Triathlon

Father Figure and Father’s Day Gifts

This week Daniel, Jack and myself feature in this Vitality Father’s Day Father Figures magazine article and we even star in one of their up-coming “Everyday Athletes” adverts.

However, I will not be celebrating Father’s Day, for I am not their father.

I am Stephen, their step dad kind of thing and although I have been a part of their lives for over four years, I do not seek to replace their daddy. I am very happy being a father figure and I am happy taking them to the park, to the barbers and often to task for not tidying their rooms or doing their homework (Jack!). I love them to bits and I get to spend every day with them and half my wages on them.

That being said, they rarely buy me Father’s Day gifts or even Christmas or birthday presents (hey I am still a big kid and love pressies) so I thought I would publish a wee wish list, especially for their mum and maybe other mums or partners to read and to then consider buying for their active and want to get active dads (anything but a jumper or “Best Dad” mug).

Let’s help get some of those father figures into shape with these Father’s Day Gifts

Danny, Jack and Teresa, this is the Garmin Forerunner 735XT. Just saying.

I love my Garmin Forerunner 235, but now that I am running less (damn knee), cycling more and hoping to swim more, I would give my right arm (I wear my watch on my left) for the new Garmin Forerunner 735 XT. It might mean that I swim only in circles, but I would be doing it in style. The 735 takes the great features of the 235, such as the wrist heart rate monitor, the smart notifications and activity tracking to a new height (or is that depth?) with the ability to track swimming, SUPing (read my SUP blog) and even strength training. It is quite expensive at £360 but it is feature packed and I just know that it will look amazing on my wrist and will undoubtably make me cycle and swim faster. It is most definitely not another waste of money that will lie in a drawer, darling Teresa.

While we are on the subject of Father’s Day gifts that I probably won’t get, let’s stick with Garmin. I have been having a wee look at their bike kit and I am dreaming of adding more value onto my bike than the bike is actually worth. More than I am worth, if I am honest. The Varia Rearview Radar, Insight Display and Smart Bike Lights all appeal to my “all the gear, no idea” mentality, but my “don’t want to be homeless” mentality is thankfully in control. For the moment, that is. While I am in dream land, I might as well ask for the VIRB XE Action Camera, Vector 2 Power Meter and Edge 1000. A snip at a mere £2,260 for the complete set of these Garmin Father’s Day gifts.

Back on this planet, your purse might not quite stretch that far and if looking for some more reasonably priced Father’s Day gifts, Garmin has a whole range of activity trackers. My pick is the Vivosmart HR. It is vastly superior to the the Vivoactive 3 and indeed is probably the most value for money activity tracker currently on the market. It is non intrusive, easy to operate and understand, while it is very robust. You simply put it on and move, with a single charge lasting five days. You can wear it in the shower and in bed, where it will track how restful your sleep is. It will even connect to your mobile phone and display smart notifications such as emails, weather and social media updates. It can currently be bought from several retailers for under £100

Just watch out for the red inactivity bar. Once you have been inactive for too long and it reaches its limit, you receive an electric shock to motivate you into moving. Ok. I made that last bit up, If you really want that feature you will gave to buy the Pavlock. Yes, this really exists and yes, you shock yourself. I am shocked that 10,000 people have bought into this madness to modify their behaviours. The Vivosmart HR simply vibrates.

Non Garmin Father’s Day Gifts

Away from Garmin gadgets, there are a couple of fitness items that have made it onto my Father’s Day Gifts list and which are slightly cheaper than anything above, but still mange to express how much you love him (or me).

Lululemon Men’s Shorts. Possibly the best shorts that I have ever worn.

First up we have Lululemon shorts at £68. Yes, I did actually type £68 and I would actually pay (or hope someone else will pay) that for these shorts, as I already have a pair. Lululemon Glasgow kindly gifted me a pair to wear in the Vitality advert and I LOVE them.

