My Journey to London. 35 days gone 90 to go.

Over the last 4 weeks we have been soaked and blown about like no other January I can remember.

After 26 days of training in January, which has included 15 runs and 147 KMs, the nerves are still there but the confidence has grown a little. Typically in 2024 I have been running 70/80 Kms a month so I am pleased to have pushed this up, without overtraining too quickly.

This week we are shining a light on Veganuary, This is another 31 day challenge which encourages you to follow a vegan lifestyle.

If you are already taking part, amazing work, you are doing brilliantly. If not, why not? It is never to late to start, you're just 31 days away from a new outlook or habit. 

A new week, a new opportunity!

This week we are taking a look at dry January, if you have been following this yearly tradition then well done - Half way through!! If you aren’t, then why not start now?

Every year English Athletics (EA) gives affiliated running clubs a free London Marathon place. We put together a ballot for our entry for those members that are EA registered and wish to run this iconic event. This year’s draw had 20 club members.

Thank you Owen for drawing my name out the hat and at that moment on 23^rd December I went through a range of emotions such as shock, excitement and definitely a little panic. Oh damn did I really want to do this?

I will update you fortnightly on my London marathon training and here is update 1.

Happy New Year from your welfare team and welcome to the 2025 edition of welfare Wednesday.
Continuing with a monthly theme January focuses on new opportunities, diving deeper into topics like dry January, veganuary and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Welcome back to your Decembers edition of Welfare Wednesday!

If you caught last weeks post you’ll know that this month is based on addiction. This week we are going to dive a little deeper into exercise addiction.

It's really easy to get carried away over the festive period and drink more than you intended. Hangxiety fuelled mornings tend not to be on our Christmas wish lists so here are a few strategies for drinking less at events and parties this year… 1. Sounds counter-intuitive, I know, but arrive early. If you're meeting for drinks in the pub after work get there 5 minutes early and order your alcohol free drink. Have something in your hand so that as people offer to get you a drink you can say ‘No thank you I’ve got one.’ You can order a tonic and allow people to think it’s a G and T. 2. Designate yourself as the bar-runner/drinks host. If you’re at someone’s house you can top everyone else’s drinks up for them whilst keeping your own watered down or alcohol free. 3. Take a moment before the event/party to question why you might be feeling like you need a drink. If it’s because you are anxious, overwhelmed or nervous can you think of another coping strategy or tool other than alcohol to help you through? If the party gets the better of you and your hangxiety/anxiety is through the roof the next day be very gentle on yourself. You’ll now know what you can do differently on a night out next time. On mornings accompanied by hangovers – sleep, rehydrate and then get out in the fresh air for a few hours. Sarah Williamson Sarah works with people who are reconsidering their relationships with alcohol. You can follow her on instagram @drinklesslivebetter Find her here www.drinklesslivebetter.com And lister to her podcast here: https://drinklesslivebetter.captivate.fm/listen

Welcome to the last theme of the year!

This month we are focusing on addiction.

Firstly - What is it?
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Welcome to the last Welfare Wednesday post of November. Brace, brace, brace before the Christmas madness.
Continuing the theme of running safely in the dark, a few more tips for you all:

As we are focusing on your safety this month, we wanted to shine a light on stalking…

What is it?

It is defined as persistent and unwanted attention which happens two or more times causing the victim to feel pestered, alarmed or stressed.