The National Running Show 2023

After attending The National Running Show last year, I definitely wanted to go again. I received complimentary tickets just like last year, and this time my friend Brian joined me, who I recently ran the Hertfordshire Half Marathon with. Brian had the honour of being the first guest to stay in my new home over the weekend, as the NEC is fairly local to me. We ventured over to the show on Saturday and it was yet another day of inspiration.

The entrance to the show

The layout of the show was very similar to last year with the same stages for talks and demonstrations, and many of the same companies attended again. Brian and I certainly had plenty of free samples throughout the day, in particular protein bars and iPro drinks. There were lots of colourful leggings again this year, although I didn’t treat myself to a pair as I still have the running leggings I bought at last year’s show. Brian and I also entered various competitions, such as entry to the Benidorm half marathon in November 2023, which would certainly be an interesting run to complete.

Brian and I at the show 🙂

There were plenty of opportunities to trial products designed for recovery. Brian and I both tried an electric massager on our lower backs which felt quite nice. We both saw various stalls with full leg massagers and I was curious to have a go. In the end I tried out Pulse Roll’s leg massagers, which was a strange and interesting experience. I had a separate massager for each leg and was zipped in right to the top of my thighs. The sales representative set a programme and let the massagers do their work. At points the pressure was rather intense, but not so much that it was painful. The massagers worked up and down my legs and around my feet, imitating a sports massage. If I had not long completed a long distance run (maybe after the Hertfordshire Half Marathon), the massage would have felt more beneficial but it was fun to try out nonetheless.

Brian and I listened to two talks on Saturday. The first one we joined was a panel of speakers at the Running Skills Theatre for a talk called “Mental health – building resilience and a better you”. The speakers were very insightful and open about their experiences, and how running has helped with looking after their mental health. The talk reminded Brian and I that everyone has their own problems and struggles, and that essentially everyone’s experience of their mental health and how they manage it is unique to each individual. The important thing is to be open and talk about your experiences, which in turn encourages others to do the same and take those steps forward to improving our mental health.

For example, one of the panelists was Suzanne Shaw (who I didn’t realise was a member of the pop group Hear-Say). The stardom she experienced at such as young age took a toll on her mental health. Later in life she found that running was a brilliant way for her to decompress and clear her mind. Suzanne now advocates good mental health and a healthy lifestyle via her social media channels.

Mental Health Panel

The second talk Brian and I joined was called “The happiness of being you” by a guy called Danny Bent at the Inspiration Stage. Danny was voted one of the 100 happiest people in the UK and one of the 50 most inspirational people in London. His talk was definitely not what I expected, as he talked about his cycling and travelling adventures which were hair raising, but he found the positives in these situations. The most emotional part of the talk was about the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, where was one of Danny’s friends was seriously injured and extremely lucky to survive. Following the bombing, Danny set up and founded One Run for Boston, a 3328.2 mile relay run across the US which raised $550,000 for those affected by the bombings. Over 2000 runners participated in the event, which demonstrated the support and sense of community from runners.

After Danny’s talk, Brian and I had a final quick walk around the show to make sure we had seen all of the stalls, and then we headed back to mine. I didn’t buy as many items this year, but I was pleased with my moderate haul of items. I’m particularly pleased with my new bum bag which has a nice floral design on it. The bag is elasticated and has been designed to stay in place around your waist. I also bought myself some more Fit Kit products, including recovery shower gel and a new moisturiser which is applied to the body before bed, following an intense exercise.

A moderate haul this time

The show has definitely ignited my interest in running again. It reminded me of why I like running and that it’s accessible whatever your age, weight and fitness. I haven’t been for a run since moving back to Tamworth, but I definitely want to go out soon. The cold weather and short days makes it difficult at times, although I can work around it and make time for running again. I definitely feel better in myself when I’m running regularly.

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂 xx

End of an Era; New Beginnings

Sorry it’s been a while since my last blog post! In case you were wondering, I did complete my second half marathon on Sunday 30th October at Knebworth House with my friend Brian. I ran the half marathon in 2 hours and 45 minutes, whilst Brian smashed his first attempt in 1 hour and 53 minutes! While I was hoping for a better result, the route was very challenging with lots of hills and inclines. The lovely views made up for it, and Brian and I both agreed we made the right decision to run at Knebworth House. It was an incredible feeling for us both running across the finish line and the atmosphere in general was fantastic. We also caught up with university friends and visited the University of Hertfordshire campus, which was very nostalgic indeed.

