Trexology

- Running Theology -

Exploring the connections between God and Running

Great race by @punkpantherevents today. Super wet and very slippy. Took one heavy fall but managed to style out all my other slips and trips. Loved being in an actual foot race and delighted to bring home 🥈

After a good few months focusing on other running skills it was good to be back out doing steady 12 minute miles on a soggy Pennine Way 😊 Spine Race 26 prep is going well. Good to meet @sean_runs_trails out there 👍

Morley 10k! 39:30 and 19th place 😊
Totally out of my depth doing a shorter race for the first time in many years. I was nervous in the start line and my legs were like jelly for the first 2 miles. But Irelaxed into it and am absolutley delighted with the time and a hilly coutse and a windy day. That finish is brutal and im not reposting pictires if my face at the end!! 🤣 @morleyrunningclub did an absolutely amazing job. So well organised! And the @stpetersmorley runners were all amazing raising funds for the communtiy centre. Well done everyone!

DAY 1! #Spine2026
After some good weeks of summer rest today is Day 1 of prep for a return to the Winter @spinerace in 5 months’ time. I was a finisher in 2024 but struggled from start to finish. My aim for 2026 is simply to go and enjoy every minute (even the horrible bits). Hopefully in the process I’ll have a good run.

Today’s run/swim/run was not very Spiney! ☀️ 🥵 🏊‍♂️

THE WAYFARER - ANDY KIND

I love this book.

In the Wayfarer we join Andy Kind on his epic Pennine Way adventure which is hilarious from start to finish. Laugh out loud highlights include Alan the Fox, questionable artwork in a Hebden Bridge B&B, and exquisite dialogue during a visit to the infamous Horneystead Farm.

I’m a big fan of the Pennine Way and Andy’s description unfolds in beautiful prose with vivid descriptions that drew me back to places I love and hate. I genuinely felt like one of Andy’s traveling companions.

Speaking of which, it’s the people we meet on these adventures that make them meaningful. Andy introduces us to a motley crew of travellers who seem on one hand impossibly ludicrous yet on the other hand comfortingly familiar.

The journey is as deep as it is long. There are moments which are profound and moving as Andy allows himself to become increasingly vulnerable and honest the further North we go. Andy discovers his real reasons for taking on this epic journey, and he is kind enough to let us in on it.

Overall, The Wayfarer is an absolute delight. Yes you will laugh - a lot - but you will also smile at sharp observation and ruminate on profound life reflections. “No commitment to endurance survives a chainsaw” is one that has stuck with me.

Like my own journeys along the Pennine Way, I couldn’t wait to get to the end, but didn’t want it to stop.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Phil (Paul)

You win some, you lose some. Three weeks after @gods_own_backyard_ultra I headed down to Suffolk for the UK’s biggest Backyard Ultra. A great event with nearly 400 runners. Sadly I just wasn’t well recovered enough and hobbled around 13 loops, 54 miles, before calling it a day and claiming my first ever DNF. Huge thanks to @joel_runs_88 who was driver and crew for the weekend. It was worth a shot!

What can I say about this weekend?! I absolutely loved dipping my toe in the world of Backyard Ultras. The team at @gods_own_backyard_ultra do a fantastic job. I love low key events and this was exactly that, in the best possible way. I would thoroughly recommend anyone to have a go next year.
Delighted that I was able to come away with a finish and a new course record of 41 years (laps) which is about 170 miles.
I’ll do a write up on my blog www.trexology.co.uk in due course.
Particular shout out to Cara who was an absolute machine, and Paul who did two more yards than he wanted to so that he could assist me to 41. One of the enjoyable twists of this event was working as a team for the last few hours.
Special thanks have to go to my crew chief Joel @joel_runs_88 who took care of all the logistics. And Carl, Jim, Alex for putting in shifts. Most of all Abby @ajmharris85 who held the fort at home with the boys and came to the backyard in all the gaps. You’re amazing 🥰

Thankful to God to be injury free, running well and enjoying the sun. Ptraining for 2025 adventures is going well #backyard

He’s done it!!!! @arcofattritionbyutmb 100mile FINISHER!!!! Hero. @joel_runs_88

Only 11 miles to go! @joel_runs_88 @arcofattritionbyutmb

Yes @joel_runs_88 ! It’s getting tough but that’s when Joel steps up. Let’s go!

