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Travel

Travel Lexx – 2016 In Review

Well, 2016 is almost over and it’s time to recap another 12 awesome months of travel. It was…

December 27, 2016

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Gauja Trail by UTMB 20k ✅ 01:56:41. Final Rankin

Gauja Trail by UTMB 20k ✅ 01:56:41. Final Ranking: 64/778

What a fantastic weekend in Cesis, Latvia. The first edition of this race under the @utmbworldseries banner saw 3000 runners from 50 countries exploring the stunning Gauja National Park.

I originally signed up to run the 50k but the injury sustained in February meant that I needed to take my recovery seriously. So I did the smart thing and changed my registration to the 20k a few weeks back.

We arrived the day before the race and explored the trail village. The weather was fantastic and hundreds of runners and supporters got into the spirit in Cesis' main square with music, food and a fun opening ceremony. I got out for a fun shakeout with @compressport and explored the town with fellow runners.

The race started at 14:00 on Saturday which meant a chilled morning eating and following the 100k race. My only real goal for the race was to try and run under 2 hours as I continue to build back up after the injury.

After a start line ceremony led by the race "mascot", a mythical figure of the Livonian Devil, we were off. It was a very fast start thanks to the first few km being largely downhill. I definitely got swept up in the excitement and went out faster than planned. After a first couple of kms in Cesis, the trail weaved through the woods and along the Gauja River with a lot of single track running on soft sandy ground. Majority of the tough climbs came in the second half and I was definitely slower than I would have liked on the ascents (definitely regretted those fast early kms 😂).

The support along the course was fantastic, especially at the Ozolkans ski slope checkpoint - you could hear the drums, cowbells and cheers long before (and after!) we reached them.

In the end, I was super happy to cross the finish line in under 2 hours to cap off an amazing afternoon of running!

Massive thank you to @kiprun and @decathlon for the support and an amazing care package ahead of @utmbmontblanc. It's been so fun putting the Kipsummit Race carbon trail shoe through its paces and its first race test! Can't wait to share my thoughts! #gifted

#utmbworldseries #gauja #gaujabyutmb #trailrunninglife

April 14, 2024. Zaragoza Marathon. One of the lowe

April 14, 2024. Zaragoza Marathon. One of the lowest moments in my running journey while, at the same, a huge turning point. I came into the race feeling strong despite an IT band issue (hence all the KT tape 😂). Despite this being my 4th marathon, my strategy/nutrition etc were still not well-developed. I never stretched after runs, I never did running-specific strength training which led to injuries.

I set off and felt good. It was already warm at the start line (it would eventually hit 29c later in the day) but everything felt fine. Until it didn't. At 35km, despite starting to struggle with the heat, I was still looking at a 2:55 finish. At 37km, I stepped off the course because I felt like I was going to collapse. I spent 20 mins holding on to a lamppost while a Spanish man was feeding me sweet pastries and electrolytes so I wouldn't pass out.

I eventually regained enough strength to walk-run the last 4.5km to finish in 3:36. What went wrong? Pacing, fueling, hydration, weather? Ultimately it doesn't really matter because I didn't take care of the details. I wasn't in control and I paid the price.

What followed was an overhaul of how I train, how I prepare and how I take care of the details. I started stretching after every single run, started working with a strength and conditioning coach (@realperformancecoaching), started being meticulous about pacing, fueling and race prep. I wanted to make sure that what happened in Zaragoza never happens again.

What followed was an almost 2 year stretch of injury-free running full of personal bests, race successes across all distances and the most enjoyable period of running to date.

I still haven't ran post-Boston. It's been almost 5 weeks without a single run. It feels like I'll be starting from scratch but I know that it's not really the case. I'm a better runner than I was 2 years ago, I know so much more than I did back then.

An injury and a race setback was ultimately what I needed to change things up and improve. I've done it before and I'm about to do it again. I'm excited about this comeback. It's almost time to go to work 💪 #running #runnerscommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #runnershigh

How time flies! 3 weeks since running @bostonmarat

How time flies! 3 weeks since running @bostonmarathon and what an incredible experience! Years of hard work culminating in the famous Right on Hereford and Left on Boylston.

It almost wasn't to be. I picked up an injury in late February which, whilst not bad enough to stop me training completely, did affect my running and my recovery. I had to make a call on whether to recover or try and push through and make it to that start line in Hopkinton.

I chose the latter. I was very very close to giving up many times. On an extremely windy Wednesday in March, I struggled to hit my paces in a session and slipped taking a fast corner. Blood was flowing freely and tears were almost too. I was literally a second away from withdrawing from the race. For some reason I got up and ran another 11 km intervals. They were awful but I didn't want to give up.

