Happiest Running Club in London?

March 20, 2016March 20, 2016 trainersteacupsfitness, health, london, run, runners, running, UK, wellbeingLeave a comment

This week I had the chance to join what was probably the happiest running club in London – the Bella Kinesis (the fab women’s Sportswear brand who use their profits to fund business educational projects for women in rural India) Run Like A Girl group led by Carly (aka Project Hot Bitch).

This free running group met in Borough before heading for a 5k run along the River to Westminster and back. From the outset this was unlike any other running group I have joined – Carly was stood out on the street spotting runners and welcoming them as they arrived with a big hug and a grin. As we all prepared to head off it became clear that there was a real mix of runners – from those who hadn’t run for weeks/months to those training for marathons. There wasn’t an air of competition or pretending – we all grumbled at the cold and expressed how much we were looking forward to the post run hot chocolate!

The route was simple – I have never run alongside the Thames at night and it was such a great feeling to do it as part of a group of fab women! The lights across London were beautiful and even dodging crowds on the Southbank was fun as Carly invited people to join us or warned people of the stampede of lycra clad ladies heading their way.

Run Like A Girl — Photo credit to Project Hot Bitch

The pace was relaxed – you could go as fast or as steady as you wanted – there was chatting and laughing and some had headphones in. Carly was great at keeping everyone motivated and smiling.

After a cool down together and the obligatory group shot there were goody bags from the Bella Kinesis ladies and, for those who could stick around, a group hot chocolate.

The Run Like A Girl group was one that I would highly recommend to anyone who is starting out running, looking to meet more fab ladies who run or even someone looking to make more friends in London. The run was a definite highlight of my week and I am already looking forward to next month’s. To find out when the next one is keep an eye on Bella Kinesis’ Events page here.

Do you know of any great free exercise/running groups in London? Comment below – I would love to try them out!

“Even a bad run is better than no run”… is it?

March 13, 2016 trainersteacupsfitness, health, lifestyle, marathon, marathon training, runner, running1 Comment

I love an inspirational quote – I love trawling through Instagram when I am trying to get the energy up to leave the house for a long run and seeing motivational post after motivational post. However… today I am totally calling out the quote “Even a bad run is better than no run”. I am not sure that it is true. In fact I go so far as to say it is a lie.

This is a fairly honest post about the pain and misery that is the flip side of running – warning now… this isn’t a nice happy post. So if you don’t want to see the other side of the endorphin fuelled posts then stop reading now.

I am currently training for the London Marathon and am reaching that point where you start to doubt whether you can do it – the long runs are getting realllllly long, the weeks are ticking by, the little nagging injuries have become shouting injuries.

I am sat here writing this in my compression socks, sore knee rested up on a footstall aching from head to toe. Today I had an awful run. One of those runs which from the first foot step felt like it was going to be an uphill struggle. A run where the route was ill planned, the miles passed slowly, kit I have worn for millions of runs rubbed… a run where it felt like every runner was sprinting past me and I was running through treacle with a concrete block tied to my ankles.

Today was only supposed to be 13 miles, a low mileage week before next week’s 20miler. I persisted with the run – even though at mile 6 my knee started to hurt and the doubts started to creep in about my abilities to run the Marathon in 6 weeks. Maybe I should have bailed on the run at that point – told myself it was to avoid further injury. Perhaps I shouldn’t have run at all – I wasn’t in the mood for it.

So back to that quote: “Even a bad run is better than no run”…

This bad run has left me in a spiral of doubt and dreading the 20miler planned for next weekend. Sometimes no run is better than a bad run, especially if you let that bad run impact your confidence and motivation for future runs.

I need to shake off this bad run… but for this evening I am going to wallow in it whilst drinking my turmeric smoothie and doing all things you are supposed to do after a long run.

Have you hit this point in your training? How do you “shake off” the bad run?

Race Report: Brighton Half Marathon 2016

March 5, 2016March 6, 2016 trainersteacupsbrighton, fitness, lifestyle, race review, running, UKLeave a comment

Brighton is one of my most favourite places in the world. It also happens to be the place where I was inspired to take up running in the 1st place after watching people tackle the 3rd ever Brighton Marathon. Brighton Marathon also became my first marathon (and was supposed to be my last too!).

