My Activity Tracking
444
mi
My target 95 mi
Taking on #HikeForYouth - Jurassic Coast Virtual Challenge
I'm welcoming in April by being back in the running game! Yay!🏃
I'm taking part in the Hike For Youth - Jurassic Coast Virtual Challenge to support the DofE. Throughout the month of April I'll be running 95 miles to help raise money to transform the lives of young people by providing access to The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards to those who would benefit the most.
Since starting work at the DofE last year I've remained passionate about helping young people to follow their dreams. So here goes - time to put a spring in my step and #HikeForYouth!
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#HikeForYouth #RunningWithoutLimits #DofE
My Updates
#HikeForYouth | This is it!
Tuesday 30th Apr
Monday, 29 April 2024 - Run Number 16
This is it! Today's the day I complete my #HikeForYouth challenge! I'm aching but I'm smiling in the knowledge that #ThisGirlCan!
By the time I get home, I've run 6 miles! So, that's a wrap - 16 runs, 96 miles and just over 15 1/2 hours of running in 29 days!!
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge - your support will enable The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to impact the lives of even more young people.
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#HikeForYouth | Roasting
Monday 29th Apr
Sunday, 28 April 2024 - Run Number 15
This evening I ran another 6 miles taking my mileage to 89 and now needing to just run 6 to complete this challenge. Bring on tomorrow morning and run number 16!!
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge - your support will enable The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to impact the lives of even more young people.
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Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
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#HikeForYouth | Food for Thought
Saturday 27th Apr
Friday, 26 April 2024 - Run Number 14
This evening I ran another 7 miles taking my mileage to 83 and now needing to run 12 to complete this challenge.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge - your support will enable The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to impact the lives of even more young people.
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Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Journey so far
Thursday 25th Apr
I've just gone by Seaton Beach - the 75 mile marker and a sign that I'm on the home stretch! 😁🏖
I'm writing a small blog about each run below - so if you want to catch up on my journey to complete this challenge you can do so on this page.
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Thank you for all your support 😘
#HikeForYouth #RunningWithoutLimits #DofE
#HikeForYouth | Wellbeing Matters
Thursday 25th Apr
Today I ran a further 5 miles taking my mileage to 76 and now needing to run a further 19 miles to complete this challenge.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge - your support will enable The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to impact the lives of even more young people.
For me, your support fuels my need to run for a runderful life! Running is my #MeTime and it's not only good for my soul but more importantly it's good for my mind. In this day and age, being kind to yourself has never been more important. Being active helps me to keep strong and healthy but it also supports my mental health by decreasing my anxieties.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is happening between 13 and 19 May, and this year's theme is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
I can definitely see the benefits this challenge has given me by #MovingMore. I can also see the benefits that The DofE Award can have on young people's mental health too.
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Never Give Up!
Monday 22nd Apr
Monday, 22 April 2024 - Run Number 12
It worked and I didn't. Despite running two days back to back, I needed to reach another milestone today - especially with just over a week to go.
Alfie struggles with school but loves the outdoors! The confidence that the Scouting movement has given him is one of the reasons I'm taking on #HikeForYouth. At 10 he's already desperate to start his DofE Awards and I have no doubt that he will! Learning new skills, gaining in confidence plus giving back to his local community are all life opportunities that the DofE will give him and others like him that are lucky enough to take on The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
With this motivation in mind, I ran a further 8 miles today (22 in the last three days!), taking my mileage to 71 and now needing to run 24 to complete this challenge.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in this challenge - your support will enable The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to impact the lives of even more young people.
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Happy Sunday
Sunday 21st Apr
A simple joy for me today was to get out of bed, grab a brew and get my running shoes on!
A blessing that Darren (my husband) who's no runner probably would have jumped at rather than camping out for a second night with both Alfie and Betsy in the cold!
There was lots of people out running this morning - maybe inspired by the London Marathon. The sun was also shining despite being rather cold.
Whatever my motivation was, I was determined to complete my Sunday 'to do list'.
Today I ran just over 7 miles again, which means I've now run 63 miles and have 33 left to run. Yippee!! 🎉
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | An Expedition
Sunday 21st Apr
As Christopher Robin said: "We are all going on an Expedition". Well except me and pooh who are silly and old and going instead on an Expotition (or in other words staying at home)!!
This weekend is Family Camp for Alfie, Betsy and Darren. Off they went last night to Garners Field, Tilford, Farnham as part of there Scouting group to camp out. Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and even a few Squirrels all come together to enjoy the great outdoors!
As mentioned before, I don't do camping because of those mosquitos, so instead I'm #RunningMore and hoping to get nearer to the #HikeForYouth finish line - especially with the end in nigh next week!
