Physical Activity

Be Happier Walking with Nature

I once wrote about the power of numbers, how they can tell stories and how they changed my life (1) but too often, when sharing a walk on social media, the numbers overshadow the experience. I rejoice at how many miles we have walked (it’s even my blogging name), at how many hours we have walked for and about how many calories we burned during the walk. Rarely do I count or recount the animals I have seen, the different types of flora or the moments when being in a wood or on a hill has filled me with a sense of bliss.

Those moments when I feel connected to nature.

So, when Paths for All shared that they were hosting a seminar on “Walking with Nature” I decided to learn more.

And what I learned has changed my walks forever and hopefully will also encourage you to walk with nature.

Nature Connectedness

Is a term in psychology (2) that describes the relationship between humans and the rest of nature. Importantly, this doesn’t simply equate to our exposure to nature, but instead it relates to how we interact with, observe and appreciate nature.

It’s about pausing to admire the shape of leaves, about listening to the sounds of birds and about taking a deep breath of that country air or feeling the heat of the sun on our cheeks (in Scotland, it’s more frequently the feel of an icy blast of air).

It’s having compassion for nature whether it’s out in the countryside or in our own gardens. Providing feeders for birds or bee friendly plants.

For those without access to parks or even a garden, it can be as simple as watching the clouds, gazing at the stars or marvelling at a sunrise.

Why does it matter?

Why should we care about connecting with nature? How does it benefit us and nature?

The first obvious benefit is happiness (3). Throughout human history, nature and the land have been intrinsically connected to our development and even our survival, so it’s natural that we have retained a psychological connection to nature. Think about how we respond emotionally to seeing new born calves or the first signs of spring.

Those who feel more connected to nature also tend to be more conscientious, outgoing, open and agreeable (4). They are more resilient and better equipped to deal with obstacles and problems (5).

If it is possible to take any positives from the Covid19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, one outcome is greater appreciation of nature and how we have used it to keep our minds and our bodies healthy. Hopefully, post COVID19, we will not forget how going for a walk in the park lifted our spirits and helped us to connect with others. We have learned that everyone needs nature.

A stronger relationship with nature also makes it more likely that we might adopt more sustainable and more environmentally friendly practices (5). An example of this was this weekend’s Glasgow city wide spring clean which saw hundreds of people collecting 9 tonnes of litter on Saturday alone. If only we could encourage people not to litter in the first place.

By feeling connected to nature, we feel more protective of it and now more than ever, every engagement with nature matters.

Love nature and love thyself.

Another benefit that I have personally experienced is a greater feeling of body positivity or rather, a reduced sense of self loathing. When out walking, I am not thinking about my weight. I am not concerned about my reduced fitness. If anything, I feel stronger, fitter and more alive when I’m walking through a wood, up a hill or occasionally swimming in a loch.

And it is a thing. Research shows that those who feel connected to nature have a greater appreciation for their own bodies (5). In feeling more connected to the world around us, we feel more positive about our place in that world and this can shape how we feel about our own shape.

Walking with Nature

So now, when I go for a walk, I walk with nature. I look more closely at the fungi, I appreciate the life (in the form of bugs, grubs and moss etc) that dead trees support, I stop and consider how wonderful it is to be able to experience the nature around me and I think more about the impact my presence makes. I stop and smell the roses.

There be life in, on and under this tree.

In walking and connecting with nature, I feel happier. I feel less stressed. I feel more prepared for what life throws at me. I feel like blogging again and it has been a while.

Paths for All’s Walking with Nature campaign (6) has finished but it still provides a great resource for information including links to the “Noticing Nature” report (7) from the National Trust and the University of Derby.

And for those interested in learning even more (yes, that includes myself), you can enrol in a short course on Nature Connectedness with the University of Derby (8).

Alternatively, just go walking with nature and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us. The world outside is fabulous and stopping for a moment to appreciate it can make a world of difference to our wellbeing.

Even the boys are now walking with nature

References:

(1)https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2014/11/25/zero-to-25000-steps-a-day-my-personal-story-and-numbers-of-lifestyle-and-physical-transformation/

(2)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_connectedness#:~:text=Nature%20connectedness%20is%20the%20extent,parts%20that%20are%20not%20pleasing.&text=The%20affective%20component%20is%20an%20individual’s%20sense%20of%20care%20for%20nature.

