So those who know me will be aware I cannot see... I have around 4% of vision remaining in my left eye, which is very susceptible to bright light. I am... blind. Blindness does not mean unable to see anything at all though. We 'blindies' usually have some vision - roughly 93% of us have … Continue reading How to see… when you cannot see.
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Belfast Marathon… the one that was too long.
Sunday, May 5th. The long awaited Belfast Marathon. The first time it was held on a Sunday, the first time it started at Stormont (the iconic location of the NI Assembly), a new 'flatter and faster course', and a chance for the organisers to show everyone how good this event really could be. Well, it … Continue reading Belfast Marathon… the one that was too long.
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parkrun and sight impairment – for kids.
Parkrun. An international phenomenon. Began with 6 folks in Bushy Park for a time trial, now many thousands complete parkrun every week around the world. The ethos of parkrun is simple: involve everyone, whether they run, jog or walk - or help out by volunteering. Parkrun really IS one of the best examples of #inclusion … Continue reading parkrun and sight impairment – for kids.
Inclusion – or rampant discrimination?
It's been a while since I posted a blog - whether that is a good thing or not is perhaps open to debate. Anyway, I am back... and I have a bee in my bonnet! My ethos has always been to inspire, encourage and support others on their own running journey. I know from my … Continue reading Inclusion – or rampant discrimination?
The struggle is real…
'The struggle is real'. But what struggle? The marathon - of course, it's not easy or else everyone would do it (allegedly). Running? Yes... but perhaps not as you might think. Sure, running itself is as easy - or as hard - as the person doing it wants it to be. I know some amazing … Continue reading The struggle is real…
London Marathon – truly inclusive?
I keep my politics pretty much to myself. Certainly, the politics one generally thinks of, at least. However, there is one subject about which I am unashamedly vocal: inclusion. For those that are unfamiliar, I mean the inclusion of differently abled people within sport. Sensory, mental, physical impairments. They are all around us. I am … Continue reading London Marathon – truly inclusive?
Running Blind has been nominated for a National Running Award!
Those who follow this blog (or indeed it's somewhat crazy author), will be aware that we organise what has become an annual event: Running Blind at Stormont. It's somewhat different from the usual 5k/10 events, as those who enter are encouraged to run/jog/walk in pairs, one person guiding the other - who wears a blindfold … Continue reading Running Blind has been nominated for a National Running Award!
Is there such a thing as a runner’s SatNav?
I am a member of a terrific, inclusive, family friendly running club - Co Antrim Harriers, based in Ballyclare, N. Ireland. Each year, as part of the annual Mayfair - a terrific celebration that involves the whole community in Ballyclare - the club organises a 5k fun run and 10k road race. I did hope … Continue reading Is there such a thing as a runner’s SatNav?
A dog called Wallace….
A running blog, and a post termed 'A dog called Wallace'? He's finally gone completely cuckoo, you are thinking - well, some thought (not unreasonably), I was well on that track a long time ago. Surprisingly though, I have NOT actually gone completely cuckoo... yet. The fact is, after a long wait (541 days... I … Continue reading A dog called Wallace….
Lesley’s first Half Marathon
Two years ago, I completed my first half marathon - the Belfast City Half Marathon. Little did I know then that I would keep going back with others, encouraging them to complete their first half marathon (note the use of 'first'). This year was Lesley's first half marathon - and what a pleasure it was … Continue reading Lesley’s first Half Marathon
Running blind... the musings of an old, blind runner 