2019 in review

2019 – my favourite year of exercise to date. Just like 2018, 2019 got off to a flying start: I completed events continuously throughout the year, starting on 13th January. I maintained this level of motivation and enthusiasm right up until I completed my last event on 22nd December, and took part in the most…

Advertisement

Kings Hill Sports Park Santa Run 5K 2019

Following on from the success of the brand-new Kings Hill Sports Park 1K, 5K and 10K in summer, organisers Nice Work decided to introduce another run in the same format and location, with a Christmas theme. Taking place in the same area as my place of work (West Malling), the Kings Hill Sports Park Santa…

Santa Dash 5K 2019

I took part in the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity ‘Santa Dash’ event for the first time last year, and really enjoyed it. I’m a huge supporter of Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, and their annual Santa Dash 5K is great fun. Up £2 from last year but still very generous, the £22 entry fee…

Movember MoRun 10K 2019

I took part in the London Greenwich Park MoRun 10K during 2014, 2016 and 2017, and thoroughly enjoyed all three events, labeling the 2014 run as the ‘best way to end a great year of running’. Signing up for round four didn’t take much consideration! The bargain £20.90 entry fee included chip timing, chunky bespoke…

Crowborough 5K 2019

Organised by Crowborough Runners, the Crowborough 10K and 5K returned in 2019 for a 33rd time, with Chip Timing provided by Nice Work. For some unknown reason I’d never considered taking part before, and had heard that the route was quite tough; but have just moved house into Crowborough town and thought that it only…

Tunbridge Wells Hospice Run 10K

I’ve completed the Tunbridge Wells Hospice in The Weald 10K three times, in 2012, 2013 and 2015 respectively. In 2015 I stated that I wouldn’t take part again, saying: “Trust me, this will 100% be the last time.” However four years have passed, and Hospice in The Weald have tweaked the format of their annual…

Richmond RunFest Kew Gardens 10K 2019

I completed the Richmond RunFest Half Marathon in 2017 and enjoyed it, despite my terrible race-day organisation and then losing my pacing. I wanted to try again but the Half Marathon takes place early on a Sunday, with no public transport available to get me there on time. However the Kids Mile, Family Mile, 5K,…

East Peckham 10K 2019

I first heard about the East Peckham 10K when race organisers Nice Work, who I follow on Facebook, posted a sneak-peak photo of the medal. I was laying on a hot sunny beach in the South of France, enjoying my holiday, when the photo appeared on my newsfeed. Nice Work organize a large number of…

The London 10K 2019

I participated in the London 10K last year and really enjoyed it, despite the 25-28C temperatures. The entry fee is extortionate at £49.65, especially when the London Marathon entry is only around £35, but it didn’t take much persuasion to sign up for the 2019 event. The event pack arrived in the post a few…

City Relays: London Relay 2019

I pulled out of this event last year when temperatures hit 33C on the day I was due to run, and was gutted. Last year, 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…

Poppy Quest London 2019

I’d never heard of the Poppy Quest Walks until mum mentioned it.Someone at her work had taken part in one and really enjoyed themselves, and had told mum all about it. Mum loves poppies and anything to do with remembrance/Royal British Legion etc, so I looked into the Poppy Quest London. Stating: “Join us for…

Kings Hill Sports Park 10k 2019

The Kings Hill Sports Park 1K, 5K and 10K is a brand new concept for 2019. Taking place in the same area as my place of work (West Malling), the event promised a bespoke medal for all finishers, chip-timing, on-site parking and the usual toilet and baggage facilities. I’d seen posters on my lunch-break around…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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  :)…

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 –…

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…

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…

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…

New Brooks Ghost 10 trainers

I’d always planned to wear my Brooks Ghost 7 trainers for the Brighton Marathon. I’ve worn Brooks Ghosts since 2013 - starting with the Ghost 5s - and find them super comfortable. My Brooks Ravenna 8 and Glycerin 14 trainers are also pretty awesome, but I wear them for distances up to 13.1 miles only, and save…

London Winter Run 2018

The London Winter Run has been going since 2015 and I've now participated in all four events. Last year I kept looking at registration for the 2018 event but with the price at £47 I was struggling to justify it... Until Black Friday came along in November. With 20% off I didn't hesitate to sign…

Marathon training & running events

So the first month of marathon training is complete, and to be honest it’s been a bit up and down. At times I’ve wondered why on earth I’m doing this to myself, but mostly I pull myself together and get it done. There have been one or two occasions where, after a hard/long day at…

Lamberhurst New Year’s Day Run

I've known about the Lamberhurst New Year's Day Run for years and have always wanted to take part, but I've spent the last few New Year Eves away from home, so haven't managed to... Until now. Lamberhurst village is just ten minutes from home and the route is a 5K lap into the grounds of…

2017 in Review

Oh, 2017. This year started well, running-wise. I took a lovely lady’s place in the London Winter Run 10K and met some fellow runners; then I took someone’s place in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon – an event which I had been avoiding for years due to the severe profile – and still managed to…