Running films

I am not really a film buff, but I do like to listen to the radio 5 film podcast each week (often we listen to it when we are cooking/ eating dinner on Friday night) and I do like going to the cinema or having a movie night at home.

I have a guest post for you today all about films:

Top 5 Films for Runners

If you’re an enthusiastic runner, with a love of pounding the pavements and clocking up the miles in your battered running shoes, it’s likely that something or someone inspired you to take up running as a hobby.

Maybe it was a friend, who preached the benefit of how much they enjoying running and the wonders it was doing for their health and fitness? Or perhaps it was just the sight of another runner, with that peaceful, content look on their face that only comes with long distance running.

Chances are though, your inspiration to take up running will have come from something you’ve seen in a film. Running is a powerful metaphor on screen and is often used to symbolise a character’s physical and mental enlightenment.

Check out these top 5 films for runners to see if the one that influenced you made the cut.

Rocky

This 1970s classic inspired a generation of people to take up running and we can definitely thank Sylvester Stallone and the creators of Rocky for the canonical status of ‘Eye of the Tiger’ on the runner’s iPod.

Rocky had such a massive impact on running culture that the location of the famous ‘running up the steps scene’, has turned into something of a runner’s mecca. The 72 stone steps to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have become known as the ‘Rocky Steps’ and attract enthusiastic joggers and runners, keen to mimic this iconic scene.

The scene has even been recreated in other films, including the 2005 rom-com In Her Shoes (which was actually filmed in the same location) and the hit 1996 comedy The Nutty Professor, and symbolises a character reaching a state of mental and physical improvement. Definitely one to watch if you’re in need of inspiration!

Forrest Gump

“From that day on, if I was going somewhere, I was running!”

It’s got to be one of the most memorable running quotes in movie history and equally, one of the most touching representations of running as a source of comfort and a coping mechanism, when things in life get tough.

We follow Forrest as he makes his way across the United States of America (and back, because he ran out of land), inspiring and motivating people along his way, and even encouraging some to follow him on his journey.

And when asked why he’s undertaken his challenge, Tom Hanks’ lovable character responds with an answer that sums up why so many of us took up this pursuit: “I just felt like running.”

Run Fatboy Run

This is the film to watch if you’re starting out as runner and you’re feeling daunted by the fact that you’re, quite frankly, not very good at it.

Simon Pegg’s lovable underdog character is never going to come first in a marathon – even jogging is a bit of a struggle with his little pot belly – but you can’t help but root for him as proves himself worthy to the woman he loves.

Runaway Bride

We’ve all been in situations in life when we’ve just felt like running away. In this 1996 rom-com, Julia Roberts does just that; from a selection of weddings where she is the bride!

I’m not sure what the feminists would make of it and how it represents female sacrifice to male authority, but I’m always touched by the scene when Roberts surrenders her running shoes to Gere, as a symbol that she will not run away from their love.

Silver Linings Playbook

We’re definitely beginning to see a trend here, when it comes to the cinematic representation of running as a method of taking control of one’s life and coping with difficulty!

The 2012 hit movie Silver Linings Playbook has already been heralded as a modern day classic and was heavily praised at last year’s Oscar ceremony, with lead Jennifer Lawrence taking home the award for Best Actress.

It may be testament to how hot Bradley Cooper actually is, that he manages to pull off a bin bag better than most men would an Armani suit, but it’s worth bearing in mind that running in one of these can be on the dangerous side. That said, we wouldn’t advise running in a wedding dress either!

Friends – ‘The One Where Phoebe Runs’

Okay, it’s not actually a film – but when it comes to running on screen, Phoebe Buffay’s distinctive running style deserved a place in the top five.

We’ve all got a friend whose running style is bizarre and embarrassing enough, that you’ll push yourself even further on your run to put some distance between you and them! However, it’s an important reminder to any runner that it’s not about looking good when you’re clocking up the miles. It’s about putting passion into your running and enjoying yourself as you get fit!

The movies – and that one memorable piece of TV gold – may hammer home the message that we run to get away from things and to cope with life’s difficulties, but you have to remember that this is more down to artistic license. We’re going to go with Forrest’s conclusion and explain our passionate love for running on the basis that we just felt like running one day!

Today’s article is courtesy of Jack Collier, who is an avid writer and blogger of all things running related. His article was written on behalf of Millet Sports, a leading supplier of running shoes, clothing and accessories. 

I have only seen three of those films (and the Friends episode)- can you guess which ones? I want to add to that the How I Met Your Mother episode when Barney ran the New York marathon- I could totally sympathise with him in that!

What type of films/ TV shows do you find inspiring? I love watching things like the Eddie Izzard challenges, or when James Cracknell ran the Marathon des Sables.

*Sponsored post

Cough cough

Hey peeps, hope you are all well. I seem to have some kind of summer lurgy so not feeling so great. On Monday it was so hot so I just went on a short 3 ish mile run- I ran through the fields near me to a shaded path, and ran up and down the path several (3 or 4) times and then headed back.

