MP Must See - Week 1!
It’s not all about training at MP!
Rest and relaxation are just as important. And since we’re all housebound for the time-being we thought we’d start a weekly “MP Must See” service!
Each week one of our coaches will recommend a television watch that is in some way related to sport, training, exercise or fitness. It might be a documentary, fiction or perhaps a feature film based on a true story. We will include some classics, but will also showcase things that are a little less well known. Some weeks recommendations will be on free platforms like YouTube, other weeks on paid streaming sites like Netflix or Prime.
We hope that this will alleviate some of the lockdown boredom and maybe even give you some inspiration for goals to train for once we’re all allowed back in the gym again!
This week’s first recommendation is freely available on YouTube and is Paul Tierney: Running The Wainwrights.
Photo credit to: Pete Aylward
Following ultra runner Paul Tierney on an epic adventure to summit all 214 Alfred Wainwright Lake District peaks in one go. His goal - to try and beat the record time of 6 days 13 hours and 1 minute, set five years earlier by fellow fell runner Steve Birkinshaw.
Needing to cover a distance of approximately 318 miles and ascend the equivalent height of four times Mt Everest, Paul knew this was his biggest challenge to date and enlisted the help of friends and family.
Battling sleep deprivation and everything the Lake District weather could throw at him, what transpired was a story that gripped not only the fell-running and ultra-running communities but also the wider sporting world.
Enjoy!
The MP Team
Run Macclesfield | W-Group
W-Group coach & main contact Rich
Our “W-group” is programmed and led by UKA qualified Leader in Running Fitness, Richard.
Each session is suitable for c25Km Graduates and new runners able to run an average pace of 13-min/mile or faster over 5km.
Friendly and supportive, W-Group is the next step in your running journey after graduating from our Couch To 5km (C25K) course and for anyone who would like to see progression in their 5km ability.
You will learn to run as a group (without stopping) and we’ll introduce various techniques and sessions within the run.
We’ll look at further goals and how to get you there. Whether it’s completion of a Parkrun or even further distances to tackle.
The sessions incorporate coached warm ups and cool downs and the run (approx 5k) is on a 10 week progressive programme of which you can join in with at any stage. Routes are multi terrain, one week we may be pounding the pavements of Macclesfield and the next enjoying the views in the forest.
If you would like to know more about W-Group and wether this group is suitable for you, contact Richard on 07824 880961.
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Running | Winter Trail Running Guide
It’s fun to be a trail runner in the winter months.
Running up in the hills in the snow, dashing round trails in the rain can be exhilarating but all too often mountain rescue and other emergency services are called out to assist people who just aren’t properly equipped to be out exploring the local hills and countryside.
Be you a newbie to trail running or perhaps you see yourself as a bit of a “pro”. Preparation is essential to keeping yourself safe and prevent unnecessary call outs and the use of stretched and limited emergency resources.
Mountain rescue are an invaluable resource, run by a team of volunteers. Looking after yourself means that you can prevent an emergency and potentially life threatening situation before it occurs.
Dress according to the weather and always carry layers. If you fall over and sprain your ankle for example you are going to get cold fast and even the layers you have on are not going to keep you warm for long in winter conditions. Carry a waterproof jacket (with taped seams) and a foil blanket. Pack a warm hat and gloves.
ALWAYS wear a good pair of well fitted trail shoes. The good grip will help prevent you from slipping on varied surfaces and uneven terrain.
Running in shorts and t-shirt in the snow might look “hardcore” but full length running tights are better advised… if your muscles are cold while you run you are at a higher risk of injury. Wrap up in warm breathable clothing designed for runners. There are great running tights for both men and women, so guys, don’t think that this advice is not for you!
Remember how unpredictable the weather can be. Temperatures can fall very quickly, sudden downpours of rain or high wind and snow can be upon you in a matter of minutes… Be prepared – we live in the North of England!
Plan your route, take a map if you are unsure of the area and have a GPS device to help with navigation.
ALWAYS make sure someone knows where you are running. A rough route and the time you expect you’ll be back is all they will need to know but this tiny piece of information can mean the difference between life and death in some circumstances. Then arrange to call that person when you finish your run as a check in. If nobody knows where you are then that can mean a lot of ground to cover looking for you should something go wrong and a lot of lost time if know one realises you are missing in the first place.
Carry a fully charged phone, you should always be able to call emergency services even without signal.
Where possible run with a group… “safety in numbers”.
Carry food and water, if you end up going off track and adding extra miles in you want to have enough fuel with you to recharge your batteries. Drained energy levels can mean you tire quickly and get yourself into trouble if you have a long way to go. An energy gel, cereal bar or some sweets can be a great pick me up to keep you going both mentally as well as physically.
If you are out on a long run or running later in the day carry a head torch… Runs don’t always go to plan and you should be prepared if it were to get dark sooner than expected.
Carry a whistle to alert other trail users /emergency services to you should you run into trouble.
If you are running somewhere that you don’t know at all and are not experienced at map reading why not hire an experienced guide or join the local running clubs whilst you are in the area. Look on the Fell Runners Association website for local races or look up races that are fully marked and run them whilst you are away… It’s a great way to learn new routes and run safely.
If you are new to trail running join a running group or run with an experienced running coach. They’ll be able to give you loads of valuable trail running advice from technique, to kit and you get to learn trail routes being led by experienced runners and with the safety of a group. You can then go back and run these routes on your own as you become more confident!
Stay Safe, Happy Trail Running!