http://www.rundemcrew.com/

simon-freeman: That’d me me and the utterly amazing Chrissie...

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:55:41 +0000

That’d me me and the utterly amazing Chrissie Wellington (@chrissiesmiles) when I gave her the women’s Running and Endurance Sports Performance of the Year (RESPY) award for her amazing race in the Kona Ironman in 2011.

London Life: My Long Journey to Reach Run Dem Crew

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:52:00 +0000

If you ever wanted to understand what Run Dem is really about then this is without question one of the best examples of why we do what we do . I went to school with Janet back in the 80’s and always had an unspoken connection. Really great to have her in our midst at last and this post speaks volumes about the type of woman she has become. Always inspirational and clever with the pen, brew up a tea and take five minutes to absorb the following magic as she breaks down her first RDC experience. Warning: You might need tissues to hand.

I started writing this last night whilst feeling exhausted but elated. Buzzing from the evening that I’d just had. As I finish it tonight, the overwhelming feeling is of just how much my butt cheeks are aching, even though I’m sitting on my soft bed. But it’s so worth the pain. So regardless of that, I’m just really impressed and very proud of myself.

I know for certain that most of my mates will find this post hard to believe. I know I do, and I was there. But yesterday, I ran over four miles. Read my tired lips. FOUR LONG MILES!!!

For me, that is absolutely amazing.

I’m lucky enough to have my mum’s physique, so to the untrained eye I look fairly healthy. But the truth is that my colourful outfits hide a multitude of sins. No least that I am extremely unfit. When I was in my early teens at school, I was the ‘sporty type’. I did gymnastics, judo and fencing, training regularly and doing well in all the inter-school competitions. I also used to run. Definitely NOT long distance. But the 100m sprint and relay race were my thing. 200m, with coercion, if someone else had dropped out. But that really was a bit far for me. Sadly though, by the time I reached 15, I had a full and, in my mind, complicated social life. With school to contend with as well, sport began to take a backseat.

The 12 used to be the longest bus route in London (image © LondonCentral.com)

I got a Saturday job and started earning my own money and I began discovering the freedom and fun of being that bit older. Enjoying teenage life, growing up in South East London – which in itself brought the added excitement of being able to jump on the number 12 bus all the way ‘into town’, to exotic places like Covent Garden and Soho. Going to great parties, starting to sneak into pubs and clubs, learning about different types of amazing music, trying not to get caught smoking, thinking about boys… I was a busy girl. ‘Til eventually, I dropped all sports except sprinting. And because I was good at it, I took it for granted. I would turn up just in time for the start of my race, not bother to warm up, run and win. Yes, as I got older, I’d collapse in a panting heap just past the finished line, but I’d still win, so I thought it was fine. In hindsight, it must have been really annoying for my fellow runners – and probably a bit arrogant on my part. But the saddest thing was that this scraping-by approach didn’t encourage me to invest in my fitness past the age of 15. At 18, after The Great Summer of 1989, I left for university and the next phase of my life, and from then on the only thing I exercised was my drinking arm.

‘Volar plating of the severely displaced left distal radius fracture’

Over the last 20+ years, I’ve realised the need to rectify that. But what to do? I tried the gym, but got bored silly on the machines and in dance classes. I’m rubbish at swimming, plus chlorine’s really bad for black people’s hair. The one thing I did get into a few years ago was kickboxing. I even passed an exam to get a yellow stripe for my white belt. But then, totally unconnected, in August 2010 I dislocated and broke my wrist. After the operation to have metal pins inserted, the doctor made it clear that kickboxing was firmly off the agenda, as my wrist was now too weak.

So, another sloth-like year passed. By December 2011, I realised I couldn’t continue like this. I’d got away with it for years but my body was finally crying out for help. Everything I’d previously taken for granted was totally out of the window – I was breathless just running for a bus or walking up escalators. Plus, I’d turned 40 in July. I was officially no longer a spring chicken.

