Triathlon

Swimathon 2023-A Big Swim for Big Swim Day

It’s really easy to look at yourself in the mirror or step on the scales and regret those Friday night pizzas, curse those bad decisions and choices, to consider your efforts a failure, and to sink into a fit of depression.

As human beings, we have a tendency to focus on the negative due to a cognitive bias called negativity bias. This bias means that negative events or experiences have a greater impact on our brains than positive ones, and as a result, we tend to pay more attention to negative information than positive information.

There are several reasons why negativity bias exists, but I’d simply ask that we recognise that this bias exists in all of us, and make an effort to focus on the more positive experiences and information as well.

For every pizza ate on a Friday, I had fresh veggies and fruits, lean meats, and pulses on most of the other days of the week. Yes, I made poor choices at times (don’t we all?), but I also made decisions to stop at two biscuits, to walk to work, to get some help (yes, another blog will detail this and hopefully provide a wee offer), and to be more mindful of my tendency to reach for food when emotional.

The result is that since February 2022, I have lost 32lbs. Rather than dwell upon how much more could have I lost, I am going to buoyed by the fact that my knee doesn’t hurt as much, that climbing the stairs in my house doesn’t leave me breathless, and that I’m wearing XL clothing and feeling more comfortable with my body.

Not completely comfortable, mind. I won’t rest on my laurels and I will press on. To give me a little more motivation and a goal to aim for, I’m delighted to share that I am once again a Swimathon Ambassador and this year, I am setting myself a big target for the event between 12 – 14 May 2023

Swimathon 2023

Swimathon is the world’s biggest fundraising swim, held annually across the United Kingdom. It’s a fun and challenging event that allows participants to swim in a pool or open water and raise money for a Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie and the Swimathon Foundation, which supports swimming and aquatic activities in local communities.

Swimathon is one of my favourite events of the year. Not just because it fundraises for two charities close to my heart, but also because it brings together so many wonderful people in a fun and rewarding activity, and because it always pushes me to improve my swimming.

And also because swimming is for every body and Swimathon is a #SwimForAll. Nobody cares what you look like and it’s not a race. You can do any distance you want, from 400m all the way up to 5k. You can go solo or get involved as a part of a team. For the mermaids and aquamen, there’s even the Triple 5K or the ultimate 30.9km swim.

Swimathon 2023 has been supercharged for superheroes, and who doesn’t want to be a superhero?!

So that’s why, on #BigSwimDay, I am announcing my Big Swim. I WILL be doing the 30.9k (there, I’ve said it). Not all at once, but over the course of a week (or maybe a tad longer).

Another reason why Swimathon is so inclusive is that it’s a great way to connect with others. It’s a fun event with a great atmosphere. Participants can enjoy the music, entertainment, and camaraderie of other swimmers as they complete their chosen distance at their chose venue. There’s also a sense of achievement and satisfaction that comes from completing the event and raising money for a good cause.

Of course, there are some people who might not think of swimming as a sport for all. Maybe you’re someone who’s not comfortable in the water, or you’re intimidated by the idea of swimming in a public pool. Maybe you could consider private lessons, adult swim classes, and with online resources, there are plenty of ways to improve your swimming skills in a supportive environment.

And why should you consider swimming as an activity?

Health Benefits of Swimming

Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise that provides a wide range of benefits for your physical and mental health. Here are just a few ways that swimming can improve your health:

Improves cardiovascular health: Swimming is an aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up and can improve your cardiovascular health. It strengthens your heart muscle and increases your lung capacity, which can lead to better overall fitness and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Builds muscle strength and endurance: Swimming engages all the major muscle groups in your body, including your arms, legs, core, and back. It’s a low-impact workout that can help build muscle strength and endurance without putting too much stress on your joints.
Increases flexibility: Swimming involves a wide range of movements that can help improve your flexibility and range of motion. It can also help relieve tension in your muscles and joints, which can be especially beneficial for people with arthritis or other mobility issues.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Swimming is a low-stress exercise that can help reduce anxiety and improve your mood. The weightlessness of the water can be soothing and calming, and the rhythmic breathing required for swimming can also help promote relaxation.
Improves sleep: Regular exercise, including swimming, can help improve your sleep quality and duration. It can also help reduce symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Helps manage weight: Swimming is a great way to burn calories and can be an effective form of exercise for weight management. It can also help boost your metabolism and promote fat loss.
Lowers blood pressure: Swimming can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

