Jumping into the Big Freezer as in the English Channel everyday? If you see us going in from the beach in Worthing please shout out 'bravo' rather than 'bonkers'... more
The Run Diary Archive Blog
CRYOTHERAPY - WHY FREEZING WATER IS GOOD FOR YOU

Since 1st January we've jumped into the sea for an icy dip, good for leg muscles if you're a runner, also the immune system and mental health...
THE NEED FOR SPEED AND STRAVA SEGMENTS

Our apartment on the South Coast is on the seafront so running on the prom and coastal paths is the flatter - and faster - training option...
Now back in the UK for the summer, life is a beach and not a mountain. Pounding the prom has taken over from powering uphill, picking up the pace to notch up Strava segment achievements... more
WHEN A STRAVA CHALLENGE CAN SEEM A STEP TOO FAR

Completing 200k in a month seemed doable except when there was still 100k left to complete which, being in the mountains, also meant metres of climbing ...
What was I thinking? When I clicked the box on Strava Challenges to complete 200k running during the month of May it seemed doable along with climbing 2000m, I also entered the 10k and 5k challenges for the month, which was really just pot hunting to have those Strava trophies... more
SURVIVAL RUNNING DURING LOCKDOWN IN FRANCE

In the Hautes Alpes in France exercise or walking dogs is only allowed with a permit for one hour at a distance of 1km. So running 10km is a challenge ...
How many different ways are there to run 1km from home and/or walk the dogs around the trails in order to vary the routine during lockdown?... more
GOING THE EXTRA MILE LITERALLY FOR 10K SNOW TRAIL

The Serre Chevalier 10km Snow Trail turned out to be an 11.75km and 580m vertical route involving running, hiking, sliding and wading through snow.
A 10km run in January? How hard could it be? Darned hard with over 500m vertical, off piste snow, icy chemins and nearly two extra kilometres thrown in... more
ON THE WHITE TRACK

In the last 12 months I've run up mountain roads, along sandy beaches and, this week, on the snow. When the sun's out and the track is hard (but not icy) it's a joy to jog along the groomed track with the dogs.
Being out in the mountains for the winter, it's good to mix it up a bit, exercise wise so not everyday is a ski day. There's also a 10k trail race coming up... more
I'M ON THE PODIUM AFTER RUNNING THE DEFI DU GRANON

I won! Well, technically, not the whole race but my category. And that's because there were no other mad old women over 60 attempting the gruelling Granon.
But although I was pretty stoked to have completed the 14km with over 1000m vertical Defi du Granon, vertical, sometimes just putting on trainers and going out for a run is what makes us all winners... more
ONWARDS AND EVER UPWARDS

So I'm back to running, mostly uphill as we are in the Alps, uploading loads to Strava and nearly completing the 2000m vertical challenge within 10 days.
Here in the mountains, the only way is up. And when our local but famous cols - Galibier, Granon and Izoard - are closed to traffic for three or so hours for cyclists it's a great opportunity as a runner to reconquer these landmark vertical challenges without dodging cars... more
FOMOOS: Fear Of Missing Out On Strava
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So I blame Strava. If it wasn't for having Strava I wouldn't have been so wound up seeing what everyone I know in the valley is doing fitness-wise...
Having had a stress fracture on my foot since the end of June when we arrived back in the French Alps, I've been off all games except for walking in stiff supportive hiking boots. When you're used to exercising at least three times a week, it's so hard to put your feet up (well, one foot) especially when all your friends are posting epic bike rides and long runs on Strava... more
OFF GAMES BUT NOT OFF MY HEAD

A slight (hopefully) injury has meant I am off games. Was I mad, though, to attempt a sub-50 minute 10k running barefoot on the sand? At my age? Ask Lewis Carroll...
It was on the last day in Tarifa, I was running another 10k barefoot along the beach when I felt a twinge in my right foot. But I was only half way and needed to turn around and run the second half as in 5k back on the sand. My time was good so I decided to go for speed and ramped up the pace... more
Resistance Running Up Dunes and Against the Wind

