The girl who couldn't run.

  I was attending a wedding in Halifax over the weekend, and I was very grateful that the bride had kindly decided to get married at 2.15. First thought; “where is the nearest parkrun?!” This has become quite a theme between my friends and I, and I am ever so grateful when a weekend away happily ties in with an excuse for parkrun tourism – the hen do saw me ticking off Town Moor in Newcastle. So, extensive research of Shrogg’s Park done, I wanted to set off early. I had no idea how big the park was but I knew I needed to make it to the monument. I had studied Google Maps like the back of my hand, been to the toilet about 5 times (no toilets at Halifax parkrun) and I set off. I arrived at about 8.20 and saw a volunteer setting out the cones for the out and back section. – Great! Someone to get directions off. Shrogg’s park wasn’t that big, so it was easy to find the start. And friendly volunteers to direct you are always much appreciated! I had entered the park on a hill; “You’ve go...

  22nd April 2023. A very special day for myself. I’d finally got the chance to make my way over to Haigh Woodland Parkrun! This Parkrun was down as my ‘NENDY’ (Nearest Event Not Done Yet.) After attempting to get over here last year for a friend's 50th Parkrun and getting an event cancellation due to a fallen tree, I was very excited to see what Haigh was all about. ‘ Be careful what week you go, it can get very muddy .’  ‘ It’s all downhill and then uphill to the finish, be warned. ’  Let me tell you, this is the last time I’m ever going to listen to people’s Parkrun reviews.  We live in the North West of England - What is a bit of mud? My ‘home’ Parkrun is Preston. So do not ever talk to me about hills. I LOVED Saturday, and I will be back! So, why Haigh now? 21 Lions  (Lion’s Running Community)  decided after months of hard marathon training to do a bit of tourism to Haigh Woodland Parkrun. After a week of glorious sunshine could it possibly be? That we...

  It is very easy to get swept up into these Parkrun App challenges. And this is how I found myself at Skipton Parkrun this weekend. My Parkrunning of late has been sporadic. Due to other events and well, life. However, this year I have embraced the idea of touring Parkrun and if I’m ever away from home on a Saturday the first question is “how far is the nearest Parkrun?” I’ve done Parkruns on the morning of Hen Do’s, and more recently on the morning of my friend's wedding. (She was getting married at 2pm, okay!?) Due to life getting in the way I was on track to get my tourist streak of ‘5’ so I had to tour this weekend. It just so happened that my friend needed to collect something locally to Skipton so I had my 5th Parkrun in the bag - Challenge completed. We set off from Preston super early to make sure we were there on time. We were so early we were able to nip into the farm shop (Keelham) down the road for a quick brew. We then headed over to the park. This one is super easy t...

 I cannot believe that I am typing this, and I cannot believe that I am able to say...  I am a marathon runner. So, how did I get here? Through a lot of work, a lot of belief, a lot of training runs and, having the best support around me.  Reality is. I signed up for Manchester Marathon in October 2022, but kept it an almighty secret. I knew I had nailed the half distance, so in effect, in the words of Jon Bon Jovi.. I was half way there . 26.2 miles terrified me, but with everything I had been through the last 12 months, this was the icing on the cake to prove to myself and others, that I will not be beaten. I will not be beaten down and that I am stronger than I ever thought I would be. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want the pressure. I didn't want the doubt to set in. I just wanted to crack on.  January hit and the training started, my white lie was " Sunday runs are in my routine now " (true) " I just want to see how far I can push myself." ...

 Hello... Long time no see. I thought I better come clean about something... Some people have assumed, some people have guessed, some people think I've already done one. (no, I have not .) I never thought I would be this stupid.   Courageous. I never thought this would be in my reach. I'm not a runner. But I'm running my first marathon. Yes, T minus 4 days to go. I am running Manchester bloody Marathon. I've always said NEVER a marathon.. and here we are. I always said only the GNR, and here I am 4 half marathons deep. So, if I can go half way, why not all the way?  I'm scared, I'm nervous, I'm excited. Can I mentally do this?  The great thing about this, is I've not been on my own through the training. There is a wonderful gang of us going out on Sunday and I think that's what makes me excited. Nothing more special than a Lion's day out. Shout out to; Andy Carr - First time marathoner - like me, raising money for his wonderful fiancee's s...

 Happy new year!  I've been thinking of the theme for a new blog, as its has been so long but my mind is just a little bit blank at the moment. I suppose I could give you all a quick rundown of what this years races are looking like... And then delve into the magical world that I was graced with yesterday... The National Running Show (North) 2023. So! As what always happens around new year lots of discounts fly around and its the time of year that people start to make plans for the year ahead. My race calendar is looking quite healthy this year and this is what I have to look forward to so far... February North West Half - Blackpool - Not sure how I'm feeling about this one, the weather in Blackpool at the best of times, but then in Feb as well.. lets hope the Beast from the East stays at bay! March Mad Dog! - Yes, Mad Dog is back, in a different month this time. Will this finally be the one where I shave 2 minutes off my PB to get my 1hour? I hope so. Although, there are rumo...