9 am. Beautiful nice Movember day, an other lucky day to have a run in Phoenix Park.

This is our 2nd edition of MoRunning in Dublin, with this time a different course, but still a nice setup to make a fast run.

We have some nice outfits, a 15 strong TesMo team a black morphsuit, 2 hairy Mo’Sistas and many nice Mo’Bros. Everything to make a cool event. This year we also had the chance to have some cakes and coffees.

Winners

• Martin Quinn finished first in 33mn33 with almost 2min advance on the 2nd. That’s what we call a massive victory. Congrats MoBro!
• Fiona Getting won the MoRun in 41mn49s in the female category.

Here’s a picture set that Clara Delany took on the day, she kindly covered the race and took some really good snapshots.

You can find more photos on Facebook here.

Again, congratulations to everyone who took part in this event, we enjoyed it. We hope Dublin MoRunners had a blast.

There are some videos on our Youtube Channel. If you have one to share, just let us know and we will put it there as well.

If you want to share your thoughts or some pictures, feel free to do so on the Facebook Event page or in the comments area. Apparently there have been some action on the field that need an other round!

We hope to see you next year guys, and in the meantime, ENJOY YOUR RUNNING!
A big up at our partners who are helping us to make this event a nice one to attend.

If you needed any more motivation to sign up for MoRunning this year, look no further than this!

Harold took part in our Cardiff 10k and came in dead last. Not normally a great talking point, except that he was the oldest competing runner at 84 years old! Long after the other Cardiff MoRunners had completed the course our MoRunning team and a group of MoRunners were waiting as Harold came shuffling across the finish line to a rapture of applause! This was an inspirational moment! You could feel the emotion, and hear the respect in the crowd’s voices as they congratulated him. And you could see the joy on his face as he accepted his race medal.

A great MoRunner, with a great sense of humor! Thank-you, Harold! You’ve provided one of our best feel good moments of MoRunning 2011 so far! We look forward to seeing you back next year!

On this note, if you now feel like you run out of excuses to not enter a MoRun, the next two events taking part this month are below , see you there :

 

• The Muddy MoRun – Swinley Forest – 26/11/2011
  Register 10KM

• London – Battersea Park – 27/11/2011
  Register 5KM

And they’re off! MoRunning has stormed out of the blocks for 2011 with a record crowd turning out for the opening event in Greenwich Park London.
More than 1000 runners lined up in all sorts of costumes and get up to celebrate the Mo! All went to support the great cause that is Movember and men’s health, and most off all, to have fun!

There were fabulously decked out people everywhere.

We have been lucky to have a really nice weather compared to the first edition in 2009 where it was pourring rain until the start, here we had a perfect running weather, neither too hot or too cold.

As we were expecting a lot of MoRunners, registrations had open early to make sure we can give out all the race numbers.

For this 3rd edition we sold out the event and we believe we reached the maximum of runner we can fit on this race course to make it nice and not too overcrowded.

It was nice to see all the MoRunners putting the last touch to their outfit or starting to warm up.

We loved David costume (above)! “It’s all about sports!” he said. “Sports coat, and, well, sports as in running!” Classy, yet sporty, we say!

Caroline and her friends managed a nice coordinated outfit style.

Richard and Oliver took team running to a new level! Their tandem costume was a standout around the course!

Now, down to the serious side of things. This year we had some really fast runners. Krango, the MoRunning and Fix Events Race Director (pictured above) had his work cut out leading the MoRunners around the course! Eventual winner James did his best to catch Krango, and, word has it, almost gave him a hurry up tap on the back up the Greenwich ‘killer hill’!!

Team Movember is doing the show before running back to the finish and giving goodies to all the finishers!

Annika Eiremo chasing Gerard Mccan, winner in his age category and 8th. overall.

Some people dressed up to go hard, others donned the look of their favourite childhood hero! It must have been hot in the Cookie Monster suit, but he ran a great race! And was still full of energy after the race chanting “C is for cookie!!!! C is for cookie!!!!” as he took a ride on the ‘Old Spice’ horse!

Some ran with Mo’s painted on their t-shirts and others ran, well, just painted all over like The Orange MoRunner and his cohorts!

They came strong, they won!

MoRunners, you must have seen them on the course with their black Tshirts. The RunDemCrew is a running club of social runners based in the 1948 Space. One day Glenn contacted us :  - “Guys, I have a team to register.”   – “Cool Bro! Bring it on! How many are you?” – “44″  - “Doh!”

We were astonished! Out of the blue, Glenn had put together the largest team we ever saw entering one of our event and we discovered the really high spirit of Team RDC.

