Tag: running

Janathon Day 5

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 2 Comments

This morning's run was a gentle 4ish miles around Bourne Woods with the dog. Legs felt very heavy this morning, probably due to the lack of running in December (very bad bout of man flu) together with the start of Janathon.

It was a pretty standard run through the woods, loads of people out walking dogs, but a distinct lack of runners. I don't think anybody in the East Midlands/South Lincolnshire have heard about Janathon. The only decision I had to make on my travels was whether it was left for mud, or right for hill….

I didn't particularly fancy running with wet feet this morning so took the right fork.

Today's mileage = 4.22

Janathon mileage = 22.62

I think today I did indeed 'Do The Right Thing'….

 

Janathon Day 3

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 9 Comments

Today was always going to be the toughest day so far, first day back at school after the Christmas Holiday plus the dark evenings, doesn’t make for a motivated runner. But after a very long day I ventured to the woods with the dog for a spot of running in the dark. I’m starting to get use to running at the night. I’m no longer terrified, although I never turn and look behind just in case I am being followed by an axe wielding maniac or a horde of zombies. Although getting out the car at a pitch black woods is never particularly inviting….

In an attempt to keep me on track to bettering last year’s Janathon I managed a couple of laps of the woods totalling 4.74 miles. Although the forester must have heard about the Rat Race Dirty Weekend as he threw a few obstacles at me: lots of mud, fallen trees and temporary fences.

Today’s mileage = 4.74

Janathon mileage = 13.73

Number of people seen = 0

Janathon Day 2

~ Phil Lengthorn ~ 4 Comments

The advantage of running in the morning is that you can walk round with a smug smile on your face knowing that you're ahead of the game. However, as I'm back to work tomorrow there will not be much opportunities for smug grins, so I'll be making the most of it today.

This morning's run took me on a 4ish mile loop of the town, it was all very quiet, most interesting thing I saw was a couple of workmen up a cherry picker fixing a lamppost. I did manage a picture, this is Red Hall, not entirely sure what goes on here, I think maybe it is where the local 'strange' groups meet….

Today's mileage = 4.25

Janathon mileage = 8.99

Number of squashed frogs = 0

Number of miserable gits who failed to say good morning when I ran past = 1

 

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!