CARDIFF HALF MARATHON!
I did it—I completed my first half marathon at the Cardiff Half! It’s hard to put into words how surreal it feels to say that, especially given the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges leading up to the race. I was incredibly nervous at the start, knowing I was running with a Grade 1 hamstring injury. Taking a full month off from running and having to cancel two races in Swansea just to rest had shaken my confidence. Still, I was determined to cross that finish line, injury or not.
The first part of the race went surprisingly well. The atmosphere was electric, and the support from the crowds gave me a huge boost. But once I hit the 18k mark, the real test began. The pain flared up, and every step was a mental and physical struggle. I had to dig deep and rely on sheer willpower to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Crossing the finish line was an overwhelming mix of relief, pride, and pure exhaustion. I ended up in the medical tent afterward, wheeled there in a chair as my body finally gave in. But despite the pain and the aftermath, I can say confidently: I did it. I ran a half marathon. Even in those tough moments, it felt worth it, and I’m already dreaming about doing it again—this time without an injury. I’d love to see what my true pace could be, unhindered by pain.
For now, though, it’s time to heal. I’ll be taking another month off from running and getting some proper medical care. The break will be hard, especially since I never imagined running would impact my mental health as much as it does. The longing to be back out there, feeling the rhythm of the run, is strong. But I know that with patience and the right recovery, I’ll come back stronger. Slowly but surely, I’ll return to running, and I’m already looking forward to the day I can lace up my shoes and run pain-free again.
For now, I’m holding onto the pride of having completed my first half marathon—and the knowledge that there are plenty more miles waiting for me once I’m mended.
R4W Completed!
I’ve finally done it—I’ve completed the Run 4 Wales 10k Series! Reflecting on the past few months, I’m filled with a huge sense of accomplishment and pride. Each race in the series, from the Newport 10k to the final CDF 10k, brought its own unique challenges and memories, and finishing them all feels like a huge milestone in my running journey.
The Newport 10k kicked things off with a strong start, and I remember feeling so motivated to tackle the rest of the series. The Cardiff Bay 10k, despite the heat and seeing a few runners struggle, was filled with incredible energy and stunning views around the bay. Then came the Porthcawl 10k, which turned out to be my fastest race yet, even with a bathroom stop and the excitement of seeing the Swansea Airshow on the route.
But the final race, the CDF 10k, was by far the hardest. My knee injury from the London 10k was a painful reminder that pushing through wasn’t going to be easy. By the 7-8k mark, I was contemplating quitting—something I’d never felt in a race before. Yet, somehow, I found the determination to keep going, and crossing that finish line, despite the pain, was a deeply emotional moment.
Completing all four races in the series has been more than just a running challenge. It’s been a test of perseverance, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt. The journey has had its highs and lows, from setting personal records to battling injury, but it’s also given me a sense of resilience I didn’t know I had.
I’m proud to have finished the series, and it’s a reminder that every finish line crossed, no matter how difficult the journey, is a victory worth celebrating. Here’s to more races, more memories, and hopefully, a fully recovered knee for future challenges!
CDF 10k
I’ve just crossed the finish line of the CDF 10k, and it was, without a doubt, the most painful race I’ve ever done. From the start, I knew my knee injury might cause some trouble, but I didn’t anticipate just how much it would test me. By the 7-8k mark, the pain was so intense that, for the first time in any race, I seriously considered quitting.
Pushing through those final kilometers felt like an eternity. Every step was a battle between my determination to finish and the reality of how injured I actually am. It wasn’t the race I had hoped for, and it forced me to confront just how much this injury is holding me back.
Despite everything, I made it to the finish line. Crossing it was bittersweet—relief that I’d completed the race, but also frustration knowing that I’m not in the shape I want to be. This experience has been a wake-up call that I need to focus more on recovery before I can take on more races.
Finishing the Run 4 Wales series was a goal I set for myself, and I’m proud I accomplished it. But this race reminded me that sometimes, the biggest victories come not from speed or distance, but from simply finding the strength to keep going when everything in you wants to stop.
My Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Journey
After 18 months of dedication, growth, and personal achievement, I am beyond excited to share that I’ve completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award!
This has been an incredible journey—one that has truly transformed me both mentally and physically. Each section of the DofE Gold pushed me to test my limits, embrace new challenges, and discover passions I never knew I had. Here’s a glimpse into what the past 18 months looked like:
A Newfound Passion for Running
One of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of my Duke of Edinburgh journey was my discovery of running. Before the DofE, I wasn’t a runner—but through the physical section, I found myself setting running goals and pushing past them in ways I never thought possible.
Now, I can proudly say that I’ve completed not just one, but two amazing races—the Paris 10k and London 10k. What started as a requirement for the award turned into a lifelong passion, and I’m not stopping here. There are plenty more races on the horizon, and I’m excited to keep chasing down new goals.
The Expedition: Lessons in Resilience and Self-Discovery
The Expedition was by far one of the most challenging—and rewarding—parts of this entire experience. Spending days out in nature, navigating unfamiliar territory with my team, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and perseverance.
I learned that being outside of your comfort zone is where the real growth happens. Whether it was dealing with unpredictable weather or just the sheer physical demands of the hike, I discovered that I’m capable of pushing through discomfort and emerging stronger on the other side.
What’s Next?
As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but feel immense pride in everything I’ve achieved through the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. But more than that, I’m filled with excitement for what’s next. Running has become a part of my life now, and the lessons I’ve learned from the Expedition and other challenges continue to inspire me daily.
There are more races, more goals, and more adventures on the horizon, and I’m ready for them!
Thank you to the Duke of Edinburgh Award program for this amazing opportunity, and to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to see where the next challenge takes me!
