Newport 10k 2025: My First 10k Race Back!

This weekend, I completed my first 10k race back since my injury—and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to do it than at the Newport 10k! Honestly, leading up to the race, I was nervous. The fear of re-injuring myself was definitely in the back of my mind, and it took a lot of mental strength just to get to the start line.
But once I got going, I quickly realised how far I’ve come. I could feel real improvement and strength back in my legs—something I wasn’t sure I’d ever fully get back during those tough recovery months. That being said, I’m also aware that there’s still work to do. I’m still attending physiotherapy sessions regularly, and I know this journey isn’t finished yet.
Crossing that finish line meant more to me than just completing another race—it symbolised resilience, patience, and the slow but steady progress that’s brought me back to doing what I love. I’m proud of how I handled the race, and even more excited for what’s ahead. The comeback is definitely underway!
London 10k 2025! She's Back!

I’m officially signed up for the London 10k again, and I won’t lie—I’m a little nervous about this one! Last year, this was the race where I picked up my hamstring injury, the one that forced me to take time off, cancel races, and rethink my entire approach to training. So, coming back to this event feels like a bit of a mental and physical test.
But she’s still doing it! 💪
I refuse to let last year’s setback define my experience with this race. London had such an incredible atmosphere, and I remember loving every moment up until that sharp corner where things went wrong. This time, I’ll be running smarter, pacing myself properly, and (hopefully) finishing strong and injury-free.
There’s something really powerful about returning to a race that once challenged you. It’s a chance to prove to myself how much stronger and wiser I’ve become since then. So, while the nerves are definitely there, the excitement is even greater. London, I’m ready for round two—let’s do this! 🏅🔥
Paris 10k 2025: I’m Coming Back!

I’m beyond excited to announce that I’ll be running the Paris 10k again on June 8th, 2025! This race holds such a special place in my heart—the atmosphere, the energy, and the incredible city backdrop made it an unforgettable experience last time. So, the moment I had the chance to do it again, I didn’t hesitate!
After everything I’ve been through with my injury and recovery, this race feels even more significant. It’s a chance to return stronger, to run without pain, and to truly enjoy every moment of it. Paris brings a unique kind of magic on race day, and I can’t wait to soak up the vibes, push my pace, and see how far I’ve come since my last 10k there.
Between now and June, my focus is on building strength, staying injury-free, and preparing to give it my all. I know this race is going to be something special, and I’m counting down the days until I’m back running through the beautiful streets of Paris. Let’s do this! 🏅✨
St David’s Day 5k: My First Race Back!
Last weekend, I finally made my return to racing at the St David’s Day 5k in Bute Park, Cardiff—and what a way to kick off my comeback! After weeks of injury recovery and time away from running, I wasn’t sure how my body would handle being back on the start line. But with my partner and coach, Ky, by my side, I felt ready to take on the challenge.
The race went better than I expected! The weather was perfect—crisp but sunny, making for ideal running conditions. I kept my pace steady, focusing on how my body felt rather than chasing a time. Surprisingly, everything held up well, and I crossed the finish line feeling strong and, more importantly, pain-free!
This race wasn’t about speed or setting records—it was about proving to myself that I’m back. Running alongside Ky made it even more special, and having that support reminded me how much I’ve missed being part of race day energy.
It’s safe to say that I’m officially on the road to recovery, and this 5k has given me the confidence boost I needed. I know I still have work to do before tackling longer distances again, but for now, I’m celebrating this small but meaningful victory. One step at a time—I’m back! 🏃♀️💪✨
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.