After the Hertfordshire Half Marathon!

The main reason for not posting recently was due to buying and moving into a house! I made an offer on a house in Tamworth at the end of August, which was accepted. Three months later, I picked up the keys which happened to be on the same day as my work’s Christmas party. I won’t go into detail, but the process of buying my house was rather stressful and I had an issue with the house insurance just two days before I was due to pick up the keys. Luckily everything worked out ok and I was able to relax and celebrate with my colleagues at the Christmas party in Birmingham.

At the work Christmas party

I’ve called this blog post ‘End of an Era; New Beginnings’ not just because it’s almost the end of 2022 and the start of a new year, but because I recently celebrated my 30th birthday. Honestly, I can’t believe where my twenties have gone. I really didn’t want to turn 30 but I’ve been ok so far, which I think is due to the fact I managed to buy a house on my own just before I turned 30 (especially with the current economic climate). I was well and truly spoilt by my family this year. My parents took me to Hambleton Hall in Rutland Water for a fine dining experience. The food was incredible and the chocolate artwork in the photo below was a nice touch.

Lovely chocolate artwork

The past few months have been rather busy, hence why I haven’t posted on my blog. Usually I write a self-reflective blog around the New Year. It was interesting to re-read my reflective blog posts for last year and for 2020. Both of these were heavily focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, as restrictions were imposed across the globe and impacted our daily lives. Last year’s post also focused on the importance of looking after your mental health, which I still aim to keep to this day.

This year has felt almost ‘normal’ again. It’s strange to think that we lived through all of the restrictions such as having to present negative lateral flow tests and/or show a Covid passport as proof of vaccination. What I have appreciated the most this year was being able to celebrate Christmas my family, as Covid restricted this in 2020 and 2021. It felt very special being with my family and reminded me of just how grateful I am for them, especially my parents who let me move back in with them in July and they helped me recently move into my new home.

The first half of 2022 saw a relentless focus on training for my second half marathon, which fizzled out during the summer. In July I broke up with my partner of 4 1/2 years. It was difficult to break up, but my ex and I both agreed it was the right thing to do. Moving back to my parents in Leicester and starting the process of house hunting/purchasing took up time and energy, and I found it difficult to anchor myself back to the focus I had at the start of 2022. Despite this, I managed to do some training in Leicester and it was nice to reminisce over my old running routes when I was training for my first half marathon. I’ve decided my focus for 2023 will be to run shorter distances in faster times. I’m still proud that I managed to complete 5km at the Lichfield parkrun in less than 30 minutes back in March; it would be nice to finish 5km in an even faster time, such as in less than 29 minutes.

While I will always continue to work on my fitness, I must remember to carry on being myself. I was so happy that I received the ‘Ray of Light’ award at the work’s Christmas party, which was for the most positive/caring employee. As well as receiving a certificate, I was given a pair of smiley face slippers (in the photo below). They are very comfy and I wear them in the office whilst at work (the office has a very homely feel).

Smiley face slippers 🙂

The main takeaway for 2022 which I will take into 2023 is to continue looking after myself whilst continuing to be myself (if that makes sense!). I’ve been through a lot emotionally this year and perhaps I could have made more of an effort to look after myself. I will enjoy my thirties and make the most of opportunities as they arise. Despite what feels like a dreary world, I will continue to have a positive outlook on life (mindfulness and meditation really helps with this) and remember to enjoy and savour every moment.

Happy reading and blogging, and a very Happy New Year!

Clare Bear 🙂 xx

The Final Countdown

It all feels a bit surreal when your race pack arrives in the post. I received mine yesterday for the Hertfordshire Half Marathon, which is taking place this Sunday!

My race number

I found it quite comical when I saw my race number, as the two zeros in the middle of 1001 looks like a pair of eyes. A baggage label and time tracking label are also attached to my race number. The time tracking label will be attached to one of my trainers, which should be activated when I run across the start line and the finish line. I will of course be wearing my Fitbit to keep track of time throughout the half marathon.

I must admit, I felt a bit apprehensive last night when opening my race pack. I’m worried that I’ve been a bit too complacent in my training, especially as I struggled last Saturday during my final long distance run before the big day. I was very eager on Saturday and completed the first 5km a bit too quickly. After 10km it was very challenging and I stopped after 14km. I walked 2km back to my parent’s house, feeling achy and sorry for myself. It doesn’t help that I’m fighting off a cold, which probably added to my struggle on Saturday.

