Run Barns Green 2025

The Night Before the Run: Calm, Chaos & Carb-Loading

Tomorrow is the big day. Run Barns Green is finally here.

Right now, across the village, our SOCS runners are going through one of three very different pre-race rituals:

• The Calm Professionals – kit laid out like a military inspection, shoes polished, race plan memorised.
• The Chaotic Hopefuls – still hunting for a safety pin while trying to remember where they last saw their running socks.
• The Carb-Loaders – eating their body weight in pasta, loudly justifying it as “essential fuel.”

Wherever you fall on that list, don’t panic. Here are a few last-minute tips:

• Charge your watch/phone – no one wants to miss that “well done” notification at the finish line.
• Pin your number on tonight – preferably to a running vest, not your pyjamas.
• Don’t try anything new – race day is not the moment to test experimental energy gels or “revolutionary” blister plasters.
• Sleep if you can, rest if you can’t – lying still and visualising the finish line is almost as good as actual sleep.

Above all, remember why you’re doing this. Every step tomorrow helps raise money for Castlewood School, supporting our children and community. Whether you run, jog, or shuffle heroically towards the finish line, you’ll be making a difference.

So, deep breath. You’ve trained (mostly). You’ve raised money (definitely). And tomorrow, you’ll run with hundreds of others, cheered on by family, friends, and maybe the odd confused dog.

Good luck, SOCS runners — and thank you to everyone who has donated, supported, and believed in us.

See you at the finish line… and possibly in the pub afterwards 🍻

How to Look Like You’re Enjoying Running (When It’s the Most Painful Thing You’ve Ever Done)

(Or: The fine art of pretending not to suffer in public)

Let’s not sugar-coat it. Running hurts. Especially long-distance running. Especially when it involves hills, heat, or high levels of poor life choices.

But here’s the thing — there’s usually someone watching.

Supporters. Spectators. That person with the camera. The cheerful marshal shouting “You’re doing great!” when you are clearly not.

And so, like every self-respecting British adult, you do the only polite thing. You fake it.

Here’s how to look like you’re loving every second — even when every step feels like your knees are auditioning for a new body.

1. Master the half-smile

Not a grin. Not a grimace. Just that faint, ambiguous look that could say “I’m feeling good” or “I’ve gone to my happy place to escape the pain.” The Mona Lisa of mid-race expressions.

2. Keep your arms moving

Even if your legs are fading fast, swinging your arms gives the illusion of momentum. Bonus: it stops them from dangling lifelessly like cooked spaghetti, which really gives the game away.

3. Acknowledge the crowd

A nod, a thumbs up, or — if you’ve got the energy — a wave. These tiny gestures make you look composed and in control. Inside, your inner voice is screaming. Outside, you’re the picture of calm.

4. Breathe like an actor

No gasping. No snorting. Try to breathe rhythmically, like someone in a film montage. Bonus points if it’s in time with your feet. Avoid panting like a dog who’s just chased a ball uphill.

5. Use distraction

Notice a dog in a costume? Comment on it. See someone with a great sign? Smile. Anything that breaks the “I’m dying” loop in your head will show on your face. And make you a more sociable runner. Briefly.

6. Prepare a line

You will be asked how you’re doing. Have a line ready. “All good, thanks!” or “Just enjoying the scenery!” may be lies, but they’re cheerful lies. No one wants to hear the truth mid-race.

7. Photo radar

Seasoned runners can sense a race photographer at 50 paces. Suddenly, form improves. Posture straightens. Smiles appear. You’ve never looked more athletic — for 3.5 seconds. That photo will live forever.

8. The finish line rule

No matter how awful you feel, never limp across the line (unless you’re actually injured). Channel your last scrap of energy, raise your arms, and look victorious. You can collapse 20 yards later, out of shot.

Running is hard. That’s the point. But looking like you’re enjoying it? That’s a performance. One most of us pull off surprisingly well — at least until we’re safely out of sight and crawling toward snacks.

So if you see us out there at Barns Green — waving, smiling, pretending — do us a favour: wave back. Clap. Shout something encouraging.

And if you really want to help, donate.

Because nothing takes the sting out of sore legs like knowing it was all worth it.

Long-Distance Running and Childbirth: A Comparison Only a Man Would Attempt

(Or: Don’t worry, I’m not going there — but also, maybe I am.)