The next morning I appreciated a cool breakfast- muesli with almond milk, peach, and strawberries and raspberries from the allotment, plus a drizzle of nut butter (think that was meridian peanut but not sure!) plus an iced mint tea.

On Tuesday at work we had sports day practice so I was out in the sun all morning (as I was on playground duty too)- the classrooms are so hot now (mine was 23C this morning which is cooler than it has been) and by the time I got home I felt awful- so hot and achy and a bit sick. I was planning on having a run but I was sensible and lay on the sofa instead.

I didn’t feel like getting hot in the kitchen, and Andy was cooking himself some spaghetti, so I had some of that with some balsamic tomatoes and some avocado. Random but it was quite summery and the flavours went well, although a bit of basil would have been good.

Wednesday was actual sports day, which is always a super fun day. But again pretty tiring. I even ran barefoot for a bit! At the end of the morning we have a staff race, and this year it was a three legged race. I had slip on pumps and my partner had sandals so we both ran barefoot- it was actually quite fun and in the end we even got into a rhythm!

I had to rush home to do some on-line training, and then it was time for Sweatshop run. I was feeling pretty tired, so I headed up early which meant I could run/walk instead of run the whole way there. One of our members has completed 50 runs in 52 weeks, so he gets a Garmin! He also got to choose the route, which thankfully was a short one with quite a bit of shade. I still found it tough and didn’t catch my brother up until 1.5 miles- normally we run together for a bit before he slows down.

The guys in the shop had bought a cake to celebrate the 50 runs! I was offered a slice but as I had to run home I took it in some tissue to have after dinner.

I didn’t fancy much so I had a veggie burger (this was a Goodlife spicy bean burger- bought some last week for lazy dinners) with some spinach and some cherry tomatoes roasted in balsamic. I had a little almond butter on it as I fancied something a bit salty.

Since then I have been coughing like crazy- I had such an early night but have been feeling ropey today- really achy, especially my neck. So I gave pump a miss this evening and we went out on a walk in the evening sunshine instead.

But, the weekend is nearly here, so let’s look forward to that! We have a 10K race on Sunday, I am hoping it won;t be too hot. I still really want to get a sub 60 min time, and this course is flat, but also in the open (no shade) so if it is too warm I will be kissing that goal goodbye. Or of course if this cough continues. What are you looking forward to this weekend?

Sunny Saturday

Wow the weather is gorgeous here!

Suncream and sunglasses on, I headed to the park as I was helping out again at Parkrun. As I was there early I was sent to marshal at one of the further points on the course. I got to wear a high viz jacket- so official 🙂

I was all set up at about ten to 9, so had a little time to find a shady spot and take some pictures.

The route is pretty flat, but this little steep bit is super tough on the way back- it is short but my head was lower than the bottom of that bin I think- it is steep!

There were loads of runners heading through the park, and quite a few people stopped to ask me what was happening, and what the run involved- think I may have signed up a few more people! They ran down towards me and my goodness me the front runners are so speedy.

The park was so busy with people walking dogs, cycling etc, but I managed to snap a few pictures while it was quieter.

Photo: Parkrunners in the distance

I could see the runners in the distance as they then all go around the lake 3 times before coming back up past me before the final stretch. I think there were about 200 of them- impressive!

I loved being a marshal- there was only about ten minutes (if that) between the last people going past me down, and the first runners heading back. I was trying to be encouraging, and it was lovely when the runners said thanks (or just nodded/ smiled- not always easy to speak when you are running fast). Once the last few people had gone I walked back to the start, and a lot of runners said thanks to me on their way home, which was just lovely and very unexpected. Hands were sore from clapping by then!

It was such a beautiful day so I went for a walk around the lake.

Ducklings! They are my favourite. There were loads of cygnets and goslings about too, but the ducklings win the cuteness factor for me.

I was totally baking by the time I got back to the car, so I headed to Starbucks for a cool down. I had packed a bottle of water but it was warm after being sat in my car all that time. Then I was off to the school summer fayre where I was helping out.

When I got home it was time for a late lunch- sourdough with almond butter on one piece and lemon curd on the other, plus a peach and some lychees, and a lavender earl grey tea. I used the new Rude Health almond drink – it is very creamy and very sweet tasting- it doesn’t have added sugar, apparently the rice in it adds to the sweetness.

Last night I picked another tub of fruit- this is strawberries, raspberries, loads of blackcurrants (going to make a cheesecake for tomorrow) and a sprinkling of redcurrants. I am going to potter around at home, and head out on a run later on when it is a bit cooler (maybe?).

How has your Saturday been so far? 

Magic Mile!

Hey peeps!

As you all know, I am a little obsessed with Marathon Talk. I am nearly all caught up again after being behind for so long (long runs with Andy meant I chatted to him instead of listening to them so I had rather a backlog).