I’m in the mindset that I’ve ran a half marathon before and that I’ll be fine on the day. While the adrenaline will kick in on Sunday from the atmosphere and running alongside my friend, I must remember to stay focussed and keep to my own speed, in order to avoid a similar scenario to Saturday.

While I’m feeling anxious, I’m looking forward to running with my friend who asked me to run a half marathon with him. We’re both planning to dress up for Halloween which will add to the fun and excitement of the big day! I’m also looking forward to spending time with my friends from university and having a trip down memory lane over the weekend.

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂

xx

October Break

I’ve just recently been away on a family holiday to one of my favourite places on the English coast – Sheringham. My parents are fortunate to have friends who own a lovely fisherman’s cottage, located in the centre of Sheringham. The cottage was free for five nights, so my parents, the dogs and I set off last Thursday for a short October getaway.

On the coast of Norfolk, Sheringham is small seaside town with quaint shops and cafes, and local pubs. The beach has lots of rocks and pebbles, like Brighton, but you don’t have to wander down far to the sand when the tide is going out. I joined my dad for morning walks along the beach with our dogs, which always made a refreshing start to the day.

Morning walk in Sheringham

We all caught the train to Cromer on Friday, which only takes less than 10 minutes from Sheringham. Cromer is another one of my favourite seaside towns, which also has lovely shops and cafes, and many pubs. A family tradition of ours is to have fish and chips from Mary Janes; these were enjoyed with a view of Cromer Pier. My dad and I then walked the dogs along the beach and later joined my mum for a hot chocolate at the Rocket Cafe. We sat outside on the balcony area where the dogs had a much needed rest.

Barney having a nap at the Rocket Cafe

Sunday was my most active day, with my morning planned followed by a spontaneous decision in the afternoon. I went for a run on Sunday morning, trying to rejig my memory from three years ago when I last ran in Sheringham. I ran most of the way up Beeston Bump, which is a rather steep hill to the east of Sheringham. I then ran along the Norfolk Coast Path to West Runton and back around the bottom of Beeston Bump. My route deviated from what I had planned beforehand on Mapometer and from my memory, but I reckon I completed about 6km.

At the top of Beeston Bump

After a refreshing shower and breakfast, I decided to have a day on the Poppy Line, a heritage steam railway which operates between Sheringham and Holt. I have visited Sheringham station many times, but had never been on the steam train until Sunday. I caught the steam train from Sheringham to Holt, and then a diesel train from Holt to Weybourne. All of the stations are interesting to look around, especially Holt which has a couple of small museums and a Railway Cottage, a disused rail carriage used as affordable housing in the early 20th century.

Weybourne’s Signalling Box

After looking around Weybourne station, I decided to take a wander into the village of Weybourne. I enjoyed a cappuccino and a slice of cake at a quaint cafe before wandering down to the beach. I was blown away by the views around Weybourne beach and took the opportunity to practice mindfulness. The sea was so calm and the sun was pleasantly warm, which made me feel relaxed and at ease. It was a lovely feeling and took me back to my previous holiday in Llandudno.

My original plan was to catch the steam train back to Sheringham, but with the pleasant weather and no sense of urgency, I decided to walk back along the Norfolk Coast Path. I’m so glad that I walked back to Sheringham, as the views and the cliffs were spectacular; I could even see and hear the steam train along the Poppy Line. I took a few breaks along the way back and really soaked in the surroundings. Despite walking about 3 1/2 miles (circa 5.6km) after running 6km in the morning, I felt rejuvenated.

Weybourne Beach

I’ve never known the weather to be so nice in Sheringham, especially in October. Every day brought blue skies and sunshine, which made it pleasant to site outside with the dogs at pubs and cafes. I enjoyed a pint of fruity cider here and there, with a view of the sea in Sheringham.

Jarvis looking very cute!

It tends to feel like a long haul after the last summer bank holiday in August, so I’m glad that I’ve had a break in the run up to Christmas. It was also nice to spend some time away with my parents and the dogs, and relax at the English coast.

