Running to clear your mind

There was a day last month when I received bad news. That evening, I felt agitated and didn’t want to go to bed. It was 10pm, I decided to go for a quick run. When I left the house, my mind was filled with sad thoughts. But as I carried on running, went through a new and unknown route, saw the full moon, felt the cool evening breeze, I started to feel better. Lots of thoughts went through my mind as the landscapes rolled past, but I let them go. It was like I was sweating my sorrow away.

Running helps me get closer to my feelings, it helped me relax and sleep that night.

Just thought I’d share my experience. I always like to read about people’s tips to deal with whatever people might have to deal with: food craving, stress, etc. And it just seems that running is a helpful tool to help with our little worries and bigger problems.

So… if you feel the need, put your trainers on and don’t hesitate any longer: go!

Good night

My First 10K !!

I don’t want to write much about this but I just wanted to say to anyone who think they can’t run, I think you can. I ran my first 10k run on Saturday. It was hard, but I’m glad I did it. It was a night run in Victoria Park (London). There was such a great atmosphere, women only, friends, dj’s, prosecco at the finish line, what more do you need? I can’t wait to register for my next run!

Note to self for next time: Don’t forget to stretch at the end or you’ll hurt for 3 days!

It’s spring people! Let’s eat healthy cake and go running!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a running buddy for morning runs on weekdays. Anyone interested please leave a comment at the bottom of the page or email me. Would be great to hear from you :)

I know… It doesn’t feel like spring yet. But it is here and with it comes the urge to get those legs fit and looking good for summer. When the sun dares pointing the tip of its nose out here, I can assure you nothing beats a riverside run. Happy times coming ahead!

Clockwise from top left: On my running route, pub with rooftop terrace overlooking the river, a happy runner in red, Hammersmith bridge in the distance, and a seagull feeling the breeze.

Let’s go!

Post Running Recovery Breakfast

• Blueberries: for their vitamins and antioxidant power
• Coconut water: to refuel on lost electrolytes (best sports drink in my opinion)
• Scrambled eggs: obviously for protein
• Rye bread (toasted): for healthy whole grains

And that’s the beginning of a good day! :)

How running became possible

As a teenager I had the desire to run but in all honesty I wasn’t very good. I don’t know why, but I would get so exhausted that I’d have to stop after about 15 minutes! At some point I decided to train with my sister, but even with training, the longest I managed to run for was 35 minutes and I thought I was going to die! My face was as red as a tomato for the rest of the day, and I didn’t even enjoy it.

About 10 years later, two years ago, I decided to go to university. This was certainly the biggest challenge of my life. Rebel teenager, I had left school at the age of 15 and worked as a nanny pretty much since then (not that rebel). I took a few courses in the meantime but never went very far. Anyway, I passed my 1st year in nutrition and health at uni (with a 2.1 yay!!) and one of the modules I was taking was biochemistry. It was the most difficult subject, however I managed to get 60% at my exam. In shock, I threw up when I realised what I had achieved, I swear this is true! That summer I decided there was nothing I couldn’t do and tried running again after a 10 year break.

The 1st time, I ran 15 minutes and felt tired but okay. The 2nd time I ran 20 minutes, about 3 kilometres, and the 3rd time I ran 10k. I know, it’s not how you’re supposed to do it, but I did it. During that run I kept on thinking: “I’ll run 1 more kilometre then stop”, but I didn’t feel tired. So I kept on going. Of course, the days following that run, I could barely walk down the stairs, even walking down the road proved to be a challenge! And guess what, I hurt my knee. What a pain. I had found an amazing way to get rid of stress, feel healthier, listen to loud music when I can’t turn it up too much in the house and feel happier overall.

Well I have had to rest my knee for 3 months but I am back on the river paths now and am loving it more than ever!

This is my story and how running became part of my life and my well being. Without trying to sound sentimental, I guess the message I’m trying to spread is that  n o t h i n g   i s   i m p o s s i b l e. Giving yourself a challenge may lead to another one and gradually make you achieve something big, who knows?

Anyway, enough faffing about. I’m going for a RUN!

Ready, steady, GO!

Temperature: 1’c – starting to snow a little

Who cares! I went for a run this morning and I feel so good for it. It wasn’t easy to motivate myself to get out of the warm house but I remembered my friend blogger halezi said “getting out is the hard bit, but once you’re out and running you feel so good, you know it’s worth it”. And she is so right!

Healthy lifestyle 1 – Crappy lifestyle 0

Morning run in morning sun

I went for a run this morning, not long after sunrise, before heading to uni for my 11am lecture.

What an amazing morning! The sun was shining, and reflecting on the river. Birds woke up in a happy mood, singing, as me and my friend jogged by. While city workers were making their way to the station, we enjoyed our early outing in the village. Exercising definitely needs to be a part of my healthy resolutions. I am aiming to go again on Saturday and try make this a twice a week thing from now on. Exercising + nature + healthy breakfast = ultimate well being.

As we say in France:  P U R    B O N H E U R

At uni, outside the cafeteria