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 … Continue reading Interview with Pete Wallroth

Interview with Mark West

Mark West

Mark West is a runner and mental health advocate, having struggled himself with depression and anxiety. He uses running to support his own mental health and to help others. He is a mental first aider and the leader of Run Talk Run in Southampton. What is your proudest running achievement? My proudest running achievement is … Continue reading Interview with Mark West

Interview with Lee Brace

Lee Brace

Lee Brace was not a runner and not your average building surveyor. Following a health scare in 2016 (which turned out to be trivial) he started training for the 3 Peaks Challenge by walking. Walking bored him, so he jogged in hiking boots and became a runner. In 2019, he went big by running his … Continue reading Interview with Lee Brace

Interview with Hannah Craig

Hannah Craig - Runner

Hannah enjoys running as a hobby, especially important as her day job is 9 hours sitting down. She has run two marathons and is aiming to complete an Ironman. What is your proudest running achievement? Running the London Marathon in 2017. It was the first time I had run long distance on my own, as my partner … Continue reading Interview with Hannah Craig

Interview with Emma Shallcross

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 … Continue reading Interview with Emma Shallcross

Interview with Paul Neill

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 … Continue reading Interview with Paul Neill

Interview with Harvey Gallagher

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 … Continue reading Interview with Harvey Gallagher

Interview with Sophia O’Sullivan

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. … Continue reading Interview with Sophia O’Sullivan

Interview with Oliver Harrison

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 … Continue reading Interview with Oliver Harrison

British Athletics Cross Challenge 2020 Race Review

British Athletics Cross Challenge 2020

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 … Continue reading British Athletics Cross Challenge 2020 Race Review

Interview with Neil Tabor

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 … Continue reading Interview with Neil Tabor

Interview with Mark Lawson

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 … Continue reading Interview with Mark Lawson

Interview with Denny Krahe

Denny Krahe

Denny Krahe grew up playing various sports but always hated running. In college, he ran enough to try to keep his weight in check, but never enjoyed it. Over the years, he continued to run for exercise and started to enjoy it a little more. After his first marathon, in January 2010, he swore he … Continue reading Interview with Denny Krahe

Interview with Chris Toddington

Chris Toddington

Chris is a very keen plodder and ultrarunner. He has been running on and off for 16 years, only taking it seriously from 2014 when he took over a friends place for a local half marathon. He had no prior long distance in his legs. He is a National Running Show Ambassador and writes some … Continue reading Interview with Chris Toddington

European Cross Country Championships 2019 – Review

Jakob Ingebrigtsen

The 2019 European Cross Country Championships was held in Lisbon’s Bela Vista Park on Sunday 8 December. The Portuguese capital city hosted seven separate races, with stand-out performances from regular cross country champions. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 European Cross Country Championships?” and what lessons all runners can … Continue reading European Cross Country Championships 2019 – Review

Interview with Alasdair Barrowman

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 … Continue reading Interview with Alasdair Barrowman

Interview with Steve Bonthrone

Steve Bonthrone

Steve Bonthrone has been running for 21 years. A back problem in 1997 gave him the push to get fit. So he entered the 1998 London Marathon and got a place. Crossing the finish line changed his life. He wanted to help people achieve things they previously didn’t believe possible just as he had done. … Continue reading Interview with Steve Bonthrone

Interview with David Swales

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 … Continue reading Interview with David Swales

Interview with Gary Trow

Gary Trow

Gary Trow is an illustrator and 3D artist from Poole who now runs a training base near the Loire Valley in central France, for runners and triathletes. He took up running and cycling after playing football. He is still trying to break 3 hours for the marathon.What is your proudest running achievement, and why?My wife … Continue reading Interview with Gary Trow

Men’s World Championship Marathon 2019 – Review

Lelisa Desisa

On Sunday 5 October 2019, Qatar's capital city played host to the second ever night-time marathon at the World Athletics Championships. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 men’s World Championship marathon?” and explore the important running lessons all runners can learn. What happened in the race? The men’s marathon … Continue reading Men’s World Championship Marathon 2019 – Review

Women’s World Championship Marathon 2019 – Review

Ruth Chepngetich

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? … Continue reading Women’s World Championship Marathon 2019 – Review

Chelmsford Marathon 2019 Race Report

2019 Chelmsford Marathon

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 … Continue reading Chelmsford Marathon 2019 Race Report

Chicago Marathon 2019 – Review

2019 Chicago Marathon start line

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of six World Marathon Majors and has one of the flattest courses. On Sunday 13 October 2019, the American city was host to a new women’s world record and a highly competitive men’s race. In this post, I’ll answer the question “What happened during the 2019 Chicago … Continue reading Chicago Marathon 2019 – Review

Great Scottish Run 2019 – Review

2019 Great Scottish Run start line

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 … Continue reading Great Scottish Run 2019 – Review

Cardiff Half Marathon 2019 – Review

2019 Cardiff Half Marathon start line

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?” … Continue reading Cardiff Half Marathon 2019 – Review

Saltmarsh Ultramarathon 2019 Race Report

2019 Saltmarsh Ultra

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 … Continue reading Saltmarsh Ultramarathon 2019 Race Report

Interview with Helen Erwin

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 … Continue reading Interview with Helen Erwin

Interview with Justin Gillette

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. … Continue reading Interview with Justin Gillette

2019 SimplyHealth Great North Run

2019 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 … Continue reading 2019 SimplyHealth Great North Run

Interview with Laura Cope

Laura Cope

Laura Cope is 44 years old and started running around 12 years ago. After a few false starts and injuries she joined a running club 9 years ago and has been running consistently ever since. A physio once advised her not to run more than 10k. She has now completed nine marathons (including a multi-day … Continue reading Interview with Laura Cope