Let’s get the disclaimer in early. I’ve never given birth. I’ve watched it happen (twice), but I’m not about to claim that running a half marathon is like childbirth. That way lies danger, disbelief, and the kind of silence that only comes when someone is deciding whether to hit you with a shoe.

But — and hear me out — there are some similarities. At least from the outside.

Let’s begin.

1. The idea seems fine at the start

You sign up full of hope. There’s a vague understanding that it’ll be tough, but people do it all the time, right? How bad can it be?

You Google a few things, buy new gear, tell everyone you’re doing it. They smile in a way that’s either supportive or pitying — hard to tell.

2. The middle bit is grim

You hit the part where you realise this is no longer theoretical. It hurts. Everything hurts. You’ve lost track of time. You’re sweating, swearing, and seriously questioning your decision-making.

In childbirth they call this the transition stage. In running, it’s mile 9.

3. People say weirdly unhelpful things

“You’re nearly there!” (You’re not.)

“You’ll forget all this once it’s over!” (Will I?)

“You’ll feel amazing afterwards!” (Unlikely, unless someone carries me to the car and brings me snacks.)

4. The breathing techniques help a bit — until they don’t

You start with control. Measured, focused, in charge. Then at some point, it becomes open-mouthed panting while trying not to cry in public.

5. No one can do it for you

People can cheer you on. They can offer water, encouragement, and snacks. But no one can run those miles (or push that baby) for you. It’s your job. You, alone, must get through this. Even if you’re shouting “never again” as you go.

6. The pain has purpose

It’s not just suffering for suffering’s sake. You’re doing something that matters. You’re bringing something into the world — a baby, yes, or in our case, a better school environment for our kids.

Every hill climbed, every mile covered, every stitch endured is in service of something bigger than yourself. That’s worth a few blisters.

7. Afterwards, you forget how bad it was — and consider doing it again

This is perhaps the most alarming similarity of all.

You swear blind it was the worst experience of your life. You limp for days. You say, never again.

And yet… the next time someone suggests it, you find yourself saying “Well, maybe just one more…”

No, running isn’t childbirth. But it’s one of the few things where people willingly go through something awful — and then look back on it with pride.

Especially when it raises money for something that really matters.

So please support our SOCS runners. We’re giving it everything we’ve got. And there’s not even gas and air at the finish line.

Why It’s No Use Training on the Flat When Run Barns Green Has Hills

(Or: What goes up… usually stays up for a bit, but then it gets better)

Let’s get one thing straight: Barns Green is not known for being flat.

There are some gentle descents and the final three miles of the half marathon are mercifully level — but the rest? Let’s just say your legs will know they’ve been out.

If your training has mainly involved flat routes — looping the park, skimming along the seafront, gliding down the towpath — then you’re building stamina. That’s great. But Barns Green will ask for more than stamina. It’ll ask for strength, stubbornness, and a sense of humour.

Here’s why a bit of hill training is your new best friend:

1. Hills make you stronger

They’re tough, yes — but they force your legs, lungs and heart to work harder. That effort translates into better form and more power when you’re back on the flat. Even short hill repeats in training can pay off on race day.

2. You don’t have to sprint — you just have to keep going

Pacing is key. Attack every hill and you’ll burn out. But if you treat them with respect — shorten your stride, pump your arms, breathe steadily — you’ll find a rhythm that gets you to the top.

3. Confidence builds with practice

The first few hills will feel horrible. But your body adapts fast. After a few weeks, you’ll notice that climbs you once walked are now runnable. And that sense of progress? It’s addictive.

4. The hills end — and then it gets easier

The middle section of the half marathon is the toughest, with rolling countryside that feels… persistent. But once you hit the final three miles, the course flattens out. At that point, you can stretch out your stride and start to believe you’re going to make it.

5. Downhill isn’t always easy — but it’s part of the fun

You’ll learn to run downhill properly (tip: controlled, not reckless). And while the knees might grumble, there’s something joyful about flying down a slope with the wind in your face and the pub not far away.

6. It’s all part of the story

Flat races are fine. But the sense of achievement when you’ve tackled hills — especially these hills — is something else. You didn’t just run a distance. You ran this route. And that’s worth being proud of.

So yes, the hills are real. But they’re also beatable. And once you’ve trained on a few, you’ll find they’re not your enemy — they’re your proof that you’ve put in the work.

And best of all? Once you reach those last three miles, you’ll feel like you’re flying.