In Tarifa, there are two winds: Levante from the east and Poniente from the west. One way or another either of these winds is likely to be blowing...
So, for running it means which ever way you go there's going to be a wind in your face or at your back. Running into a Force 5/6 is good resistance training. And so is running up the 40m high sand dunes... more
END RESULTS - FINDING A MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING

Exploring a new area is one motivating reason for putting on your trainers with the potential reward of a 'beautiful destination' at the end of the trail.
Running can take you places that uplift the mind as well as the soul. For a month, I am in Tarifa in southern Spain where golden beaches stretch for miles and rugged hills rise up behind.... more
UPPING THE ANTE: HOW TO GET SKI FIT RUNNING UPHILL

Tic Toctober, the temperatures are dropping, the trees are changing, winter IS coming. It's time to up the ante to get ski fit for winter.
When you go skiing or snowboarding you want to hit the ground running - or rather riding - that is, not be out of breath after the first black run with aching quads after the first mogul. Running uphill is one of the best ways to get ski fit... more
When The Race Gets Tough, The Tough Race Ahead

The Defi du Granon is one of the toughest road races in the Alps, over 12km and 1000m vertical. But for some, it was like a walk in the park.
There are those who consider a speed bump a hill, and others who eat mountains for breakfast. As I enjoy running uphill in the mountains I relished the challenge of a steep road race. But three kilometres from the start I was choking on dust as the pack disappeared around the next bends... more
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

Four weeks ago I was sky running in the mountains, then racing on the hard roads - and now, in Madagascar, I'm making footprints in the sand.
In Madagascar for a month where the main roads are worse than mountain trails there's no alternative but to take off the trainers and run barefoot by the sea. Yep, life's a beach (when it's not a mountain)... more
HITTING THE ROAD. LITERALLY

So I survived roots and ruts trail running and then I hit the road. Literally. With only 3K to go of the Worthing 10K I tripped up spectacularly...
Do you stop, get bandaged and know your time will be a PW Personal Worst? Or keep going dripping blood and try to still make the 10K in under the hour? I had 27 seconds to make the decision... more
DANCING DOWNHILL: MOUNTAIN TRAIL RUNNING

When the chairlifts stop for the season in the mountains and the snow's disappearing, it's time to put on trainers and hit the trails...
Trail running in the mountains - skyrunning if it's above 2000m - is great for leg strengthening, core and stamina. Also for amazing views. And then there's dancing downhill... more
HOW TO KEEP RUNNING

How to keep running. The motivation you need to run long distance by Sports and Body Massage Therapist, Siggy Baylis, first time marathoner.
Siggy shares challenges, sweat, doubts, hard work and overall achievement finishing the Brighton Marathon, last month. What got her round the 26.2 miles? Long solo training runs, the motivation from other runners, the crowds cheering every step, the atmosphere, Fleetwood Mac's Go Your Own Way and the determination to cross the finish line for that marathon medal... more
ONE WEEK TO GO UNTIL THE BRIGHTON MARATHON

The 'eek' in one 'week' to go.
All the physical training for the Brighton Marathon on 15th April is now done as it's the final, tapering week. But now it's time for the mental preparation before running those 26.2 miles... more
THE FINISH IS IN SIGHT - IT'S THE COUNTDOWN TO THE MARATHON AND TIME TO STEP UP TRAINING

Run. Rest. Repeat.
The countdown to the 26.2miles of the Brighton Marathon on 15th April looms even closer. There are currently eight weeks until race day! But the idea is to prepare not to fail not fail to prepare... more
Fighting Fit. Upping Training for the Brighton Marathon

Training for a Marathon means not only becoming fighting fit but also fighting injury, niggling pain, blisters and those negative thoughts...
It's a significant milestone in anyone's life, to run a Marathon. Twenty six milestones, in fact. As a Sports and Body Massage Therapist, Siggy knows the benefits of listening and looking after your body - and is mindful of how much of a challenge it'll be mentally as well to compete the Brighton Marathon 2018... more
FIRST YOU FEEL LIKE DYING. THEN YOU FEEL REBORN