We head into the night (and the rain) @joel_runs_88 is smashing it. @arcofattritionbyutmb

Crewing for the legendary @joel_runs_88 as he takes on 100 miles of @arcofattritionbyutmb He’s been so strong in training. Every confidence in him to execute a strong race. Looking forward to following him around for a the next few hours!

Some good miles out on the Pennine Way, soothing my @spinerace fomo by cheering on the absolute legends who are taking it on. Go well!

Thinking of all those about to head out on @spinerace this morning. Have an epic adventure! Seriously wish I was on the start line but excited to watch some dots tbh is week. Will be out on the course this afternoon to cheer people though 👏👏👏

Guess who has @spinerace FOMO? 🖐️ A solid 33 miles from Middleton in Teasdale to high Cup Nick and back. Cold. Icy. Great day. Thanks @joel_runs_88

@joel_runs_88 smashing the God’s Own Backyard Ultra in Leeds. 15 hours in and looking strong. “Midlife Crisis Avengers” for support crew 🤣

Supporting @joel_runs_88 at the Leeds Backyard Ultra 🏃🏼

Dragons Back 2024 Race Blog Complete. Link in bio 😊

Dragon’s Back Race Report - Part 2
Some fun moments!
Link in bio.
@dragonsbackrace

Dragon’s Back Race 2024 - Race Report Part 1
Link in Bio

“The irony wasn’t lost on me. I was about to be brought face to face with a ferocious beast. Not a lion, but a dragon. 249 miles down the spine of Wales from Conwy to Cardiff, with 53,800 feet of elevation over 6 days. This is the Dragon’s Back Race, which is billed as the toughest mountain race in the world…”

We did it! Dragons Back complete! More to come, but for now I need food!

Wales is NICE 😍 3 days into @dragonsbackrace and loving every minute (except the pain). Thanks for the dragon mail messages! I get handed a print out to read every evening while I eat my tea and it’s a real highlight of the day 😌

Adventure time! I’m taking on the @dragonsbackrace . About 240 miles of Welsh mountains from Conwy to Cardiff over 6 days starting at 6am tomorrow.

Training has been sub optimal to say the least, but I’m here, I’m healthy, and I’m ready to see all of Wales - no matter how slowly.

I’m bib 128 and you can track my progress and send me motivational messages (please!) on the website.

Bug shout out to @ajmharris85 who is holding down the fort while I run between castles 😻

#TheMoustachingMinister

If you know someone who is tired at the moment, send them this...
New Blog: Sometimes all you need is a nap and a snack
#faithendurance #spinerace
Link in Bio

I mean... wow! #cribgoch #snowdon @joel_runs_88

How do we take the challenges that life throws at us and turn them into something of value?
New Blog - Welcome Adversity as Opportunity
#FaithEndurance
Link in Bio

"If you came to my house for tea and I offered you blended broccoli and breast milk, you would not be best pleased."
New Blog Post: Learn To Feed Yourself
#FaithEndurance
Link in Bio

What can we learn about negotiating difficult times in faith from ultramarathon running?
New Blog Post: Learn to Navigate in The Dark
#FaithEndurance
Link in Bio

How do we navigate the 'narrow way' that leads to life?
New Blog Post: Run the Race Marked Out For You
#faithendurance
Link in Bio

I think suffering is one of the biggest obstacles we face in life. How can we embrace it?
New Blog Post: Embrace Suffering - it's the Road to Glory
Link in bio #FaithEndurance
https://www.trexology.co.uk/post/embrace-suffering-it-s-the-road-to-glory

New Ultra Marathon Nutrition Products COMING SOON 🔥 🔥 🔥
#running #ultrarunningtraining #ultramaraton #nutrition #trailrunning #endurance #racenutrition #whatiswrongwithme

Great day in the Peaks exploring new routes, stretching my legs, clearing my head 😀

New Blog Post: Train like a Pro - 5 Steps For Spiritual Fitness
Packed full of practical pointers about how to train to become the sort of Jesus followers we long to be.
#faithendurance @stpetersmorley @philnharris
Link in bio.