My initial opinion of Lululemon clothing was that it was expensive yoga pants for athletic women. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they sold superb men’s gear all the way up to size xxl. And none of this Italian designer label xxl nonsense that fits the average 12 year old in Scotland (we really do have an obesity issue). The finish, feel, fit and functionality of these shorts is unlike any other shorts I have worn. Treat the special man in your life to a pair from HERE and maybe don’t tell him how much you paid!

Ideal for all outdoor activities, including standing on a touchline or at a Man V Fat Football match.

Next up, we have the excellent New Balance Tech Training jacket. Wee Jack is determined to join the local football team, St Cadoc’s, in August and I can see myself standing on a touchline as the wind and rain batter down on me (I live in Glasgow, remember). New Balance are positioning themselves as one of the top athletic brands and they are producing some excellent training shoes and apparel. With it’s fleece collar, water resistant shell, storm cuffs and hood it compares favourably with other branded mid range water resistant jackets. It is versatile and could also be used for running, cycling, walking or even at a Man V Fat Football League. Pick one up for £75 and encourage your man to get outside in any weather and to #sitlessmovemore

Start shedding pounds, without spending too many with Man V Fat

You might also want to encourage hime to pick up a book. Not just any book, but the best male fat loss book available. Ok. I am slightly biased. It is written by my friend, Andrew Shanahan and I do feature in the book, but it is genuinely full of sensible, practical, applicable and most importantly weight reducing advice. It is of course the Man V Fat: The Weight Loss Manual, available for under £8.00 from Amazon.

WARNING: This is one of those Father’s Day gifts that require tact and diplomacy. Please make sure that your father (or partner) needs and wants to lose weight.

Equally excellent is the Man V Fat website, where you can join an amazing group of current and future losers, find out more about Man V Fat Football and read wonderful reviews of items such as the Garmin Index Scale (yes, I possibly do have a Garmin obsession).

Give him the Father’s Day Gifts of Happy Feet

For my very last item on my Father’s Day Gifts list, I have selected something free (aren’t you glad) and something that ties in with my current series on Feet for Life. Why not book you father or special man in your life in for a free foot health check at these participating locations? He is going to be active and he should have the best platform on which to get started, in addition to the best gadgets hopefully someone else’s money can buy.

Feet are for life and not just for Father’s Day

June 12, 2016 0 comment

Cycling Triathlon Try-Athlete

Street Trials with Ali Clarkson

written by Stephen Morrison

Today , I made my first active commute to and from work by bike.

May 31, 2016 1 comment

Running Triathlon

NeverStopGlasgow. A Free 10k trail run with North Face

written by Stephen Morrison

“I could never resist the call of the trail”

Although I am currently more Sloth Steve than Buffalo Bill, it is true that the trail has been calling my name.

Two of my favourite events last year were the Hoka Highland Fling and Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultra Marathon Relays and my main event this year (knees permitting) will see me scramble up a Vertical Kilometre in Glencoe.

There is something special about running free through Scotland’s wilderness. Away from congested roads and grey buildings. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and often a chance to get away from our troubles.

Trail running is the ideal way to clear the mind.

God’s Country

But, it is my previously discussed knee injury that is making my transition to trails a necessity and thanks to North Face I will be getting an early chance to see if a softer terrain will be kinder to my dodgy knees.

For on 31st May NeverStopGlasgow comes to town (and our parks) and a lucky few will get to trial the latest Ultra trail shoes from North Face in a special (and free) trail run evening.

Try some trail running with North Face and NeverStopGlasgow.

May 9, 2016 0 comment

Cycling Health Radio Triathlon

Can I Run? My question to Hampden Sports Clinic.

written by Stephen Morrison

Can I Run?

This is not some sort of philosophical soul searching or Eastern enlightenment from my Chi Running workshop. It is the question that I asked my physiotherapist, Jim Fallon, at the Hampden Sports Clinic last night.

Please allow me to rewind.

Back in 1978, aged 5 years old, I fell over in pain. I hadn’t tripped or had a slip; I had a problem with my hip. That problem had a name. Perthes Disease.

Monkeying around in my crutches.

It led to me spending six weeks in a hospital bed, with my legs attached to pulleys. Imagine being strapped to a medieval rack, but then being served copious amounts of ice cream. This was followed by several years in crutches and a prophecy.

