Why Join A Running Club?

I have been a member of my local running club (Radcliffe Athletic Club) for five years now- and it has turned out to be my best running decision! Of course I was a little nervous turning up in front of group of new people who I assumed would ALL be just a few steps behind Mo Farah...

I needn't have been the slightest bit nervous- the people were incredibly welcoming, and the club catered for all abilities. Almost immediately I felt part of the club. So why should YOU join a Running Club?

1). You'll Meet Like-Minded People- We've all done a run that we're particularly proud of, and then been desperate to tell someone about it. But there's always that nagging thought in your mind that the person you're telling is just nodding along, thinking instead of listening to a fishing match on the radio. Nobody wants to be seen as a running 'bore'. Everyone at a Running Club appreciate your stories and feats and will take the time to listen, providing you listen to them as well!

2). You Can Exchange Advice and Ideas- Ever wondered how to improve your times? Ever wondered what to eat to improve performance? Which watch will be best for you? Well your local Running Club will be a mine of information! By simply running along, engaging in conversation, you will learn so much, and find out so much, rather than by 'Googling It'.

3). You Will Improve- Most Clubs will have groups of differing ability, from beginner to Farah-worriers. You will be able to enter a group that best suits your ability, and gradually as the weeks go by, you will notice improvements by simply being 'carried along', and pushed by other members.

4). You Will Be Aware of More Races- We've all seen the 'Hollywood' Races such as The London Marathon, The Great North Run and the Manchester 10K, searched online to enter, then realised that we needed a second mortgage to pay for it! Running Clubs will set up their own races, and advertise other local races. Helpfully, on most of the races the entry is negligible. Alternatively, you could sign up for your local Park Run, which is free!

I joined a Running Club... and never looked back!!!

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax

What's Your Favourite Running Playlist???

Like it or not, iPods and other MP3 players are here too stay. In my opinion they have revolutionised running. No longer are we bounding down a long street with just the traffic for company. Not only have we got a whole library at our fingertips, they don't skip either, so they are ideal for running and exercising!

The Running Geek asks you want your favourite playlist to run to is? Comments are welcome below, either as an extended playlist or just a few songs... 

Below are some of the songs that the Running Geek likes to rock out to!!!

1. AC/DC- Thunderstruck















2. The Who- Won't Get Fooled Again
















3. The Beastie Boys- Fight for Your Right (To Party)

4. Van Halen- Ain't Talking About Love

5. Ugly Kid Joe- Cats in the Cradle

6. The Cult- Fire Woman

7. Slade- Far, Far Away

8. The Sex Pistols- Pretty Vacant

9. Blackberry Smoke- Pretty Little Lie

10. Bon Jovi- Wild is the Wind

11. Bruce Springsteen- Dancing in the Dark

12. The Rolling Stones- Brown Sugar

13. Rammstein- Du Hast

14. Pat Benatar- Hit Me With Your Best Shot

15. Motley Crue- Wild Side

16. Creedance Clearwater Revival- Fortunate Son

17. The Doors- Roadhouse Blues

18. Guns 'N' Roses- You Could Be Mine

19. Led Zeppelin- Good Times, Bad Times

20. KISS- Crazy, Crazy Nights















...and many more I could have mentioned but didn't have the time!!! Remember- I want your comments and song suggestions!!!

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax

Running Geek Takes to the Fells!

As a roadrunner, I have always been dead against fell-running. I am very much about times and pace which is why roadrunning is perfect for me. I always thought those loose stones on the tracks would be key candidates for ankle snapping, and don't even get me started on the boggy bits!

However, basking in the early evening sunshine, I thought to myself, why the hell not? Sure there are some pretty tough hills to climb, but the scenery on the hills is to die for- and the moors are just on my doorstep...

I would be lying if I said that I wasn't tempted. As fate would have it, my running club- Radcliffe AC- (www.radcliffeac.org.uk) were running an experimental/taster fell session that evening. I jumped into the car and drove eagerly to the meeting point.

