Friends don’t let friends do stupid things alone do they?  So when a group of Mudd Queens mentioned signing up for Beachy Head marathon I suggested to my friend Emma we should do the same and so just like that we did.  It was months ago and seemed like we had an eternity to train and get prepared for it.  But my god did it come around quickly!

I am still being treated for an injury and so is Emma and I think both of us were thinking this would not happen and the closer it got the more we tried to ignore it.  We knew it was a tough course and we knew from others that there is a lot of the course most people walk, mostly because of the climbs and so we decided we would give it a go and see how we got on.  I was terrified if I am honest – this was ambitious.

The game plan was to walk the uphills, jog the downhills and to jog/walk the flat sections.  I had seen the pictures of the start and new it was uphill almost immediately but until you get there and start that uphill you don’t realise it goes uphill and then round the corner uphill some more and then still there is more to come, just up and up.  So within the first mile I was really rethinking my life choices and wondering if this was the one stupid idea I’d had that was a step too far.

It started really congested and took quite some time to spread out.  The run is all trails and takes on grass, mud, woodland, rocky paths, chalky paths and stairs – as if it was not hard enough there were a number of sets of stairs.  One set of stairs was called stairway to heaven – I would have called it stairway to hell only it was definitely going up and up and up.

The first check point came quicker than we realised and Emma and I found ourselves high-fiving for getting to 4.4 miles (yeah I know 4.4 into 26.2 was nothing but it felt like a small victory).  The second checkpoint at 8.8 miles and we stopped shortly after the 10 mile mark in a pub to use the toilets.  I was surprised that up until this point there had not been a single portaloo and I’m not too posh to pee in a bush if I need to but this was quite open so not many places to hide!

At the 10.6 mile mark Emma told me not to look up.  I looked up.  I wish I hadn’t.  It was of course another hill and the marshal at the foot of it said we were doing great and wished us good luck.  Emma and I looked at each other and I think it was then that we both realised this was hard and we had 16 miles left.  We went up that hill in silence after we had eaten some more mars bar from the check point and laughed at Emma’s now very large swollen hand (just the one hand always swells – and no that is no a mini mars bar that is just how big her hand had gotten).

The next check point was 12.2 and we knew we were almost at the halfway point.  That should have made me feel better but it didn’t as I was thinking wow I have to do all that again.  What I didn’t realise was that the second half was harder.

Checkpoint 16.7 came and as we approached we could hear music and this was definitely the fun check point – a live band, sausage rolls, soup and porta loos – never have I been so pleased to see a porta loo!  This was also the stop we saw two ladies who were supposed to be doing the 10k but started with the marathon wave and just followed.  I am not quite sure how they didn’t hear the announcements at the start or how they missed the sign where it splits or how you get to 16.7 miles and only then realise you are on the wrong route.  Fair play to those ladies who carried on and I really hope finished!

Emma and I had decided that we would hit a high and get our second wind once we hit the 20 mile mark.  The 20 mile mark was part way up yet another giant hill but it was still 20 miles in and still cause for a celebration in between catching breaths.  Another check point and hot cross buns and tea and coffee on offer too!  We were on the final stretch but my god did they make us work to get to that finish line.  The last 6 miles seemed to go on forever.  These were where we met the seven sisters or how I now call them the seven bitches.

The views were spectacular especially along the coastal part.  It stayed dry and although it was bright the cold wind was savage.

The hills absolutely sapped all energy and life from my legs – the plan of walk/jog the flats soon turned to walk on legs that were getting more and more stiff.  I couldn’t have made myself jog some parts even if I wanted and accepted that on some of the climbs even on a good day there would have been no way I would have been running them.  It was the first running event I had been to that was more a walking event for the majority of the field of participants.  We managed lots of laughs and smiles though – Emma is a much stronger runner than me and I am very grateful that she stayed with me for this event!

We must have spent several miles discussing in detail what we were going to eat that night.  It was going to be an Indian and this was what was keeping us going too.  I should note there was only one Indian within hobbling distance of our hotel Saturday night and they had no tables!  I am pleased I didn’t know this whilst on the event as I may have given up all hope.