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂

xx

Keep Calm and Carry On #11

It can be difficult to limit how much you watch/read/listen to the news when the outlook is dreary. Over the past few months, it has been making me feel anxious seeing all the news about the rising costs of living and financial uncertainty in the UK. It’s also scary to see prices increase so rapidly in supermarkets and the majority of households will be anxious about rising utility bills. The ongoing war in Ukraine has, in part, been contributing towards the financial hurdles for so many, whilst creating anxiety around how far the war will escalate.

I decided to continue with my Keep Calm and Carry On series on my blog following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which I started just before the first UK lockdown in March 2022. The aim of these posts is to provide comfort through tips and advice, whilst reminding us all that we’re in these situations together. The overarching theme of these posts really is to remember to be kind and mindful of others. A small act of kindness can really go a long way during times of uncertainty, and even make someone’s day.

I guess the aim for the 11th post of my Keep Calm and Carry On series is to reiterate the importance of looking after ourselves, especially during these times. I’ve certainly started to feel the effects of not looking after myself as much as I did last year, when I seriously started to care for my mental health.

Neglecting the basics of self-care is easily done when there’s a disruption to your daily routine and when the news is all doom and gloom. For example, I have recently been feeling tired and drained which is down to a mixture of factors, including moving back to Leicester during the summer, letting my emotions and anxiety get the better of me, reading BBC News more frequently, opting for unhealthier food options and probably eating more than I really should (i.e., comfort eating).

Look after your mental health

It’s clear here that looking after your mental health is so important. I’ve definitely learnt this over the summer and now acknowledge that I need to revisit the basics (e.g., eating healthier and practice mindful eating again, taking breaks from my phone/computer screen, lunchtime walks and keeping up my meditation routine). This will be particularly important with the ongoing uncertainty in my personal life, such as waiting for updates from my solicitor regarding a property I’m hoping to purchase, and how the rising prices will affect budgeting when I do start to live on my own.

A key lesson I’ve learnt through meditation is you can’t control what’s happening around you, but you can change what’s happening inside of you. Rather than worrying about what you can’t control, your focus should be on how you react. An easy example, which you will have heard many times, is seeing the positive. For my current situation, I can’t do much about speeding up my solicitors except chase them. Rather than worrying about it, I remind myself that my parents have let me move back in their home in Leicester while I look for a new home. I am so grateful for their support; in fact, practicing gratitude is one of my favourite meditation techniques as it makes me feel a bit more at ease and reminds me that I’m very fortunate.

Remember that you have the power to change your mood and mindset. While it can be difficult to remain positive during these uncertain times, it’s incredible how much your mood and mindset can affect those around you. Just a simple smile to a stranger can really make a difference, not just to them but to your own wellbeing. Also remember to practice gratitude – in other words, show your appreciation for those you love with a simple thanks or take the time to reflect on what you’re truly grateful for.

On that note, it’s not long until World Mental Health Day, which is on Monday 10th October. The theme for this year is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority‘. I couldn’t agree more with this theme, especially with everything that has happened across the world over the past few years. The day provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on how we’re looking after our mental health and how we can support others. As I’ve identified in this blog post, this year’s World Mental Health Day reminds me of the importance of self-care and the need to focus on the basics.

I wrote a blog last year about my mental health journey in response to World Mental Health Day 2021, the theme of which was ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. Upon reading this post, despite what appears to be a setback for me, I’m definitely in a stronger position than I was at the start of 2021. I have the skills to manage my emotions better and know the warning signs for when I need to step back and take a breath. Just like looking after my fitness, caring for my mental health is also a continual journey with obstacles along the way.

Happy reading and blogging; remember to look after yourselves and look out for those around you!

Clare Bear 🙂

xx

Budget Friendly Cooking

With my focus on half marathon training, it’s been a while since I’ve written a ‘foodie’ post. The uncertainty around the rising costs of living (due to the energy price cap, inflation rates and ongoing war in Ukraine) means we are all feeling the pinch and have concerns about budgeting over the winter. With all of this in mind it can be hard to think about cooking on a budget, although it’s easier than you might think.

In this post I have shared some tips for cooking on a budget and how to make your food go the extra mile. You have probably come across these tips time and time again, but they really do make the difference and will help you on your way to a more economical lifestyle.

Plan your meals – Adopting a proactive approach to meal planning saves the daily hassle of deciding what to eat each day and minimises trips to your local supermarket or corner shop, which reduces fuel consumption if you drive. You can buy all of the ingredients you need in one big shop and even buy in bulk where you need the same ingredients for different meals. You could get a magnetic weekly planner to stick on your fridge, or use a diary to plan your meals.