British Athletics Championships 2019 Review

Dina Asher-Smith

The 2019 Müller British Athletics Championships was set for explosive action. Many athletes were racing not only for their country’s highest accolades. A place on the Great Britain team for the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha in a months’ time was also up for grabs. The surprisingly hot and windy conditions at the Alexander … Continue reading British Athletics Championships 2019 Review

Interview with Emma Neachell

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 … Continue reading Interview with Emma Neachell

Interview with Yiannis Christodoulou

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, … Continue reading Interview with Yiannis Christodoulou

Interview with David Knowles

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 … Continue reading Interview with David Knowles

Interview with Dominic Toms

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 … Continue reading Interview with Dominic Toms

London Diamond League 2019 Overview

Laura Muir

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 … Continue reading London Diamond League 2019 Overview

Monaco Diamond League 2019 Overview

Sifan Hassan

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 … Continue reading Monaco Diamond League 2019 Overview

Lausanne Diamond League 2019 Overview

Nelly Jepkosgei at Lausanne Diamond League 2019

The Swiss city of Lausanne was the location of the eighth Diamond League meeting of the 2019 season. The headquarters of the International Olympic Committee are also situated there. In the warm 27°C conditions there was every chance that the competition would heat up. Self-Belief Extends Winning Streak After winning all three previous Diamond League … Continue reading Lausanne Diamond League 2019 Overview

Stanford Diamond League 2019 Overview

Caster Semenya at Stanford Diamond League

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 … Continue reading Stanford Diamond League 2019 Overview

Interview with Kay Drew

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 … Continue reading Interview with Kay Drew

Rome Diamond League 2019 Overview

Rome Diamond League 2019

The Italian capital Rome played host to the fourth Diamond League meeting of 2019, last Thursday. More British superstars were challenging themselves early in the season and testing their recent block of training. Unfortunately the Brits had to settle for second place as the opposition outclassed them on the night. It is a reminder that … Continue reading Rome Diamond League 2019 Overview

Stockholm Diamond League 2019 Overview

Laura Muir at Stockholm Diamond League 2019

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 … Continue reading Stockholm Diamond League 2019 Overview

Interview with ‘The Runninger’

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 … Continue reading Interview with ‘The Runninger’

World Relay Championships 2019 Review

Baton at World Relay Championships 2019

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 … Continue reading World Relay Championships 2019 Review

Why and How to Plan for a Running Injury

Planning 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 … Continue reading Why and How to Plan for a Running Injury

Interview with Irish ‘Parkrun Tourist’

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 … Continue reading Interview with Irish ‘Parkrun Tourist’

Cashew Soya Protein Smoothie

Cashew Soya Protein Smoothie Recipe

This new Spring recipe is a special mix of fruits, cashews and protein powder to give you the best chance of recovery after a hard run. It only takes 60 seconds to create in a high-speed blender, but needs to be left in the refrigerator for an hour if you want the drink to be … Continue reading Cashew Soya Protein Smoothie

World Cross Country Championships 2019 Review

2019 World Cross Country Championships

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 … Continue reading World Cross Country Championships 2019 Review

Winter Training 2019

My 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 … Continue reading Winter Training 2019

NYC Half Marathon 2019 Review

Joyciline Jepkosgei at NYC Half 2019

The 14th edition of the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon was the biggest event in its history. Over 24,000 runners took to the streets of New York City last Sunday. There were also 9 Olympians on show as they made their way from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Despite the chilly early morning conditions, the racing was … Continue reading NYC Half Marathon 2019 Review

Vitality Big Half 2019 Review

Sir Mo Farah at the Big Half 2019

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, … Continue reading Vitality Big Half 2019 Review

European Indoor Athletics Championships 2019 Review

Laura Muir at European Indoor Athletics Championships 2019

The 35th edition of the European Indoor Athletics Championships was set to be a thrilling 3-day event. Superstars of European athletics were on show throughout last weekend in Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, including double-defending champion Laura Muir, the three Ingebrigtsen brothers and the enigmatic Karsten Warholm. The home crowd had huge expectations for Team Great Britain, … Continue reading European Indoor Athletics Championships 2019 Review

The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes: Book Review

The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes

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 … Continue reading The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes: Book Review

Grand Prix Athletics in Birmingham 2019 Review

Samuel Tefera at Grand Prix Birmingham

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 … Continue reading Grand Prix Athletics in Birmingham 2019 Review

British Indoor Athletics Championships 2019 Review

Asha Philip at 2019 British Indoor Athletics Championships

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 … Continue reading British Indoor Athletics Championships 2019 Review

Dubai Marathon 2019 Race Review

Getaneh Molla at Dubai Marathon 2019

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 … Continue reading Dubai Marathon 2019 Race Review

Goji Berry Protein Smoothie

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 … Continue reading Goji Berry Protein Smoothie

Run Like Duck by Mark Atkinson: Book Review

Run Like Duck 2018 Book Mark Atkinson

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 … Continue reading Run Like Duck by Mark Atkinson: Book Review

Great Stirling Cross Country 2019 Race Review

Hillary Bor at Great Stirling Cross Country 2019

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 … Continue reading Great Stirling Cross Country 2019 Race Review

Super Pear Protein Smoothie

Vegan Pear Protein Smoothie

This light pear protein smoothie is refreshing, made from your favourite protein powder and a versatile fruit. This recipe takes 60 seconds to create in a high-speed blender.  Simply add all the ingredients below and create a great tasting and nutritious drink. 380g pears (vitamin C and fibre) 90g apple (potassium) 40g ground almonds (iron … Continue reading Super Pear Protein Smoothie

4 Reasons for the New 2018 World Half Marathon Record

Abraham Kiptum's World 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.