Running postpartum

I've neglected this blog over the last few months, as I was heavily pregnant and then concentrating on looking after my newborn son. It's been a busy time! Today I managed to complete my first run since giving birth ten weeks ago. I've been using my home exercise bike and walking every day, and finally…

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Running while pregnant

My gorgeous little bump helped me to earn 17 medals before things became just too uncomfortable to continue running. At roughly six months pregnant I reluctantly hung up my running trainers, worried about how I was going to burn some energy and maintain some level of fitness in a comfortable way. My partner is a…

Glow Memory Walk Brighton 2020

When my cousin Stephanie invited me to join her at the Alzheimer's Society Glow Memory Walk in Brighton, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Stephanie wanted to take part with her daughter and my mum, so we all signed up together as a team of four for just £10 each. Detailed information was emailed, and…

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…

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…

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…

Race for the Kids 5K 2019

Mum and I took part in Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Race for the Kids 5K in 2017 and 2018, 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 tremendous support to…

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…

Race for Life 2019

I take part in my local Race for Life 5K every year because it’s a fun, easy run for charity, 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. However, this year I…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 –…

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…

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…

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…

Running the GOSH Race for the Kids

I've known about the Great Ormond Street Race for the Kids event for some years, but had never taken part because it always seemed to fall on the same weekend as my local Cancer Research Race for Life in Tunbridge Wells. I subscribe to the Great Ormond Street e-newsletter and received an email on Wednesday…

I ruined my Race for Life

I take part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event every year because it’s local, my friends and colleagues join in, it's a fun run for charity, 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…