Buy in bulk – While it may initially seem more expensive to bulk buy, it is usually cheaper for the long term. Many supermarkets sell products at a cheaper rate in bulk, and you also don’t to buy the product for some time. If you have enough storage at home, then bulk buying is an economically viable option. Make sure to check the expiry dates on the product and store as per the instructions to maximise shelf life.

Cook extra portions – It is economical to cook large meals and save leftovers for another meal. Popular meals with leftovers include curries, bolognese and stews. You can freeze these portions and enjoy them another time, which are usually more flavoursome after being frozen. I find it useful to label the portions with the date they were frozen, to make sure they don’t stay in the freezer for prolonged periods of time. One of my favourite dishes to cook in bulk is soup, which is cheap to make with fresh ingredients and is an easy freezer filler.

Check the labels – It is more important than ever to be shop savvy, which means checking the price labels. Supermarkets often promote offers which seem appealing but upon closer inspection, it can be cheaper to leave the offer alone. All products include the price per unit, weight or volume. The cheaper a product is by unit/weight/volume, the more economical it is.

Hunt for bargains – If you see a hoard of people around a particular area of a supermarket, it’s bound to be the reduced section. It’s definitely worth having a look and seeing if there’s anything which you can freeze for future use. The freezer is great for supporting a budget friendly lifestyle.

Another option for bargain hunting is searching on the Too Good To Go app. Too Good To Go shows you nearby shops with products which are approaching their sell by date and would otherwise be sent to landfill. All you need to do is reserve a bag, visit the shop at the allocated time slot and collect your goods. I’ve had a great selection of products from the Co-Op, M&S and Greggs!

Too Good To Go collection from M&S

I hope these tips are useful, especially with the rising costs of living and concerns around energy bills over the winter. The more economical you are with food shopping and preparation, the more money you will save in the long term.

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂

xx

Training Update (Summer 22)

It’s only just over two months away until I run my second half marathon – that’s a scary thought!

My intention was to post monthly updates to show my training progress, such as May 2022, but it hasn’t come to fruition. I have been trying to keep up my exercise although recent events have slowed my progress. In my latest post I mentioned about separating from my ex-boyfriend and moving back to Leicester.

It’s certainly been a whirlwind of a summer, spending time and energy collecting my belongings and starting a new exciting venture in my life – buying a house by myself! I’ve viewed quite a few properties recently and I’m learning all sorts about buying a property for the first time. It’s been quite draining and daunting, but my aim is to have my own place by Christmas.

Keeping up my half marathon training with all of this going on has been challenging. I am glad however that I have met up with my friend Brian twice throughout the summer to train together. Brian is one of my closest friends from university and he wanted to run his first half marathon with me.

Brian and I first ran together back in early July. Whilst we didn’t record the distance, I think we ran around 14km in under 1 hour and 40 minutes. We started at Upton Park, running past Stratford on our way to Victoria Park, where we covered a good distance around the park before heading back.

West Ham stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit

Last weekend we attempted to complete a 12km route in central London, starting at the Tower of London and running along the Thames to St James’ Park for a lap before heading back to complete the circuit. Whilst it was an experience to run past famous landmarks, we both agreed never to run around central London unless we joined an organised event. It was hard work running past people and having to stop and start at traffic lights. It was also during the UK’s second heatwave, when it was already 30 degrees by 10am! I reckon we completed between 8-9km in the end. Later that day we went to see Coldplay at Wembley Arena, which was an incredible and special experience!

At Wembley Arena to see Coldplay!

I’ve already said to Brian on race day that he’s welcome to run on ahead as he is much fitter than I am. He has been keeping up with his training by going out running and swimming after work and at the weekends. I know that he’ll ace his first half marathon!

Since moving back to Leicester, I have been out running a few times. In a way it’s been nice to run the routes I used to complete regularly when training for my first half marathon. I’ve not been to the gym as it’s too far away for me to travel to, but I’ve been walking the dogs with my dad where I’ve been able to and helping my parents around the house. I will definitely need to schedule in some long distance runs before race day, which is on Sunday 30th October at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire.

In running the half marathon, Brian and I have decided to raise money for LGBTQ+ mental health charity MindOut. If you would like to donate, please visit our Just Giving page via this link.