With all of those benefits, there’s one MORE reason to sign up for Swimathon 2023

A discount code from me, giving you 35% off the standard price. Simply visit the Swimathon 2023 website, register for the event, choose a distance and charity to swim for, use my code R2T123 and start fundraising (although not necessary). The website provides all the information and resources you need to get started, including training tips and fundraising ideas.

February 24, 2023 0 comment

Swimming

Everything is Going Swimmingly with Swimathon

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s been some time since my Hyprr Fitmas post. Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s Day and a couple of holidays have passed since I’ve shared my thoughts, progress and reviews. I have been extremely busy working on a few projects. More on that soon but one aims to raise millions of pounds for marine conservation charities via NFTS, while another will be rewarding people for being good. Yes, being a do-gooder can be rewarding in many ways.

But back to my fitness.

Fitmas was a relative success. I lost about 14 lbs and have managed to keep it off. I didn’t lose much more (ok, any more) in the first few months of 2022 but neither did I gain weight.

Part of the reason has been trips to Paris, Naples and Rome, where carbs were consumed in quantity and where Peroni beer has never tasted so good.

Then there was my motivatio, or rather lack of it.

The projects that I am working on and for are amazing; the people I work with are awesome. But truth be told, I was doing too much and subsequently not giving everything and anything my all.

In stepped Leylne (more on this in a later blog) colleague Benedikt Oehmen who offered to provide some coaching and over the last couple of months we have been having weekly sessions. He helped me reflect on what drives me forward, what holds me back and what gets in my way.

And the answer to all of these is ME. However, it’s also me, and some tools suggested by Bene, who held the solutions and I’ve made some changes.

Less time on social media (much less)
More time with family (not enough)
Earlier to bed and earlier to rise
More reading
Daily physical activity
Less negative self talk

I also looked at everything I was involved in. NFT projects, social impact projects, festivals, and sports promotion. I reflected on what mattered most to me and what brought me the most joy and two things stood out. I wasn’t moving enough and I wasn’t promoting sports enough. They go hand in hand.

However, there was the small matter of my knees. No longer my good and bad knees. Now, just my osteoarthritic knees. Walking is painful and although surgery has been mentioned, I feel far too young to follow this path so soon.

Instead, I have been focusing on reducing the load my knees are carrying (yes, losing fat), strengthening the muscles around my knee and on getting back onto my bike and back into the swimming pool

The pounds are again starting to drop, my cycle commutes are becoming easier and, as a family, we are starting to go out on longer rides at the weekends. Teresa wants a new bike as her current bike is about 11 years old and I want a new bike because of the n (bikes you currently own) +1 rule. Although I will probably donate a few bikes to Bike for Good in Glasgow

I also joined a gym, Pace Health Club, with a swiming pool. I looked out my trunks and my swimming goggles and set my alarm for 7am. More importantly, I got out of bed when that alarm went off and I went for a swim. I hadn’t previously been in a pool in three years but with my shoulder fully healed and with the country opening up (I’m still wearing a mask…not in the pool), a return to an old but treasured role has reignited my desire to swim.

For I am once again an ambassador for Swimathon, the annual swimming event for everyone that raises much needed funds for Cancer Research and Marie Curie.

Swimathon 22 takes place in swimming pools across the UK between Friday 6 – Sunday 8 May 2022, with the more flexible My Swimathon (kinda swim as you go) version taking place between Friday 29 April and Sunday 15 May 2022.

It’s free to all participants who raise more £50 via Justgiving and normally £14 per person, regardless of distance.

