Category: Running

The Virtual London Marathon

February 8, 2021

On the 4th October 2020 over 37,000 runners took part in the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon- running the iconic 26.2miles anytime within a 24 hour period, anywhere in the world. You could run this in one go or break it down into smaller amounts. This was a chance to run the London Marathon YOUR WAY and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the race. Find out how I got on and how you can get involved with the 2021 edition. … More The Virtual London Marathon

A Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon

January 5, 2021

During 2020 I saw many people take up new sports, especially to pass the time during the lockdown and subsequent summer and I have no doubt people will continue to relish the challenge of trying something new in 2021. Running, Cycling and Open Water Swimming are becoming more and more popular, and alongside this there maybe he temptation to dabble in triathlon. This is a comprehensive guide of all my top tips and insights to help get you started, keep you motivated and guide you through your first event (whenever these may return). I want to encourage more people to participate in triathlon and I especially want to empower more women to join me and toe the start line at multi sport events. I’m not a coach, or a super experienced athlete, I’m just a girl who gave it a go and fell in love with triathlon. … More A Beginner’s Guide to Triathlon

Goal setting for 2021- challenging yourself during challenging times

December 29, 2020

2020 has been a tough year for us all. For many, just navigating our way through all the uncertainty has been a priority and any running, swimming, cycling or fitness goals we might have had, have been forced to take a backseat as we adjusted to a new normal. If like me, you’re really feeling ready to bid farewell to 2020 and looking ahead to 2021 you might be thinking about goals and what to aim for. It is likely 2021 will be another challenging year and goal setting might look a little different. … More Goal setting for 2021- challenging yourself during challenging times

Staying motivated during winter

December 7, 2020

As the days get shorter, nights longer and the weather a bit more unpredictable, its natural for your motivation to plummet alongside the winter temperatures. With many gyms on restricted opening hours/ limited access, more and more of us will remain training outside despite the weather taking a wintery turn. It is completely natural for motivation to dip during this period, especially with the welcomed distraction of Christmas and all the festivities that accompany this. It is completely your choice if you wish to keep chasing the miles outdoors, however if you’re keen to train through winter, but perhaps your motivation isn’t quite as enthusiastic, here are some of my top tips to see you through until Spring. … More Staying motivated during winter

Some running ‘session’ terminology explained

November 23, 2020

Whether you’re new to running or a more seasoned runner, the idea of running sessions and the terminology around these can be a little alien and often somewhat confusing. From tempo runs to strides, to base runs to jeffing- there is a lot of jargon out there and navigating through it is sometimes a little baffling. There is nothing scary about ‘sessions’ and they aren’t something reserved for elite or ‘fast’ runners, we can all do them and we can all benefit from them- they are simply a way of categorising runs within your training based on their purpose, intensity or duration. One of the biggest advantages of doing different running sessions is the variety it can bring to your running. This in turn helps you develop as a runner, strengthens your cardiovascular system and muscles, avoids repetition- which can keep boredom and injuries at bay and gives you a chance to find what aspects of running you enjoy. Whether you do or don’t embrace a variety of running techniques, it doesn’t determine your ‘worth’ as a runner- remember we are all runners no matter how far or fast. But if you’re curious, read on- at least then you’ll be able to hear the word fartlek and not uncontrollably laugh. … More Some running ‘session’ terminology explained

Timesaving hacks when juggling a hectic training schedule

November 12, 2020

One thing I’m frequently asked is how I balance training for multisports- so swimming, cycling, running, strength training and finding time to rehab, alongside working a 40 hour week, commuting (pre-COVID) and being a functioning human being. The answer is training smart, but also checking in on yourself and making sure that whilst you may be trying to cram it all in, you’re realistic and remember to give yourself a break. Here are some timesaving hacks and essential things to consider when trying to juggle a hectic training schedule … More Timesaving hacks when juggling a hectic training schedule

Top tips for new runners

November 8, 2020

2020 has seen a boom in people taking up running- largely due to periodic lockdowns and closures to gyms and fitness classes. Running has many excellent health benefits, both physical and mental. Physically, running can improve your cardio-vascular fitness, strengthen muscles, help maintain a healthy weight and also build strong bones. Running also helps improve our mental health, and for many is used as a way to de-stress, experience nature and the great outdoors and provide resilient coping mechanisms which are vital during this uncertain period. But where on earth do you begin? Especially when usual entry networks such as parkrun and running clubs are suspended? Here are my top tips for newbie runners … More Top tips for new runners

5 ways in which time outdoors can improve mental wellbeing

October 10, 2020

The benefits of exercising or spending time outdoors are apparent in a wide range of literature and pages on the internet, but why is being outside associated with wellbeing? Exposure to greenspace can promote reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, but greenspaces are becoming increasingly associated with mental health benefits and advantages to our greater wellbeing. Here I share 5 ways in which time outdoors can improve mental wellbeing. Please note this is a discussion piece and not here to replace advice from medical professionals. … More 5 ways in which time outdoors can improve mental wellbeing

Safety tips for winter running

September 24, 2020

Winter running throws up many challenges, gone are the long summer days and for many this means training after dark. Sometimes I feel frustrated that I have to think about (or in this case write) about staying safe when running in the dark, we should be able to run and be safe, but the sad reality is that safety is paramount, especially as the days get shorter. This winter will bring extra challenges of balancing social distancing and safety. So if you’re already thinking ahead to winter running here are some of my top tips … More Safety tips for winter running