September

[glaconman]

Thanks for the kind words chaps.

I think you're right, perspectives change. And for the better in my case. I still love the competitive aspect of training and racing. But I appreciate the soft-edges more these days. In particular the cameraderie, the ritual and the spectacle of a race.

Autumn is well and truly here now. And it's my favorite time of the year in many ways. We were up in Kielder Water at the weekend, near the Scottish border, to try out some of the mountain bike tracks up there. Mrs G has a new MTB and I'm trying to encourage more off-road riding as a family. We're surrounded by some great trails in the South Pennines and The Dales.

I'd certainly recommend what's been developed up in Northumberland. Some wonderful routes through the woodland and up onto the moors.

What I'm really looking forward to now is the Cross Country season. There will be four league races plus the option of Yorshires, Northerns and Nationals. Plus relays. It's not everybody's cuppa-tea. But if you're reasonably fit they are the perfect platform for developing strength endurance, pacing and mental resilience (when you get the pacing wrong).

We have a fine tradition of this kind of running in Britian and long may it continue. If you're thinking of giving it a go here's a few articles to whet your appetite.


Proper Running
Not fad or fashion
Hunger Games