Tag

get active

It’s a Hyprr Fitmas with HowManyMiles

‘Tis the time of the year when many bloggers publish a review of the last 12 months. If truth be told, I botched up the first 11 months and the less said about it the better.

That’s not to say I haven’t looked back at the mistakes, choices and decisions made and considered what I should have and could have done differently. I have spent significant time ruminating about where I am now and how I got here.

Here and Now

Here is 309lbs (only 45lbs lighter than my heaviest weight back in 2011, albeit with more muscle) with a “dodgy” knee, imposter syndrome, a neglected blog, a pinch of self loathing, and a partial eclipse as a belly.

However, I can either continue down this path of self destruction or I can excuse myself from this pity party for one.

That Lie

I won’t lie. Seeing 309lbs on the scale frightened me. I’ve had many chances to reverse this gradual weight gain but I have always used the excuse that “at least I wasn’t over 300lbs”. I have continuously lied to myself that I was in control, that I was not in danger.

Well, now I am and you might be wondering what I am going to do about it.

Normally, I woud chastise people citing this reductionist view, but I am simply going to eat less, move more and create more.

And hopefully win more (I have a cunning plan).

Time for a Cunning Plan

December is traditionally a month of parties, long lunches and general gluttony (well, for me at least) but this year I am going to do a Hyprr Fitmas Advent. 24 (minimum) days of being physically active and posting daily about my progress on Hyprr.

One of my excuses has been a lack of time. Yes, I am working on a few projects (more about one soon). Yes, I do also have a day job and yes, I am trying to spend more time with my family, but I am also spending too much time watching Netflix and too much time looking at expensive jpegs. I am then working late into the night/early morning (ironically writing this blog).

Yes, I am tired and yes, I am struggling with motivation but I cannot remain at this weight. My knee needs less load on it and the memories of being 354lbs have never left me.

So, what is my cunning plan and how can you help me and even take part?

FlexFM and Hyprr Flexmas Advent

My friends at London radio station FlexFM and at new social media, entertainment and NFT platform Hyprr are giving away gaming consoles, Merlin passes, spa breaks, shopping vouchers, HYPEs to spend on Hyprr.com, and much more every weekday from now until the 24th December.

All you have to do is create an account on Hyprr (available on desktop, iOS and Android), follow FlexFM and look out at 7.30am (yes, 7.30am) each weekday when they will ask the daily question. Comment with the correct answer on the post, then stay tuned to the FlexFM Breakfast Show and wait to see if you’re selected at 8:15am when you’ll join DJ Miss LA and DJ Sollie live on air to check behind the advent door for your prize.

And HERE is my plan.

I’ll get up early (from Dec 1st), comment on the FlexFM post at 7.30am, work out till 8.10am and win a prize at 8.15am, giving me time to shower and have a proper breakfast and prepare lunch before work. Every weekday. It’ll be my very own Hyprr Fitmas Advent.

Simples.

Best Laid Plans

However, we all know that it isn’t quite that simple. It requires preparation, commitment and consistency. And for me, a little bit of fun.

And this is where you come in. Every day, I will be posting a Hyprr Fitmas video of my workout, thoughts of the day (there may be expletives) and updates on my progress (possibly more expletives) on my Hyprr profile. And every day from Dec 1st to Dec 24th, I will award 1 HYPE to my favourite comment on my update.

And, if you want to, share your own Hyprr Fitmas video workouts using #HyprrFitmas. On Christmas Day, I’ll award 20 HYPES to my favourite video.

Whether it is going for a walk, doing some yoga or crossfit, or watching Netflix on a treadmill (it all counts) let’s all move more this December and spend less time on Telegram, Discord and PancakeSwap (mmmm…did someone say pancakes?).

Oh, and as a reward for reading this far, guess what my weight will be on Dec 24th and the closet will win a Garmin vivofit 3. Simply reply to this blog post before Dec 7th and the closest will win.

Terms and Conditions. Hyprr and FlexFM competition is only open to UK citizens aged 18 or over. My #HyprrFitmas competition is open to all Hyprr users (with an active wallet) while the winner of the Garmin VivoFit 3 needs to reside in the UK. Should more than one person correctly predict my weight, I will do a live draw on Hyprr.

