Melissa Webb: Runner and tube enthusiast

To get you inspired for your week of running I've got lovely Melissa from lissyruns.  When she's not running or apparently over-using brackets on her blog, she works as a food buyer (and gets paid to try food!) 

Melissa is a self-confessed Tube geek ("give me old maps and photos of disused stations and I'll be happy for hours!") and it was great to hear what she has to say in brackets and out.  Over to you Melissa! 

1.  I started running just over three years ago and it surprises me every day that I'm still doing it. I know a lot of people say this, but if my PE teacher at school was to guess who would become obsessed with running in their mid-twenties, I would be pretty near the last of their guesses.

2.     I run because I love it. I honestly can’t thing of a single thing that has enriched my life in so many ways as much as running has. I wear a pair of adidas Supernova Glide 6 boosts – snappy! They are the best pair of running shoes I’ve ever owned, I was previously quite a slave to the swoosh.

3.     The last run I did was a brand new route to me this weekend. I moved to East London fairly recently and I ran the canal and Victoria Park. I’m in love with where I live already.

4.     My current fave bit of kit is my new bright orange Sweaty Betty running jacket. I never would usually spend so much on one item of clothing, but I used money I got as birthday presents on it. It’s a great fit and it’s seen me through a fair few rain showers recently.

5.     I'm training for the Paris marathon in less than two weeks. OH MY GOD IT IS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY.

6.  The last time running made me feel alive was a while ago now actually. It was in the summer before it got really hot and it was an evening run along the canal to Victoria Park in East London. I was running faster than I ever had and felt like I was flying. 

7.     I'm currently listening to the sound of myself panting when I run. I stopped running with music when I moved to a not-so-great area last winter and wanted to be alert whilst running on dark evenings. Now I don’t often run with music, but I am trying out podcasts on very long marathon training runs

8.  I run with Run Dem Crew and RDC West and it has helped me fall deeper in love with running.

9.  I started drinking chocolate milkshake after running and it stops the feeling of sickness (surprisingly!) that I sometimes get after a long run. I would recommend it.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with the fact that I haven’t got any faster in three years (due to inconsistent training) and it's keeping my running addiction fresh because I've decided I'm finally going to do something about it. Watch out, track! 

11.  I'm bringing yoga to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've discovered it earlier this year and it's awesome. I really want to become really good at it – I'm seeing quick progression when I manage to practice a few times a week.   

12.  I'm currently having issues with my lower back, as I have lazy glutes so my back and hamstrings are overcompensating and becoming tight – can anyone offer any tips? 

13.  Finally, here's my inspirational quote. I saw it on the Lululemon website and I love it as it completely sums up me as a runner. It gets me going. Now go, run!

You can follow Melissa on twitter, instagram and in Paris on April 6th! Good luck Melissa! You can do it. 

Leah Naturally: Runner and shiny medal hoarder

The first post of 2014 is a good one guys. And not just because she's grabbing January by the balls and following the whole30 program. Meet Leah! She's a 28 year old expat Kiwi with a really inspiring journey.  Fitness has helped her battle some health issues and has taken her around the world to a great place.  By day she works for Nuffield Health gyms in their marketing department and in her free time she's a self-proclaimed 'bling-chaser.'   Thanks so much Leah for kicking our year off to a good start. Over to you! 

1. I started running 3 years ago years ago and it's helped me get and stay fit, lose weight and make some amazing friends all around the world!

2.  I run because I’m totally addicted to race bling and post run brunch. I wear a pair of Adidas Boosts. 

3. The last run I did was a 12mile jaunt along the Thames Embankment on Sunday. It’s only the third time I’ve run that distance (twice before in a half marathon race) and it was bloody fun because I was surrounded by some awesome training buddies to chat away to, and I was using a delicious brunch as motivation.

4.  My current fave bit of kit is my Lululemon running jacket – it’s got mitts that you can pull over your hands when you are super cold, thumb loops, and even a watch hole so you can still see your garmin/HR monitor.

5.  I'm training for the Paris Marathon – my first marathon. The fiancé got sick of me talking about how possibly, maybe, do you think I could do I marathon? and so he entered me in it and said “now you will stop talking about a marathon and just DO one”. Poor chap, I’ve not stopped talking about the marathon since.

6.  Running made me feel completely alive when I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon. I never ever thought I could run that far, but I proved to myself that I can do anything when I put my mind to it.

7.  I'm currently listening to tragic Miley/Britney/Christina (insert pop star here) songs when I run.  It makes me sing along, feel happy, and forget about what my feet are doing.

8.  I participate with my team (Team Naturally, Run) which is an awesome group of London ladies who chat about all things running and meet up at races together. These girls have helped me explore new places in London, meet new people, and provided motivation to keep up the running. 