When planning my year of challenges (at least a race a month to raise money for the Bromley by Bow Centre, east London community organisation) I knew that Brighton Half had to be on there. I was so excited to race again in Brighton!

It was the perfect race weekend – the Mr and I headed to Brighton on the Saturday afternoon, checked into a gorgeous little air bnb apartment (I am usually super organised and book the Ibis near the station) near Preston Park and wandered into town for a look round the Lanes and some dinner.

On the day of the race it was so great to be able to walk down to the race start instead of stressing over early morning trains! I am a bit of an early bird (in fact the thought of being late makes me really anxious) – it was a good job I am as the walk down to the entrance to the starting pens is realllllyyyyyyyy long and if you need to drop a bag you are easily looking at a 20 min walk back to the starting pens.

TOP TIP: As ever start line loo situation is always a drama but with this half don’t stop at the first set of portaloos you see if you keep walking to the start pens there are LOADS of loos and no queues. Finally a race which understands the need for MILLIONS of loos at the start line.

There was a great atmosphere at the race – running across the start line to a confetti cannon was AWESOME, there were loads of people cheering and the route along the seafront was gorgeous. Fellow runners were fab – not that many had headphones in which always makes me happy – and plenty were happy to chat.

Sorry to talk Loos again but this was the first race where I actually needed to wee during it – I blame the cold – and was desperately looking for a portaloo the whole time with no luck. Men were dashing off to pee alongside the road plus a few brave ladies (I say brave because it was bloomin freezing and there was no way I was getting my bum out if I could help it). Since reading Lissy’s race report I have since realised that there were a couple of loos on the route but honestly I cannot emphasise how much race organisers shouldn’t underestimate the need for many many loos during races.

I managed to get a little PB (1min) but considering I was running for pure joy and only realised I was near a PB at mile 12 (hence a slight sprint for the last mile to secure that 1min PB) I am pretty chuffed with that. I felt strong and enjoyed the whole route.

The medal is HUGE (always a bonus) and I celebrated my PB with sausage and chips on the seafront (when in Brighton, hey!).

I would run this race again, I love Brighton and its residents who give races such a carnival atmosphere.

Did you run Brighton Half? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Running with H(e)art

January 24, 2016 trainersteacupsfitness, health, london, motivational, run, runners, running, wellbeingLeave a comment

“We all came out this morning to do the same thing and that’s be great together” – Kevin Hart

This morning I had the chance to run alongside 1000 runners led by Kevin Hart as part of Nike Run Club’s #MoveWithHart. Kevin Hart is leading 5k runs in partnership with Nike internationally following his tour encouraging runners, first timers and old hats, to come together and, well… move!

The event was great – Nike always know how to do a runners’ festival area… to be honest once I heard there was free Pip and Nut on toast I was happy! What struck me more than anything though was the sentiment behind Kevin Hart’s opening words – he spoke about the unifying nature of a group run such as this one and the importance of looking after your body as part of your quest to live life to the fullest.

It wasn’t anything too profound, it was a rallying cry to the 1000 odd runners to get them hyped for the run but it also felt 100% genuine. It echoed so clearly the reasons I have become so passionate about running and talk about its benefits beyond the physical. For me running has introduced me to lots of great people, people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It has helped me see parts of London or be a part of so many events I would never have experienced otherwise… such as today.

I so nearly didn’t go to the run today – I had a headache, I ran 12miles yesterday and the 6am start on a Sunday was unpleasant – however, I am so pleased that I pulled up my big girl pants and showed up. Kevin’s words were extremely timely and will keep me going during the tougher parts of Marathon Training.

Top Christmas Gifts for the Runner in your life!

December 11, 2015 trainersteacupsbusiness, christmas, fitness, gift guide, lifestyle, runners, running, UKLeave a comment

After a brief hiatus from blogging – real life has become rather hectic and I have been focusing my energies on The Body Coach’s 90 Days SSS Plan (more on that later) so running has been minimal!

However, I have seen so many posts popping up about the perfect gifts for runners that I thought I would add my 10 pence to the mix…

This Christmas I am trying to buy from independent businesses and social enterprises rather than chains. With this in mind, below are some of my favourite gift ideas from independent businesses/social enterprises for the runners in your life:

Carl Partridge Night Running Hat – £20

Carl Partride Hat

Available in Hi Vis Yellow, Incognito Black or Fleuro Yellow this beanie is the perfect hat to get your runner through the winter. With a badge illustrated by Carl reading “Keep on Running in the Dark Dark Night” it brings way more character than your usually plain beanie!

