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
Tag: race
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
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
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
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
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
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
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… Continue reading Sevenoaks Rotary 10K 2019
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
Walkie Talkie Tower Climb 2019
I took part in the Great Ormond Street Walkie Talkie Tower Climb last year and absolutely loved it. 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 Street… You’ll need to be super-fit to take on this run with… Continue reading Walkie Talkie Tower Climb 2019
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,… Continue reading London Winter Walk 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
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
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
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