I think I lost part of my soul somewhere on the seven bitches and when a fellow participant announce at 23 miles that we had 6 miles left I almost cried.  The final 1.2 miles saw us try and get a jog on.  My calves and quads had almost fully seized up by now and although my jog was probably as quick as most peoples walk I was surprised I made myself do it until I could hear the tannoy and as we started the descent I could see the finish.  Whilst I’m on the subject of walking – some of the participants out there with the walking sticks, man they are quick! I came to hate the sound of those sticks though as it meant I was being overtaken by a power walker or some of them used them like skis and I was scared of being whacked by one! I was going to finish this!  I did not appreciate with 100m or so to go the spectator telling me to sprint finish – I was pleased at this point I was still walking, there was absolutely no chance of a sprint!

This was my longest distance I have ever covered, first marathon, first experience of Beachy Head and I can safely say never again. Ever.  It was absolutely not quick and it was in no way pretty but we got it done.  We completed Beachy Head Marathon.  Shortly after the event Emma tagged me in a post that said ‘there is nothing more beautiful than when you prove to yourself just how strong you are’ and although initially disappointed with how much this course took it out of me and my finish time, I am proud of what I achieved, what we achieved together.  This was not about a time, this was to complete it.

It was also my first experience of running with a hydration vest/backpack, which I got from Decathlon and it was awesome – didn’t even think about it being on and was so comfortable.  I also used my Craft Fuseknit top I was given to review and it was perfect, super comfy, and I didn’t feel too cold or hot – if it ticked the boxes for this event I think it will tick all the boxes for any events I have in future!

Emma and I have now made an agreement that in future when one of us says shall we….. that we just interject with no.  We have silly ideas and each of us always says yes sure lets do it.

Getting up on Sunday was interesting as my ankles didn’t seem to want to bend so getting out of bed and to the loo was a monumental effort and on the way back it was easier to just faceplant the bed than try and lift my legs and climb up.  Think of the lyrics from the Ed Sheeran song ‘when your legs don’t work like they used to before’ well that’s me.  Today was no different, please send help – my legs hate me and I would like to say sorry to them but assure them I will never do this again!  Kudos to all those who run marathons and hike miles.  If you’ve not done it before and my post doesn’t totally put you off then check it out.

Have you heard of the event I Move London Relay?  If not then I urge you to check it out.

What is it?  Well it is more than an event, it is a movement and whilst you take part as a participant in either a 5km or 10km stage with a participant tshirt and receive a medal, it is so much more than just a running event!  This is an event running for 30 consecutive days and nights aiming to cover 4,000 miles by 2,500 runners.  The runners are starting and finishing every stage passing the baton (named Rod) to the next person.  Once complete a Guinness World Record attempt will be successful.

Don’t drop the baton!  I mean seriously don’t as that would mean the world record attempt is not valid.  And yes running with the baton is somewhat terrifying.  The pressure of knowing you cannot drop or put this thing down means you run the full stage gripping this with all your might.

I was lucky enough to be invited to be involved in this by the awesome Danny Bent who is the brains behind this – if you know him or have met him you will know this man has an infectious energy and if anyone could pull this off it would be him.  I’ve taken part in the promo video and photo shoot and met some wonderfully amazing people who have all been as inspired as I am by this epic event.

The event is powered by ASICS for three amazing charities:

• The Running Charity
• Sported
• Laureus Project

Money raised will be essential funds to help combat gang culture, homelessness and mental health.

The event started 29 June and is running until 29 July – which is great news as it means you still have 10 days to get involved and be part of this amazing movement.

I ran the opening 5k stage on 29 June with my husband and friend (in addition to a lot of simply brilliant people) and then a 10k stage on 7 July with a friend, which coincided with Pride and England winning a game in the World Cup.

The atmosphere running along the river and across Westminster and Tower Bridge is second to none with absolute strangers cheering you on.

What are you waiting for?  Together we move London!

My race entry was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

At the weekend I took part for the third year in a row in the Spitfire Scramble 24 hour relay run.

I’ve written a post about this event before which you can read here. It is basically a running event that you can do as a solo or in a team of up to 8 members over a 24 hour period completing laps of just under 10km.

Having done it previously I knew in advance what I needed and what I’d packed before and never needed in the hope of getting it just right this year.

You can tell the people who do events like this regularly as the set up is like a military operation with clothes lines, grills, food tents and even their own personal sports therapists.