And to just make it a complete success, James Broderick, winner of the race is formal RunDemCrew member!

So, we want to make a big up to the Run Dem Crew and to Glenn Hancock your team leader. You are awesome!

Glenn Hancock, Team RDC, enjoying the great atmosphere.

Here’s our winner, James Broderick from RunDemCrew who dominated the hills and finished in 38mn11s.

Congratulations as well to Annika Eiremo who was the first woman home in 42mn02s. Gee wiz mo running bros, she really gave you a run for your money! First woman over the line with 3min advance on the 2nd, and 11th runner overall!! Awesome effort!

One of our favorite catchline within the MoRunning crew is “Do you feel the Mo’Love?”. Seriously who would have thought that those lovely 2 MoRunners felt it so much they embrace while cruising around,

This is what MoRunners do after having a blast, They have a little breakfast on the grass.

Finally, congratulations must be passed on to all of you. For whether you ran individually or as a team, and in fancy dress or with the most awesome of mo’s, you did so much more than just run. When you Mo Runners come together you create a vibe, an ambience, a feeling – of community, of festive fun and fitness. In coming together you create awareness for men’s health, and on this particular Saturday, you celebrated the start of 2011 Mo Running in style.

We felt a hell of a lot of Mo’Love, and for that, we thank you.

If you want to share your thoughts, feel free to do so on the Event Facebook page or in the comments area.

A big up at our partners who are helping us to put this event together.

All the watermarked photos in this post are courtesy of Ian, IES Photography who was there to snap your best stride. So if you are looking for a specific picture, just ask him.

I ran this race to celebrate my health.

In August 2010 I was officially “clinically morbidly obese” and I was one of the grumpiest 40something guys I knew. I thought my weight issue was part of who I am and that it was normal to be grumpy when you are 40 years old.

With the help of my wife I met four medical professionals who changed my life, Dr Hester Visagie, Dr Madeline Rogers, Prof Hugh Jones and Mr Andrew Jenkinson. Each of these individuals changed my life.

Among other things I was diagnosed with very low testosterone, something that impacts a lot men of my age. (Article from The Telegraph)

On Sunday, November 13^th:

• I completed a 10km race as part of my support for Movember;
• I am now officially “clinically overweight” ; and
• I am not that grumpy anymore.

I will be grateful for what they have done for us as long as I live.

Roelf Botha, Milton Keynes (race number 107)

Well done Roelf! You can be proud of yourself. Keep running with joy!

9 am. Beautiful nice Movember day, perfect for MoRunning in the morning light of the Bute Park.

As the team is finalising the organisation of the race, the first MoRunners arrived to get their registration.

We had setup a little village with our partners and everyone gathered to do the last adjustment to their outfit and do a bit of warm up before to start the run. It was nice to have the time to welcome the MoRunners with a little chat and know a bit more their stories or their race strategy!

We met some really nice chaps in Cardiff and this is what make us love our job. We can’t present them all, but here’s few of them (we try to upload as many picture we can on our Facebook page)

Jonathan & Christine came from Plymouth!

We really like the Bute Park. The size of the park allows to setup a really spread racecourse. I got the chance to run it when we prepared the event, and I have to admit… I could have run it on the day too. It’s a mixed course of path under the trees, then along a football field, back toward the river. After crossing the little bridge near the cafe, it heads out toward bigger fields with more run on the grass, which force you to keep your stride regular and can push your heart rate a bit, then after that, an other river crossing and it’s one last stretch that leads all way down to the finish. At 1km before the finish, passing in front of the cafe gives a chance to get some more cheering to put a last final sprint.

It was nice to see the MoRunners adjusting their race numbers on their outfit. We have seen a lot of proper Mo’s. Everyone in high spirits, people just chilling out , ready for the race ahead!

Race brief started at 09.40, then the Pure Fitness Team started the warm up to shake those Mo’s!

Boom! They start… a group of 3 jump immediately ahead the chasing group, with some fantastic outfits, there was a running Banana, some Elvis, Captain America and a Woody keeping up with a good pace, few serious runners, and lots of fun runners too.

Serious face for a serious run. We can tell you Steve was here to win.

An impressive stride rate!

After giving such a hard time by pushing our Race Director who was leading the race with his bike  - he almost got overtook on the grass part –  Steve Thomas, member of the Islwyn Running Club (photos above) crossed the line and won the race with the blasting time of 35mn51s.

Alan Man, finisher of 87 marathons and counting...

Natalie Corke, grinning to the finish

A proud winner with a new PB!

Natalie Corke was the first woman to arrive in 45mn12s which is a great time and a Personal Best.

