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Anya Blackshaw

@runwithanya_

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Runner | Writer
🏃‍♀️ Navigating pregnancy loss through movement
💌 Essays on running, grief & healing⬇️
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Solace Back Yard Ultra📸

@solaceperformance taken in Cheshire County Showground by @runwithanya_

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6 days ago

An hour into my first marathon, my body decided to deliver the ultimate ill-timed joke; my period started.

No warning, no gentle heads up-just 25 miles left to go, zero preparation and a sudden sharp reminder of how little control we have over our own biology.

In my next piece, i’m finally sharing the raw and unfiltered story of what happened on the course and how it taught me the biggest lesson on confronting grief.

This post is the most honest piece I have ever written about grief, betrayal and finding a way forward. It was tough to write and I am nervous to publish this but hopefully, If you have ever had to push through when your body refuses to cooperate, or if you are navigating the complex journey of healing and movement after loss, this piece speaks to you.

full essay on Substack — link in bio😊

#substackwriter #WritingToHeal #PregnancyLossSupport #runningcommunity #miscarriage by @runwithanya_

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a month ago

Having to slow right down recently has given me way more time with my own thoughts than I’m used to. When your usual routine gets paused, there’s no avoiding the quiet or the things that surface when you finally sit still.

I spent some of that time putting those thoughts into words,
Writing ended up being a really grounding way to process it all, I’ve written two articles about my experiences of grief and running. One is out now on my substack and the other on Wednesday morning😊

If you fancy a thoughtful read, the link is in my bio.

#substackwriter #WritingToHeal #PregnancyLossSupport #runningcommunity #miscarriage by @runwithanya_

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2 months ago

🏅 Manchester Marathon🏅

I don’t think I’ll ever get over this day for as long as I live. I will never stop being grateful to the universe for allowing me to see the true depths of my strength. I know now that whatever life throws at me I can get through it! To run this for @tommys was a dream come true.

Also, to Emily, who ran with me the last 200 metres when I thought my legs were going to give up, I hope you see this one day as I never got your number. You quite honestly, were the reason I finished.

Chip time- 5:39:58

#manchestermarathon #miscarriage #MarathonFinisher #tommyscharity #strongerthanyouthink taken in Manchester, United Kingdom by @runwithanya_

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5 months ago

🌟My week of runs🌟

Week one post-backyard ultra🏃‍♀️✨

After weeks of structured training, this week was all about stripping it back to basics. No watch checking, no pace targets, and no training plan.

I’m pausing the big race goals for a little while to focus on remembering why I started running in the first place for the head space, the fresh air, and the sheer freedom of moving forward. I have had such an incredible year of running and achieving such big milestones. Now it’s time to focus on running for the pure joy of it💛💛

No expectations. Just running✨

#UltraRunning⁠ ⁠#BackyardUltra⁠ ⁠#RunnersOfInstagram⁠ ⁠#RunningCommunity⁠ ⁠#PostRaceRecovery⁠ by @runwithanya_

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a day ago

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2 days ago

💗The best kind of fuel is the fuel that keeps your body moving💗

For a long time, I treated food strictly like a fuel gauge. Hit the protein target. Optimize everything Recover, repeat. Because that’s what you see online. That’s the behaviour of a good runner right?

But as someone who genuinely loves food, stripping away the joy left my brain feeling completely depleted, long before my legs gave out.

Recently, I’ve been bringing whimsy back into my plate and reminding myself that a happy mind is also of equal importance. Sometimes the best fuel is simply the fuel that keeps you happy. 🥐❤️🎂

#fuelyourbody #fuelyourmind #fuelforsuccess #runner #marathontraining by @runwithanya_

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3 days ago

This year has been nothing short of incredible, and if you’d told me a year ago that this is where I’d be standing right now, I never would have believed you✨

So grateful for every step, every person who’s shared in this journey, and all the unexpected magic along the way. Here’s to dreaming bigger and seeing where the path leads next. 💫

#TrustTheProcess #PersonalGrowth #NewChapters #RunnersOfInstagram #DistanceRunning by @runwithanya_

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8 days ago

Solace Back Yard Ultra✅

My last big race of the year and my first Back yard ultra. Thank you @solaceperformance for such a brilliant event.

That was the hardest race to date that I have ever completed. From the get go I just couldn’t take on fuel properly which resulted in several laps of projectile vomit. Lost fuel and the inability to keep it down just got me in the end.

Nevertheless, the thing I’ll take away from this experience is far more important than any running milestone. I have the best support team in the whole entire world.

I have to thank @_kathryn_rivers_ and @rfr_ . The very fact that you sat in a tent for hours on end just to watch me run. Alex and @adam_blackshaw7 for following your crazy wives around no matter the insane task. The gorgeous Max and Imogen for making the most artistic, beautiful signs and lastly @girlsontherunclub and all the girls involved in this beautiful community. Without you I’d be nothing at all and your words and support mean more than anything I could ever obtain.

My first Back yard ultra, over and out👌 taken in Cheshire County Showground by @runwithanya_

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9 days ago

Climbed up to the top of the world to welcome in 25. I’m so excited to see what this year brings💫🎂

#Substack #SubstackWriter #personalessay #turning25 #LifeLessons taken in The Cloud by @runwithanya_

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13 days ago

✨25✨

It’s creeped up on me so fast. If you told me a year ago that 24 would bring all of this, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. It was a year of pushing boundaries, celebrating big wins, showing up consistently even when it got tough, and building a life I’m genuinely proud of.

24, over and out👏

#Substack #SubstackWriter #personalessay #turning25 #LifeLessons by @runwithanya_

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15 days ago

First run with @the.home.ruun topped off with a nice granola bowl and even got to try out @solaceperformance new hydration drinks! What a perfect start to Sunday morning💚 taken in Home Coffee & Studio by @runwithanya_

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22 days ago