For once I agree with my brother...

Sorry Chris, Russ, but I'm with Simon on this one. I used to run with my iPod, but coming back to it again now I find I struggle to keep a steady pace when I listen to music - I end up running to the beat and it totally messes me up. I find it much more enjoyable now just to tune everything out when I'm running and enjoy the view of the beach... plus I can hear when my breathing goes to pot and I need to slow down a bit!

I went for a run along the sea front back home this weekend and it nearly killed me - its not the distance, its the repetition, I've decided. This was the third time I went out for a 3 miler in a week (which I'm quite chuffed about, considering my poor effort the week before) and my shins were really complaining... I'm hoping it isn't shin splints and its just another set of niggles to get through as my legs get used to this running lark.

Random question - has anyone worked out how to stretch the muscle that runs down the front of the shins yet?