So, before I head off to family camp as a day visitor (to enjoy the fun!), I get my trainers on and head off on another run. Virtually I'm running along Chesil Beach which stretches for an impressive 18 miles from Portland to West Bay. I'm loving these milestones along the way and especially the post cards.
This is my expedition - exploring the Jurassic coast line!
Today I ran just over 7 miles which means I've now run 56 miles and have 39 left to run. 🎉
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Journey so far
Wednesday 17th Apr
I'm just over half way and on my way past West Bay Cliffs! 😁🏖
I'm writing a small blog about each run below - so if you want to catch up on my journey to complete this challenge you can do so on this page.
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Thank you for all your support 😘
#HikeForYouth #RunningWithoutLimits #DofE
#HikeForYouth | Championship Run
Wednesday 17th Apr
''Every step brings you closer to the top!"
My Wednesday motivation! After a nail biting performance last night, Pompey were crowned champions of Division One and are top of the league...
What more motivation do I need? So wearing my Pompey shirt with pride, I set the alarm for 7am and got out running, determined to get over the half way mark on my challenge to run 95 miles in April along the Jurassic Coast, raising vital funds for the #DofE! 📮😊
I was further motivated by a few early morning shout outs of 'Play Up Pompey' on my way round town and back home.
If you're going to rise early you might as well shine - so with that in mind I ran over 7 miles.
#JobDone! I'm now over half way and have reached 49 miles and have 46 left to run. 🎉
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | A Bug a Boo
Tuesday 16th Apr
Good news - I survived the roller disco! 🎉🛼 After an initial fall (getting up with my boots on), I managed to stay on my feet and enjoy a bit of speed on wheels!
Not sure I can add that mileage to my challenge total, although I was reminded by a colleague that it does say you can wheel! 🤣
Running has however slowed down due to my quads, back and knees really aching from the roller disco but also because I've been bitten by mosquitos (which I'm allergic to).
I don't think I'd be able to do the expedition part of the DofE Award - unless I was camping indoors! I love the outdoors but the bugs love me more!
I quite like the idea of setting up a camp indoors. Something I had to help Alfie build as a Beaver during COVID. We set up camp under the table with lots of home comforts! 🤣😂
Despite my lack of #MondayMotivation, Betsy (nick named Boo!) encouraged me to run with her scooting to the coffee shop. That inspired me! And as it was an inset day, I couldn't resist! 😁☕
So that's another 3 miles in the bag, taking my mileage to 41 - just need another run to get to that half way point!
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#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Roll on the Weekend
Tuesday 16th Apr
It's the weekend again! Where does time fly?
I needed to get out running today, especially with the sun shining and before my roller disco date with Alfie, Betsy and Darren!
Why is it that when you get older your fear factor starts to creep in? As I run through the park with my 'Youth Without Limits' hoodie on, I'm reminded that I'm not that young anymore. My back is aching and my knees are sore but age is just an issue of mind over matter isn't it?
Before I know it, I've reached my goal for the day of running a further 6 miles! I'm now not too far off the half way point - I'm at 38 miles!
Now for my second challenge of the day and the one I'm most scared of - putting on my roller boots for the first time in 35 years! 🛼🫣
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | My Skill, My Confidence
Thursday 11th Apr
Thursday, 11 April 2024 - Run Number 6
So another early morning run this morning and 5 more miles to add to my mileage which has now reached 32! 🎉🏃♀️ I'm determined to get to 50 miles by end of play Monday which is exactly half way through the month.
I suppose if I was doing my DofE Awards it would part of my Skill section! I love my running - it's my #MeTime and escapism from it all. Being active helps me to keep strong and healthy but it also supports my mental health by decreasing my anxieties.
I know I can run but it’s all about getting into a routine and getting my 45 year old body to keep going. My knees and back hurt where i’m not used to running this far each week. And what’s more of a challenge is making the time to run – a tough task what with working, two little ones and a husband working in the NHS!
But I’m doing it, I’m determined – a trait I’m well known for plus I’ve learnt as a child that there’s no such word as can’t.
The more I run, the more I love my body. Not because it’s perfect – far from it! But because with every day I run, it’s proving to me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible. It's giving me that confidence which I need to complete this challenge - confidence that the DofE Award empowers young people to have.
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Journey so far
Wednesday 10th Apr
I'm on my way past Durdle Door having completed 27 miles - which brings back fond memories of visiting my sister and brother-in-law near Lulworth Cove! 😁🏖
I'm writing a small blog about each run below - so if you want to catch up on my journey to complete this challenge you can do so on this page.
