What it's like to run a HALF-MARATHON

About six months ago, I signed up to participate in the London Royal Parks Half Marathon, which took place last Sunday. Due to my spontaneous personality, I usually jump at every opportunity that pops up in life (such as skydiving at the age of 14!) So of course, when I found out about the upcoming half-marathon in my hometown and the chance to do something as crazy as running 21km (13.1 miles), I decided to rise to the challenge!

The thing about a half-marathon is that it is not only physical fitness and stamina that is required to finish, but also a strong mind and lots of self-discipline. All the hours that I had put into training in the lead-up to the big day were worth it to feel the indescribably rewarding sense of achievement, pride and joy when I crossed the finish line. My initial goal had been just to finish the half marathon - run, walk, hop, dance or crawl! But I ended up running for the entire duration of the race, without slowing down to walk at all!


When I arrived at Hyde Park on the big day I stretched my legs, walked to the start-line, jogged on the spot to warm up, and then the race officially started! 
I was in awe at the unique ambience and sense of empowerment that laced the air, as I admired all the vibrant colours scattered throughout the streets and the countless cheers! I was moved and inspired by the positive vibes surrounding me within this stampede of runners.

The first mile was done and dusted faster than seemed possible, so completing another 12 miles definitely appeared attainable! The next mile felt slightly longer than the first, and from then on, my mind began conceiving a series of strange and entertaining thoughts to keep me occupied, such as: 

Free water!

Three miles done - only ten more to go!

The sooner I finish, the sooner I can eat some well-deserved left-over Oreo birthday cake sitting in my fridge at home...

Free Lucozade!

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!


OMG cheerleaders!
More free water!

Keep shuffling up the hill

Running downhill never felt so good - thanks gravity!

Free Jelly Tots - I'll take two thanks!

I can probably run another marathon after that sugar rush!

My legs are crumbling, this was a bad idea

6 miles only? It must be marked wrong

8 miles - I feel invincible!

Free banana!

I've never sweat this much, not even in Bikram Yoga or Barry's Bootcamp!

10 miles already? Nearly there!

12 miles - I think I'm having a heart attack but pick up the pace - the faster I sprint the last mile the sooner I can eat something

600 metres to go!

My knees will give out at any moment

Just keep swimming! (from Finding Nemo)

200 metres left!

I can see the finish line!

Just a few more steps

Soooo close now

I made it!!


It goes without saying that my favourite part was experiencing that relief and elation at completing something so incredibly huge and challenging. There are so many reasons that I believe everyone should attempt such an endeavour at some point in their life - even if it is just a 5km fun-run! Do it to raise money for a worthy cause, do it for the challenge, do it to feel accomplished, do it to prove to yourself that you're stronger than you thought, or do it just because you enjoy running for fun! Personally, I wanted to fundraise for charity, whilst seeing if I could complete something that had previously seemed so unattainable, having been a regular runner for a few years.

Congratulations to anyone else who participated - I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did

Neon Trainers

The trend of wearing trainers on a day-to-day basis has exploded onto the fashion scene of Spring 2014 and persisted throughout the summer. This season had me buying two new pairs of neon trainers: Nike free-runs which I bought in Cyprus, and orange Adidas kicks from an outlet mall in New York. These will brighten up any outfit and make you look sporty no matter what you wear them with - not just your gym kit! 

Barre Core

Barre class is a full-body workout, combining pilates, ballet and yoga in one intense hour. It consists of interval training at the barre and lifting light weights and resistance exercises on the mat that use small, controlled movements and your own body weight to lengthen and strengthen your muscles as you are burning fat. Celebrities that swear by it include Natalie Portman, Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Zooey Deschanel, Amanda Bynes and Dakota Fanning.

New Kicks

We all know that thrill when a parcel arrives in the post. Today I was lucky enough to experience that excitement as I opened my the vibrant orange box to reveal my new Nike Free Runs which are bright blue with a lime green tick. 

These lightweight trainers have deep slices throughout the sole and reverse flex grooves running both horizontally and vertically which makes them completely flexible and comfortable, so they will not inhibit your movement in any way. Nike Free shoes merge the natural, healthy motion of a bare foot with the protection of traditional footwear. Below are a few images of other styles and colours that I love!

Bikram Yoga: the benefits

Bikram Yoga consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, practiced in a room heated to 40 °C (104 °F). It brings endless health benefits and works every part of your body down to a cellular level flushing toxins out of your system. The top 7 benefits are explained below.

1. Weight loss

Bikram Yoga is excellent for weight loss, burning 500 to 1000 calories a session. Your digestive system and metabolism will improve, normalizing your appetite and diminishing unhealthy cravings. Your fat will turn into muscle as you develop muscle tone and strength. Warm muscles burn fat more easily as the heat flushes and detoxifies the body. Your cardiovascular system is also worked and strengthened.

2. Blood Pressure & Cholesterol

Unstable high blood pressure can respond very quickly to a regular Bikram Yoga practice. Many students who maintain a regular practice are able to stop taking blood pressure medication and it can often help keep diabetic symptoms in check. Your circulation increases allowing blood to flow throughout your body cleansing and clearing your arteries and lowering cholesterol levels.

3. Joints and Back Pain

A combination of the heat and the moving, twisting, extending and compressing of every joint can alleviate arthritis. Bikram Yoga has helped countless numbers of people with back pain, stiff necks, headaches, scoliosis, herniated disks and many other back problems.  It works the spine in every direction with many beneficial backbends, creating a healthy spine and thus a healthy nervous system and leading to enhanced flexibility and successful recovery from injury (due to deep stretching).

4. Skin and Beauty

As you sweat, your pores are opened and cleaned allowing natural lanolin to release through the pores, softening and preserving your skin’s elasticity and leaving you with "the Bikram glow".

5. Stress, Anxiety & Emotions

When performing the 26 postures and two breathing exercises, the fight-or-flight response is turned off and a feeling of balanced well-being is replaced. A regular practice can lower cortisol levels, calm the mind, increase mental clarity and release and reduce stress and tension. Bikram Yoga harmonizes the nervous and endocrine systems and cultivates the mental faculties of faith, self-control, concentration, determination, and patience. As we become more aware of our inner life, we notice how events, interactions, and even the atmospheric pressure can affect us. 

6. Breathing problems

The heat promotes relaxation of the muscles and nerves, and you can work with as much intensity as appropriate for your needs. Bikram Yoga will relax your mind and help let go of tensions, toxins and negativity. It strengthens your heart and lungs, improving your lung function and helping with Asthma, Allergies, Respiratory Problems.

7. Thyroid regulation

Many of the postures in Bikram Yoga compress and work the thyroid thus helping to regulate the gland balancing thyroid levels, bringing increased energy, weight loss and better metabolism.

Nike Night Run

I recently participated in Tel Aviv's 10km Nike Night Run. All of the main roads were closed off and loud bass music was blaring throughout the city, as a mass of 22,000 other runners wearing the same fluorescent pink T-shirt as me swept across the streets. This was an unforgettable experience and I intend to take part again next year!