However, as a Swimathon ambassador, I am able to offer a 50% discount to all registrations made between now and April 13th 2022.

Simply register and use the code SMSWIM22 to activate your discount.

I’m really enjoying my time in the pool. At 8am, it is usually just me and my thoughts. I’ve yet to decide on my Swimaton distance. My ego says 4 or 5k as I am now a relatively competent swimmer having been coached by not one but four Olympians, but after two years of being relatively inactive I have to be realistic. 1.5k or 5k over multiple visits might be a more sensible decision. I’ll swim 1000 metres in the next week or so and see how I feel. All I know is that it feels great being back. Not only is my fitness improving but my confidence is also returning.

I might never run again but that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy other activities.

I’m Howmanymiles and I am a swimmer. Come swim with me and others during Swimathon.

April 3, 2022 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.

image 1 e1521122389679 840x496

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

Screen Shot 2018 07 03 at 23.39.18

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

SaveSave

July 4, 2018 2 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

IMG 20180527 123404 1

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.

Bikeweek MB1

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).

SaveSave

June 1, 2018 3 comments

Physical Activity Swimathon Swimming

Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

written by Stephen Morrison

Sometimes, life brings you opportunities that can shape how you move forward and feel about yourself and last weekend’s Swimathon Masterclass was one such moment.

It was the Ambassador launch event for Swimathon 2018 at the truly outstanding London Aquatic Centre and I am both proud and privileged to be a part of this amazing challenge.

Proud because I am not a chiseled instagram friendly fitness blogger showing off my abs, but instead an overweight but passionate try-athlete who simply wants to show that sport is for all, regardless of your shape, size, age or ability. My goal have never been to move products or promote myself, but to move people and to promote the benefits of being active. Swimathon is providing me with another platform to challenge myself and the often stereotypical view that the overweight and obese are lazy.

And privileged because being an ambassador does come with some amazing perks, not least the opportunity to meet and train with not one, but two Olympis legends

Anyone of a certain age will have grown up with Duncan Goodhew’s exploits in the pool, his Olympic Gold Medal (not actual size above)in Moscow and with his unwavering promotion of swimming. It was no surprise to learn that he is the President of Swimathon, although I was both disappointed and surprised that he was not a fan of my beard (although he is right about the drag).

Throughout the course of the day he provided invaluable feedback and advice. However, it was another Olympian present who really left their mark on me…..Double World Champion and Olympic Silver medalist, Keri-Anne Payne

Not only did she deliver a swimathon masterclass that has transformed my swimming and boosted my confidence, but she also kindly sat down with me for an interview.

Keri-Anne Payne Interview

Hi Keri-Anne, what is it about Swimathon that made you want to be an Ambassador?

I love swimming and everything I do is focused on encouraging and helping others to swim, so when approached to take part, I said yes. Swimathon is a brilliant challenge supporting wonderful charities.

You made the transition (couldn’t help the triathlon pun) to Open Water Swimming; what is it that you love most about the sport?

The freedom. Being in the wide open space of an ocean or sea, with no lanes, brings you closer to nature and it is the most amazing of feelings

What would you say to those interested in open water swimming, but who are maybe worried about the whole getting closer to nature bit?

Get in! Don’t be afraid! The sea is full of creatures and almost all of them are more frightened of you than you are of them.

It has been a year since you officially retired from competitive swimming, so what have you been up to?

My husband David and I set up Triscape, a swimming retreat and coaching business. People can attend our SwimFit sessions on Caribbean retreats in St Lucia and in Nevis, where you can participate in or watch the amazing 2.5 mile swim between Nevis and St Kitts that includes sea turtles as companions and also in Scotland for the Great Scottish Swim. At every retreat, we focus on making people more efficient and better swimmers while we also deliver masterclasses with our team of experts.

David is also an Olympian and I once listened to him speak at a sports symposium where he described that world class swimmers look to make incremental improvements to every aspect of their swim; that individually might only make them fractions of a second faster, but together could make the difference of getting on a podium or not. For those participating in Swimathon, what would you suggest are the fundamental areas to focus on to improve their swimming?