When you feel tired, questioning life, 'What’s the point?' 'Why me?'. When life is hard, when you feel unmotivated then fight to persevere further.
You should surround yourself with loved ones who motivate and inspire you. Your circle should be well-rounded and supportive. Keep it tight. Keep it private. Quality over quantity always. Some days you have to tighten up that ponytail and roll with the punches. Keep running. That’s what you have to do in order to feel alive, take a risk... more
LIFE IS LIKE A BAR OF TOBLERONE

It came as a bit of surprise when instead of beating my best times I found that they were getting slower, Then I realised that I wasn't catching up to other runners any more because age was catching up to me.
But around two years ago I put on trail shoes and ran up mountains going up steep inclines without stopping. And I can't quite explain it except to say it comes from the Forrest Gump school of endurance running as in putting on trainers and just heading for the hills... more
ALLEZ, ALLEZ, ALLEZ. RUNNING WITH CYCLISTS

Running up Col d'Izoard along with dozens of cyclists shouting 'allez, allez, allez' as they pedal past up the steep hill to 2360m is the best incentive.
In the mountains in France, a few of the key roads to the cols are closed to cars now and again for three to four hours. But not only does this give cyclists the roads to themselves but it's also a good opportunity for running without petrol fumes... more
SKYRUNNING - THE HEIGHT OF INSPIRATION

Skyrunning is an increasingly popular and gruelling sport - in essence it's extreme running at altitude.
In the mountains at the moment it's June and the snow is still thawing above 2300m so the trails are slick with overflowing streams and, sometimes, actual snow... more
THE TRAINERS ARE CALLING

Temperatures are warming up in the mountains where we live for the winter. It's good to put on trainers again when the snow begins to melt. But it's certainly not smooth running here in the mountains.
This varied terrain is good for pace and balance. It also keeps me on my toes, sometimes literally. And it's never boring when you have such amazing mountain views for inspiration... more
RUNNING UP THAT HILL

Remember Chris Frome famously having a crash in the Tour de France and having to run up the hill? I have just run up that same hill, the mighty Mount Ventoux pounding over the cyclists' names painted on the tarmac.
Yep, we're back in the mountains enjoying the warm autumn sun and glorious foliage displays before the snow envelopes them for the winter... more
RUNNING RESOLUTIONS

It's Blue Monday. Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year because of gloomy weather, stretched finances and a long wait for summer..
Now that winter has come the temperature drops and so does our motivation. In the New Year we set goals. But how do we make these our plan of action?... more
RUN UP TO WINTER

Winter is coming - and running is our way of getting extra fit for the ski season and back to fitness after recovery.
October can be a glorious month for running. Crisp sunny days. For me, it's time for even more hill running to get seriously fit for the winter ski season. For Siggy, running is her first step to getting her full fitness back after her ear operation... more
STOPPING IN YOUR TRACKS

The struggles that we face head on are there to test our abilities and we must try and stay in a positive mindset to never give up, no matter what the outcome or the battles we may lose, we must find the strength to keep going.
I couldn't see as I was stuck to the branch. She eventually rescued me and the episode tickled us after as it, literally, stopped me in my tracks... more
THE STRAVA ADDICTION

Does syncing your runs to Strava and doing challenges make you go faster, further and higher? And what happens when your Garmin packs up?
Doing a Strava challenge is definitely motivating even if you don't receive anything more than a virtual trophy that's locked in a virtual volt unless you pay! And it's game over when you Garmin watch decides not to take part... more
HIGHLY MOTIVATED

Well, there are all sorts of motivations for running. Getting fit, losing weight, winning races.
But what made me run those extra metres up to 2642m and the Col du Galibier in the French Alps? A photo opportunity... more
THE ONLY WAY IS UP

There's nothing like a challenge on the horizon to make you exercise more. Currently we're having a break from races after two half marathons, two 10Ks and one 5K within the past nine months.
But I just couldn't help clicking on the Strava icon, this morning. The 3000m Run Climbing Challenge icon for the month of July. Will it be an uphill struggle?... more
PINK POWER