I would never be an athlete. I would grow with one leg shorter than the other and I would undoubtedly succumb to joint problems and early onset arthritis.

When you are 7 years old, joint problems as an adult are not on your list of pressing priorities, which, for me, included adding to my Star Wars figure collection.

Fast forward 36 years and to last night and the adult me is remembering that prophecy, but also thinking about adding to my running shoe collection.

I have been struggling with knee pain for a few months (ok, years) and last night I was given the news and advice that every runner dreads and ultimately ignores.

I should not be running.

Not now, not soon and ideally never again on concrete (he did not exclude trail running!).

My knees have carried a lot of weight over the years, especially when you think of my years weighing over 25 stone and they have not escaped unscathed. It is time for me to take care of them.

So, I will actually listen to my Hampden Sports Clinic physiotherapist and focus on strengthening my legs and trying to address my flat feet (Scott Devenney, hopefully to the rescue ).

May 4, 2016 1 comment

Running Triathlon Yoga

Chi Running and Yoga at Lululemon Glasgow

written by Stephen Morrison

I have a confession. Two, actually, but I will explain the second later.

I have missed running. Apathy and injury have taken their toll and it has been 6 months since I ran in my last Great Run event.

I would like to say that the break has served me well, but I have struggled mentally and physically. I have lost confidence, fitness and friends and I have gained weight. A lot of weight.

Not running has not helped and I have decided that I am happier when I am running.

However, my knees, like the rest of my body, are suffering from wear and tear and if I am going to run again, I have to learn to run with less impact on my joints.

So, when Lululemon Glasgow announced a free Chi Running and yoga session, I signed up (they used my favourite word, free).

Nick introducing us to Chi Running

The session was delivered by Nick Constantine of SoulinMotion and yoga teacher Mark Russell and we all met outside the cosy Lululemon Glasgow store, where Nick explained the core principles of Chi Running.

He explained how Chi Running was developed in 1999 by ulta-runner and T’ai Chi practitioner, Danny Dreyer, and how it has helped thousands of runners transform their technique using the core principles of focus, posture, alignment and relaxation.

This message was reinforced inside Lululemon, where we were treated to a video of the legendary Kenyan running coach, Brother Colm O’Connell instructing his runners. We watched as they gently jogged and even walked around the track. This was no warm up. This is how they train.

This is how World Champion, David Rudisha, trains.

And this, is how we train. The Kenyans better watch out.

Nick then went on to explain the 80:20 rule. He suggested that 80% of our training should be gentle and form focused. Something, I can totally buy into. Too often we relentlessly push ourselves, with the only outcome being injury. How much smarter and possibly more enjoyable would it be to go out for more slow and gentle runs?

It was then time for Nick to introduce us to some of the techniques he uses to help runners.

We started by aligning our standing position. I am guilty of dropping my shoulders and Nick helped me to straighten and strengthen my posture. A few adjustments and I was standing taller and leaning a little more forward than my normal stance. Not enough to fall over, but enough to make me feel a little more solid.

Another principle of Chi Running is to engage our core strength, to give us power. Rather than leading foot first, Nick suggested that we propel ourselves forward, pelvis first. We practised this for a few minutes, walking back and forth, and by the end, it felt both comfortable and even natural.

Next up, Nick had us stomping in time to his metronome. I say stomping, but another key concept of Chi Running is to run lightly, regardless of the size and weight of the runner. Again, music to ears. Or rather, metronome beats to my ears.

The purpose of this was to increase our cadence and get us used to midsole landing, which would help us to decrease the amount of time each foot had on the ground and seemingly help us conserve energy.

It was then time to put Nick’s advice to the test.

As I learned forward, I felt the urge to move and with a quick pelvic thrust, I was off. I was able to maintain a good pace with quick, light steps and some high heel kicks.

We had only spent an hour with Nick and it would be unfair to expect a complete transformation of my running style, but I did see and feel a difference.

In May and September, Nick returns to Glasgow for his Chi Running workshop and there are still spaces for the September event.
You can find out more HERE.

