I wanted to run somewhere a bit different and so I went to Carsington Water in Derbyshire. I was nervous because it’s a different terrain and I’d forgotten the route. It’s a bank holiday in the UK so I thought it might be too busy and I’d not be able to really get into it..
It was SO hilly I had to walk some of it.. I shared on Tiktok a little reminder that it’s okay to walk on a run, it doesn’t make you a failure.
@lifeofamissfit I had to WALK on a run. Have I failed!??? 😨
Haven’t done Parkrun in a while and I absolutely loved this! Last time I did this it was so muddy and absolutely freezing – this time was SO muggy. So not ideal conditions still, but it felt amazing to be running with 200 other strangers.
Turns out there was a hen party at the Parkrun – the bride was dressed as a chicken – I had to share on TikTok and over 20,000 people have seen it!
@lifeofamissfit Show up for yourself to a parkrun. I’ve done 3 and turned up solo every time. Get out your comfort zone. #runner #parkrun
And then we were off!
@lifeofamissfit
Overall happy with the time – it’s not about the pace at a parkrun, it’s about the community feel!
Loved this. Oh my gosh this was warm and I hit 2 walls along the way, but this felt electric just fantastic.
Have you always wanted to run a 5K but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve never run before, or you’ve tried and given up. You’re not alone! I’ve been there too. I started running over 10 years ago and I’ve done Parkruns (which are 5Ks) and several races).
That’s why I created this simple, easy-to-follow 4-week 5K training plan, packed with personal tips and advice to get you across that finish line. Health is wealth.
I know starting a running routine can be intimidating. But I also know the incredible feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing a 5K. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this ebook, sharing the tips and tricks that helped me become a regular runner. I’m confident that this plan will help you achieve your goal.
Need some motivation along the way? Come and join me on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Written by Katie McDonald, 21st May 2025
Instagram | Runkeeper | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Strava
This was warrrrrm but I feel so good for doing this! I actually slept terrible last night so I’m hoping this knocks me out and I sleep like a baby tonight now!
I did 5k and I have to admit… I love runners and everyone is equal… but I’m Ngl I overtook 2 other runners at one point on a country road and I felt so strong (even though it was blindingly sunny and very very warm but strong in the sense that the music was pumping and my beat was good I knew it was sustainable..
So yeah, big love to them genuinely, but it reminded me of what a race day is like and makes me wonder if I wanna do one again soon.. I have some big life stuff soon but then I want to!!
Struggled to get out for this one – long day at work. But so glad I did this!
Getting out there is definitely the hardest part on some days and this was one of them!
Forced myself out there today, and we got it done! Super happy with this.
This was a nice little 5K to get it done! Hadn’t been for a run in a few days and this felt so good to get my legs moving.
Wasn’t fussed about doing a longer distance, I just wanted to get something in the bag.
Also very pleased with the pace of 10 minutes 20 seconds on average. Nice little 51 minutes.
There’s no such thing as a bad run Kate
Yeah, yeah, Dad, okay then..
I thought he must be joking. I was so slow during that route. The endless cycle of thoughts begin…
Sound familiar? Let me stop you there. Right, repeat after me: There is no such thing as a bad run.
Don’t get me wrong, not every single run will give you the dreamiest “runner’s high”. I admit that, of course. You’re not going to feel that rush, that adrenaline and that next level excitement after every single run. You just won’t. It doesn’t work like that.
So, why bother? Well, it’s a hobby, and like anything, “practice makes perfect”. You have to work at it. Sometimes you’ll go for a run, and you might feel light, bouncy, and brilliant. You’ll finish your run and feel elated. You’ll still have worked hard; sure. But you’ll be buzzing. Take in that deserved runner’s high.
But sometimes, there will be a run that won’t feel quite the same. Your legs might feel heavy. You might not be able to get the right natural rhythm that usually comes with ease. Your shoulders are tense. Your breathing is a bit off. And that just makes the whole thing harder, because you’re struggling how to breathe. Now you’re frustrated that you shouldn’t have come on a run because you’re “not a good runner” and you get in your head about it.
And now you’re not in the best mood, and so it’s a vicious cycle. You can’t seem to get into the swing of the run, and you really don’t want to be running any more. And you’re convinced, well, ever again.. Never.
