Guest Blogs

Top 10 Running Books for Inspiration, Knowledge and Enjoyment

It’s time to accept that I will not be running for some time. My knee isn’t yet ready or willing to pound the streets and instead I will spend some pounds reading about the sport I love and miss so much while I sit on the injury bench (or injury spin bike, in my case).

There are so many wonderful books about running available, so I asked my friend and running expert Colin Thomas for his recommendations and we have picked our Top 10 Running Books. How many have you read and which of these books will you add to your collection?

My top 10 running books for inspiration, knowledge and enjoyment.

Born to Run, Christopher McDougall. When I first read this book it was a real eye opener to what the human body is really capable of. The majority of the book is set in Mexico’s Copper Canyons, the true story of Caballo Blanco and the Taramuhara Indians running barefoot for 50 to 100 miles, sometimes for the pure pleasure of it is remarkable. This book kicked off the barefoot running craze which swept through the western world a few years ago and it’s easy to see why. The stories of strength, courage and commitment to running proving once again that we humans truly are Born to Run.

Running with the Kenyans, Adharanand Finn. A captivating true account of the Finn family leaving the comfort of their family home and setting up a new life in the magical little town of Iten, Kenya. Many of the world’s top distance runners come from Iten so much so that it is now known as “The Home of Champions.” This book follows the story of the author’s quest to find out the secrets of the fastest people on earth and if living and training amongst them would revolutionise his own running performance.

14 minutes, Alberto Salazaar. Most people will know Alberto as being the legendary distance runner most famous for his marathon performance known as “The Duel in the Sun” or possibly as the head coach of The Oregon Project. He famously coached Mo Farah and Galen Rupp to Olympic medal success in 2012 and 2016. But did you know that he had a tough up bringing as a boy in Cuba before his family fled to the US? Or more importantly, did you know that he essentially died when his heart stopped beating for 14 minutes while out on the training field? This is an insightful account of how life may give you more than one chance and if it does, be sure to take it with both hands!

Run, Swim, Throw, Cheat, Chris Cooper. Athletics in recent years has been dogged by allegations of cheating and drug abuse. When we see great world beating performances these days is it right to be skeptical or should we just accept what we see as being a clean athlete putting in hours of hard work and dedication? This book gives an understandable account of the science behind drugs in sport. If you have been interested in the Armstrong lies or you are suspicious about some athletes performances then you will love this book. Is the possibility of drug free sport realistic? What next with scientists now gene doping? It’s a scary thought but in reality we have got a very long way to go.

Pre, The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine, Tom Jordan. So you have probably seen or heard the famous quote To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. Well Steve Prefontine certainly gave his best. Pre was a hard running front runner who was almost unbeatable in distances over a mile for 5 years. At the tender age of just 24 he tragically lost his life in an accident and his legacy lives on.

Some people create with words or with music or with a brush or paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run”.

Running Beyond Limits, Dr Andrew Murray. If somebody told you that they were going to run from the North of Scotland to the Sahara desert in Morocco you would think they should be sanctioned! Well that’s what Dr Andrew Murray did for charity (run I mean, not get sanctioned!) and I’m guessing, he might even have enjoyed it. Being a GP, Sports Medicine Doctor, international ultra runner and winner of many endurance races, you would have to assume that Andrew is not insane himself, but at the very least, extremely determined, hugely motivated and largely inspirational (he is Stephen’s hero). This book is an almost diary like account of that journey. In his role as a Physical Activity Champion for the Scottish government, he actively encourages a healthy lifestyle including exercise and hopefully this book can inspire others to get off the couch and find out if their own bodies can start Running Beyond Limits.

Lore of Running, Tim Noakes MD. Sometimes known as the runners bible, Lore of Running is over 700 pages of scientific research, graphs and stats with a plethora of information from Acute Muscle tears to Zinc deficiency with the everything else in between. Perhaps not a captivating story like some of the other books on this list but if there’s something that you want to find out about running, this book is a pretty good place to start.

The Ghost Runner, Bill Jones. This is the true story of John Tarrant, the man they couldn’t stop. He was banned from competitive running for life after accepting a £17 expenses payment as a teenage boxer. However this wasn’t going to stop John. Gatecrashing races, he would turn up on the start line wearing a disguise, throw it off when the gun went and started his run with everybody else. Before long he was a record breaker and one of the greatest long distance runners the world has ever seen.

