Having started running in 2013 to try and help me with some issues I was having with my mental health, I ended up with an injury and enforced break in 2014. In May of that year I kicked out my then-partner of 12 years and started doing basic HIIT routines at home. I lost a little bit of weight and got bitten by the fitness bug, but failed to take it further.
Then, in April 2016 after a period of bad life luck, I lost my oldest cat unexpectedly. Feeling bereft I spent three days sat in my pants weeping. By the end of day 3 I decided to pull myself together, to be strong. Mentally I was a wreck, so knew that I would have to be physically strong instead. I called a local free weights gym and went over for an induction session.
As of 2024, I have run several marathons, I'm a national medal winner for patterns (tul) in ITF taekwon-do, I strength train at least 3 days a week and I’ve competed in a handful of powerlifting competitions.
In addition to these regular sports, I have spent time learning to pole dance, play netball and generally move as much as possible. As an unexpected side effect my mental health is better than it’s ever been and I’m well equipped to deal with everything life throws at me. Never underestimate the power of strong!
My attempts at maintaining my strength and fitness this year have been indisputably more consistent (and as a result, visible in my overall health and weight). I’ve been wanting to write more about what I get up to, but didn’t want to make this blog fitness-focused; it is supposed to be more general/personal than that…. read full entry »
There seems to be some sort of cosmic force that dictates that all of my taekwon-do gradings must happen when I’m feeling least equipped to deal with it. Previously this has meant doing gradings on the verge of a hormone-induced panic attack, or with illness or injury. Last night was no exception, with a heavy… read full entry »
If you check out my workout logs on the regular, you may have seen the moan at the top of last week’s chest & triceps session: Today’s workout SUCKED BALLS. Everything felt too heavy, I couldn’t hit my usual amount of reps, bleargh. Period due in 5, 4, 3… Which, if you don’t have periods,… read full entry »
Hello, and welcome. If you’re reading this, you’re here at my brand new blog and latest project: StrongMum.com Wanting to share more of my fitness escapades but not wanting to bore the less-fit readers of my main personal blog, I decided to experiment. I created a basic layout and have been happily blogging to myself… read full entry »
I officially finished my cut with Renaissance Periodization on Friday last week, ending it a few days short of the full 12 weeks (I had a weekend of gluttony planned). I ended the cut at roughly 143lbs, having started at 158lbs, giving a total of 15lbs loss. With an increase in all lifts except bench, and… read full entry »
I signed up for the Lake Vrynwy Half Marathon, celebrating its 30th birthday this year, after a conversation with a fellow website geek & runner Dave McCourt at Shropgeek’s Rebellion #15 back in May. I’d heard a lot about the race previously, and Dave confirmed that it was mostly flat and a good course for a… read full entry »
I have simple needs when it comes to working out. I am not the sort of person that trucks up with an over-stuffed gym bag full of gadgets and gear… in fact, I don’t even have a gym bag. I wear whichever leggings are at the top of the clean washing pile, with any random… read full entry »
I first came across the idea of silicone wedding rings for “active people” on Instagram — of course — about 6 months ago. It seemed like a good idea; having to to take off my wedding and engagement rings when working out (with weights specifically) for safety and comfort is a bit of a pain in… read full entry »
I first ran the Ellesmere 10km, which is rated as one of the fastest in Britain, back in 2015. I finished in 01:04:51 utterly deflated and vowed to never run it again. I’d gone up with running buddies who buggered off and left me right at the start of the race and I failed to… read full entry »
A ‘How Hard Can It Be’ event, the Piece of Cake Half Marathon is a trail run in the picturesque Carding Mill Valley in Church Stretton, Shropshire. The ascents never seem to feel quite as vicious as the May Fourth half earlier in the year, but it’s a similar style of route with the bonus… read full entry »