September has been a busy but personally pleasing month in many ways. I ran in two races – the Compton Bassett 5 miler and the Chippenham Half Marathon – achieving PBs for the distances in both. The second of these was my big race for the year which I have been training for and focusing on over the warm, summer months. I posted about this preparation – preparing for my third half marathon – and then posted a run report from the event.
As well as races I have taken part in a parkrun each Saturday. I posted run reports for: Grove Fields and Rogiet.
Husband and I finished the month with a few days away in Wales where the weather was glorious and we walked up and down the Wye Valley until our legs could carry us no further. I will post about this adventure soon.
Our weekends continue to be family focused with our elder two children joining us when they are free. The hockey season has restarted which keeps Younger Son busy as he captains a team as well as coaching. During the week I have still made time for regular strength training and swimming alongside my running. I have been out on my bike a couple of times but this activity has gone on the back burner this year as I focus on other things.
I had a lovely surprise earlier in the month when I learned I had won a Wishful – the bear who cannot be bought – in a competition run by Merrythought. This gorgeous teddy has been made very welcome by my existing sleuth and garners hugs and admiration from visitors who understand how special, as well as cute, he is.
I posted reviews for 7 books in September – another mix of new releases and titles plucked from my still vast TBR pile. To read my thoughts on each of this month’s books, click the title below.
Berlin Babel by various, published by V&Q Books
The Martian by Andy Weir, published by Del Rey
The Shadow of the Object by Chloe Ardjis, published by Penguin
Blowout by Susan Vaught, published by Bloomsbury
A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon, published by Vintage
Smelling of Rooks by Louis de Bernieres, published by Salt
Before I Forget by Anne Pauly (translated by Dina Leifer) published by Peirene
Sourcing the books
My efforts to read more books that have graced my shelves for years continue so just two new books received this month. I’m looking forward to reading them both.
My continued thanks to those who still share my words across their social media platforms – whichever ones you are now using – your support is always appreciated. For anyone interested, you may find me on Instagram and Threads.
And to everyone reading this, I wish you and yours good health and pleasure in whatever form you appreciate. May you find time to relax with some good books, ones that take your mind of whatever else is going on in the madness that is now our wider world.
