Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favorites as well as sharing books that you’re FINALLY getting around to reading that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them! These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board and connect back to Renee’s blog.
So today I was hoping to share a review of a recent read. But on my final run of Couch to 5k week 4 run 3 the final run of week 4. It got me thinking once again about my running journey.
I’ve said it so many times and I will continue to say it as I wholeheartedly believe it. Running well and truly saved me during one of the most anxious and agonising times in my life. Of late I’ve had some strains and getting back out there has really helped. Today I undertook the final run of week 4 in the sunshine. At times the sun made it seem hard but I had resilience and determination to get through and there were a few of those 3 and 5min runs that felt so good. It’s empowered me once again.
So I will be sharing an old piece on my running journey and you can read that here. A few pictures from today’s run…
Happy Saturday beauties I’m so sorry this is coming rather late in the day. Was on a late shift and to say I’m exhausted is an understatement.
It’s been quite a week although in saying that there aren’t loads of photos from the week, but it’s been enlightening to say the least. I’ve managed to post every single day of this week and I’m super chuffed at that. So lots of posts to share I’ve also had some gorgeous book post although I haven’t taken pics of them all and I’m already out the house. I’ve been added to a few March blog tours and I’m extremely excited about that.
This is the truly gorgeous thank you pack that SJ from Simon & Schuster sent me for taking part in the Valentines #RespectRomFic post that I will be sharing again in this post.
The audio reading hasn’t been as productive since the lack of headphones but I have started listening to.
Very early stages but as ever she has had me laughing out loud. I will dedicate some time to this in the next coming week.
So what’s been on the blog this week?
On Sunday I took part in another fabulous Six for Sunday post and you can read that here. I love looking at these stacks although almost always I haven’t read all of them.
On Monday I shared my thoughts on Prince Harry’s Spare this has been quite a popular one this week and you can read it here.
Tuesday was Valentine’s Day and I was pleased to take part in the #RespectRomFic movement. I also managed to finish reading The Daughter in Law the review of that one will be up tomorrow. You can read my Valentine’s post here.
On Wednesday I shared a different post about poetry with an extract from a book. You can read that here.
Thursday’s seem to be for Throwbacks and you can read my latest one here.
Friday saw me actually post although I confused myself as I had written it and hadn’t realised I hadn’t actually posted it until later in the day. It was my review on the collection of poems and A Heart Lighter Than a Feather here.
That’s pretty much it…ooooh actually I lie. On Monday I got out and ran it wasn’t pretty but it was a start..
I also managed to spend some much needed time with the girls…that completes my week as I’m onward to work once again. Until next time…
This post should have been up on Saturday although the message and meaning of it is still abundantly clear and evident…
Today (Saturday) my alarm woke me at 7.15 and my instant reaction was what am I doing. Following last nights closing shift it seemed ridiculous to be getting up to attend Park Run as a volunteer Park Walker. A small amount of sleep a 5k walk and then later another shift. (Madness eh).
Although once I arrived, one of the esteemed volunteers who has been there almost every time I’ve attended. Let me take the newbies round the course finishing the signs along the route. Now this felt like a moment. I spoke to a number of people about my reasoning and that I would love to be running.
As I started the route each time someone said Good Morning, or Thank you Park Walker and Good job I got a boost I wasn’t fully expecting. Yes, I wholeheartedly want to be back pounding that pavement and chasing that personal best. But since Park Run added the new addition of a Park Walker in October I honestly didn’t realise how pivotal a role it is and it will become.
Park Run is such a freeing event take it from someone who found out about it and turned up alone. Adding in walking as a given opens up the opportunity to many more people to get out and at one with nature on a Saturday morning. It really did feel good to walk and get those steps in even if my legs felt it later at work.
I won’t make it this Saturday as I have football but it won’t be my last Walker event. Granted I’m looking forward to running again.
I’ll be back to my bookish ways tomorrow with more than likely my November TBR. I have just today finished my first audiobook of the month in this.
Once again here we are with a Sunday update. Yesterday I ended up on a run and finishing the fabulous Nothing New For Sophie Drew which I reviewed almost instantaneously for a change.
