About
This blog might be about running but it is also designed so that I have to write, which serves two good purposes at the same time. Run to write, write to run.
In the first year of this blog (to August 08) I ran more than 538 miles, or around 45 miles per month and published 156 posts, an average of 3 each week.
As Clustermap showed, in the year to October 08 I also somehow managed to notch up readers from around the world: in the US & Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Western Europe, the Middle East, India and China. Everyone is welcome!
I’d guess that you’d call me a recreational runner, but thanks to a combination of my gene pool and Andrea Wright, an amazing physio specialising in myofasical release techniques, I have a relatively efficient running style.
But in case you get the impression that running, writing and work are the only things I’m interested in, here are a few of my other pastimes:
I’m totally passionate about Driving, to the extent that I did a season in the Ginetta sprint & hillclimbing series a couple of years ago Shelsley Walsh Video and try to spend about a week being coached every year. This includes a regular annual trip to go ice driving in sub-zero Sweden, where tyres like the ones below really come into their own! Last trip I took immense pleasure in sliding a rear-wheel drive limousine around an ice-track. Sideways, of course.
Despite the pain associated with Skiing, including beaten up shoulders, cracked ribs and a broken collar bone, I just love it! There’s nothing to beat the fresh mountain air and the challenge of a good, fast carve or an energetic powder run.
I’ve been Kayaking since I was a kid and whilst I’m no expert, I really do have fun! My kayak fits so well on my car, but alas, not often enough!
DIY used to freak me out, as despite being a passionate designer, I was ham-fisted once I had the tools in my hand. The last few years I have started listening to advice and learning the requisite skills, from tiling and plastering to bricklaying and woodwork. While I definitely have a way to go, I recently made a 17 foot bench in my garage which is the envy of the chippie who told me how to go about it. Moreover, I really enjoyed the process… and I love the finished article!
I also designed and built an unusual tea-house in the garden… once again to critical acclaim!
I have always been fascinated by Design and aside from countless work related processes, exhibition stands, trolleys, clothing etc, I have so far designed two driveways, both of which were delightfully practical and house-enhancing, the bench mentioned above, some desks and bookcases and one house extension.
Gardening gives me a similar pleasure and has also taught me to be incredibly patient, which I used not be at all. In addition to providing stress relief and creative inspiration, it has also helped me create a wonderful outside environment.
When I was sixteen, I was adamant that I would not succumb to Photography, as it was a boring pastime! However, it had won me over by the time I reached twenty and whilst I’ve not won prizes for my images, there are a small number hanging on people’s walls.
Well, enough about me? Let me know!