​The huge success of my local parkrun in Lincoln, and indeed parkrun worldwide, is due to the dedicated volunteers who have helped create accessible, inclusive and friendly running events for communities to enjoy. I volunteered for the first time at Lincoln parkrun in April earlier this year (read more here), and I enjoyed the experience greatly. Volunteering that week gave me real sense of satisfaction and I felt pride that I had helped to make that week’s event a possibility.

Since my first stint in a yellow high viz volunteer bib I am now up to five volunteer counts, not a huge amount but importantly enough to make difference. My volunteering has seen me handing out finish tokens, marshalling on course and scanning those precious barcodes; and through all of these roles it’s been a fantastic way to fully appreciate the impact parkrun is having on people. Each time I have volunteered I have met someone new to chat to, or have been able to catch up with a familiar face. I have also never failed to be inspired by watching some of the performances from runners throughout the field, and there is nothing more I like than standing at the start and watching the crowd of runners huddled ready to go.

My five turns at volunteering have not impacted my own running or my love for trying to chase down my own parkrun PB. Often I have chosen to volunteer if I have a race the next day and want to rest my legs a bit, whilst other times I have just simply wanted to help out. I am still however amazed and grateful of the commitment given by some volunteers who are there week in week out at parkrun events – they are the true core of parkrun.

​All runners are encouraged to give back to their local parkrun event by having a turn at volunteering; through the sheer size of the parkrun movement, if every parkrunner can spare a few Saturday mornings a year I imagine those rosters would soon fill up! I thought about writing this blog as we enter the busy Christmas/New Year period when I know parkruns all around the country will be seeking those extra special people to stand out in the cold and ensure we all get to run. Volunteering at parkrun is simple, and in keeping with the parkrun ethos, anyone is welcome and there is a role to suit everyone. It’s not hard work and I promise you will enjoy it! So as we enter the season of goodwill I encourage all runners out there to think about giving back to their parkrun event - especially if you haven't yet done so - and be a part of spreading that parkrun cheer! ​

This week I was finally able to reveal that I will be running the London Marathon next year in aid of Project Africa Athletics (more info here). I can't wait to begin training again, and to take on the challenge of another marathon. Revisiting London after completing the 2015 race is exciting, I feel I am a better runner now than I was two years ago, and am hoping to improve my time accordingly. Training for the 2015 London Marathon arrived at a time in my life when I really needed that focus, and likewise as we end 2016 I feel I am in a similar position. Welcome back London, I've missed you.  
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MONDAY: Body Pump and Spinning - my knee was a little sore during Body Pump, I was struck by a sharp pain at times during squatting - not good!

TUESDAY: to my relief running caused my knee no pain whatsoever and I managed a pleasant five miles before Kettlebells and an abs class at the gym. The lack of knee pain was pleasing, but the knowledge something was wrong was still in my mind. 

WEDNESDAY: a faster five mile run, roughly 8 minute/mile pace, before Body Pump. Again my knee was bothering me during the class, and I modified my squatting action to avoid pain. Thankfully I was due to see my Sports Therapist on Friday and this stopped me from hugely panicking. Plus, running still was ok - which is the main thing after all!

THURSDAY: I chose to rest my legs today mainly for my knee's benefit and in prep for my appointment on Friday. I completed a gym session for the first time in months, revisiting the weight machines and free weight exercises that have long been ditched in favour of running miles. I was pleased with how my strength had improved despite this, although the endorphins did not quite match that of running!

FRIDAY: Rest day and my sports therapy appointment. Good news, my knee was nothing too serious; it seems my lack of flexibility and slight negligence in actually addressing this issue is causing some tension in the knee area. I have work to do, but I can still run, so I left feeling relived and happy!

SATURDAY: I volunteered on scanning duties at a frosty Lincoln parkrun today (see images). The park looked quite magical with its white frosting and dashes of colourful runners standing out brightly against the wintry backdrop. It was a little chilly on the volunteer side of things, but still as enjoyable as ever. My friend was also volunteering as tailrunner, so we both opted to run back home after parkrun had finished. It was lovely running, firstly as it warmed up my slightly numb feet, and secondly it was the first time I had ran with my friend since she had been out injured - I think we are talking in the region of around four months! I completed a 10k loop back to my house, stripping of volunteering clothing layers rapidly as I went!