The full results table is available here : 10k MoRunning 2011 –  Cardiff Results

A superb heel kick on the finish line by Rich!

Safari Man, proud finisher of his first 10k!

MoRunners kept hanging around for a while, as they were waiting for their results. Some were eating sweets and snacks, some others were getting some Sport Massage.

We were waiting for an heartfull MoRunner, 85 years old  who was jogging the race. A lovely chap, supported by 2 of our marshalls for the last stretch. Everyone gathered to encourage him and welcome him properly at the finish! We were all so happy to have him on the race!

Again, congratulations to everyone who took part in this event, we enjoyed it. We hope Cardiff MoRunners had a blast.

There are some videos on our Youtube Channel. If you have one to share, just let us know and we will put it there as well.

If you want to share your thoughts or some pictures, feel free to do so on the Facebook Event page or in the comments area. Apparently there have been some action on the field that need a second round! And we have to admit, we love the idea!

You should have seen the Captain America running style. The superhero was litterally flying. We can’t find a single picture where he is touching the ground.

This superhero run without touching the ground...

We hope to see you next year guys, and in the meantime, ENJOY YOUR RUNNING!

A big up at our partners who are helping us to make this event a nice one to attend.

All the photography watermarked in this post are courtesy of Tim, TimBowersPhotography who was there to snap your best stride! On this note we noticed a lot a flying MoRunners. So if you are looking for a specific picture, just check his website.

Fingers crossed MoRunners! Our first week end of events has been on a lucky side for the weather.

9 am. Beautiful nice Movember day, perfect for MoRunning.

As the team is finalising the organisation of the race, the first MoRunners arrive to get their registration.

We had use of the pavilion, so everyone could get a little tea or coffee before to start the run, use the toilets and drop their bag. We even had access to the showers facilities which can be useful on a warm Movember day (especially when you run with an outfit, Yes I am looking at you Big Lion!).

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

We really like the Campbell Park. For a 10k it’s a great location, with a circular route which twist and turn and undulate a bit.

Runners gathered around the building and we felt the atmosphere was really good, with few fancy dress but a lot of Mo’s. It was nice to see a lot of new Mo’Bros and Mo’Sistas. Everyone in high spirits, people just chilling out in the pavilion, ready for the race ahead!

www.iesphotography.co.uk

Race brief started at 09.40, then the BMF (British Military Fitness) started the  warm up to shake those Mo’s! Then after a quick walk to the Start area, it was time to take of.

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

Off they went… some fast MoRunners, some fantastic outfits, there was Biggles, lots of people in their pants (new tendencies for 2012 we believe),  and a Lion, lots of 118 118 ‘s… Few serious runners, and lots of fun runners too.

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

www.iesphotography.co.uk

After a blasting time of 35mn49s Bruce Lovell (photo above) crossed the line and Won the race.

We have to admit, we are really impressed by the level this year and the fast runners really gave hard time to the bike leading the race, especially when the first 10 are sub 40mn runners! Big congrats to you guys!

www.iesphotography.co.uk

Fran Malin was the first woman to arrive in 41mn44s which is also an amazing time for a fun run.

The full results table is available here : 10k MoRunning 2011 –  Milton Keynes Results

Again, congratulations to everyone who took part in this event, we enjoyed it. We hope Milton Keynes MoRunners had a blast.

There are some videos on our Youtube Channel. If you have one to share, just let us know and we will put it there as well.

If you want to share your thoughts, feel free to do so on the Event Facebook page or in the comments area. Apparently there have been some action on the field that need a second round! And we have to admit, we love the idea!

We hope to see you next year guys, and in the meantime, ENJOY YOUR RUNNING!

A big up at our partners who are helping us to put this event together.

All the photography in this post are courtesy of Ian, IES Photography who was there to snap your best stride (careful with the heel strike though!). So if you are looking for a specific picture, just ask him.

Nutrition :

Don’t change too much your habits, but try to eat something healthy the day before.

• Nice bowl of pasta the evening before, no alcohol, run a little less than normal the week before and if you’re doing the Cardiff run like me promise yourself a Krispy Creme when you finish! – Charlotte A.

• Don’t drink pints and pints of water just before/after the race, sip little and often instead. – Sophie J.

• Eat breakfast plenty early so that the food is digested before you start running (and you don’t need to eat a huge amount.. just go with what you’re used to), and smile -it’s contagious and really does make you enjoy it so much more – Lauren C.

• Bananas are good too in your porridge! The potassium helps to reduce cramping.

Race Kit Packing

• Always review your running kit two or three days before the race to have time to shop the missing item.

