After eight years of entering, I was finally allocated a place in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2020. Typically, I had fallen pregnant in between entering the ballot and when the ballot results were announced, and would be eight months pregnant on race day! So, I deferred to 2021, which takes place on 3rd October. … Continue reading Virgin Money London Marathon ballot place
Tag: marathon
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… Continue reading Running postpartum
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… Continue reading 2019 in review
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… Continue reading The Vitality Big Half 2019
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 :)… Continue reading 2018 in review
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… Continue reading London Marathon 2019 ballot
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… Continue reading Running PBs and Objectives
Brighton Marathon 2018
I’ve known my friend Lukas since we were two years old – we went to nursery school together, then Primary School, then Secondary school, and even worked together as school cleaners while doing our A Levels, to earn some extra money. He’s always been a runner and has completed Iron Mans, so I wasn’t surprised… Continue reading Brighton Marathon 2018
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 –… Continue reading Brighton Marathon Prep
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… Continue reading New Brooks Ghost 10 trainers
The Vitality Big Half 2018
I’m not sure how, but The Big Half completely slipped under my radar and I only heard about it a month or so prior to the event, by which time it was already at full capacity. I’ve taken part in plenty of Vitality events previously but hadn’t received any email communications or seen any targeted… Continue reading The Vitality Big Half 2018
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… Continue reading Marathon training & running events
My First Marathon Training Plan
So I looked at various 16-week Marathon training plans online and merged them all to make my own personalised one for the Brighton Marathon in April, taking into account my existing activities/routine and event calendar. I came up with the following which seems like a challenge at first glance, but will be manageable. It won’t… Continue reading My First Marathon Training Plan
Joining a Running Club and NEW SHOES!
Happy New Year! In my last post I mentioned that two new things for 2018 will be as follows: I’ve got two new pairs of trainers in the post to start using as from January 2018: a new pair of Nike Free Run gym shoes to use for Insanity, Zumba etc; and a new… Continue reading Joining a Running Club and NEW SHOES!
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… Continue reading 2017 in Review
Virgin London Marathon 2018 ballot
Usually, as ‘ballot results week’ approaches, chatter around the Virgin London Marathon starts up on social media and charities send e-shot mailers wishing participants luck, and ask for consideration in joining their teams as a charity entrant. This year however, it was noticeably a bit quieter, and I didn’t receive a single email from any… Continue reading Virgin London Marathon 2018 ballot
Walking by moonlight for Walk the Walk
Three years ago I completed the overnight ‘Full Moon’ 26.2mile Moonwalk for Walk the Walk, and then last year I took part in the ‘Half Moon’ 15.1mile Moonwalk to complete the set. Walking 26.2miles is incredibly challenging, possibly due to the length of time it takes, and it’s made tougher due to the nocturnal timing.… Continue reading Walking by moonlight for Walk the Walk
Virgin London Marathon 2017 ballot
As ‘ballot results week’ approached, chatter around the 2017 Virgin London Marathon started up in the office and on social media. Charities sent e-shot mailers out, wishing participants luck and asking for consideration in joining their teams as a charity entrant. It was revealed that those who would not be taking part in the 2017… Continue reading Virgin London Marathon 2017 ballot
Entering the VLM, 88 medals & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
A few weeks ago I saw a fellow runner displaying his very impressive medal collection on Twitter, and announcing that he had now earned his 100th medal. It was inspiring and had me aching to get my medals out and count them. I purchased a medal hanger a year ago but due to going from… Continue reading Entering the VLM, 88 medals & HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Virgin London Marathon 2016 ballot
As ‘ballot day’ approached, chatter around the 2016 Virgin London Marathon started up on social media. Charities sent e-shot mailers out, wishing participants luck and asking for consideration in joining their teams as a charity entrant. It was revealed that those who would not be taking part in the 2016 event would receive a magazine… Continue reading Virgin London Marathon 2016 ballot
2014 event reviews
2014 event reviews A brief round-up of all events I took part in during 2014. Photos of the medals will be coming soon in a separate post as I’m having my whole collection photographed professionally: Sevenoaks Knole Park 10K Sunday 16 March 2014 My first race of 2014! I had torn my calf muscle at… Continue reading 2014 event reviews