Press
BBC London: Making Running Fun - web article and broadcast
13 Feb 2007
by From BBC London Website
Link to BBC website - see the video here
Report by Geraint Hughes, BBC London News
Chris Downham loves his running, so much so that when he moved to London a few years ago he set about compiling a guide that would not only help him, but inadvertantly become so useful for the tens of thousands of people who pound the streets, parks and tow-paths of the capital.
Now at this time of year, when the sun disappears early and the temperature is far too low for the sane to don some lyrca and gloves, those hardy souls who are in training for the 27th London Marathon, Chris Downham's guide could be an invaluable asset.
The guide covers 5 geographical areas in London - North, south, east, west and Central and offers 30 runs ranging from 3 to 10 miles. All begin near or at a railway or tube station, so it's perfect if you need to train before or after work.
What struck me was that all the runs were designed to keep boredom at bay. I'm no anorak runner, but back in 2003 I ran the London Marathon - completing the 26 and a bit miles wasn't a problem, it was the training especially when it was dark and wet.
I got distracted so easily from the task at hand, but if I'd had a tailored run that took in loads of landmarks and places of interest and generally kept your mind off the pain - I know it would have made life easier and talking to former footballer Mark Bright who this year will attempt his 4th London Marathon, he agreed.
Training is so much in the head - you convince yourself you hurt, you convince yourself you'd be better of in the warm with your feet up, when what you need to be doing is building up the miles!
From a lovely jog from Barnes Bridge up to and over Hammersmith Bridge, passing the Dove Pub where 'Rule Britannia' was written to a run that criss-crosses several of the capital's most famous bridges, the '30 Great Runs in London' will help your training.
For years, walkers and cyclists have had a plethora of guidebooks to help them. Let the lycra clad runners now have their help!
Link to BBC website - see the video here
Report by Geraint Hughes, BBC London News
Chris Downham loves his running, so much so that when he moved to London a few years ago he set about compiling a guide that would not only help him, but inadvertantly become so useful for the tens of thousands of people who pound the streets, parks and tow-paths of the capital.
Now at this time of year, when the sun disappears early and the temperature is far too low for the sane to don some lyrca and gloves, those hardy souls who are in training for the 27th London Marathon, Chris Downham's guide could be an invaluable asset.
The guide covers 5 geographical areas in London - North, south, east, west and Central and offers 30 runs ranging from 3 to 10 miles. All begin near or at a railway or tube station, so it's perfect if you need to train before or after work.
What struck me was that all the runs were designed to keep boredom at bay. I'm no anorak runner, but back in 2003 I ran the London Marathon - completing the 26 and a bit miles wasn't a problem, it was the training especially when it was dark and wet.
I got distracted so easily from the task at hand, but if I'd had a tailored run that took in loads of landmarks and places of interest and generally kept your mind off the pain - I know it would have made life easier and talking to former footballer Mark Bright who this year will attempt his 4th London Marathon, he agreed.
Training is so much in the head - you convince yourself you hurt, you convince yourself you'd be better of in the warm with your feet up, when what you need to be doing is building up the miles!
From a lovely jog from Barnes Bridge up to and over Hammersmith Bridge, passing the Dove Pub where 'Rule Britannia' was written to a run that criss-crosses several of the capital's most famous bridges, the '30 Great Runs in London' will help your training.
For years, walkers and cyclists have had a plethora of guidebooks to help them. Let the lycra clad runners now have their help!
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