Before starting my current gripping read The Players I’m literally on the edge of my seat throughout reading this beauty. Between reading this watching the football and doing a few bits round the house is why this post is so late in the day.
As I ran last Sunday I decided to get on the bike on Monday and I did a good hour on the exercise bike whilst listening to an audiobook.
On Tuesday I got out and started Couch to 5k week 5 run 1.
On Thursday I got out for the soggiest run for a while.
I was meant to have my second Covid jab on Wednesday but there was a mix up. So I finally had my jab on Friday afternoon. Thankfully this time around it’s mostly been a dead arm and a bit of a headache. So I wasn’t letting that stop me so I got out and completed week 5 of couch to 5k yday – the day after my jab I completed a 20 min run and my did it feel good.
This week I read:
What’s been on the blog:
So last Sunday was also a delayed weekly update day. Seems to have been a bit of a habit of late.
On Monday I shared my blog tour review of An Act Of Love by Carol Drinkwater and I’m still giving away my copy – so let me know why you want to read it in the comments. You can read my review here.
Tuesday saw another blog tour review this time courtesy of Love Books Tours lovelies with You Brand By Julia Goodman and you can read that post here.
On Wednesday I had the pleasure of hosting Catherine Isaac here at Hayley Reviews and you can read that guest post here.
On Thursday I was taking part in another gorgeous blog blitz thanks to the Love Books Tours team and you can read my post on Firepower here.
Friday was a weird day as I had my jab in the afternoon so there was no post.
As I didn’t post the weekly update yesterday I did post a review of the fantastic Nothing New For Sophie Drew and you can read that post here.
Now to get back to this truly all encompassing read. It’s going to be quite a week I’m hoping to start week 6 of Couch to 5k restart tomorrow. I also have a number of appointments including with the physio and a staff meeting at work.
So here we are at another Sunday update. I had written a paragraph about my crazy week on the beginning of my review but WordPress thought otherwise ha. This week has felt a little chaotic I guess that’s because I’ve had a bit more to do. Alongside running, I’ve got my haircut and coloured and undertaken a number of online training modules for returning to work.
Monday saw the 3rd run of week 3
Tuesday I got my haircut and coloured it feels sooo good.
Wednesday saw a chat with the physio – where she suggested changing my route yay. Getting back out….it saw week 4 run 1
Last run just round the green yay!!!
Friday saw me back on my favourite running route…
Week 4 run 2 I bloody loved it.
Rather than waiting to run tomorrow I got out this morning and it was glorious.
Treated myself to this.
This week I read:
I’m currently reading…as I’m on the blog tour for this tomorrow.
What’s been on the blog:
On Sunday I shared my wrap up of what I read in April and you can read that post here.
On Monday I shared my May TBR and you can read that post here.
On Tuesday I was part of a blog blitz courtesy of Love books tours and you can read that post here.
On Wednesday I took part in a publication day blitz for Save Her and you can read that post here.
On Thursday I had a bumper two posts to share with you. A publication day post for the fabulous Holly Hepburn that you can read here I was also part of the fantastic blog tour for Heidi Swain’s A Taste of Home and you can read that post here.
On Friday I did not post I very nearly did late into the night but I decided to share my thoughts on Holly Hepburn’s The Littleshop of Hidden Treasures and you can read that here.
That’s another week done and dusted…I’m not sure what the next few weeks will look like but I’m excited to get back to work and some sense of normality.
Just like that another week has passed by and with that another month. Today marks the first of May. Where did April go???
In line with the sports social blackout this weekend I will only be on the blog over this weekend, mainly because it’s update day and also because I want a fully productive month of May. Although I will admit I feel like I’ve been a bit weird about wanting to post daily and then stressing over it and posting random posts. That’s not what I want but I would like to get through May with a post every single day, although in saying that I’ll be going back to work this month so that’s also part of the reason I am aiming to be organised and productive.
Monday saw Week 2 Run 3 of the restart to Couch to 5k.
I also managed to book in to get my haircut on Tuesday next week…and I honestly cannot wait for a much needed colour and cut. On my travels I saw this beaut of a tree.
