A Saturday Run Through

Still Grounded

Sometimes there is a perverse pleasure in an enforced rest and the sudden opportunity to do nothing but take pity on yourself. I am not a fan of self-pity even though it is something at which I seem to be able to excel. I am happy though that I can use my non-running time, due to a chesty cold, to catch up with all sorts of reading.

Nothing nicer than a cup of tea and some new books

I have two new books on my e-reader:

• Feet in the Clouds by Richard Askwith
• Running Free - A Runner's Journey Back to Nature by Richard Askwith

 

The perfect read for a lazy afternoon

Feet in the Clouds

This e-book is the 10th anniversary edition with a wonderful foreword by Robert Macfarlane. It is an iconic running read and one I am looking forward to delving into. It is about his experience of running through the fells but it taps into the mindset of a runner and its publication resulted in vast numbers of people taking up the sport.

Running Free - A Runner's Jouney Back to Nature

Many years later and we have Askwith developing into a runner who is turning his attention away from the heavily commercialised and competitive global sport running has become and back to a more natural approach to getting out into the landscape and enjoying the simple pleasures of a run.

I would like to read his book because it sounds as if it may resonate with my own reasons for running. I didn't want to read one without the other and so I have added both to my library. I was intrigued by the very enjoyable review of 'Running Free' in The Saturday Guardian non-fiction review by Rose George which inspired me to finally get round to reading his work.  The book can be found by clicking the link.

The Guardian Running Blog has lots of excellent articles
 for times when you can't get out running
as well as inspiring you for times when you can!

I have only recently become a Guardian reader and am enjoying their running blog which is available here.  This weekend they have an interesting article about using  foam rollers.

There were several articles about running in this newspaper today. I was amused by Bim Adewunmi describing how much fun it is going for a social run. This is something I adore and every Monday evening I enjoy a good run and natter with some lovely runners. I would definitely encourage anyone thinking about setting up a little group of their own to go ahead as it will bring a lot of joy as well as doing you a lot of good.

Many good articles in The Guardian about running to keep me busy this weekend

Another interesting read, and timely warning for any marathon runners, was an article by David Byrom. David had a very lucky escape after ignoring the warnings his body was giving him when racing in the London Marathon and who has now returned to running for the pure joy of it. He concentrates his runs now to take in his surroundings without damaging his body for the sake of a race time. 

A more simple approach to running seems to be the theme of the articles and book recommendations I read today and one that I whole heartedly endorse so that we can all be safe, well and happy with our running lives.

Now that Spring has sprung I am looking forward to getting well and going out soon for a gentle run through the fields of Mersea.

My Spring garden just before a shower of light hail.
This is what makes me want to get out and run.