9.  I started drinking Nuun hydration tablets while running and it's meant I’ve kept up the miles through summer (when I normally complain that it’s too hot!) and stay hydrated while running in winter. I’d highly recommend the tablets for keeping you refreshed and hydrated before, during, or after a run.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with finding more races in new parts of London (to earn new bling) and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new. I keep finding more, more, more that I want to take part in – my ‘race calendar’ is expanding!

11.  I'm currently trying to stay focused on marathon training and not burn out before the big day comes. I’m nervous yet confident, excited but petrified too!

Read more about Leah's bling over on her website.  You can also find her on twitter and facebook. Thanks Leah!

Charlotte Watson: Naked Runner

Our next We Do Run Runner is Charlie Watson.  She's part of the Women's Running Write this Run 10k team and has a soft spot for 13.1-milers.  In her non-running life she works for a magazine and doesn't like pickles. She wants to run a sub- 2 hour half marathon (we think she can definitely do this) and run the NY marathon (we think she can definitely do this also.)  Over to you, Charlie... you pickle-hater, you! 

1. I started running three years ago and it's kept me fit, allowed me to lose weight and make some awesome friends. And mostly stops me eating chocolate for breakfast.

2. I run because I love/hate it and I wear a pair of Brooks Ravennas or Asics.

3. The last run I did was last week and I ran my usual route - 3.5miles  It was awesome because I ran naked (aka without a watch) and just enjoyed it regardless of pace.

4. My current fave bit of kit is my garmin.

5. I'm training for the Ealing Half Marathon in Sept and eyeing up a full next year.

6. Running made me feel alive when I crossed the finish line of my first (and only) marathon. I felt invincible.  

7. I'm currently listening to Naughty Boy La La La when I run.  It makes me sing along out loud.

8. I participate in occasional Nike and Sweaty Betty Runs and it has helped me meet people and speed up - you can find more information here on my blog!

9. I started drinking Nuun hydration before and after runs and it's changed my need to complete every run with water. I would recommend it.  (Although you may need to pee 2-3times before the race!)

10. I'm currently obsessed with the FIRST training plan- (only running 3 days a week) and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new/making me want to tell others about it. And wanting to push for a sub 2 hour half!

 11. I'm bringing speed sessions to this blog, and throwing them down on the table.  I've just discovered them and they're doing interesting things for me- getting faster whoop! 

12. I'm currently having issues with motivation and inflexibility. Can anyone offer any tips?

13. Finally, here's my inspirational quote. Now go, run!

You can find Charlie on twitter and over on her blog.  Also check out her 10k blog on the Womens Running website. 

Gillian Power, Runner. The last name says it all!

I'm happy to introduce you to the second half of Double Trouble Running, Gilly!  She's an Irish chick living and running in Perth, Australia.  She works for a large social media software company and I'm instantly a fan because a) She says she's addicted to running and b) She says we should all do more Bikram yoga.  (She did say that, I swear!)  Here's a pic of Gilly and her coach finishing her last marathon.  What an amazing photo! Those legs!! 

Over to you Gilly:

1.      I started running four years ago and it's become my passion!
2.      I run because I think I am addicted (but the positive kind) and I wear a pair of Nikes.
3.      The last run I did was a progression run yesterday morning and I ran 6 sets of 2km, dropping 10 second per km each set. It was really hard and wet because we dropped to a fast pace but a great feeling at the end!
4.      My current fave bit of kit is my club fleece – we train at 6am and the winters are cold in Australia. Who knew!
5.      I'm training for/eyeing up the Melbourne Marathon in October. My third one.
6.      Running made me feel alive when I was trying to find a new hobby and passion.
7.      I'm currently listening to Freakonomics podcasts when I run.  It makes me stay at a slower pace for recovery runs and I learn something.
8.      I participate in BT Run Club and it has helped me drop my marathon time from 4.02 to 3.36. They introduced me the wonderful world of intervals! 
9.      I started drinking protein shakes after my hardcore running sessions but I can’t tell if it’s working!
10.   I'm currently obsessed with strava and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and making me want to tell others about it. 
11.   I'm bringing bikram yoga to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've just discovered it and hopefully will aid with recovery.   
12.   I'm currently having issues with legs and am visiting my physio. It’s down to weak muscles so need more strength training - can anyone offer any tips? 
13.   Finally, here's my inspirational quote..it’s not really a quote, it’s what I say when it’s getting hard! 

You can find both Gilly and Ellie over on Double Trouble Running blog.  Gilly's twitter is GillyPerth.  Thanks ladies!

Mrs B: Estonian Runner, cyclist and Mum.

I originally met Mrs B on twitter because she was also running the Paris marathon - same one as me.  Then I met her in real life last weekend at Write This Run, whilst standing in line for some hamburgers.  She's exceedingly dedicated and can lift some serious weights. Over to you, Liina! 