Mr Charlie Dark (© RDC)

Shortly after my operation, I’d read an intriguing article about some runners in East London, called Run Dem Crew. I checked out the website and read: “RDC is a collective of creative heads with a passion for running and the exchange of ideas. We meet every Tuesday to run and explore the streets of London”. I wanted in. Further investigation cemented it – RDC was the brainchild of one Mr Charlie Dark – DJ, musician, poet, writer. A cheeky chappy with a great smile and big personality. Intelligent and generally one of life’s nice guys. I know all this because Charlie was part of my formative years. An old, old friend from my school days. I must’ve known him for about 30 years. And as such he will always be dear to me, regardless of how often or seldom I see him. In those aforementioned days, where my interest in discovering new music and finding new life experiences was stronger than my interest in sports, Charlie was at the same parties, hanging around with the same people, going through many of the same South East London experiences. After leaving school, we didn’t specifically stay in touch but somehow our paths have always crossed over the years – I’d bump into him DJing at clubs where my musician ex-boyfriend would be playing or when I’d be out for a boogie with friends. Even more randomly, on one occasion I arrived at a friend’s garden party, in a north London house that I’d once lived in, only to find Charlie on the decks. By the time I read about RDC – it had already been going for three years and I probably hadn’t seen Charlie for at least two. But there are some old friends that you just know things will always be alright with. So, from that moment, I blocked Tuesday evenings out in my diary for RDC. Except, I was a bit chicken. This looked like serious running. And so, I never actually got round to contacting them. In the end, my dear friend Louise tried to take me around Clissold Park – I even bought new trainers for the occasion. But I couldn’t’ve jogged more than 200 metres before admitting defeat. She was shocked, I was embarrassed. We never really spoke of it again.

But eventually, on 23rd December 2011, I contacted RDC‘s general email with a message entitled ‘Getting Off My Butt‘ and explained that I needed to do just that. And, by the way, if this email goes to Charlie then hi – it’s Janet from school.. I didn’t hear anything for a while. Weeks, in fact. I thought I’d been blanked, to be honest. And then out of the blue last Friday, I got a great one-liner email: “So my friend, when are you coming to Run Dem Crew? Charlie”. During our subsequent email conversation he explained that everyone who joined the group needed to be able to run for 45 minutes, so that they didn’t impact the training of other runners. I was family, so he would give me a chance, but if I was worried about the distance then perhaps I should wait until I was confident, or at the very least bring my Oyster card with me, in case I couldn’t complete the course.. I thought that was really nice of him.

But yesterday, I decided to go for it. If I couldn’t manage it, I would bow out gracefully, jump on a bus home and allow the others to continue unhindered. So, after fighting the urge to just not bother, I hid my nerves and on Tuesday, 21st February 2012, I joined the Run Dem Crew for the first time. And I loved everything about it. From the moment I entered the Nike 1948 building in Shoreditch, where they meet, I felt a really warm and positive vibe. The room was nicely full and buzzing with lively people. They were excitedly sharing stories about races some had recently run – like last weekend’s Brighton Half Marathon – and races that are coming up – like the Berlin Half Marathon. Everyone was friendly and welcoming – making me part of their conversations straight away. Plus full of helpful advice – like, I really wouldn’t need all six layers of tops that I’d worn. Or the thigh-high socks under my tracksuit bottoms and additional legwarmers over my ankles. Before we hit the road, Charlie did some ‘housekeeping’. Reminding people that this was a running ‘crew’, rather than a running ‘group’, for a reason. We weren’t there to outshine each other, but rather to support and motivate each other along the way, creating a positive community where everyone achieved something and everyone left on a natural high. Their moto may be ‘Go Hard or Go Home‘ but complementing that is the core belief that you look out for each other when on the road, as in life. The RDC style and philosophy is right up my street. Above all, you could tell that this really was a family. People spoke very affectionately about Charlie to me. And despite the number of people there, he clearly had a connection with everyone, addressing them by name. He got those who’d completed the Brighton HM to go up and receive their medals. And despite not knowing them, I enjoyed being able to applaud them and help them celebrate their success. Charlie welcomed the various special guests and newcomers, including me. He also introduced a couple of teenagers from RDC Youngers – the offshoot that he’s set up to help mentor and motivate young people.

Then it was time to run. Each run lasts approximately an hour. RDC members are divided into five groups, depending on their speed: Tortoise, Hares, Greyhounds, Cheetahs and Elite. Joining the Tortoises, I was nervous as hell. Even though it was the slowest group, could I do this? The other groups were running to the London Eye and back (are you sure!). Comparatively, we had it easy.

