Last week I had the pleasure of going running with Julia Bleasdale. Yep, that’s right… the runner who came 8th in both 5,000m and 10,000m finals at the London Olympics, running a personal best time of 30:55.63 in the 10,000m race. the very same Julia Bleasdale who is ranked as the 9th fastest female 10,000m [...]
What we need are heroes
by simon on October 26, 2012 in news, opinions
I believe that one of the reasons for periods of time when certain nations or even regions dominate in any particular sport, is the presence of heroes. There are others factors, certainly, but being surrounded by people one knows or you can relate to who are doing amazing things, tends to be a hugely motivating [...]
New York, new London?
by simon on August 30, 2012 in news
The Wall Street Journal carried a story today that the three Americans who lined up for the Olympic marathon a couple of weeks ago, will all be racing in the New York City marathon on 4 November. I suppose this is not remarkable news, given that the New York marathon is one of the biggest [...]
Athletes and Injuries: A journey through London 2012
by simon on August 28, 2012 in news
Another treat from the wonderful Catherine Wilding, who in this post looks at the pattern of athletes and injuries, especially in the run-up to important championship competitions. But it really begs the question: are we all not susceptible to pushing too hard as the ‘big day’ approaches and tipping over from fit to broken…? [...]
Feather-weight comfort
by simon on August 27, 2012 in reviews, shoes
I like Adidas – I like the brand, I like the German-ness of the company. I like their focus on performance above all else. And I really like the products, especially the adiZero range. One of my favourite bits of kit – and I have quite a bit of kit! – is a second hand [...]
London Olympic Games Men’s marathon report
by simon on August 12, 2012 in news, races, reviews
As the London Olympic Games of 2012 draw to a close, the men’s marathon promised to be a fitting end to a wonderful few weeks of sport. Perfectly appointed to provide a stunning backdrop to the action, London was going to make the most of this final act in the Olympic athletics calendar. And we [...]
5 August 2012 9:41pm – a moment of inspiration
by simon on August 6, 2012 in news, opinions
Last night Usain St. Leo Bolt took a huge step to writing his name into the history books as a legend of sprinting by winning the 100m final at the London Olympic Games. And in doing so he has ensured that Basil Ince, author [...]
London Olympic Games: Saturday 4 August 2012
by simon on August 5, 2012 in news, opinions
An experience like nothing I’ve ever known before This is going to be one of the hardest posts I have ever written: I don’t want to rely on over-used superlatives to describe the experience of watching the Olympics in the athletics stadium last night, but that might be very tough indeed. Where to start? Well, [...]
Sub-4 minute mile… I don’t think so.
by simon on July 5, 2012 in reviews, shoes
Some of you might remember that a while ago I posted that two of the New Balance Milers – Andy Baddeley and Nick McCormick – had qualified for the 1500m at the London Olympic Games. You can read all about that here. When New Balance announced the news, I was told that I would also [...]
Oh no, Paula
by simon on July 4, 2012 in news
I have spent more time than I care to reveal hoping and wishing that Paula Radcliffe would reach the start line of the marathon at the London Olympic Games, fully fit and ready to race. I am afraid that I think there are women now who are faster, stronger and more aggressive, so I didn’t [...]
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