There are three areas that I would advise everyone to work on.

Breathing. Although we take it for granted, how you breathe while swimming dictates how well you swim. Don’t take huge inhales and exhales as this tires you out. Instead, inhale gently through your mouth and exhale via your nose. Not only does this prevent water going up your nose, it is a more efficient way to release air.
Posture. At Triscape we coach swimmers to adopt a straight line swimming approach. You want to reduce drag, so keeping your body straight will enable you to more efficiently and to feel less tired. Rather than looking up and ahead, which can result in hips and legs sinking, keep your head facing down and only turn to breathe.
Propulsion. We want to be as efficient as possible and by rotating our bodies slightly from the hips, our shoulders follow and this gives us extra reach in our front crawl and further reduces drag.

You make no secret that you love cooking and eating, so any nutritional tips for those of us training for Swimathon?

Years of experience have taught me that eating within 20 minutes of a gruelling swim session is optimal. Ideally, it should be a good source of protein and I love making a smoothie of milk, berries, seeds and nuts

Like me, you also love cake. Any tip on having your cake and eating it?

Always share any cake that you bake so that you don’t eat all the slices. Yes, that does make me a bit of a feeder, but it means that I don’t pile on the pounds

Finally, you’ve seen us all swim today. Who is your Star Pupil?

(sorry fellow Swimathon Ambassadors, I could not resist)

After the interview, we headed poolside where Keri-Anne delivered the Swimathon Masterclass and provided us with feedback on our form and some drills to help us improve along with some training plans. We all listened intently and everything she said struck home, especially my head positioning (i.e. it is ALL over the place).

By the end of the masterclass, I was confident that I had made some genuine improvements in how I swim while I had also identified key areas in which I need to make further adjustments, not least the sharing of cake.

Being a Swimathon Ambassador is a huge honour and it feels wonderful to be part of an amazing group of people and I am really enjoying being back in a pool after spending most of my life believing that I was not a swimmer. However, since returning home, I have been to the pool to hone my skills and on Sunday, it all came together.

Not only did I almost swim 2km ( a wee Garmin malfunction), but I did so freestyle. Prior to my session with Keri-Anne, I struggled to swim 25 metres freestyle and it is a mark of her ability as a coach that despite still needing to improve, I now look forward to spending more and more time in the pool. I have not felt this excited or determined for a long time.

For I am now a swimmer!

You too can look forward to swimming more by joining us at Swimathon 2018. You do not need to be a world champion like Keri-Anne or swim 5km with me, but with distances for everyone, this truly is a #swimforall

But do not just take my word for it. Watch this fantastic Swimathon video and then feel free to ask me any questions on Facebook or on Twitter at @hommanymiles_.

Together we can make a splash!

SaveSave

January 30, 2018 0 comment

Kit and Tech Reviews Physical Activity Running

Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

written by Stephen Morrison

I really want to participate in the Men’s 10K again this year, but more importantly, I want to run all of it. Crossing the finish line meant so much to me as you can see in the image below, but I also walked too much.

There was a time, not too long ago, when running 10km would not have phased me, but even though my knee is stronger and I am losing weight, there are still doubts that prevent me from hitting the road.

So, I have a confession to make.

I have been taking advantage of my Glasgow Club membership and I have been running on a ~~dreadmill~~ treadmill at Bellahouston Sports Centre. Not only is it less impact on my bad knee, but it helps me avoid the worst of the winter weather.

Oh, I so want to Return to OZ

I had thought of investing one for the house and I had looked at comparison sites but I would never be able to afford the treadmill that I really, really want.

The TechnoGym SkillMill

It is no ordinary treadmill and with an RRP of £9,000 I would not expect it to be. So what makes it so special?

