The September Round Up
God, I love this time of year. There is something I find so deeply calming and soothing about September and the turn of the season into Autumn- and not because of Pumpkin Spice Lattes or any of that stuff you can’t seem to move for all of a sudden- but, I think anyway, because of the return to routines after a Summer that invariably removes them, even though it’s for fun things that we want to do. Most of us have that summer specific feeling of make hay why the sun shines (especially in the UK, where it’s fair to say we aren’t exactly blessed with an abundance of nice weather. even in summer!) and that’s all wonderful, but I for one do really enjoy getting “back to normal”, and that at this time of year I start to feel more grounded again, some how.
This morning, now that the grandkids are back to nursery, I was able to do a week day run with my daughter Poppy and then a gym session with my other daughter, Ellie, and as I headed home I just thought even more about how, as much as I love summer, this time of year brings with it so many things that bring me joy and help me feel calm. It’s that shiny new pencil case back to school feeling, but just minus the dread!
Although September has flown by, I’ve still managed to find pockets of time to read some incredible articles here on Substack, which I love to share with you even though they’re not all related to running (don’t worry, two of them are!) because good writing is just good writing. Here are some of my faves from this month-
You may think, as someone who’s livelihood depends on running clubs, I have finally lost the plot recommending you read this one, but actually Raziq says so many things I agree with about running culture, and the commercialisation of running. This is something I’ve been reflecting on A LOT this month with the 10 year anniversary of the club, and I wrote last week about needing to own and learn from my own role in falling in to the trap of some of this stuff for fear of being left behind, and ultimately how this isn’t what I want anymore. You can read that post here if you missed it!
This one really has to be read to be believed, trust me! Hugely recommend Jo-Ann’s Substack in general, and also her new book, Sexism and Sensibility, which is such a good read (despite the heavy seeming subject).
Is it overtraining, or just fatigue? by
Loved this article about something I bang on about all the time, the role of technology in our running, and whether or not that’s actually a good thing! If you’re new here or you’re interested in this subject, you can read this post for my (many!) thoughts
and also this post about my experience of running Paris marathon this year without my Garmin. It’s safe to say it was a revelation!
There’s no ‘Run of the Month’ for September because instead I wanted to take a minute to shout out our “Have A Go” week which is currently happening over at Run Verity because I’ve been so proud of how many people have pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, whether that’s physically or socially, joining new sessions and trying different runs. I always want our club culture and community to be spaces in which everyone can feel safe to challenge themselves when they feel able to, and this week it’s been so brilliant to see that in action.
Special shout out to the Adventure Run group for trying something completely new and unknown!
Verity x