National Running Show 2023

 Happy new year! 

I've been thinking of the theme for a new blog, as its has been so long but my mind is just a little bit blank at the moment.

I suppose I could give you all a quick rundown of what this years races are looking like... And then delve into the magical world that I was graced with yesterday... The National Running Show (North) 2023.

So! As what always happens around new year lots of discounts fly around and its the time of year that people start to make plans for the year ahead.

My race calendar is looking quite healthy this year and this is what I have to look forward to so far...

February

North West Half - Blackpool - Not sure how I'm feeling about this one, the weather in Blackpool at the best of times, but then in Feb as well.. lets hope the Beast from the East stays at bay!

March

Mad Dog! - Yes, Mad Dog is back, in a different month this time. Will this finally be the one where I shave 2 minutes off my PB to get my 1hour? I hope so. Although, there are rumours of fancy dress flying around, so there will certainly be a debrief after this one! 

May

Great Run Half - Manchester  - I couldn't let it lie could I? So, Black Friday saw me booking the half marathon this time for the Great Run. There has been talk of booking the 10k for the afternoon, but that is very much *pending....* at the moment.. Watch this space. 

September

Great North Run - Not satisfied with last year's time, I have unfinished business with this race.. so, I will be back at the start line. (& the atmosphere was just incredible - its no wonder people get hooked on this race!) 

The training has already started for the half marathon in Feb, Lions are currently training for Manchester Marathon in April, but, I might just try and see how far I can push myself with my mileage, seeing as I mastered the art of a half marathon and I've never really run over that distance.. 

The National Running Show 2023.

I mean, you know you're getting serious when you're going to a show about running. In all honesty, I was really looking forward to it. I'd heard great things so, what else are you going to do on a frosty Saturday in Jan!?

There was a good Lion's turn out at the show this year and we all managed to meet up with one another and - inevitably- cause some carnage. 

Stu, Shelby and I arrived just before opening and managed to do a quick once over before it got mega busy. Shelby got me to sign up for something at "The Running School." I had no idea what I had let myself in for. It was stimulation overload but there was just so much to see! & do! 

I got myself some new socks (exciting!) and some new capris (running bottoms), flapjack (😉), a book (running up that hill - Vassos Alexander) and Kendal Mint Cake.

I was very disappointed that Veleforte (a fuelling chew that did not make it there this weekend - we did multiple loops trying to find them to no avail!) but also Notch!! I would have loved to have seen what they were offering but it wasn't meant to be this year. Not to worry, there was plenty of other things to see and do! 

So, 11.30 came and we went to "the running school". A lovely small crowd appeared to spectate, but it was actually enjoyable and interesting (and very tiring) I was very glad to of had taken part. 

Lots of suppliers there and you could have walked away thinking you needed so much for your running (spoiler - you don't) I'm very glad I had the experts there to reign me in, and we only visited the stands that we absolutely needed to. Otherwise I definitely would have come back with a small bit of debt! 

Unfortunately we didn't really have time to see any of the speakers - but a lot clashed which also explains why you have to really plan your day out. (there is always next year!) 

We also met a very inspirational gentleman who was very unassuming, but, had us all walking away with food for thought.. and really quite excited. 

But! I don't want to give too much away - I will save it for another blog. 

For now, I'd definitely say if you're big in to your running, or, want to push yourself further, get to the Running Show. I thoroughly enjoyed myself - and crashed as soon as I got home - but the Kendal Mint Cake certainly helped on today's icy 11 miler! 

✌

I guess my main question also is.. should I keep going with the blogs?

They were primarily set up to document my journey to a half marathon.. are people still interested or shall I go out on a high? Don't be shy.. let me know!  

Coxy x