Happy reading and blogging!
Clare Bear 🙂

xx

Me Time

Sorry it’s been a while since my last post – I’ve been going through a difficult time. I recently separated from my boyfriend and as a result, I have temporarily moved back in with my parents to my home town, Leicester. I’m lucky to have family and friends who have been extremely supportive, which I’m so grateful for.

I had booked a cheap getaway to Llandudno for my ex-boyfriend and I. After some thought, I decided to go on my own for some me time. Last Sunday, I headed off nice and early in my car from Leicester to Llandudno. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always wanted to try going away on my own somewhere. I guess it’s the freedom you have to do what you like. I felt nervous at first, but once I parked up my car and checked into the apartment in Llandudno, I felt at ease.

Llandudno is a lovely seaside town on the North Wales coast. The apartment I stayed in was only a few minutes walk away from North Shore beach and the pier, and was close to plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. I spent quite a bit of time at West Shore beach, which offers stunning views of nearby Conwy and Deganwy. The weather was nicer than I expected, and even the sea was fairly warm which made paddling a pleasant experience (I just had to watch out for the jellyfish!).

Feeling relaxed at West Shore beach

I caught the train on Tuesday to Llandudno Junction and walked across the bridge leading to Conwy. The castle at Conwy is truly magnificent with stunning views from the top of the various towers. It was nice to see people enjoying their picnics in the castle grounds and I offered to take photos for families and friends when they were trying to take selfies. Overall the castle was an enjoyable experience and I highly recommend a visit to anyone heading to North Wales.

At the top of Conwy Castle

View of Conwy and the coast

After exploring the castle, I relaxed in the sun with a cup of tea at the Castle Gallery café. It was nice feeling so much at ease, I even heard someone comment how relaxed I looked while enjoying my tea. Throughout my holiday in Wales I made time to sit and soak in the atmosphere, whether that was in a café or just finding a nice spot somewhere. I did a lot of walking so having little breaks here and there was a welcome relief to my feet. Practicing mindfulness felt like second nature to me while I was away.

After enjoying my tea, I ventured along the town walls which, just like the castle, offered lovely views. I spent some time in the centre of Conwy, looking in the shops and treating myself to a salted caramel and lemon and raspberry meringue ice cream, which was as delicious as it sounds! I was going to visit the smallest house in Great Britain, but the queue was fairly long and I had already seen what it looks like online.

On the town walls

My final day in North Wales was spent at the Great Orme, a headland north west of Llandudno. I rode on the Great Orme tramway to the top and made the descent down in a cable car. I certainly saved the best until last, as the views were stunning. I could even see the Isle of Man from the top of the Great Orme. Like my day in Conwy, I spent a lot of time practicing mindfulness by sitting down at various spots across the Great Orme, appreciating the views and feeling at peace with myself.

View of Llandudno from the cable car

My original plan was to spend the day in Chester on my way back to Leicester on Thursday. However, as my parents were away and I still had the rest of the week off work, I decided to stay overnight in a boutique hotel in Chester. The host let me check in early so after checking into my room, I spent the afternoon exploring the fascinating city of Chester.

I always love visiting cathedrals and Chester’s was certainly worth a visit. The only thing I didn’t get to do was a tower tour as they were fully booked, so I will have to return to Chester at some point to venture up the tower.

Chester Cathedral

After the cathedral I paid a visit to the recently opened Deva Roman Discovery Centre. I love Roman history and the museum was set up as if you were in a Roman city. There were also some excavations in the museum with details of what was built there before. Another interesting museum in Chester is Sick to Death, a history of diseases and medicine located in a former church. Like the Deva museum, Sick to Death transported you back to various points in time, starting off with a city street during the Great Plague of London in 1665. There were also some gruesome parts in the museum, such as a dissected human dummy and examples of amputations!

Chester offers plenty for everyone, so I’m glad that I decided to stay overnight. There were so many shops to look around in the original buildings; one thing I really liked were the Chester Rows, a series of walkways on the first floor with shops and cafes. On Thursday evening I walked along Chester’s city walls after a tasty meal at a Japanese restaurant. I also discovered the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, Roman gardens and the suspension bridge over the River Dee. There was also an open air theatre set up in Grosvenor Park with a production of Romeo and Juliet. I sat on a park bench near the theatre and listened to a bit of the play just before the interval, whilst enjoying a McDonald’s McFlurry.

