A-Z team training on Bournemouth Marathon Course

The Plan As part of their preparation for the Bournemouth Marathon, the A-Z team planned a training trip to the south coast. One of the team, who shall remain nameless, had decided that visualisation was an important part of preparation for such a challenge. Consequently, the A-Z team have now… Read More

A-Z Team Training update

There should be a law banning all decisions made at a Prosecco fuelled works Christmas do, particularly decisions that would go on to include a lot of sweat, pain, a little blood and running gels!  With just under a week to go until race day you would expect the A-Z team training… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 – The A-Z Challenge

The Office Christmas Party can often produce a few surprises and things people feel they may regret in the morning and the A-Z 2015 one was no exception. Some way down her second bottle of Pinot, Caroline Ball, our Human Resources and Christmas party organiser, decided she wanted to run… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 fundraising

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 fundraising While the A-Z team are running the Bournemouth Marathon to challenge ourselves and to get fit, we are also choosing to support 3 very worthy charities where the money raised actually helps to save and improve the quality of lives. Geographers’ A-Z… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 progress update 1

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 progress update A few months after committing to run a marathon, the stark reality of the challenge is starting to dawn on the A-Z team – this is going to hurt! The initial optimism (mainly Kieran’s) and bravado is starting to wear off as people’s thoughts turn towards… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon 2016 training update 2016 – Phil

After three fairly relaxed months after Christmas and that silly, alcohol fuelled decision to take part in the marathon, I suddenly realised the size of the task in front of me. I found myself spending every available moment frantically researching training programmes, dietary requirements, running gear and stretching techniques. Completely… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon Race Report

We are delighted to report that the four members of the A-Z team for the Bournemouth Marathon successfully completed the race on Sunday. All have now returned to work and are bravely coping with their aching limbs and battle scars ( some more quietly than others ). The A-Z team… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon training update – Caroline

24 weeks before the BIG race and I have realised I need to do some marathon training, but before I start any running I need to improve my fitness and the easiest and cheapest way to do this is by walking. I decided to sign up for the A-Z annual… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon training update – Kieran

My approach to training for an event like this is normally quite laid back; a couple of training runs, a few lengths in the pool, try to avoid too many Tikka Masala’s and see what happens on the day. I’ve never run a marathon before, in fact I’ve never run… Read More

Bournemouth Marathon training update – Steve

As the Bournemouth Marathon edges ever closer, the gap between New Year’s good intentions and reality becomes ever more stark. The intention was to gradually develop a solid base level of fitness, undertaking a range of outdoor events to improve my endurance. While doing so I would be enjoying learning… Read More

Cycling in the North York Moors

The North York Moors is one of the largest areas of heather moorland in the United Kingdom. Cycling in the North York Moors makes for the perfect outdoor pursuit. The many miles of country roads, bridleways and forest tracks offer some great cycling routes. The North Yorkshire Moors National Park… Read More

How will the Olympics change the face of London?

In 2005 Reuters described the plot of land in East London that is now known throughout the world as the Olympic Park, as a “patch of polluted wasteland”. What was once a derelict piece of industrial wasteland is now a state-of-the-art sporting complex. Now including The Olympic Stadium, an Aquatics… Read More

Hyde Park London Highlights – London’s most legendary park takes centre stage during the 2012 Olympics

When one thinks of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament immediately spring to mind, with Hyde Park also being a leading symbolic London landmark. Hyde Park is one of the eight Royal Parks in London and the capital’s largest park which covers an immense 350 acres. Read More

London 2012 non-sporting trail – a cultural backdrop against a summer of sport!

As the UK is fully immersed in Olympic fever, London has never been such a pulsating, poignant and vibrant place to be. Although, despite what many people may think, you don’t have to be a devout sports fan to get wrapped up in all the Olympic 2012 excitement. On the… Read More

London Football Clubs

London is home to fabulous historical landmarks, large urban parks and 13 top professional football clubs. It comes as no surprise that football is the city’s most popular sport. The growth in popularity of the sport has resulted in strong local allegiances to London football clubs,… Read More

Mapping out the London Olympic Marathon course

With the world casting a critical eye over whether the London Olympics 2012 opening ceremony would live up to Beijing’s opening ceremony in 2008, London certainly did not disappoint in creating a show stopping opening celebration that impressed audiences across the world. Similar to how the sensational opening ceremony… Read More

Mountain Biking in the Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons provide some of the wildest scenery in southern Britain. Despite sitting just above the South Wales Valleys, the windswept moorlands and lush valleys feel impressively remote. But it takes more than just mountains to make for great mountain biking. The Brecon Beacons National Park has plenty of… Read More

One Woman’s Quest to Visit All of the Gold Post Boxes!

It seems that much of the country is looking to continue the excitement of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. For most, that means planning the next holiday or enjoying the latest sporting event (Ryder Cup victory maybe!). However one woman, Paula Grant, is continuing the Olympic spirit by… Read More