I love mine so much I have been wearing it during real life too! Check out his other patches too which you can sew onto your own sporting goods – perfect ones for runners, swimmers and cyclists!

2. Bella Kinesis Glittera-Tee £30

Glittera Tee Bella Kinesis

Bella Kinesis is a fantastic social enterprise- for every item of sports wear sold they fund a business education for a woman in rural India. They are empowering women with fantastic sportswear that makes them feel confident as well as supporting women to learn new skills!

I spend so much time in lycra it is important to me that I feel great wearing it – I am always looking for sportswear I can wear to brunch or on the tube after my workout without feeling like a mess! I love the Glittera-Tee which looks like a high fashion piece not a workout top! I also love their Cool Runnings Leggings (£60) – the epitome of sports luxe!

3. Redbear Sports Xmas Print tops – £28

long-sleeve-xmas-tech-tee

Finally a Christmas Jumper inspired running top to wear to all those festive races! I LOVE this top – they have them in a range of styles; women’s racer back, short sleeved and long sleeve.

It is worth checking out their other prints – I have my eye on the Mexican Candy Skull purple leggings! They specialise in high quality sports gear with bags of personality!

I would love to hear what your top picks are for runners by independent businesses/social enterprises… comment below!

Bacchus Half Marathon aka MY FAVOURITE HALF MARATHON SO FAR!

September 20, 2015September 20, 2015 trainersteacupsexercise, fitness, half marathon, lifestyle, race review, runners, running, Surrey, trail runningLeave a comment

If you like fancy dress, trail running and wine you will LOVE Bacchus Half Marathon!

I have wanted to run Bacchus Half Marathon ever since I got into running. Last Sunday I had the chance to take part… and it didn’t disappoint! In fact I would go as far as saying it is my favourite half marathon so far!

Location

Race HQ was at Denbies Vineyard – a short walk from Dorking Train Station. With the sun shining, Surrey hills in the background and miles of vineyard spread in front of you, you could be mistaken for feeling you were in France. And the route continues to be breathtaking throughout… and not just because of THE hill you have to climb!

The course itself was as expected – trails, hilly, woodland and only two very short double backs. Having done a majority of my half marathons in London or in towns I am used to those soul destroying out and backs through industrial estates with nothing to look at so there isn’t a single part of the Bacchus course that I can describe as anything less than beautiful.

Atmosphere

I wasn’t really in the mood for Bacchus when I woke up on the Sunday – I hadn’t really trained as much as I had planned to, I had had a stressful week at work including at least one 14 hour day and my boyfriend had decided he didn’t want to run it… there was also rail replacement bus services for a majority of the journey there. I decided to leave my fancy dress at home and kept telling myself to just try and enjoy it, that it would be good prep for Ealing Half later in the month and at best it was better than doing my usual long run.

As soon as I got there my mood started to lift – walking into Denbies Vineyard and seeing so many people in fancy dress and how much effort they had put into it, well I couldn’t help but smile. The atmosphere was friendly and everyone was clearly there to have fun. There wasn’t the usual feel of nervous energy, tension and competitiveness – everywhere you looked there were groups of friends and families putting face paint on each other or taking group shots. Needless to say the atmosphere was so infectious that my boyfriend went and changed into his running gear and decided to give it a go.

After purchasing a couple of masks in the gift shop we were well and truly in the Bacchus spirit!

That initial atmosphere continued throughout the run – each water/wine stop had smiling marshalls, live music and fancy dress. In fact each water/wine stop felt like a mini party which I was loathed to pull myself away from!

Organisation

Having done ETL Events before I know how great their organisation is – the website is super easy to use to secure your place and a week or so before the race you get your race instructions email. On the day the race pack collection ran smoothly and the bag drop was a dream.

The course was clearly signposted and the Marshalls were friendly and encouraging.

At the end the medals and t-shirts were handed out to you as you headed back, via the bag drop, to the hog roast tent where you could meet your friends and family and savour more of the delicious wine.