Beautiful buildings in Chester

After exploring more of Chester on Friday morning, I headed back to Leicester in the early afternoon. I was knackered and spent the weekend recovering after what had been a great holiday. I expected my family and friends to be surprised that I decided to travel alone; on the contrary, they were supportive of my decision. I only felt awkward a couple of times, such as when I dined in restaurants alone however, I found it easy to start conversations with others.

It was a pleasant feeling not having to rush around and I took things at my own pace, deciding when to visit shops and attractions when I wanted to. I didn’t feel bored at all as I had plenty to explore and made sure to make time for relaxation. My feet felt achy from lots of walking, especially while I was exploring Chester on Thursday (my Fitbit recorded 29,658 steps!).

I would consider travelling alone again as I enjoyed the me time and flexibility to explore at my own pace. At the same time, it is nice to explore new places with someone, whether that’s a friend, partner or even family. Both options have their pros and cons but overall, my holiday to Llandudno and Chester has benefitted my mental health, and despite the sweet treats I had, my physical health has benefitted as well from all of the walking I did.

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂 xx

A Relaxing Morning

It felt like I was getting up for work on Saturday, as I woke up at my usual earlyish time for the week. The early morning was certainly worth the experience I had, thanks to my boyfriend. He bought me a voucher for his mother and I as a Christmas present, for a place called The Spa at Breedon Priory. My boyfriend’s father bought his wife a voucher for the same place, and his sister was also treated to the special experience we all enjoyed together.

We were all booked in for a Relax and Escape Morning, which started at 9am. Upon arrival we were all presented with a healthy shot of carrot and orange juice, which was a welcoming refreshment. After a quick tour of the spa and its facilities, we all changed into our swimming costumes and headed outside wrapped up in dressing gowns and with complimentary flips flops on.

Outside at The Spa

I couldn’t believe how lovely it was outside. The surroundings were beautiful and it was so peaceful and quiet. There were plenty of comfortable loungers and a bar nearby for drinks to enjoy by the two outdoor heated pools. We spent a lot of time in the pools as they were so warm (I think the water temperature was 35 degrees). One of the pools had three water jets which felt so good on my back and shoulders – they have been feeling a bit tense recently and they felt much better after a session under the jets.

Outdoor heated pool

Inside The Spa was a relaxation area with loungers, magazines and books, with relaxing music playing in the background. We spent most of our time outside to take advantage of the sun. It even felt like I was abroad at one point, lying on a comfortable lounger with the sun gently warming my body.

Additional facilities inside The Spa include two saunas, two steam rooms and experience showers. There was an ice station where you could lather yourself with small ice cubes. I was hesitant at first but it actually felt quite nice, especially after a session inside the sauna and steam room. My favourite experience shower was a gentle mist, which felt like being by a waterfall.

We all could’ve easily spent the day relaxing and enjoying The Spa’s facilities. I felt so relaxed and at ease – it was nice to take a break from every day life and give my mind and body some tender loving care. I felt great even after a shower in the changing rooms as I tried out Temple Spa products. My hair smelt amazing and felt so smooth (even the hand sanitiser at The Spa smelt incredible).

Happy and relaxed 🙂

After changing, we enjoyed a beautiful two course meal in the restaurant, with views of the outdoor spa facilities. I had mushroom and gorgonzola arancini to start with, followed by slow braised shoulder of lamb with potato, broad beans and roast garlic. We also shared sides, including triple cooked chips, Tender stem broccoli and romesco, and cauliflower cheese with stilton. Every mouthful was a taste sensation! When food tastes this good, it makes it even easier to practice mindful eating and truly enjoy every mouthful.

Slow braised shoulder of lamb

My Saturday morning experience felt very special, especially as I enjoyed it with my members of my boyfriend’s family. We have all been busy in our own ways, so it was lovely to catch up whilst also taking a break from our every day lives. I had a warm fuzzy feeling for the rest of the day and felt rejuvenated.

Whilst I have been aiming to keep up with my habits for looking after my fitness and mental health (such as regular intense exercise and daily meditation, I think Saturday morning was much needed for my body and mind. I would definitely love to go back to The Spa at Breedon Priory or even try out another spa! As much as I would love this to be a regular occurrence, these experiences come at a price, so they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Happy reading and blogging!
Clare Bear 🙂 xx

Training Update (May 22)

It’s almost been a month since my friend and I signed up for the Hertfordshire Half Marathon, which is due to take place on Sunday 30th October 2022. We have also both decided to raise money for LGBTQ mental health charity MindOut. While we haven’t had the chance to run together yet, our own training is going underway. We are planning to meet up during the first weekend of July, which is when Pride will be taking place in London. We intend to spend part of the weekend training, whilst also having the opportunity to enjoy my first Pride in London.

