I signed up on something of a whim to run a 10k Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research, slightly unprepared for the challenge that lay ahead. I hadn't run since the days of cross country club at school, and the treadmill was always the one machine in the gym I avoided like the plague. However, following my aunt's diagnosis with breast cancer, and never one to turn down a challenge I began running again, determined to complete the 10k without stopping to walk.

What followed was a very sweaty 10 weeks, in which my co-workers at The Amazing Blog witnessed my hobbling into work, my aching limbs, and a rather dodgy knee. And having completed the race with Eleanor and Sarah cheering me along, suffice to say that the following day my body was ravaged. Thankfully, I was booked in for a relaxing massage at Pure Massage in Fulham, a haven of tranquility tucked away from the lively Fulham Broadway.

I was taken into one of the treatment rooms by my friendly massuese and after leaving the room to allow me to undress she swiftly returned to work her magic. She begun the massage by placing a warm towel on my ankles and feet, which had an immediately soothing effect. With calming music playing in the background I slipped into a blissful state as warm oil was expertly worked into my throbbing muscles, with special attention being paid to my shoulders and calves which were, unsurprisingly particularly tight. After having massaged my back, neck and calves I was then turned over so the masseuse could concentrate on my legs and feet, and it seemed that the hour had passed in the blink of an eye.

Following the massage we briefly touched upon my exercise regime and the importance of regular massages in order to recover from strain and injury was emphasised upon. I was also told to ensure that I stay hydrated at all times - particularly when training. Given that after my Race For Life I swiftly signed up for a half marathon, I'll certainly be going back for a post run massage!

And so, whether, like me you're after a massage to help the condition and recovery of your body in relation to exercise, or whether you simply fancy indulging in a bit of me-time away from the hustle and bustle of London (particularly during the all-encompassing Olympics) visit Pure Massage in either Fulham or Bond Street - and with 15% off for all new clients, what's not to love?!

So we're mid-way through January, officially THE longest month of the year, and all the girls here at The Amazing Blog's HQ in Chelsea are still trying to abide by their new year's health kick resolution - some successfully, some not so! And as a bunch of professional beauty junkies we were all delighted to come across Age Aware Skincare from ARK, a fabulous brand who happen to have a Skincare Centre just round the corner from us in Fulham.

Founded in 1998, the first ARK Skincare Centre was launched in Fulham by Shula Starkey who wanted to create a luxurious salon experience that was both intimate and welcoming. Such was their popularity that they have since expanded into both Putney and Wimbledon, where they have become the leading destination for skincare fanatics - ourselves included!

Over a decade after ARK's first conception saw the exclusive launch of ARK Age Aware Skincare. Following on from 4 years of dedicated research, the skincare range is the result of a collaboration with Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed, a Naturopathic doctor and leading expert in preventative health and nutrition from Canada. Looking at the way in which skin ages, as opposed to specific skin types, they developed 'age appropriate' products for three age ranges: Age Prepare (teens to early 30s), Age Maintain (mid 30s to 50) and Age Repair (50s and beyond), thus pioneering an alternative way of looking after skin.

Offering ARK Age Aware Assessments, during which your skin is assessed to find the right solution for you, and a beautiful range of products that really work - and we've tried them - ARK offer a new and innovative way of looking after your skin that will change the way you treat it forever. My particular favourite is the Nourishing Body Lotion which is a combination of Shea Butter, Kukui, Coconut Oil, Sea Oak and Silk Proteins. This body lotion quite literally feels like liquid silk when applied to the skin. Although it's £26 for 250 ml, a little real does go a long way so that's good economy in my book. It is also without doubt one of the best long-lasting all round body lotions that I have ever used. I absolutely love, love, LOVE it!