The Perfect Running Headphones: AfterShokz

I've been running for just over a year now and the one thing I love to have whilst doing so is music. Through my running journey I've used your regular headphones plugging into my phone, progressing onto in ear wireless Bluetooth headphones, to over the head wireless headphones. All had been good but had their drawbacks that I thought I'd have to live with until I discovered AfterShokz. My brilliant husband bought me a pair for Christmas and since then I haven't looked back!

The first thing to note with these headphones is they're bone conducting, meaning that they sit on your facial bones and vibrate the sound into your inner ear rather than sitting in your ear. This makes them a) super comfortable and b) brilliant for keeping you safe and aware of your surroundings. For me these are perfect for road running so I can be aware of traffic but still listen to my favourite tunes as I'm pounding the pavement. They do take a little bit of getting used to, (I found them a bit ticklish to begin with!) but now I wouldn't use anything else. The sound is really crisp and as good as (infact better) that in ear headphones. They also have easy to use buttons to adjust your volume on compared to other wireless headphones I've used where you'd go to change the volume but instead skip your track (which Sod's law always happens during the best bit of the song!?)

I have the AIR AfterShokz and as the name suggests, they're incredibly light weighing just 30g and not only that they're really durable and flexible so you don't have to handle them too delicately. I literally can't feel them on my head despite me bobbing around and that makes them super comfortable, plus they have a lovely snug fit that works doesn't interfere with sunglasses, hats or hair dos. Gone are the days of cables hanging down and me catching them with my arms too- these are the dream.

If you're prone to sweating a lot or you like to run in the rain, you also don't need to worry. AfterShokz are sweat proof and water resistant. I used to worry when wearing my over ear headphones that they'd pack up on a rainy run and my in ear headphones would slip out of my ears as soon as there was a hint of moisture nearby!

The final thing to note is their longevity. The AIR headphones have 6 hour battery life if used continuously for you to listen to music or take calls which is perfect- particularly for marathons and other long distance runs. I used them for my marathon and they were perfect. Also to note that having worn them for over 5 hours on my marathon, they didn't rub or irritate in any way.

I literally cannot fault these headphones. They have exceeded my expectations and I can't see me ever using another pair of headphones again!

What do you run with?

Running My Marathon

Well this is a post I never envisaged writing in my wildest dreams but here we are! I ran a bloody marathon and I thought it would be good to a) document it for myself b) shed some light and maybe some inspiration on anyone who would like to run one themselves. If you'd like to know how I got into running in the first place you can read my post here and just to put it out there I'm no expert!

Firstly...why!?

Honestly? I've always thought it would be pretty cool to do a marathon but here are two main reasons why I decided to run one. The first is I basically got a bit carried away when I got into running and read a book called Running Like a Girl. The book was all about running a marathon and the writer's experience of falling in love with running. I really related to this book and was reading it when I was doing the Couch to 5k. That teamed with watching the London Marathon in 2019 led me to get a bit over excited and apply to do a marathon myself. I couldn't even run a 5k at this point but I felt so inspired and thought I'd set myself the challenge. I'd found running to really boost my mood and help with those bad mental health days that we all have and I wanted to aim high. A lot of people around me at the time had their doubts, thinking I'd bitten off more than I could chew, telling me it was "a nice dream to have" or would say " you do realise a Marathon is a big commitment and it's going to be hard!" At that point maybe I hadn't realised what I'd taken on but I'd be damned if I'd let anyone tell me that I couldn't do it which is what people were trying to tell me in a round about way.

I then decided I'd run for charity. A lot of people raise money for cancer charities which is fantastic however I wanted to give back to a cause that has effected me personally and to say thank you really. Without going too much into it, like many people I've had my own personal battles with mental health over the years but if there's one thing I've learnt (and even more so through running) is that sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and not doing anything to actively help yourself will make it so much bloody worse. So a little part of this marathon was me sticking my finger up to negative feelings and allowing them to ever have gotten the better of me. With that in mind, I decided the charity I wanted to raise money for was Mind. Their website is fantastic for reference and advice on mental health which I've looked at in the past but that's just the tip of the iceberg with what they provide for people. For me it just felt like the right charity and would motivate me to succeed at a marathon.

