**Disclaimer: I’m writing this post after a somewhat disappointing birthday. After spending my birthday last year waiting for a friend to be discharged from hospital I was hoping for a more positive birthday, but the reality was sadly different. I know that it’s my own fault I don’t have many friends, but spending my birthday on my own was difficult. Although I suspect that this rants and raves post may turn out to be more ranty than usual, I know that writing this post will make me feel better. As always, all rants and raves and moans and groans represent my personal views. Other, far less negative running blogs are available**

I’d like to start by saying good morning, good afternoon, good evening, etc to whoever takes the time to read my latest selection of rants and raves. It’s been a few months since my last rants and raves post. I’m hoping that having a moan will relieve some of my stress and that writing this post will enable me to forget about the real world for a couple of hours. I’m also hoping that writing this post will kickstart my blogging mojo which for reasons I’ll explain in a separate post has been somewhat lacking.

As always, I’ve waffled on too much, so here is my selection of rants and raves. I apologise in advance for the repeat rants and raves, and I hope that you enjoy this tiny insight into what’s been happening inside my brain and in my life recently.

Rave: Sutton Park parkrun

With apologies for starting with a repeat rave, but at the moment, it genuinely feels like Sutton Park parkrun is the highlight of my weekend. For a whole host of reasons I won’t bore people with, the first four months of 2023 haven’t treated me very well and life continues to be challenging. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say my Sutton Park parkrun family has kept me going.

For a few hours each Saturday, I know that I’ll be able to forget about the real world, about my far-from-ideal life, and have fun with like-minded people. Although my knees have unfortunately prevented me from running consistently since last year, it’s reached the stage I enjoy volunteering so much I don’t really miss running. It took a while, but I’ve now stopped feeling envious of people as they run past wherever I’m marshalling.

Thanks, Sutton Park parkrun.

Rant: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 trainers

I’ve run in Brooks Adrenaline trainers since the GTS 14s were launched in 2014. They really were my ‘go to shoes’ and I didn’t have any problems with any of the subsequent models of Adrenalines. As a result, I wasn’t expecting any issues with the GTS 22s, so I bought a couple of pairs when I saw them for sale at a reasonable price last year.

My knee injury meant that I didn’t wear the GTS 22s until a couple of months ago when I decided I’d see how they felt during one of my weekly Saturday morning four-mile walks across Sutton Park to volunteer at parkrun. I figured that if my temperamental knees started to niggle as soon as I started walking then I would risk wearing the GTS 22s when I started the Couch to 5k.

I estimate I was two miles into my walk across Sutton Park when I realised the GTS 22s were rubbing my heels; a lot. Every step was painful, but I had no choice but to continue my walk as I was volunteering as a marshal. Almost eight painful miles later when I was finally able to remove the GTS 22s, I was greeted with blood and large blisters on both of my heels. The blisters took several blister plasters and a couple of weeks to heal.

As it was clear the GTS 22s don’t suit my narrow feet, I decided it was time for me to check out alternative running shoes.

Rave: Alpha Running in Lichfield

I didn’t want to risk shopping online and wasting more money buying trainers that don’t suit my narrow feet and unusual running gait, so after reading loads of positive reviews, I decided to visit Alpha Running, a specialist running store located in Lichfield. I had one ‘rule’ when I walked into Alpha Running, I didn’t want to leave with another pair of Brooks trainers as I wanted to try something new, slightly awkward when I realised I was sitting opposite a bright orange ‘Run Happy’ Brooks mat and what looked like some sort of seat.

Tina from Alpha Running really looked after me and although I’d not been organised enough to book an appointment, I was able to try out several pairs of trainers from a variety of brands. Some of the trainers I tried didn’t suit my running gait and felt uncomfortable, but a couple of pairs felt just right. I ended up buying a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 19s and Asics Gel-Kayano 29s as I figured two pairs would be better than one pair. As I have boat-sized Size 9 feet, Tina had to order both pairs of trainers for me, I was able to collect them the following weekend.

My rule of not spending more than £100 on a pair of trainers was broken in style, but I don’t have any regrets as without trainers I have no chance of running consistently again.

Rant: EVRi

I’ve ranted about Hermes in a previous rants and raves post. The Boston Marathon finisher package Hermes managed to misplace never did get delivered and although the race organisers were kind enough to send me a replacement medal, I never received a finisher top.

I’m not sure when Hermes rebranded itself as EVRi, but based on my recent experiences, EVRi is just as bad if not worse than Hermes. After an order from Sweaty Betty was misplaced by EVRi, I’m going to avoid companies who insist on using such an unreliable courier.