Online I’m called MrsB and I blog at Mind over Matter. I am originally from Estonia but I studied in the US and then lived in Australia for 6 years before moving to London 7 years ago with my Aussie husband. I have two sons (8&4) and a job in web publishing. I used to be a cyclist in Australia but the streets of London scare me so I ended up becoming a runner instead.

1.  I started running about 3 years ago and it’s helped me through PND and given me a strong new identity.

2.  I run because it’s my quiet me-time away from the kids and because it makes me feel like a badass.

3.  The last run I did was two days ago and I ran 10km. It was my second run after my first marathon and it actually felt surprisingly nice (and short!).

4.  My current favorite piece of kit is my bright green Paris marathon finisher’s t-shirt. I suspect next week my favorite piece of kit will be my very first Garmin sports watch that I’m getting for my birthday.

5.  I’m currently recovering from the marathon and not training for anything that’s in the near future. I am doing a little 10k birthday race this weekend, but my main focus in the next months will be on Run to the Beat and Royal Parks half marathons in September and October.

6.  I used to listen to music a lot when I ran – Robyn, LaRoux, Brittney Spears, Carly Rae Jepsen – anything with a good beat, embarrassing otherwise or not. These days I just listen to the birds singing or the cars driving by because on my last run with music I got so carried away that I didn’t pay attention to tree roots and face planted to the ground.

7.  In addition to running I go to Crossfit twice a week, it makes my legs and my core strong, it makes me a faster runner and it’s a lot of fun.

8.  Running has hugely changed the way I eat. I used to get hypoglycemic attacks when running so I gave up sugar. I used to get GI issues on long runs so I gave up gluten. Now that I’ve figured out what fuel my body runs best on, running is nothing but pure joy.  When I carbo load, it’s rice and sweet potatoes all the way. I highly recommend it, carbo loading does not have to mean bread and pasta.

9.  I’m currently obsessed with my running technique and maybe giving a go at running in ‘barefoot’ running shoes. First step is to get some professional guidance on it.
10.  Finally, here’s my inspiration quote. When I’m having a tough run OR when I’m having a good run, it reminds me that I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing :)  

Jen Jahn: Runner, writer, and needer of training buddy

'Dear running, I love you. Yours sincerely, Jen' - She wrote it on her blog and it's clear to see she's not lying! Meet Jen, a run-aholic blogger with very clean feet and a lovely orange coat. 

Hi. I’m Jen and I write over at Two Itchy Feet. No, don’t worry; I don’t suffer from some fungal foot condition. On my blog I get to indulge in my love for writing and my passion for running and other sporty-attempts (like my first pathetic go at doing a duathlon), and top it all off with an inimitable (some would say insufferable) ability to go on and on and on about myself. I’m currently training for my fourth half marathon (Brighton) and third-ish attempt at running it in sub-2-hours.Oh, and a marathon-thingie in April.

When I'm not running or writing about running, I still run around chasing authors and academics to send me their writings (in a strictly professional manner!) but as I'll soon be relocating to the lovely south of England, who knows what kind of life and job will be in store for me. I might just become a beach bum or a surfer dudette (though I hear the channel is rather cold this time of year). And when I'm not running or working or blogging, I'm most likely sat in a corner reading a book or roaming the globe or stuffing my face. There, a simple life! 

1.    I started running almost three years ago and it's saved my sanity, saved my figure and probably saved my relationship, too (ok, maybe I’m a tad bit overdramatic here).

2.    I run because it really does keep me sane, fit and healthy and there’s just no better feeling than the feeling you get after a run, especially if you really didn’t want to head out into the cold/wet/dark in the first place.  I wear a pair of Brooks Glycerin that are in dire need of replacement if I want to survive my first marathon next April!!! If there’s any sponsors out there, help a poor gal out!

3.    The last run I did was a freezing cold running club session last night and I ran 8 x 200m sprints followed by a 200m relay (teams of three, four legs each) with my Sweaty Betty running club. It was one of the coldest running experiences of my entire friggin’ life (I’m not exaggerating for once), hypothermia, anyone????  

4.    My current fave bit of kit is definitely my Saucony high-viz running jacket. The only thing to keep me semi-warm and visible this time of year.

5.    I'm training for/eyeing up a sub-2-hour finish for the Brighton half marathon in February (fingers xed, I really want to smash those two hours, finally!) and then my first marathon: the Manchester one in April. Can you say scurrred….?!

6.    Running made me feel alive after I finally defrosted and recovered from my hypothermia last night following a 20-minute hot shower, lots of food and a glass of wine. What? I’d worked hard….

7.    I'm currently listening to nothing but nature when I run.  It makes me more aware of all the crazies roaming the streets in the cold and dark. And we all know: safety first, right?!