The first thing that you notice is that it is not flat like most other treadmills. Instead, it curves. This seemingly encourages you to run on the balls of your feet and as a self confessed heel striker, this caught my attention. You also cannot but help notice that it is steam powered. No, not with some James Watt inspired contraption, but instead powered by your own steam. The faster and further up the curve you run, the faster the belt moves.

And you feel it. Running on the skillmill is not easy. My first attempt was less than graceful.

However, once I got used to it I began to feel more comfortable. My pace, gait and rhythm all felt much better and I quickly began to feel more comfortable running faster and slowing down, just by simply running faster and slowing down (it’s a kind of magic). It felt more gentle and more natural and I would like to read more about Technogym’s research into the benefits of the SkillMill on the joints and muscle contractions.

The SkillMill requires you to use your glutes and hamstrings more than a traditional treadmill as you drag the belt with your feet and in this it resembles running outside more. It also means that after only a few minutes, I was tiring and that a few days later my glutes were on fire. Not so much no pain, no gain but more that I was using muscles that had been ignored for far too long.

The SkillMill has become one of the highlights of my visits to Glasgow Club Bellahouston and I am looking forward to incorporating it the FT fitness class that seems to be booked solid every day, where it is used like a sledge to great effect, but it is not the only attraction.

The Bellahouston Fitness Suite has undergone a transformation that puts it on a par with many of the more expensive gyms in the city ( I have been a member of many). With a whole range of Technogym equipment, including the SkillRow, synchronised to a mywellness app on my phone, I can easily plan, follow and review my training while there are Kinesis stations that I am slowly starting to love.

With Swimathon in 14 weeks and the Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon in 15 weeks, I am going to be spending a lot of time in the Bellahouston swimming pool, on the SkillMill and in classes such as the legendary Monday night Circuit Class (where I am going tonight).

And with monthly membership only £34 per month with no joining fee in January and nothing to pay until February , now is the time to Join Glasgow Club

SaveSave

January 22, 2018 2 comments

Physical Activity Swimming Triathlon

Time for Star Pupil to Resurface with Swimathon 2018

written by Stephen Morrison

Remember back in 2014 when “Star Pupil”was born? I was training with Olympian, Robbie Renwick and he “surprisingly” announced to the world that I was his star pupil.

It was a time when I did not take life (or myself) too seriously and when I focused on having fun (it was also a time when I was clean shaven and 4 stone lighter). Olympians and Commonwealth Champions lined up (ok, it is possible they did not line up) to proclaim me as their star pupil (my favourite was Libby Clegg) and in later years I have had kayak instructors, swimming coaches and even world famous trials rider, Ali Clarkson praise my aptitude as a student.

This Saturday, Star Pupil hopefully makes his return and so does my fun loving spirit as I am getting to swim with not one, but two Olympians and the rest of the Swimathon Ambassador Team at the launch of Swimathon 2018, the annual swimming event for all, that has attracted almost 700,000 participants across the UK from all ages and walks of life.

I will be swimming with the Legend that is Duncan Goodhew (also the president of Swimathon) and the open water marvel and TV presenter that is Keri-Anne Payne.

While I will never achieve their level of brilliance in the pool or the sea, I am hoping that they will recognise (unsolicited, of course) my Star Pupil qualities and hopefully provide me with some pointers to bring back to Glasgow where the real work will begin (or rather continue).

For having tasted greatness (and about 3 litres of pool water) in my 4km Aspire Channel Swim , I am now determined to master 5km for Swimathon on the weekend of 27th -29th April. I say master, but my true goal is to swim faster than my Aspire time.

But that is not my only goal.

I also want YOU to join me. Not necessarily in the 5km (unless you want to , of course) but in any one of the other distances either as an individual or as a team

Up until 21st January registration is only £6.50 , after which it will be £13 and £9.75 for senior citizens, those under 16, students and those disabled or unemployed

70% of the registration fees go to the two Swimathon 2018 charities, Cancer Research and Marie Curie, while the rest enables the Swimathon Foundation to continue supporting swimming initaitives. You can also choose to fundraise, but it is not necessary

Sadly, not a single swimming pool in Glasgow (and very few in Scotland) are signed up to Swimathon, but that does not mean that you have to miss out on the fun

MySwimathon allows you to swim anywhere at anytime (as long as it is between 20th April and 6th May ) and even any distance, making Swimathon open to everyone and their dog (doggy paddling, no doubt).

