Looking Ahead to 2026: A Milestone Year in Motion

There are years you simply live through, and then there are years you step into with intention. For me, 2026 is shaping up to be one of those rare, powerful years—the kind that feels like a turning point long before it even arrives.

This is the year I turn 50. A number that once felt distant and abstract now feels like a badge of honor. Not a finish line, but a marker on a much bigger journey. I’m stepping into this new decade with gratitude, curiosity, and a determination to make it unforgettable.

And what better way to celebrate a milestone birthday than by doing something bold, challenging, and deeply meaningful?

🏃‍♂️ April: Running the London Marathon

In April, I’ll be taking on the London Marathon again, one of the world’s most iconic races. The energy, the crowds, the history woven into every mile—it’s a dream race for so many runners, and I’m thrilled that I will get another chance at it.

Training for London feels symbolic. It’s a reminder that strength isn’t something you lose with age—it’s something you build, nurture, and reclaim. Every run is a step toward that start line, and every mile is a celebration of how far I’ve come.

🐘 June: The Lewa Safari Marathon in Kenya

Just a few months later, in June, I’ll be heading to Kenya to run the Lewa Safari Marathon—a race unlike any other in the world. Set in a wildlife conservancy, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and incredible conservation work, it’s more than a marathon. It’s an experience at 5,500 ft elevation, a hilly dirt terrain and temperatures between 80-90 F.

Running through Lewa will be a privilege: a chance to challenge myself physically while supporting a cause that protects wildlife, communities, and one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet.

✨ Turning 50 With Purpose

If there’s a theme for 2026, it’s this: movement. Forward, upward, inward.

Turning 50 isn’t about slowing down—it’s about leaning in. Leaning into adventure, into health, into experiences that stretch me in the best possible ways. These races aren’t just events on a calendar; they’re milestones in a year that I want to remember for the rest of my life.

So here’s to 2026: a year of big goals, big miles, and big meaning. A year to celebrate where I’ve been, embrace where I am, and run boldly toward everything that’s ahead.

London Marathon

It is hard to believe we are just 30 days away from the London Marathon. This is a marathon I have wanted to run for as long as I can remember!

With just a month to go I have a wide range of emotions a bit nervous, very tired, excited and so many more. I am getting close to my last few long runs and can’t wait for the 23rd of April.

Birthday run

So I haven’t been feeling great, but I decided to force myself out for a run this morning. It was an interesting run I have to say!

Mile 1:

Mile 2:

A band marching on horses…

Mile 3:

Mile 4:

Mile 5:

Mile 6:

This mile was a bit boring…

Mile 7:

Mile 8:

Finally made it home!

Overall a really nice run!

Wedding time!

We arrived into Edinburgh mid morning and were off to the hotel. The drive was lovely and when we pulled up to the hotel we knew we were going to have a great few days.

It was lovely and service was amazing. We got settled into our rooms and then had lunch with the family. After lunch we all went into Dunlane to see the church and have a walk around. We finished the afternoon with a drink in the local pub.

The evening dinner was at the hotel in the main dining room and was very nice.

Wedding day!

We started the day with an amazing run! I think even Richard was glad he went out for the run…

Everyone met for breakfast then the guys and girls went their separate ways. The girls had hair and makeup done in Helens room while the guys did their own thing.

The wedding was at 3 and I think the chapel must have been the families private chapel. Unfortunately I was doing the reading and I didn’t have a copy as I assumed the minister would have one… so that was messed up a bit.

After the wedding we took photos before some nibbles and champagne. Both Helen and Gareth looked great. They got lots of photos in the snow. I think it will make for an amazing backdrop!

We finished the evening off with dinner in a private dining room. It was a very relaxing wedding- the way they should all be!

Stirling

We set of from the Cromlix to see Stirling University (where Richard studied) and Stirling Castle.

There wasn’t any place to park so we took a drive through the University and then went up to the castle.

The castle was smaller than the one I Edinburgh and a lot less crowded!

The views from the castle were probably the best part.