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…

London Winter Walk 2020

Mum and I took part in the London Winter Walk 20K for the first time in 2018, and it’s now become an annual must-do event. The £59 registration fee is a bit steep, however it’s nice to start the New Year with some fresh air and a bit of exercise, and mum very kindly offered…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Brighton Marathon Prep

Two new pairs of SKINS calf compression sleeves – check New Nike expandable, adjustable slim belt which doesn’t bounce – check New Adidas & Nike headbands to wear in/try out – check Two new pairs of 1000 Mile trainer socks for training & for the actual event – check New pair of Brooks Ghost 10 trainers –…

London Winter Walk 2018

I’m not sure how I came across the London Winter Walk. I was probably Googling London fitness events and it must have popped up! I remember being on the Action Challenge website, reading about the event and thinking that a 20K ramble through London during the daytime sounded pretty appealing. I’ve taken part in a…

Bluebell Railway 11 Mile Track Trek

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line with steam trains running between four stations, and I know it well. My dad was a huge fan and would often take us there on family outings, so a lot of my childhood memories include the Bluebell. Dad was a shareholder and started volunteering at the railway for…

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…

Loving the London 10,000

I ran the London 10,000 for the first time four years ago 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 during 2013, 2014 and 2016 and couldn’t wait to return in 2017. The trains were all out…

Back on it for 2017!

Last January I was introduced to the concept of Insanity full-body workout classes by my colleague Seb, and LOVED it. I attended religiously, every single Monday from January until June, when my personal circumstances changed. I'd really missed Insanity so made it my mission to return this year. So on the first Monday of 2017…

Time out, and totally obsessed with trainers

My idea of a perfect holiday abroad would typically involve five days spent sunbathing by a pool, and five days spent exploring and sight-seeing. One of my favourite holidays to date was to Sharm el-Sheikh six years ago where I rode camels, quad-biked across the desert, snorkelled, went on a red-sea cruise and visited an…

10,000 LIKES for the London 10,000

The Bupa London 10,000 was my first proper running event three years ago and holds some great memories: it was the first time I experienced a huge, well-organised running event, and it had me hooked. I took part in the Bupa London 10,000 in 2013 and 2014 but missed the registration boat in 2015 by…