November 30, 2021 3 comments

Health Mental Health Running

Beat Blue Monday and Run Free in Glasgow

written by Stephen Morrison

Monday was supposedly Blue Monday. The most depressing day of the year, based on this equation, devised in 2005:

It is a day when seemingly Christmas becomes a fleeting memory while the cost of Christmas is at the forefront of our minds and our New Year Resolutions to get fit start to fall by the wayside.

Forgetting, for a moment, that this nonsensical equation was devised on behalf of a holiday company flogging vacations in the sun and that people who suffer from depression might not appreciate the idea that depression is simply brought on by an empty wallet and fading Christmas cheer, let’s consider how we can get back on track with our fitness goals without it costing the earth….or anything, for that matter.

This is my third Get Fit For Free In Glasgow post and with me looking forward to making my long awaited (by me, at least) return to running on Wednesday with Run 4 It Giffnock, I thought I would focus on the free running….no, not Assassin’s Creed inspired parkour, but free of charge running available in Glasgow.

Running (and physical activity in general) is a great way to get fit and to make new friends and it can also help beat the blues, Monday or otherwise. It has helped me when I have been feeling low with low self-esteem, low energy and lack of confidence. Running with an organised group offers support, safety and a degree of accountability. In Glasgow, these groups vary in size, but they all love running and they all embrace new members.

Read on for my top free running groups in Glasgow

Run Free

Glasgow is blessed with an abundance of parks (Dear Green Place and all that) and in many of them, you will find a Saturday morning parkrun, which is the national and free timed 5K running organisation. While I will not go through them all, I do have to mention the wonderful event at Tollcross, where you’ll find a challenging course, great folk and even better cakes. Full details of parkrun events in Glasgow can be found HERE

However, there is also an abundance of other free running groups in the city that are suitable for beginners and seasoned runners, and there are several which I have found (or heard from reputable sources) to be especially supportive, fun and inclusive.

FB IMG 1457469897302 2 300x169

First up is my old favourite Great Run Local which runs a friendly and free 2k and 5K along the banks of the Clyde at the Broomielaw at the Squiggly Bridge (not the the Squinty Bridge) every Wednesday at 6.30pm. Great Run Local is a family affair as accompanied children can also take part. Times are measured using a free wrist tracker and if there was an award for the friendliest group of volunteers, then Great Run Local Glasgow would be sure to be amongst the finalists.

Then we have the running group that has risen from the ashes of the defunct Glasgow Running Network and which covers most of the north of the city, with weekly runs in Scotstoun, Maryhill, Garrowhill, Tollcross and the Gorbals. It is, of course, the aptly named Glasgow Phoenix Runners. Although, by all accounts, it is a very friendly group with varying abilities, it is requested that you are able to run a minimum distance.

Not one for new runners then, but they ARE definitely the intended audience at the Sweatshop Running Club Couch to 5K group in Anniesland. Not only is this free, but SRC also reward participation and with regular running events and promotions indoor, it is a great place for those out west to learn to run every Monday and Wednesday night.

For those in the southside, we have the aforementioned Run 4 It Giffnock. Here, you can participate in a lung busting interval sessions on a Monday after work that will improve your fitness and help you increase your speed, while there is now a very amiable and social (so social, there is often smoothies at Wholefoods afterwards) 5K run on a Wednesday night. Again, there is a mixed pace and all are welcome.

Run 4 It (also based in Bothwell St) and Sweatshop are both running retailers and in addition to delivering sessions, they also provide information evenings and gait analysis which you’ll know, if you’ve been following my Feet For Life posts, can be very useful in helping you pick a shoe that makes running hopefully more comfortable and less injury laden.

While we are mentioning retailers, we cannot forget the mighty Nike+ Run Club on Buchanan Street where you can enjoy a variety of running options from beginners to interval based sessions on Thursday nights. Nike regularly put on special events, like the wonderful Subway Run which much to my dismay didn’t involve a 5K run followed by 6 inch at Subway but instead a 10 mile run around all of Glasgow’s underground stations. Which, to be fair, remains as one of my running highlights.

Check out those smiles!