Last thoughts…

As with all ETL Events I have taken part in the Bacchus Half Marathon was a pleasure from start to finish. I ran it with the boyfriend, laughed the whole time (even up THE hill) and 100% rediscovered the absolute joy running can bring. There was no worrying about times (although despite the challenging course the boyfriend got a PB) and I am already trawling the ETL website for my next one of their events… Denbies 10miler is looking tempting!

Oh and note to all Race Directors – wine at the water stops is 100% times more enjoyable than Lucozade!

Taking on a challenge…and doing it BIGGER!

May 13, 2015 trainersteacupschallenges, charity, fitness, fundraising, health, lifestyle, marathon, runners, running, wellbeing1 Comment

After a hiatus from running, having to pull out of the London Marathon and a crazy busy time at work I am back to training!

Having to take time out for a variety of reasons made me realise just how important running is to me, what a big part of my life it has become and the impact it has, not only on my physical health but also my mental health.

So to celebrate I have decided to do a year of running challenges/races to raise money for a cause really close to my heart, the Bromley by Bow Centre. It seems fitting to do such a challenge for this cause as at the core of their thinking is their belief in people and their capacity to achieve amazing things. Their tag line is a mantra for me at all low points and during all periods of self doubt and I am proud to wear it on my running vest: “assume it’s possible”.

"assume it's possible" — “assume it’s possible”

So far the next few months look like this:

June Colour Run 5K – 7^th June (confirmed) (cleverly I have booked to do this the day after a friend’s wedding… so running with a hangover deserves some sort of sponsorship!)

July Self Transcendence Race 10K – 4^th July (TBC)

Aug Hyde Park 10K – 23^rd Aug (TBC)

Sept Bacchus Half Marathon – 13^th Sept (confirmed) Ealing Half Marathon – 27^th Sept (confirmed)

Oct Royal Parks Half Marathon – 11^th Oct (confirmed)

Nov None confirmed yet – taking suggestions!

Dec None confirmed yet – taking suggestions!

Jan Denbies 10miler – 17^th Jan (TBC)

Feb None confirmed yet – taking suggestions!

Mar Surrey Half Marathon – Date TBC

April LONDON MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love for you to sponsor me, if you feel inspired to, and you can do this here.

If you know of London/UK based races to fill some of my blanks please comment below!

Thank you!

That time I tried: Aerial Yoga

March 18, 2015 trainersteacupsaerial yoga, fitness, gym, healthy, healthy living, lifestyle, running, taster session, yoga3 Comments

I am always on the look out for fun new workouts, classes or disciplines to try. This is mostly because running seems to have been the only thing I have loved from day 1(ish) and I look for the same rush through other fitness regimes, especially as I am on the long road back from injury at the moment and can’t run as much as I would like.

So when my Sister text me about an Aerial Yoga taster session in Stoke Newington I jumped at the chance. I have spoken to many about my nervousness when approaching a yoga class – I have been to some really enjoyable ones (Sweaty Betty Canary Wharf, I’m looking at you) and I have been to some which seem to be full of Yoga Snobs (no names mentioned here). Knowing I was going to do this with my sister, a bit of a Yoga newbie like myself, meant I didn’t have my usual trepidation.

Turning up on a sunny Saturday afternoon at a little studio space in Stoke Newington after a cup of peppermint team in Clissold Park meant I was already feeling pretty relaxed. Everything I had read about Aerial Yoga maintained that it was great for stretching out tired muscles, reliving the tension of gravity and releasing stress. I was so ready!

The room was a fresh white space with two rows of what looked like a mix between a swing and a hammock with a yoga mat underneath. It looked welcoming, there were a range of colours and certainly didn’t look as daunting as I thought it would be.

The Taster Session lasted an hour and involved different disciplines of Yoga to show the range of classes the studio will be offering. We began with climbing inside the hammock and pulling the fabric over ourselves as the instructors gently set us off swinging we then progressed to different moves which stretched out various muscles from our legs to our backs and shoulders. We even had the chance to hang upside down! The instructors were gentle, kind and patient.

I enjoyed the session, I approached it light heartedly and didn’t take it too seriously. I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxation elements of the session (swinging gently with your eyes shut in a hammock with the sun shining through the window couldn’t be anything but pleasant) but the stretching elements left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Many of the stretches I felt I could do better without the swing but perhaps this is something which would come with experience and confidence with the swing.

