Tag

Running

NeverStopGlasgow. A Free 10k trail run with North Face

“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

Health Obesity

My View on Activity Equivalents proposals from RSPH

written by Stephen Morrison

Gove’s Intentions

In 2014, Michael Gove, the then Minister of Education , suggested that schools should use traditional punishments to discipline malcontent and miss behaving school pupils (1).

One of the suggested punishments for classroom indiscipline was running laps of the playground.

Not only could this be viewed as a form of corporal punishment, outlawed across the UK by 2003 (2), but for the overweight and inactive it could even be regarded as cruel and unusual punishment.

The sport that I love (and occasionally hate) touted as a means of reprimanding rebellious kids. Lanes replacing lines and exhaustion replacing detention. It earmarked running as a punishment and children would arguably soon learn to despise running.

April 18, 2016 2 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

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

Journey Running Triathlon

I am a Runner

written by Stephen Morrison

I haven’t always been able to say that. Three years ago I weighed 354lbs (over 25 stone). If you had suggested any exercise, I’d have run a mile (sadly, not literally).

But then, a friend changed my life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. My family and friends had used many more over the years, imploring me to lose weight. I had made a few lame and short lived attempts in the past and like many dieters I gained more than I lost.

I never felt ready. I never felt able. I never felt that my weight prevented me from doing anything I wanted to do. I argued that I didn’t smoke and that I didn’t drink. I was fat, but I was relatively healthy (possibly more healthy than an unfit person of normal weight). The truth was that I was in denial.

But then, a friend took and shared that photograph. It was the photograph that stopped me in my tracks and the photograph that set me on a new course of action. It is a photograph that I keep on me at all times. To remind me of how I was, what I was and how far my journey has taken me.

I wanted to get more active and to feel healthier. I wanted to feel happy and I wanted to regain my confidence, libido and energy that obesity had stolen from me. I wanted to feel like a man again.

But then, I was over 350lbs. What could I do? So, I started by walking and as the pounds fell off I began searching for other ways to get active. Before my weight loss, running a bath was a problem. Once I got in, there wasn’t much room for the water. The idea of running to lose weight was absurd and the thought of running for pleasure was beyond me.

I did, however decide to try running in September 2011 when my friends asked me to grow a moustache for Movember. Being facially folically challenged and 100lbs lighter, I instead committed to running the Mo Running 5K and set about starting a Couch to 5K programme. Alternating walking and running between lamp posts. Within weeks, I was running more than I was walking. More importantly I was surprisingly enjoying every bit of it and looking forward to my next run and to my first competitive race at Mo Running. I wasn’t the fastest but I did overtake a few runners and even managed a sprint (well, ok maybe a dash) across the finishing line recording a personal best of under 27 minutes which might not seem great but it made me puff my chest with pride and not just exhaustion.

In December I was again competing in another “facial hair” inspired race, the annual “Santa Dash”. Along with several thousand other Santas we raced through the city streets and although my Santa suit and beard was not the most ergonomic or comfortable of outfits I was still able to leap over stray dogs, side swerve errant mothers with push chairs and tackle a relatively large incline (all my previous runs had been on the flat). I was far removed from fitting the role of the jolly fat man, but I knew I had further to go, before I’d be happy.

But then, the taunts and jeers of white van men and boy racers stopped me in my tracks. I felt humiliated, I felt hopeless and I felt hatred. Mostly I hated myself. I was so close to giving up and accepting that I couldn’t change. Despite being a shadow of my former self, I was still obese and it weighed heavily on my mind.

I couldn’t go on. Once again, I was a failure.

But then, my anger and frustration led to grit and determination. I wouldn’t stop. I wouldn’t give in to the taunts and my own self doubt. I could and I would run. I started with 5Ks and then progressed to 10Ks before entering my first Great Scottish Half Marathon then more and longer races. I have completed Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast and my first Marathon in Copenhagen. I now run to work, I run at weekends and I scour the country looking to add new bibs and new medals to my collection. I have continued to lose weight and I am now almost half the size I was.

I am also now looking forward to launching Great Run Local Glasgow, in partnership with Great Run and with the support of friends and the team at Run 4 It. Designed to provide a short and timed weekly run for new runners, it’s a chance for me to give something back. I am not a philosopher or even a particularly great runner, but I am passionate about running and all forms of physical activity and I will do what I can do support and inspire others.

I am now a runner. Will you join me?

July 22, 2014 0 comment

Europe Running Travel Triathlon

Stairway to Heaven- Running In Sorrento

written by Stephen Morrison

Next stop on my Italian tour was the beautiful and picturesque coastal town of Sorrento.

I had previously envisaged some early morning barefoot beach runs. However, I really should have conducted some prior research. For Sorrento is mostly pitched on a cliff top and beaches were in short supply.

I say mostly pitched as my hotel was in fact located in the Marina with a short stretch of beach, which really would only have been suitable for sprint training. So each morning I made the most of my location to begin my run up a punishing and seemingly unending set of steps to the top. I’d like to say that I sprinted up them like a mountain goat, but in truth, the last dozen steps were taken at barely faster than walking speed and in temperatures of 28C, I thought my heart was going to explode.

Which, it almost did on a few other occasions. The streets of Sorrento are very narrow. Like lots of Italy, the vehicles of choice have two wheels. As an active travel advocate, it pains me to say that it wasn’t the self-propelled variety. And Sorrento doesn’t only lack from a shortage of beachfront. The town’s planners, way back, obviously weren’t too pedestrian friendly. For every so often, the sidewalk I was on would abruptly stop and I would be forced to join the motorised traffic, on the road. I can only guess from the car horns and shouting (my Italian isn’t great, but pretty sure they weren’t encouraging me) that I wasn’t too welcome.

If I were to avoid becoming another road traffic accident statistic and meeting my maker, I had only two options open to me.

The choices were to either resign myself to NOT running in Sorrento or to continue risking the ire of my girlfriend by getting up at an unfeasibly early hour and getting out before the rest of Sorrento was awake (well, apart from maybe the fishermen).

Well, I’m a runner (haven’t always felt able to say that) and if she loves me…I guessed, she’d understand. Plus the views from my run route were pretty spectacular.

But even that wasn’t sufficient as another omission from traffic in Sorrento were the concepts of “give way” or “slow”. When combined, narrow streets, blind corners and lunatic early morning drivers made each run a little too exhilarating.

On too many occasions, I’d be approaching a corner, only for a motorcycle or moped to burst into view and more worryingly into my path resulting in the need for some evasive action, on my part.

There weren’t going to be any PB’s set here as I learned to approach every bend and corner with caution. However, the mixture of heat, exertion and panic did manage to secure me the coveted “Sweater of the Week” award from my pals Elle and Jen.

What lengths do you go to manage a run and have you had any scary experiences?

July 9, 2014 1 comment