Steve Monaghan musings

  In the UK, a microcosm of humans on planet Earth, right wing fascism is allowed to parade its colours, etc. Not for the first time. Previous unfettered outbreaks have resulted in an unsuccessful democratic result. In the guise of Reform, not UKIP, a brand more acceptable some would say. However, the underbelly is easy to see Farage and his mouthy sidekicks are racists. How do racists have freedom of speech when we have laws against racial discrimination EASY not all laws have to be enacted. It's like VAR not all decisions are acted on. So as we stride towards another general election they will need a substantial increase in their recent votes. However, when the narrative is already pushing the idea of victory some already believe it's true. So what would a racist ruling Party do. Pretty much Nazi Germany. Offended by that? You cannot be bothered with these political people. I wish they would go away but secretly I think they have a point about immigrants. Let's have a ...

 I wonder if there is an appetite to deport these people on horses for breaking the law. Seems they are all white but still could be immigrants.  When the history books are compiled by AI will they recall the day Hunting was banned. 2004. A so-called typically British pastime, of the Rich, but still illegal.  So in our glorious country Please remember if you want to fight crime start at the top. If you are a wannabe top of the tree kinda person then just ignore this and vote Reform. Viva la fascisme. You know it's true. But then again allegedly Britain won a war, all on its own, to beat fascism. So I look forward to pitched battles with the likes of Farage and Anderson, no friends of the people, unless they are Rich, and even some of them don't want them. Anderson and Farage the Blunderbuss of politics. Talking nonsense like Trump. They are like a Harry Enfield character with no self awareness of their crass, blunt, incoherent drivel whilst parading as credible, bona-fide...

 As someone who lives in Derbyshire, one of the few places Reform UK have taken control, I can safely inform people that the use of public funds to erect flags to income National Pride is not unusual. In my 63 years I have witnessed QE Silver Jubilee, Street Parties,  Trooping the Colour, Royal Weddings, etc. None of these events have persuaded me to be Nationalistic or have Pride in the nation I was born in and resided in all my life. The current wave, pun intended, of flag celebration persuaded me even less due to the following: Central to this flag flying is Reform UK - a Party led by a man - opposed to the nation being part of the EU and taking their salary - now takes a salary from UK government who he opposes - who does not need a salary due to his wealth - who hides his racism under the guise of immigration policy change - who does not acknowledge the integral part many people have played in creating this nation Hence many people mistakenly think National Pride equates ...

 Back in September 2024 I decided to embark on a year of training for my first backyard ultra. My plan, self-coached, is based on 40 years of being a mainly running club member, input from coaches both in person and online, the developing world of ultras and my experience which includes every distance from 100m to 40 miles. So I decided to use shorter events as practice towards a backyard format. I participated in seven 6 hour events and one 4 hour event. Each event was an opportunity to practice and test backyard/ultra techniques including fast/slow laps, eating/drinking on the move or at the end of lap, different products, equipment. Eventually I did the backyard ultra in September 2025. Completed 13 laps(hours), 52 miles (a new PB) and created a crew. Thanks to Mark g The Test Run, YouTuber, who created a film of my attempt.  What did I learn?  The Backyard format means most laps have an enforced rest unlike typical ultras which may have food/drink checkpoints but at y...