Now I'm a Boston Marathon Finisher. It wasn't fast (a 3:13 that I'd normally be disappointed with) nor was it pretty (I walked, I stopped, I stretched, I hobbled) but I did it. And that's something I will always be proud of.

The crowds on what was a pretty cold Patriots' Day were insane. The atmosphere unlike anything I've ever experienced. A part of me wants to go back next year and run it healthy (I will still have a BQ time) but the memories of 2026 will always be there.

I still haven't ran since. I'm taking my time recovering, strengthening, improving. After my last injury setback, I put together my best 18 months of running to date. Time to go and do it all over again.

Loads of incredibly exciting running, travel and life updates coming up. Stay tuned 💪

#bostonmarathon #boston #running #runninglife #runningmotivation

Wales, or more specifically Eryri (Snowdonia) Nati

Wales, or more specifically Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park has pretty much become a second home for us in the UK. Back in 2020/2021, as the pandemic was still spreading across the world, there were plenty of challenges that came with travelling abroad (does anyone remember the traffic light system?). For a while it was simply easier to stay closer to home. However this meant that we got to discover places that we may not have otherwise.

I now travel to Eryri at least three times a year. Its perfect blend of natural beauty, quaint towns and, of course, countless places to trail run, is a perfect combination for a short break. We always stay in our favourite B&B in Trefriw @crafnanthouse, ran by an amazing couple Stuart and Jasmine (and their Guest Relations Manager, Bryn - last photo) which is our base to explore this incredible region from.

Can't wait to be back here in May to run, volunteer at @ultratrailsnowdonia and drink in these incredible views that I'll never get tired of.

#eryri #snowdonianationalpark #snowdoniagram #eryrinationalpark #trailrunninglife

I'm going back to Chamonix in 2026! Being part of

I'm going back to Chamonix in 2026! Being part of @utmbmontblanc week last year was one of the most incredible experiences I'll ever have as a runner/spectator. While I didn't have any Running Stones to enter the "main" races this year, I realised I could still enter ETC - Experience Trail Courmayeur. It's a 15km race with 1200m elevation but I just super excited to have the opportunity to be back in Chamonix! I hope I haven't used up all my lottery luck with back to back UTMB successful lotteries 😂

Who else will I see in Chamonix/Courmayeur?

I might open to crewing/support too so give me a shout if you're planning to run one of the longer races!

@utmbworldseries

#utmbworldseries #utmb2026 #utmb #utmbmontblanc #running

In 2025, running what seemed like endless loops of

In 2025, running what seemed like endless loops of Central Park, looking up at the Manhattan skyline, I finally unlocked the famed "Runner's High" - or maybe it was just happiness of being lucky enough to be exploring one of the world's greatest cities on a run.

I didn't love NYC when I touched down in USA for the first time back in 2015. It was my first taste of America and New York was an assault on the senses in so many different ways. In hindsight, I (understandably!) prioritised seeing the big hitters, darting from museum to museum, one iconic landmark to the next. While I still walked around less touristy neighbourhoods, stayed in trendy Williamsburg, mixed it up with the locals in the upper deck of Yankee Stadium, I still felt like more of a tourist than in other places. But hey, it's NYC right?!

Fast forward 10 years and three more visits and I've started to "get" New York more. That sometimes it's not about the museums, the architecture, the places you've seen on TV thousands of times. Sometimes it's about enjoying sunrise views along the Hudson with hundreds other runners. Sometimes it's about people watching from a local coffee shop where the staff know all the regulars' orders. Sometimes it's about watching baseball at a dimly lit burger bar around the corner from my hotel.

NYC is the place that is growing on me with every visit and not because of its sights but because of the everyday moments and being a small part of these. For me, more so than other places around the world, this is the key to loving this unique, incredible city.

#newyork_ig #newyork_instagram #newyorkers #centralparknyc #travelwithme

As 2025 draws to an end, I wanted to reflect on an

As 2025 draws to an end, I wanted to reflect on an incredible year of travel and running. I've been so lucky to be able to continue seeing incredible places around the world while shifting even more of my focus to running!

From unlocking a "runner's high" in Central Park to experiencing the most incredible finish line atmosphere in Chamonix, it's been a year I will never forget.

I've made time for other things too, promise! From hiking in Tatras National Park in Poland to exploring Grenada' lush interior and experiencing some of Europe's coolest cities (in Paris and Berlin's case - multiple times!), there were plenty of non-running experiences too. And, of course, the customary visits to Eryri (Snowdonia) and plenty of amazing train adventures!

2026 could turn out to be even more exciting for various reasons so watch this space 😉.

