The Determined Runner

15/06/2026

A rare lovely weather day for today’s run. The sun was actually out and it was warm! That’s a rare combination so far this year ☀️
I know it’s been hot and sunny in lots of the UK, but we’ve missed most of it, come on the good weather, we want more ☀️☀️

09/06/2026

A great chance to test out some Inov8 kit, hopefully I’ll see you there? And don’t forget to share to anyone who might like to come 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Would you buy running shoes without trying them on the trails first? 🤔

🏃‍♂️ INOV8 Demo Run – Try Before You Buy! 👟

Curious about the latest trail running shoes and kit from INOV8? Join us at Cairngorm Mountain Sports in Aviemore for a relaxed demo afternoon where you can borrow the latest gear and take it out for a real-world test run.

✅ Try the new Trailfly V2
✅ Test the Trailfly Max V2
✅ Take the Racepac 4 running vest for a spin
✅ No booking required
✅ Run at your own pace on routes of your choice

📅 Wednesday 17th June
⏰ 12pm – 4pm
📍 Cairngorm Mountain Sports, Aviemore

There’s no better way to find out if a shoe works for you than taking it out on the trails. Pop in, chat running, test some kit, and see what all the fuss is about.

Tag a running buddy who should come along! 👇

06/06/2026

🌧️💦 Ifield Mill Pond parkrun… and without doubt the wettest parkrun I’ve ever run!

What a morning. A twisty, multi-lap course around the ponds, plenty of fellow parkrun tourists, and even swans and ducks sharing the route. The only thing missing was a canoe! 🦢🦆

By the time I finished, I was absolutely soaked. I’ve just spent the last half hour with a hair dryer trying to rescue my shoes, insoles, jacket and even my watch strap. To say I was wet would be an understatement! 😂

Despite the conditions, it was another enjoyable parkrun adventure and a valuable addition to the challenge collection. The visit ticked off another elusive “I” and completed my Old McDonald’s Challenge — E, I, E, I, O ✅

Sometimes the best parkruns aren’t the fastest or driest… they’re the ones you’ll never forget!

Have you ever finished a run wetter than this? 🌧️🏃‍♂️

Ifield Mill Pond parkrun

03/06/2026

"Who's that handsome bird?" 🐦

This chaffinch spent ages admiring its reflection in the shed window, which gave me the chance to capture a few close-up portraits. Nature's version of checking the mirror before heading out!

31/05/2026

Easy runs should be EASY. But they’re often the hardest runs to get right. 🏃‍♂️

Today’s 10k was all about keeping the effort under control and the heart rate low. Sounds simple, but it’s often one of the hardest things for runners to do.

Many of us fall into the trap of running every session at roughly the same pace – not easy enough to build aerobic fitness efficiently, but not hard enough to gain the benefits of a quality workout either. That “middle ground” can become a habit.

A true easy run should feel comfortable, conversational and, at times, frustratingly slow. It takes discipline to ignore the pace on your watch and focus on effort instead. The payoff? Better recovery, a stronger aerobic base and more energy when it’s time to run hard.

If you find low heart rate running difficult, you’re not alone. Slowing down enough to keep your heart rate in check can be a real challenge, especially when your legs want to go faster!

Keeping easy runs easy. 👍

23/05/2026

Crathes Castle parkrun is not flat, that’s official!

1st kilometre is -19m, 2nd kilometre +38m, 3rd kilometre -46m, 4th kilometre -3m then to finish it off the 5th kilometre is +33m!
Impossible to keep a steady pace which meant I felt like death at the end 😂
All good fun though 🏃‍♂️

Right, now for a tour of the castle and gardens, once I finish my coffee that is ☕️

Crathes Castle parkrun

16/05/2026

An early start today to drive down to this week's parkrun Levengrove parkrun

What a stunning park! Really impressive as soon as you arrive 🌴🌳

Bit of a quick warmup now, before heading to the start line. 3 laps of an undulating course, apparently, I might just take my time on this one and enjoy the views and sunshine ☀️

15/05/2026

“May in the Cairngorms.
Snow on the tops, dark skies, surprisingly busy trails, and one of those runs where you stop looking at the watch.”