Running

Thanks, this is incredibly helpful and I think I'm going to give it a go. The Tuesday long run is going to have to be evening, I don't think I can get up early enough to do morning; my main concern is that it's going to play havoc with my south east beers attendance, but that wasn't very good anyway.

I did actually manage the 12 mile run while at a festival in north Wales, but failed to do the hour the next day - the 60mph winds were a bit much for me. At least I got the long run in.

Time to plot a 14 mile run home...

Correctomundo zero cushioning, but so so surefooted and a great fit. I've run 8 miles on road with mine without issues, surprising considering how much my right foot overpronates- beginning to think the whole cushioning thing is bollocks though

Whether cushioning is good or not is cyclical.

One minute it's "Born to Run" and the Tarahumara and then next it's Hokas and 32mm+ cushioning, then a few years later we're back to Huaraches (no, not the Nike shite).

Meh.

I find this video replying to the whole cushioned/minimalistic cyclic fud quite well:

https://vimeo.com/126720173

Whether cushioning is good or not is marketing.

Ftfy.

Good vid. I must admit it hadn't occurred to me that seeing a shoe supposedly "correcting" for overpronation only shows you what the shoe is doing, and not what the foot is doing inside the shoe. I really think gait analyses should be taken with a pinch of salt.

I've had my share of injuries but I've got no evidence to suggest any of them have been caused by the shoes I wear, or that they could have been avoided by wearing something else.* So I guess I'm in the camp of an experienced runner who should go with what I know. And I agree with the advice for the beginner runner as well. Try on a few pairs (preferably in a shop without any biased agenda) and go with whatever feels most comfortable. After that, if it ain't broke don't fix it. (At least until forced to when the manufacturer discontinues your favourite shoe. Grrr!)

*Although I do have a suspicion - shared by a podiatrist - that the ridiculously cushioned Adidas Ultra Boost caused me problems after just a couple of 5 mile runs, due to being so unstable. A bit like running over a mattress with pillows strapped to your feet.

Does anyone have any suggestion about trail routes in South London (or easily reachable from)?

I have recently moved to East Dulwich and I am lacking ideas besides:

• ride to Richmond Park and run there
  
• drive to the North Downs and run there
  
  

It's a bit samey, but you can run around the perimeter of Dulwich park - there's a purpose made trail there, which will involve hurdling dogs every now and again but it's a bit more involving than the road.

Other than that, and far more "proper", there's the woods, which can get very muddy at this time of year but have (in some cases significant) elevation changes and are in general great fun to run through - I'd go through the gate to Cox's walk, then through the gate in front of you to enter the main woods, keeping the golf course on your right, then explore.

Cox's Walk
London SE22 8YU, UK
51.443193, -0.067743

Thanks! I ran the perimeter of Dulwich Park already but the woods seem far more interesting. I will give it a try this weekend.

35 miles so far in December. If anything I am getting slower but miles is smiles etc (not really, I feel like someone's put me in a cold tumble dryer)

Took my hangover to parkrun. It didn't help me run faster.

15k run tomorrow morning in the wind to finish off my week, already looking forward to having done it.

Beckenham Place Park is worth an explore too, lots of trails and a fair amount of elevation change.

Xc today. Exciting.

Good xc conditions, brought a few grams of mud home.

Firmly middle of pack, but up on those who were up to 1min ahead last time and felt run was fairly well paced.

Still amazed by the wide arcs people will run to avoid the mud. Straight lining it through is quicker for sure.

Today I ran part of the marathon route (ie. Marathon to Athens). It was awful, terrible roads and mental Greek drivers. Would not recommend.

Today I ran part of the marathon route (ie. Marathon to Athens). It was awful, terrible roads and mental Greek drivers. Would not recommend.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami has a good section on exactly this.

That photo explains why most people are faster than me at running. By the looks of it my right leg alone would weigh more than the majority of you.

Am sure weight is a factor for some however many of the Frontrunners are muscley not so skinny.

In other news my skinny arms couldn't get some of my old spikes loose, had to resort to locking pliers:

they were well worn (12 mm new):

Have used some Fenwicks Copper grease on the new set.

Not got a spike key?

Am sure weight is a factor for some however many of the Frontrunners are muscley not so skinny.

I'm just big boned, and jealous of those who aren't.

Boring and probably stupid training plan q, sorry:

With marathon/ultra training plans is it a major issue if I don't run the day after my long run? I've got 16 miles planned for Tuesday evening (no time in the morning) and my work Christmas do on Wednesday, and the thought of doing another run less than 12 hours after the 16 miler really doesn't appeal...

I know, I read it but still thought I should give it a go...

Depends how hard you party - I caned it Friday night and been sleeping pretty much solid since, my body can t train and drink. Was supposed to do 20 miles today, gave up after 12.

Some great trails in the woods.