Training

I started training for the marathon just before Christmas and loosely used a training plan put together by the Fire Fighters Charity. With working on shift I planned my running days around my shifts rather being regimental with my training days being set days of the week. Running long distances after a night shift realistically for me would never happen so I chose to do my longest runs on my rest days and the shorter runs on day shifts or before my first night shift. I generally ran three times a week rather than four as I found this more achievable and for cross training I would go for walks with the doggo. A lot of people asked me how I managed to get the miles done in training and honestly I think it's all about mentally preparing yourself. Your body will do the miles, you've just got to believe you can do it and trust the process. I never worried about how long it would take me to complete a distance so I never felt that pressure and just enjoyed the runs as best I could. Don't get me wrong, some runs I didn't want to do and I would struggle but as many runners say, you never regret a run. Building up to longer mileage and hitting those mini milestones made me confident that I could do it and for me it was all about making the time to do the training. I'm no athlete so admittedly I was still having a few drinks on the weekend and having the odd takeaway but I never let that interfere with my training! I trained for 17 weeks in total which sounds like a long time but those weeks soon slipped by and I was ready for the main event.

Race Day

With COVID-19 going on, my marathon day changed dramatically. I was originally going to run the Manchester Marathon but with social distancing and all the rest it just wasn't meant to be. Unfortunately I can't make the rescheduled date in October and having done my longest training run the day the news broke that it would be postponed, I decided to run my own race. I'd ran 20 miles that day and I felt ready to run the full distance in two weeks time so I decided to run my own marathon where I live and keep to my word of running a marathon to raise money for Mind.

Chris put together a running route for me which was bang on 26.2 miles door to door around the area we live. It encompassed self isolating back roads in the countryside to ensure I wouldn't come into contact with anyone on my route and he also came with me as my support crew to fuel me. Unlike an official event, there aren't any fuelling stations to grab a drink or have a snack in the Lincolnshire countryside (!) so Chris rode beside me, passing me a drink or a snack whenever I needed it. For fuel I had a selection of jelly babies, flap jack, jaffa cakes, water and lucozade sport. All very sugary and carby which is perfect for a marathon even if you do get sick of the taste half way through. I wish cheese would work the same!!

When it came to the actual run I wasn't as nervous as I'd anticipated. I slept like a log the night before whereas had I been in Manchester I suspect I'd have been full of nerves the night before and barely slept! I started running and loved the route Chris had chosen. It was lovely to run a different route and see things in my area that I would never normally notice in the car. From daffodils to sheep, quaint houses to lovely landscapes- it was a pleasure to run through the countryside. My spirits were high and I was feeling fine up until Chris started playing voice clips from my family and friends cheering me on and encouraging me. It made me so emotional and I don't think they will ever fully understand how appreciative I was of their support that day. Hearing someone you love saying "come on Kat you can do it" really gave me a boost to continue as well as cry because everyone was being so bloody lovely. Chris would send videos back to them of me saying thank you and plodding on with the miles and the messages I received got more and more inventive. Friends played the guitar and sang, filmed themselves and all sorts. It was bloody amazing and spurred me on no end.



Running wise I didn't stop. At no point did I walk or take a break, I just went and went and went. The struggle came for me just after the 18 mile mark. I knew I was able to do further, having run 20 miles in training but for some reason my head started to struggle. What if I couldn't do it? What if I let everyone down? I felt tired and after every step my head was shouting at me to stop. If there's one thing I've learnt through running this past year it's never stop. You will regret it and kick yourself for it. The pain is temporary whereas disappointment will haunt you.



Miles 20-24 I had a bit of a paddy and looking back I feel sorry for Chris!! I was whinging at him  about how I wanted to go home to which he said "we're going home!" and I would then say "I want it to be over now". How he kept his cool I don't know but he kept encouraging me and telling me how well I was doing which helped so much even if it didn't appear to at the time! I can't explain what went through my head during those miles but my head went to a dark place and I think that's where I "hit the wall". I can honestly say though that that was nothing compared to where bad mental health can take you and I focused on that during those tough miles. I've been through worse, I've experienced worse and the whole point of this marathon is to give back to Mind and prove that you CAN get through the dark times.


Miles 24-26.2 I went really really quiet. Chris was still chatting to me on his bike but I was grunting back at him in response. All I could focus on was getting the final miles done. My left hip was giving me sharp shooting pain, my lower back was sore, my boobs were stinging from chaffing and I could feel a blister forming on my left big toe. Now my mind was determined but my body was screaming to stop. Would I give in now? Heck no. I knew where I was on the route, I was so close to home and if I stopped running now I'd still have to walk to get home. I'd really slowed down at this point due to everything hurting and feeling exhausted but I just had to finish and I knew I was nearly there.

