Run, Reading, run, Reading, run, run, run
I’m not a great runner, unless I’m running to catch the bus and then I’m sprinting very quickly (though not elegantly, perhaps). For those thinking of taking up the pursuit and wishing to avoid exorbitant gym fees, I recommend taking a look at a cracking new (and very web 2.0) site called Map My Run.
Quite simply, Map My Run allows users to plot running routes on a map, and these could be anywhere in the world, making it useful for existing runners (excluding myself) or potential runners (excluding myself) to locate trails. Usefully, routes are rated by other users.
Powered by Google, the site’s maps can be seen in satellite and hybrid views, and users can put down icons such as Start (useful, that), Aid, Water, Bath (not to be confused with the city), Stop (equally useful), and Pub (made up by myself, but worth adding to the site?).
Reading has a staggering 238 routes on Map My Run, led in distance by the Downs and Chilterns Circular (a bonkers 64.08 miles, quite possibly not all in one go). Other paths include the amusingly labelled “mums to Grandmas” and “Mums to Dads”, “Pangbourne - Reading bike” (erm, excuse me, this site is for runners, walkers and joggers only) and “To Pete’s”.
So if, unlike me, you want to do something sporty this weekend, actively rather than passively, how about donning a pair of trainers and jogging all the way to Pete’s place? There might be a beer waiting…
Finally, I would like to wish my esteemed colleague Robbie Upcroft, who has not had a drink in two months, all the best in the London Marathon. Robbie recently ran in the Reading Half Marathon (would a half marathon therefore be a “mara”?), completing the course in 01:44:16. Good luck Robbie, and think of the Fosters at the end of the tunnel…
Matt Brady on April 13th 2007 in Culture
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Joff responded on 14 Apr 2007 at 2:25 am #
Perhaps the possibility that the Tour of Great Britain will come through Reading might get people cycling a bit, too?
As much as I’d like to see more cycle lanes and bike-friendly road layouts around the town, I’d prefer it first if the cyclists would learn a bit of etiquette. The number of times they’ve blinded pulled across me, or tried to negotiate the dirt path down the A33, has astounded me!
Matt Brady responded on 28 Apr 2007 at 6:44 pm #
I didn’t know that, about the Tour of Great Britain. That’s pretty exciting. Perhaps, if the Reading leg’s a success, the Tour de France organisers might want to consider our town, too, for inclusion in a stage (this year’s race will be launched in London). Or is that a wheely crazy idea?
Cyclists should obey the rules, like everyone else. Sometimes they put themselves in a lot of danger. Drivers can also be a bit more understanding and cautious, too, I think. I should add that I write as a neutral, as I neither drive nor cycle.