An added bonus of the workshops is that you get to spend a few hours with Mark Russell, an Ironman and yoga teacher who specialises in yoga for sports

At the Lululemon Chi Running event, we were treated to a short introduction to his yoga teachings, in the most salubrious of setting of Club 29. Other than the lush surroundings, one thing stuck out for me.

Put your left leg out.

Mark reminded us that when we run, we are predominantly on one foot and he encouraged us to train accordingly. We practised a few Yoga poses, including Vrikshasana (or tree pose), and made them more challenging by closing our eyes. This unbalanced me and I will make practising this pose a daily habit, especially as I have weak glutes.

In fact, I was so impressed with Mark’s approach that I intend on attending more of his weekly classes at Lululemon, who have to be applauded for putting on their weekly free yoga, running and training sessions.

Which brings me to my second confession.

I have discovered that I love Lululemon and Lululemon clothing. Up until yesterday, I had assumed that it was an overpriced brand that didn’t cater for the oversized man.

Until yesterday.

Post event, we retired to the store for drinks and nibbles and I browsed the men’s clothing range. I fully expected to have my preconceptions confirmed. Instead, my gaze fell upon the top below.

Lululemon anti -stink t-shirt

It was in my size, it felt so soft and it had anti-stink materials that inhibits sweat bacteria from growing. The previously hidden fashionista and the geek in me were mesmerised.

I had to have it and tomorrow, I’ll be testing out its non stink properties at Bikram Yoga Southside and I might need to add to my Lululemon collection (do you think they might like to have a fat male ambassador?).

Huge thanks to SoulinMotion, Mark Russell and Lululemon for a wonderful introduction to Chi Running.

May 1, 2016 5 comments

Journey Running Triathlon

Happy Trails – A Man V Fat V Mountain Trail Running Challenge

written by Stephen Morrison

At the end of last year, I had a crisis in confidence. I didn’t feel valued by my running partners and after 10 months of broken promises and dreams and a serious bout of soul searching, I walked away from my roles of running blogger, coach and event coordinator and announced to the world that I was giving up running for a while.

So, when sportsshoes.com asked me to trial some trail kit, I was at first hesitant. I had regained some weight and I had lost a lot of confidence.

But then, I recalled two of my favourite days of 2015. They were two days trail running in the Highland Fling and Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultra Marathon Relays in Scotland. Running along the tree lined banks of Loch Lomond and over the hills in the Borders were as far removed from running in the crowded streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle as you could get and the thought of them had me lacing up my boots.

There are many reasons, why I have found myself drawn to trail running.

Trail running appeals to my inner child.

#muddytrainersclearmind

Running in winter is often accompanied by rain, sleet and snow (usually on the same day) and normally when running in my city streets , I try to avoid puddles. However , when out in the woods and parks, there is a magnetic force that pulls me towards puddles and mud.

The quality of a trail run is often judged on the quantity of mud accumulated on my shoes.

Trail running is good for both the heart and the mind.

Trail running also delivers a sensory smorgasbord of sights, sounds and smells, with recent research from Stanford University suggesting that spending time in green areas can reduce mental illness, improve our cognitive development and lower levels of rumination. While trail running, we momentarily forget all the negative stuff in our lives and simply enjoy the scenery and serenity around us.

Better than any street view

Trail running has no rules.

You find a park or a trail and just run. Hell, you can even walk if need be and when the terrain moves from soft mud to hard rocks, you will be forced to scramble. Again, this is reminiscent of my childhood, complete with skint knees.

Quite often, I won’t even have a route or distance in mind. I’ll head out to my local park and go exploring. I’ll wade through streams, climb hills and lose myself spirituality and on occasion literally.

Trail running is better with friends.

Running through the woods alone might instil thoughts of an ill fated horror movie, so why not run with friends? There’s nothing like sharing the magical sight of a deer or celebrating the ascent of a hill with a fellow runner. You are also rarely running at pace and are more focused on not catching your feet on a tree root than catching your breath, so talking isn’t only possible, it’s actively encouraged.

Trail running takes you to new heights.

