Get outdoors with the OS pledge to #GetOutside

Get outdoors with the OS pledge to #GetOutside

When did you last go for a proper walk? Are you one of the growing number of people in the UK becoming shy of walking? Well the OS (Ordance Survey) have launched a new campaign called #GetOutside. They what you off your sofa and out and about walking the thousands of mile of footpaths the UK countryside has to offer. Latest research shows that a quarter of the UK public won’t walk anywhere that takes over 15 minutes. Atleast three quarters of us don’t walk to work anymore.  An amazing 70% never walk…continue reading →
Yoga for Runners – Stretching To Avoid Injury

Yoga for Runners – Stretching To Avoid Injury

If you're a runner the I know two things about you, you have tight legs, and you probably don't stretch enough ;). I know this because I have been a runner for 10 years or so. I have always been a mid distance runner but have done some sprinting, but regardless of distances, we all need to stretch the same muscle groups. Over the years I have picked up a number of injures from running whether it be the results of running and over use it's self or injures from tripping over or…continue reading →
Allotments getting started, growing your own fruit and vegetables

Allotments getting started, growing your own fruit and vegetables

You can’t beat the taste of freshly home grown and harvested carrots, potatoes, beans or crisp lettuce and tomatos. Getting started on your allotment With a bit of preparation work your allotment can produce attractive and productive crops all year round. Make sure you clear the ground properly of weeds, test the soil for PH level and plan what you want to and when, this will ensure a satsifying supply of food all year round for the table at home. It is unusual to take over a pristine allotment, many are in very…continue reading →
Swimming for fitness and health

Swimming for fitness and health

Swimming is a fun and gentle form of all-round exercise for your body. Whatever your age or ability, it's an ideal way of being more active and staying healthy. Swimming is a skill for life and it could save a life one day. If you can’t yet swim, learn, get down a local pool today! Regular swimming like most forms of exercise can help combat and reduce the risk of illnesses, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. As a full body exercise its great for weight control but easy on the body…continue reading →
How to avoid running injuries

How to avoid running injuries

There is nothing more disapointing to a runner than suffering an injury. Days, Weeks, months, and even years of training and fitness can go out the wondow if you slip on the ice, turn over your ankle, or a chronic overuse injury. I'm writing this with experience of chronic over use. Running Injured Sports scientists say between 30 and 80% of regular runners, amateur or Pro have an injury in a given year. Other fitness experts narrow that to nearly 70% of all runners will become injured at some point. The chances are,…continue reading →
A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

A Beginner’s Guide to Walking and Hiking

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings. The photo above reminds me of the two friends Frodo and Sam as they set out from the shire on there big adventure, not knowing whats around the corner. When you think of proper walking or hiking, you probably picture a group of people with walking boots, walking sticks (ski sticks), oversized backpacks, looking…continue reading →
Making the most of a summers evenings

Making the most of a summers evenings

Watching the warm glowing light of another days sunset spill over the horizon will make you stop for just a minute and appreciate life. You really do need to get out in the evenings this time of year and enjoy the extra light. With day light well past 10pm in Hampshire at the moment, its just a waste sitting at home. June and July produces some amazing sights if you just take a second to stop and look. With a massive array of wild flowers, bumble bees, butterflys, lady birds and so much more.…continue reading →
An cycle in The Test Valley

An cycle in The Test Valley

I've enjoyed cyclying for many years, ever since I tought myself to ride an old Raleigh road bike that I was given by a family friend. I'm lucky to live in a beautiful part of England. Hampshire and The Test Valley have miles of stunning riding through picture postcard thatched villages and some of the finest rivers in the UK. The River Test is the Test Valley's and Hampshire's finest chalk stream. World famous for great fishing. The Test Way footpath follows the banks for alot of it's run of 44 mile. The…continue reading →
Getting Fit, Keeping Fit. Hit the footpaths today. Walk, Run or Ride!

Getting Fit, Keeping Fit. Hit the footpaths today. Walk, Run or Ride!

We all say it every year, "Right I'm lossing weight this year and getting fit". But we soon find out that their is a lot more to it then just the odd run. Setting that realistic end goal is the first step. For alot of people getting to a point where they can run again is the goal. Wheather that be so they can have a game of football with the kids or run a marathon to raise money for a charity close to their heart. Goals are important. Improve that personal best.…continue reading →