacing, Surging and Pain at 2018 Great South Run

Read the battles between British athletes during the 2018 Great South Run, and the lessons all runners can learn.

Fought off Injury to Finish 5th Marathon in Row

My race report from one of my slowest and most challenging marathons.

4 Reasons Mo Farah Won 2018 Chicago Marathon

Read the four main reasons I believe Britain's Mo Farah claimed the prestigious marathon major title in Chicago.

3 Lessons from 2018 Commonwealth Half Marathon

Discover my three running tips highlighted by the inaugural Commonwealth Half Marathon in Cardiff.

The Measures of Cycling Success

My confusion at comparing cycling metrics with running statistics leads me to one conclusion.

Start of a New (Cycling) Journey

The start of my cross-training for my next marathon with the help of my new turbo trainer.

Suspected Stress Fractures Reduces my Training

An unexpectedly low mileage week, and an alternative plan for my training.

18 Miles to Celebrate my Birthday

The stats and images from my first week of training for the Chelmsford Marathon 2018 (and my eighth marathon), which ended with a strong 18-mile, long run on my birthday.

5 Secrets to Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s Young Success

Read the 5 main components of Jakob Ingebrigtsen's rising success at middle-distance races.

5 Secrets to Young Success of Jakob Ingebrigtsen

Read the 5 main components of Jakob Ingebrigtsen's rising success at middle-distance races.

Windy Seaside Race Success

The report and analysis of my seventh half marathon race, in a familiar location in unfamiliar weather conditions.

Reducing my Running Load

The stats and images from my ninth week of training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018. I successfully reduced my running load.

Running Longer

The stats and stories from my eighth week of training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018. I successfully ran longer and further.

Returning to my Running Club

The stats and stories from my seventh week of training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018. I successfully focused on reducing my training load.

Week of Building Endurance

The stats and stories from my sixth week of training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018. I successfully focused on increasing my mileage.

Quality Running, Injury-Free

The stats and stories from my fifth week of running training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018 after staying injury-free.

Running Injury-Free Again

The stats and stories from my fourth week of running training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018 after a period of cross-training.

Accepting a Recurring Injury

The story behind an unexpected injury that forced me to adjust my training in only my second week of preparations for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018.

Starting a New Strategy

The stats and stories from my first week training for the Clacton Half Marathon 2018.

Running 10 Miles Home

My race report from my first ever 10 mile race in my home town, achieving two important goals I set myself.

Snooker as Practice for Running

My experience playing snooker and how the cue sport can help runners.

Staying Patient (Week 4)

Two humbling running lessons I learnt in my last week of training for my local 10 mile race.

Avoid Over-Racing

My reflections and advice on over-racing, inspired by Alex Teuten’s article 'Losing the Love' in Athletics Weekly.

Building Mileage (Week 3)

Two more important running lessons I learnt in preparation for my local 10 mile race.

How to Run for Life

Read my advice about how you can better appreciate your running.

Reducing Training Stress (Week 2)

I learnt another two valuable lessons in my second week of my 10-mile training plan.

What to do with MTSS

My current running injury and my academic research into the causes and treatments.

Two Reflections on Transitioning to Endurance Training (Week 1)

I learnt two valuable lessons in my first week of my 10-mile training plan.

Personal Records Tumble

Read about how I broke personal records at 5 distances on two days, 4 days apart.

A Sporting Holiday

Discover what I got up to during my week-long holiday abroad to stay fit and ready for my sub 5-minute mile attempts.

Coping with Postponed Events

Read my advice about how to better deal with those aspects of racing that runners cannot control.

Personal Bests and Illness

Read about the two lifetime personal records I achieved, plus the setback I had in a pivotal week of my One Mile Challenge.

Snow Disrupts my Training

Read about how I dealt with running in the snow and the benefits of taking a break from faster workouts.

Two Voices in My Running

Read about the roles that runners and coaches play and how I use this in my own running.

Demonstrating Maximum Speed

Read about the stories behind my performances this week, achieving a lifetime personal record of maximum speed.

My Inspiration to Run a Fast Mile

Read the three people that most motivate me to focus on running my fastest mile.

Increasing My Mileage

My week of fast workouts to get back on track for my One Mile Challenge.

Resting to Recharge

My fatiguing workouts and my much needed rest days during a pivotal week in my One Mile Challenge.

Racing to Celebrate Family Time

Read my report from a special race in 2012, but for reasons unrelated to running.

Struggling for Speed Consistency

My challenges to maintain my speed during another intense week of interval training.

How to Run

My book review of 'How to Run' by former winner of London Marathon, Hugh Jones.

First Signs of Progress

The pleasing performances I achieved during the fourth week of training for my One Mile Challenge.

Advice to Optimise Your Running

The best advice from the book 'Running Science' edited by John Brewer.

Overcoming An Early Injury

The challenges I faced during the third week of training for my One Mile Challenge.

Famous Contributions of Sir R Bannister

Read my book review of Sir Roger Bannister's autobiography, Twin Tracks.

First Complications of My Fast Training

The stories and workouts from the second week of training for my One Mile Challenge.

Reasons to Run a Mile Fast

Read my research behind running shorter distances to improve performances at longer races.

My Fast One Mile Challenge

Read about my first running goal of 2018 and my previous performances.

How to Gain an Ultra Mindset

Read my review of ultrarunning legend Travis Macy's audiobook 'The Ultra Mindset'.

