As you all know, I have recently made some changes to my normal blogging schedule. Instead of posting the blogger features on Monday afternoons I have decided to post them during the week as an extra post. I really love these posts and want to make sure I continue them on a regular basis!

Today I want to bring you the very awesome Leah from Naturally Leah!

Name: Leah

Blog: http://www.naturallyleah.com

When did you first start blogging and why?

I’m Leah. I’m originally from New Zealand, but a few years ago I moved to Canada where I learnt to snowboard, and spent my days either up a mountain or on a yoga mat. I moved to London in 2012 and came crashing back to reality – surrounded by the city, the crowds, and the craziness – I struggled to find my place.

As a way of refocusing myself, I started to run, and I started writing about what I loved – health and fitness. Through blogging I discovered new brands, new nutrition options, new classes and studios, and new races and events, and most importantly – an amazing community of people.

 

What is your most helpful blogging tip?

Spend time interacting with people in order to build your community. I found a lot of like minded beginner (and experienced!) runners on twitter, who have become loyal blog readers, sharers – and friends!

 

What is your favorite fitness activity?

I love running because I love the challenge. I’m short and curvy (my fiancé likes to refer to my “stumpy legs”) – basically I’m everything that “typical runners” are not. And yet – I just completed my first marathon! I love the feeling of achieving something that I never thought I would, or could.

 

What motivates you?

The amazing feeling that I get from completing a training session, a class, a run or a race. The saying is so true – I never regret a workout, but I always regret NOT working out!

 

What has fitness changed about your life?

I believe in myself a lot more. Now, I know when I put my mind to something, I can achieve it. I have grit, determination and stick-a-bility.

 

What is your favorite pump up song?

Rather Be by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne and Work B*tch by Britney Spears

 

What is your favorite running distance?

I loved every minute (mostly) of completing my marathon, but for now – I really dig a 10k. It’s short enough that you don’t need to do too much training for (rather than keeping a certain fitness level), but far enough that you have time to settle into a race pace and challenge yourself too. Anything shorter, race wise, and I push myself so much I feel sick; anything longer and it involves a bit more time and effort in training and recovery!

 

What is your favorite motivational quote/mantra?

“She who is brave, is free.”

I wrote it on my arm for the marathon and it kept me going when it got tough. I was brave, and it set me free.

 

What is your favorite piece of running/fitness gear?

I’m a massive Icebreaker running sock fan – they are made of 100% pure New Zealand merino wool. Throughout all my marathon training, I only ever got 2 tiny blisters on my toes. These socks are well worth the money to keep your feet sweet!

A very close second would be the Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra. I’m a D cup, so keeping the girls in place is essential!

 

What is your favorite “treat”?

There is an awesome social side to being a runner – its how I have made some of my closest friends in London (and making new friends can be hard when you move to a new city!). We often plan “bRUNches” – a weekend run which ends at a cafe with a coffee, a slice of cake and a good girly chat!

We have a team motto – will run for cake!

 

What is a long term running or fitness goal you have for yourself?

I’ve got the London Marathon on my hit list now – I really really want to run this city and I have my name in the ballot, so fingers crossed I get pulled out in October!

I also want to shift my focus to tone up a bit more – I have a wedding coming up soon, and my long dress covers my muscular runners legs – so I’ve started regularly practicing yoga again to gain strength and tone in my upper body and arms.

 

Tell us something unique about yourself.

I’m a travel addict. I’ve lived in 6 countries so far, and am constantly travelling at any chance I get. Last year we visited 16 new-to-us countries, and have plenty more on our hit list. Experiencing new places, meeting new people, being exposed to new foods, cultures, experiences – it’s exhilarating and I love it!

 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is starting out running, what would it be?

It sucks! Every single run starts out uncomfortable and you wonder why you are doing it. But at some point it clicks and you wonder why you ever wanted to stop and give up.

Keep trying, push a little bit harder and further each time – and wait for it to click. It will!

Also – invest in a good quality fitted sportsbra.

 

How do you find/make time to train?

It’s just part of my daily life and comes first. I’m lucky that my fiance Jase is very active too, so we motivate each other to get out of bed early in the mornings to train, and keep each other accountable.

I also have a cleaner 🙂

 

What’s an accomplishment you are most proud of?

Completing a marathon – something I never thought I ever wanted to do, or could do, or would do!

 

Head over to Leahs blog and check it out! You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.

If you would like to be featured in the Bloggers on the Run feature – please go here.