running – James Mackeddie

Pocket Plogging

Many of us don’t like to run with packs unless they’re necessary for storing kit & when we do, we want things as minimal/stripped back as possible After all, who wants a run with a fridge on their back? Plogging, litterpicking, picking up stuff – where do you store your finds? – bumbag, hand bag…

More than words – We need action

More than words This bottle was discovered as seen, between bracken & needles, slowly becoming part of the micro ecosystem, as wrapper begins to curl, inks & dyes loose their clarity, the clear plastic & cap loosing their identity There’s no telling whether this was dropped by accident, on purpose or through naivety I took…

What’s in my camera bag for a Group Run?

My bag of blueness stood out in a sea of ultra vests, bum bags & lean carrying systems at Maverick Run Project’s Chilterns 14 mile Group Run Many asked what was in the bag of tricks, which really isn’t that big on the back of a taller individual… I carried a few extras being one of…

Race with grey matter at the Brain Race

By: jamesmackeddie March 3, 2022April 2, 2022

Newsbrain race, charity, charity run, mens mental health, mental endurance, mental health, mental health awareness, my black dog, my black dog charity, my black dog co, race, running, running race, trail running, ultra runningLeave a Comment

“The BrainRace is more than a mere physical test, and while speed and endurance may play a role in your team’s strategy, each pair must plan carefully to utilise strengths and maximise efficiency!“ On March 27th 2022, in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, a new style of race begins The Brain Race There’s a new race on…

Olney Pancake Race – NHS vs Fire

Volunteering is flipping fun! (pun intended) While providing first aid cover for Olney Pancake race, the Mayor asked if we’d take on some of the Olney Retained Fire crew in a pancake race of our own, much to the crowds & our own amusement I’ve been responding as a Community First Responder for 6 weeks…

David Goggins 4x4x48 Challenge – this weekend!

@davidgoggins 4x4x48 – this Weekend Perhaps there’s a longing to be in the pain cave once more In truth, my life has been significantly less active over the past 18 months. I’ve taken on new responsibilities in my personal time, studied, grown (not vertically) & hopefully become better for it, but breaking back into regular training…

Rider, Runners & Roamers Wanted

Want to join a community in 2022 doing all we can to embrace, enjoy & take care of our trails & wild spaces? Collating data while taking responsibility for the places we love? I’m not one for New Years resolutions. To me, the turn of the year isn’t a blank slate, it’s a continuation of…

2021 – The Year I Felt Loss

It’s been a wild year I can’t recall much of it, much has happened in the latter half that my brain remains pretty slow & useless a lot of the time. My fathers passing in September has effected me deeper than I could have foreseen & Christmas Day was draining at times, emotions for all…

Ultra endurance participants are running from something

A myth or generalisation that has become accepted as truth, reinforced as the wider uptake of trail, ultra and endurance pursuits has taken place. It could be argued that the combination of my childhood experiences & battles with my own mental health leave me as a perfect candidate to fall under this tagline. But I’ve never…

To the Marshals

By: jamesmackeddie August 1, 2021

blogcycling, marshal, marshall, mountain biking, race, racing, running, trail running, trail running review, trails, trash free trails, trashfreetrails, ultra running, volunteer, volunteeringLeave a Comment

Thank you marshal Often heard projected under varying volumes by racers around the world, as lungs struggling to supply muscles with adequate oxygen, are expelled to thank those that stand at the sidelines in order to allow others to enjoy organised events. They’re out before many will reach the event village or stage start, reliant…