Running and Other Bits of Life

A moody looking Clapham Common on my run

 

I feel like this year has gotten off to a pretty good start (almost the end of January already YAY!). I’m feeling focused on some goals that I’ve set myself. I refuse to use the word resolution as I know that I will fail immediately. I want this to be the year I finally feel a bit more in control and sure of where my life is going rather than constantly feeling like I’m suffering from duck syndrome (calm and collected on the surface and paddling like hell underneath the water).

Signing up to a half marathon has really helped me to push myself out of my exercise comfort zone and gives me that motivation I need to get myself up and moving, even when it’s the last thing I feel like doing. On the 17^th January, I ran 10 miles which is the furthest I’ve ever done. It wasn’t easy. I got stomach cramps at around 5km and had to stop and walk for a little bit until they eased off. It’s probably a mixture of not eating properly the night (I had pancakes for breakfast and then an M&S sausage roll for lunch and dinner consisting of picking at a feast of crisps, sausages and Percy Pigs) and running too soon after eating my breakfast on Sunday morning. Food and fuel is an important part of the running process and I need to be able to ensure that I prepare better for my longer runs in the future. I managed to get to 10.04 miles in 1:43:56. I would’ve liked to have gotten sub 1hr 40min but I know that I can if I prepare better.

Two months ago when we signed up for the half marathon, I never thought I’d be able to reach the distances of 08 miles, 10 miles but I’m enjoying pushing my body (and my mind, running is such a mental sport too) that little bit further each time I go out. I ache a lot afterwards but I feel accomplished. I’ve even entered the ballot for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October. I know this is nothing new to a lot of people and my times aren’t worth shouting about but I feels good that I’m improving and achieving something.

My second aim for this year is to say no more. Kind of an odd one really, as most people want to say yes to more and cram more things into their time. When you live in a big city, especially London, you do get FOMO a lot. Because of that, I’ve said yes to going out and doing things when a) I can’t afford it, b) I’ve been absolutely knackered c) I’ve wanted to do anything at all d) I’ve felt obliged to, like I will offend the person asking if I say no. I want to concentrate on running at the moment and also on saving some money. I don’t want to feel constantly bloated and run down because that one glass of wine after work turned into three bottles. I don’t want every single weekend crammed full of activities that make me anxious that I’ll have no money left by the end of the month or no me time at all.

So yeah.... here's too 2016!

Favourite Moments of 2015

So it’s now 2016…… I’m sat back at my desk after a very refreshing 10 days off work most of which was spent up in glorious Yorkshire. I’m not really into all the New Year, new me bullshit. However, I do like to take a bit of slower pace in January mainly because Christmas leaves me skint, knackered and with a booze bloat that is just not very becoming. Therefore, it’s the perfect time for a bit of reflection on the year that was 2015.

 It was definitely a mixed bag of a year but full of high points which is what I will focus on.

1)      Seeing Years and Years at Heaven just before they really blew up and became massive.

              It was a really amazing night with great music and great company.

 

2)      Mine and Beth’s boozy day out! I love how unlimited brunches are now a thing. Me and my former housemate (*sob* - come back Beth *crying face emoji*) booked in at the Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings in April and enjoyed a leisurely morning of bacon and bloody Mary’s followed by Prosecco and the Grand National. We may have also indulged in a little bit of drunk shopping! The best kind of days. This has also been replicated with other bottomless brunches through the year (Bad Egg and The Jam Tree in Clapham) and boozy dinners (Cookbook Café, Cinnamon Kitchen & Anise and Roka Canary Wharf) and some really fun nights out which leave me with the fiercest of hangovers but make me realise I have the best (worst influence) friends.

 

3)      MARBS MARBS MARBS!! Roxanne’s Hen Do over May bank holiday weekend was the perfect way to kick start summer. Lazy days by the pool following by messy nights celebrating one of my best friend’s last days of freedom. Julioooo……. Get the stretch!!

 

4)      Rox and Scott tie the knot! So lovely to be able to watch a best friend become a Kennedy and join our crazy family. The venue, the guests, the dress, and the food. Everything was spot on and created a warm and wonderful day.

 

5)      Work trip to Germany – Working in the travel industry does have perks sometimes and I was invited in July to take part in a familiarisation trip to Bavaria by the German Tourist Board. I’m a massive Germanophile but had never actually visited Bavaria so it was a bit of a no-brainer. We visited breweries in Kelheim, Weltenburg, Abensburg, Regensburg, Nuernberg and Bamberg. I don’t think I’ve ever drank as much beer and eaten as much sausage! I definitely want to go back and revisit Bamberg and Regensburg and visit other areas such as Rothenburg and Fuessen (and the famous Neuschwanstein Castle).

 

6)      Everyone’s turning 30! 2015 was a big birthday year for a lot of my friends (and myself included)! I’ve had lots of fun celebrating with people, from fancy dress house parties and murder mysteries to trips to Spain and Manchester and afternoon tea at the Oxo Tower. It’s been a blast. I had a little bit of a wobble about turning 30 and not being where I want to be but it’s so exciting to see how much we’ve all achieved and grown up in different ways.

 

7)      Family time – I probably don’t spend as much time with my family as I should. However, I’ve made up for that in the latter part of the year. October saw the Kennedy (and two Mastermans) have their first holiday together abroad. It was my Dad and two brothers first time on an aeroplane also. It was nice to see them out of their comfort zone and embracing and enjoying it. The main delight for me was getting to spend quality time with the cheeky little bundle of joy that is my niece, Marcie. It was the same this Christmas. It’s great to see her growing up and developing her personality and mannerisms.  

 

There’s so much to look forward to in 2016 too, my first half marathon, a girls weekend to Newcastle, more 30^th birthdays, revisiting Ibiza and my sister Shona’s hen and being honoured to be her a bridesmaid! BRING IT ON!!