Virgin Money London Marathon ballot place

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. …

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…

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…

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…

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  :)…

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…

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…

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…

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 –…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…