(3) Capladi, Dopko and Zelenski (2014) The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: a meta-analysis https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00976

(4) Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., and Murphy, S. A. (2011). Happiness is in our nature: exploring nature relatedness as a contributor to subjective well-being. J. Happiness Stud. 12, 303–322. doi: 10.1007/s10902-010-9197-7

(5) Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., and Dolliver, K. (2009). Why is nature beneficial? The role of connectedness to nature. Environ. Behav. 41, 607–643. doi: 10.1177/0013916508319745 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0013916508319745

(6) Swami, V., Barron, D., Weis, L. and Furnham, A. 2016. Bodies in Nature: Associations between Exposure to Nature, Connectedness to Nature, and Body Image. Body Image: An International Journal of Research. 18, pp. 153-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.07.002

(6)https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/wod-tip-and-story/walking-with-nature-connecting-wherever-you-are

(7) https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/documents/noticing-nature-report-feb-2020.pdf

(8)https://www.derby.ac.uk/short-courses-cpd/online/free-courses/nature-connectedness-relationship-with-nature/

April 11, 2021 3 comments

Europe Physical Activity Travel

Onich Hotel Pods Review-Location, Location, Location

written by Stephen Morrison

Earlier in the year we had an amazing stay in the Yorkshire Dales and you can read all about our awesome accommodation near Richmond here. It made us realise just how much was available only a few hours from our home and made us think more about what other parts of the UK we were missing out on.

With the smart money on COVID19 restrictions impacting overseas travel long term, we have been actively looking for more UK destinations to escape to and over the next couple of blogs, I am going to make a few suggestions which you, dear reader, might want to consider for your own breaks (travel restrictions permitting).

All of my recommendations meet a certain criteria and they range from budget priced to don’t ask the price (although for transparency and to guide you, I will tell you).

We love walking and exploring and wanted to stay away from cities, so every location has access to the great outdoors and has self catering facilities along with beds for four. On site (or nearly on site on one occasion) parking is available and all have shops and restaurants within reasonable driving or even walking distance.

Our first destination was close to home and located on the banks of Loch Linnhe, near Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland

Onich Hotel Pods Review

The Onich Hotel is a 3-Star family hotel offering very fine breakfasts and unsurpassed views of Loch Linnhe. The decor of the lounge and the reception are quite dated and reviews of the rooms suggest that refurbishment might be overdue. I cannot comment as we didn’t stay in one of the hotel rooms. Instead, we spent two nights in one of their fabulous beach pods.

Onich Pods

Located at the end of the hotel’s extensive gardens lie four beach pods all with space for one parked car.

Being pods, they are not overly spacious and with a double bed and a couch bed a family of four is tight, but is it doable. And also highly recommended. Sitting at the front door looking over Loch Linnhe was a delight at any time of the day and in any direction, although do take some midge repellent.

Being close to the beach was also handy for some early morning swims. It was a bit chilly for going sans wetsuit but it did feel invigorating.

Those looking for a less extreme way of bathing each morning will be happy to know that in addition to a rudimentary kitchen area (it has a washboard, an ample sized fridge and a sink) the Onich Hotel Pods come with a surprisingly powerful, warm and very comfortable shower.

After swimming/showering, the Onich Hotel offers a good breakfast. We hadn’t originally added to our reservation but on arrival we noted that options locally were limited (10-15 minute drive to Fort William) and decided to book breakfast for our two mornings at a cost of £9.95 per person per day/

Having witnessed a rather poor and slow evening bar service (I am a hospitality graduate and former bar manager so possibly a bit overly critical), we didn’t quite know what to expect from breakfast service. What we experienced was a friendly, helpful and speedy service and a very relaxed and stylish breakfast area (inside and outside).

Full Scottish breakfasts were the order of the day and the quality of the fayre was reasonable. Hotel breakfast sausages and black pudding can be hit or miss but the Onich Hotel offerings were above average and everyone seemed to enjoy them.

Summary

Everything about the hotel seemed just above average but the truly beautiful location, view and fun pod experience are what make it worth while as a base to explore the Highlands. It really is a case of location, location, location.

The hotel suffers from some dated decor and did seem understaffed at times, although those staff were extremely helpful and attentive.

For those worrying about COVID19, temperature checks were taken on arrival and all guests were asked to wear masks when not seated. Spacing at breakfast was adequate and staff also wore masks.

With Glen Coe only 10 mins away in one direction and Ben Nevis 20 mins in the other, it is a great base for those wishing to enjoy some of Scotland’s most iconic locations.

November 2, 2020 1 comment

Europe Physical Activity Travel

A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

written by Stephen Morrison

With our trip to the US delayed (hopefully not completely cancelled) by COVID-19, we decided to take advantage of the relaxation of lockdown rules by booking a staycation in the UK.

With one householder shielding, we were all effectively shielding so along with face masks and hand sanitisers, we also needed to look for a self catering lodge in ideally an area not too far from Glasgow.

Yorkshire has been on my partner’s bucket list for as long as I have known her and, as a family, we all enjoy walking (or rather Teresa and I enjoy walking and the boys manage to mostly contain their displeasure). With its rolling hills, an abundance of waterfalls, charming market towns (each complete with its community pub) and its castles, abbeys and viaducts, Yorkshire ticked all the boxes (including being a producer of cheese and and ice cream) and the only question we had was why we had never made this short trip across the border before now?

Looking over the last few months, COVID-19 has made us look closer to home not just for holidays but also in our shopping with local shops and businesses now gaining more of our custom. Having suffered in spring, this summer presents the UK travel industry with an opportunity to showcase why a holiday in the UK is not only a reasonable substitute for oversea holidays but also something that we may want to consider post COVID-19.