​SUNDAY: my friend joined my for a section of my longer 10 mile run again today and I literally could not believe how quickly it made the miles go by. Having been running solo for quite a while now it seemed to emphasise the difference having company makes. I will happily go out for runs alone, and its great sometimes to have some thinking space and 'you' time, but other times its both therapeutic and wonderful to be able to share the miles with someone else. 

So my running buddy is back and the London Marathon is also back in my life - its definitely been a week of returning friends. ​

I'm in; I am running the London Marathon 2017.

I have been keeping this quiet for a few weeks now, waiting for everything to be finalised, but now I can finally say with a huge smile that I will be one of the thousands of runners taking on the streets of London in April next year. 

The London Marathon is special to me. I ran the race in 2015 (see blog), my first ever marathon, and in crossing that finish line I also completed a lifetime goal. Looking back on that day now I am proud of myself; running wise I stepped up from being a novice 10k runner to a marathoner, whilst training for and completing that race also showed huge progress and personal development from the person I was as a teenager and made me realise how much running had changed my life for the better. 

I didn't get a ballot spot for the 2016 race but was still there supporting my friend. That day was equally as special (see blog) and just added to the treasured memories the London Marathon holds for me. 

Like so many others I arrived home a few months back to find a sad little parcel sat on my doorstep - I instantly knew it was a 'no' from the London Marathon due to the bulging rejection jumper sat inside (which is annoyingly rather nice!) I was sad to start with, but knew I had to be grateful I had at least experienced the wonder of London before. I began to explore other spring marathon options, however as I did this my heart kept pulling me back to London. 
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I ran the London Marathon for charity in 2015 and raised £2000 for vInspired - a youth volunteering charity who had supported me develop a community football project a few years ago. If I was to run for charity again it had to be a cause that I felt passionate about. I love to run and, quite simply, running has changed my life. So when the opportunity was presented for me to support and raise awareness of Project Africa Athletics through completing the London Marathon in 2017 I couldn't say no....

This week has seen running take an (even) greater prominence in my life again, with the miles gradually creeping up. This was not an intentional decision, it was just how the week panned out; which I guess is the beauty of not having a plan or programme to follow right now. Am I finally embracing a lack of routine?!  

​MONDAY: Body Pump and Spinning - although it was the start of a new week I felt tired already today, Body Pump especially seemed like a real effort. 

TUESDAY: unlike the weather across the past week or so, today was much milder, and since I had an evening meeting to attend it also meant I got my run in slightly earlier in the evening. The combination of running in a window of vague daylight and not feeling like I was battling the cold meant I found myself wanting to run further, and therefore chose a seven mile loop. Despite increasing my midweek distance I kept my pace comfortable; after not feeling my best yesterday I did not want to push things too much. 

​WEDNESDAY: I reverted back to feeling tired and energyless today after a busy/active day at work which saw me lugging multiple items of sports equipment around, as well as participating in self defence, badminton and basketball sessions. After finishing work I did not feel like lacing up my trainers at all - deep down I felt like just going to bed! - but I opted for the gym instead, cross training hill intervals on the bike before my Body Pump class. 

THURSDAY: after walking to the gym to find the Body Attack class I have been attending on a Thursday was cancelled, an impromptu run was on the cards. It was back to being harshly cold again today, and after a getting chilly on my wasted gym journey, I was not in the mood to be hanging around. I therefore stepped up the pace on my run, completing five miles at just over 8 minute/mile pace, with a couple of sub eight minute/mile splits thrown in along the way. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

This week has felt like I am gradually slipping into a bit regular exercise routine as I currently find myself in the strange situation of not training for any form of distance or event. Routine is good for me, I miss the structure of a training plan, so to have a strong idea what I am doing each day definitely helps me. My training week has been fairly uneventful, but this week was always going to be about parkrun on Saturday...

MONDAY: Body Pump and Spinning

TUESDAY: a cold five miler before Kettlebells and an Abs class at the gym. The weather was so bitter I found myself reaching for my gloves and headband from the depths of my running drawer (actually, this is one of many drawers I have dedicated to running gear!) I am a resolute shorts wearer, only donning 3/4 leggings for longer winter runs, but I did feel a little sorry for my lobster pink thighs tonight!

