"I am rooted, but I flow"
- Virginia Woolf
It all started in winter 2012 when a few of my girl friends suggested we should go run the Brighton half marathon together; I was in a broken chain of half-hearted relationships and way too much vino, so thought this would give myself a nice challenge to step up to. Then as the runs go longer and further and faster, running becomes a habit, a fabric and a rhythm of life, an always much devoured break from the chimes of daily chores, through the sun and rain and occasional moonshine. In running, there is no destination, there is no sorrow. Only a moving meditation, a happy discipline.
Races so far (chronological order): Brighton half 2013 (PB 1:42) , Skye half 2013, Richmond half 2014, Hackney half 2014, Hastings half 2015, Edinburgh marathon 2015 (PB 3:44)
Favourite race: Isle of Skye half - scenic, hilly, exhilarating from start to finish blessed with Scottish sun
Gear: Love my new Helly Hansen top, currently on my third pair of nike free 5.0. Just got a pair of Saloman Fellraiser for the extra boggy trails.
Routine: I usually run alone or with the boy but I also enjoy running with the lovely London/Manchester women group WMN RUN. I replenish with natural snacks made by the team at Tribe (they run great running challenges too)- or fuelled by Haribo. I no longer have energy gels after having too much of them during marathon race/training: they just do not feel natural or nourishing.
My favourite routes: Along River Lea then the Regent's Canal and River Thames. Hampstead Heath via the much dreaded Swain's Lane. Hill sprints at my local Alexandra Palace/Muswell Hill. The beautiful overgrown stretch of 3K the Parkland Walk. Wendover (a trail half marathon route by Rail to Trail, within an hour train ride from London). Box Hill. Run up any muddy hills in Snowdonia.
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This year I've switched from pounding the pavements to trails and fells - any excuse to escape the city is so welcomed. Upcoming races include the ever so hilly Endurance Series - Sussex 10K, a sprint triathlon (my first!) and hopefully, an ultra marathon (!) (Race to the King / Race to the Stones - inspired by the incredible audacity by the ladies of WMN RUN 100) - rota permitting. My next movement would be some early morning fell runs in the Lake District...
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