There are currently no restrictions on how many people can take part in sport and physical activity, indoors and outdoors. All forms of activity can now take place without set restrictions, however, the pandemic is far from over and the Surrey Hills Challenge (SHC) team recognise that it is important that we encourage the continued implementation of some of the safeguarding measures that have been in place over the last 18 months.

We are all facing times that no one could have imagined or really prepared for right now and it would be remiss of us not to be thinking ahead and considering the potential impact Covid-19 may have on our event.

I’ve never spent loads of money on any kind of sports kit - for the gym, exercise classes or running. The most I’ve probably spent is on agility and that’s because it’s branded clubwear.

A year after we started our Couch to 5k journey you’re probably wondering what the hell happened. Did we do it? Are we still running? Where are the updates? Life got kinda crazy and blogging was the furthest thing from anyone’s minds!

When I thought of cancer and chemo before my diagnosis, I think I had a Hollywood image in my mind. Emaciated, sick, bald (ok, I have the bald), bedbound, all these images signified to me giving up and it terrified me.

Before the whole cancer thing kicked off I was preparing to come over to work the Surrey Hills Challenge. One of the perks of the job was trialling some new running gear from Aussie Grit which Nancy sent over to Singapore for me to test prior to the event.

I started running in 2016 when I needed some time to myself. I have two young daughters with special and additional needs and times can be tough. I wanted to get physically fit and mentally happier. Running seemed like a good bet. So, I downloaded the 0 to 5k app and put on my trainers and off I went. At first, I felt conscious and silly about what I looked like running but as other runners went past me with an out of breath 'hello', I soon just fitted in.

I am at the end of the second week of my second chemotherapy cycle. My aim for my first run was literally just to see how my body felt with a bit of a physical push. For four months now I have been very conscious of my body and almost protective of it. I’ve been frightened to move and stretch or even pull my stomach muscles in, just in case I busted an internal stitch. My body healed very well, it was my mind that needed a little more convincing.

When I initially took up the challenge to complete the Couch to 5k, I had no idea what direction my life was about to take and just how running has had an unexpected impact on my world.

Preparing for a canicross event takes careful planning to ensure that you and your dog both get as much benefit from it as possible. If you are considering taking part in a canicross race or a dog-less event that welcomes canicrossers, here are ten top tips…