Still a little nervous and apprehensive, and very aware of the tales of death and destruction that go hand in hand on the moors, the group set off... straight up the nearest hill! And this was a taster session??? After a few minutes of climbing, despite the screaming pain in my thighs, I had the fell-running bug and make no mistake! To be away from the roads was very refreshing- the silence and fresh air were amazing! 

At our first checkpoint, as I stood breathing through my backside, hands on my knees, I looked across at the panoramic views... then picked my jaw up off the floor! The great county of Lancashire was visible in all of its glory in every direction. This, my running friends, was beauty itself! If I unsure about fell-running before, I was definitely sure as I drank in the rolling countryside that surrounded me. 

If the hill climbs were tough, then the down hill descents were purely exhilarating. The Pepsi Max Big One has nothing on this! Just letting yourself fly (almost!) down the side of a hill was absolutely breath-taking; scary though, but breath-taking!

On a serious note however, yes the fells are amazing, but for beginners like me, you must ALWAYS make sure that until you are very familiar with your surroundings, it is imperative to run with an experienced colleague. The weather was glorious on my fell debut, but the weather can, and often does, change in a matter of seconds. So if this does happen, an experienced runner will be able to guide you to safety. Secondly, you must ALWAYS carry a bumbag containing a whistle, compass, a map, emergency food and a change of clothes should the worst happen.

You can follow the Running Geek on Twitter @stevenlomax2. Alternatively, sign up to follow this blog, or contact the Running Geek directly on stevenlomax1984@gmail.com. You can also check on the Running Geek's progress on Strava under Steven Lomax

Running for Beginners

I can't count the amount of times people have either said- you're mad running all the time, or, I wish I could just run, but it hurts soooooo much! My stock answer is, I might be a little mad, but believe it or not, I actually ENJOY running! Why else would I do it? The answer to the second statement is, yes, it hurts a little at first, but stick with it and you won't regret it!

These top tips will help getting into running that bit easier!

1). Little and Often. I remember the days when I was a little fat pudding. Having been fit at school, I decided enough was enough. I strapped my trainers on, drew a line under my old ways, and headed out into the freezing cold night. I'll never forget that day as long as I live. I was determined to do this properly, so at first I simply went round the block. I hadn't gone far, but the feeling of achievement was incredible. The next day I went slightly further, then slightly further again. Sure enough, with a gradual build up, the weight fell off, and soon enough, I found myself at the start line of the 2005 Sheffield Half Marathon.

                                  

2). Get The Right Apparel. The reason for this point is two fold. Firstly, you want to look the part, and these days you can buy the full apparel for next to nothing from your local sports superstore. Secondly, you want to take this seriously, and getting the correct kit will get you into the right mindset- after all you are far less likely to give in if you have spent your hard earned money on running kit!

3). Appreciate that the First Few Runs WILL hurt! There is no getting away from this fact- but BE TOUGH- it will not last forever. At the end of my first run I came back with all manner of disgusting liquids pouring from my nose, my legs were aching and my lungs were screaming! However, after the first few runs you really will notice a difference in your fitness and tolerance of pain. After a fortnight of regular running you will be able to run and be in control of your breathing, and your muscles will finally accept that there is no getting away from this new lifestyle!

                                                

4). Find a Running Friend Who is Better Than You. After a few weeks, you will be running a reasonable distance without too much pain, and you may have noticed a change in body shape. To gain a foothold to the next level, find a friend who runs (there are plenty about!). Runners tend to be very accommodating people and will probably jump at the chance for some company. Their higher training capability will drag you up to the next level; plus they will invariably offer valuable training advice, and they will be as into running as you are, so you will both be 'like-minded'. 

                                                  

5). Enter A ParkRun. After approximately 6 weeks you will definitely notice a change in body shape and capability. If you are looking for the next challenge why not enter a race? The perfect starting point would be a ParkRun. These events are very inclusive, not too competitive, and best of all, they are free! If you go to parkrun.us (USA version), sign up, find your local race (loads across America every week!), print your bar code and race away!

Most importantly- have fun and enjoy running, because that's what it's all about! Remember, no matter how good somebody is, they have all had a 'first run', so get out there are enjoy it!