Wednesday saw me take on Week 3 Run 1 this week we have mixed the tempo with a 90 sec run like last week and also a 3 min run it felt good to up the tempo.
It seemed colder and rain was forecast it’s safe to say I was sweating almost instantly.
Yesterday I undertook the second run of week 3 and I had the perfect temperatures for this. I’m loving the progress again it maybe slow but it’s steady and I’m back out there so I’m fully embracing those positives.
This week I read:
I had hoped to have finished my audio and physical book to top off my April reads but that wasn’t meant to be. Although I am eager to get my audiobook finished today as the service I am using ends tomorrow. So I want to finish the book in time.
What’s been on the blog:
On Sunday I shared my thoughts on the WorldBook Night – Stories That Make You Smile and you can read that here.
On Monday I shared a Monday Motivation and Smiles post and you can read that here.
On Tuesday I shared a Cover Reveal courtesy of Love Books Tours and you can read it here.
Firstly, I would like to apologise for the shuffling of this post from Saturday to Sunday. Following a few days with multiple posts I wanted to limit that and to also give this update the full attention it deserves.
These weeks sure are flying, blink and we’ll almost be at the end of the month. It’s been a mostly productive week.
Last weekend I had a bit of a clear out and my did it feel therapeutic. I’m not a hoarder but I did have a number of clothes that I haven’t worn in forever or that are miles too big or just old that I finally put in a charity bag. It will probably need another sort at some point but it meant I found clothes I haven’t worn for a while that I could give some life back to.
I love both of these tops although one is looser than the other but that’s ok. Felt nice to wear something that seemed different if that makes sense.I finally have an England 96 shirt so naturally I had to wear it.
I wasn’t in any real rush for Primark but ended up at one on Tuesday afternoon it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Although in saying that I couldn’t get all I wanted but did get some gorgeous vest tops – most of my old ones are fit for the bin.
Love that they had some really bright colours this time.
On Wednesday I had a really good chat with my physio and she’s now given me some progression strengthening exercises and to continue with a few. She also recommended I restart couch to 5k. So on Thursday I did just that.
In some ways it felt strange the stopping and starting but it also made so much sense. My temperamental foot hasn’t been too much of an issue bar a standard ache following a run.
On Saturday morning I got out for the second run.
I really enjoyed my 7 60 sec runs alongside walking. What I will say is the doms this time around are insane but I’m feeling so motivated. Naturally following Wednesday’s chat I’ve been outside rather than on the bike. But the bike will still play a part in my exercise.
Small bursts of running has given me such a lift. I won’t be overdoing it and I will be discussing everything again on Wednesday with my physio. I hope to have completed week one and ran run one of week two and then have something to go on. It’s a slow process but my aim is to be able to run regularly again and to get that distance up with the aim of half marathon before I set my sights any further.
This week I have read:
Finished listening to this absolute beauty. Christmas in April was lush. Have parts one and two of the next instalment to get to so watch this space.
Following finishing my audiobook as yet I haven’t started another so I have been completely immersed in Heidi Swain’s it’s almost finished now, I thought I would have finished yesterday.
What’s been on the blog?
Last Sunday I shared my thoughts on the sampler chapters of Paige Toon’s up and coming Someone I Used To Know and you can read that post here.
On Monday I shared my audiobook review of Mike Gayle’s The To-Do List and you can read that here.
On Tuesday I was part of a Love Books Tours Blog Blitz for Ravenous Snakes and you can read that post here.
On Wednesday I shared my thoughts on Cressida McLaughlin’s Cornish Cream Tea Christmas and you can read that post here.
Thursday saw a bumper two post day with a Blog Blitz for Aspen that you can read here and a review of Cesca Major’s The Thin Place a novel that had me from the off you can read that here.
Friday was another bumper edition with two of my absolute faves Cover Reveals up first is The Wishing Tree By Jaimie Admans and you can see that here followed by The Idea Of You By Robinne Lee and you can see that here.
If you’re a regular viewer of Hayley Reviews you will be well aware that Saturday’s are almost always Weekly Updates, but I wanted to take part in a cover reveal so instead of having another bumper post this post was saved for today. You can see yesterday’s post here.