#DofEGold #RunningJourney #PersonalGrowth #ChallengeAccepted #KeepExploring #NewAdventures
Taking on the Run 4 Wales Series: Next Stop, CDF 10k!
I’m in the final stretch of the Run 4 Wales 10k series, and it’s been an amazing journey so far! With three races already behind me, my next challenge is the CDF 10k on September 1st. I’m excited to cross that finish line and complete the series, but there’s a bit of anxiety hanging over me due to the knee injury I picked up at the London 10k. That sharp turn still haunts me! I’ve been focusing on recovery and training smart, but it’s definitely on my mind as race day approaches.
What keeps me motivated is not just finishing the series, but also raising funds to qualify for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The idea of running 13.1 miles is both thrilling and daunting—it would be the furthest I’ve ever run! The support I’ve received so far has been incredible, and it’s pushing me to stay committed, even with the injury.
This series has been more than just ticking off races; it’s been about pushing boundaries, setting new goals, and seeing how far I can go. The CDF 10k is a big milestone, but it’s also just the beginning as I work towards the half marathon. I can’t wait to see what’s next and to keep challenging myself—hopefully with a fully healed knee!
London 10k!
The London 10k was an experience to remember! From the moment I hit the start line, the energy was electric. The crowds, music, and lively atmosphere gave me flashbacks to the Paris 10k—the vibe was almost identical. There’s something special about running through iconic city streets with so many people cheering you on; it made every step feel lighter.
I was cruising along, really soaking up the buzz, until I hit a sharp corner around the midway point. In my excitement, I turned faster than I should have and felt a sudden pain in my left leg. It was gutting because I’d been feeling so strong up until then. The injury forced me to ease off a bit, but I was determined to push through and finish.
Despite the setback, the rest of the race was still incredible. London truly knows how to put on an event, and the atmosphere kept my spirits high even as I navigated the discomfort. Crossing the finish line was bittersweet—I was thrilled with the experience but frustrated by the injury.
Now it’s all about recovery and getting back out there. Even with the hiccup, the London 10k was a highlight for me—a reminder of why I love running and how every race brings its own set of challenges and joys.
Porthcawl 10K (R4W Series)
The Porthcawl 10k turned out to be my best race so far! The weather was near perfect—warm, but nowhere near the scorching heat of Cardiff. I felt confident from the start, and it showed in my pace. Even with a quick stop for a bathroom break, I was still on track for a personal best.
The coastal route was stunning, and I even got to catch glimpses of the Swansea Airshow overhead, which added some excitement to the run. The crowd support was fantastic, helping me keep up my speed through the entire course.
Crossing the finish line, I was thrilled to see I’d set a new personal record. It’s amazing how much progress I’ve made in just a few races, and this one really showed what I’m capable of. The Porthcawl 10k was a mix of great conditions, scenic views, and strong running—everything just clicked. Now I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing and see how much faster I can go!
I did it! Paris 10k
I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve completed the Paris 10k with a time of 1:33:20! This experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and reflect on this incredible journey.
Running through the streets of Paris was like a dream come true. The route took me past some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Seeing the Eiffel Tower as I ran, passing by the Louvre, and even running through Princess Diana’s tunnel was surreal. The sight of the Arc de Triomphe standing proudly in the distance was a breathtaking moment that I will never forget.
One of the highlights of this experience was the kindness and encouragement from the French people. Their support along the route was heartwarming and kept me motivated every step of the way. I have truly felt at my happiest in Paris, and this city will always hold a special place in my heart.
I am incredibly proud to have organized this so last minute, registering only a week before the race, and still managing to raise 170€ for the Abbé Pierre Foundation. This achievement was made possible by the generosity and support of my wonderful followers. Together, we’ve contributed to a cause that helps the homeless in France, and for that, I am deeply grateful!
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement and kindness have made this one of the best moments of my life. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I am forever thankful.
Here’s to more adventures and making a difference together!
With love,
Carys Lorraine
Thank you for your donations! Paris 10k!
I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to your incredible support, I’ve reached my fundraising goal for the @adidas10kparis ! 🎉 We raised 170€ in just one day, surpassing the original goal of 150€! All of the funds will go directly to the @fondationabbepierre , making a positive impact on those in need.
I’m so grateful for everyone who came together to donate and help me achieve this milestone. Your generosity means the world to me, and it’s inspiring to see how quickly our community can make a difference.
This Sunday, I’ll be running my first race abroad, and I couldn’t be more excited (and a little nervous)! Making sure all the forms and documents were in order was quite the task, but we did it! 🇫🇷🏅
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement. Let’s do this! 💪🏼✨
#Paris10k #ThankYou #Grateful #RunningForACause #AbbéPierreFoundation #FirstRaceAbroad #FeelingBlessed
You can still donate here!
Cardiff Bay 10k (R4W Series)
The Cardiff Bay 10k was my toughest race yet, and not just because of the distance. On race day, the temperature soared to 25°C—unseasonably hot for spring. As I lined up at the start, the sun was already beating down, and I knew this was going to be a challenge.
The scenic course around Cardiff Bay was as beautiful as I’d hoped, but the heat was relentless. By the halfway point, it felt like every step was taking twice as much energy. Despite hydrating at every water station, the sweltering sun made it hard to keep my pace steady. Along the route, I saw four runners collapse from the heat, which was both sobering and a reminder to listen to my body.
It wasn’t my fastest race, but it was definitely the most mentally demanding. Pushing through that final stretch took all my focus, but crossing the finish line in those conditions was a real victory. This race taught me that running is as much about resilience and adaptability as it is about physical fitness. Even in tough conditions, I proved to myself that I can keep moving forward, no matter what.