The above image depicts my recently retired running shoes. I had been using them regularly since the summer of 2007. They were kindly donated by Decathlon Surrey Quays for my "real world" triathlon from London to the Isle of Wight and, after almost four years of use and abuse, they finally came to an end during an indoor football match.I manage to finish the game by tying them up with the cord from a team-m ...

I assume the walls were once cream but now they're a mosaic of scuff marks from black rubber and grubby patches where sweaty palms rested and slick finger tips gripped. The strip-lighting and low ceiling don't do it any favours either. Nor, for that matter, do the two guys lying on the floor grunting like neanderthals. "OK, go faster!" blurts out one of them on heavy breath and you can bet it's not me. An e ...

A current ran up my right leg, passed through my abdomen, dropped down the other side and exited my body. It left no damage except to my ego. It was a biometrical impedance analysis or "thing that looks like weighing scales and tells you what percentage of your body is fat". Mine was 16.5%. That puts me at the larger end of the "Fitness" category - below "Acceptable" and above "Athlete". My pathetic vanity ...

Warning: This article contains references to, and discussion of, the term "chafe". Those under 18 and/or of a weak constitution are advised to seek advice before reading Why does this always happen? I'm late. Cycling through rain back from Guildford. On the train back from London. Discussing the terms of another voluntary position (are any of them not?). The excuses change but the result doesn't. I'm late. ...