Fitness and fun over the Easter weekend

The recent four-day weekend was just what was needed to recharge my batteries, and enjoy lots of time outdoors. The weather wasn't particularly warm, but it was mostly sunny and dry which is all you really need for some active adventures!

On Good Friday I squeezed in a 3mile run around Beddington Park - which is one of my favourite places to run near me - before heading over to James', to spend the weekend with him and his 8-year old daughter, E.

We drove over to Dunstable Downs in the afternoon to take part in their National Trust Cadbury Egg Hunt. There were clues hidden throughout the woods, relating to the birds, animals and plants that could be seen, which resulted in eight answers. These had to be filled in on a card, and then exchanged at the National Trust reception for three mini chocolate bunnies! We managed to persuade E to share, sort of...

On Saturday, the three of us headed out for a family bike ride along the Nickey Line, a disused railway track that runs from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden, through Redbourn. James and I have cycled the full distance, out and back before and it's a lovely off-road path, which is mainly flat and quite picturesque in some places.

E has only recently started cycling without stabilisers and is still growing in confidence (and steering ability), but she did amazingly! It was really lovely to be able to share my newfound love of exploring on two wheels with another budding cyclist, and we ended up riding 7 miles in total - with a picnic break at halfway of course. We had to make quite a few stops on the way back, but I was impressed that little legs managed to keep going all the way to the end.

I loved cycling when I was younger, and only got out of the habit after University, when I got a job and had to drive everywhere. Having passed on the cycling bug to James last year, I hope that we can continue to develop the interest in E as well!

After the excitement of the previous two days, Sunday was mainly spent chilling in the garden playing Junior Monopoly, building dens and eating too much chocolate! I also managed to finish my book and generally felt pretty relaxed, definitely something I want to cling onto over the next few weeks as things get busier. I start my new job on Monday, and by the sounds of it will be hitting the ground running (haha) so not letting the stress get to me will be key.

Another 3 mile run on Bank Holiday Monday rounded off the weekend - I'm running the RunThrough Hyde Park 10k next weekend, which should be fun. It's a stepping stone 'test' on the way to the London 10 mile on 4th June, to make sure I'm on the right track! Then I'll be cheering on all those taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday from the comfort of my sofa, probably drinking a cup of tea...

For the past few weeks, I've been enjoying one of the Heath & Heather Night Time teas before bed, which is part of their new 'Super Teas' range. This is a selection of herbal blends, which are designed for different tea-related scenarios, from the Energising Morning Time tea to help wake you up with a natural energy boost, to the Digestive Super Seeds blend that can ease digestion, and help control blood sugar levels. My favourite is definitely the Night Time, which is a camomile and spearmint infusion - it has Valerian root in it, which has been used for generations to help people with insomia, anxiety and restlessness. In higher doses, it is a natural sedative but the 1% in most teas will just help you feel a little drowsy and drift off to sleep quicker!

How did you spend your Bank Holiday weekend? 

Beki x

NB: I was sent a selection of Heath & Heather teas to try, but as always all opinions are my own.