Racing Tips

14 Ways to Build Your Confidence as Pre-Race Anxiety Kicks In

September 18, 2017

Race season is here, which means so the season of pre race jitters and nervousness are also around in abundance. Many of you are getting ready to race over the coming weeks, and I have previously covered how to taper, giving you all the information you need to feel confident about the physical part of…

How to Decide What Your Race Goals Should Be

April 10, 2017

confidence, effort scale, goals

If you are in taper, if your goal marathon is still a good few months away, or even if your race is a shorter race like a 5k or 10k, as we approach race day, we start to get the question. Not just from others, but from ourselves. What are you trying to run? I could see…

2016 in Review: My Best Running Year (with lots of bad races too!)

January 2, 2017

Oops, I missed it. 2017 is already here, and I am still talking about 2016, even though that is the year everyone wants to forget. It was a pretty bad year for the world in general, I can admit that for sure, but for my running, it is amazing all that has happened. Thought I…

California International Marathon (2:36:39) Race Recap

December 7, 2016

California international, fueling, marathon, racing

These race recaps are always so overwhelming to start. Which is kind of funny if you think about it. When else are you going to dive into so much detail over a few hours of your life? Maybe I shouldn’t go into detail, do you really care that much? Probably not. But As I said…

2:36:39 and 5th Place Woman at CIM: Quick Update

December 5, 2016

California international, fueling, marathon, racing

Ready to read my entire recap? Well, you are gonna have to wait a few days 😉 As much as I would have loved to be that prepared, I had a lot of cherished moments after the race with friends, so I barely manageed to get an Instagram post up, let alone write a recap.…

Marathon Tapering Advice: The Week Before a Marathon

November 16, 2016

fueling, marathon, taper

After I finish my last long run before a marathon, 2 weeks before I embark on my 26.2, I usually start to think about tapering. The week before the marathon is very important. You can’t really do much to improve your fitness, but if you get the taper for a marathon wrong, you could sabotage…

1:13 Half in Marathon Training? I’ll Take it

November 7, 2016

half marathon, indy monumental, marathon

17 seconds. That’s how far away I was from a PR in a race that I went to thinking that anything under 1:15 I would be happy with. Turns out I was ready for a PR…..I just wasn’t quite prepared to go absolutely eyeballs out enough to squeak under my 1:13:21. Its funny thinking about…

24 Mile Long Run with the Kentucky 5k in the Middle

October 24, 2016

5k, long runs, marathon, workouts

When we set out to do CIM, Steve and I agreed that I needed to race at least a few times. I would have the Indy Monumental Half on November 5th, but we needed at least one other race. My friend Tim had been working hard to set up a new event in Lexington, an…

California International Marathon: Fueling Plan

September 28, 2016

fueling, marathon

One of the topics I get asked about the most through emails and comments is what I use to fuel my runs. I have posted about it before, shared with you exactly how I practiced in the buildup to both London Marathon races, but this year, we are changing it up a little. I know…

Falmouth Road Race 2016

August 24, 2016

racing, struggles

When I look back on this summer, or this year actually. I can’t believe how much has happened. This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Mostly good, some bad, but whatever way you look at it, life events have a HUGE impact on you and your ability to function. The best way I can…

Birthday Race! Run Through Battersea Park 5k (Plus Speed Workout!)

August 8, 2016

5k, london, racing, speed

Firstly, thank you for all the birthday and anniversary wishes this weekend, I had a lovely weekend (other than of course being away from my husband!!!). We are going to celebrate next week when I get back to the US. — Most runners, myself included, have a bucket list of races they want to do…

European Championships Half Marathon 2016: What Happened?

July 18, 2016

Last Wednesday I gave you part 1 of my European Half Marathon Championships recap, and today I wanted to share the actual race. Yep. Those doubts, the fears, and the fact it took all my willpower not to drop out! Ready to jump on board my struggle bus? Make sure you read the previous post…

European Championships Half Marathon 2016: Ouch

July 13, 2016

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to thank you. To each and every one of you who took the time to wish me good luck, cheer for me as I ran, or send me a message after the race. It means so much, and I know everyone has been through some kind…

Racing in the European Championships for GB&NI (Amsterdam 2016)

May 30, 2016

half marathon, racing, team gb

Well. I don’t even know where to begin. This is something I did not see coming. To be totally honest, I did not even know there was a European Championships in an Olympic year, and when I got the email asking if I would like to run, I could not believe my eyes, TWICE in…

5 Reasons Why You (Yes, You!) NEED 1-2 Weeks off Running After a Marathon

May 2, 2016

marathon, motivation, recovery, return to running

I have talked about this before. I have stressed the importance of taking a break from running after a season, and I truly believe this is the case not just for marathons, but your body needs a recovery period after any big race. For ANY runner at ANY distance, you should not really go more than…

The London Marathon 2016 Race Recap (2:37:35)

April 27, 2016

london, marathon

Somehow, it has been 5 weeks since I left the US. The time that seemed so long has absolutely FLOWN by, and if it wasn’t for Steve waiting at the other end, I would be tempted to stay longer to enjoy more time with friends and family as a “normal person” rather than hyper-focused-on-my-running-person. BUT, today…

FINALLY Broke 2:40! London Marathon 2016 Quick Update

April 25, 2016

london, marathon

Hi friends! Oh my god. I don’t even know where to start. I am not sure I can start. I should be getting to bed right now, but I just wanted to write a little something. Just to share a few things about the day, and I will get a full recap up later this…

What Was It Like Racing in a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP for your Country?

March 30, 2016

goals, racing, team gb, world championships

On Monday I shared my feelings about how I felt as 3rd Brit and 49th at the world championships. Those instant, overall feelings about the race, and although there was a little undertone of sadness, which I guess is pretty normal for this kind of situation; It is just so much emotion, so much time, effort,…

49th in the World Half Marathon Championships (& 3rd Brit!)

March 28, 2016

half marathon, racing, world championships

It’s still hard to even believe I have done it. Hard to believe that I did in fact achieve my ultimate running goal, the only hard set running goal I ever had. You know I am an intuitive person, so I do not usually set goals, but this was one I had from the very…

Could Changing Your Pre-Race Routine Help You PR?

March 21, 2016

After all your hard work in training, all those hours spent ignoring that voice in your head, all those setbacks that made you doubt if you were ever gonna make it here. But you have, and now its race day (YAY!). Today I thought I would share my pre race morning routine. It may seem…