You’ll finish that run, and yeah you’ll probably feel really deflated that you didn’t get a personal best, or whatever. You’re just really gutted. It does happen, I won’t sugar coat it. But here’s the thing:
What you do NOW, counts the most.
You have 2 options.
That’s it you’ve officially decided to never run again. Throw the towel in. Give up. You’re not very good at this. Oh well. You’ll find another hobby.
Or..
Give yourself a break. Go about your day. Mentally move on. Eat something good, rehydrate, and then in a few days, or a week, whatever you feel is right, try again. It doesn’t have to be far or long. Just start with 5, 10 or 15 minutes. Start with something. And see how you feel.. Remember, not every run is a bad run either. And if your last run was totally awful, this run is mathematically less likely to be.
And often, if you’re facing round 2 after a bad round 1, that second attempt usually goes better. Things work better. You get your rhythm back. You can breathe again. And you never know. You might actually enjoy yourself..
Don’t give up. That’s your running tip. You owe it to future you!
Written by Katie McDonald, 1st April 2025.
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When I was growing up, I didn’t really understand what self love was. And I only really got a deep understanding of what that meant, and a firm grasp on it myself when I went through therapy; my full story on that is over here.And now, years later, I’m 29 writing this, and I definitely wholeheartedly use running as a type of self love.
Lots of people read; I just don’t have the attention span to stay focused on the sentences! Some people game or stream; I tried to get into that, tried to become a ‘girl gamer’, and I just got frustrated. It wasn’t for me.
Now, I have lots of ways I give myself care.
It might not seem believable when you see so many runners in the middle of their run, and they don’t look very happy! Everything is aching, something is cramping, they’re tired and they just want to stop now. So how’s that good self love?
Well, the idea of “no pain, no gain” is slightly at play here, in my opinion. When you get through that ‘wall’, there’s nothing quite like knowing you did it.
While the physical impact of running is obviously intense, pushing through and proving you can do it, is incredibly empowering. For example, we live near a bit of a hill, and every single time I go for a run outdoors, I have to face that uphill battle at the end of my route.
Think of it like this. If every single time you face that hill, and you do it, you’re giving your brain evidence that you can do hard things. That’s a form of self love people!
I follow my dad in this respect. And I bet lots of runners go really red when they’ve been running. I’ve often come back from a run and someone will look at me shocked.. because I look so red.
Blimey, good run, was it?
Yes, it was, hard. That’s usually what I’ll say. But it’s normally pride answering! This red puffy face tells me I’ve worked my 29 year old body hard. I’ve exercised it. And as I grow older into my 60s, 70s, 80s.. That body will thank me.
I run for me. But I run for the elderly lady version of me too. I want to get to 70 or 80 and not feel broken.. Or at least, less broken than the average 80 year old!
I’m a very fair-skinned, freckly, long-legged, frizzy haired brunette. And I’ve struggled with the freckles, the frizz and the pale complexion for years. But when I see my face go all red and sweaty… It reminds me that I’m so much more than that.
You’re so much more than what you look like. My red puffy face, and her heart, and legs and machine of a cardio body, can do hard things! I get enjoyment out of steadily jogging for an hour. I push my body’s capabilities and find it a hobby I quite like…
So, actually, running reminds me that there’s beauty and magic in that. It can teach you to shift your perspective… So, let me re-frame my first statement to this:
My mom gave me wavy brown curls, I’m tall, and even though I don’t tan very well, my heart is in really good health and I’m thankful for that!
Written by Katie McDonald, 1st April 2025.
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When I first started running 10 years ago, my dad taught me that it was important to cool down properly, and then stretch. He followed this up by:
You should probably keep moving throughout the day or the next day too – it helps things not seize up.
So I followed that exact routine, and for many years, it worked. As I hit my mid 20s, I occasionally forgot, and I have to say, I really felt the difference, in a bad way. So now,:
I make a point (to myself) to stretch before and after every single run.
Because you’d be surprised how many people (mostly online) have said to me one of the following:
And I think this controversy started to show me why so many people when they start running get confused. And you can see why. There’s so many questions when you start running…
Well let’s that that middle one for now.
Clearly, there’s a mixed opinion online of some people who run. I’ve been ‘told’ by some of those runners stretching “doesn’t do anything”. And their opinion is of course, fair enough. You do you 🙂 But, for me, stretching makes a noticeable difference and I think my running would genuinely be impacting if I didn’t do it.
I do a full body stretch; well that’s what I call it anyway. Here’s a video on how I stretch before a run.
