London 10,000 2019

I ran the London 10,000 for the first time six years ago in 2013 and it holds some great memories. It was the first time I experienced a big, well-organised running event, and it had me hooked. I’ve taken part every year since (apart from 2015) and couldn’t wait to return in 2019. Travel on…

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Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push 2019

I’m not sure how I found out about the Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push event – I think it popped up online somewhere. With three different distances on offer – 3K, 5K and 10K – the Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push for Dementia aims to raise money for the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community Forum,…

Tower of London Run 2019

I took part in the Tower of London Run six years ago in 2013, and it was the first London race I ever did. I haven’t taken part since, purely because this event takes place on a weekday so requires taking annual leave from work. However, dad passed away from a heart attack five years…

Hildenborough Road Races 2019

The Hildenborough Road Races are a long-standing event, with 2015 marking the 30th year since the first event was held. The Races, held annually on the first Bank Holiday Monday in May and organised by local residents, bring people together to raise money for local causes including schools, clubs and charities, whilst keeping to the…

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2019

Labelled as a “fast, flat and accurate course on roads through the hop fields and orchards of Kent”, the Paddock Wood half is Kent's largest half marathon, and takes place just 15minutes from my house. Promising “excellent facilities including ample parking, local train station, supervised baggage store, refreshments, physiotherapist, Start & Finish Chip Timing”, plus…

Sevenoaks Rotary 10K 2019

I took part in the Sevenoaks Rotary 10K in 2014, 2015 and 2017, but sadly couldn’t last year because it was too close to the Brighton Marathon. I like this event – it’s local (easy to get to), scenic and well-organised. The route is two laps around multi-terrain Knole park with a steep hill around…

The Vitality Big Half 2019

I took part in The Big Half last year, and really enjoyed it. Created by the London Marathon events team, The Big Half was a brand-new event for 2018 set in the heart of London, which almost didn’t happen last year thanks to ‘The Beast From The East’. Vitality cancelled the ‘Little Half’ version of…

Walkie Talkie Tower Climb 2019

I took part in the Great Ormond Street Walkie Talkie Tower Climb last year and absolutely loved it. Stating “You’ll need thighs of steel, a determined mind and a head for heights if you’re going to tackle the many stairs of 20 Fenchurch Street… You’ll need to be super-fit to take on this run with…

Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2019

I took part in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in 2017 and 2018, and loved it both times. The thought of running my local Half Marathon is never exactly appealing, though! Famed for a challenging route with an ascent of over 300ft thanks to Spring Hill at Fordcombe, the one-lap circuit contains numerous other hills…

London Winter Run 2019

The London Winter Run has been going since 2015 and I’ve now participated in all five events. I didn’t sign up for the 2019 event until a few weeks ago, and ended up paying a ridiculous £49.50 for the privilege, but didn’t like the thought of missing out on an event which I’ve always taken…

London Winter Walk 2019

I took part in the London Winter Walk 20K for the first time last year, and loved it. I wasn’t sure whether or not to take part again as the £59 registration fee is a bit steep; however it’s always nice to start a New Year with some fresh air and a bit of exercise,…

2018 in review

2018 – my best year of running to date. 2018 got off to a flying start: I completed three events in quick succession, starting on 1st January, and joined a running club that same week. I maintained this level of motivation right up until I completed my first marathon in Brighton on 15th April  :)…

Santa Dash 5K 2018

I first heard about the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity ‘Santa Dash’ event when I took part in their ‘Race for The Kids’ 5K in October. The Race for The Kids goody bags contained flyers about the Santa Dash and I was immediately interested. I love the Race for The Kids 5K and am a…

Royal Parks Half Marathon 2018

I took part in the London Royal Parks half marathon in 2015, after being successful in the ballot entry. It was my first ever Half Marathon and I stated afterwards that the experience was ‘incredible’. I promised to return, but sadly didn’t make it through the 2016 and 2017 ballots. I couldn’t wait to run…

Race for the Kids 5K 2018

I took part in the Great Ormond Street Hospital Race for the Kids 5K for the first time last year with mum, and we absolutely loved it. My sister was an unfortunate victim of medical negligence when she had cancer, and was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital who saved her life. They were also a…