It was time for a Yorkshire staycation.

Especially, if UK hospitality and the standard of accommodation we experienced in Yorkshire is anything to go by.

In search of a base from which to explore Yorksire, we had looked to Google with a search for the “best Yorkshire lodges” and one of the results caught our attention immediately.

It was Together Travel Co’s Lodge 11 in Richmond. This would be our base for our Yorkshire staycation.

Set in 55 acres of picturesque countryside complete with trails, magical views and an army of rabbits welcoming our arrival, we approached our lodge in wonder. We are not unaccustomed to four and five star accommodation, but the owners have done a remarkable job in fitting these lodges to meet the needs of its residents.

Included in the price was a full compendium of streaming options including Sky, Netflix, Disney + Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Now TV all available for post walk relaxation for the boys. They were not completely overwhelmed by the availability of a PS3, a Wii and board games but I reckon these might be very popular with families with younger children.

Daniel, our oldest, was also impressed with the smart heating system which winter visitors might appreciate.

For us, the main attractions were the glass front and enclosed balcony (ideal for small children and pets), the internal log fire, the elevated private snug with its fire pit and the luxurious bedrooms and en-suites.

These came as two queens and one king with the latter also equipped with a smart TV. Soaps, shampoo and shower gels came courtesy of the White Company. Three en-suite bathrooms with showers is fantastic, but after days hiking in the Yorkshire Dales, we would have loved a bath or better still, a hot tub to relax in.

We did however enjoy sinking into the beds at night while Teresa had found her cosy spot in the corner of the main sitting area. She loved this seat and footrest so much, we now have them in our own home. We didn’t steal this actual set, but instead turned them upside down and discovered that they were available at Next.

With a washer drier, ample fridge and freezer space, Bosch dishwasher and an oven and hob, the kitchen area and boot room made self catering stay a breeze. With COVID-19 still a threat, the owners had left a cleaning pack and had also left us enough firewood for both fires. We had brought our own, but there was ample provided and you are asked not to use wood not supplied by the owners

The market town of Richmond is only a 5 minute drive (or 30 minute walk) and it has many stores and takeaways to stock up your supplies. Special mention must go to the Shanghai City takeaway which produced one of the best salt and chilli chicken dishes I’ve ever eaten and which had a wonderfully strict and regimented social distancing service in place. I would have added a picture, but we devoured our dishes as soon as they were plated.

The weather while we visited was a mixture of sun, clouds and rain so we didn’t use the snug as much as we had anticipated and the weather wasn’t the only reason. The grounds of the lodges are well maintained but every time we ascended the steps to our snug, we had to carefully navigate our way through nettles which were threatening to invade the area. I feel bad mentioning this as the stay was otherwise perfect and keeping on top of the nettles must be difficult, even more so during lockdown, but it did sour the experience (for me at least in my shorts), especially with no doc leaves around to sooth my stings.

Also within the grounds are woodland trails, complete with benches at the peaks of the few short ascents, hides for the boys and great views across the meadows. Information on all the walks are available in the lodge. On our last day, we opted for the Richmond and River Swale walk. With two teenagers taking their time and two adults taking far too many pictures and enjoying the tranquility, this relatively flat walk took us about 1.5 hours.

Our walks and experiences in Yorkshire deserve their own blog, even if we were not overly adventurous but to summarise them, the people were friendly and helpful (even with social distancing) and the variety of activities and sights would satisfy most families. Brimham Rocks is especially awesome.

Having sampled Together Travel Co’s offerings in Richmond, we have been looking at their other properties across the UK and would also have no hesitation in returning to this location.

While it sits in a secluded pasture surrounded by trees, it is close enough to Richmond to get supplies and you can travel in either direction to access more of Yorkshire. It is spacious with that floor to ceiling glass front allowing plenty of light and the indoor log fire was my personal favourite feature. It has every amenity that you could ever need…except for a bath and for that reason it scores:

9/10

July 13, 2020 3 comments

Physical Activity

Mission Possible

written by Stephen Morrison

In my previous blog post, I shared a great COVID-19 update from Vitality, so it is only fair that I share an update on how I am progressing.

I have been a bit down on myself of late , looking at my weight and the self imposed pressure I’ve placed upon myself and motivation was, for too long, missing.

Thankfully, words from Professor Greg Whyte (he’s on my bookshelf) came back to inspire me.

I’ve been so frightened of failure and its inevitability that I’ve forgotten that while some things are outwith my control, the ability to improve my health lies within me.

My confidence and a level of consistency have gradually returned and while I haven’t really made much use of the Vitality Rewards (although I have just activated my Peloton membership now that I am feeling a little bit fitter), I have made some progress.

I can do this. This is Mission Possible.

To Measure is to Know

If you have ever read my first blog for the British Medical Journal, you’ll recognise that I fare better when I measure my baseline and my progress. A scale is good, but with me undertaking more strength and cardio work (more on that in a wee bit) it doesn’t provide a full picture.

