Why I love to run

I love to get outside, breathe in the fresh air and shake off the cobwebs. I am really lucky to have the Cot Valley as part of my route and I get to watch out for rare Cornish Choughs which I sometimes startle as I run by. They rise in a pair, cawing at me disapprovingly, but I move on quickly not wanting to disturb them further.

Morning is definitely the best time for me as I love the atmosphere and the way that flowers are extra fragrant at this time. It's almost like a flying dream where you feel free and alone.

I get to run past a stream surrounded by sub tropical plants and then down a path that leads to the sea. The beach at Nanven is a really special one as it has perfectly oval rocks that look as though they are dragons eggs. The craggy outcrop looks like a giants throne and the view is breathtaking. I take a moment to stop and stretch here and drink it in.

Running has been a great way for me to improve my fitness after having Tabitha. I used to go for long walks with my dogs and surf regularly, but my 12 year old ridgeback doesn't like to go far now and timing waves with a little one is tricky.

I can fit running into under one hour and my absence is not felt too strongly. For me though I am free to release any frustrations and work through my thoughts.

At home I can be constantly asked questions and demanded to role play, but I find it quite draining after a while and running gives me the 'me time' I crave.

Being in this space makes me really happy. I find running challenging and I often feel pretty floored afterwards, but it's a good tired and I feel as though I have achieved something.

When I get home I am more ready to play. I have a clear head and feel as though I have found myself again.