New running buggy

I started researching running buggys when I was pregnant. I knew that I would end up having one - the thought of not running, or having to juggle being a single mum with working part-time and organising childcare for marathon training, seemed ridiculous. I follow some great running accounts on Instagram - the running community…

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Running into 2021

I'm so excited for this year! After falling pregnant in the autumn of 2019, and then giving birth and recovering in 2020, I've been really looking forward to getting 'stuck back in' to running on a regular basis. I was successful in the 2020 London Marathon ballot, which I deferred to this year, so will…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Tonbridge Half Marathon 2019

For some reason I’ve never taken part in the Tonbridge Half Marathon, despite it being next door to my hometown. Now that I’m currently living in Tonbridge, it seemed like the perfect time to sign up and try it out. The 9th Tonbridge Half Marathon was managed under licence by Nice Work on behalf of…

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…

Peak District Challenge 2019

When my colleague Zoe approached me in November last year about completing the Peak District Challenge together, I immediately said yes.Brand new for 2019, the event was set to welcome up to 3000 walkers, joggers and runners into the Peak District National Park, with 50km and 25km challenge options available alongside the ‘full’ route of…

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…

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…

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…

Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2019

Labelled as a “fast, flat and accurate course on roads through the hop fields and orchards of Kent”, the Paddock Wood half is Kent's largest half marathon, and takes place just 15minutes from my house. Promising “excellent facilities including ample parking, local train station, supervised baggage store, refreshments, physiotherapist, Start & Finish Chip Timing”, plus…

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…

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…

Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2019

I took part in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon in 2017 and 2018, and loved it both times. The thought of running my local Half Marathon is never exactly appealing, though! Famed for a challenging route with an ascent of over 300ft thanks to Spring Hill at Fordcombe, the one-lap circuit contains numerous other hills…

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,…