"Some people create with words, or with music, or with a brush and paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run. I like to make people stop and say, "I've never seen anyone run like that before." It's more then just a race, it's a style. It's doing something better then anyone else. It's being creative."

The greatest pleasure in life, is doing the things people say we cannot do.
-- Walter Bagehot

I think thats where running so often starts for many people, it's the challenge. The fact that running a ridiculous amount of miles, sounds so painful, tiring and generally ridiculous - but yet the more you hear that, the more you actually want to run, just to prove everyone wrong.. When I first started I ran 20-30 minutes on a treadmill every night, it was my time to de stress and I felt  better for doing it.. before I knew it, I started getting fitter, and everyone commented how well I looked - but I didn't care, what I loved was the challenge of running further.. further and further.

So being that I am soon to move to Hampstead Heath, I did a gorgeous 10 mile run recently on the heath. What is so great about living in London despite all the high-rise buildings, Starbucks on every corner, people shoving you out the way, noise, smoke, hustle...Yet there are places you can hide in London, and get away from it all.. places like this, and suddenly you could be in the countryside.. I can jump on the tube and be in Soho in 15 minutes, or a 5 minute jog down the road... and this.

Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up.
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running.

(But, unless you're a runner, you won't understand.)

My parents live in Stanmore, and there is a walk called Bellfield Priory, they have cows, deers, rabbits, horses... the place is green, peaceful and so hidden - whenever I go home it is one of my favourite places to escape, and just run.

In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say 'I have finished.' I really believe there is a lot of satisfaction in that. Going from a 5k to a marathon, and now training for an ultra marathon - I don't think (for me, and many) it's about the winning or the time, but more about achieving something you thought you couldn't when you started. 

Bupa 10k, Hyde Park

Half Marathon, Greenwich

My first  ever 5k, Hampstead Heath

JP Morgan Chase, Battersea Park

Running in Argentina


What I love about running, is no one can take it away from you, no matter where you are, as long as you've got your legs (and trainers) off you go. Its always an adventure, a new place to discover (or get lost) you see things, and notice things when running more because your mind is clear, I wouldn't want to see the world, sat on a bus, or with some dull tour guide, or in a stuffy car -  i'd much rather grab my trainers and check it out myself, you get so much more done!

Running in Bolivia..

 Running in Peru

Running with friends in Hyde Park

Completing my biggest challenge to date, the 2010 Edinburgh Marathon. I think Oprah Winfrey said it best to sum up running: 

"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it."

Monday - Friday, 5 healthy, super quick, scrummy suppers.

I don't know about you, but during the week... I am the busiest bee around. I don't usually have much time to cook up a storm in the kitchen, but I will NEVER resort to microwave meals, or a rubbish god awful readymade pre-packed supper either. Don't get me wrong, I am not an organic, health food nut (well, maybe a bit) but I like to eat healthy yummy fresh produce, I try to keep in season vegetables and fruit - and keep it simple and yummy. I'd like you to check out my very own Aubergine, mushroom and fig salad with lemon & balsamic vinegar, my very own invention!

MONDAY

Last of the Summer Salads

So your going to need aubergines, (now I know these ones look a little weird, but I saw them at the grocery store and thought i'd try them out, and they are even tastier than normal aubergines!) shallots, a couple of lemons, and 3-4 figs. 

Make sure you use, shallots, and crush them as opposed to cutting them, I think it retains the flavour so much better..

                                   

nice bit of fresh lettuce

   

 Slice your figs into quarters, and leave the skin on, just snip either end off.

Depending on how hungry you are, you can have the salad on its own, or with a piece of chicken and a bean salad.. 

Lightly grill your aubergines, and crushed shallots, under a drizzle of oil and lemon

add the mushrooms towards the last few minutes, as otherwise these tend to burn.

                                

   Throw your warm vegetables onto a bed of lettuce. There you have it, 'Last of the Summer Salads' 

TUESDAY

Still Feeling Figgy?

                   

       Smoked salmon and figs in a fresh salad... work really well 

WEDNESDAY

Vegetarian meat balls

Put your vegetarian meatballs on a skewer, with some feta cheese, tomatoes, mushroom & spring onions. Roast them in the oven - dinner in 15 minutes!

THURSDAY

Wild Salmon, with roasted vegetables 

Next up, Salmon with roasted vegetables, and potatoes, really easy  - but with a little twist you can make a super quick dinner with a bit of 'ji ji'

The trick is to throw your vegetables in; courgettes, onions, asparagus, vine tomatoes. Mix it up, keep it all loose, not too full  - and  make sure all your vegetables are full of colour.

                   

 Drizzle some  balsamic vinegar on, oregano, and black pepper

                                        

Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes

                                         

      Tadaaaaa! Easiest meal in the world, healthy and tasty. 

FRIDAY

Vegetarian Thai Green Curry

                        

 Cut up some sweet potato, squash, or pumpkin or a bit of all 3! This, the Cauliflower and aubergine are all better if you steam for 10 minutes before putting in the curry

Chop up some florets of Cauliflower

Use 4 bulbs of  the lemongrass stalks, save the rest for later

Lightly cook the onions

                                   

        Add some chilies, I like a lot, you might not want as many!

                                      

        Peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, aubergines.. all go in to the pan

Tomatoes, lime leaves, and lemon grass stalks can now go in, (lemon stalks are only decoration and flavour - DO NOT EAT!)

Now add some coconut milk

Galganal - either get this fresh, or if like me you cannot find it, a jar will do. Only ONE teaspoon of this is necessary.

                       

     Slowly throw in the rest of the vegetables, simmer for half an hour

Sprinkle some parsley, bay leaves and lemon grass on the top for presentation.