Sisyphus AC

Depression stopped me running; can I now reclaim the trails?

They say that outdoor exercise, particularly running, is the best way to improve mental health. But what happens when mental state becomes a barrier to running? This is my 6-month journey from reasonably fit marathon runner to overweight non-runner. I’m now coming back, but this time it’s the mind that must lead the body…

Preparing a fastpack adventure in 7 steps: 1st, face your fears!

The first in a series of posts looking at different aspects of planning a fastpacking mountain adventure as an average person with a family and job.

Monday Photos 2021 #12 – “A Woodland Adventure”

This week’s photos of the week that was are from Philip and my woodland camping experience! We spent 3 nights at the beautiful Fire and Stars Woodland Camping, in the National Forrest in Leicestershire. It was all that we had hoped for and more, with very roomy pitches, each shielded by the others by trees…

Monday Photos 2021 #11 – “Dad win”

My latest foray in an area I know nothing about was to attempt to dismantle, repair and reassemble my 14yo Kärcher pressure washer. It was bound to end in tears, but would they be of frustration or satisfaction?

Monday Photos 2021 #10: “Fruits of our Labours”

I’ve been kept away from blogging and running by a stupid chest infection which seemed to take all wind out of my sails, but with that behind me, I’d like to pick up where I left off: half-way through my first brickwork project, building a BBQ in time for the Greek Easter (which this year…

Monday Photos 2021 #09: “New Tricks for Old Dogs”

Call it (very) early onset mid-life crisis, but last week I set about trying two things I had absolutely no experience in or knowledge of: brickwork and using clip-on pedals! My hands still have the marks of both these endeavours (“Argh, you have a woman’s hands m’lord!“*), but as they both carried through to this…

Running the London Marathon for…

First in a series of posts showcasing the great work The Children’s Society does through words of real people. Today: Molly’s Story and #YoungCarers. I am running the #LondonMarathon to fundraise for them, details inside!

Monday Photos 2021 #08: “Miles and bites”

The ‘week that was’ was filled with friends, runs in beautiful places, lots of yummy food and the formation of new habits! The week’s LR was a social run with three more Harriers; I followed them on beautiful trails I hadn’t been on before, and the good company helped the miles flew past and even…

Monday Photos 2021 #07: “A Tale of Two Runs”

It’s usually the other way round: The longish run in Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods is the one that is good for my soul and photo collection (whatever it might do to my body!), while the shorter, easier runs within a 2 mi radious from home are my bread and butter runs: very important building…

Monday Photos 2021 #06: “The DateRide”

We decided to do something different with Demi for our #DateRun last weekend, and we turned it into a #DateRide. Cycling is one of those things that Demi enjoys doing, but doesn’t necessarily enjoy thinking about doing – if that makes sense. So we decided to make more of an effort to get out on…