Rave: Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun

I was starting to think I’d inadvertently upset the ‘blogging gods’ because I’d stopped receiving emails inviting me to review products. I was thrilled and also relieved when I received an email inviting me to test out and review a Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun. I’ll be sharing a lot more detail in a dedicated review post, so I’ll keep this rave short, but I’m loving the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini Massage Gun. I think it’s safe to say the Pulseroll Massage gun I bought three years ago has been relegated to the loft.

Rant: Inconsistent Sizing

I wear the reflective Proviz gilet I bought in 2019 whenever I volunteer at parkrun. The pockets are large and secure enough for me to stash my phone, house key, debit card, and other essentials. The gilet has two drawbacks; the reflective material is so effective it has been known to dazzle people when it’s sunny and after multiple washes, the gilet is starting to look quite tatty.

After spending far too much time trying and failing to track down a suitable replacement gilet, I decided I’d invest in a second Proviz gilet. I figured that as the reflective gilet fits perfectly, I’d order the replacement gilet in a similar style and the same size.

Although the gilet I’d ordered from Proviz was delivered in time for parkrun, I couldn’t wear it because it was far, far too small for me. I looked at my order confirmations to check I’d ordered the same size, I had done, so I’ve no idea why the sizing is so different.

I’ve got everything crossed the Rockay Explore gilet I purchased as a birthday treat to myself fits.

Rave: Versus Socks UK

Thanks to a recommendation from a parkrunner, I’ve got a new favourite running sock brand, Versus Socks UK. I ordered a selection of Elite socks from Versus Sock’s Active performance range. There was a promotion, so each pair of socks cost £7.50 rather than the usual price of £14.99, delivery was free, and the socks were delivered by DPD the morning after I’d ordered them.

I’ve been wearing the Elite socks since my Brooks trainers shredded both of my heels, they are so comfortable I almost forget I’m wearing any socks. Given the state of my feet, this is most definitely a good thing.

Rant: Random niggles

It took 44 years, so I feel quite lucky, but it’s finally reached the stage I never know which part of my body is going to hurt when I drag myself out of bed each morning. Some mornings my knees hurt, some mornings the top of my left foot hurts, and last week, my left groin started to intermittently twinge.

[Source]

My knees hurt whenever I sit down, gardening and housework can trigger twinges, and negotiating stairs can be painful. The only activity that seems to help with the random niggles is walking; once I’ve warmed up the niggles disappear only to return when I stop moving. I’ve realised spending 95% of my time either sitting or lying down isn’t helping, so it’s time for a change.

And, until next time, I’ve reached the end of my rants. As I’m still trying to be more positive this year, I’ve decided to end this post with a selection of random raves.

Rave: Knee Deep in the 90s Instagram account

A random rave even by my standards, but Knee Deep in the 90s is one of my favourite Instagram accounts. The account run by Victoria Carser, shares 90s classics encompassing everything from toys to Body Shop and Natural Collection products and beyond. Victoria takes suggestions from members of her Instagram community who appear to have an impressive amount of 90s memorabilia stashed in their attics.

Every post is a trip down memory lane and the account is surprisingly addictive. With saved highlights including Body Shop, Accessories, and my personal favourite magazines, there is something for everyone. Check out Knee Deep in the 90s here. I just need to find an equivalent Instagram account for the 80s.

Rave: Sutton Park cows

The cows are back in Sutton Park. This makes me happy because it means summer is rapidly approaching. It also means there’s a chance the cows will attempt to take part in parkrun.

This summer, one of my goals is to get a selfie with one of my favourite cows. I failed miserably last summer.

Rave: Phily Bowden’s YouTube Channel

And finally, a bonus rave. I used to follow quite a few running accounts on YouTube, but I now only follow Phily Bowden. Phily describes herself as a GB international distance runner, coach and all round running addict.

If you want to get ‘an insight into the world of an elite long distance runner, the highs, the lows, and the parts you shouldn’t mention at the dinner table’ then I’d recommend you check out Phily Bowden’s YouTube channel.

If you made it to the end of this latest selection of rants and raves, thank you. I’m not sure I would have made it this far. As predicted, I feel much better for having a bit of a rant. And finally, I hope that my rants were reasonable and that I haven’t somehow managed to inadvertently offend anyone – if I did, that wasn’t my intention, so I apologise.

What is the most you’d be prepared to spend on a pair of running shoes? I still struggle to believe I spent over £100 on a pair of running shoes.

 Do you follow any running accounts on YouTube? Since writing this blog I’ve discovered and have followed This Messy Happy on YouTube.   

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