New Fitbit Charge 3

I was treated to a new Fibit Charge 2 on my birthday last April, having previously worn Jawbone activity trackers for a few years. The Charge 2 was my first Fitbit experience, and I loved it. I wore it every day and had a variety of coloured interchangeable bands to play with. I liked the…

London Marathon 2019 ballot

I’ll be honest, I had no idea that it was London Marathon ‘Ballot Week’ until I saw it trending on Twitter yesterday. All of sudden, my timeline was filled with rejection and acceptance announcements. I hadn’t received emails from any charities or seen any hype on social media in the lead-up, so for the first…

Glow In The Park London 5K

I first heard about Glow In The Park events when my colleague Michelle mentioned that there was one taking place not far from our work offices in Maidstone, Kent. We had a look at the website and they looked and sounded like really good, fun events. Unfortunately, the Maidstone 5K was being held that weekend…

Kayaking in the South of France

I’ve been so bad with running recently. So bad! My fitness regime has completely gone out of the window. Aside from rock-climbing, I haven’t done any other form of exercise and haven’t been running for a few weeks. Part of me feels guilty about this, and I do miss my favourite hobby, but it’s also been…

I Move London Relay 2018

I pulled out of a running event for the first time in 2018 last week, and still feel awful about it. The I Move London Relay took place continuously for 30 days and 30 nights, and saw 2000 participants run 5K and 10K legs through day and night to complete the 4014.52 mile course –…

Rock-climbing at Chimera

I used to rock-climb as a child and teenager at various Girl Guiding day trips and holidays; firstly as a Brownie, and then as a Young Leader. We had organised sessions with qualified instructors who bared some of the weight as they hoisted us up the walls with ropes. If we fell, we would just…

The British 10K 2018

Ah, the British 10K. I have a chequered history with this event! I participated during 2014 and labelled it the “worst 10K I’ve ever been to,” due to the terrible organisation and event management. However, in 2016 I won a Twitter competition of free entry to the British 10K - plus a Brooks running kit…

Run or Dye 5K 2018

I took part in London Wembley’s Color Run during July 2013, and my review at the time was not a positive one! The £30 entry fee was excessive for a 5K and included just a t-shirt and headband, no chip timing, medal, goody bag or extras. The race start was delayed without explanation, with all…

Trouble with Tendonitis

When I was training for the Brighton Marathon earlier this year, I started getting little twinges on the top of my right foot during longer runs. I ignored them and ran through the pain, and sometimes the niggles disappeared. After the Marathon however, the pain continued and seemed to get worse, even during long walks.…

Running PBs and Objectives

Someone asked me recently why I don’t mention my running times on here or on Instagram posts... Or anywhere, actually. I’m not embarrassed of my times; it’s just that, for me, that’s not what running is all about. I have asthma, dodgy knees, scar tissue damage in my right calf; and get occassional pains around…

Race for Life 2018

I take part in my local Race for Life 5K every year because it’s a fun, easy run for Cancer Research UK, and because historically it has a guaranteed great atmosphere with hoards of supporters. The event caters for runners, joggers and walkers and encourages everyone of every age and ability to participate. So on…

Eating habits

Written for Runr's 'Miles for Mind' May challenge campaign & hosted on their website HERE. When I was 18 I was squeezing into size 12-14 clothes, snacking on burgers, Chinese takeaways and whole tubs of Ben & Jerry’s, and feeling suitably comfortable in my skin. I was curvy, had a boyfriend and was quite happy. But…

London 10,000 2018

I ran the London 10,000 for the first time five years ago in 2013 and it holds some great memories: it was the first time I experienced a big, well-organised running event, and it had me hooked. I took part again during 2014, 2016 and 2017 and couldn’t wait to return in 2018. Travel on Monday…

London Legal 10K Walk 2018

I’ve been a Marketer at the Daily Mail & General Trust since February, working in their Property division which includes companies SearchFlow, Ochresoft and Landmark Information. I organised for SearchFlow to be a sponsor of the London Legal 10K Walk a few months ago, as the event raises funds and awareness to support free legal…

London Moonwalk 2018

Four years ago I completed the overnight ‘Full Moon’ 26.2mile Moonwalk for Walk the Walk, and then in 2016 I took part in the ‘Half Moon’ 15.1mile Moonwalk to complete the set, followed by another ‘Full Moon’ 26.2miles last year when a friend had to pull out due to an injury. Walking either of these…