But to be totally honest, I don’t do it just to get my body warmed up. Stretching helps me mentally prepare too. So it distracts me from thinking whether I want to run or not! Your mind can do all sorts to you before you go for a run. It’s why so many run-procastinate! If you just get your running kit on and do your stretches, that can help; normally, I’d put my headphones on too so my brain is distracted with music too..
Now this is one I have to force myself to do sometimes. Have you ever finished a run, felt good, and thought, “nah I don’t need to I feel great”? Yep, me too!
But honestly, do it anyway. That’s a case of the “runner’s high” and your endorphins are pumping telling you “you’re invincible”. But trust me. Soon enough after you’ve cooled down, you might start feeling a bit stiff..
I don’t stretch for long! In fact, most times I just take less than 5 minutes… while I wait for the shower to get the right temperature! So I’ll have done my run, stretched it out and then get into a nice cool shower.
Of course, based on my experience, my tip is to do your stretches – otherwise, you can feel heavy and tense and stiff later on or the next day. When I do stretch, I feel lighter. I don’t feel as though my legs are super heavy – something you might feel when you get out of bed the next day, or when you stand up hours later..
But if you really don’t want, or don’t think it’s worth it.. you do you! Enjoy your running, that’s what it’s all about!
Written by Katie McDonald, 1st April 2025.
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Lots of people say they “run for mental health”. But what’s actually mean? Well, I definitely run to give my brain a break, and seeing the change in my daily life just from running, is something I wish I could bottle up and send to friends around the world!
I’ve been running for over 10 years and the benefit of feeling clear-headed after a run really has made a big difference. But I sometimes feel as though people say “I run for mental health” because it sounds trendy. I know, it sounds bizarre, but there’s been such a change in social media over the last 10 years. But I really feel that the phrase “mental health” gets over-used and flung around.
I’m not at all invalidating anyone who feels they really do reap the mental health benefits of running. But I think people may see a runner posting their ‘hashtag mental health run’ and then see that some of those posts are sponsored, and so I can see why to some people, it might be seen as fake? Especially to those people are new to running, and may be on a lower pay scale, or struggling and dealing with the hardship of anxiety or other issues.
Way back before 2015 (ish), I was diagnosed by my virtual CBT therapist with PTSD, depression and anxiety. It had been a long time coming and after some trauma, I decided that enough was enough and I was ready to get some help, and get my life back. I had no confidence, I was always doubting everything; my own thoughts; my beliefs, what I was capable of, even whether I was important. I was in a bad place.
So, I called the doctor. And long story short, I soon got myself a therapist through the NHS. She was a lovely lady and took me through a series of Zoom calls every week, and then it went to fortnightly; I worked through a lot of stuff with her help. And she equipped me with an understanding of why I felt like I did, how to strip that down and re-construct my own belief system. That and anti-depressants too.
It was hard, being really honest with myself, doing the homework on my own ‘thoughts, and trying to build myself back up. But throughout the process, I realized that I wasn’t being the same me ‘back up’. I was building a renewed version of myself. A stronger one with a solid knowledge of my own values. I learnt how to let unhelpful thoughts, pass. And how to find evidence for the helpful ones.
You’re not your own thoughts. But you can make your mind a nice place to live.
One day, within months (I think?), I was then discharged from the course. It was all agreed and planned in advance. We had goals of where I wanted to be in order to ‘not need therapy’ any more. And I got to that place. A happier, clearer, peaceful place.
I’ve not had therapy since then. I don’t feel I need it. Sometimes I need to gently remind myself, by asking “how helpful is that thought?”, to then let it go. That thought doesn’t serve you. It doesn’t align with your values. We’re all human. We all need a little bit of a reminder.
But running is a huge part of how I get that clarity now. It has been a ‘strategy’ – a word my therapist used to use a lot – for years. I used to use lots of strategies; the smell of perfumes to remind me I was safe, the sight of nature making me feel grounded on the floor.
And now running is a big one too. Hiking and walking in general is. But when I go for a run, it really helps me clear my head. If I get into my head about something, or I’ve had a long or stressful day, or feel a bit restless, I’ll go for a run. The distance doesn’t really matter too much. But I’ll get outdoors and just put my headphones on, and get one foot in front of the other.
