Run | Race | Relax

Ever wondered what it is like to take part in epic trail running adverntures like the Glencoe Skyline, Montane Spine Challenger or the Lakes Skyline to name but a few? The following pages give a little insight into pre-event preparation, getting to the finish line, the organisation of the events and an insight into my own personal experiences.

Run, I just tend to get out when I can. Race, like for most of us I think it's about making sure that when I get to the start line I feel like I've done enough and that I have no regrets. Relax, come on, who doesn't love the recovery time and the guilt free beer!

Training, events and other observations

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Jan 29, 2018

The Challenger of a lifetime

Jan 29, 2018

Bruised, battered and shattered. Thats how I felt when I crossed the line of the Montane Spine Challenger at just after 4pm on Sunday 14th Jan 2018 after running non stop in a 110 mile foot race. Those debilitating feelings quickly subsided as the wave of post race euphoria washed over me.

Jan 29, 2018

Jan 20, 2018

Why run it again?

Jan 20, 2018

A broken body, frazzled mind, utter exhaustion and perished feet. All that pain washed away with a complete feeling of euphoria as I crossed the line in 5th place, having just completed the Spine Challenger 2018 in 31 hours.

Jan 20, 2018

Nov 30, 2017

Post Ultra Run High

Nov 30, 2017

How many times have you made goals for a race only for them to fall away right at the start line? I was determined to make sure that wouldn't happen on my first attempt of the Brecon Beacons Ultra in November 2017.

Nov 30, 2017

Nov 16, 2017

Trying to finish strong in the Brecon Beacons Ultra

Nov 16, 2017

Training for the Brecon Beacons Ultra, setting the right goals and getting my hydration and nutrition right for race day.

Nov 16, 2017

Oct 25, 2017

Mountaineering in Chamonix

Oct 25, 2017

Up until last year the high Alps have only ever been a bit of a dream for me. Ever since I was a kid I have flirted with places like Grindelwald and the Eiger, Valais and the Matterhorn, Chamonix and Mont Blanc only through images in climbing magazines or the pages of books like the White Spider.

Oct 25, 2017

Oct 19, 2017

DNF is just a learning experience

Oct 19, 2017

My first ‘Did Not Finish’ was a little unexpected. Unexpected in that it had never even entered my mind in the lead up to the Ben Nevis Ultra on September 16th, that I would pull out at the 80k mark, still with 40ks to go.

Oct 19, 2017

Sep 6, 2017

The Tromso SkyRace

Sep 6, 2017

Extreme mountain racing? Running over knife edge ridges? Trashing your quads over thousands of meters of ascent and decent? All up inside the artic circle in Norway? Who wouldn’t want that?

Sep 6, 2017

Aug 12, 2017

Running the Laugavegur Trail

Aug 12, 2017

The Laugavegur trail in Iceland is an epic route for a run. The 55k track wides its way through an active volcanic landscape, barren lava fields and mind blowing gorges carved out by glacial melt waters. Just make sure you pack for all weathers!

Aug 12, 2017

Jul 12, 2017

Food considerations for trail running

Jul 12, 2017

Take a look at some of the food strategies I have stumbled upon through various online searches or worked out on my own while trail running. Have fun trying to establish what works for you and then stick to whatever works.

Jul 12, 2017

Jun 16, 2017

Review of Saucony Kinvara 8

Jun 16, 2017

The Saucony Kinvara 8 was released Q1 2017. I got a pair straightaway as i'd put a few miles into my Kinvara 7's and, although I definitely could have got more out of them, it was time for an upgrade. Here are my thoughts so far.

Jun 16, 2017

Apr 29, 2017

Montane Spine Challenger video updates

Apr 29, 2017

While on the Montane Spine Challenger a friend of mine encouraged me to take some video footage of the pre race prep and some snippets during the race. The clips in this post capture a look through my kit and then updates through the event to the finish in Hawes.

Apr 29, 2017

Apr 28, 2017

Cycling in Mallorca

Apr 28, 2017

Over the weekend of 21st, 22nd and 23rd of April 2017, a few friends and I went out to Port de Pollenca in Mallorca for a few days of cycling in the sunshine. The weather was amazing, the vibe was friendly and the cycling was just brilliant.

Apr 28, 2017