For the final half a mile I ran alone and Chris went ahead to meet me at the finish. I looked out over the fields and at the sun making its way down in the sky and thought how lucky I am to have my health and the support network of my family and friends, especially during what has been such an uncertain time recently. And then I turned the corner of my road and I could see Chris smiling and cheering me on and it was over! As you can see from the video below the realisation of what I'd just done hit me all of a sudden. I'd run a marathon...what!?



My marathon may not have been what I'd pictured in my head for months and months on my training runs but it was my marathon none the less and I'd set out to do what I'd said I would. In a way it was more personal to me than a big official event. The area I got to run has meaning to me, my family and friends may not have been with me in person but they were certainly with me in spirit.

It's been a few weeks now since I ran my marathon. Would I do one again? At the time I remember saying never again and for now I feel like I've done what I set out to do but never say never eh... It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done and I think that in some ways it was harder doing such an isolated race as I didn't have the crowds to cheer me on or the adrenaline you get from a race scenario but regardless I did it.

I also smashed my fund raising target. I'd aimed to raise £200 for mind but instead raised over £500 which is just awesome and I'm so chuffed at the well wishes of everyone who sponsored me.

So what's next? I'm still running that's for sure and I'm enjoying being able to run for fun as and when I choose to rather then having to stick to a regimented training plan. As for future races or challenges all I will say is never say never!

Have you ever run a marathon or set yourself a physical challenge? I'd absolutely love to hear your stories! In the mean time I hope you enjoyed my marathon story and that maybe it inspired you to push yourself and smash a goal of yours.

Finding Running in my Thirties

This is a post that quite honestly I never thought I'd be writing in a million years. My relationship with exercise over the years had been next to non existent until March this year.

Having hit 30 years of age in December 2018, I thought I was content and happy with my rather laid back (read lazy) lifestyle. That was until I decided to do a Parkrun on a whim when visiting my Dad...

I hadn't done a Parkrun in around three years but thought to myself it's "only a 5k, I can do that easy!" Having done no exercise let alone running for three years I soon realized a mile in that actually it's really quite hard. I couldn't breathe and everything hurt which led me to give up and that point I thought oh f*ck and cried... At that moment it dawned on me just how unfit I was and if I didn't do anything about it now, it would only get worse as I got older. I was also quite angry at myself for letting myself give up so easily and not have the will power to continue so two days later I downloaded the "Couch to 5k" app and my love for running was born.

I remember my first few runs with the couch to 5k app, running for 90 seconds then walking for 60 and so on but it was manageable and thought- yes finally I've found something I enjoy! Being outdoors and in the countryside ignited so many feelings of joy for nature and the feeling of freedom- something that has massively helped to improve my mental health. Before I knew it I'd completed the twelve week challenge and could run a full 5k- something I don't think I'd ever done before. Yes I could run a 5k before that but did I stop to walk a bit? Yes. Do I do that now? Nope! And that's what led me to head to Run Fest Run- a running event that i'd highly recommend to all runners but especially newbie runners like myself as the atmosphere, the community, the people and the fun races really help to boost your confidence!

During my couch to 5k running, a friend of mine recommended a book called "Running Like a Girl" by Alexandra Hemmingsley. I bought it straight away and oh my goodness the way that woman writes about running is simply mesmerising. She talks about everything from people in her life being pessimistic about her running a marathon, to completing several marathons and how running has helped her not only with her fitness but to build relationships with her family and friends. Her words were so uplifting to me that when the 2019 London Marathon was televised- i signed up... At this point I couldn't even run 5k but fuelled by Alexandra's words and a passion for my new found exercise, I signed up to the ballot and then shortly after signed up to the Manchester Marathon on the advice that you're guaranteed a spot if you sign up before a certain date.

So that near enough brings me to present day... I've signed up for a flipping marathon!! Having completed a 5k, the next challenge for me was a 10k and weirdly I managed to run further than that 4 weeks before the race! This really gave me the confidence I needed to know I could run the race. The race itself was the Bedford Twilight 10k which I did on my own. To tell you that I was a "tad" nervous is an understatement...Having ran 5k races with my husband prior, he was like my security blanket and would spur me on during the runs but this time I only had myself to rely on. As hard as it was, it gave me real character building and I proved to myself that I can do it and that I'm more resilient than I realised.