Now the event is a five minute drive from my house so it always feels slightly odd packing for camping when so close to home.  This inevitably ends up including a lot more than you intend to take, when I could easily go back and forth to a comfortable bed, a proper toilet and shower (it’s seriously tempting)! But that would not be in the spirit of the event and so here is a little list of items I would class as essential going into an event like this (it’s a car full – couldn’t even fit the dog in!):

Camping – tent, blow up mattress (inexpensive and definitely worth it rather than sleeping on the floor), sleeping bag, pillows, fold up chairs.

Medical – rock tape, scissors, ibruprofen, pro plus, Imodium, piriteze (or any other form of antihistamines), salt tabs, blister plasters, ice/heat packs.

Clothing – I prefer a fresh change of clothes for each lap (this year I wore the same for 3 laps and I have terrible chaffing – sorry I realise this is tmi), visor, trainers (check the terrain), number belt, running belt, jacket (you may walk and night laps can get chilly), sports bras, spare socks, compression calf sleeves (if you use these), waterproof layers (check the weather).

Electricals – running watch, headtorch (mandatory for laps after 8pm), spare batteries, phone charger, battery pack, camping kettle.

Toiletries – towel, toothbrush and paste, brush, dry shampoo, deodorant, baby wipes, spare toilet roll (nothing worse than the porta loos after a weekend of campers and runners and potentially no tissue!), dry shower, antibacterial gel, jungle spray (there are so many bugs).

Food and drink – electrolytes, water (though there should be a supply), snacks, porridge pots, bananas, soreen, breakfast biscuits, there are usually vans selling food – we had jacket potatoes/pasta/pizza/burgers/noodles on offer here though I prefer to stick to what I would usually eat though food and drink will be totally personal preference, tea bags, coffee, milk.

Other – foam roller, money, lighter or matches, citronella candles, cool box, water bottle, black bags, bowls/plates/cutlery.

You’re probably reading the above thinking wow that’s a lot – it is a lot but better to be prepared and set up camp and have everything you need so there is no added stress!

At the weekend I headed to Wembley for The Colour Run.  I was taking part in this with my friend Emma and looking forward to being covered in dye and having fun for the second weekend in a row.We turned up and there were huge crowds of people all in the same white Colour Run tshirt that you are given as part of your race pack ready to get stuck in to some colourful fun.  The atmosphere was great and there was music and a huge stand by F45 Training getting people warmed up and in the mood showing what they are about – I have never been to once of these gyms but seen great reviews and results from others.

There were people giving away Protein Balls – these are a firm favourite with me – if you have not tried them then do check them out!So with our tshirts on, metallic gold lightning bolt tattoo applied, glitter applied and sweatband positioned we were ready for the off.  I was slightly confused here as you left under a start sign but it wasn’t actually the start, it was a walk out of the event village and then round to another part outside of Wembley stadium where the crowd were being given a warm up, completing a Mexican wave and as they controlled the numbers starting, you were let off in batches under the real start – in our wave we sang happy birthday to a young girl.This year was the hero tour and so there were a lot of people running in superhero capes and especially the kids seemed super excited about this!There is a huge mix of ages and abilities taking part and it is sold as the happiest 5k on the planet.  On the website it says:

WHAT IS THE COLOR RUN?

The Color Run, also known as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet”, is a unique colour fun run that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. It was also extremely hot!  Being so hot, for me at least, makes running seem very tough but this is not a run designed for PBs or a race.In addition to the dye stations there was also a foam station and this was amazing as it completely cooled me down – not for long but was so welcome!I did find it hard to navigate around people as it was very crowded and although the vibe from everyone is fab the run does take place on an industrial estate so it is not the most inspiring of landscapes.I wouldn’t normally think you would need a water station on a 5k, however, with the weather being as hot as it was I think it would have been a good idea especially as this could be someones first 5k, there are a young children, I saw quite a few people taking part with walking sticks and in the heat hydration is key!On the finish line was coconut water (I think I am the only person who doesn’t like this stuff) and a unicorn medal!  Yes that’s right a unicorn medal – how awesome is that?It was also half a mile short and so my friend and I ran back to our car to make the mileage up to the 5k.The run finishes back the event village with a total party atmopshere – you are given another packet of dye as you finish and so the music starts, everyone is dancing and the whole crowd get involved with doing a mass dye throw – always makes for the best photos!After showering I have a rather fancy tie dye effect sports bra and my gold tattoo is still on my arm – secretly I don’t want it to come off!

My race entry was complimentary, but all opinions are my own.