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Ready to Race?

May 11, 2016 | Running | 17 comments

What do you think of the new look blog? I’ve been thinking about it for a while and am so happy with the result! I’m hoping this will make it cleaner to read whether it’s on your phone, tablet, laptop or computer.

But back to our regularly scheduled programming…my last race was way back in November, when I ran a 10K PB at West London Run!

I think this 6 month hiatus could be my longest since I took up running properly back in 2012. And I miss those medals, race endorphins and the challenge of pushing myself more than I would in training.

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With that in mind, I’ve actually signed up for some post exam races (if you’re new to the blog and/or don’t follow me on social – I’m studying to become a Dietitian and have my first year exams for the next month!)

First on the calendar is the Vitality London 10,000 on 30th May. It’s been a long time since I even ran 10K so this is not going to be a new PB for sure – I’m actually building back up to the 6ish mile distance after running a maximum of 3-3.5 miles over the past 3 months. Fingers crossed my muscles remember what they’re doing.

I’m away for a lot of June, including on an incredibly exciting trip to Chamonix where I’ll be doing some trail running – will share more of this in the coming weeks, I promise. Although I’m not racing, I definitely need to build up some running strength and endurance in my legs!

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Do you ever have weekends with zero plans, then a weekend where you’re so busy you don’t know what to do? Well the weekend of July 8th/9th/10th is that weekend for me. For starters it’s my birthday weekend although I’m a bridesmaid at one of my best friend’s weddings so the focus is most definitely on that. Friday and Saturday will be full of bridesmaid duties, and moderately enjoying the Champagne because I’ve got the British 10K at 9.30am on Sunday morning.

There are still entries available if you fancy joining me and my hangover on the course –  you can sign up here. The course is awesome, running past plenty of iconic London landmarks, including Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, the London Eye and along the infamous Embankment. The weather is usually pretty good for it too, and there are fab brunch options nearby for post-race refuelling!

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I’ve mentioned before that I’m running the New York City Marathon again this year, and in the lead up to it I’ve signed up for a couple of half marathons. Most notably the infamous Rock N Roll Lisbon Half Marathon on the 2nd October (use the code RunnerBeans at checkout for a discount on your race entry!)

Another race I’m really excited for is the Royal Parks Half  that I’m running with Team Unicef on the 9th October – you could join us too, with only £20 registration and £400 fundraising target, it’s not too late to bag a place. Did you know that your £400 could help protect 3,000 children from Polio?! It’s usually a fantastic race, with epic crowds and a gorgeous route throughout London’s greenest spaces.

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What races have you got coming up in the next few weeks? Any races you’d recommend me signing up for in the lead up to the New York marathon – I love completing races as part of my long runs to provide the infrastructure, support and most importantly, medal! 

17 Comments

  1. Sian

    Make sure you do the Cardiff half st the start of October!

    Reply
  2. Laura

    Kingston Breakfast Run in early October, great opportunity to do a longer run with people ahead of marathon day!

    Reply
  3. Kathy

    I’m also doing the London 10,000 in May as my ‘comeback race’ post baby. Haven’t raced since Feb 2014 so really looking forward to it! Massively underprepared but hoping some of my new-found mummy strength will get me round!!

    Reply
  4. L.ina (@MrsB_LDN)

    Love the new look of the blog! I have a half marathon coming up on Wimbledon Common – something different from the streets of the city 🙂

    Reply
  5. W.Purves.

    Like your Blog. G.

    Reply
  6. fionajarrett

    Some great races to look forward to, especially Lisbon and NYC. Good luck with training 🙂

    Reply
  7. Pinky,RunLaughEatPie (@pinkypie)

    good luck on your exams!!! no RnR Dublin then?
    my only plans right now are recover from foot surgery, Dublin Half, Berlin Full, Brooklyn Half and Athens Full. I think that’s enough 🙂

    Reply
  8. Kelly

    I’m no expert but I’ve been following your blog (and many others) for a while now and I’m loving the new format. I especially love that you moved your photo and welcome message to the top of the page – that’s the first place I go when I visit a new blog.

    Reply
  9. Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

    I’m running NYC too! I’m signed up for the Liberty half in September in Jersey City… I haven’t done it before but heard it’s well run but pretty big. Have fun getting back into training more seriously!

    Reply
  10. Heidi

    I actually don’t like this layout because you can’t zoom in. I find it difficult to read the small font without zooming in on my tablet. Looks pretty though!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thank you so much for your feedback, really appreciate you taking the time to let me know! I will speak to my web designer and see if we can increase the font size and enable a zoom function!! x

      Reply
  11. Lauren

    Sounds like a great upcoming race calendar! I wish I could pop over to London and run!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      You should definitely look into it!

      Reply
  12. Rebecca

    I love the new look of your blog. Very clean cut

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Thank you, I’m loving it too!

      Reply
  13. Megan

    I am a Londoner training for my first marathon in Amsterdam in October (!!!) and I have just fell in love with your blog! I really love your approach to running and training and your enthusiasm is contagious. Might try to sign up for a few of these races as prep for the big’un in Oct. Thanks for your wisdom!

    Reply
    • charlotte

      Yes that sounds great, you definitely should! thanks for your comment!

      Reply

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