Tag: running

To run or not to run…..

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 9 Comments

With Janathon fast approaching the decision is actually not whether to run or not, I will be taking part, but more like how far. Last January I entered Janathon and ran every day, completing a total of 133 miles in the month. Then Juneathon came along and I began with the idea that I would be able to beat January’s total, this didn’t happen, for various different reasons I took a more relaxed approach as the month continued (finishing with 114 miles under the belt).

So what to do this time round? As I sit writing this blog I have just about seen off a bit of a cold that has lasted over Christmas, stopped me running, and more importantly, seriously affected #decembeer. So I’m eager to get back to the running and blow away the cobwebs.

In my head at the moment I want to beat the 133 miles clocked up last Janathon, but am also well aware of the busy start to the school term that awaits (exam prep, marking and extra sessions). So the plan is to begin with the 4.5ish miles a day that are required and see how we go.

Also, with a new year brings new plans. I was browsing through Runner’s World magazine in search of some races for the year, still considering whether or not to run my second marathon this year, I came across this, Rat Race Dirty Weekend…..

After last year’s attempt at the Zombie Evacuation Race as part of ‘Dead Men Running’ this seemed perfect for 2013. I just hope the rest of the guys agree!

700 Santas and a Bishops Farewell….

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 3 Comments

The day began with a gentle 5km run around Burghley House dressed as Santa. And strangely enough I was not alone, in fact, around 700 other Santas were also going for a gentle 5km run….

No, this was not just a strange coincidence, but the annual Rotary Club of Stamford's Santa Run. 700 men, women and children dressed in ridiculous outfits, including incredibly itchy beards, and all in the aid of charity.

So today we actually have a reason to celebrate. Anyone fancy a beer? And so to #18 of #decembeer, from Oakham Ales…..Bishops Farewell….

NB: I had actually finished marking before opening

So, 18 beers down, and here is my opinion of Bishops Farewell:

  • This beer has a very distinct citrus aroma, I can definitely smell a bit of lime going on (I think).
  • A very clean, crisp taste, with a dry finish.
  • A hoppy beer that is easy to drink.

Move over Oz Clarke!!

 

Running and beer? #decembeer #janathon

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 2 Comments

Or maybe that should be beer and running? Either way I think the pair sit well, and complement each other.

So, in no particular order….let's talk beer….

Tonight we welcome another popular beer, from Wychwood Brewery, the world famous Hobgoblin, “a beer full of mischievous character”….

A smooth taste, definitely of the malty variety, very easy to drink, goes down the hatch very well (glad I only bought one bottle considering it is a school night). So 9 days into #decembeer and my plan to become a beer connoisseur is still hitting problems. This beer is brewed from “chocolate and crystal malts with a refreshing bitterness…and a dash of citrus aroma”. Chocolate? Can't taste it. Bitterness? Yes, obviously. Citrus aroma? I can't even smell that in this one (although that could be down to this cold I've had for the past couple of days). So still a bit of work to do before I get the call to appear on 'Saturday Kitchen' as their beer expert. Although one positive from tonight's #decembeer was that it did force me to put off working for that little bit longer.

And now…let's talk running….

With the new year fast approaching, it can mean only one thing….Janathon. This means running, logging and blogging a daily run throughout the month on January. I completed it last January, it was tough but great fun, and I actually managed to run over 130 miles in total. As well as the running it also means you get to read some fabulous blogs of people's experiences of the whole challenge. Well worth a go if you think you're man (or woman) enough!

So with running on the mind I've entered to run the Stamford Santa Fun Run next weekend, as part of the school's 'CBEC Stars' raising money for charity. Not only is it a nice local run around Burghley House, but you get to do it all dressed up as Santa, beard and all!!! Lovely jubbly!

 

King’s Lynn #parkrun

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 3 Comments

An early start this morning to attend, for the first time, King's Lynn parkrun. It was a very cold and misty morning at The Walks in King's Lynn.

Today's route was changed slightly from the normal one due to a bit of flooding across the main path, although it was still around the 5km, apparently about 60 yards shorter than the normal route. The course is roughly made up of three mile laps, all run on Tarmac, so a reasonably fast course, despite the couple of 180 deg turns. As is normal for parkruns, it was well organised, with plenty of friendly marshals and regulars.

I would love to have a closer parkrun that I could attend regularly, they are a great idea, not only do you get a good free timed 5km race, but the chance to chat to fellow runners over a coffee at the end. And as well as emailing you with your finishing details, they text you your position and time within 30 mins of finishing….

 

Origami #17 and some general wonderings….

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 1 Comment

Over halfway through November's Challenge and it feels like I have been creating paper stuff for months. I'm also very aware that a blog post about a piece of paper folded up a ridiculous amount of times to create something that may or may not look like what it is supposed to look like may be beginning to get slightly tedious. So today's blog is being expanded into, to quote the blog's tagline, 'general wonderings'.

Firstly, let me get the whole origami thing out the way. Been creating a lot of animals lately so how about another box…..only 23 steps, but classed as 'difficult'….a starbox….#17….

The day started off with a run around Bourne Woods with the dog, left at about 9am, it felt pretty mild out for a November morning. I was ready for a lovely muddy run on the trails – and that was exactly what I got. At one point it was so muddy that the dog had to stop to check I was going to follow him. Came back caked in mud, trainers are on radiator to dry out, me thinks same again in the morning.

After a shower I had a walk into town to visit the Post Office to send a parcel. That was an experience. What is it with people that go to the Post Office? The people behind the counter are slow enough, but the people going up to the counter are worse. They go to the window with what seems like a letter to post and end up filling in a form, asking endless questions, counting money, paying by card, and then you hear them say “just one more thing my love”…..argh! I needed a visit to Costa just to relax…..

This evening I donned my wellies for a short stroll around Elsea Woods before it got to dark. I was greeted with a lovely early evening sky…..

For the rest of the evening I will be avoiding 'Strictly Come Dancing' and eating beef!

 

Every day’s a school day…..

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 1 Comment

They say that ‘every day’s a school day’ and today was exactly that. Forgetting that I am a teacher, and that every day IS in fact a school day, I have done TWO things I have never done before.

Scary

Earlier on tonight I ran around the woods in the dark for the first time ever. And let me just say now, despite being a machotough man, it was scary.

During the winter with the dark and cold nights, the walking of the dog becomes more and more of a chore. So a week or so ago I purchased a head torch with the idea that when I go running of an evening I would go round the woods and that way the dog can join me.

And so to tonight’s run……

It was really, really dark and really, really scary.

With the head torch on I could at least see where I was going, but the thing was it made the whole experience 100 times more scary. The shadows it casts freak you out, the trees become strange moving figures, the sounds in the woods zombies tracking you, the constant feeling of being watched and the whole ‘what is round the next corner’ makes for a rather strange experience. But having said all that, I actually quite enjoyed it! I even made a short video of the experience….

Origami Ghost

Another first for today is today’s origami attempt. To keep with the whole scary theme we’ve got going tonight, I have created a ghost….