I am really pleased I tried it, I probably wouldn’t go again because I didn’t get anything additional from it that I couldn’t get from Yoga but would highly suggest that if you are intrigued by it to take the plunge and go along!

The session I went to was for Aerial Yoga Stoke Newington and they start from the 28^th March for £10 per class. You can find out more by emailing; DandelionYoga@gmail.com

The truth hurts…

January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 trainersteacupsfitness, health, injury, lifestyle, london, marathon, run, runners, running, sport, training3 Comments

After a week and a half of bed rest and facing a ban on running for the next few weeks I have finally admitted to myself that I won’t be running the London Marathon in 2015…

This hasn’t been an easy thing to come to terms with – I have asked every doctor that changed my bandages whether I can run, I have travelled to the deepest recesses of the internet to find someway that I can speed my recovery process up but it finally hit home yesterday that the best thing I could do would be to defer my place until 2016.

Ain't that the truth! — Ain’t that the truth!

I was sat looking at my training plan, trying to work out when the latest point was that I could get back into my training and I realised that I could probably leave it quite late. I could probably turn up at the marathon ill prepared and still finish. But when I found out I had a place in the London Marathon I knew that I wanted to tackle my training with the same ferocity and enthusiasm that I approached my first marathon with last year. To do any less, to limp through it, to hate every second of it would ruin the whole point of wanting to do the marathon.

I would rather have to feel hurt and upset now but optimistic about running in 2016 than be sat here agonising over how quickly I was healing, forcing myself too far ahead in my training plan and standing on that start line injured, scared and unhappy.

I have some thoughts about my fitness goals for the coming months now that the marathon has left a void… but I will save that for another day!

Have you had to make a tough decision about pulling out of a race? How did you come to terms with it?

#ThisGirlCan

January 26, 2015 trainersteacupsfitness, health, lifestyle, run, runners, running, sport1 Comment

I know that I am late to the game with this one and that everyone has written about Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign to get more women into sport but it doesn’t seem right to let it go without putting my 10pence in!

When I first heard about the campaign I must admit I was dubious… I expected a campaign that would be full of pink and cheesy slogans. I also heard a lot of discussion with some women finding it patronising whilst others found it empowering. Having watched it, expecting to be sat there rolling my eyes, I 100% LOVE IT. I love the choice of song, I love the diversity in shapes and sizes of women, I love the variety of sport covered, I love that both solitary sports and team sports are shown and that everyone in it looks like they are working hard and having a fab time. Most of all I love the fact that it looks real.

I have spoken to a lot of people about this and perhaps most interestingly was talking to my 14year old sister. With a lot of girls stopping exercise in their teens due to worries about looks, sweat and showering it seems important to me that this speaks to these girls and inspires them. My sister doesn’t particularly enjoy sport, she says she “can’t” run and is looking forward to yr10 when her PE lessons drop from twice a week to just once. I remember a time when she did enjoy sport and she considered herself to be good at Netball and Hockey. I showed her the video and when it finished I asked her what she thought of it, her answer; “It’s fun. I can see that it would make people try sport”. When I asked her if it makes her want to do sport, she answered with a shrug and a “not really”. I asked her why and in essence her answer was that the girls in the advert weren’t girls but were women. That she couldn’t identify with them or the sports they were doing – for example her school doesn’t do a fun Zumba class and all of the ones around my parent’s house are for “grown ups”.

As someone who only discovered the joys of exercise and running in my twenties, I regret not trying new things in school PE lessons and it saddens me that the ad hasn’t managed to capture her imagination. Perhaps what I find even more concerning is how right she is about the lack of “teen” girl’s exercise classes – a safe space for fun sport without it being mandatory like a school PE lesson or the threat of the boy you fancy watching you get sweaty and your fringe go frizzy!

It isn’t anything revolutionary to suggest that getting teens into sport will prevent a number of health complaints in later life, I know that if I had taken up running in my teens I would have been more confident pulling on my trainers later on in life. Perhaps we need a similar campaign featuring younger girls and more opportunities for them to get involved.

What do you think of the This Girl Can campaign? Love it or loathe it?

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