WEDNESDAY: another chilly five miles before my Body Pump class. 

THURSDAY: Body Attack class - like last week, this was tough and I actually felt sick walking home afterwards, a feeling I experience when I know I have worked my body to its limits. 

FRIDAY: Rest Day

SATURDAY: parkrun! I was looking forward to this week's run as it had been a few weeks since I had ran my home Lincoln event, but even more so as the morning would see my friend return to parkrun after near enough three months out injured. On a miserable, wet, windy and cold morning there was still a hardcore bunch of runners ready to tackle the conditions, as well as an ever hardier set of volunteers devotedly making the event happen (thank you!) 

The need to keep warm rather took my mind off what I might be able to run, and as the 'go' signal was given I kind of just went for it! This seemed a good tactic, just running to instinctive feel, and I felt strong. I crossed the line in 21:53; which I was a little shocked by, as although I knew I was running well, I would not have predicted that. This was only the second time I have run sub 22 mins, and it also saw me secure another 3rd place female spot. I just about had time to scan my barcode and grab a jumper before I spotted my friend heading towards the finish - the fact that she was not too far behind me already told me she had ran well. The clock confirmed it - a sub 25 min time after such a lengthy injury and on only her first week back running consistently. I was so pleased just to see her running as well! Two happy runners (see image). 

SUNDAY: with it being Remembrance Sunday I felt it apt to run one of my go-to ten miles routes which passes a 'poppies' based memorial sculpture set along a local cycle path. It was a beautiful autumnal morning, with the early freshness being lifted by a low sun. I didn't feel as lovely as the weather though; I had that sensation of my 'tank' being empty. I kept it steady, still running an average of 8.35 min/miles despite not feeling my best. Now begins the countdown to parkrun next Saturday as we celebrate the third year anniversary of my local Lincoln event. ​

I was tagged in a post on social media the other day which involved me doing something completely non running or exercise related. The first comment underneath was from a friend jokingly asking 'why are you not running Alice!?' This made me both smirk and also sink a little. Do people really think there is nothing else to me or my life except from putting on my trainers and running for miles?!

​Obviously there is (well I like to think there is!), but at the same time running, training and exercise is undoubtedly a huge part of my life. I will admit sometimes I feel a bit embarrassed by this fact; should I really place so much emphasis on putting one foot in front of the other? But then why should I when running adds so much to my life?

I run for enjoyment; the struggles and the triumphs. I run to challenge myself; beating personal bests, testing new routes, trying new distances, setting goals and following training plans. I run because I respect my body; I care about my health and I value my fitness. 

I run for my mental health; to help keep me sane, to relieve stress, to feel happy, to feel in control and to feel alive. I run for the freedom; the chance to explore and the opportunity to switch off my mind. I run for the memories; race days, runs with friends, new experiences, treasured moments and favourite photos. I run for the friendship; the laughter, the support, the understanding, the mid run conversations, the shared victories and that sweaty post run hug. This is just a list I have formed quickly off the top of my head – there is undoubtedly countless more points I could add.

So, perhaps the question should instead be - why are you not running? ​

I am one of those people who every year cannot get over how dark and miserable it is when the clocks go back an hour - despite the fact it happens every year! I hate it. Goodbye lovely long sunny evenings, hello going to work in the dark, coming home in the dark and obviously running in the dark. I have had a bad case of the winter blues this week.

MONDAY: Halloween meant that after Body Pump I took part in a 'Spooky Spin' session at my gym. This involved cheesy Halloween themed music, glow sticks, and donning a Frankenstein-esque eye mask (which was rather hot! See image). 

TUESDAY: my first run in the new evening darkness; which was doubled with another shock to the system thanks to the cold weather that had also decided to descend upon the UK. It felt strange breathing in harsh air, and I also felt uneasy placing my feet on certain paths which had poor lighting. I ran 5 miles though, with an unplanned negative split pacing, finishing at the gym for Kettlebells and an abs class. 

WEDNESDAY: it was even colder today; conditions which made me pick the pace up a bit when running in an attempt just to warm up! I completed 5 miles at an average of 8:12 min/miles, followed by my Body Pump class. 