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Thank you for all your support 😘
#HikeForYouth #RunningWithoutLimits #DofE
#HikeForYouth | Youth Without Limits
Wednesday 10th Apr
Tuesday, 10 April 2024 - Run Number 5
Today I roped these two into helping me run more mileage for my #HikeForYouth challenge! So off we went to Southsea, Portsmouth. I ran and they scooted and boom I added another 5 miles completed to my #HikeForYouth challenge!
My total run so far is 27 miles with 68 left to complete this month! 🎉
I'm so proud of my Alfie & Betsy-Boo, supporting me all the way on what was a really windy Southsea. They were literally my #YouthWithoutLimits and #DofE future participants!
Their reward and mine was a cheeky chip butty on the seafront and an introduction to a 'stick of rock' which they had never heard of or experienced before! The sugar fix gave them the energy for the journey home and we left my favourite city on a high! 🏃
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you. 😘
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
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#HikeForYouth | Sunday Vibes!
Wednesday 10th Apr
Sunday, 07 April 2024 - Run Number 4
Which is exactly what I needed to do today! I've always been determined (something I credit from my dyslexia) and today I was going to reach 20 miles on my #HikeForYouth challenge - my goal for this first week!
Whilst the kids challenged themselves with Daddy to complete the assault course at Farnham Park, I took myself running around Farnham, through the park and around Gostrey Meadow. The sun was shining and I was feeling those feel good #SundayVibes! 🌞
I managed a 6 mile run - so that means I've managed to complete 22 miles of my #HikeForYouth challenge so far! Bring on week 2... 🏃♀️
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you.
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Milestones
Wednesday 10th Apr
Friday, 05 April 2024 - Run Number 3
So today marked the start of a #wellearned break and a few day's off with the kids during the Easter holidays! 🐣🐰
My thoughts often need an off switch at times and I struggle to step away from the office at home, so off we went to Milestones in Basingstoke to live some Hampshire history!
What an amazing place to re-live some past memories and make some new ones! Can totally recommend visiting the Baverstock Arms, Mr Simpson's teddy bear museum and Abrahams sweet shop - the rhubarb custards are very good! 😋
It's good to celebrate milestones - so it was time to prepare for the road a head, get my running shoes on and get in another #HikeForYouth run...
Despite the wet weather, I managed to grin and bear it and run 6 miles which means I've run 16 miles so far and have 79 left to run! 🎉 Day off tomorrow but back on it on Sunday! 🏃#HikeForYouth #runningwithoutlimits
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#HikeForYouth | Keep Moving Forward
Wednesday 3rd Apr
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 - Run Number 2
The positives to look at was that it wasn't raining too much, I didn't have to do the school run being the Easter holidays and by the time I got back home I would have completed a little more of my #HikeForYouth challenge. 🏅
As I ran around my local area I saw a number of other runners - mainly female who also thought this was the time to escape and gain some well earned #MeTime.
I also thought about the DofE Award and the early morning starts participants have to endure to complete their skills or expedition sections! Suddenly my early morning run didn't feel so tough - tough runs don't last but tough runners do!
Today I ran 4 miles and hit another virtual milestone on my journey to run 95 miles along the Jurassic Coast from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth. I've reached St Aldhelms & Chapmans Pool and now have 85 miles to run and complete before the end of the month. Bring on run number 3! 🏃♀️
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you.
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
#HikeForYouth | Kicking butt
Tuesday 2nd Apr
Monday, 01 April 2024 - Run Number 1
However as the day drew in I could here Po's Dragon Warrior wisdom ringing loud in my ear - it was time to "Kick butt"! 🐼
So, I went for my first run on day one of this challenge to #HikeForYouth. So far on my virtual challenge I've run through the seaside town of Swanage and I've even seen the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints! 🦖
I ran 6 miles - so that' means I have 89 miles left to run! As Po said to his Kung Fu class: "Kicking butt is just a small part of Kung Fu. It's awesome, but it's small." This week, I will take on these words of wisdom. Bring on run number 2! 🏃♀️
Please support me by making a donation to my page. Thank you.
#HikeForYouth #DofE #RunningWithOutLimits
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Thank you to my Sponsors
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Ian Anscombe
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Anonymous
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David Lloyd
Smashing it, Claire! Best wishes from David & Margaret xx
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Helen Goodman
Go Claire-Marie! What an epic challenge, and you're doing so well! Nearly there now 🙌
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Morgan Cundy
Amazing start in your #HikeForYouth challenge, keep smashing it as ever Claire-Marie! 👏💪🏃♀️
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Alison Lee
Keep going CML! Nearly at the finish x