A part of me is always seeking new adventures and friends often say that I have my head in the clouds, so when I watched the Adventure Show this weekend (looking for all of my Jedburgh pals ), I was captivated by the feature on the Glen Coe Skyline Race.

I couldn’t hope to compete in the 55 km event traversing across the Glen Coe range of mountains, but the Vertical Kilometre called out to me.

A strength and stamina sapping 1,000 metre ascent over a 5K route that will make this the most trialling trail run ever. Especially for a self-confessed Shite Runner.But what a scintillating place to run.

It’s too soon to say that I am back, but I am on the right trail and I can’t wait to take on this Man v Fat v Mountain Challenge.

I’ll also be keeping tabs on the SportsShoes.com trail hub for inspiration and discount kit.

February 23, 2016 2 comments

Cycling Triathlon

Spinning at Pure Gym

written by Stephen Morrison

It is Friday night and the boys are spending the weekend with their father. Woo Hoo!!!

Before you think too badly of me, please let me explain. I love the boys dearly and I enjoy almost every moment of their company, but their visits to their dad give Teresa and I chance to do things together and go out together to places that we wouldn’t take the boys.

Like Pure Gym. That’s right. A Friday night alone and we went to the gym. Together.

We love training on our own and have different training regimes and preferences, but there is something sweet (who says romance is dead, although we are now in different rooms. Me, writing a blog and Teresa, writing a research paper ) about going to the gym together and swapping workout details on the way home.

Not only are we a couple who train together, but we have a married couple who train us. Wee shout-out to Personal Trainers Christine and Spencer Peek of Peek Fitness.

But back to tonight’s date night. Teresa was booked into Zumba and I was planning on….actually, I had no plan. Part of the reason I have PT sessions with Spencer is that he works in Puregym and he is currently helping me become competent and confident with weight training.

I was training with him yesterday, so tonight I wasn’t sure what to do,

Call it fate but an opportunity presented itself. My puregym membership is a pure bargain. Included in my £10.99 monthly membership is a whole weekly schedule of free classes. Most classes are booked a week in advance and things like Combat and Spin are usually full.

But not tonight. Tonight, I was asked if I wanted to take a spare seat in a Spin class. I don’t know if it was my coffee date with spin master Jen Wilson or my current desire to be become overweight, but I instantly said yes.

Yes, you read that correctly. I would love nothing more than to be overweight. Rather than obese, which I am currently.

So, I found a bike at the back and adjusted my seat, once , twice three times until I felt that the saddle, pedals and handlebars aligned with my short armed, short legged and pot bellied physique.

The class was set to last 45 mins, but within 5 mins I discovered a problem, The belly that I had let return last year probably wasn’t a consideration when Matrix, the spin bike brand, designed their bikes. Every time we crouched down, I was given a reminder of why I want and need to lose fat.

Belly is going to get you at Pure Gym

Yes, I had my own built in air bag that almost devoured the bike. It wasn’t comfortable, but maybe I need to sometimes feel uncomfortable. That isn’t an invitation to fat shame me (enough of that in the last blog), but every time it hit the frame , I pedalled that little bit faster. I pushed myself a little harder.

And I end up enjoying it. It was challenging, it made me sweat and it was fun. The instructor encouraged us and he delivered what was basically a great interval training session

I will definitely make spin a weekly thing. Not least for the reason that I want to see my feet. Now, that WILL be a progress picture

Here’s to my next Friday night spin in Pure Gym

January 22, 2016 0 comment

Journey Running Triathlon

No More Running…

written by Stephen Morrison

It is December the first and for many runners, it is the first day of Marcothon, the brilliant 31 day running streak challenge in December, organised by Debbie and Marco Consani.

It is a wonderful challenge that encourages people to run and make physical activity a part of their daily lives. It brings runners together and the community spirit amongst challengers is an illustration of why the running community is so often revered. If you are a runner, it is a fantastic way to make those miserable winter runs work for you as you try to work out how to explain to your family on Boxing Day that you are only going out to run because you HAVE to; not because you are trying to escape the madness around you(not that any of us would dare suggest that).