Which is my other goal (no, not to get dogs swimming).

To encourage everyone, regardless of shape , size, age or ability to be a try athlete. To show that swimming is a sport for all and that all you have to do is take the plunge. As a sport, it is easier on your joints and it can support your body weight, making it accessible as well as fun and good for your health.

So, I hope that you will join me in Swimathon 2018 and follow my training posts for the next three months and my tweets at @howmanymiles_ #swimforall

January 17, 2018 0 comment

Cycling Kit and Tech Reviews Triathlon

Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

written by Stephen Morrison

The Winter Solstice has passed (for us in the Northern Hemisphere) and the days are finally growing lighter, but the mornings and early evenings are still dark and often the rain can impact on visibility.

So, if you were lucky enough to receive a new bike for Christmas or gifted a bike to a younger family member, you might be wondering about how to keep safe while cycling in the dark and winter weather.

Thankfully, Cycle Republic have created a very enlightening (couldn’t resist the pun) post to help you decide your lighting requirements.

In their post, you will see that the brighter you are, the more safe you are, but that it doesn’t alway mean that you have to spend a small fortune to achieve this.

By thinking about what you want to achieve i.e. avoiding being hit by vehicles, pedestrians and the occasional pot hole, you can focus on what lights suit you without breaking the bank.

Attach a wee light to your backpack and /or helmet (or even shoes) and make yourself seen without the need to look like the Blackpool Illuminations while some strategically placed and cheaply purchased Lezyne Strip lights will make you visible to all.

Mini Bike Light Reviews

Earlier in the year, I got to test the awesome Garmin Varia Smart lights which react to your speed and to the level of darkness and while I was blown away by their functionality (I could switch them on using my watch as I approached my bike), for someone cycling short distances in a well lit city, the price of £280 for the set dulled my enthusiasm.

Instead, I have fallen (thankfully not literally) for the Ryder Alumia 650 Lumen light that also functions as a handheld torch.

Very handy when my pipes burst at Christmas and my power went out!

Easily charged by USB, it is bright, waterproof and durable (I am a tad clumsy) while at £35, they are very reasonably priced (I received a pair to review and could have asked for a more expensive set, but I genuinely felt that these were more practical and a better fit for me).

While it does take up to four hours to fully charge them, the time to fit them to your bike is minutes. No tools are required and with the main body being small and removable, it is ideal for city journeys and stops.

At the moment, Cycle Republic are offering £15 off an £100 spend and with a great sale on, you can brighten up your day and ride.

December 29, 2017 0 comment

Physical Activity Swimming Triathlon

Aspire Channel Swim Review and a wee look back at 2017

written by Stephen Morrison

Believe in the impossible.

Aspire to prove yourself and your doubters wrong and look not to the failures of the past but to the glories of the future to inspire and motivate you.

Not the words of some literary genius or some motivational speaker, just what I tell myself when I reminisce about 2017.

While it has not been a great year, there have been some notable events that stretched what I thought I could accomplish and which gave me hope for the future.

In the past, I would have filled every weekend with races and events, but this year I chose four that would test me and also provide a much needed boost. Or rather, three chose me as an unlikely ambassador.

It all started with the Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon. Coming last provided me with the simplest of benchmarks, while finishing it provided me with a huge confidence boost.

This was quickly followed by the Men’s 10K which I was not ready for and it showed in my time and in my bouts of walking. However, I finished it pain free and with a smile as wide as the Clyde.

Although I withdrew from the Big Belter, I did set my sights on the 45 mile Classic Challenge at Pedal for Scotland (look out for my Cycling Scotland magazine article) and it turned out to be a magical day.