Feet in the Clouds: A Tale for Fell-Running and Obsession, Richard Askwith. (Stephen’s pick). With road running off limits for a while, this amazing book will have you pinning for the forests and fells of the Lake District. I for one was entranced by the wonderful tales and descriptions of stunning but often brutally demanding races. I dare you to read this book and not consider jumping on the first train or bus to the Lake District.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , Haruki Murakami. (Stephen’s pick again). I was given this book as a gift and instantly fell in love with the prose and the passion of Murakami’s writing. In a Top 10 Running Books list full of amazing talent, Murakami is a plodder but exceptionally disciplined and his advice can be applied to life as much as running:

pain is inevitable, suffering is not”.

If you are looking for a bit of running inspiration to kick start your 2017 training plan, be sure to pick up one of these Top 10 Running Books. If bought through one of the links, Stephen earns commission for his Cancer Research Ironman Challenge, so stock up for Christmas and help raise valuable funds.

And, if suitably inspired, why not join Colin and his mixed ability group for a couple of weeks running in Kenya. Either will be sure to get the juices flowing! You can find out more about this arranged, group trip to Kenya at http://www.performancerunningspecialist.net/kenya-training-holiday.html

You can also read all more about Colin’s services at www.performancerunningspecialist.com

November 13, 2016 0 comment

Europe Guest Blogs Travel

3 Reasons to Visit Edinburgh This Christmas with Extra Mile Coaches

written by Stephen Morrison

Although I do love my home city of Glasgow, I do enjoy regular visits to our nation’s capital and in time for the festive fun, here is a wee blog from the good folks at Extra Mile Coaches on why you should visit Edinburgh this Christmas.

3 Reasons to Visit Edinburgh This Christmas

The year has sped by at an alarming rate. With Guy Fawkes Night behind us, Christmas is just around the corner, so you might be looking for some festive inspiration to make your Christmas one to remember. Don’t get caught in the trap of celebrating Christmas the same way over and over again. There are so many fascinating and exciting UK traditions to encounter — and Edinburgh in particular provides a wealth of magical festive experiences not to be missed.

Below, we have collected our three favourite seasonal traditions in Edinburgh that you need to take part in while you’re in the area. The temperature in Scotland can get notoriously low during the winter, so be sure to thoroughly wrap up and think carefully about transportation. Using an Edinburgh coach hire to get from place to place will keep you toasty warm and safe from the elements.

1. Festive Christmas markets

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without a trip to a few outdoor markets, with the scent of clove and cinnamon effortlessly encouraging feelings of festive cheer. Visitors to Edinburgh should certainly pay a visit to St Andrew’s Square, traditionally one of the best places for markets in the run-up to Christmas. You’ll be spoiled with delicious food and drink, and you’ll love the range of traditional crafts, which make for memorable and unique Christmas gifts.

2. Princes Street Gardens

Festive activities in the Princes Street Gardens return from 18th November. On top of the European Christmas Market, you’ll get to enjoy the famous Big Wheel, Santa Land and an outdoor ice skating rink. This really is the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas, with something for all the family. For those who want an awe-inspiring glimpse of Edinburgh from up high, illuminated by fairy lights, hop aboard The Big Wheel and enjoy your view of the Edinburgh skyline.

Of course, one of the most loved activities to indulge in while you’re visiting the Princes Street Gardens is to take to the outdoor ice skating rink. Situated just under the Big Wheel and the Scott Monument, you and the whole family can glide around on the ice, get your blood pumping and really feel the holiday spirit.

3. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay party

Going to Edinburgh without experiencing the Hogmanay would be a real shame — and if you need convincing, this event has been featured in the Discovery Channel’s “Top 25 World Experiences“. The celebrations last for three whole days, beginning with a famous and enchanting Shetland Viking Torchlight Procession on 30th December. On New Year’s Eve, you can take in the remarkable fireworks display and on New Year’s Day, the bravest among you can take a freezing cold dip in the Firth of Forth. The event began in 1986 as a joke, the implication being that the refreshing sensation will cure you of your hangover. In the years that followed, the tradition was carried on as an act of charity.

Coach hire Edinburgh: safely getting from place to place

If you’re not a local, getting from place to place in Edinburgh might feel daunting. If you don’t fancy driving your party around and sacrificing a drink or two of whisky (and if the idea of public transport fills you with apprehension), you can always consider the option of a coach hire, or an Edinburgh minibus hire with driver. This way, you’ll safely get chauffeured from place to place in a warm, comfortable vehicle driven by a local who knows the best sights to see and places to visit. Not to mention, the cost of a coach hire is generally the most price-efficient option, especially when you’re dealing with a large party. Don’t allow your Christmas spirit get compromised by bad planning!