I’m lucky that I’ve been running for years and don’t struggle in the first 10 minutes too much.. (that might have been a bit different in the first few years of learning to run though!). So I can just choose one of my playlists, and jog for a little while. Sometimes, a 5K is all I need; that’s about 30 minutes for me. Sometimes, I really get into it, I can feel it working and I’ll run further because I fancy it.
When I’m running, I’ll forget I’m running; it’s like a little daydream where you space out and then ‘come back’. It’s like you blow the cobwebs off for a bit, and then once you’ve finished, something just feels a lot clearer. It’s not like being the first person to cross a race line where you burst through the banner and you’ve broken a record; there’s no paparazzi or medals or fireworks.
You just suddenly feel noticeably lighter. Like okay, I can handle this now.
Written by Katie McDonald, 30th March 2025.
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I started running over 10 years ago when my dad introduced me to running. We’d often go running together and that was my little running community. Me and dad. He was much more experienced, having done multiple marathons and crazy races like Race The Train. Fast forward to now, in 2025, and my running community has changed a little!
Don’t get me wrong, running will now and always be our thing to talk about. When mom’s out the room (she doesn’t enjoy running the same way we do) or when we both have days off. It’s relatable common ground and we can share our running thoughts and experiences. Whether I’m training for something, or he’s been out for a gentle jog (he’s nearly 60!) and doesn’t want to over-do it, we’ll still touch base and check in together.
I’ve been posting screenshots of my runs since I started running. It was a hobby and I just wanted to share with the world outside of dad! I’d recently started a blog about running (This one!), called Life of a Miss Fit, and so I just took a picture with Runkeeper (an app that tracks my runs), wrote a caption about how I felt it had gone, and posted. That’s all it was.
I wasn’t trying to gain followers or over think about the hashtags! I was just sharing my little running thing on my corner of the internet; and then occasionally I’d write a blog about it on here too.
Now in March 2025, I have a little following of over 300 people on my running Instagram… That doesn’t sound like much in a world of influencers. But imagine if you stood in a room and 300 people walked in and said they wanted to hear what you had to say..
Now that’s something huh?
I started doing Parkruns in 2024; it’s a community-led 5K run every Saturday. You can walk, run, spectate or volunteer and all ages and abilities are welcomed!
It’s not about the ‘race’, although you do get a time at the end and it’s all recorded (which is great for those more ambitious, competitive runners training for something!). It’s just about waking up on a Saturday morning, showing up in a field or park with over 100 (ish) other strangers all about to run 5K together..
You listen to the safety talk by the volunteer officials, and then at the sound of the klaxon, go!
It’s quite something.. You’re suddenly running or jogging, as long as you’re moving.. with all these strangers. And then within half hour, I was done! I ran passed the big archway and I’d done it!
You never felt too slow because it’s a community event, and a great way to start running and feel the true enjoyment of it. The best part? Parkrun is completely free!
The community is a huge part of why I love running… Life is busy, and there’s an awful lot going on in the world, from COVID to the war in the Ukraine. You just have to open social media, or put on your radio or the news for one minute and you can hear it… All of it.
That’s why I love having my online running community. So that when I need some positivity and encouragement outside of all that, when all that is very much happening, I have it at my fingertips.
I can log in to my Life of a Miss Fit – on TikTok, mostly Instagram though, and my feed is full of like-minded people running, and enjoying it. And encouraging each other. No-one’s comparing or judging. Everyone is doing their best to get out for a run, feel good, feel happy, feel together. That’s why running is all about..
So my tips to you are here… Share online – you’re not alone! – and run with friends or family.. Just start posting and sharing and you’ll soon have a little bank of running diaries…
Written by Katie McDonald, 31st March 2025.
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I was diagnosed with Eczema as a little girl, and it’s stayed with me into my teens and 20s. I’ve even been told by the British Allergy Clinic and NHS Dermatologists that I may also have Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. But my brother has asthma, and my Grandad has had eczema, and struggled with the big signs of eczema as a little girl; itchy red patches on my elbows and behind my knees. And I definitely live with it now, but on some medication.
And it does have an impact of my running too.. so I thought I’d share how I manage that and navigate my running journey to make it itch-free, where I can.
Tight fitting clothes are my worst nightmare. Well, that’s not totally true; I love getting dressed up and feeling confident. But wearing overly tight long sleeved running tops or clothing to work out in, doesn’t usually have the best outcome. At the end of a sweaty run in my long sleeved top I can feel my eczema areas about to be triggered.