I'm currently training for a half marathon later in the year before the full on marathon in April whoop!

So what has running taught me?

Firstly, I find running is amazing for your mental health. I'd been hearing the likes of Fearne Cotton, Chris Evans, Vassos etc bang on about running many times before and thought oh for goodness sake it cant be that great but once you get into it, it really helps to clear your head and it's almost like being in a meditative state. When I run I feel all my worries, anxiety and fears disparate around me and all I concentrate on are my beautiful surroundings, my feet hitting the ground and my breathing. I love to run to music too and certain tracks on my playlist add to that feeling of freedom and happiness. And it's true what they say about the endorphins (who else thinks of dolphins when that word is used). I adore the feeling running gives me. It's much better than any drug, shopping splurge or alcohol can give you. If running is an addiction it's a bloody good one.

Now yes running can be wonderous and gorgeous and make you feel euphoric but don't get me wrong it can be bloody tough too. There are days when I really can't be bothered but hand on heart I can always say that regardless of how I feel prior to a run, I never regret a run once I'm finished. It's a sense of achievement and being like "wow" my body is amazing.

Through building up my mileage I have seen a change in my body. I haven't really lost weight as such but I've noticed that my legs feel strong and solid now. You can't grab jiggle anymore and my legs crave the pavement if I haven't run in a few days.

So that's my news and the best thing I've discovered since turning 30. I'll probably do some more running related posts on the lead up to the marathon and like I say it's really a brilliant tool for your mental health which has led me to run for Mind- the mental health charity for the Manchester Marathon. If you fancy sponsoring me you can donate here- https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katherinerayment

In the meantime, come say hi on Strava and talk to me all you like about running because I bloody love it!

Run Fest Run! *Ad- Gifted

Hello everyone, it's been a while but I can explain! I took a break from blogging and in that time I developed an addiction thats gotten rather out of hand... running! So much so I've signed up to the Manchester Marathon (more on that in a future post) and decided to take my shorts and trainers to the very first Run Fest Run Festival! (Tickets were kindly gifted from Run Fest Run)

For those that know me well, I've been doing the festival circuit for a good 12 years now and have had my fair share of warm ciders whilst pitching a tent but this festival was something else...

Based in the beautiful grounds of Bowood House Estate in Wiltshire, Run Fest Run is a festival that brings the love of running together with camping, partying for all round good people. From pitching our tent to shopping the stalls, buying a pint and running, everyone was SO friendly and from early on during the Friday, I knew we were going to have a brilliant weekend.

The weekend of running was divided into teams to add some fun competitiveness to the runs and the teams consisted of:

- Team Butterfly with captain Paula Radcliffe
- Team Bumblebee with captain Steve Cram
- Team Dragonfly with captain Colin Jackson
- Team Ladybird with captain Natasha Evans

Each runner received a t-shirt along with bug accessories for the weekend and every race run put points towards each teams total. It was great to see family clans within their chosen insect team and the kids were so enthusiastic! I was on Paula's team which I was super chuffed about as she's been a real inspiration through my running journey!

As a newbie runner having only ran for 8 weeks prior to the festival, I must admit I was a tad nervous but I soon got to know that the running community is full of friendly and incredibly encouraging people that really spurred me on. The first race I entered was a 5k neon run which started at 10pm on the Friday night. I must admit it felt a bit weird to be watching the likes of Reef and Razorlight perform on stage whilst donning my running kit and without a drop of alcohol passing my lips but equally the music got me excited for the race ahead and what a first race that was!

All armed with our head torches, a mass of runners descended on the start line, ready to take on the challenge of night running. I'd never run in the dark nor had I ever done a race but the atmosphere was brilliant and the lights from peoples head torches, shoes and other light up attire dancing across the terrain made the whole experience truly magical. I had no idea where I was going but I just followed the lights and listened to Chris (my better half) as he encouraged me to keep going up the hills- something I also didn't anticipate from running in the flat fens! Before I knew it we could hear cheering and clapping and we were crossing the finish line, ready for a hot shower and a hot chocolate too.

As I've mentioned I've done a festival or two in my time so I was slightly dubious of what the shower situation would be like but I was pleasantly surprised and impressed at the facilities. There were plenty of showers to go round and there was always one free when I arrived, each steaming hot and welcoming after good run.

Saturday both Chris and I woke up feeling...refreshed! Again something I've never experienced at a festival in all my years of attending them. I'm usually greeted to a sore head and a dry mouth but instead we felt awake and excited for further races planned for the day.