How to Raise Sponsorship Without Actually Asking Anyone for Money

(Or: The introvert’s guide to guilt-free fundraising)

Not everyone loves asking for money. Some people are brilliant at it — they’re all over social media, they collar friends at the pub, they know exactly how to follow up with a “just circling back…” message.

Then there’s the rest of us.

So if you’ve signed up to run for SOCS — or you’re thinking about it — but the idea of fundraising fills you with dread, here are some tried-and-tested ways to raise sponsorship without having to beg, chase or cringe.

1. Do the work first

Don’t start with the ask — start with the effort. Tell people what you’re doing: the early morning runs, the blisters, the uphill struggles (literally). If they see your commitment, the donations tend to follow. People respect effort.

2. Make it personal

Forget generic posts. Share why you’re running — whether it’s for your child’s school, in memory of someone, or simply to do something hard and worthwhile. People give to people, not just causes.

3. Use humour

A bit of self-deprecation goes a long way. “I’ve signed up to run 10k. I’m currently able to run for 10 minutes. Please sponsor my survival.”

Or: “Help me raise £250 for the school. Or £500 if you want video evidence of me trying to stretch afterwards.”

4. Be specific

Instead of saying “please donate,” say:

• “£10 buys new sports equipment”

• “£25 helps repaint the KS2 toilets”

• “£50 helps replace playground kit older than most of the staff”

People like to know where their money’s going — and that even a small donation matters.

5. Create a passive trail

Add your fundraising link to your email signature. Mention it in conversation. Stick it on WhatsApp. Don’t shove it in people’s faces — just leave it where they’ll see it.

6. Let someone else ask for you

Got a chatty friend, a proud relative, or a colleague who owes you a favour? Let them plug your page. You can even return the favour with tea and biscuits — a small price to pay.

7. Celebrate every donation

Public thanks makes people feel good — and gently nudges others. “Thank you to Sophie for sponsoring me — one step closer to replacing the crumbling trim trail!”

8. Be shameless — just once

Pick a day. Post the link. Say: “This is the only time I’m asking. If you’d like to support Castlewood School and make my legs suffer, now’s your chance.”

Then drop it. No guilt. No follow-ups. You did your bit.

Raising money doesn’t have to mean twisting arms. It’s about sharing a story, showing you care, and giving people a chance to be part of something good. If they want to join in, they will. And if not, you’ve still done something worthwhile.

And remember — no one sponsors the person who meant to set up a page. Just do it.

The Mental Benefits of Running

(Or: Why your brain might thank you, even if your knees don’t.)

Running is often sold as good for the body — and it is. But what’s sometimes overlooked is how much it can do for your head.

Not everyone starts out loving it. For many, the first few runs are brutal. You’re out of breath before the end of the street. Your legs ache. And you question your life choices. But something starts to shift — not just physically, but mentally.

Here’s what’s going on behind the sweat:

You get headspace.

• Running creates a kind of mental quiet. No emails, no to-do lists, no small talk. Just one foot in front of the other. Even a short run can break the cycle of overthinking and reset your mood.
• You learn to tolerate discomfort.
• Not pain, but effort. That little voice that says “I can’t” gets quieter each time you prove it wrong. That carries over into everyday life — tough meeting, awkward conversation, annoying DIY job? You’ve got more in the tank.

It improves your memory and focus.

• Science backs this one. Running boosts blood flow to the brain and stimulates growth in areas linked to memory and learning. So yes, you might forget where you left your keys — but overall, you’re sharper.
• You feel better.
• That’s not just endorphins (though they help). Running can reduce anxiety, lift your mood, and build confidence. Especially if you’ve got a clear goal — like running for a good cause.

You gain perspective.

• Something about being out on the road or trail helps you see things differently. Problems seem smaller. Plans feel more doable. Sometimes you find solutions mid-run without even trying.

Now, let’s be clear: this isn’t a magic fix. Running won’t solve everything. And some days, you’ll still feel rubbish. But lacing up your shoes and getting out there, even when you don’t feel like it — that’s where the shift happens.

This is one reason why our SOCS runners keep coming back. It’s not just about the fitness. Or even the fundraising. It’s about what running gives back — headspace, focus, resilience, and the odd excuse for cake.

So if you’re watching from the sidelines this year and wondering what all the fuss is about, maybe give it a try. Or at least cheer us on. We’ll need it.