The Tortoises stop for a quick picture (don’t think we’re really supposed to do that - but it was so pretty..) A fantastic bunch - I couldn’t have asked for a better group for my first run. I’m on the end with the green laces . Thanks, Candy, for the photo!

As it transpired, we were *only* running: along the bottom of Shoreditch High Street, past Liverpool Street station, along Bishopsgate, over London Bridge, left down the stairs onto the embankment, alongside Butlers Wharf and the River Thames, up the stairs onto Tower Bridge, over the bridge, up to Aldgate, along the Minnories, back up to Bishopsgate, past Liverpool Street station, back along Shoreditch High Street, RDC home.

Luckily, I didn’t know all of that. So I just focused on getting through the basics of running. Following the leader, one foot after another. As simplistic as that. And soaking up the view. It was wonderful running through the streets of London – my beloved home town – at night. Admiring the architecture in the city and around the river, under pretty lights. Everyone in the group was absolutely lovely. Checking that each other was alright and giving lots of encouragement. At times their attempts at conversing with me were fruitful. At other times I was so focused on not collapsing that I could only look ahead and grunt a response. As an urban running crew, RDC doesn’t do the jogging-at-traffic-lights thing that you often see. If the lights are red, we (*we*) just stop. And let me tell you, those red lights are a god-send.

My running stats, from Tuesday 21 February 2012 (I’m VERY excited about them)

I’m really proud to say that I completed the route, keeping up with the group all the way. (Luckily, I’d headed the earlier advice and lost most of my layers, socks and legwarmers – they would’ve pushed me over the edge.) But just as I was starting to mentally pat myself on the back, we passed Liverpool Street for the second time, on the return. Out of nowhere, this overwhelming wave of exhaustion just hit me and I realised I was completely spent. Myself and my new friend, Veema, looked at each other at exactly the same moment, expressing exactly the same thing – Oh my god, suddenly I don’t know if I can make this. It took every ounce of my being to run that final stretch, despite the brilliant encouragement that I was getting. As we reached the petrol station at the bottom of Shoreditch High Street – so close to base camp that I could practically see it, but still a million miles away – there were no traffic lights to save me and I just had to stop running – it was literally a ten second breather, to stop the pain. But nonetheless, I did stop. But Chaka wasn’t letting me off – not this close to the finish. His encouraging shouts of “C’mon, you can do it” made me dig deep, pick my knees up and run the rest of the way. Some of the others sprinted that last bit, but that was one 100m race I wasn’t going to win. I was just happy to get there. When I reached Nike 1948, I was too shattered to celebrate. I just lay down in the street, in agony, until someone advised me to get up and stretch it out straightaway: “Otherwise, you’ll never be able to get up again”.

After catching my breath, someone high-fived me. I’d done it.

4.37 miles, in 54:48 minutes, with an average pace of 12:31/mile. I was ecstatic.

And how apt that after all these years, it’s my mate from school, Charlie, that’s helping me rectify the mistakes of a lazy teenager. This time, I definitely don’t want to turn up just for the race. Each block, bridge and stretch of road that I ran with the Tortoises was a mini-milestone that we all achieved together – and I loved it every step of it.

I’m so proud to see the community that Charlie has set up, the philosophy that he is living to – and inspiring others to live to as well, especially the younger generation. And I’m honoured to have the opportunity to be part of it. Plus looking forward to getting to know the interesting people that I met on Tuesday. Despite my sore butt and aching thighs, I will definitely be there next week.

2012 Half the distance. Twice as fast. Ten times more...

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:09:09 +0000

2012

Half the distance.

Twice as fast.

Ten times more Crew…

Dear Berlin… We are coming back baby. Bold as Bears! Bis...

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:04:00 +0000

Dear Berlin…

We are coming back baby.

Bold as Bears!

Bis bald mein freund,

Linda x

6 Of The Best with DJ Lynda Phoenix:6 Iconic House tracks - What Went Down In London Town

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:02:06 +0000

Lynda Phoenix joined Run Dem at the beginning of this season and is already firmly integrated into the musical side of the crew. As fierce on the concrete as she is on the wheels of steel it’s an absolute honour to have such a legend within our midst. Down with the influential Defected crew she knows her house from bricks and always brings the party. Check out her 6 of the best below.

