How Many Miles?
  • Home
  • Journey
    • Journey

      The End of the Road For How Many Miles?

      September 29, 2019

      Journey

      Can I get fit with PJG Online Personal Training?

      March 18, 2019

      Journey

      Best Laid Plans – Never Give Up and Never Give In

      September 9, 2018

      Journey LetsMoveForABetterWorld

      Let’s Move For a Better World With Glasgow Club and TechnoGym

      March 10, 2018

      Journey

      It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day…and I’m feeling good.

      October 30, 2017

  • Try-Athlete
    • All Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Free Events Kit and Tech Reviews Radio
      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Health

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Try-Athlete School of Sport

      Try Athleting With the School of Sport and Glasgow Life

      January 24, 2018

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Team14 & Team Scotland Commonwealfies

      August 17, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      People Made Glasgow 2014

      August 9, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore Paralympic Hope

      Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes in Rio 2016

      August 28, 2016

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

      June 26, 2014

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Free Events Never Stop Glasgow

      Get Fit For Free with NeverStopGlasgow and The North Face

      October 1, 2016

      Free Events

      Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

      August 30, 2016

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio Does Zumba in Glasgow

      August 4, 2016

      Radio

      Don’t Worry, Be Happy

      June 3, 2016

      Radio Hampden Sports Clinic

      Can I Run? My question to Hampden Sports Clinic.

      May 4, 2016

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio’s Adventure Show TryBowls

      April 7, 2016

  • Triathlon
    • All Cycling Running Swimming
      Physical Activity TRI in the Park

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

      July 4, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

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

      June 1, 2018

      Physical Activity

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

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

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Cycling What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day

      What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

      September 11, 2017

      Cycling Cycle to Work

      What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

      July 13, 2017

      Running

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Running

      I’m Back with a Glasgow Men’s 10K Review

      June 18, 2017

      Running

      The Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon Review

      May 8, 2017

      Running

      End Great Run Herbalife Partnership

      April 22, 2017

      Swimming TRI in the Park

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

      July 4, 2018

      Swimming

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

      Swimming Swimathon 2018

      Time for Star Pupil to Resurface with Swimathon 2018

      January 17, 2018

      Swimming

      Aspire Channel Swim Review and a wee look back at 2017

      December 15, 2017

  • Travel
    • All Asia Australia Europe
      Europe

      Onich Hotel Pods Review-Location, Location, Location

      November 2, 2020

      Europe Yorkshire Staycation

      A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

      July 13, 2020

      Europe One Day In Lauterbrunnen

      One Day In Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

      January 13, 2020

      Europe Christmas in Liverpool

      Christmas in Liverpool – 30 James Street Hotel Review

      November 15, 2019

      Asia Mumbai

      Mumbai- The City That Stole Our Hearts

      November 28, 2016

      Australia Noosa National Park

      Best of Queensland : A walk in Noosa National Park

      August 21, 2016

      Australia

      Best of Queensland : Glasshouse Mountains Walk

      August 14, 2016

      Australia

      Salty Dog Sea Kayaking in the Whitsundays

      July 26, 2016

      Australia Fraser Island Tour

      Fraser Island Tour with Fraser Explorer Tours

      July 18, 2016

      Europe

      Onich Hotel Pods Review-Location, Location, Location

      November 2, 2020

      Europe Yorkshire Staycation

      A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

      July 13, 2020

      Europe One Day In Lauterbrunnen

      One Day In Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

      January 13, 2020

      Europe Christmas in Liverpool

      Christmas in Liverpool – 30 James Street Hotel Review

      November 15, 2019

  • Great Run Blog
  • FSEM Lay View
  • British Medical Journal Blog
  • Home
  • Journey
    • Journey

      The End of the Road For How Many Miles?

      September 29, 2019

      Journey

      Can I get fit with PJG Online Personal Training?

      March 18, 2019

      Journey

      Best Laid Plans – Never Give Up and Never Give In

      September 9, 2018

      Journey LetsMoveForABetterWorld

      Let’s Move For a Better World With Glasgow Club and TechnoGym

      March 10, 2018

      Journey

      It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day…and I’m feeling good.

      October 30, 2017

  • Try-Athlete
    • All Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Free Events Kit and Tech Reviews Radio
      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Health

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Try-Athlete School of Sport

      Try Athleting With the School of Sport and Glasgow Life

      January 24, 2018

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Team14 & Team Scotland Commonwealfies

      August 17, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      People Made Glasgow 2014

      August 9, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore Paralympic Hope

      Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes in Rio 2016

      August 28, 2016

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

      June 26, 2014

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Free Events Never Stop Glasgow

      Get Fit For Free with NeverStopGlasgow and The North Face

      October 1, 2016

      Free Events

      Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

      August 30, 2016

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio Does Zumba in Glasgow

      August 4, 2016

      Radio

      Don’t Worry, Be Happy

      June 3, 2016

      Radio Hampden Sports Clinic

      Can I Run? My question to Hampden Sports Clinic.

