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,… Continue reading London Winter Walk 2019
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 :-)
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
Santa Dash 5K 2018
I first heard about the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity ‘Santa Dash’ event when I took part in their ‘Race for The Kids’ 5K in October. The Race for The Kids goody bags contained flyers about the Santa Dash and I was immediately interested. I love the Race for The Kids 5K and am a… Continue reading Santa Dash 5K 2018
Royal Parks Half Marathon 2018
I took part in the London Royal Parks half marathon in 2015, after being successful in the ballot entry. It was my first ever Half Marathon and I stated afterwards that the experience was ‘incredible’. I promised to return, but sadly didn’t make it through the 2016 and 2017 ballots. I couldn’t wait to run… Continue reading Royal Parks Half Marathon 2018
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… Continue reading Race for the Kids 5K 2018
New Fitbit Charge 3
I was treated to a new Fibit Charge 2 on my birthday last April, having previously worn Jawbone activity trackers for a few years. The Charge 2 was my first Fitbit experience, and I loved it. I wore it every day and had a variety of coloured interchangeable bands to play with. I liked the… Continue reading New Fitbit Charge 3
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
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… Continue reading Glow In The Park London 5K
Kayaking in the South of France
I’ve been so bad with running recently. So bad! My fitness regime has completely gone out of the window. Aside from rock-climbing, I haven’t done any other form of exercise and haven’t been running for a few weeks. Part of me feels guilty about this, and I do miss my favourite hobby, but it’s also been… Continue reading Kayaking in the South of France
I Move London Relay 2018
I pulled out of a running event for the first time in 2018 last week, and still feel awful about it. 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 4014.52 mile course –… Continue reading I Move London Relay 2018
Rock-climbing at Chimera
I used to rock-climb as a child and teenager at various Girl Guiding day trips and holidays; firstly as a Brownie, and then as a Young Leader. We had organised sessions with qualified instructors who bared some of the weight as they hoisted us up the walls with ropes. If we fell, we would just… Continue reading Rock-climbing at Chimera
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… Continue reading The British 10K 2018
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… Continue reading Run or Dye 5K 2018
Trouble with Tendonitis
When I was training for the Brighton Marathon earlier this year, I started getting little twinges on the top of my right foot during longer runs. I ignored them and ran through the pain, and sometimes the niggles disappeared. After the Marathon however, the pain continued and seemed to get worse, even during long walks.… Continue reading Trouble with Tendonitis
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
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… Continue reading Race for Life 2018
Eating habits
Written for Runr's 'Miles for Mind' May challenge campaign & hosted on their website HERE. When I was 18 I was squeezing into size 14 clothes, snacking on burgers, Chinese takeaways and whole tubs of Ben & Jerry’s, and feeling suitably comfortable in my skin. I was curvy, had a boyfriend and was quite happy. But I… Continue reading Eating habits
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… Continue reading London 10,000 2018
London Legal 10K Walk 2018
I’ve been a Marketer at the Daily Mail & General Trust since February, working in their Property division which includes companies SearchFlow, Ochresoft and Landmark Information. I organised for SearchFlow to be a sponsor of the London Legal 10K Walk a few months ago, as the event raises funds and awareness to support free legal… Continue reading London Legal 10K Walk 2018
London Moonwalk 2018
Four years ago I completed the overnight ‘Full Moon’ 26.2mile Moonwalk for Walk the Walk, and then in 2016 I took part in the ‘Half Moon’ 15.1mile Moonwalk to complete the set, followed by another ‘Full Moon’ 26.2miles last year when a friend had to pull out due to an injury. Walking either of these… Continue reading London Moonwalk 2018
The Running Awards 2018
The Running Awards is an annual awards ceremony celebrating the best of running and its culture. The prestigious awards ceremony welcomes sports industry figures as well as key members of the running community and press, to witness the best in the industry (as independently voted for by runners) receive Running Awards trophies. From the running public’s… Continue reading The Running Awards 2018
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
London Landmarks Half Marathon 2018
The inaugural London Landmarks Half Marathon somehow completely slipped under my radar, just like last month’s Vitality Big Half. Owned by baby charity Tommy's and brand new for 2018, the London Landmarks is a closed-road, central London run and the only Half Marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster.… Continue reading London Landmarks Half Marathon 2018
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
Walkie Talkie Tower Climb 2018
I subscribe to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity e-newsletter and received an email one Saturday morning, telling me all about their new event: The Walkie Talkie Tower Climb challenge. 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… Continue reading Walkie Talkie Tower Climb 2018
Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2018
I took part in the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon for the first time last year and loved it. Despite having lived in the town virtually my whole life, the thought of running my local Half Marathon was never – and still isn’t! – exactly appealing. Famed for a challenging route with an ascent of over… Continue reading Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon 2018
London Winter Run 2018
The London Winter Run has been going since 2015 and I've now participated in all four events. Last year I kept looking at registration for the 2018 event but with the price at £47 I was struggling to justify it... Until Black Friday came along in November. With 20% off I didn't hesitate to sign… Continue reading London Winter Run 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