Thankfully Vitality have once again responded to the COVOD-19 crisis with a welcome move.

For £12.50 (free to Vitality Health members), partner provider Bluecrest will send me out a pack to undertake some home measurements, including a blood sample, while I will have a video call with a Vitality Nurse in two weeks.

I also have a blood pressure monitor at home and having spent the last seven weeks at home as a family, I am conscious of the risk factors of high blood pressure and part of my efforts to move more and eat more healthily is driven by my desire to address this marker, especially during this COVID=10 period.

However, to get started and to keep myself accountable, I am publishing my current measurements. I am hoping to see some progress over the next few months and I’ll update monthly.

Mission Possible Stats

	04/05/2020	01/06/2020	20/07/20	31/08/2020
Weight (lbs)	282.8
Skeletal Muscle Mass	95.9
Blood Pressure	134/87
Chest (cms)	128
Bicep	35.5
Waist	142
Thigh	65
Calf	45

Put the Kettle(bell) on

If not yet using the Peloton and Jessica Ennis-Hill apps from Vitality, what have I been doing to stay active and get fit?

Teresa and I have rediscovered our love for swinging. No, you filthy animals, not that type of swinging. It’s swinging kettlebells.

There’s something about swinging a heavy weight between your legs, thrusting your hips forward (again with your dirty mind) and generally lifting, pressing and pulling a kettlebell that I don’t seem to feel with a barbell. A good routine helps and Teresa and I now swear by Bodyfit by Amy videos on YouTube. They are short (although I need to add five minutes to earn Vitality points) challenging and over the past few weeks, we’ve both seen progress.

I’ve moved from an 8kg kettlebell to a 10kg and I reckon I’ll soon need to move up or use a heavier weight for swings and squats. Teresa is moving much better, is looking more toned and we are both having fun training with each other.

However, I have always enjoyed a class atmosphere, so when given the opportunity to train with celebrated trainer and blogger Elle Linton via Zoom, I decided to give it a bash (literally, as I hurled my kettlebell to the floor during warm-up).

Image by Anna Rach Photography

On Tuesdays at 7.15pm (see here for her full schedule) she delivers a 30 minute kettlebell interval session suitable for all levels. Using Zoom (for now, as I have a cunning plan for her), she is able to watch us and guide us just like in a pre-COVID-19 class.

At only £3.50 it is excellent value and adds a little variety to my workouts.

One of the things that I want to do more of is support small businesses during this period of lockdown and social distancing and while YouTube is a great resource, the personal touch of a live trainer adds value and does help, with me at least, with consistency (you cannot be accountable to a video).

I will be supporting Personal Trainers and eventually Yoga instructors in my own area, but Tuesday nights with Elle will become a fixture. Elle is knowledgeable, encouraging and a fun trainer to work with and if you want to book a session with her, I would highly recommend it. Feel free to join me this Tuesday (although numbers are limited).

With Kettlebells now seemingly a tradable commodity and worth more than oil, a milk carton is a hand alternative if you don’t have a kettlebell or, if you fancy something different, look through Elle’s schedule for a class that suits you.

All the Ladies…

With Amy, Elle, Peloton and Teresa (and maybe soon Jessica), I am confident of seeing some good progress over the next few months. I just need to be consistent and keep enjoying what I am doing and believing in Mission Possible.

Please note: This is neither a sponsored post nor does it contain affiliate links. However, in a few months I will be posting on a new social media platform that myself and others have been developing for a few years. On it, you can directly tip any of my posts that you enjoy and you can even get rewards for engaging with me while we ALL share in the ad revenue generated by US on the platform.

May 4, 2020 0 comment

Journey Obesity Physical Activity

Can I get fit with PJG Online Personal Training?

written by Stephen Morrison

Two years of injury, illness, stress and a lack of focus, consistency or determination has led to this point.

Where I am 262 lbs, unfit, relatively inactive (compared to my previous exploits, that is) and rarely writing for myself.

If I am honest, I’ve been on this path since I crossed the finish line of the Copenhagen Marathon (have I ever mentioned that I ran a marathon?) in 2014.

People had laughed when I first revealed this goal and finally achieving it seemed to end my need to prove the doubters wrong while it also left me in an abyss, chasing new highs, new goals and new opportunities, all without the same passion and relentlessness that had seen me drop 178lbs, run a marathon and gain prestigious, rewarding and award winning roles in health promotion.

For too much of my life, I have sought validation from others. I’ve tried to hide and deny my insecurities and I have been guilty of self sabotage; physically, mentally and even professionally.

The last year has involved a lot (possibly too much) of soul searching and I’ve hosted far too many pity parties.

I’ve had more than my fair share of false starts, so you’ll be excused for viewing this as the start of yet another failing attempt to attain a healthy (for me) weight and mind, but I hope that you’ll share my hope and have faith in me….just one more time.

