Tag Archives: running

On the old railway line

Sunday 13th July 2025, 12.10pm (day 5,081)

Old railway line, 13/7/25

Originally I was heading for the Scottish Highlands again today, but a general sense that it was not the right time was confirmed by a dubious weather forecast — not for today, which remained a pleasant day, but for tomorrow, Monday, a forecast of wet weather which I already know as I post this seems to have come to pass. So I made the right decision, stayed in Dundee, and went out on a walk anyway, which included this agreeable stretch of woodland growing along what, a century or more ago, was one of Scotland’s first railway lines. Like many such spots it now exercises legs rather than engines, but is none the worse for it.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Alex needs a spray

Sunday 27th April 2025, 12.55pm (day 4,994)

Marathon finish, 26/4/25

The Manchester marathon took place in quite warm conditions and Alex definitely needed this assistance as he passed the 26-mile marker, thus, 385 yards to go. By the time she reached this point — over four hours later — Clare was also very much in need of some water, but she made it nevertheless, thus completing her second marathon after Edinburgh in May last year. That’s two more than I have ever done, or ever will do: even at walking pace (like, up a mountain or something) I see no need to ever propel myself 26.2 miles in one day. Well done to all who do so.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clare, nine miles in

Sunday 30th March 2025, 1.10pm (day 4,966)

Clare running, canal, 30/3/25

The wife was doing her latest excessively long bout of exercise, as she trains up for her second marathon in April. 22 miles today I believe. 9 miles in, our paths crossed briefly, then, off she went eastwards.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Clare’s marathon debut – 20 miles in

Sunday 26th May 2024, 2.40pm (day 4,658)

Clare, marathon woman, 26/5/24

No apologies for putting up the cheesy-grin family shot today as the day was all about Clare, who ran her first ever marathon in a time of 6 hours and 1 minute. The Edinburgh marathon started in the city, headed out along the coast, turned around and came back as far as Musselburgh. This is Longniddry, where Joe and I caught up with her at about the 20 mile mark. She looked, as you can see, fresh as a daisy, and from this point on I had absolutely no doubt that she would finish. I know what this has taken in terms of training — an immense effort! And I am very sure it won’t be her last. (Will I be taking up the challenge? No chance.)

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Running in Mayesbrook Park

Friday 28th July 2023, 7.20pm (day 4,355)

Mayesbrook Park runner, 28/7/23

He was running, mostly. A few minutes after I took this one he passed me on another lap. When I was running — this is a while ago now — I would never have thought of doing so on a Friday evening, but each to their own.

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Morning run, Cromarty Firth

Wednesday 12th July 2023, 8.55am (day 4,339)

Cromarty Firth run, 12/7/23

More athleticism. Clare is in training and demanded a hill to run up. The tiny settlement of Nigg, on the Cromarty Firth, obliged this morning. The return to the Black Isle region was motivated largely by my desire to get more photographs of it, particularly of this firth thanks to its collection of old oil rigs and vessels that are either mothballed or being decommissioned. It’s proof that industry need not wreck a landscape.

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunday morning run

Sunday 28th May 2023, 9.05am (day 4,294)

Runners from above, 28/5/23

An official run as well, hence the steward directing them up Lees Road. Around 9.5km to go, including up to Heptonstall, which is a considerable effort even at walking pace. Taken from inside my place, so apologies for the reflections, telephone wire, etc.

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

London Marathon, five miles in

Sunday 23rd April 2023, 10.30am (day 4,259)

London Marathon, 23/4/23

When this weekend in London was organised I had no idea that the London Marathon was being run this Sunday morning, although with hindsight, this certainly explained the dearth of hotel rooms. Never mind, it was nice to get out (albeit in the rain) to a point on the route relatively near to our accommodation and watch this massive river of people flow past: 45,000 people were participating, and we must have seen at least three-quarters of them come down the Woolwich Road. This photo was taken exactly 12 minutes after the leading men came past, so Amy’s doing pretty well.

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

St Pol Striders, 24 hours in

Sunday 8th August 2021, 11.40am (day 3,636)

St Pol striders, 8/8/21

The Striders are a local running group. Yesterday, they set out to run a 5km lap, on the hour, every hour, for 24 hours. This was taken at the end of the last one. Jilly, in the middle with the white top, did 20 of these laps — thus, she has run 100km (or over 60 miles) since Saturday, with a couple of hours of dozing at about 3am. I am in awe of this; if I walk more than about 10 miles these days I feel knackered and have to rest for a day or so.

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Supporters

Sunday 25th February 2018, 11.35am (day 2,376)

Brighton half, 25/2/18

It’s getting on for a decade since I last tried to get myself (more precisely, my left knee) round 13.1 miles, but Clare still does it now and again in her regular 2:45. Hence, the Brighton half-marathon has become an annual staple of the blog, this is at least its third appearance. Well done to all the finishers, in whatever time they make it; I know what it takes…

Tagged , , , , , , ,