Running is therapy

The BBC has a good article by Alistair Magowan on why running is good for you when you need a boost.

"If you asked 100 people, you might get 100 different replies, but there's no doubt that having some time and space to think - to clear your head and process your thoughts in peace - is one of the big attractions of the sport to many people."
"You get to a point where you are empty and not sure why you should go on. I think that is a deeply personal thing and a powerful moment.
"That's the interface between psychology and the spiritual side of a human being. There is no reason to continue and at that moment you have got to the battle between yourself and yourself.
"You have to make a sacrifice of everything you've got, but what you've done is joined in the suffering and the pain in a voluntary way, and that could make you feel closer to the person you have lost."

Why Fauja Singh is my hero

Running really is a way of life. Strong evidence comes from the incredible example of centenarian Brit, Fauja Singh. He recently completed the Toronto Marathon in 8hrs 25, not bad for someone born in 1911. He trains 10 miles everyday and is now the proud holder of a bunch of world records. All of them gained since he turned 90.

Here's the advice from the living legend,

"The secret to a long and healthy life is to be stress-free. Be grateful for everything you have, stay away from people who are negative, stay smiling and keep running." 

101 ways to be a better runner

I have 101 tips to make you a better runner. Well, runners world does.

Two running sites worth checking out

The new runtastic portal if you have an iphone etc... or this training site from new balance

3 Non-physical benefits to running

Michael Hyatt explains what he gets out of running besides being fit. His three are:

1. Running provides me with “think time
2. Running provides an opportunity for personal growth
3. Running provides the chance to recharge

Read the whole thing and then comment what non-physical benefits do you get from running?

Five finger running shoes

Have you ever used them? I'm tempted but and Michael Hyatt seems convinced

Marathon runners should go for non-alcoholic beer

Apparently that's the conclusion of this study from the University of Munich. It's better for your health if you drink the wheat based alcohol free stuff. I'm just not sure whether that counts as good news or not?

(HT: Freakonomics)

Park Hall 5k

I ran a 5k race tonight which I've run the previous two years. In 2009 I managed a 22'24 and in 2010 I improved on that a little with a 22'08.

So tonights 21'18 marks a 50 second improvement which over 5k is a decent jump forward, and I'm sure if I'd pushed myself I could have been sub-21. I finished with a sprint and recovered quickly, I just run too much within myself because I'm worried about running out of steam. What I needed to do was pick the pace up say 500m out not 200m and then I'd have been sub-21.

Anyway I'm pleased!

Could a marathon ever be run in under two hours?

If it can it certainly won't be done by me. Under 4 hours is my goal! Anyway the BBC attempts an answer

A couple of running links

It's a while since I last posted but it's not that I haven't been running just not writing about it. In fact I've done two 7 mile runs in the last 24 hours, so there. But here are a couple of friends thoughts on running

• Matt Hosier reflects on the life benefits from training for the Brighton marathon
• Sean Green recently did a 5k in Reading with the park run initiative.

Are we born to run?

It's been a while since I blogged here but I have been running and buying new shoes! Enjoy this talk on running