A good friend, who has achieved some tremendous results following bariatric weight loss surgery has suggested this is a potential answer to my never-ending (since about the age of 10) battle with my weight. While he should be a poster boy for how life changing weigh loss surgery can be and while I am aware of the success rates compared to other approaches, I think one surgery this year is sufficient and more importantly, I want to change my behaviours and beliefs as much as my physique.

I need structure, accountability and a plan, so when award winning personal trainer Paul Jewiss approached me to review his online personal training package, I saw this as a perfect opportunity to start afresh and get back on the right path.

The plan is simple

I am going to lose fat, gain strength, improve my fitness and my mood , and prepare myself for surgery and for life.

The execution is key

With several roles, no time (or love) for the gym , a week in Morocco (apologies for the humble brag) and injuries limiting my ability and my self confidence, I have to be smart.

I have to adapt what I am doing and look at what I can do within the comforts of my home or a hotel room.

And this is where Paul comes in. With a tailored online personal training plan designed around my needs, my home equipment and my current abilities and with some gentle but ever present accountability.

online personal training

I’ll be following this online personal training plan for 6 weeks, following the workouts, logging my food and reflecting on my emotions and my mood and by the end of it, I hope will have set the foundation for the rest of my life.

I started this blog as a means to chart my triumphs and my disappointments and like my life, it took a different path. I became a self appointed champion of the overweight and obese, a critic of policies and products and a right miserable sod, at times.

So, thank you for sticking around and I hope that over the next six weeks., I can get back to basics and back to writing more regularly, consistently and positively for How Many Miles.

I’ll be sharing what I’m eating (no rate my plate, so don’t worry), what supplements I am taking and why and how I am training and feeling. Already, I feel more positive and more determined (just turned down a curly wurly from wee Jack).

It’s good to be back and I am looking forward to reviewing how online personal training works.

March 18, 2019 2 comments

Obesity Physical Activity

End Weight Stigma- There is a Sport for Every Body

written by Stephen Morrison

We are told that we are normalising obesity, but what is normal is to be verbally and physically abused because of your size. To be judged by others and sometimes by ourselves as stupid, greedy and lazy.

Others more qualified than I will speak about the self-flagellation that is so common with those who struggle with issues of weight and I am self aware enough to accept that I am often my harshest critic, but in this post, I want to speak about some of the weight stigma I have endured and how I hope to address it.

While I accept that weight stigma can sometimes be a perception formed by our fears and insecurities, it is often very real and it impacts on every aspect of a person’s life. Today, the World Obesity Federation reported that the UK is institutionally prejudiced against the obese and as a plus sized athlete, I have experienced it first hand.

At my heaviest, I vividly remember not only the howls of derision from packs of youths but also later the trajectory of the liquid being thrown at me from a passing car and the looks and the words from fitness professionals whose fitness to coach clients in fat loss now seem questionable.

It hit home that, no matter what I did, some would judge me. The same people who would scream at me to get off my fat arse would be the very people who would mock and attempt to derail my efforts to do so. Or sigh when I stepped onto packed public transport and look at me disdainfully when I order Diet Coke!

That I kept on track was testament to my own discipline, determination and desire to change my life and sadly nothing to do with a supportive nurturing society that respected and accepted me.

For regardless of what some might suggest, there isn’t such a thing as fat acceptance. At least not at its basest level.

Few would accept that I was articulate, driven or talented. Less would accept that my size was not a result of stupidity or greed and now, as a fitness blogger, I do sadly wonder if I am fully accepted as a positive role model.

So that is why I am so passionate about the Decathlon UK campaign to promote sport for the many. And why I am proud to have my story chosen to launch the campaign

#SportForEveryBody is not about promoting obesity nor is it some slick marketing campaign. This brilliant campaign from Decathlon UK features everyday athletes of all abilities ages, ethnicities, shapes and sizes who some look up to and who all share one thing in common.

Look Up

We love sport and being active. We love the feeling of being outdoors; the joy of movement and the bonds of friendship derived from joining teams and clubs and sharing our stories. We love playing and having fun.

Sport can be fun and regardless of your shape there is an activity for you. Something that will make you believe in yourself and help you show the trolls who might doubt you that sport is for the many.

We are the many with 63% of the UK population overweight or obese, but how often do you see us represented in a positive light? How often do you see a person of size featured in campaigns to encourage the nation to move more?

If we are to end weight stigma and empower and enable people of all body sizes to embrace the benefits of sport and physical activity, we have to dispel the notion that sports are not for us. We have to provide more environments that encourage participation and inclusion and we have to have campaigns that speak to us and with us and not down at as.

For two years, I have looked at my regained weight as a failure on my part; as something to be ashamed and embarrassed about and something to hold me back, but look at the smile on my face and you will see the power of sport at any size.

Images by Anna Jackson

I am not active to help lose fat . I am active to help me enjoy life. I might not be the fastest or fittest and I might not ever grace the cover of Cosmo, but like Tess Holliday, I have a similar response to those who say that I have no right to be a fitness influencer or fitness professional or that I am promoting obesity.

