As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Lifestyle · August 28, 2015

{Lifestyle} Running Essentials 

Running used to be such an essential part of my life a few years back. When I joined a pharma company for my university placement years back I met a bunch of people who used to go running every day at lunch time. I was not totally convinced so one day I decided to give it a try and yes you guessed it, it was painful and I was so out of breath and my feet bloody hurt. I sat down with one of the group instructors who told me I needed better trainers for running, better workout clothes (apparently leggings weren’t it 😂), running belt and water (😜). Obviously this hit a nerve but I was determined and had motivators (myself plus the cute dude in tight shorts didn’t hurt either) which kept me going back.

I believe I have an ok weight and an ok size (10-12) but I know I need to tone up to lose the excess weight, I do not wish to be slimmer just toned overall. Running and home exercises used to be my go to types of workout but now with summer blues eating me up and working 9-5 I am always too tired to do either but that does not mean you can’t or should try running out.

I was sent the running belt by Run Baby in old to facilitate this review, no other forms of compensation were received. All opinions are 100% my own.

The running belt is small and light, it has a buckle which can be loosed or tightened depending on your body size. It’s very soft and you can pack you keys, cards and even phone in the insert pocket in front. I do not run anymore but was doing home exercises and wore the belt, nothing fell out so you can be comforted knowing during your run either at home or gym you won’t lose anything. I love the design and now snuggly it fits around my waist and because the belt I was sent came in black you can wear it with any workout clothes.

I definitely love the product and happy to recommend to runners and also potential runners.

Are you a runner? Do you use running belts to have hand free running?

Disclaimer: I am not a professional runner but a leisurely one who runs when it suits the mood so the essential items listed are what has worked for me.

In: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. Ickle Pickle says

    August 31, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    I need to exercise more – I have trouble with my ankles so power walking would suit me better 🙂 Love the belt. Kaz

    Reply
  2. Penny Struebig says

    August 31, 2015 at 6:35 am

    I’m not a runner at all — but love to go on long walks. The belt would be great for that also. Also love the color of your shoes!!

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 8:29 am

      Thanks Penny, I am not much of a runner but this belt is very handy

  3. Olivia (@FjordBeauty) says

    August 30, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    I really need to get my running game going, I’ve been so lazy lately and feel really bad about it. I think this running belt is a good idea and it definitely comes in good use with all sorts of exercise!

    Olivia x
    http://www.beautyfromthefjord.co.uk

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 8:31 am

      I am with you there though I am not much of a runner. Thanks for stopping by Olivia

  4. Franc Ramon says

    August 30, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    A running belt can really give a place to store your stuff while running. This can really help speed you up.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 8:37 am

      As you’re the master runner I am glad to hear that

  5. Rosey says

    August 30, 2015 at 3:01 pm

    I like the idea of a belt that holds your keys like that… it’d be great for running. I bet my DIL would like one too.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 8:38 am

      I know right, it’s a great little handy running essential item

  6. Jessica Harlow says

    August 29, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    Having the right equipment to start any kind of exercise routine is key to sticking with it and being successful. I like having my hands free and not having to worry about carrying anything when I’m walking, running, or hiking.

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 8:43 am

      I couldn’t agree more, when I used to run I used to hate running carrying my keys

  7. Amanda says

    August 29, 2015 at 5:04 am

    I’ve never even really tried being a runner, but I have dabbed into jogging a little bit. The belt sounds like a great tool to help you out, so if I ever give it a shot, I’ll have to look into getting one.

    Reply
  8. Jacob Fu says

    August 29, 2015 at 2:32 am

    Those shoes are awesome – my wife’s favorite color too! I might have to surprise her with a pair of them 🙂

    Reply
    • Miranda says

      August 31, 2015 at 9:03 am

      Thanks

  9. Valerie says

    August 28, 2015 at 9:42 pm

    I am not a runner but I can definitely see how a running belt would be a good thing to have. Being hands free when running seems like it would be the way to go.

    Reply
  10. coolchillmom says

    August 28, 2015 at 8:28 pm

    recently I started running. I am a novice at it. I just go run. No belts, no special shoes. You got me very curious

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    I wish I like to run, but I just don’t. Maybe my problem is the same as your was, the wrong equipment.

    Reply
  12. Heather says

    August 28, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    I just started running and it takes a while to build up endurance. I’m trying to run a 5k by next summer, so far I’m able to successfully run 1 mile without water, I’m working my way up to 5k. This is totally brand new for me, but from what I’ve learned building stamina is a slow and steady process, it doesn’t happen over night. And yes good running shoes is a must.

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    August 28, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    This running belt is such a great idea. I always hate that I have to somehow hold onto my keys when going on a run…and then I get unmotivated and sit on the couch. Oops.

    Reply
  14. Jeanette says

    August 28, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    I am just where you were. I am trying to tone also. I know I need to slim down a little, but really just tone. I need some place to put my stuff when I exercise this would be perfect for that.

    Reply
  15. Audrey (Trhardmom) says

    August 28, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    I am an avid runner and train for Ironman and long distance triathlons that require running anywhere from 13-17 mile training runs. It is very helpful to have a belt that carries phone, key, and a water bottle! You never know when you will be able to get water on a long run or in my case I need special nutrition while I am running, so belts are a must! Definitely recommend! I have never heard of this brand, but use the Nathan belts myself.q

    Reply

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I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

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