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The first half, and then some, of 2022 seems to have passed in an instant. I started the year with maximum energy…or at least an attempt at maximum energy, despite feeling like I was on my way to burnout.
But it was an exciting time! I had the Pinterest Accelerator I shared in my last update, started training for adidas, and was completing my Running Fitness Leadership Award, among many other things.
But now, it’s been a good few months again. So, go grab a cuppa and some cookies let’s catch up?!
New Cyclocross Bike Day
As I mentioned in my previous update, I recently received my 2022 Liv bike, a Brava, for cyclocross. This is the first iteration of this bike in carbon, so I’m excited to see how it feels compared to my 2020 Brava SLR.
My first race was booked and it took place at one of my favorite places: Campbell Park in Milton Keynes. I had a lot of fun putting the bike through its paces, seeing which skills I have remembered and which ones I need to start practicing again.
I think I’ll be writing a review of this Brava, so keep an eye on the blog in the coming months. Here are some photos from my first race of the season:
CX Training Day for Women and Girls
Having completed my level 2 cyclocross coach award earlier this year, I had the opportunity to participate in a women’s and girls’ specific training day at Ashwell. Now another date has been added to the calendar, so it’s time for you to dust off those trainer skills!
100 women in cycling
Now you are going to be the first people to hear this news! I was told a few days ago that I had made the 2022 list of the 100 Women Cyclists, which is Cycling UK’s annual list celebrating inspiring women in cycling.
I have no idea who nominated me, but thanks! Of course, I accepted the inclusion and I wait for the announcement and the publication to see who else is there.
Run
With the Royal Parks Half Marathon just a couple of weeks away, I’ve been doing my best to keep up with my running. While I’m sure I’ll be able to complete the distance that day, I don’t think it’s going to be a PB day.
However, I think it will be a good baseline to work from once I’ve completed the event and I’m pretty sure I’d be looking forward to running a half marathon or two in 2023 now that I’ve got the bug again.
parkrun tourism
As part of my training, when I’ve been away, I check to see if there are any parks nearby. So far I have been to 3 different parkrun locations and have had a great time. One in Lincolnshire, one in Kent and one in Dublin.
Kent and Dublin were such hilly courses compared to my local 0% parkrun, but good training I imagine! The Kent location had stunning views; In fact, I sneaked out of a festival, Camp Wildfire, to go to that one.
Every coach needs a coach
After a few setbacks related to dental health, I have become heavily focused on self-care and one area where I need to pass the reins on is my career. Once all my energy is spent planning adidas Running sessions, my weekly class schedule, and sessions for my PT clients, the last thing I want to do is plan my own workouts or create my own race plan.
It’s easy to underestimate the amount of weight that is taken off my shoulders not having to think about what I should do and when…but simply following what’s planned for me. I am looking forward to working with Jemma, my new trainer, in the coming months to help me find my rhythm again.
RECENT FEATURES:
- Gotta hang out with the VeloVixen crew again in September for her fall collection photo shoot. Pictured above is me modeling one of her latest turbo towel designs, something inspired by Zara in the far right image.
- I went to Camp Wildfire in early September for the weekend. Check out the reels I made here and here.
Behind the screen
I feel like I’ve neglected my blog a bit this year, not posting as much new content. But the rest was necessary for my own sanity. However, I have always kept updating the content and making sure it stays relevant.
Vuelio Top 10 Running Blog
Happy to have remained classified by Vuelio in its Top 10 Running Blogs category. I’m down a spot to #4, but I really can’t complain considering I haven’t been as up to date on the content as I’d like. However, I am celebrating the victory!
Coming?
So, I’m about to fly to Inverness for the weekend to run the River Ness 10k and watch the Loch Ness marathon. After that is the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
This is my provisional list of races for the cyclocross season:
- CCXL Round 6 – Hemel Hempstead, October 16
- CCXL Round 7 – Welwyn Wheelers, 23 October
- 240 Round 9 – RAF Halton, November 20
- CCXL Round 11 – Crossmas, December 4
If I can do a couple more races that would be epic. Especially if I can check out other leagues and compete with friends!
With a couple of vacations planned before the end of the year, I’m thinking this year will end on a high despite all the ‘real world’ craziness going on.
How was your summer?! Any exciting plans for the next few months?
Be sure to hang out at the smoothie bar with me; Please join my email list below for more behind-the-scenes updates.
elle