Why I Became a Club Runner

Discover the reasons I joined my local running club in December 2017 and the benefits I have experienced.

Why I Commit to Calf Raises

Discover the benefits of calf raises and the catalyst for me to undertake them.

Why Everyone Should Consider Running

Read my review of 'Get Running', an informative and comprehensive running book by Matt Roberts.

The Importance of Running Socks

Read my opinion on running socks, when I wear my toe socks and my advice to all runners.

Why I Run: Reason 2

Discover my overriding motivation to view running as a lifelong pursuit.

Mitigating the Challenges of Ultramarathons

Read my book review of Jason Robillard's unorthodox ultramarathon guide 'Never Wipe Your Ass with a Squirrel'.

An Ultra Transformation

Discover Rich Roll's remarkable journey from chronic alcoholic and overweight lawyer to one of the fittest men alive.

Serious Racing at my First 5 Miler

Read my race report of my first 5 mile race on a course very familiar to me.

Why I Run in Barefoot Shoes

Discover how I became a barefoot runner and the benefits of switching from wearing running trainers.

Tackling Anorexia with Ultrarunning

Read my audiobook review of ultrarunning legend Pam Reed's autobiography 'The Extra Mile'.

Returning Home to Improve Half Marathon

Read my race report from my second Southend half marathon in the summer of 2016.

Why I Run: Reason 1

Discover some of the places I have run and how every run is unique.

Embracing the Fear of Ultramarathons

Read the down-to-earth story of James Adams, an ultramarathon from Britain, who authored 'Running and Stuff'.

Why I have Never Run for a Club

Discover the reasons I have never joined a running club.

Walk to Assist your Running

Walking is an act most of us take for granted. But every runner can use walking to their advantage.

Discover the World through Running

Read about different running cultures in my audiobook review of 'Run the World' by top runner Becky Wade.

Advice and Benefits of Running Off-Road

Learn important advice from former elite fell runner Sarah Rowell in my review of her book 'Off-Road Running'.

How I Trained for my Quickest Marathon

Discover the flexible 24-week training plan I followed to run my fastest marathon to date in late 2017.

The Meaningful History of Running

Read how running has changed over time according to the intriguing facts I extracted from Paul Owen's book 'For the Love of Running'.

How I Improved from my First Marathon

Read my race report from my second marathon, where I rectified many of the mistakes I made in my first.

Run to Feel Alive

Learn how we evolved to become running people in Christopher McDougall's awe-inspiring audiobook 'Born to Run'.

How to Breathe to Improve your Running

Read my advice on using the rhythm of your breathing to improve your running.

Why I Play Brain Training Games

Find out why I train my brain with mobile apps and how it aids my running.

Alternative Measures of Running Success

Read my review of Lisa Jackson's book 'Your Pace or Mine?', which details her journey from fearing exercise to embracing marathons and fellow runners.

Vegan Fruit and Avocado Smoothie

This tangy vegan smoothie is thick, and packed with nutrients and protein.

Smart Pacing for my First Negative Split Marathon

Discover how I ran a new marathon personal best with a negative split and enjoyed every moment of the race.

Pain and Joy After my Third Chelmsford Marathon

Learn how I executed my race strategy and my unexpected joy at my third Chelmsford Marathon.

Adapting to New Circumstances during my Second Chelmsford

Find out what I overcame to finish my second Chelmsford Marathon.

4 Marathon Firsts in Chelmsford

My race report of the first ever Chelmsford Marathon, which was held in October 2014.

Japanese Running Culture

Read the many running lessons I found in Adharanand Finn's audiobook 'The Way of the Runner'.

Running Tips from Lazy Girl

Discover the levelheaded approach that Laura Fountain, a UK qualified athletics coach, takes to running. The discussions in her podcast episodes remind me of the value of running buddies.

New Advice from Neuroscience

Read my review of Amit Katwala's insightful book 'The Athletic Brain'.

Vegan Super Blueberry Smoothie

This cold light concoction has a strong blueberry taste. It is nutritious with plenty of water and quality protein inside.

Why Visualise Achieving your Running Goals

Understand the four main reasons you should spend time visualising your goals to improve your running.

Fear and My First Marathon

Check out the story of how I completed my first marathon in Nottingham by overcoming multiple fears.

4 Running Lessons from Playing Badminton

Find out how I began playing badminton and the four ways in which the racket sport complemented my running.

Vegan Cranberry and Oat Protein Smoothie

This creamy, sweet and protein-rich smoothie is a super post-run drink.

The Running Career of Charlie Engle

Read what I learnt from listening to ultrarunner Charlie Engle's audiobook memoir 'Running Man'.

5 Steps to Visualising your Running Goals

Discover the simple process I undertake to visualise my running goals and how you can too.

University of Essex Cross Country Championship

Discover how I performed in my first cross country run since high school and what I learnt from racing with the Olympian Dominic King.

The Benefits of Indoor Triathlons

Find out how I completed my first indoor triathlon and how you can create your own efficient test of fitness.

Book Review: Marathon Man by Rob Young

Read my book review of 'Marathon Man' by Rob Young and discover the astonishing feats of endurance he accomplished.

Why Run Strides

Learn the definition of 'running strides', the benefits of performing them and when I undertake them.

Why I Listen to the Strength Running Podcast

Discover what I have already learnt from listening to the podcast hosted by renown running coach and author Jason Fitzgerald.