We joined over 1500 women dressed in pink for an inspiring (and sunny) 5K along Worthing prom running for Cancer Research.
It isn't the speed that counts for Race For Life, it's the atmosphere. I know we are blessed to be able to run while those fighting cancer do not have the choice... more
BABY WE WERE BORN TO RUN

Last Sunday we bossed it, running a 10K race in Worthing and then going up to Wembley to dance to The Boss, Bruce Springsteen.
We were running on a sunny day in the Worthing 10K race along the seafront. Feeling the heat of what seemed like the first day of summer after weeks of rain and wind. And, then, it was ‘waiting on a sunny day’, dancing to Bruce Springsteen on the pitch at Wembley for three and a half hours. How to do long distance? Learn from The Boss, and his irrepressible high octane marathon performance... more
CROSSING THAT BRIDGE

Worrying about how you'll do in an upcoming race is a waste of energy. Do the training for the race, stay healthy and cross that performance bridge when you come to it...
No matter how much you plan for a race, how diligently you train, how healthily you eat, when it comes to the day, you just don't know how well you're going to run... more
10K ON THE HORIZON

We're back together, running again and already training for our next 10K in three weeks time. Yep, dogs and all.
I came back from the mountains two weeks ago along with the Jack Russells. Kiki and Beanie where we have been skiing all winter. Yep, even the dogs who come ski touring in the spring. They follow in our tracks when there's powder, loving the chase as we ski down. Usually it's around a three to four hour hike and ski so they're pretty fit. And I think I am, too. But ski fit is not the same as run fit - my thighs still ache when I start running again!... more
HOME RUN

Three months after Vegas, we decided to take part in the first Worthing Half Marathon on February 14th, 2016. Was is wise with no running training?
The first Half Marathon to be held in Worthing was too good an opportunity to miss in our home town. But with no running training (just skiing for me and gym for Sigs) before hand, could we complete it without walking (or popping home for tea as we passed our house six times)?... more
VIVA LAS VEGAS

We did it! 35,000 runners. Along The Strip. At night. With 40mph wind gusts. The Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon blew us away. Almost literally!
So it was just as well that we trained along the South Coast of the UK in windy November! Because it sure blew in Vegas! And rained. All 0.34ins monthly average in half an hour during the race... more
WEATHER OR NOT TO RUN?

You can control your pace, your distance, your timing but you've got absolutely no control over the weather...
So last weekend was our last scheduled long run before the Las Vegas Half Marathon. But the weather, on Friday, was pants. Windy and raining. And set for the weekend... more
FEELING RUN DOWN

When illness strikes the training schedule. No sweat? Or sweat it out?
Just when everything's going so well, illness strikes. Even just a cold can affect your ability and desire to train. To run or not to run? That's the burning question... more
RIGHT ON TRACK

A long run is part of our weekly running schedule, training for a half marathon. But it was a training run that found us running from a train.
Yesterday, we challenged ourselves - up monster hills, cross country, over dual carriageways, through farms and fields. And a railway line. Doing a 9 mile training run - and on track for Vegas... more
LAST 10K OF THE YEAR

Fitting in with our running schedule, the Worthing 10K gave the chance to test our fitness - and run together for the first three miles...
Four weeks before the Las Vegas Half Marathon, we run the Worthing 10K along the seafront. It was cloudy and sunny, with a cool North Easterly, perfect for a race in October. We have a cunning plan to run together. For once... more
CROSS TRAINING TACTICS
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Taking a break from running with an alternative exercise, once a week, can actually help keep focus - and strengthen both body and resolve.
Running up mountains and weight lifting in the gym. Yep we've both gone off-piste a bit from the normal training schedule for a half marathon but, let's face it, sticking to schedules can be a tad tedious... more
RUN WITH A VIEW

How to get motivated for a long run? Planning a route with a great view - or two - is one of the most inspirational reasons to put on trainers
Why do we run? On the list of motivational reasons, running for the sake of a view may not be at the top, way behind running to stay fit, eat loads of guilt free pasta, creating,PBs or competing on Strava... more