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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSeptember has been a busy but personally pleasing month in many ways. I ran in two races \u2013 the Compton Bassett 5 miler and the Chippenham Half Marathon \u2013 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 \u2013 preparing for my third half marathon<\/em><\/a> \u2013 and then posted a run report from the event<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n As well as races I have taken part in a parkrun each Saturday. I posted run reports for: Grove Fields<\/em><\/a> and Rogiet<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n I had a lovely surprise earlier in the month when I learned I had won a Wishful<\/em><\/a> \u2013 the bear who cannot be bought \u2013 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.<\/p>\n I posted reviews for 7 books in September \u2013 another mix of new releases and titles plucked from my still vast TBR pile. To read my thoughts on each of this month\u2019s books, click the title below.<\/p>\n Berlin Babel<\/em><\/a> by various, published by V&Q Books<\/p>\n The Martian<\/em><\/a> by Andy Weir, published by Del Rey<\/p>\n The Shadow of the Object<\/em><\/a> by Chloe Ardjis, published by Penguin<\/p>\n Blowout<\/em><\/a> by Susan Vaught, published by Bloomsbury<\/p>\n A Spot of Bother<\/em><\/a> by Mark Haddon, published by Vintage<\/p>\n Smelling of Rooks<\/em><\/a> by Louis de Bernieres, published by Salt<\/p>\n Before I Forget<\/em><\/a> by Anne Pauly (translated by Dina Leifer) published by Peirene<\/p>\n Sourcing the books<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n My efforts to read more books that have graced my shelves for years continue so just two new books received this month. I\u2019m looking forward to reading them both.<\/p>\n My continued thanks to those who still share my words across their social media platforms \u2013 whichever ones you are now using \u2013 your support is always appreciated. For anyone interested, you may find me on\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Threads<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n