Swansea Half (Race 11)

I tend to run much better when I don’t have a time goal. But I had a goal for the Swansea Half Marathon. I told myself I’d only include this race as part of my 30 races for 30 years challenge if I achieved a time of sub two hours. It’s by no means particularly […]

Stroud Trails (Race 8)

It had been an unusual week. It’s not often you wake up not knowing that you’d be going to sleep in a different country. Family comes first, and sometimes that means forgetting your own plans and hopping on a flight last minute. Within the space of half an hour, I’d booked my flight, unearthed my passport, […]

Up down all around (race 7)

I was late getting to the race, because of my study. Running from practicing a conference presentation about technology-facilitated sex trafficking, to running a race to raise money and awareness to prevent sex trafficking. My life is busy, and my world is large, but I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t live an […]

Offa’s ‘Orror (Race 6)

Beautiful scenery, forest trails, following the river; definitely my happy place! For me, this is what running is all about, experiencing nature’s beauty, exploring new avenues and adventuring off the beaten track as you push your body to its limits. Organised by my running club (Chepstow Harriers) for over a decade, Offa’s ‘Orror is a […]

Dot dash dot (race 5)

“What’s next on the list for your 30 races then Jen?” coach Mike asked. “Kymin Dash”, I replied, “although I’m not sure if it’ll be challenging enough to include … maybe I’ll decide after the race.” Mike laughed, “Oh trust me, it’ll be challenging enough!” I’d like to say all races were run with the […]

Sugarloafing (Race 4)

Name: Sugarloaf Fell Race Distance: 11.5km Ascent: 526 metres Terrain: off-road, hilly, fell Time: 1.27.32 Fell Races have special codes to indicate the course level. The Sugarloaf is: BM/NS/LK/PM Category B: averaging no less than 125ft for every mile of climb, and no more than 30% of total distance on road NS = navigational […]

Run the Worlds (Race 3)

Race: Cardiff World Half Month: March Distance: 21.1km Terrain: road Time: 2.10.10 I’m far too stubborn for my own good. My body was telling me it needed to stay under the doona with a hot water bottle and a flask of tea, but there was absolutely no way I was going to miss […]

Newport State of Mind (Race 2)

Race: Newport City Half Marathon Month: March Distance: 21km Terrain: road, mostly flat Time: 2.05.03 I was umming and ahhing about Newport for aaaages, and it was only when entries closed I realised, bummer, I really did want to do a half in my home city! I was a bit gutted, knowing I’d see my […]

30 Races for 30 years

Turning 30 is a big deal, right?! I turned 30 in December, and over the last few months, I’ve been thinking over an idea for how I can celebrate this milestone in a memorable, fun, and purposeful way. This is it: 30 Races for 30 Years As most of you know, I recently discovered running. […]