A new Faith Endurance post in which I massively over share 😬
New Blog Post: Manage Your Weakness and Make it Your Strength
Link in Bio
#FaithEndurance

I'm producing a series of short blog posts on Faith Endurance which explores principles of how we keep running with Jesus for the long haul. If you know anyone who would value reading them, please do share!

New Blog Post: Tend To Your Injuries Early

Link in Bio #faithendurance

How to avoid a D.N.F in the life of faith
New Blog Post: Conted with the Reality of Failure
#FaithEndurance
Link in Bio

Volvos, Lions and the danger of comfort.
New blog post: Who Said Anything About Safe?
#faithendurance
Link to blog in bio

The highs and lows of ultra endurance sports. After an amazing week on #MorleyEverest it’s been a slow recovery. 240 miles of tarmac had some unexpected and painful consequences. Today I took a trip to the Urgent Treatment Centre where I was assessed by the brilliant staff there. I have a torn (but not ruptured) left achilles plus some other smaller issues with my right leg. Now it’s rest and steady reintroduction of movement over the coming weeks.

Thanks again to all who have donated to the Community Centre Building Project. We are sooooo close to reaching £20,000!

The reason I almost stopped being a christian.
New blog post: Next Goal Winner
#faithendurance

Link in bio

What a team! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Part 3)
#morleyeverest

What a team! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Part 2)
#morleyeverest

What a team! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Part 1)
#morleyeverest

With 2 days to go until #MorleyEverest, here is the lap counter plus some FAQs answered. What questions do you have? Ask below!

- Phil #therunningvicar will do a total of 102 laps.
- One lap is 2.35 miles
- A lap is from “Base Camp”, down Churwell Hill to Old Road and back up again.
- Base Camp will be outside on the church grounds where a support crew will be stationed throughout the event.
- Phil will start each day at 6am, and finish by midnight, stopping for meals.
- Overnight Phil will sleep out in a tent ready to start the next day.
- The total distance of Morley Everest is roughly the same as running to Calais, France.
- Phil will be fuelled by, amongst other things, Jelly Babies, Rice Pudding and Coffee.

Link in bio to donate!

The technique that resulted in my best ever race. How knowing the destination makes for a better journey.
NEW BLOG POST: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
Link in Bio #trexology #faithendurance

Did you know it’s possible to fall asleep while running?
New Blog Post: Follow the Heels.
Link in bio.

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2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 3/3

“Time to go to work”, I said to Darren as I emerged from my compartment 15 minutes earlier than usual following a 4:15 am wakeup call.

Race Reports

Nov 8, 202410 min read

2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 2/3

I opted, predictably, for the bum slide which was the choice du jour. It was quite a ride. I heard the phrase “grass enema” more than once

Race Reports

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Why Do We Like Running in Mountains? A Christian Perspective

All trail runners have had the experience of encountering something spiritual when running through the mountains. What's happening here?

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2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 1/3

I was about to be brought face to face with a ferocious best. Not a lion, but a dragon. This is the Dragon’s Back Race

Race Reports

Sep 14, 20248 min read

Sometimes All You Need is a Nap and a Snack

I was about 90 miles along the Pennine Way descending Fountains Fell and approaching the familiar silhouette of Pen-Y-Ghent in the...

Faith Endurance

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Welcome Adversity as Opportunity

Last Sunday after church I drove to Wales to spend two days running in the mountains with my friend Joel. I enjoyed some of the most...

Faith Endurance

Jul 1, 20244 min read

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Read the blog...

2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 3/3

2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 2/3

Why Do We Like Running in Mountains? A Christian Perspective

2024 Dragon's Back Race Report - Part 1/3

Sometimes All You Need is a Nap and a Snack

Welcome Adversity as Opportunity

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