For now, thank you to everyone who follows me, whether because of running or travel. Have an incredible 2026 and happy travels!

#travel #travelgoals #travelwithme #runninglife #runnersofinstagram

This is the moment that I finally knew that all th

This is the moment that I finally knew that all the training, all the hard work, all the stress and worry has paid off. Yep, about 5 metres from the finish line. Last Sunday's race was the hardest I've ever had to work in a marathon (maybe any race even!). I finished in 2:49:48, a massive 7 minute PB and I still can't quite believe it.

I've had a great training block, building on all the work for @chimarathon back in October and rolling straight into building a strong base over the winter. The truth is, London (or any spring marathon) wasn't even on my mind. I was training for @ultratrailsnowdonia, mixing up road training with time on the trails. But when an opportunity came up to represent @thehumaneresearchtrust at London, I pivoted and shifted more towards road again. Along the way came PBs at @wokinghamhalf (1:18:56) and at @runthroughuk Chase The Sun Battersea Park 10k (35:02)

So I knew I was in great shape for London. However, the weather gods had other ideas! A very warm morning with little to no cloud cover meant that I needed to adapt my race strategy. Out was my plan to run a much quicker second half and in were electrolyte tablets, handheld water bottle with @tailwindnutritionuk and a hat 😂

While my splits and my time may suggest that I was in control, in truth I never once felt comfortable on Sunday. Not in the first few kms, not at half way and especially not at the end. I expect to be tired in a marathon, I expect for my legs to be heavy - but maybe at the 35km mark, not before 20k! My training couldn't have gone better, I trained at much faster paces (I always run at a slower MP than one I train at to give myself room to manouver) so I knew it was down to the weather.

Luckily, my hydration/nutrition strategy ended up being enough. @torqfitness gels every 6km, @saltstick fastchews every 15-30 mins, a handheld soft flask of Tailwind - combined with dousing myself and my hat in water at every station - have just about got me through the day.

As have the spectators. The crowds were absolutely insane every step of the way. It made London 2025 a truly special day!

#londonmarathon #runningmotivation #running #runnerscommunity #runninglife

In the UK, millions of animals are used for medica

In the UK, millions of animals are used for medical research every year. The Humane Research Trust believes that human health can be researched using non-animal methods. They have been actively supporting scientists in making significant breakthroughs in a broad range of medical fields - from neurology to cancer research - for over 60 years, while keeping research humane and animal-free!

I'm very proud to be supporting the work of The Humane Research Trust in supporting life-changing medical research using non-animal methods by running the TCS London Marathon on 27th April.

I'd be forever grateful for any support you could provide. Every penny goes towards this fantastic cause!

Let's talk about "bad runs". Sometimes things just

Let's talk about "bad runs". Sometimes things just don't go to plan or the plan itself is not quite right. However, often, things that lead to "bad runs" are within our control. It made me think of a session that REALLY didn't go to plan just a week before I ran a half marathon PB.

#runnerscommunity #runninglife #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #halfmarathoner #halfmarathonprep #wokinghamhalfmarathon #wokingham #shinfieldrunningclub @wokinghamhalf

I'll be running Wokingham Half Marathon this Sunda

I'll be running Wokingham Half Marathon this Sunday, hopefully going for a PB which currently stands at 01:22:15. Its my local race so I know the course fairly well. Looking forward to my first road race of 2025!

#runnerscommunity #runninglife #runnersofinstagram #runningmotivation #halfmarathoner #halfmarathonprep #wokinghamhalfmarathon #wokingham #shinfieldrunningclub @wokinghamhalf

A little update on my running as the race calendar

A little update on my running as the race calendar has got a lot busier over the last few weeks! I'm now running the @londonmarathon this April and raising for an awesome charity @thehumaneresearchtrust who support incredible and ground-breaking work in medical research without using animals! Please support their work if you at all can!

https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/alexei-gaynanov

Just a few days later, I found out that I was successful in the @utmbmontblanc lottery and gained a place in the OCC - the World Series Finals of the 50k category in Chamonix. This will be another awesome experience later this year.

This is all on top of the races I already have booked. I'm running Wokingham Half Marathon in February, hoping to go sub 1:20. In May, I'll hopefully be tackling my first 100km ultra in Wales at @ultratrailsnowdonia . I ALSO have a 69km ultra in Croatia at @istria100 in April, but I booked that before I knew about my London Marathon place so running an ultra 2 weeks before attempting a fast marathon might not be the smartest idea! Who knows though!