Good luck to all of my friends taking part, but I will not be joining you.

For there will be no more running challenges for me.

Too often I get fixated on the next and bigger challenge and forget to enjoy being active. I make running and exercise a chore, when it should be a pleasure. Too often, I worry about not running fast enough, far enough or simply often enough. I berate myself for not being hardcore or determined enough. Instead, I will focus on having fun and making exercise something I look forward to. I am determined that I will do more of what I love.

It is also no more running blog for me.

After two years, I have decided to stop writing for Great Run. While I enjoyed seeing my posts receive positive feedback and I revelled in the VIP treatment afforded to me at Great Run events, I never felt part of the team. I never felt that I was truly appreciated or valued and I never felt that the blog was getting the support it needed. Instead, I will focus on this blog.

The end of the Great Run Blog (for me, at least) also unfortunately means no more running group or Facebook page.

For the past year, I have had the pleasure and honour of being the Event Coordinator for Great Run Local in Glasgow. I have watched as we have grown from two runners on a cold Sunday morning in December to forty runners on a cold Wednesday night in December. Although I genuinely love Great Run Local, I cannot continue giving my time when I do not feel that I have been given the support or recognition that I deserve. I will miss my Wednesday nights at the Quay, but instead, I will spend them training with my other love, Teresa.

With more time on my hands, I have also decided that there will be no more running away from my dreams.

I want to help others and I want to use my passion for physical activity to change lives. That is why I am delighted to confirm that I am going to complete my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and pursue my Level 3 Personal Trainer course with Faster, arguably the leading providers of functional training in the world. And also my Nutrition Consultant course with the Advanced Coaching Academy with Dr Gary Mendoza. I have spent too long helping others achieve success; too long believing that I did not have the ability and worrying that I didn’t have the time. Instead, I will now focus on my future success and I will believe in myself and make the time.

Finally, there will be no more running.

Whoa, did I just say that? Yes, I did and I almost mean it. Running has been the main focus of my life for three years and I have forgotten what it is to be a try athlete. I have also gained a few too many pounds and while I will never join the anti-cardio brigade, I do need to change how I train. I am not really enjoying running at the moment and a few months away from it will hopefully reignite my passion. Instead, I will focus on getting stronger and fitter and spend more time lifting, pushing and pulling, rather than simply shuffling along pavements.

I might have given up on a few roles this week, but I have not given up on me. I am howmanymiles, a physical activity champion, blogger, try athlete and a winner. What will there be “no more” of for you?

December 1, 2015 12 comments

Running Triathlon

Smells Like Team Shite

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s 5am; Pete Tong is laying down the beats and we are chilling in our seats, with the lights down.

This could have been an average Friday night/ Saturday morning during my twenties, as a night on the town was nearing its end, but instead, it was this weekend and 5am was the beginning of our party.

For Teams Shite Runners 1, Shite Runners Number 2 and Shite Runners 3 were chilling (literally) in a minibus heading towards Jedburgh for the inaugural Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon Relay.

The clue is probably in our team names, but the majority of us are social runners and although several of us have ran a marathon (have I ever mentioned this??!!), for all but one, an ultramarathon is on our to do (or never to do) list.

The relay is the perfect way to sample the atmosphere of an Ultramarathon. It’s also a great way to get an Ultramarathon medal and t-shirt without having to complete the gruelling 38 miles of the Jedburgh Three Peaks.

That’s not to say the relay legs were easy. With three peaks (again, the clue is in the name) to climb, woods and muddy trails to navigate (wrongly, but we’ll come back to that later) and the title of the Best Shite Runners to claim, this was going to be a tough run.
On paper, Team 1 were possibly the favourites. Not only because they had Mr Stuart Ainslie, our token ultramarathoner, in their team, but also having within their ranks some international class in the shape of Dimitris and Joseph. But we had a plan to scuttle their chances……mhuahahaha!!

