#runnerbean

Plant of the Day

Wednesday 19 June 2019

This magnificent climbing frame has been created in the productive garden for Phaseolus coccineus (runner bean, scarlet runner bean). This perennial vine from Central America has a tuberous root but is usually treated as an annual in Britain. The plant was introduced for its scarlet flowers but later it was grown for the edible pods. The plants need large amounts of water when the flower buds start to appear and trenches are dug in the autumn to add organic matter to retain moisture. The cultivars being grown here included Phaseolus coccineus ‘Painted Lady’, an old variety with red and white flowers and considered one of the best flavoured beans, and the heavy cropper Phaseolus coccineus ‘Scarlet Emperor’.

Getting back to my roots (and running along with the theme of vegetables) - I thought I would revitalise my blog which has been neglected for some period of time. However, as I am no longer a student with months and months of holidays (or reading weeks) to explore exotic lands, my blog is to become more of a journey exploring my running life. 

After a couple of half marathons, I thought for 2016 I would step it up a notch and take the plunge with the full 26.2mile marathon *sharp intake of breath*. So, without further ado, this year will be very special because it will be my marathon year. The location of said marathon will be in a city I seem to be gravitating towards recently: Berlin! 

To get into the spirit of the year of the runner bean, I decided to join a running group to meet fellow runners and I have found an absolute gem; London Midnight runners. SO. MUCH. FUN! And also slightly addictive; I have inadvertently signed up for a sneaky 10km around the Olympic Park, the Reading half marathon as a marathon warm up (what was I thinking?) and (wait for it) an ULTRA DUATHLON which consists of a 6m mountain trail run, 55m cycle and to finish a 10m trail run! Ohh, as well as a triathlon in Liverpool... Is that too enthusiastic?