Saturday was the main day for racing, with the half marathon starting at 08:45, followed by the 5k at 11:15. There was also a 2.5k, 10k a running club relay and a 3k road race to get involved with so there was a run for everyone. I opted for the 5k and Chris did that plus the 10k later on.

It was great to spur on those running before and after you as they ran through the beautiful Bowood Estate.

If you fancied a break between the runs but still wanted to exercise those limbs, there was wild swimming on the lake. It looked incredible and I envied those in their wet suits- something I'd definitely hire for next time! I did get to admire the beautiful view though which was just stunning.

So to get you ready for each run there was a warm up at the main stage from various runners which was brilliant and really got you excited to get out and go for it!

I must admit I struggled a bit with the Saturday 5k race due to the heat and my lack of hill running before but again the running community came to my aid! A woman with her young son were running along and could see I was struggling and instantly gave me words of encouragement, telling me how fantastically I was doing. Chris was doing the same and perhaps it was hayfever, excitement or just general overwhelment  but my eyes may have leaked a little!

Peppered around the course were amazing marshals spurring you on and even live bands singing you past. It all made for a brilliant atmosphere and crossing the finish line past the main stage gave you that little extra burst of energy you needed to finish.

I was super chuffed not only to be part of the races over the weekend but to also cheer on, whoop and support fellow runners. Whilst Chris ran his 10k (and totally smashed it considering he hasn't ran 10k for months), I cheered, clapped and encouraged as many runners as I could during the race and it's made me think that I'd like to volunteer as a marshal at my local Park Run. Just one of the many positive things I took away from the weekend!

For those who ran the half marathon or just wanted a bit of a treat for their muscles, sports masseuses' were on hand to relieve any tension and relax your tired muscles. It looked pretty heavenly to be fair!

If you thought the running celebs weren't getting involved in the racing you'd be wrong! Chris Evans, Vassos and all the running coaches could be seen doing the half marathon, 10k 5k and even the relay racing which was great to see! Having listened to Chris Evans and Vassos on Virgin Radio talk about running, you can tell they are truly passionate about it so it was great to see them getting involved. I blame them for getting me into running in the first place! Although I should thank them rather than blame them- running is bloody brilliant and if it wasn't for them, this festival wouldn't have been born!

In between all the running, warm ups and music there were some fantastic tents to go sit and get inspired or motivated in. From ultra marathon runners to vegan runners, motivational speakers to nutrition and healthy eating- there was something for everyone to listen to and for me my favourite  had to be listening to Fearne Cotton. Her talk was on being happy and learning to let go of trying to be perfect and instead learning to find joy in the everyday. I love how running helps her to clear her head and find balance and listening to her talk gave me even more enthusiasm and motivation not just in running but in everyday life.

So after a hard days running, it was only right to settle down with some hearty food and a cheeky cocktail or two and listen to Ten Tonnes, The Coral, Faithless and Olly Murs perform. They were all bloody brilliant but I did go a little mad when Sister Bliss came on stage!

Everyone was having a brilliant time and for those that didn't fancy the music, Chris and Vassos even ensured the footie was put on a big screen over the other side of the festival; keeping the football fanatics very happy!

Sunday marked the fun runs of the festival which I sadly missed out on due to travelling home but next time I will definitely make sure I can stay for those! They looked incredible for families with children and this was the final attempt to gain points for your team for the weekend! The Dragonfly runners won in the end and were rewarded with tickets to Car Fest South in August!

I've said it before but I'll say it again- I've never been to a festival like it! Usually I'd come away from a festival feeling fragile and shattered but from Run Fest Run I felt even more excited for running, enthusiastic and generally buzzing with energy! You wouldn't have known it was a first time festival as it was executed perfectly and every thought had been considered- the main thing being the facilities. Showers, toilets and sinks weren't a problem whatsoever and for me that's a huge tick. But the thing I took away most from the weekend was the atmosphere and the comradery from the running community. Whether you're a newbie runner, fun runner or have a goal in mind, there is something for everyone and you're all welcome. My only complaint? Why isn't there another one in the diary! I miss it immensely even a fortnight on and can't wait to go next year.

*Ad Gifted- I was very kindly gifted two weekend tickets to Run Fest Run 2019. I was under no obligation to write a full blog post but I enjoyed it so much I really wanted to share  it with anyone who is interested in a) running and b) the next one!