The Good Minutes Count I came across a post this morning that stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t dressed up with hashtags or soft edges. It was raw, uncomfortable, and honest about life with severe autism. I recognised more of my own world in it than I usually admit out loud. People often talk about autism in ways that … Read More
Ten Weeks on the Injury Bench – From Beach Steps to Moon Boot
Ten Weeks on the Injury Bench – From Beach Steps to Moon Boot Ten weeks ago, Joe dragged me off the last steps to the beach, it was all enthusiasm to get into the sea from a set of steps we’ve done so many times! It was an awkward twist, resulting in a very bad sprain, and just like that … Read More
Sunshine Run 2025 – Pushing Harder for a Cause That Matters
On Tuesday night I lined up – just about – for the Sunshine Run 2025, our annual charity 5K along the Newcastle Quayside. And I mean “just about.” We arrived with maybe 5 -10 minutes to spare. Joe isn’t one for waiting in a queue, so we did what we could – a short wander with the buggy, eyes scanning … Read More
The Sunshine Run 2025 – Why This One Matters More Than Ever
Twelve days from now, I’ll be lining up for the Sunshine Run 2025 – a 5K charity event along Newcastle’s Quayside, raising money for The Chronicle Sunshine Fund. It’s not just another race. It’s personal. What This Charity Did for Us When we were deep in the thick of figuring out how to keep moving as a family – buggy … Read More
Spring Relays 2025 – Teamwork, a Sprint Finish, and a Surprise Win
So Tuesday night (03/06/2025) I did a bit of racing. I was a last-minute reserve for the Spring Relays, stepping in to cover Leg 1 after someone had to drop. I figured I’d be there to make up the numbers. Turns out, I was actually needed — and even better, we went on to win. Leg 1: A Familiar Route, … Read More
When the Shoes You Trust Start Failing You (And You Don’t Even Notice)
I’ve always rolled my eyes at the phrase “everything is content” – but maybe this one is. I’m not one for the selfie sprints or a bounce cam reel. There’s a whole generation of runners now in slick vests, perfect lighting, and product tagged videos – and fair play to them. Me? I run in kit that’s probably past its … Read More
Running Safe: Strava Privacy Tips That Actually Work
Why Strava Privacy Matters Using Strava is a fantastic way to track your runs and connect with fellow athletes. However, sharing your routes can inadvertently expose personal information, like your home address or daily routines. Let’s explore how to use Strava’s privacy settings effectively to keep your activities secure. Key Strava Privacy Features 1. Privacy Zones Strava allows you to … Read More
Listen to Your Legs: When Running Pain Isn’t Just Part of the Warm-Up
You know the drill – something aches, you assume it’ll loosen up once you’re moving, and you push through. Most of the time? Fine. But sometimes, that pain has other plans. That’s where I found myself last week. A run on Wednesday ended with my shins barking. Saturday’s parkrun? Same again. That familiar niggle hadn’t just tagged along for the … Read More
Newbiggin parkrun – Feeling the Chill, Finding the Fire
Back to the familiar sands of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun for event #321 – and despite it not being cold-cold, that wind chill definitely bit through early on. A bit of a brisk start but once we got going, I found a decent rhythm, even managing to run both hills this time. Slowed to recover at the top of the second, but … Read More
The ‘Whatever’s Convenient’ Diet Plan
How I try (and sometimes fail) to eat well as a parent, runner, and human being Like most parents, I operate on a revolutionary meal plan I call “Whatever’s Convenient.” If you’ve never experienced the thrill of shovelling leftover fish fingers into your face while standing at the kitchen counter, are you even doing it right? Add to that the … Read More