Pump up the Volume

I thought I’d do a bit more of a fun article based around one of my big motivators and I’m sure it works for plenty of others,  MUSIC. I’m sure we’ve all used it for that extra bit of speed in our runs for that extra push/rep on the weights. Grrrr

There have been plenty of studies to support the positive impact of music on athletes.  Tracks with specific tempos have been shown to improve an individual’s pace in long distance runs.   Also something as simple as music just being a distraction can help mask the fatigue that you may be experiencing.

For me its normally some heavy metal in some peoples words “raaa” music, does the job for me and gets me pumped.

Whatever you do it always helps to have those specific tunes that help to get you going.

So what are they?

I’m going to list my top ten and break them up into categories to give it a bit of variety.

The Classic
It’s a classic in every way the sort of track you love as well as everyone your age, the sort of track you want or do hear at a disco.

Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel

The Pump
The track that has a bit of oomph, that gets your blood pumping even when you’re not exercising. The track that’s just dragged your lazy arse off that sofa

Cochise – Audioslave

Down with the kids
New music, a track you’ve recently discovered that will always be part of your work out playlist

 Break a sweat – Skrillex

Guilty Pleasure
You know you shouldn’t but you love it, let’s see those S Club 7 & steps fans

We didn’t start the fire – Billy Joel

Who?
Hidden gem, your friends haven’t heard of them, you’d never heard of them but you’re glad you discovered them

Iron – Woodkid

And then let’s just have the top 5

5 – Fitzpleasure – Alt-J

4 – Slither – Velvet Revolver

3 – Curl of the Burl – Mastodon

2 – Ten thousand fists – Disturbed

Numero Uno – Black Betty – Ram Jam

Artist / Band
Haven’t got your playlist then which band or artist do you rely upon for that motivation

Disturbed

I’d love to get some feedback on what your music choices are please, so leave a comment

Bye for now

Chickpea and Spinach Curry

This recipe is suitable for vegetarians and at the end of the day who doesn’t love a curry. The aim with all my recipes is to try and make them healthy, quick, simple, easy and low in calories.

Ingredients (serves  4)

3 Garlic cloves1 chopped green chilli
1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
1 tsp Ground Coriander
1 tbsp Gara masala
1 tsp turmeric
Good pinch of salt & black pepper
Tinned chopped tomatoes (400g roughly)
1 Onion
250ml Yoghurt
Water
Tin chick peas (400g roughly)
Bag of spinach or similar
1 green pepper
Olive oil – good glug

Instructions

1.     Dice the onions, garlic & chilli, fry these in the olive oil along with the cumin seeds for a minute.

2.     Add all the spices to the pan along with a splash of water

3.     Heat until it is a nice thick sticky paste

4.     Now chuck in the pepper (obviously sliced) and chick peas.

5.     After a couple minutes put in the rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, yoghurt, spinach and about 100ml of water)

6.     Now let that simmer down until its nicely thickened should be 20-30 minutes

7.   Serve

I have it on good authority that this recipe is rather tasty so give it ago.

You can obviously bulk it out with rice or anything else of your choice.

For those interested a portion of this homemade curry is only 7 weight watchers points.

Enjoy

Race Review - Water of Life Half Marathon

So on March 24th 2013 at 10:00am, myself and a couple of friends took part in the Water of Life Half Marathon at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. This is a review of the race there was also a 10k run as well that day. It would be interesting to see what this race was like as it was voted 5th best half marathon in the country in Runners World 2011 listings.

It was a nice sunny day which is always a good start to any race however not too hot so almost perfect weather.

Getting there was no problem and the car park setup was fine plenty of room with just a little walk to the start of the event.

Registering was nice and simple with no problems.

Only problem to arise was me putting on my chipped time tag. After weaving my laces through the holes and with it securely attached to my trainer I suddenly realised I’d done it wrong.

What a donkey! Turns out the instructions quite clearly show that there were little tags to tie it to our laces.

There was quite a good atmosphere the organisers were trying to encourage a couple of runners to do it in a toilet and tap costumes. As tempting as it was I decided to pass, I do like a dress up or even a dress down ;) but not today.

 

To the run itself

We got away bang on time followed by the usual proceedings with those try to get ahead and others settling in to a rhythm. 

We had a few bottlenecks early doors with a few narrow passages followed by a couple of bridge crossings. I always find this frustrating but I accept that this is likely to be part and parcel of every race.

The route itself was very pleasant and sedate, running alongside the river Thames. Passing by other walkers, runners and plenty of dog walkers.

It was a relatively flat course and despite the potential for a good time I knew early doors that I wasn’t going to achieve a time that I wanted. Previous day’s football had taken a lot out of me but in the end I got an ok time.

Conclusion

All in all it was pleasant day, flat scenic course and decent atmosphere so it was an enjoyable run.
There wasn’t much in the way of a goody bag just a banana and water but to be fair they were doing this for charity and to generate awareness so in my book that’s fine.

Only down side for some of us was a lack of a burger van, I know but for some people (Mr Spratt) they like to treat themselves after a workout.

Ratings out of 5 for the Water of Life Half Marathon

Organisation	««««
Atmosphere	«««
Route	«««
Goody Bag	«
Recommend	«««
OVERALL	«««