Adam in Runderland

Some days you’re just not on it. There is no rhyme or reason. You get up in the morning feeling good, injury free and looking forward to pounding the streets, but when you get out there it is nothing but a struggle. I’ve experienced this more than a few times over the years and still can’t predict when it will hit. I’m just thankful when it isn’t on a race day or coinciding with another important event. Such was the case on Saturday. I arrived at John’s house at 7am and the plan was for a long run before parkrun. He had a route in mind that would be close to half marathon distance. The recent wet and windy weather had calmed and there was an autumn chill in the air as we set off from the ‘burbs. Leaving Cheriton we made our way out towards the Channel Tunnel entrance but took a footpath into the nearby woodland. It always makes me feel so alive running through a natural tunnel of trees. Chestnuts cases were laid strewn on the muddy floor, their bright green spikey shells like small e...

It is always good to run somewhere different. Fresh sights, alternative places to explore/get lost in, and a new perspective. This week I was working in Nottingham and so I made sure there was a gap in my schedule I could fill with a run. I was staying in a hotel, let’s call it Lenny’s place, in the city centre. The dining room looked out over the canal and the tow path called my name. I laced up my Asics and off I went. I chose to head south into a strong wind which was part of Storm Ali counting on it being behind me on the way back. The canal soon met the River Trent and turned to the west heading through the aptly named West Bridgford. Branches littered the path and I kept as eye and an ear out for the sound of wood cracking as I passed underneath the beech trees. Canada Geese huddled together to shelter from the gusts while a family of swans floated by, necks plunged beneath the waves that crested on the water’s surface. After following the river path for a few miles I was d...

A new parkrun has started in Deal just along the coast from me. The first event was on Saturday and group of us decided to go and join them for the inaugural run. Rather than drive over, I thought it would be a good idea to run there and back. Why not? It's a beautiful route over the white cliffs via St Margaret's Bay and the weather was looking fine. My friend John came over to Dover at 7 and we headed off with our camel backs loaded up with water, the sun shining and, in John's case, a steaming hangover! We ran along the river down into the centre of Dover and along the seafront to the bottom of the cliffs and the entrance to the port. At this point a long staircase climbs up to the top of the hill overlooking the ferries and takes you into the White Cliff Park. Lorries and cars filed on and off the ferries below as we skirted the edge of the famous landmark along chalk paths. There were a number of tourists out walking as we made our way eastward. It isn't a...

My first road marathon in some time took place in Thanet, the north-east part of Kent, on Sunday 2nd September. I completed the Cliff Top Challenge over marathon distance back in June but that was more of an ultra course. I knew I was in good form having run well this year and wanted to test myself on a road course. In the weeks before the race I was feeling good, getting the miles in and eating well. As the day approached I felt as though I would be able to hit 3:30 and maybe even go for a PB of sub 3:24. When the day rolled around, however, it was not to be. The day was clear and warm, a bit too warm. When I arrived in Margate at 9:30 it was already in the 20's. The sun was high in the blue sky and I hadn't brought a hat. The start was on the seafront in an area to the east of the town called Cliftonville. Registration was well organised and there was a good atmosphere among the 500 or so people who had gathered. Martin from MAF was also there as part of the 100 Marat...