For my team’s vice captain, and one of three Hoka Highland Fling relay veterans in our team, had planted his wife, Sarah, in Stuart’s team. Poor Sarah was due to run the 2nd seven mile leg, but on the morning of the race, after a pretty horrid night, she announced that her cold had ruled her out. Stuart, being both a good guy and a legend, agreed to run her leg and then his leg, consecutively. Even with his experience and training, I don’t think he was envisaging a 7 mile warm up to his climb up the Eildon Peaks.

He did though earn two well deserved finishers’ medals.

Despite Kirsty’s heroics in leg one (it was pissing with rain) and Andy’s magnificent seven mile leg two, Team Shite Runners 1 had a 15 minute advantage at the handover (or keep goinger, for Stuart). So, imagine our surprise and delight as our Nick came storming home ahead of Stuart at the final exchange of baton, otherwise known as a rubber wristband, and set me on the final leg.

And I played a blinder. Well, sort of.

Some might see my slow shuffling as a weakness. however my steady gait helped me to avoid a speedy slip into the mire that made the Jedburgh course one of the most challenging I have ever faced. Although the sun had made a late appearance for my leg, it had rained for much of the day and by the time I was running the final 10 miles, the route was thick with mud. A route advertised as flat, but which had a few uppies and doonies for me to walk up (if it’s good enough for ultra runners….).

I am not sure how much running the 18 miles had hindered Stuart, but Joseph overtook me around mile 5 and after a pleasant exchange, he left me for dust or should that be mud? I settled into an even slower pace and enjoyed the route and the scenery. I had fun running over a wobbly bridge and made some friendly chat with a few runners (overtaking me).

My lack of proper training and proper shoes (note to self and everyone else, for that matter: Hi-Tec are not recognised as trail shoes manufacturers for a reason) made the last two miles along the streets of Jedburgh slightly uncomfortable.

That was until I rounded the corner and saw the finish line approaching. I pressed ahead and was literally lifted off of my feet by the cheers of the crowd and fellow runners. I am not sure if it was because I was a Shite Runner giving it my all or if this was simply an illustration of the famed friendliness of the ultra community, but I have honestly never experienced such an noise. I crossed the finishing line feeling like I had I won.

And in some twist of fate, I almost had.

The route was well marshalled and well marked and the instructions clearly stated that we should keep going unless instructed. That didn’t prevent some of us taking wrong turns and needing to be ushered around by friendly dog walkers or closed gates. Thankfully my own detour lasted all of about one minute of running, before I was set again on the right path.

However, at the finish line, I learned that some had not been so fortunate. Joseph had gotten so far ahead of me that I hadn’t noticed him (honest!) taking a wrong turn along with the other runner who had overtaken me only minutes before.

Joseph ended up running 13 miles and ended up in the losing team, finishing behind me, who also ended up on the losing team. We had forgotten about Shite Runners 3. Sharon, Rachael, Jen and token lad Chris had proven that these girls can and had steamed ahead to the top of the pile of Shite Runners. They hadn’t been a runner down, they hadn’t got lost and they all had ran their hearts out, gaining valuable time at each and every leg.
They thoroughly deserved to be crowned the Best of Shite Runners. .facebook_1445898339707

And our day hadn’t ended. With Sharon’s partner, Michael at the helm (huge thanks to him for driving us and putting up with us) we made stops at an off-licence and Krispy Kremes. We celebrated our first jaunt to Jedburgh in the way only shite runners can. With donuts, beer and rum.

Huge thanks to the volunteers and organisers of the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon; to Dimitris for pictures and to all of my fellow shite runners for making this day anything but shite.

And who knows, maybe next year I’ll look to see howmanymiles I can run.

October 26, 2015 1 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Running Triathlon Try-Athlete

Libby’s Guide to Running

written by Stephen Morrison

If you follow my blogs here, at the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine or at Great Run you will know that I like to promote physical activity for all; that I like to run and that I love meeting amazing athletes and participating in exciting events. Every activity I try is fun and every person I meet is inspirational, in their own unique way.

None more so than Libby Clegg. I spent a day with her and Strathmore Water as part of the #DoMore campaign, for which Libby is an Ambassador. A day that has left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to literally do more.

