Today was spent listening to a series of inspirational speakers, on topics as diverse as satellites helping with disaster recovery, LGBT issues, happiness, the combination of ACT with Economics and the importance of failure in everything we do.

Robin Hood was front and centre for me earlier as I ran one of the UKs new recognised trail routes in Sherwood Forest. There were no Merry Men that I could see, although running by myself in the Forrest I was aware of them getting ready to leap out and take my honey mead!

What’s a Great Book to Read on an Airplane?

I guess many of us have been watching the Olympics?  Congratulations must go to everyone who has made it so memorable, especially Matt McGovern (Ballyholme YC) & Ryan Seaton (Carrickfergus SC) who finished 10th in the 49er Class, and to Annalise Murphy from National YC who won Silver in the Laser Radial Class.  Fantastic performances!  We’re proud of you all.  And of course to Annalise’s coach, Rory Fitzpatrick, who must have learned all there is about coaching, and drinking, when he took a group of us to the European Laser Masters in Spain a few years ago!  The Rio boys didn’t make it…#Tokyo.

I run to get fitter and faster, to enjoy myself, and make new friends and lasting friendships at the same time.  I realized some time ago that the best way to achieve these goals is to have targets and milestones along the way, that keep interest levels high and provide a means of measuring progress.

The Giant’s Causeway is so much more than a pile of stones. 

A few of us ran from Bangor to Holywood this week as part of the Dirty Duck Walk in aid of the Clifton Special School. A very worthwhile cause and contributions remain open at the link below.

Last week I went exploring close to where I live with a group of friends. I was only away from home for about an hour and a half, I saw loads of things I didn’t know were there, and I don’t think I would have been more than 3 or 4 miles from home at any stage.

In the words of the late, great David Frost, ‘That Was the Week That Was’.On Saturday morning I was ‘rear ended’ in a hit and run by a stolen car…not to be recommended. On Sunday I had a fantastic run over part of the Mourne Half Marathon course with a group of close friends – what a fantastic way to spend the day. I ran with my club on Monday night and on Wednesday we did hills as part of my speedwork session, and I’ve been sore ever since. Even my arms are sore! Love it! 

As many of you know, in this part of the world it can be a beautiful summers day when you wake up and deepest, darkest winter by bedtime. On one such day…I decided to go for a toodle on my mountain bike.

Dame Kelly Holmes liked one of my Tweets a while back…she was back at her old school and rather than call one of her old teachers Debbie, I had suggested she call her Miss Paige.  I guess you had to be there! 

Remarkably, I find myself writing about running again…

Decision making is one of the key fundamentals of good leadership.

So Justin Bieber or Muse? Bruce Springsteen or the Ulster Orchestra? Daughter or Slaves?

On Saturday 19th March 2016 I completed the Larne Half Marathon, my first run at this distance, in 1:50:28.  I intend being faster next time.