If there is something you would love to see me feature here on Hayley Reviews then do leave me a comment. There’s a few posts I started doing that I hope to bring back and I aim to get my reading on a better footing. Felt like a bit of a slacker this week in terms of what I had been able to read.
Blurb: An honest, warm and moving story and a great resource for anyone who wants to run.
Christine Stovell didn’t think she was the running kind. Running, she believed, was for elite athletes and hardcore fitness freaks. Then, after causing a local scandal, she found herself hiding in her parents’ loft with her two young daughters and decided to try running as a means of escape. That attempt ended so painfully it was four years before she felt brave enough to try another run.
Christine’s story takes her from running scared to running half marathons. In twenty years, she’s run through sad, bad and good times and dealt with everything from territorial pheasants to scary loos. Above all, she’s discovered not only that running doesn’t have to hurt, but that it has a great capacity to heal.
If you’ve ever been tempted to try running but think it isn’t for you, Christine’s experience might just convince you that you too can become the running kind.
Review: This is the short story I never knew I needed to read. For those of you new to Hayley Reviews in June last year I rediscovered Couch to 5k and it’s been the best tonic I could ever have hoped for. I read this short in between reads whilst not running. At first it made me feel sad to not be pounding the pavement- but then I kept thinking of certain things Christine had mentioned. It made me eager to make sure that when I return I will be stronger than ever.
What I really loved about Running Kind is how real and raw Christine has been about her life in and around Running. There are aspects to her story that she may have not wanted to air but she did so gracefully and in a way that showed how much running had helped her.
I too always said I wasn’t a runner. Many people might not know that I first started Couch to 5k a number of years earlier when I wasn’t anywhere near as fit as I am now and I don’t remember it being the One You app that I used. I may have been younger then but my mindset and exercise regime was nowhere near as good.
As Covid had hit I was missing my boxfit and occasional Zumba classes rotten, and without work I needed a focus to realign my mind. That routine became Running – during the warmer months I was up and out early meaning that I was back washed and ready for the day before most people had even got up. Long after finishing the app I knew that I still wanted to run – it’s been an emotional rollercoaster even in this short time frame but this week I finally saw a physio and I’m working through the strengthening exercises to get me back so watch this space.
I really loved how Christine explained how she got into the runs and the Half Marathons – 10 miles is my furthest so far but the aim for me is the Half Marathon and in reading this I’m even more eager to make it happen. I adore Cardiff and I truly loved Christines tales of the Cardiff half – I could well be tempted one day but as it stands the one I’m itching to do is the Hampton Court half I haven’t applied for one as Covid is forever changing dates plus I hope to have my running back on track before I do. I don’t want to add pressure or to end up feeling disappointed.
If you can’t imagine running or have always been tempted then take a look at Running Kind. Running is not always graceful, or pretty but I tell you once it gets under your skin it sucks when you find yourself on the sidelines. Thankfully I now have a plan an aim and an exercise bike but I still can’t wait to pound that pavement once again.
Thank you Christine for this gorgeous literary treat of a passion I too share.
Now it’s been a fair few years since I have penned one of these, but seeing as my Twitter poll suggested a something else post I thought I would look into just that. Following a few chores and a mostly uneventful shopping trip I’ve now mostly warmed up. So whilst listening to my audiobook I decided to dedicate some time to the blog.
So Friday Finds is a meme set up by Jenn at Booksandabeat. It’s where you can share the books you have either physically found or digitally come across in some way shape or form and added to like mine your ever growing TBR pile.
The last time I penned one of these posts I mentioned 3 physical books – today I’m going to look at a variation.
Blurb: ‘I have long believed that loving a boyband brings with it a wealth of transferable skills, but I’d never imagined solving a murder would be one of them…’ Harri and her best friends worship Half Light – an internationally famous boyband. When frontman Frankieis arrested on suspicion of murdering his oldest friend Evan, Harri feels like her world’s about to fall apart. But quickly she realises that she – and all the other Half Light superfans out there – know and understand much more about these boys than any detective ever could.
