IT'S 6 YEARS TO THE DAY SINCE I STOPPED SMOKING! Disclaimer – Do not worry I am not going to preach or shout health warning at you, just wanted to share what is a very special day for me. I remember the day well, I was hungover (again...

I got my running mojo back! I ran the Highland Fling Ultra in April 2012 and since them I haven't run another race, I made this decision on purpose, in three years I ran nearly 9,000 miles and when my body and mind decided it needed a rest I had...

For long enough my girlfriend has said that she wants to run a marathon. When I was running through Europe she said she would join me, when I ran Edinburgh and the Scottish Ultra marathons she said she wished she could have joined me. After much procrastination...

Back in April I decided to make my own energy bars for the Highland Fling Ultra. They were amazing and since then I have been asked to share the recipe by a lot of people, so here it is. Peanut Butter, honey, oat bars Is There A Perfect Weight for...

This time last year I was well trained but feeling a little run down. I was getting ready to run the @WHWRace for the first time, I had missed the Highland Fling due to flu but felt I had enough miles in my legs to complete the distance. I had to pull...

I have been drawing up a list of everyday foods that I like to eat when running long distances. There is quite a bit of information out there on this subject but I personally find it confusing and a little over the top for someone who just wants to...

Today I have a post about a Friend's challenge..... I was running the Speyside Way Ultra in 2011 and struggling up a hill when a rather chirpy looking girl ran beside me. "Hi!" she said energetically. We chatted for a while until on...

I have been working on some training plans for my website, they are now live. We have to date half marathon and full marathon plans for every possible target and level of runner. There is even a "how to get started" document to have a...

I didn't know whether to write this or not but I kind of wanted to for a couple of reasons. So that I could get some support and feedback and also that it might help someone else who is feeling the same. I know to some people reading this there are...

In July 2011 I ran 24hrs on a treadmill for Parkinson's charity, Funding Neuro . The target was 161.24 miles, I never made it to that distance but here is my account of one of the longest days of my life. I hope the running bug community enjoy reading...

It's now 2012 and a while since my last post, this has mainly been down to the fact that I have bought a new home and I am currently deep into an 8 months renovation project. It is safe to say that training has been challenging but I am happy with...

I have been enjoying myself this year, having run over 3,000 miles the previous year I decided this year I would scale back training a little and focus on other aspects of my life. While I have raced all through the year I have tried to put it into...

It's not very often that I complain (others might disagree) but I feel that I have to point out an epidemic which seems to be sweeping the globe, well maybe not but it's certainly sweeping Edinburgh! I can guess what you thinking this epidemic...

A goal is something you want to achieve or a place you want to get to and sometimes it is both. All too often I find myself focussing on the end result and not enjoying the journey (I couldn't think of another word that wasn't cheesy). There is...

I am contacted by people asking for help or advice on setting up expeditions or training for endurance events. I'm not an expert but I try to guide people in the direction that worked for me. A lot of the emails that I receive have a common theme...

Sometimes you've got to go through hell to get to heaven On any run, no matter what length it is or the level of runner you are there will always be a moment when you have that little element of doubt, that feeling that you went out too fast or that...

My name is Mark Cooper; I am 28 years old and live in Edinburgh. I began running in 2007 after nearly a decade of heavy smoking and regular drinking. I decided one day in 2007 to drop the habits that were holding me back and to get into fitness. Fast...