It all set me up for my final challenge of the year

The Aspire Channel Swim which you might have read about here. While not confined to my house, I did struggle to leave and I also wanted to do something special, so I vowed to my Aspire Channel Swim Relay Blogging Team that I would swim the 2.4 miles in one go.

If truth be told, I was not sure that I could, but I was determined that I would!

Watching my relay team members, such as Father and Mutha Fitness complete their swims inspired me and although I did put my own attempt off until the very last week, I made a commitment to swim the 2.4 miles at my local Nuffield Gym who kindly agreed to provide me with my own lane.

However, a few days prior to the event, disaster stuck. My beloved Garmin Forerunner 735XT stopped working. If I could not count lengths and record the swim, will it still have happened?

Thankfully Garmin stepped up to save the day, not only promising to replace my 735XT but to send me a swanky Fenix 5 to test.

And test it, I did

I arrived at Nuffield Giffnock and made my way tentatively towards the pool. With goggles on and my Fenix 5 prepped, I entered the pool, in trepidation due to a lack of preparation.

But then, I remembered the wonderful thing about swimming; why I was delighted to be asked to join the Aspire Channel Swim Relay team and why I asked for my fee to be donated back to Aspire.

Swimming is an activity that is easy on the joints; it is great for improving lung capacity and efficiency which can be transferred to other endurance sports and for those with spinal injuries, it is an effective means of therapy.

It is a sport that is for the many.

Swimming is also good for the mind as the rhythmic nature of it is relaxing and soothing. With 160 laps to swim, I was going to see just how relaxing it was.

I’d like to say that I simply jumped in and got on with it, but the first 30 lengths seemed to take forever and I started to worry that three hours would not be enough.

However, as I settled into my own rhythm and let my mind wander, it did not feel long until I was at 60 and then 100 and soon enough (ok, 2 hours and 24 mins later) I had swum 4,000 metres.

I had completed my Aspire Channel Swim Relay

In one go. To say that I was happy was an understatement and I must have looked at the reading on the Garmin Fenix 5 about 4,000 times, which is about half the amount of times that I have debated whether to buy it or not (I am leaning towards yes).

Now, as Clare expressed so well, swimming the 2.4 miles in one go does not make a great deal of difference. Everyone who managed to complete any distance over any amount of visits helped to raise funds and awareness for Aspire , but given the year that I have experienced, this was an important milestone for me.

It proved that despite my size and recent lack of confidence, I can still enjoy sport and I can test myself. And so can you. I believe in you, but how much do you believe in yourself? Can you think of a challenge that will spur you into action and off of the couch?

Well, over the next few months, I am going to highlight some ways in which almost anyone can participate in sport and as I return to work and to my passion of encouraging civil servants (and everyone else, for that matter) to move more, I also vow to get my own life back on track (I have had so many false starts).

So far my lack of consistency and my desire to discover the finest vegan cakes have cost me three pairs of shoes!!

I cannot have my cake and eat it!!

Especially of I am to do the Aspire Channel Swim and a 5K Swimathon next year.

Huge thanks to Aspire Channel Swim for inviting me to join their blogging relay team and to Nuffield Health and Garmin for supporting my efforts. It was an amazing and often humbling experience viewing on social media the awesome and inspirational efforts of every participant. Swimmers came in all shapes and sizes, in all ages and ability, but with one thing in common.

They believed in the impossible and they aspired to achieve greatness. Will you join them and myself next year?

December 15, 2017 0 comment

Cycling Physical Activity

What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

written by Stephen Morrison

According to Sir Chris Hoy, people like me should not be wearing lycra and while I found his comments to be a little fat-shammy, I did see through my rage mist and even though he has since retracted some of his comments, I did recognise that he raises a very good point.

Lycra is certainly no friend of mine

Earlier this year, I was presented with my fabulous but form fitting Pearl Izumi Champion Team kit and my first reaction was to walk out of the room in sheer embarrassment, before realising that I was part of a fantastic group of people and that Pearl Izumi had picked me for who I was and not for how I looked. So, I stretched the Lycra kit over my folds, waited for a lull in photographs and posed for my Champion profile pic, wishing that the photographer would finish quickly (and please note how I have carefully cropped the picture to hide my moobs).