Now she’s rallying a fangirl army to prove Frankie’s innocence – and to show the world that you should never underestimate a teenage girl with a passion..
This one has been recommended to me a few times. It’s not officially out until May.
Blurb: An honest, warm and moving story and a great resource for anyone who wants to run.
Christine Stovell didn’t think she was the running kind. Running, she believed, was for elite athletes and hardcore fitness freaks. Then, after causing a local scandal, she found herself hiding in her parents’ loft with her two young daughters and decided to try running as a means of escape. That attempt ended so painfully it was four years before she felt brave enough to try another run.
Christine’s story takes her from running scared to running half marathons. In twenty years, she’s run through sad, bad and good times and dealt with everything from territorial pheasants to scary loos. Above all, she’s discovered not only that running doesn’t have to hurt, but that it has a great capacity to heal.
If you’ve ever been tempted to try running but think it isn’t for you, Christine’s experience might just convince you that you too can become the running kind.
I downloaded this a short while back and it covers my love for short stories and that of running. I hope to devourthis soon.
Blurb:How to turn forty:
1. Set yourself a personal challenge.
2. Clear wardrobe of all age inappropriate clothing.
3. Relax.
How not to turn forty:
1. Have a complete meltdown . . .
High flier Matt Beckford’s sole ambition is to turn forty with his life sorted. And with a Porsche on the drive and a job that requires him to spend more time in BA’s club lounge than his own lounge, it looks like things are going in the right direction. But when Matt’s wife unexpectedly calls time on their marriage, a chain of events is set in motion that very quickly sees him facing forty broke, homeless and completely alone.
But all is not lost because Matt has a plan . .
I’m actually listening to this one right now and it’s my first introduction to MikeGayle. Like how has it taken me this long. I must also say I have a number of his books on Kindle but there will be more additions soon. I probably should have read Turning 30 first seeing as I’m ashamedly between both ages.
What have you added to your bookshelf? I’m hoping these Friday Finds are read sooner than the last lot. Seeing as I’m listening to Turning 40 I’m already halfway ther
Just like that the first week of February is nearing it’s close. We’re at Saturday…..So how has your week been? Well now I’m kind of regretting some of my choices this week.
On Monday I headed out on a run and I had said to myself I wanted to run at least 10k which is fine and completely within my capabilities. However, as I was approaching miles 3 and 6 I got stubborn and wanted to break personal bests so I sped up which isn’t an issue per Se but those 7 miles to kick start February are the only ones I ran this week 😦
Since Wednesday I’ve been doing a Yoga for feet stretch and it’s helping. Although had some shopping to do yesterday it’s safe to say I will be sat a lot this weekend. Which is fine I have books and blog stuff to be doing. I am annoyed with myself as I’ve been pretty good at listening to my body and my stubbornness to start well means I’m now missing out on running time. On another note I’ve had both on and off scale victories this week which has left me in such a positive mood. I came back from a worse setback I will bounce back but with not much routine and now also no running – I’m not a happy bunny. But I have faith I will be back out before the birthday and before my favourite month closes.
This week I have read:
Not a bad start for February – we will be starting our second Christina Lauren book on Monday.
What’s been on the blog this week:
On Sunday I shared my Six for Sunday thoughts this weeks prompt was bookish hates and you can read it here.
On Monday I shared my wrap up of my January reading and you can read that post here.
On Tuesday I was pleased to be a part of a gorgeous cover reveal for Kim Nash and you can see that post here.
On Wednesday I had two posts to share a cover reveal for Being which you can see here and a blog blitz for What the World Needs Now- Bees you can read that post here.
On Thursday I was able to share my review got Married at First Swipe by Claire Frost which was publication day for the gorgeous read that I devoured in January – you can read it here.
On Friday I shared two posts with you one for our Christina Lauren read-along that you can read here and I also shared my review of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist and you can read that here.
I’ve just started reading:
And I’m listening to:
Two very different yet gorgeous debuts.
Let’s see what the next week of my most favourite month brings. I cannot wait to be back running but I’m also loving my book time. It’s also Saturday and we’re nearing the final few weeks of the Mask Singer
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