So I have to get some air to my elbows and everywhere else, before the urge to scratch becomes too much!
It’s a serious magic trick trying to wear the ‘right’ clothes for a run when you have eczema especially throughout the different seasons. Part of me loves the spring and summer months when I can wear lighter, looser running clothes because it gives my itch-prone skin a bit of a break and that’s heaven.
But part of me also finds the warmer months really hard.
The quicker I can ignore the desire to scratch, and get into a slightly cool shower, the quicker I get the relief. If you’ve never had eczema, you’ll never have felt the relieving sensation of cool water on something you really want to scratch.
My sister once said to me:
I bet a hot bath is lovely on your muscles after a run!
And I totally get why she would think that. But I couldn’t think of anything worse than being warm and sweaty post run, feeling the itch is juuuuust about to happen on your elbows, armpits, thighs.. and then to get into a steaming bath, for an hour? No thanks!
In fact, let my mention my dad here; multiple marathon finisher and who I got the running bug from. I remember my mom would always start running my dad a bath for when he’d get home from a big run on a weekend.
I always assumed he was having a cozy version.. Turns out he wasn’t! He’d come home, red and puffy, shout through a quick “hello!” and then walk upstairs after his however many miles.. and within a minute you’d hear sharp gasps, as though he was in pain.
He was getting into a VERY cold bath… of just cold water. Me being Curious Kate asked what the reason was for this madness. Back then he educated me:
The belief is that a very cold bath helps get rid of lactic acid in your muscles, which impeded recovery times… It worked, as I don’t ache the day after, and I can run again sooner.
Even today, 10 years later, I asked him if he still had that belief and he says:
That was the belief back then.. Worth double checking the theory though..”
Don’t take this as a lack of running knowledge; my dad was and is a running pro (in my totally unbiased opinion) and he helped me learn almost everything I know about running!
But I think the semi-confident response was probably because:
So I’ve checked, and apparently, Runner’s World, can confirm the science is still true; cold water does help to:
Reduce the severity of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which is commonly experienced 24-48 hours post-exercise due to muscular microtrauma and inflammation.
Anyway! Unfortunately, my eczema would probably find a cold shower too much. Honestly, a drastic change in temperature can also set my eczema off. So going from super pink, warm and puffy from my to jumping into a freeeeezing (literally) cold shower, would be too much of a shock. I just like it nice and cool, with a quick temperature check as I turn the tap on.
Over my years of endlessly shopping in Boots, online and at so many brands, I know first hand how hard it can be to find the right post-shower moisturizer if you have eczema. And again, to be honestly, I think there’s a misconception that people with eczema need to have extra helpful ingredients to reallyyyy hydrate your skin.
The thing is, for me, less is more. I use Dermalotion EVERYWHERE, including my face after a shower. It’s cooling, it’s thin and refreshing on my skin. Don’t get me wrong, it dries so fast, like within seconds. But that’s because I have very, very, very dry skin. But the beauty is you can’t put too much on. Just lather it on and your skin soaks it up.
And then on my face, I’ll use Simple’s gel moisturizer, again because it’s cool and gentle. Such RELIEF. Ahh…
Here’s an Instagram reel of me talking about the ways I cope with eczema as a runner… Mainly Dermolotion!
Drinking water is important. But it’s really important for those of us with eczema and dry skin. You really got to get the water in to hydrate. It’s easy to forget once you’ve done your run to actually get some fluids in. But cool down, stretch and start sipping. Trust me it will help you not itch quite as much later.
And then the next day, top up that water bottle and stay on top of it! It will make a difference. It all does!
Written by Katie McDonald, 30th March 2025.
Instagram | Runkeeper | Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | TikTok
Had a lot going on in my head on this run, so I really struggled to see past that to be honest. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it if I just stuck at it.
We got something done which is always better than nothing.
Normally I wouldn’t give up at 2 miles but my heart just wasn’t in it this time for some reason.
That happens sometimes. 27 minutes in, 4.3 kilometers done.
Can’t be helped. It just means a better run is on the way!
I did 11 kilometers today and this felt good! My legs are so heavy but I’m elated with this.
This picture really is the runner’s high, and some sweat!
A good hour’s run with my flashlight. Gosh I’m thirsty now!
This is one of those runs where I’ll thank myself for having a hobby that keeps me fit in 30 years time!