• Don’t overcomplicate your race kit (you can check a previous article about the running kit you need )

• Duck tape is great to avoid the “bloody nipples”

• Take a little bit of water with you on the way to the run and keep hydrating yourself before the start,

• A bit of lubricant also might help to avoid “chaffing” as well.

• Pin your race number to your back so people will know who has overtaken them…  - Khaddim S.

• Don’t wear brand new running shoes and regardless of how tired you are – stretch afterwards!  - Lochlan O

Before the start

• Don’t wait to the last minute to go to the toilets. Smart move is to allow 5min in you schedule to take a break before arriving on the race field. There’s much better to do than queuing 2min before the start.

• Stretch before and do a bit of warm up. – Sophie L.

• Don’t wear too much, you will get too warm even if you are cold at the start.

• [COLD] If you are afraid to be really cold, here’s a classic : Take a bin bag, make a hole for the head and the arms, and use it as a protection before the start. After you start, give it to a friend along the road.

• [COLD] If you are afraid to have cold hands, wear some running gloves, and during the 15mn wait before the start, wear some old socks on your hands. After you start, give them to a friend along the road.

Have your own race plan

We had various race plan suggestions, pick the one you like :

• Run, then don’t stop running. Also being well rested and prepared counts for a lot before raceday. – Grant M.

• Sprint the first 3k crawl the rest – Simon T.  (We can’t really vouch for this one but there is always few runners who does that!)

• DON’T start to fast. It’s a classic mistake people make. you will be knackered by 3k otherwise. – Michael E.

• Take the first half easy so you can enjoy the second half a bit more, make sure the mo is well groomed, - Philip K.

• remember to chat with other runners and encourage anyone along who looks like they want to stop… – Philip K.

• Run your own pace not that of those around you….it’s easy to out run yourself. If in doubt, wear casual clothes, so nobody knows when you’ve stopped running!  - Barry M.

• Dont do anything on race day you haven’t done before in training. Don’t change your patterns. – Sophie L.

• remember this mantra , ‘you can do it’ and my best advice enjoy the race and your hard work you have put into it. Also register early so it does not stress you out waiting in the line and if you pass me say hello. – Morris A.

Post race

• Acknowledge your effort.

• Congratulate yourself and the MoRunner next to you.

• Get your medal and some goodies

• Smile for the picture

• Rehydrate yourself a bit and have a little treat.

• Take 5 min to stretch the legs

• When you have cool down a bit, put some warm clothes

• Stay around and celebrate the other MoRunners who are finishing.

• Treat yourself ! Chocolate cookies, donuts, crêpes or bacon roll if there is a day for that it’s the one!

• And the day after, go for a little 20-30mn jog to loosen up the legs.

ENJOY YOUR RUN!

If there were one person we would love to personify the MoRunning community spirit, that’s him! He is such a great athlete and such an inspiring man.

Mo Farah has praised the Movember campaign: “Such a simple idea. No training needed! Just ditch that razor and let your moustache go wild for 30 days! If growing a Mo can help start just one conversation about men’s health and getting guys to check themselves, or even better, get your partner to check you, then we should all be doing Movember! Daley Thompson had one of the greatest moustaches of all time, and he was a true hero, so if it works for Daley, maybe it will inspire some more British athletes. Hopefully we can help change the face of men’s health. Best of luck to all you Mo Bros out there.Don’t forget, every time you shave, a moustache dies.

“If growing a Mo in Movember isn’t enough for you, get your trainers on and have a go at one of the Mo Running events. Look after your body, and your body will look after you.”

Just to put your run in perspective here’s his performance table :

You can follow him on Twitter here @Mo_Farah

It may we look like a bit schizo when we prone the simplicity of running in a minimalistic apparel and on the other hand offer some Ipod to win and make you run with a crazy outfit. We know that. But sometimes, you feel like eating some crips on the couch while watching a TV show and some other, you just want to throw the Garmin, go wild, and strip down to the core to simplify you life.

It’s all about finding the right balance…we will get there eventually!

Enjoy your run!

We have been using our supercomputer to find a winner amongst the 1000′s of entrants in the MoRunning events.

We are really happy to see that there is a lot of teams registered to the events. There is no such thing that running with some good friends!

So, you want to know who’s the Winner of one IPOD Shuffle?

Drumrolls! Dum dum dum!

and this is :

Gary Ramsbottom from the AGS MoRunners team

who’s registered to the Milton Keynes MoRunning.

Congrats Gary you will receive a nice little Ipod Shuffle!

And to all of you, don’t be disappointed, there will be a lot of nice goodies on the event day.