#runninglife #runnerscommunity #runnersofinstagram #running #runningmotivation #runlife #utmbworldseries #utmb2025 #chamonixmontblanc #londonmarathon #wokinghamhalfmarathon #istria100 #ultratrailsnowdonia

Unboxing my new @saucony_eu Peregrine 14s. Expandi

Unboxing my new @saucony_eu Peregrine 14s. Expanding my trail shoe rotation! These felt nice and comfortable straight out of the box as I took them for a 10k run around my local trails. These will be a great training partner for the various UTMB World Series races I've entered! What's your go-to trail shoe?

#runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #trailrunners #trailrunninglife #utmb #utmbworldseries #sauconyrunning

Do you enjoy running in the winter in the UK? #ru

Do you enjoy running in the winter in the UK?

#runnerscommunity #runningmotivation #runninglife #runners #marathoner #runnersofinstagram #ukrunchat #ukrunning #ukrunners #ukrunningcommunity

Anyone else? 😂 #runningmotivation #runners #ma

Anyone else? 😂

#runningmotivation #runners #marathoner #runnersofinstagram #runningcommunity #easyrun #runninglife #runnerscommunity

Our 2022 in Travel. What a year it has been. We've

Our 2022 in Travel. What a year it has been. We've been on the road for almost 9 months and I thought I'd make a little reel to highlight some awesome memories from around the world 😍 #travel #wanderlust #travelling #aroundtheworld #guatemala #costarica #japan #taiwan #austria #turkey #travelexx #travelwithme #traveldeeper

Hot Take Alert🔥💥🥵! Does anyone else do th

Hot Take Alert🔥💥🥵! Does anyone else do this when the fly? I only consume content on my phone when I travel!

#travel #hottake #traveldeeper #planegeek #airplanelovers #airplanes #wanderlust

Starting the day right - Panajachel's @cafelococof

Starting the day right - Panajachel's @cafelococoffee is one of my favourite coffee shops of our Central America trip so far 😍

#coffeeloversclub #coffee #coffeetime #guatemalacoffee #panajachel #lagoatitlan

Our first stop, after spending a day or so in capi

Our first stop, after spending a day or so in capital San Jose, was on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. We headed to a small town of Cahuita, which serves as the gateway to a national park of the same name. It's one of the country's smallest national parks but that makes it very easy to explore.

~

The park sits right next to the town and the single hiking trail meanders through the rainforest and via many white sand beaches and provides loads of opportunities to spot wildlife.

~

We spotted howler monkeys, raccoons, many different bird species but the highlight was an encounter with the white-faced capuchin monkeys which we observed for a while playing, grooming and jumping about! It was a wonderful introduction to Costa Rican wildlife!

#travel #wanderlustmag #ngtuk #natgeotravelphoto #costarica #costarica🇨🇷 #costaricatravel #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #cahuita #cahuitanationalpark #visitcostarica #puravida #puravidacostarica #nationalparkgeek #capuchin #capuchinmonkey #cahuitacostarica #hikingtheglobe #costacaribe #howlermonkey #samsungphotography #traveldeeper #travelexx #centralamericatravel #costaricawildlife #costaricanature #costaricabeach

@visit_costarica @visit_costaricauk @visitcostarica_pr @sinac_cr

What springs to mind when you think of a hostel? M

What springs to mind when you think of a hostel? Messy dorm rooms and shared bathrooms or a sense of community and newfound friendships?

~

For me it's undoubtedly the latter, having stayed in hostels all over the world in the last 10 years, as travel became a huge part of my life. Some of my closest friends to this day are people I met in hostels or through their tours or recommendations. My fondest memories are not necessarily of temples, beaches and museums, but of people that I shared the experiences with.

~

I'd like to think I know a good hostel when I see (well, stay in) one. We spent our first couple of nights in Costa Rica in Selina San Jose and it was a pretty cool way to start our trip. The facilities were excellent, the food pretty exceptional by hostel standards (not that many hostels even have their own restaurant/bar on sight) and the staff attentive.

~

We really enjoyed the daily Welcome Drink that brought travellers together and various activities, such as a traditional cooking class by the awesome experience manager, Sofia.

~

Oh and an old VW as a reception desk? 😍

#travel #wanderlust #natgeotravelphoto #ngtuk #wanderlustmag #costaricalife #costarica🇨🇷 #sanjosecostarica #sanjosé #selinasanjose #selinahostels #visitcostarica #costaricatravel #costaricapuravida #costaricacool #costaricagram #hostellife #hostelsoftheworld #hostels #traveldeeper #travelwithme #centralamericatravel #vwlovers #vwscene #vwlover #samsungphotography #fodorsonthego #viajandoporelmundo #viajesporelmundo #viajesinolvidables

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