The House scene loves a good list - be it the ‘Top 100 DJ’s, Mixmag Awards, DJ Mag Awards’ or the ‘Greatest house tracks’. As these lists are normally based on global votes they never truly reflect what’s going on in your own city. So, with this in mind I have compiled ‘6 iconic house tracks’ that have rocked London over the years.

So here goes…I have dug deep into two decades of house music and narrowed it down to ‘what rocked the London underground house scene’. Remember this list is subjective; but one thing is for sure, that all these tracks are still hammered in DJ’s sets today and have stood the test of time! I hope you enjoy the selection….

1. Kings Of Tomorrow - Finally - Defected Records (2001)
Ok, I know I could be perceived as being biased as I work for Defected, but this really is arguably one of the biggest vocal house tracks. Still to this day this is played in countless DJ sets accompanied by the dancefloor ‘sing-a-long crew’… ‘Finally I found youuuuu.’
Listen: http://youtu.be/BbnZYf4sZ3A

2.Octave One Feat Ann Saunderson - Blackwater - Concept Music (2001)
This track is truly iconic and has influenced many a producer. Featuring vocalist Ann Saunderson from the legendary Detroit group ‘Inner City’ this track oozes class and depth. Blackwater is prime example of a true classic that heavily impacted the scene across the globe.
Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmg_DtZ0Scw

3.Hardive - Deep Inside - Strictly Rhythm / UMM (1993)
Deep Inside - Another one for the heads! Legends Louie Vega and Tony Humphries joined forces under the pseudonym ‘Hardrive’ to deliver this underground gem! This was embraced by the early UK garage scene and was hammered across London pirate radios…pure dynamite on the dancefloor! Listen http://youtu.be/pol807RkijU

4. Bar A Thym - Kerri Chandler - Nite Grooves (2005)
I’m a big Kerri fan and I dig pretty much all his productions, this man than has one of the most unique productions skills and has massively influenced the house scene over the years, so it was pretty hard to choose just one track. ‘Bar A Thym’ may be a simplistic groove but trust me this track is dangerous. Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI9YbSwVYUU

5.MK feat Alana - Burning - Area 10 (1991)
The original was released way back in 1991 and I’m pretty sure this graces most DJ’s vinyl collection. This recently got re-released on Defected with a whole heap of new remixes, so I’m happy that a slice of house history has been re-introduced to the newbie’s to be discovered all over again! So if you own this on vinyl, dust it down and play it loud!
Listen: http://youtu.be/2LEs_B9HoAQ

6. Bass Tone - Soul Fusion (Louie Vega) - Strictly Rhythm (1994)
I interviewed Louie Vega a few years back and he asked me what my all time favourite MAW/ Vega production was, well this is it! Louie was actually shocked that I chose this track as he didn’t think that many people ‘got it’. Well, let me tell ya… the London scene got it! This production was advanced for its time, glass smashing effects, edgy broken beats and it didn’t sound like anything else. This tracks shows what a true master Mr Vega is! Listen: http://youtu.be/8IrOBCLtLBA

Words - Lynda Phoenix
www.lyndaphoenix.com

Blast From The Past: Run Dem Crew Season 1

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:00:05 +0000

Back in the early days we rolled on a smaller level but the vibe was just as strong.

Nike - Mo’s North London 5K Mo Farah breaks it down with...

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:27:10 +0000

Nike - Mo’s North London 5K

Mo Farah breaks it down with the crew at the home of the mighty Arsenal.

The New Nike+ Is Almost Here

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:00:05 +0000

Sneakers embedded with pressure sensors and accelerometers bring all-new opportunities for athletic performance tracking. You know when you sit in a focus meeting and you suggest an idea and no one comments but you see an eyebrow twitch, well yet again I’m having to eat my words. Hats off to everyone at Nike for yet another mind blowing concept and I promise that at the next focus meeting I wont give you all a hard time because I know you are already doing da ting!