I’m not recruiting people – I’m encouraging them to move more and it just happens to come from a bigger body.”

I am here to say that there is a Sport for Every Body

And I am here to do much more. In the past, I have launched events, mobilised armies of walkers and used my story to inspire others. I love helping people and I live to see others share my love for being active. I am going to use my passion, my experience, my qualifications and my connections and roles across various organisations to bring sport to every body.

And if you are a sports brand or organisation planning a new campaign, ask what you can do to represent and connect with the many. Include us, value us and see us as the athletes we are, just in bigger bodies.

October 11, 2018 1 comment

Journey Physical Activity

Best Laid Plans – Never Give Up and Never Give In

written by Stephen Morrison

Best laid plans, eh?

This summer was going to mark my triumphant return. I had lost over 30lbs, learned to swim, had taken mountain bike lessons and I even managed to put on a wetsuit single-handedly.

In my current state, I can’t put a t-shirt on

While I will never ever be the most prolific or celebrated of bloggers, I was enjoying both blogging and ambassadorial roles with Simply Swim, Pedal for Scotland, Triathlon Scotland and Decathlon.

Events were entered; bikes and wetsuits were acquired (thank you Decathlon and Simply Swim) holidays were booked and my confidence was increasing daily.

Life was good and it felt wonderful to be back.

And then bam!!

The wheels came off my plans or rather, I came off my wheels. The Wee Beastie (I was not timorous) Triathlon ended up being my only event of the summer and I did not even get to finish it.

All the gear……as usual

Having enjoyed/survived my first open water swim, in Loch Lomond, I made the transition to the mountain bike with confidence

Too much confidence

For in the 2nd lap, I ended up with a panic in my breastie and in a ditch and subsequently I ended up in a hospital and then in a sling with a broken collarbone.

Time for a Break?

My summer of sport had ended

With my excitement and expectations building all spring and summer, there was a danger that this break would see me fall deeply back into a depth of depression.

But instead, I did the only thing I could.

Smile and the World Smiles With You

I smiled

Smiling will not necessarily speed up my recovery and it will not get me back in the water or on a bike any sooner, but it is helping me to stay positive (there’s even some science that supports this). It is reminding me how much I love my life and the people in it.

I have much to be thankful for (only a collarbone break, for a start) and there will be other events. My blogging partners are understanding and my work have been supportive while my step-sons have accepted, without too much grumbling (the bribing of football kit might have helped), their roles as my carers, although I might have tested my gf’s patience with my pathetic man routine.

This blog is a test of sorts. To see how much I can comfortably write (I have been writing this blog in parts) and for me to commit to what lies ahead.

My priority is my recovery. I am undertaking physio and with the sling off, I am regaining some mobility and strength in my arm. Not enough to be doing any heavy weights or any weights, but enough to make me believe that my “complicated” break will not require surgery.

Today, I write a blog; tomorrow I return to work and over the next few months, I will continue to walk, start to run and eventually get back in the saddle and in the pool.

My weight has not suffered as remaining positive has helped to curb my desires to medicate with junk. In fact, over the last 7 weeks, I have lost 4lbs. Nothing to write home about but worth noting in this blog

Fat loss is not dependant on being excessively active. I have upped my walking and kept an eye on my food consumption. Yes, there have been moments when I have succumbed to the tantalising taste of brownies and other delights, but I have done so in moderation and with an acknowledgement that I might need to eat less or walk further later on.

These Bad Brownies were sooooo good

And then, we have my longer term goals.

I will not make the mistake again (it was a “foolish notion”) of declaring that I will be an Ironman (although I still harbour that dream) but I am ambitious and I have been working on some other projects.

One of those is my new role of resident writer (here is my first article) for TravelBlock, the online cryptocurrency travel booking platform that delivers savings of up to 60% (sometimes higher) on hotels and resorts advertised on Expedia and Booking.com

Not me pictured

At the moment they are offering an incredible deal for new members, but I am hoping that over the next few years, I can help others and myself travel further for less

I also want to continue to help inspire others to move more, so I will be charting my rehabilitation and my progress and I hope to soon bring some exciting news.

In the meantime, I will be going back to basics. Couch to 5K and parkrun, yoga and kettlebells, simply because this what I enjoy. Of course, as a try athlete, I will be happy to continue sampling, reviewing and sucking at any and every sport that comes my way, but for now, I have to focus on getting my health and my fitness back.

Success is not linear and although my heart is sore (I should be heading triumphantly back from Pedal for Scotland) I accept that we will have bumps in the road (also a large bony bump forming on my shoulder) and that our paths will take detours. How Many Miles was never about how far I could run, cycle or swim but instead about how far this journey will take me.

My journey is not complete and over the ills of life, I will be victorious.

