Definition of Hilly

Something that has made me think over the years is the age old question: what is a "hilly" run? We run, we rumble, we do hills and little undulations. But what is the definition of a hilly run? Finally, we have the answer!! The Steepness Index or STINker!!

This is worked out by taking the number of "feet of uphill" as a percentage of the "miles covered" in the run. For example, I have been doing a long, relatively flat, 9.40 mile run recently with an elevation of 337 feet. So the "Stinker" of 337/940 or 36%. The Petts Wood 10K, a fairly hilly race is 329 feet over 6.21 miles or 53%. A favourite hilly run in Biggin Hill is actually 7.74 miles long with uphill of 727 feet giving it a "Stinker" of 94%. We know this is a stinker and the index shows it.

However, when I did some recent coastal path running in preparation for our Cornwall adventures, I ran 4.66 miles covering 800 feet of climbing given it a Stinker of 172%. This is true hill running and Cornwall has plenty waiting for us next May. For the record, Day 3 of Hadrian's Wall was 15.74 miles and 2178 feet of uphill (a "stinker" of 138%).

So, under 50% = basically pretty flat, 50%-100% = getting fairly hilly, 100% to 150% = will be very strenuous and 150% - 200% = severe running test.

Amazon supports CASPA

A big reminder this weekend to support CASPA through our link with Amazon. If you are using Amazon this Christmas then please click the link in the banner above - you will go straight through to the usual Amazon site BUT they will remember where you clicked and pay CASPA 5%!!

Currently we have raised £99 together and if we could get 100 or even 1000 users then we could raise hundreds or even thousands of pounds for CASPA. And it's all free!! Hard to believe? Well yeh, but let's do it. Give as you spend.

Spread the word. As we look towards the next "fourdaysrunning" rumble, don't say no to free money. Tell your friends, link them, like them, poke them, share them, whatever it takes.

Time to run

From my window

Trails are calling,

In the glorious autumn sun.

Through the trees

Where leaves are falling,

I hear voices: "Time to run".

Smoke is rising

In the distance,

Blessed by glorious autumn sun.

Hilly paths and

Woodland mist and

Voices calling: "Time to run".

Come the day,
The final trail,
Watch the glorious setting sun.
When time is up,
And senses fail me,
 Silent whisper: "Time to run".

Recycling for CASPA

All of our runners and readers know that we are raising money for CASPA, a charity that works so effectively with young people and children with Autism. Now here is a chance for you all (there is no running involved!!). It only involves recycling!!

If you have INKJET cartridges, LASER cartridges, TONER empties or old PHONES then collect them up and let Ivor have them OR ask Ivor for envelopes or collecting boxes OR, if you live further away, then you can register on the website and get your own freepost envelopes or boxes.

This is easy money. Get collecting and I'll put the total on here to let you see how we're doing. No running or cycling, JUST recycling!!