For the last few years they have launched a Magic Mile challenge for the summer. Basically you sign up to run one mile as fast as you possibly can. Previously they have had Team UK, Team USA and Team Rest of the World (all against each other) but this year it is good old fashioned boys v girls. But taking part is worth more than anything else- they don’t care if you run a 4 min mile (in my dreams!) or a 12 minute mile.

You can sign up here– it’s just for fun! I’m in, are you?? (Edit- it seems to be taking me to the 2012 competition, but according to their facebook page it will be up and running this evening).

In 2011 I signed up and was shocked that I managed to run a mile in 7.53– that may be normal running speed for some of you, but I think at that point I had only just scraped under 9 minute miles for 5K’s. So this year I want to beat that time. They are going to be talking about specific training sessions on the podcasts, but of course you don’t have to do those if you don’t want. The mile time has to be logged between the end of August and the start of September so you have a while to get up to speed.

This evening was a Sweatshop run- we had not been on The Hill route for a while, and it showed- apparently I was much slower going up it (according to the guy from the shop) but overall I managed my normal speed which I was glad about after finding I had such stiff legs on my run yesterday.

Anyone else up for the challenge?

Do you prefer short and sharp workouts or long and gentle ones?

Nut butter loving and ZMA

Hey everyone, I hope your weeks have all got off to a good start.

Yesterday we had to go to a funeral down in Southampton, and didn’t get home until about 8pm. But today has been back to normal, thankfully.

At the weekend I bought some of the new Meridian nut butters- Almond and peanut. They are lovely! I tried to make some apricot and almond jam (from my Superjam cookbook) but I think I overcooked it as it has set very solid!

Andy had bought some hot cross buns as Grand Prix snacks, so I toasted one for lunch on Sunday with some peanut butter, and put some of the jam on one side (you can see how solid the jam was!). Plus apricots and doughnut peach (from Asda- so delicious).

I have also been loving it for breakfast on overnight muesli. This one had strawberries and blueberries as well as chia seeds, muesli and almond milk. Today I had a similar one with a peach in there too.

I posted this the other day but it was sooooo good! Sourdough toast, nut butter and then blueberry sauce (made with blueberries, a splash of water and a tsp coconut sugar cooked in a pan until bubbly).

When I was in town on Saturday I saw this peanut butter ice cream in M&S- Andy had mentioned before that he wanted to try it, so I bought some as a treat. Then I realised that I had parked in Waitrose and also needed to pop in there so I had to do some speedy walking and shopping so I could get home before it would melt!

It is such delicious ice cream- the best peanut butter stuff I have tried in England (and I have tried a few…)- the peanut butter swirl was quite salty so I have had it with fresh strawberries (these are from the allotment) and a sliced peach. At least because it is so rich we only need a small amount- we have already had two servings each and there is still quite a bit left in the pot.

Today I went on a short run after work. I bumped into some of the Sweatshop runners (there is a beginners course on Tuesdays and I found out at the weekend that some of the Wednesday group have been volunteering as sweeper runners on Tuesdays)- they did invite me to join them but I want to save my legs for tomorrow. I actually had really stiff legs today which surprised me. I appreciate a rest day after a long run, but often find the first run back tough as I think my legs prefer to keep moving. Normally I would have a more “active” rest day (with a walk or the allotment or something) but that couldn’t happen yesterday of course.

Sadly no nut butter in my dinner! I have made 3 more lots of this for lunch this week. I sliced a big pack (350g) cherry tomatoes and put them in a tray with some balsamic, dried basil and a little salt. I then left them in a low oven for nearly an hour (I had a shower and Andy cooked his dinner). I cooked some quinoa and then served it with beetroot, avocado and some basil tofu.I poured over the tomato/ balsamic juices which were delicious.  Mozzarella would have gone well with it too, or some fresh basil, but I didn’t have either of those.

A while ago I was sent some ZMA vitamins from Activate Nutrition. It is a supplement with zinc, magnesium and vitamin B6, and it is designed to help people recover from workouts as often people are deficient in these minerals and vitamins. You can read more about it here.

The directions were to take two about half an hour before bed, and I quite liked that as I got into a bit of a routine. Normally I have a multivitamin every other day as a top-up, but I do often forget as I am rushing about in the morning. I am not sure I felt much of an effect, but I never feel that supplements like this can do any harm. (I have not taken my multivitamin on the same days to make sure that I don’t get an overload).

Do you have supplements or just rely on your diet?

Do you have a favourite nut butter? I much prefer the drippy ones, and the 100% nut ones, so we often make a trip top Sainsbury’s as it is the only place that sells the pb&co stuff. I used to buy the big tubs of Meridian stuff in Holland and Barrett, but it used to get really solid near the bottom of the tub so I have stopped. I thought they had just re-branded their packaging, but I think they might have blended them up a bit more as I have had a stir around in the jar and it seems drippy all the way to the bottom.