Smiling on the outside, but cringing on the inside

However, since receiving this kit and wearing it on the Team ride on induction day, I have hidden it away in my “to wear eventually” drawer which has now become a set of drawers. Instead, I have found myself wearing my Pearl Izumi running and MTB kit for my commutes into town. The only mountain visible is that of weight that I am carrying, but at least in this gear, I do not worry about how I look (well, not too much) and it did not prevent me from riding 45 miles at the weekend.

No Lycra Required

This Wednesday is Cycle to Work Day and I thought that I would follow up on my “What you need to Cycle to Work” post with this “What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?” which lists what I really look for and need in my cycling clothing. They have to be breathable, durable and above all else, comfortable (living in Glasgow, waterproof is also preferable). Shaving seconds off my Strava times as I commute into the city is not high on my list of priorities (unless I have once again left home late), so an aerodynamic suit or helmet are not needed, especially as I am on a big hybrid bike that weighs more than the combined Tour De France field. Wearing lycra cycling kit will not make me a faster or better cyclist and I am never going to be confused for an elite rider.

Cycling for me is how I get from A and B and how I get some time for me. I don’t really see it as a sport, so there’s no way I want to dress like an elite cyclist (although after the weekend’s Pedal for Scotland, I am a little more intent on cycling further and faster).

However, I do appreciate a good chamois and too often, too short shorts can get caught in the horn of my saddle which can make for some unfortunate rear end displays, as witnessed in Pedal For Scotland when I had to stop to unhook myself (it is ok, I will not post a picture), so longer shorts over a bib work better and in Glasgow in the winter, I tend to wear big Berghaus waterproof overtrousers (currently on sale!) over my bib and these save me from getting soaked, while still affording me some protection for my derriere.

Baggy Trousers!

Other than that, I simply tend to wear layers of clothing dependent on the weather and where I am heading to, but generally (in scotland at least) it is shorts or jeans (I have water resistant pairs) and a tshirt and a light breathable rain jacket (occasionally a fleece) that I can store in my bike frame bag.

Love cycling, hate Lycra

There’s little worse than cold wet feet, so I usually wear a pair of my goretex running shoes and pack extra socks although I do have waterproof socks from Showers Pass for the truly horrendous days that we often have in the West of Scotland!

k UIbSBUfbrK3ZQ9FvWEXuQ62SewEnECaducw1IokzhK1u6vzqCPhFDSXW8Ar97FW6letws2048

While never having been diagnosed with Raynaud’s, my fingers are like ice in the winter and even in the summer I tend to wear gloves when cycling, especially as I am an office worker with the hands of someone who has never seen a hard day’s work. However for on the upcoming seasons, I will be using my waterproof Sealskinz gloves (yes, there is a recurring theme of ombrophobia).

Even my watch is waterproof!!

Under my helmet (yes, bloody wear one) I adorn my head with a buff. Not only does it keep my head worn in the colder days, but they are usually cheap and are now common giveaways at events. I especially love my Men’s 10K buff which can be bought from Baw Bag who donate a portion of their proceeds to cancer charities.

So cosy, I kept it on during the coach home after Pedal of Scotland

All across Europe those commuting on bike take it a stage further and cycle to their place of work in their actual work clothes. However, it is my experience that the roads of Glasgow are often dirty while I have been known to take the odd detour through Glasgow’s wonderful parks on the way home. There is nothing quite like ending a stressful day at work with a gentle ride through woods and along the riverside. Just thinking about it makes me want to get out on my bike.

If Carlsberg did detours

While I will not criticise anyone for wearing lycra, it is not for me and if wearing lycra puts you off cycling to work on Cycle to Work Day or another other day, then please follow my lead and wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and whatever will help you continue cycling to work.

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

September 11, 2017 0 comment