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
Author: laurasfootprints
I’m a keen runner and a keen writer, so decided to put the two together and blog about my running adventures!
I have asthma, Runner’s Knee in both knees and scar tissue in my right calf from tearing it, so exercise can prove to be a bit of a challenge, but that’s why I enjoy it!
Follow my footprints and share the journey!
Thank you for visiting :-)
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… Continue reading New running buggy
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… Continue reading Running into 2021
New Brooks Ghost 13 trainers
I love Brooks running shoes. Brooks Ghost 5s were my first ever 'proper' running shoe, and were followed by Ghost 7s and 10s for all of my long runs; with the Brooks Ravenna, Launch and Glycerin models being used for shorter and training runs. I treated myself to a pair of Launch 7s last April,… Continue reading New Brooks Ghost 13 trainers
New Fitbit Charge 4
The Charge 2 was my first Fitbit experience, and I loved it. I then had the Charge 3, which wasn't so good! Still, when I saw that the Charge 4 was being released, I knew that I would be picking one up. I chose the Limited Edition Granite Reflective/Black, which comes with an extra classic band,… Continue reading New Fitbit Charge 4
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
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… Continue reading Running while pregnant
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… Continue reading Glow Memory Walk Brighton 2020
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… Continue reading London Winter Walk 2020
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
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… Continue reading Kings Hill Sports Park Santa Run 5K 2019
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… Continue reading Santa Dash 5K 2019
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… Continue reading Movember MoRun 10K 2019
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… Continue reading Crowborough 5K 2019
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… Continue reading Race for the Kids 5K 2019
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… Continue reading Tonbridge Half Marathon 2019
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… Continue reading Tunbridge Wells Hospice Run 10K
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,… Continue reading Richmond RunFest Kew Gardens 10K 2019
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… Continue reading East Peckham 10K 2019
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… Continue reading The London 10K 2019
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… Continue reading Peak District Challenge 2019
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… Continue reading Race for Life 2019
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… Continue reading City Relays: London Relay 2019
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… Continue reading Poppy Quest London 2019
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… Continue reading Kings Hill Sports Park 10k 2019
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… Continue reading London 10,000 2019
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,… Continue reading Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push 2019
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… Continue reading Tower of London Run 2019
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… Continue reading Hildenborough Road Races 2019
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… Continue reading Paddock Wood Half Marathon 2019