Whatever you do when you visit Edinburgh this Christmas, we hope you enjoy every second and that you experience all that the remarkable city has to offer.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post with the fee going to my Cancer Research Ironman Challenge Fund. That being said, Edinburgh is quite magical at Christmas or at any other time, when there are at least another 25 Reasons to visit.

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November 8, 2016 1 comment

Guest Blogs Running

How to Breathe When Running – Steven Bonthrone

written by Stephen Morrison

At the end of this month I will be attending an “It’s All About the Breath” seminar with my Triathlon “coach” Mark Russell. Breathing is something that I take for granted (don’t we all?), but deep down (in my lungs perhaps) I know that I can do it better.

So when running coach and Faster Master Trainer, Steve Bonthrone suggested a post on How to Breathe When Running, I didn’t waste a breath and immediately said yes.

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Steve Bonthrone is a Personal Trainer and Running Coach in Perth, Scotland. Steve first got into fitness in the late 90’s after a back problem prompted him to get fit and he did this by training for and running the London Marathon. Completing the marathon changed his life and inspired him to quit his job as a pizza chef and trained to become a Personal Trainer so that he could inspire others to go after their dreams just as he had done. He still runs marathons to this day and also coaches runners in his 0-5k and Run Faster groups. His motto is “Anything is possible if you can dream it, believe in it and willing to work hard to achieve it”.

A question that is often asked is “how should I breathe when I run?” Sounds crazy eh? In and out has been the tried and tested method used by humans for centuries so if it isn’t broken then why fix it? Joking aside, breathing is a big issue for many people when trying to run so if you’re reading this and find breathing difficult when you run, keep reading and I’ll hopefully help you solve the problem.

How do you breathe when you are running?

If breathing is an issue for you when you run then there’s a very good chance that you’re running too fast or to put it another way, the intensity is likely to be too high for you. If you’re trying to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth when you run and the intensity of your run is high then breathing that way is going to be a bit of a challenge that will likely result in you having to stop. This can be very demotivating, especially if you’ve been inspired to run by watching friends run or hear of how others are buzzing after a run yet you feel like you’re struggling and a natural reaction could be to quit as running doesn’t seem to be for you.

What if there was a better way to do it? What if there was an easy way for you to be able to run and begin to love it just as you’ve seen lots of others do it?

There is…..slow down! You may be thinking that you run slow enough as it is and if you were to run any slower, you’d almost be walking. If that’s what it takes then that’s ok but I want you to know that you won’t always be there and you’ll progress much quicker.

I should say at this point that the majority of the population make the same mistake when they start running so you’re not alone. There are many reasons for this. First, much of what we read in articles and from other runners is about pace and distance but seldom about how the pace should feel. Secondly, most of us are used to going to fitness classes that are high intensity so the natural reaction when trying running as a form of exercise can be to replicate that intensity we’re used to however, that doesn’t always work very well.

It’s natural to think that when we go running that we should go from A to B in the quickest time but what if that strategy is actually holding us back rather than taking us forwards? Like many other things, when starting out, we should be looking to master the basics before trying to do what everyone else seems to be doing.

What should you be doing then?

Let’s be selfish here and let’s focus on you and how your pace feels when you run. The first step would be to feel comfortable when you run and your breathing should be relaxed enough to be able to hold down a conversation or if you’re running alone, be able to sing a line of a song between breaths. It’s up to you if you want to sing that line out loud or just in your head! The aim should be to build the distance and be able to run a distance always feeling you can keep on going. The feeling of being able to keep going at any time will also give you a lot more confidence in your run where maybe there was a feeling of a struggle before.

It’s important to remember that slowing down doesn’t mean that you are taking a backwards step. If anything, you are taking a sideways step in order to take a greater leap forwards. Slowing down a little bit means that the demands on your lungs won’t be as high and you’ll be able to run for longer before you feel tired. Would it help to know that Triathletes Alastair and Jonny Brownlee spend about 90% of their training at conversation pace? Even if said conversation would put many of us to sleep:

“We keep our motivation up by chatting all the time,” says Alistair. “Even when we’re running or cycling. We talk about football, ideas, what’s going on in the world. I’m very conservative, really. I believe in lower taxes and fewer rules. Sometimes we talk about that.”

What to do now?

On your next run, try paying more attention to feeling comfortable when you run, feel like it’s easy, that you can run for an indefinite period and see how that feels for you. It might take a bit of patience to get used to it and if you do it consistently, you will progress quickly and it won’t be long before you’re running further at a quicker pace than what you were doing previously where you felt it hard work.

Happy Running and Run Happy!

October 21, 2016 0 comment