Rather than writing a post about every time I complete some form of training, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a monthly update on my progress. This update therefore covers my training throughout May, which includes mostly intense cross training sessions at the gym and two long distance runs.

Since signing up for the half marathon, my aim has been to go to the gym at least twice a week and complete one long distance run. While this hasn’t quite gone to plan, I have made sure to keep myself active. For instance, I was dog sitting in early May which meant going out for walks twice a day. The dogs certainly enjoyed the regular walks and they were pretty much relaxed during the day and evening at home.

I’m very pleased with my progress on the cross trainer at the local gym. I usually go the gym after work and set the intensity on the cross trainer at the highest level (which is 12). I try a variety of terrains through the interactive programmes, such as running through the Grand Canyon or National Parks in New Zealand. Some of the programmes include more intense routes than others, but I always aim to keep my speed between 10km/h and 12km/h. Sometimes I even reach 13km/h when the terrain is flat in the programme. As a result, I recently completed 7km in 32 minutes and 53 seconds and 8km in less than 40 minutes (I can’t remember the exact time)!

7km in 32 minutes and 53 seconds (with 5 minutes cool down)

Following my 8km session on the cross trainer, I decided to complete my first long distance run the following day, which was a Friday evening after work. I was going to run on the Saturday, but there was a food festival in Lichfield which I wanted to go to. Rather than miss another weekend of running, I ran 13.25km (circa 8.2 miles) on the Friday evening in 1 hour, 32 minutes and 30 seconds. I was very pleased with this time, as I opted for one of my more challenging routes which involves plenty of inclines and declines. I extended the route which meant running somewhere unfamiliar. This made a nice change as I got to explore another part of Tamworth I hadn’t seen before. The new part of the route included a small park with a few lakes and bridges. I was also pleased with my time, as I was running at an average pace of 1km in 7 minutes (i.e., completing 13km in 1 hour and 31 minutes).

I must admit, it took me a few days to recover after my first long distance running since signing up for my second half marathon. I was wandering around the food festival with stiff legs and pain in my left hip. I’ve not had pain in my hips before from running, but the pain subsided after a few days of recovery. I took my time looking around the festival, enjoying samples of various cheeses and sweet treats. After having a good look around, I opted for a beef burrito for lunch. It was delicious and packed with plenty of filling, including lettuce, beans, rice, salsa and sour cream. The next food festival in Lichfield is taking place over the August bank holiday, which I will definitely consider going to.

Beef burrito 🙂

With it being the long Bank Holiday weekend in the UK, I took advantage of my time off work and went out for my second long distance run this morning. I decided to complete an easier run along the canal and country park, which has a flat terrain for the majority of the route. I made it challenging for myself by including the run up to the Gold Leaf sculpture. I ran most of the way up but had to walk the last little bit up, and then I continued running for the rest of the route. Overall it felt like I ran at a slower pace this morning, but I ran 13.25km in 1 hour, 33 minutes and 55 seconds (which is about 1 1/2 minutes over my first attempt). If I really wanted to, I could’ve picked up the pace on the easier route, but I was worried about my hip more than anything, and I wanted to take it a bit easier to enjoy the lovely weather and scenery.

Whilst I was out running this morning, I was thinking about why my hip hurt after last week’s long distance run. Upon consideration, I am around two stone heavier than I was five years ago, when I was training for my first half marathon in October 2017. The extra body weight could be having an impact on my hips. I have experienced sore knees recently but since taking glucosamine sulphate tablets, my knees have been a lot better. I could be being too harsh on myself, as my body hasn’t been on long distance runs of over 10km for a long time. I may have over exerted myself during my first long distance run, which is why I was a bit more cautious this morning. Nevertheless, my body will become accustomed to long distance running again and I will increase the distance gradually over the next 4 months. My next run will probably be 15-16km.

Enjoy the long Bank Holiday weekend and the Jubilee celebrations, or whatever you decide to get up to (fingers crossed for nice weather)!

Happy reading and blogging!

Clare Bear 🙂 xx