8.    I participate in the Sweaty Betty running club, which is totally free and friendly, at least the one here in Cambridge (though I’m leaving at the end of the year and am in dire need of a new running group down in Brighton/Hove, any suggestions?!) and it has helped me improve my running all around, I’ve gotten faster, more confident and it’s a great social way of running and making new friends. As far as I know most Sweaty Betty boutiques organize free running clubs, though I’m sure they are as good as Alan’s! ;)

9.    I started drinking chocolate-banana-peanut-butter milkshakes as my recovery drink. I love it and totally recommend it. The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is having a big fat burger half an hour before setting off for a run… never a good idea!

10.    I'm currently obsessed with Blogilates workouts. It’s short Pilates workouts that you can put together as you like, make it long, make it tough, or just throw in a quick 10-minute workout and it's keeping my running addiction fresh and new/making me want to tell others about it. What better way to supplement you running or stay active on a no-running day?! Try it. You’ll love it.

11.    I'm bringing ice baths after a 10+ mile run to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I've just discovered it and it's totally working. Yes, a seriously unpleasant experience, but it does the trick. Hand on my heart. I don’t even bother with ice but just fill the bath with cold water from the tap. Sit in it for 5 minutes, your legs will thank you the next day!!!

12.    I'm currently having issues with…me, issues? Seriously? NEVER. Then again, if you headed over to Two Itchy Feet right now you’d know I was lying and I do, indeed, have issues with my tibialis anterior and also with the fact that I’m moving down south and I’ll have not a single running bud to train with…. (let the pity party commence).

13.    Finally, here's my inspirational quote.  It gets me going.  Now go, run!

Alice Saunders: Runner, bag maker and shameless pop music subscriber

(The reason it took me so long to get this post online is I kept getting sidetracked by amazing  leather bags.  I'm warning you, this will happen.) 

It's a pleasure to introduce Alice from FORESTBOUND.  She's a Boston-based designer who makes beautiful bags from unique materials.  Over to you, Alice!

1.    I started running about 3.5 years ago and it's become such an integral part of my life. Not only does running help keep my fitness level at its peak, but it constantly challenges me to perform better and push myself, which I love so much.
2.    I run because I love the feeling of getting faster and stronger after putting in many of hours of hard work.  I wear a pair of New Balance 1400's which I love! Took me years to find the right shoe and I'm so thankful that I finally have!
3.    The last run I did was just a few days ago along one of my favorite routes close to my house - around two ponds, with a good amount of hills. It was somewhat tough mentally just because I'm still adjusting to both cold weather running and running in the dark now that the sun goes down so early in the winter!
4.    My current fave bit of kit is my new pair of New Balance 1400's that arrived yesterday. They come in so many great colors it's hard to chose just one!
5.    I'm training for/eyeing up a spring marathon. The specific race is yet to be determined, but I'm planning on something in early/mid May.
6.    Running made me feel alive on Thanksgiving morning when I ran a local 5k and placed third in my age division. And also a few months ago when I ran a half marathon with zero training whatsoever because the opportunity popped up a few days before the race. I'm definitely not recommending this to everyone .. but it was a great challenge and I finished in a respectable time (1:51).
7.    I'm currently listening to Ke$ha's new album when I run. I have no shame admitting that Top 40 pop music is my favorite to run to.
8.    I don't really participate in any local running groups or forums, but reading running blogs written by strong ladies helps to keep me motivated! Some of my favorites are..

 Ali on the Run +Sweat Once a Day +Health on the Run 

9.    I drink lots of fresh juice and green smoothies to make sure my immune system is healthy. I do whatever I can to make sure I don't come down with a cold that will keep me from running. I also try to eat as much protein as possible since it plays such a big part in muscle recovery and I can definitely feel it in my legs when I'm lacking protein!
10.    I'm currently obsessed with the thought of running a spring marathon fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon (I'd have to run a 3:35) in 2014. It keeps me super motivated to incorporate lots of speed work and hills into my runs.
11.    I'm bringing yoga to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I have insanely tight leg muscles that never seem to loosen up as much as I stretch and foam roll, so incorporating at least 2 yoga classes a week into my workout routine has made a HUGE difference for me. I'm constantly battling a knee injury related to my tight muscles, so stretching & yoga-ing as much as possible is always my top priority.
12.    I'm currently having issues with balancing work & running. Being self employed and working 10+ hour days can be tough when it comes to fitting in enough time for running and yoga. Especially now that it's winter and early morning runs are dark and cold and my bed is so warm, I'm struggling with fitting everything in during the day!  Can anyone offer any tips?
13.    Inspirational quote - ' You don't get better at running hills by walking them'

Check out the FORESTBOUND website.  You can also find Alice on twitter, and read about her marathon training on tumblr.