THURSDAY: after some chilly runs the sanctuary of the gym for Body Attack seemed a nice option this evening. We completed a new set of exercise tracks which were pretty intense and, put simply, they hurt a bit.

FRIDAY: Rest Day

​SATURDAY: an early morning 5k, which whilst this did allow me to get in some daylight running, it was still absolutely freezing with bitterly icy winds. I pushed the pace as hard as I could, attempting to mimic a parkrun effort.

SUNDAY: I wanted to test my legs a bit today by adding a bit more distance just to see how they coped. I did not go crazy, but aimed for 12 miles. It was cold (again), with some strong winds and added rain thrown in for good measure. I hid my Garmin under my long sleeve, made the route up as I went along, and just ran for me. I was surprised with my pace, which averaged at 8:41 min/miles, as I felt I was only plodding along; but I enjoyed the run just for its simplicity. Now, how many weeks is it until summer?! ​

parkrun is a phenomenon. The free platform is encouraging and allowing thousands of people to take part in physical activity, with last weekend seeing 103,006 people running, walking or jogging a parkrun event and 10,580 volunteering - and that’s just in the UK! One of the things I Iove about parkrun is the fact that you can be almost anywhere in the UK on a Saturday and have a parkrun within reachable distance. A trip to visit my sister in Liverpool over the weekend therefore presented the perfect opportunity for me to try Princes parkrun and become a parkrun tourist for the morning (when you take part in an event at a different location to your home parkrun).

Despite my sister being a runner and living in Liverpool she had never been to Princes parkrun before, in fact her only parkrun experience to date was when she visited me in Lincoln and I took her to Boultham Park on a wet, cold Saturday morning – which she still enjoyed! We were both going to be new to it all. After a reasonable walk to the park (a good warm up!) we were able to locate the starting area by spotting people in the distance sporting the distinct runners uniform – florescent yellow, lycra etc. As soon as we arrived we instantly began chatting to other runners and volunteers, a friendly and warm reception that really epitomises parkrun. The route was explained to us and would see us start at the top of a long path, complete half a lap of the park, followed by two full laps.

Lining up on the start line amongst nearly 250 fellow parkrunners it almost felt like I was back in Lincoln, although unlike when running my home event, I was not sure what my time could be. My aim was to run hard and adapt as I discovered what the Princes Park route would throw at me. We started on a decline which meant I got off well – although I knew a decline meant we would inevitably have to go upwards at some point! The route did prove to have a few short sharp inclines, as well as a slightly gradual ascent; however this was offset by a longer downhill section. Lincoln parkrun is virtually flat, so this route felt a nice test. The park was also beautifully quiet – it seemed like we had almost closed it just for parkrun, and the wide pathways meant it was accommodating for all participants.

I sped through the first mile at seven minute mile pace, I felt I was running well and my breathing was much more in control than when I had returned to running parkrun the previous week after a number of weeks away due to races. I slowed to around 7.20 min/mile pace for the second and third laps, and as I entered the final lap the volunteers’ support spurred me on and comments I was looking strong helped keep me going. It was hard to know when to push towards the end, at Lincoln I almost have an exact spot where I know it is time to get a move on as the finish is near. A female runner overtook me in the latter stages and I was unsure whether to try and go with her or whether it was too soon to kick. I let her go and focussed on my own finish, crossing the line in 22:19. I was very happy with this time, which was consistent with my Lincoln time the previous week, despite this probably being a slightly tougher course. My only slight rue was when I saw the results later and was initially delighted to find I was 4th female, but then regretted not trying to follow the fellow female runner who overtook me and went on to finish third (it is not a race Alice, it is not a race!!) My sister also ran really well and recorded a new PB; I am pretty sure this will not be her last trip to Princes parkrun.

Strolling back from Princes Park were two happy runners, ready to enjoy the rest of the day, and both feeling more connected to the Liverpool running community. If you do find yourself somewhere different on a Saturday morning then I encourage you to seek out your nearest parkrun event; the idea of setting an early alarm on a weekend away or whilst on holiday may seem a bit mad at first, but you will not regret a bit of parkrun tourism.  ​