The April Edition

Grace with her shiny award!

I know I said the rain and snow and cold was miserable, but that short burst of intense sun was unncessary, ok? 

April was busy and I am tired. So, so tired.

What I did

April is prime spring marathon month and I am consequently all cheered out. If anyone needs supporting in May, tough. My quota is full. You’re on your own. 

On Sunday 15th, Ryan ran the Brighton Marathon and absolutely smashed it. He aimed for a PB of 03:45 and crossed the line at 03:41. Solid work. He’s fit and I fancy him.

It was such a perfect weekend in Brighton. We stayed in an Airbnb for the first time (always late to the party) which was hella cute and convenient, wandered around Brighton eating good food and cocktails, and celebrated post-marathon with Ryan’s dad who promptly burst into tears as soon as we met up with Ryan after the race. We’d quite amazingly managed to see him cross the finish line on the big screen and our chill was not kept, you’d be entirely unsurprised to know. It was awesome.

The following weekend, we both cheered at one of the Anthony Nolan cheerpoints for the London Marathon, which was a totally different race. Oh boy. We were at the 40km mark (2km from the end) and everyone looked exhausted in the heat. But, the friends we managed to see (plus all the inspirational Anthony Nolan runners) looked so strong and determined, and were still smiling. Absolute marvels, the lot of them. It was hot enough last year! (I read that blog post back yesterday, on the year anniversary since posting it, and man, the emotions…)

I got overwhelmed by a tiny kitten in a box on the bus. I need say no more other than it was the best day of my life.

We’re back on the parkrun tourism train, FINALLY. We went to Wanstead Flats and Lullingstone - two totally different courses. Flat (clue’s in the name, mate), and one of the hilliest in the UK. HAVE I MENTIONED I’M TIRED?

I met my cousin’s baby! Look at him!! Look at his little face!!!

What I thought

I don’t know why I’m so tired this month. We’ve done a lot, but I feel like I can’t blame it on that. I think a large part is the food I’ve been eating. It hasn’t done me any good at all so I’m going to try and be more mindful next month.

Maybe I will go in for the London Marathon 2019 ballot. Hmm? Who said that? I didn’t say anything…

Where I went

Amsterdam! Mum and I went to Amsterdam just after Easter and had a wonderful few days getting up to a wholesome amount of mischief.

I went back to see pals at The Mix one Friday night. That was strange. It was lovely, but felt SO strange. Nostalgia is an interesting one. 

My amazing friend Grace was nominated for Influencer of the Year at The Brain Tumour Charity’s Celebrating You Awards, and she invited me as one of her guests! It was such an inspirational night. Oh, and Grace won. Obviously.

The day before the London Marathon, Ryan and I had a long overdue date day and went to Emilia’s Crafted Pasta (St Katharine Dock) for dinner as part of it. It was nice. Making time for your relationship is a nice thing. 

What I read

I did alright this month with books! I read Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy and Moonrise by Sarah Crossan. Both were great but Moonrise just blew my mind. Crossan is such a beautiful writer. 

Now I’m reading Power by Naomi Alderman and feel super late to the party with this one, but so far it’s very cool and interesting.

Aside from books, Emily’s essay was a fantastic piece of writing, and Alix’s blog post on mental health and relationships is incredibly relatable and poignant. I highly recommend a read of both.

What I watched

I only went to the cinema once this month. We saw Isle of Dogs and it was just so Wes Anderson. It was good but I wasn’t totally taken by it, tbh. Also I fell asleep. So. 

What I was thankful for

I’m mostly thankful for the running community this month, particularly on Instagram. After the tragic news of Matt Campbell’s death, the running community really felt it. It could have been any of us. We’re so thankful for being able to run, for being alive (especially those who ran last Sunday), and so heartbroken to lose of one our own. Many people ran 3.7mi this weekend to #FinishForMatt (a huge group even met up to run the last 3.7mi of the London Marathon route, which looked incredibly overwhelming and humbling) and it’s all very emotional. Ryan and I ran our own 3.7mi and it felt so poignant. This is the most inspiring, inclusive, raw community and I’m so grateful I found it.

I envisage May to mostly involve nerding over the Panini World Cup sticker book. Bring me the shinies and DON'T YOU DARE TRY AND STICK ANYTHING IN.