It has certainly grown in popularity in the last few years, but what is ultra running? An ultramarathon is a run that covers any distance longer than that of a standard marathon – therefore, any run longer than 26.2 miles, or 42.195 kilometres is an ultramarathon. No one is saying that running a marathon is … Read more
The Marathon Monks (gyoja) of Mt. Hiei, Japan take on kaihōgyō, a spiritual challenge of endurance in pursuit of enlightenment. The journey lasts over seven years and the stakes are high. If they fail, the monk must perform Hara-kiri – ‘honourable suicide’. If they survive, they become a living saint. They wear white, the Buddhist … Read more
For some runners, early morning runs are actually pleasurable. Frankly though, most of us would rather spend the time in bed. In general, we encourage you to run when you can. It’s always best to build up a habit that’s sustainable, so it becomes a lifestyle rather than a phase. That being said, early morning runs … Read more
You’ve run a marathon, maybe a few, and you’ve found yourself toying with the idea of an ultramarathon. But what does it take to go from marathon to ultramarathon? And do you have what it takes? A marathon is 26.2 miles, no more, no less. Typically, you can expect a marathon to be a fairly … Read more
By Maria Andrews, all images copyright Stuart March Photography, used with kind permission I have dipped in and out of running my whole life. During my school days I ran cross country. Then, after taking a few years out to be a teenager, I fancied a challenge and signed up for a marathon in my … Read more