I had returned, after 24 years, to my old school, Hutchesons’ Grammar, to learn this time from Libby Clegg and her team about guided running for the visually impaired. As a runner I appreciated and enjoyed the training session with Lincoln Asquith, Libby’s former guide and step-father to her current guide and fellow gold medalist Mikhail Huggins (watch out Mikail, I’m after your job).

Lincoln putting us through our paces

As a former Team GB sprinter and coach, Lincoln’s advice to increase my cadence (speed of my steps) hasn’t been lost on me, although I am more likely to share with my running buddies how he informed the group that I was strong and fast (he didn’t add, for my size!). Maybe, I am a sprinter after all!? He put us through shuttle runs and speed drills, focusing on knee drives and using our forefoot to push and propel ourselves forward..

Wait, sorry, I am possibly losing you and confusing you for my Great Run audience. Simply put, Lincoln provided us with some simple tools that we can use to become faster runners. The same tools that have helped Libby Clegg win Silver at London 2012 , World Championships and Gold at Glasgow 2014 and which give her continued hope of realisng her dream of joining the able bodied sprinters at the next Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast and the Rio Olympics in 2018.

However, here with us, her goal was to share some insight on what it is like to run for those with limited or no sight and to give us an opportunity to experience what it means to be a guide. I’ve watched Libby and Mikail at both the Commonwealth Games and at a British Athletics meeting in Glasgow and marvelled at the synchronicity of both the runners. One of the reasons I run, is because it is simple (once you forget about biometrics). I find it hard to coordinate my own movements, without having to factor in someone else’s.

So I was both honoured and horrified when Libby split the nine attendees into pairs, with the odd man (both psychologically and numerically) me, partnered with Libby, herself!!

The first thing we had to master was walking as a pair. Libby had us use hair bands to tie our hands together and she explained that we would walk as if a mirror was placed between us. Despite my fears, matching stride and arm movements came naturally. After a few practice walks, Libby decided we were ready for blindfolds. Libby is registered blind with Stargardt Mascular Dystrophy leaving only peripheral vision in her left eye , but watching her move around her surrondings, it is easy to forget, so I thought nothing of it when my partner put the blindfold on me. Until, that is, Libby stated that it was the blind leading the blind. Even then I felt confident. We were on a running track with no obstacles and I had every faith in Libby.

Walking with a blindfold on was a strange experience. You lose track (no pun intended) of time, distance and speed. Despite being assured of the contary, by Libby, I didn’t feel like I was walking in a straight line or close to Libby, even though we were connected at the wrist. You don’t feel in control, but with Libby guiding me, I at least never felt in danger. After a few practice walks, we moved on to running. Slowly to start. And a strange thing happened. Running with a blindfold on felt easier and was more enjoyable than walking. I felt that I was more stable and more confident. Libby helped, by keeping me posted on distance and by telling me to stop.

And then we swapped roles and Libby dropped a bombshell.

Other than Mikail and Lincoln, before him, Libby doesn’t let others guide her……but she WOULD let me! I cannot fully convey how this made me feel. Honoured, trusted and just a little nervous. I shouldn’t have. We set off and as our arms pumped and legs strode in unison, running in tandem seemed the most natural thing in the world. I even felt that my form improved. Even as we increased our pace, our movements mirrored each other.

Running in Sync (told you, Mikail)

I have went from running solo to running with my friends at Glasgow Nike Run Club and now to running arm in arm with a Paralympian, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist and World Champion. Of all the experiences I’ve had, this one has been the most special. Not just because Libby was a great host and sport and praised my efforts, but because it has given me a chance to DoMore. It also helped that she uttered the immortal words, that so many Team Scotland members have now proclaimed:

Again, if you’ve read my blog, you’ll know that I used to be morbidely obese and you might also know that I had mobility problems in my childhood, but aged 19, I also lost my eyesight, albeit only for just over one week, with Optic Neuritis .

Running with Libby has triggered a desire to learn more about guide running, in the hope that I can encourage and support blind runners. I’ve made contact with Visibility and Scottish Disability Sports and you can too.

Let’s Do More to enable more to Do More!

September 3, 2014 0 comment