Author: Vicky
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Why I’ve decided not to run a spring marathon (and why you might want to take a break too).
2025 was a really fun year for running. So many great things happened. I trained consistently throughout the year and focused on improving my general health and strength. I found a good rhythm and stuck with it – and consistency really feels good. I ran three races, all of them…
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Why I Bought an Indoor Bike (and How I’m Hoping It Helps My Running)
I just bought myself an indoor bike. I’ve never owned one before, but I’ve been looking for something that would give me a solid cardio and strength workout without the impact of running. As much as I love to run, I’m very aware that I should find an additional form…
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Essential Philadelphia Marathon Race-Day Tips
Before I ran the Philadelphia Marathon, I spent quite a while online searching for race-day tips. There were a few nuggets of advice out there, but I still found myself with plenty of questions when race day arrived. So, I thought I’d contribute to the collective knowledge by sharing my…
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Is the Philadelphia Marathon Flat? My Race Day Experience & What to Expect
The Philadelphia Marathon was my “A” race this autumn, and I’d been looking forward to running it ever since I discovered that its medal contains a little ringing bell! I’d heard from friends that the course was flat, fast and ideal for a PR, and given how much I like…
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Highlights from Chicago Marathon Weekend 2025
The Chicago Marathon is my favourite race in the world. Even when it doesn’t go perfectly, I still love it. I’ve now run Chicago seven times. My first marathon was in Chicago in 2012, my marathon PR is from 2014, and my return to running after the pandemic was in…
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How I’m Navigating Perimenopause: Finding Support, Resources, and Confidence
Struggling with perimenopause? Discover how I found a supportive practitioner, learned to advocate for myself, and took charge of my health with books, podcasts, and practical tips. I don’t know about you, but I’m really grateful for the wealth of information now available online about women’s health, especially around perimenopause…
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Explore Stockholm: Scenic Running Routes You Can’t Miss
Last summer, my husband and I spent ten days in Europe, visiting Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki. In each city, we found time to work out and run, so I thought I’d share a few of our favourite routes. I know I’m super late in posting these, but better late than…
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Lost Your Running Mojo? Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Motivation.
(I wrote this a little while ago and totally forgot to post it. It’s still relevant though, since we’re deep into fall marathon training season.) Every now and then, I lose my running mojo, and it’s so frustrating. There’s usually a reason for it such as being too tired, having…
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Philadelphia Marathon Training: An Update
This year I decided that instead of running my favourite marathon, Chicago, I’d take on Philadelphia. I made this choice for a few reasons: I also decided that after a few years of self-coaching my way back to marathon fitness, I’d work with a coach this time (more on the…
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Bitten by a Dog While Running? Here’s What to Do
Exactly a year ago, I was running in DC, down Embassy Row, to be precise, on an easy evening run when a dog ran at me from behind and bit my arm. You might be wondering, “How on earth did that happen?” or “What did you do to provoke the…
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Best Running Trails Near Heathrow Airport: Explore Harmondsworth Moor
Recently, my husband and I spent a night at Heathrow Airport ahead of a long-haul flight back to the US. While our hotel ticked the basic boxes, it didn’t have a gym, and knowing that we had a full day of sitting ahead of us, I was determined to get…
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Exploring the Wrekin: A Classic Hike in Shropshire’s Countryside
Final Thoughts I’m so glad we finally made the climb. It was a personal milestone, a nostalgic reconnection with my roots, and a surprisingly challenging bit of exercise, all rolled into one. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Shropshire, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just fancy a beautiful walk…