September 9, 2018 0 comment

Physical Activity Swimming Triathlon

Can’t Open Water Swim , WILL Open Water Swim with TRI in the Park

written by Stephen Morrison

This summer, Glasgow hosts the 2018 European Championships and elite athletes will travel from all over Europe to compete for podium places, personal bests and for cheers from the Glasgow crowds.

But Glasgow 2018 is not just for Europe’s best; it is an opportunity for everyone in and around Glasgow to come together and not only watch the events across the city (and in Gleneagles) but to join in on the fun.

For Glasgow 2018 have partnered with Triathlon Scotland to bring us TRI in the Park, a fun and full day of activities for the whole family and a chance for you and them to experience any or all of the triathlon disciplines in Strathclyde Park on August 12th.

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There will be Triathlons, Aquathlons (swim and run), Duathlons (run, cycle, run) and a Family Relay Triathlon while there will also be Tristar triathlons for children aged 11-14 years old. As part of Triathlon Scotland’s Go Tri series, it promises to open up triathlons to anyone who wishes to try and whether you an experienced triathlon club member or someone contemplating your first triathlon, this is an event for you.

Having regained some confidence and a certain level of fitness, I have signed up for the Open Sprint Triathlon, made up of a 750m swim, 16km cycle and 5km run.

As I write this, I have yet to experience the thrill (or chill) of Open Water Swimming and, if I am honest, I am a little apprehensive. Since my “Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick” blog for the Commonwealth Games, my view on swimming has changed and I have discovered a new found love for the water, in part thanks to my participation in both the Aspire Channel Swim and Swimathon campaigns.

Learning to swim freestyle/front crawl and being able to swim 2.5km has given me the confidence (a fool’s confidence, possibly) to sign up for the Great Scottish 2 Mile Swim in September

But first, I have TRI in the Park and the Wee Beastie Triathlon (in and around Loch Lomond) within two weeks of each other and I need to make the transition (sorry for the pun) to Open Water Swimming and soon.

So, when Triathlon Scotland got in touch and told me about their Beginners Open Water Swimming Sessions for Triathlon at Pinkston Watersports, I signed up for the first session on the evening of Friday 13th (hopefully that is not an ominous portent) and there is another on the afternoon of Sunday 22nd July

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All you need is a swimming costume (wetsuit if you have one), goggles, a swimcap and a towel. As this is a beginner’s session, you only have to be able to swim 50 metres, so get signed up if this hot weather is tempting you to cool off in your local watering hole. You’ll learn how to have fun, be safe and even how to put on a wetsuit (anyone else as worried about this as I am?).

Places are very limited and at only £8.00 per session, they are incredible value, so come and join me both at Pinkston and at TRI in the Park on August 12th

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July 4, 2018 2 comments

Physical Activity

Shore You Care and Go Plastic Free in July

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s World Environment Day today and I have only one thing to say to the people of Scotland

Gonnae No Dae That!

The that being the acts of flushing cotton buds, condoms, sanitary towels and wet wipes (no they are NOT flushable, regardless of what the label says) down toilets and the throwing of plastic bottles and other general waste onto embankments and into rivers (or anywhere else for that matter) for it all ends up in one place.

Our oceans

And eventually, they make their way onto our beaches. Beaches such as North Queensferry where I spent Saturday with a group of Scottish bloggers and vloggers, the Marine Conservation Society, Fidra and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust

We had met at the Hilton Queensferry who had kindly hosted the #ShoreYouCare event, organised by my Team 14 pal Susanne Arbuckle better known as Adventures Around Scotland to listen to talks about the damage being done to our oceans, coastlines, countryside and, the creatures that inhabit them by the disposable nature of our throwaway society.

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We learned about how our beaches are becoming wastelands where rubbish outweighs sand.

And sadly, I did not make that up

For after the talks, we made our way down to the beach where I learned first hand about the extent of the problem.

We sectioned off a 100 metres stretch of beach and set about collecting and collating rubbish and it was the latter action that delivers an important strategic impact

Marine Conservation Society are able to gather and analysis this data from beach cleans across the UK to determine the types and probable sources of the litter that helps to advise on policy and practices.

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While industries such as fishing and shipping are partly responsible, responsibility for over 52% of the waste lies squarely at our feet.

I collected 142 plastic cotton buds and together in just over an hour we collected over 12kgs in rubbish including a washed up shoe.

Each and every one of us have to ask ourselves why we believe that anything other than pee, poo and paper (the Three P’s) can be flushed down toilets and why we think that it is acceptable to dump our rubbish onto the streets? My local football stadium hosted Ed Sheeran this weekend and his fans treated our area like a bit of a Dive. For those that dumped the food containers, How Would You Feel if we dumped our trash in your gardens. Maybe I am Thinking Out Loud, but maybe we can all act a little more responsibly. But then , What Do I Know?

Shore You Care

We will also always have selfish fly tippers more focused on short term financial profits than the long term environmental costs, but as individuals there are ways that we can help and there is some good news.

The introduction of the 5p plastic bag charge has seen a 14% reduction in bags being recorded on beaches.