      May 4, 2016

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio’s Adventure Show TryBowls

      April 7, 2016

  • Triathlon
    • All Cycling Running Swimming
      Physical Activity TRI in the Park

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

      July 4, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

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

      June 1, 2018

      Physical Activity

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

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

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Cycling What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day

      What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

      September 11, 2017

      Cycling Cycle to Work

      What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

      July 13, 2017

      Running

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Running

      I’m Back with a Glasgow Men’s 10K Review

      June 18, 2017

      Running

      The Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon Review

      May 8, 2017

      Running

      End Great Run Herbalife Partnership

      April 22, 2017

      Swimming TRI in the Park

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

      July 4, 2018

      Swimming

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

      Swimming Swimathon 2018

      Time for Star Pupil to Resurface with Swimathon 2018

      January 17, 2018

      Swimming

      Aspire Channel Swim Review and a wee look back at 2017

      December 15, 2017

  • Travel
    • All Asia Australia Europe
      Europe

      Onich Hotel Pods Review-Location, Location, Location

      November 2, 2020

      Europe Yorkshire Staycation

      A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

      July 13, 2020

      Europe One Day In Lauterbrunnen

      One Day In Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

      January 13, 2020

      Europe Christmas in Liverpool

      Christmas in Liverpool – 30 James Street Hotel Review

      November 15, 2019

      Asia Mumbai

      Mumbai- The City That Stole Our Hearts

      November 28, 2016

      Australia Noosa National Park

      Best of Queensland : A walk in Noosa National Park

      August 21, 2016

      Australia

      Best of Queensland : Glasshouse Mountains Walk

      August 14, 2016

      Australia

      Salty Dog Sea Kayaking in the Whitsundays

      July 26, 2016

      Australia Fraser Island Tour

      Fraser Island Tour with Fraser Explorer Tours

      July 18, 2016

      Europe

      Onich Hotel Pods Review-Location, Location, Location

      November 2, 2020

      Europe Yorkshire Staycation

      A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

      July 13, 2020

      Europe One Day In Lauterbrunnen

      One Day In Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

      January 13, 2020

      Europe Christmas in Liverpool

      Christmas in Liverpool – 30 James Street Hotel Review

      November 15, 2019

  • Great Run Blog
  • FSEM Lay View
  • British Medical Journal Blog

How Many Miles?

A Journey from Morbid Obesity to Try Athlete and Active Traveller

Physical Activity

Mission Possible

written by Stephen Morrison May 4, 2020
Mission Possible

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


04/05/202001/06/202020/07/2031/08/2020
Weight (lbs)282.8


Skeletal Muscle Mass95.9


Blood Pressure134/87


Chest (cms)128


Bicep35.5



Waist142


Thigh65


Calf45


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. 

Mission Possible was last modified: May 4th, 2020 by Stephen Morrison
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
previous post
Vitality Responds to COVID19 with New Rewards
Yorkshire Staycation
next post
A Yorkshire Staycation with Together Travel Co

Some more posts that you might enjoy

You Take The High Road, And I’ll Take The Paddle Board

January 28, 2015
World Obesity Day

World Obesity Day & the Soft Drink Industry

October 11, 2016

Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

February 19, 2018
Refugee Olympic Team

Why I am supporting the Refugee Olympic Team at Rio 2016

August 5, 2016
Cycle to Work

What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

July 13, 2017
What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day

What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

September 11, 2017
Pearl Izumi Champion

We are the Pearl Izumi Champions

March 16, 2017

Vitality Responds to COVID19 with New Rewards

March 28, 2020

Vidi, Vici, Curro

July 5, 2014

Using Activity Trackers to Get Scotland Walking

March 15, 2016

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Once 354lbs, I now use physical activity to add years to my life and life to my years

Instagram Slider

  • Pint number 35 donated and a good walk to and from the city centre. Been keeping active every day for about 2 weeks and feeling the benefit. Sleeping much better and getting some strength and fitness back #giveblood #walkonceaday #hyprrhealth
    by howmanymiles_ 2 months ago
    Pint number 35 donated and a good walk to and from the city centre. Been keeping active every day for about 2 weeks and feeling the benefit. Sleeping much better and getting some strength and fitness back  #giveblood   #walkonceaday   #hyprrhealth 
  • This is going to be epic!!
    by howmanymiles_ 2 months ago
    This is going to be epic!!
  • Who knew that at 47 years old that I would discover a love for Mexican music and have the opportunity to support a festival in Sonora, talk on Mexican radio and build a friendship across the seas. Posadelic is live on Hyprr right now. #posadelic2020 #hyprr #mexicanmusic #music
    by howmanymiles_ 4 months ago
    Who knew that at 47 years old that I would discover a love for Mexican music and have the opportunity to support a festival in Sonora, talk on Mexican radio and build a friendship across the seas. Posadelic is live on Hyprr right now.  #posadelic2020   #hyprr   #mexicanmusic   #music 
  • The Only Way is Hampden. Been a while but back giving blood. #giveblood #oneg
    by howmanymiles_ 5 months ago
    The Only Way is Hampden. Been a while but back giving blood.  #giveblood   #oneg 
  • Breaking news. Hyprr is available for iPhone users. Sign up to hyprr.com, complete form and get access to Testflight. https://forms.gle/3eSH9pWX4kucLR2W8 #hyprr #socialmediarevolution #newarrivals
    by howmanymiles_ 5 months ago
    Breaking news. Hyprr is available for iPhone users. Sign up to hyprr.com, complete form and get access to Testflight. https://forms.gle/3eSH9pWX4kucLR2W8  #hyprr   #socialmediarevolution   #newarrivals 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google +
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Email
  • Bloglovin
  • About HowManyMiles – From Morbid Obesity to Try Athlete and Active Traveller

@2016 - How Many Miles


Back To Top