It was only last year that I really began my fitness journey and one of the first things I did was sign up to a load of running events – mostly 10k’s with a few 5k’s. I did this for 2 reasons – I really wanted to regain my love of running, it always suited my body, I lost weight and toned up well when I incorporated it into my schedule. Most of all though signing up for these events gave me a focus, a goal to aim for and kept my motivation up.
Last year I slowly jogged my way round some lovely courses and started to get some of my rhythm back…
This year now I am a bit fitter I want to run sub-1 hour 10ks and really enjoy them a lot more! So here are the London races I have entered and a little bit about each one. Hopefully some people will join me on the journey!
1. Richmond Spring Run 10k – Richmond – 21st March
This was the first 10k I ran last year and I’m not going to lie – it was painful and slow! I think I was also hungover. Not ideal. Anyway, a year on I am fitter and I gave up drinking alcohol 10 months ago so I am looking forward to trying this run again. The organisation was good, straightforward and slick – there were enough people to make it fun but not at all overcrowded and the route was along the river which I absolutely loved. I remember wishing I could appreciate it more – so this year I am really looking forward to doing so!
2. Race For Life – Pretty Muddy 5k – Hammersmith – 13th June
This is a new event for me. Cancer Research UK is a charity close to mine and many, many people’s hearts, so when I was asked to be part of their Race for Life blogger team I was really excited to be part of raising money for such a fantastic and pro-active charity. It took me a while to decide which event to do, you have a lot of choice – 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon or a ‘Pretty Muddy’. I have a bit of a fear of obstacle races… but I’ve decided its time to face my fear and Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k seems the perfect way! I have heard it is a friendly and fun obstacle course, ladies only and I know I am comfortable with 5k so I think if I am ever going to go for it – this is it! I will keep you updated with this challenge! Remember if I can do it – believe me you can too! If you would like to participate in any of the Race for Life events you can use the code RFLHLL to get a little discount!
3. Nike Women’s 10k London – Victoria Park – 21st June
Last year I did the Nike ‘We Own the Night’ run in Victoria Park and it was fab. Loads and loads of people – but the space was large and the start was separated up really well so you didn’t have to stand around for an age before starting. Cool little running village in the middle with lots going on, fun warm up, loads of great brands and generally a great atmosphere…. you would expect Nike to tick all the boxes and for me they did. I am hoping this years version will be of the same standard and I’m really looking forward to it!
4. The Color Run – Wembley Park – 7th July
Another new one for me… this one is also known as “The happiest 5k on the planet”…. well I don’t know about that yet but I am looking forward to finding out! You basically run in white while people lob coloured powder at you, so that you get all messy and rainbow-y. It will either be awesome fun or 5k of coughing and spluttering…. only one way to find out and I have wanted to do one of these for ages so I can’t wait! They also have events in Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast & Brighton with more to come!
5.The Vitality British 10k London Run Piccadilly – 12th July
I did this last year and it was definitely the biggest 10k I did…. actually I expect its the biggest one there is in London…there are thousands of people! The route is amazing, taking you past Trafalgar Square, St Pauls Cathedral, The London Eye, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament just to mention a few! This year is its 15th Anniversary and to celebrate they are going to introduce a new route with even more landmarks! This route is still to be announced but it is obviously going to be great – as to improve on the current route is impressive! I wrote about this event last year – here – and I highly recommend it!
6. Gloanna Yoga Run – ?!
I don’t know if this event is returning in 2015 but I really hope it is! I loved it so much! 5k and then an outdoor yoga session in Battersea Park. This was such a great combination and honestly was one of my absolute favourites – such a great start to the weekend and I walked away feeling so uplifted. If the organisers see this – please do it again!!!
Who are these events for: Anyone! As long as you have a pair of trainers you can get around a 5k or a 10k… you don’t have to go fast! There obviously are people that take it very seriously but don’t worry about them – go at your own pace and just enjoy the scenery! At all these events the energy from everyone else is so infectious and will fill you with enthusiasm. Go for it!
Top Tip: Get yourself a pair of decent running trainers! I cannot emphasise this enough! I went to Run and Become and had a great experience. Specialist, friendly, knowledgable and a great range of shoes. I recommend them!
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