Fat Girl to Ironman

1 October 2018

Monday Morning Motivation: How to run 100 miles

This week’s inspiration comes from Brendan Leonard and Jayson Sime. Do you have 30 minutes? How to run 100 miles is a 30-minute film sharing Brendan and Jayson’s stories… In September 2017, I stepped up to the starting line of the Run Rabbit Run 100 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, alongside my friend Jayson Sime. The race is a 102.9-mile ultramarathon with...

Motivation Comments: 0

27 September 2018

Dinton Pastures parkrun

Despite still having his finger splinted, Stu took part in the Serpentine Swim on Saturday. To help him avoid rail issues and for a faster journey, I agreed to drive him to Basingstoke. This meant that I was able to do some parkrun tourism… something which Stuart tolerates rather than appreciates! Fortunately, my running buddy Ellie is much more appreciative,...

Running Comments: 0

24 September 2018

Monday Morning Motivation: Jim Walmsley

From 9MindAsylum, “Lighting The Fire: Wrong Turns” tells the story of Jim Walmsley’s eventful start in the sport of ultrarunning. Jim Walmsley was honourably discharged from the Air Force and had several bouts of severe depression. He turned to running to get his life back on track. He moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, and connected with a community of runners. They...

Motivation/Running Comments: 0

21 September 2018

Six-hour challenge at Revolve24

On Sunday, I took part in the six-hour challenge at Revolve24. What is Revolve24? I’d not heard of Revolve24 before this year (although I knew such events existed), so as soon as it was mentioned to me I was keen to find out more. It’s a 24-hour race around Brands Hatch, starting at 3pm on Saturday and finishing at 3pm...

Cycling Comments: 0

20 September 2018

Pilgrimage to Bushy parkrun

I’ve been planning to take part in the first ever parkrun for several years, but have never managed to make a pilgrimage to Bushy parkrun. Last weekend, I had arranged to stay with my aunt in Brockham near to Dorking, so the opportunity arose. Local parkruns Previously, I’ve done Reigate Priory parkrun, which is quite close to where we stay. Other...

Running Comments: 2

19 September 2018

Yobike!

I was fascinated when I saw that bike share bikes had arrived in Southampton in September 2017. I’d read about the success (and failure) of similar schemes in other cities and countries. How would Yobike fare here? Vandalism and theft Bike theft seems to be a particular problem in this city. I wondered how long the bikes would last before being...

Cycling Comments: 0

17 September 2018

Monday Morning Motivation: Free

This week’s Monday Morning Motivation is about freedom and how riding a bike can make you feel free. Free. None of this is free. But that’s what makes the payoff so sweet. Anyone who has ever stuck with a training plan to prepare for a new challenge knows this. Anyone who has pedalled through a cold winter to reach new...

Cycling/Motivation Comments: 0

11 September 2018

Funky Copyiat Medina

This weekend was really good with a couple of firsts for me – a new parkrun and some new Copyiat leggings. I first tried to do Medina parkrun a couple of years ago when I was pregnant. On that occasion, I drove from Appley Park (where I was staying) to Medina Leisure Centre, only to find that the run had moved...

Product review/Running Comments: 0

10 September 2018

Monday Morning Motivation: Four Ninety Three (Vanessa Low)

“Four Ninety Three” tells the story of German Paralympic athlete Vanessa Low, her coach Roderick Green and their mutual journey to the Paralympic Games 2016 in Rio. After the London games in 2012 and no results, Vanessa was questioning her place in her sport. She was not progressing and was losing her motivation to continue. On a trip to Oklahoma...

Motivation/Running Comments: 0

9 September 2018

Am I ready for Revolve24?

I decided to do Revolve24 months ago, and now it’s only a week to go, so am I ready? What is Revolve 24? Revolve24 is a full weekend of endurance cycling, fun and friendship at the iconic Brands Hatch motor circuit in Kent. The main event is the 24-hour race, but as I’ve got a prior commitment on Saturday night...

Cycling Comments: 2