Scotland are once again leading the UK with the introduction of a Deposit Return scheme for drinks containers and just recently announced the banning of single use coffee and tea cups in Scottish Government buildings.

By 2030 Scotland aims to be single use plastic free

But we cannot simply rely on regulatory action. We all need to shoulder some of the responsibility and there are many things that we can do

Invest in a reusable cup (but please wash it) that you can take to work and to your favourite coffee shops

Stop buying bottled water and simply hydrate with tap water (especially if you are lucky enough to live in Scotland).

Carry cotton bags for shopping and consider how you actually shop. We have the fabulous Locavore shop that sells (actually it vends) milk in reusable glass bottles and pasta, grains, bread and vegetables in non plastic dispensers and bags.

Switch back to a bar of soap and ditch the plastic shower gel bottle.

And if really keen, get yourself a bamboo toothbrush

In fact, why not sign up to #GoPlasticFree in July and see how much plastic you can remove from your life?

Over the next few weeks I am going to be sharing some of the things that I am doing to help and some of them even combine my passion for being active.

So, please tell me what you are doing and let’s all encourage each other to do a little more

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June 5, 2018 3 comments

Cycling Physical Activity

Take Me to the Hills- A Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking

written by Stephen Morrison

Take Me to the Hills.

In Glasgow, we are blessed with some fantastic parks (Glasgow means “Dear Green Place” after all ), but on my doorstep (or a few hours drive at most) are some of the most stunning landscapes in the world (will you argue with Rough Guide readers?).

Glencoe

While I do love my active urban commutes whether I am walking, biking or even scootering, part of me wants to get out into the countryside, even with the midges, for there is nothing quite like hearing the wind rustling in the trees, birdsong soothing your soul and the rush of cycling through woodland with mountains looming over you.

It is not only good for the heart, but it is great for the mind and recently, I have been of a mind to get me some more.

I have been looking at the evening Solstice trail runs being offered by Trailfest and I will be reviewing the Wee Beastie Novice Triathlon on (and in) the bonny banks of Loch Lomond for Triathlon Scotland.

In addition to it being my first open water triathlon, it is also a trail triathlon, so I will need to dig out (hopefully not out of mud) my mountain bike and more importantly, I might need to brief myself on how to mountain bike as I don’t actually have a clue (all the gear and no idea, remember), which becomes doubly important as I look forward to one of the highlights of this summer.

As part of a series of blogs with Glasgow 2018, I am going to be mountain biking on the Glasgow 2018 European Championships course at Cathkin Braes.

Everyone I know who mountain bikes, tells me that they love the thrill of it and I am super excited about adding it to my Try Athlete resume. However, I am under no illusions that I can just turn up and tackle these trails.

So, it is just as well then that Halfords have come to the rescue with their Beginner’s Mountain Biking Guide

Mountain Bike Guide

As well as providing valuable tips on buying your first mountain bike and the recommended kit, MTB coach Sam Fowler delivers some insight and advice on making the most of your mountain biking.

The guide provides all the basic information to get you started and also a selection of the top MTB trails in the UK. In addition to the course at Cathkin, Scotland is home to some of the most breathtaking routes you will ever have the pleasure of riding with the Forestry Commission’s World Class 7stanes Mountain Bike Centres in the borders only a few hours drive along the M74 from Glasgow

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These trail centres are suitable for all levels of riders and are family friendly, so if I am going to go on this adventure, I am not going to be doing it alone.

My eldest stepson , Danny, is 14 years old in a few weeks and he has expressed a desire for a new bike and Halfords have kindly agreed to subsidise his bike, in return for a few blogs. Using the advice in the Mountain Bike guide, we will have a look at mountain bikes at Halfords and then take him along to get properly fitted.

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Then, it is off to Pollok Park which has its own mini Mountain Bike course which I sampled as part of my Glasgow 2014 Blogs and we will see if he adapts quicker and better than I did. I am confident that it will help build his confidence on a bike, as he navigates the twists and the turns of this fun but challenging course while also helping to further build our relationship

For cycling, whether it is on mountain bike trails or in the local park is something that we and you can do as a family. It is a chance for Danny and I to do something fun together and with any luck, we can entice his younger brother and mum to join us (although we might also need to check Halfords for bike racks).

Mountain Biking is a sport for all and in Scotland, we have all the best trails and also one of the best events.

This weekend, Fort William hosts the Mountain Bike World Cup and while I will be away nurdle hunting on a beach clean-up in Fife, I will follow all the action via social media and hopefully catch some of the brilliant content that will be produced.

If this gets your heart racing and you fancy trying mountain biking, then aquaint yourself with the do’s and don’ts of Mountain Biking (including some etiquette from Fiona Outdoors) and take yourself into the hills, letting me know about your favourite trails and off road events either here, on the blog, or on Twitter @howmanymiles_

This is a sponsored post for Halfords (my boy is very excited about his new bike).

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June 1, 2018 3 comments