Originally unveiled in 2006, Nike+ has grown to a committed community of over six million digitally connected users. To build upon this concrete foundation Nike has today announced the Nike+ basketball and training shoes embedded with pressure sensors and accelerometers to collect previously unmeasurable, movement-based statistics across multiple levels of speed and agility. Head over here for more info on what I can only describe as one of the most amazing innovations to hit the sports industry. A shoe that records your data every time your foot hits the floor and feeds back your performance in real time. As you think about the possibilities check out the break down here and here

Leap Year Run 29.02.12

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:51:26 +0000

If you run with the crew or are one of the many people on our waiting list then the 29th Feb is made for you. Our first open run of the season come join us as we gather together to make it count the only way we know how. Doors open 6.30 pm and run departs at 7.30 sharp. Destination will be revealed on the night and run will be no more than 3 miles.Meet at Nike 1948 Arch 477 batemans Row , London EC2A 3HH. Short and sweet with a big surprise at the end. Stay Tuned and spread the word and yes you can bring friends.

bridgerunners: Tonight!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:39:19 +0000

bridgerunners:

Tonight!

Eye Candy

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:38:55 +0000

Eye Candy

Eye Candy: Luardos Custom Painted H Van

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:54:01 +0000

My man Simon is the brains behind Luardos. If you know your street food and you live in London you should know of Luardos! Best Burritos in town for sure. We are going to be teaming up with Simon and his beautiful HY van for a special project around London Marathon time. Stay tuned for details but in the meantime check out more pictures of the Van from our man Insa who gave it it’s spectacular paint job.

The Underbelly Project While we are on the subject of secret...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:36:38 +0000

The Underbelly Project

While we are on the subject of secret Graff tunnels I thought I’d let you in on this gem. My man She One who is featured in this film is an old friend of mine from my BMX days and Futura And I have been down since the Mo Wax era. In 2009 PAC and Workhorse started a project in an abandoned subway station in New York City. Over the course of a year and a half they invited over 100 contemporary artists to leave their creative mark inside the station. Working illegally, the project aimed to document a cross section of contemporary art, free of the commercial restrictions of the traditional gallery environment. Once the project had come to an end, the entrance was sealed trapping the art inside and creating an ephemeral time capsule. The project received praise internationally, including a front-page article from The New York Times.

Eye Candy:RDC Vs The Secret Graff Tunnel

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:58:50 +0000

143 runners in the house last night and a visit to the Secret Graff Tunnel. Central London art gallery buried beneath the city. Good vibes all round and a strong and swift run through the London night. There are running clubs and then there is Run Dem Crew. A family , a community, a crew. We are the road warriors ‘Doing da Ting’

firstrunmagazine: @nike #flyknit…marathon racing in a...

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:59:33 +0000

firstrunmagazine:

@nike #flyknit…marathon racing in a @vibskovboutique #bernardwilhelm style

Nike Knit. Fresh From The Innovation Kitchen I’ve been...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:58:57 +0000

Nike Knit. Fresh From The Innovation Kitchen

I’ve been hearing the rumors but finally the shoe is here. More info as it comes through

Tortoise Massive

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:00:05 +0000

One Mo Mile: RDC Vs Mo Farrah

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:38:50 +0000

So our man Mo Farrah was in town and kindly invited some people from the Nike running community to carve up some pavement with him on a little training run meet and greet. Obviously we had to send the crew round especially as it was held at the home of the mighty Arsenal which is one of our stops on a Tuesday night. Run Dem Crew represent represent. Now if only I could get a picture of Mo in a Run Dem Shirt….

schoolofdark: Run Dem Haiku

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:26:31 +0000

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

schoolofdark:

Run Dem Haiku

PRINCE - 17 Days Demo (piano Version) I first got hipped to...

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:33:44 +0000

PRINCE - 17 Days Demo (piano Version)

I first got hipped to Prince back in the mid 80’s by the cooler 6th Form girls on my Cross Country team. Many an hour was spent on the school bus head buried in headphones listening to the sounds of Prince on the way to race some obscure school around a muddy field. This version of 17 Days is rare like hens teeth and definitely worth a listen. Sounds like early Theo Parrish and I can’t believe I’ve never heard it until now. Big Ups to Bill Brewster for the twitter heads up.