Still in the city and along Sauchiehall Street we have a running group that will put a smile on your face every Monday at lunch. Just remember to brush your teeth as it is with the Glasgow Dental Hospital & School Runners. It is a work based Jogscotland group, but is is open to anyone and might just be something to get your teeth into (sorry for the really bad pun).

There are Jogscotland running groups across Glasgow (and indeed, Scotland) and while not all of them are free, they are all led by qualified Jogscotland Jog Leaders and they are all very friendly and supportive. Check on JogScotland for a group near you.

And finally, we have a group that is smaller than most of the others, but which has a huge heart and which offers some fantastic longer Sunday Social runs (usually with food) for those training for marathons and a much shorter Tuesday night run in the city, again, often accompanied with food (and the occasional beer). The Red Bridge Runners meet every Tuesday at 6.30pm at you guessed it, the Red Bridge, otherwise known as the South Portland Street Suspension Bridge

Run Not So Free

While it isn’t exactly free, I do also have to give a special mention to the Glasgow Frontrunners where you’ll find a training session for everyone….and I mean everyone. Glasgow Frontrunners is the most inclusive and one of the largest running groups in the city and it has a range of running sessions from Couch to 5K to marathon training on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at Glasgow Caledonian University. Sessions cost either £1 per visit or from as little as £18 for the year.

Whatever group you choose, you’ll undoubtedly find a friendly, fun and supportive group of runners who will not care about how far or fast you can run, but instead will only be happy that you want to run with them.

Forget Blue Monday and instead, Run Free and Run Happy

January 16, 2017 1 comment

Free Events Try-Athlete

Get Fit For Free with NeverStopGlasgow and The North Face

written by Stephen Morrison

Put your hands in the air, if you just don’t care.

Care too much about paying inflated fees to get fit that is! Just last week, a feature in the National expressed how wealth (or even a lack of it was) was a barrier to participating in sports and physical activity. When wages (if you are lucky to have one) aren’t increasing but the cost of everything else is, then it can be hard to justify spending £8.00 on a weekly class.

Thankfully, I have yet another one of my “get fit for free” posts to share with you.

Our good friends at The North Face on Buchanan Street (and nationwide) are following up on their free and popular NeverStopGlasgow trail runs with some NeverStopGlasgow fitness sessions.

Over the course of four weeks, you can attend any one (or all) of the Wednesday night NeverStopGlasgow training sessions that will help your prepare for the Great Scottish Outdoors. Or in my case, the Tough 10 Cancer Research event in Edinburgh (don’t forget to enter my free competition for free entries).

Whether you are a skier, climber, runner or Munro bagger, having sufficient strength and endurance to get you across the finish line (or on top of that peak) is vital. Each session will be tailored to provide you with the physical skills to climb any mountain , even if that mountain is more of a hill and you are just out with your family in the local park.

Come together to train and to have fun

And with only twelve weeks until Christmas (summer has officially gone), it might prepare you for climbing out of taxis in little black numbers or with sliding across dance floors in your smart suits. What will you train for?

NeverStopGlasgow is not only for elite Mountain Athletes. It is open to all and everyone participating will come away with increased fitness and hopefully increased confidence. In fact, if you attend all four weeks, starting this Wednesday at 6.15pm, you will come away with more than that.

The North Face will give everyone who attends four consecutive weeks a special gift from Mountain Athletics (a Thermoball jacket would be nice!), so don’t delay and get signed up for what promises to be fun, challenging and ultimately rewarding.

Just follow this link and sign up for free at a session near you. In addition to Glasgow, there will be events in Edinburgh, Newcastle. Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London (obviously). As a blogger and physical activity activist, I often complain that brands don’t bring their events to Scotland. Can we show them that there is a demand and that Glasgow is NOT the sick man of Europe? NeverStopGlasgow

Thanks to Ben Read Photography for the pictures and to North Face for putting on these sessions. I have not been paid to promote this.

October 1, 2016 0 comment

Health Physical Activity

National Fitness Day- What went wrong?

written by Stephen Morrison

Not a lot of people in Glasgow seem to know this, but Wednesday 7th September is/was National Fitness Day.

It was supposed to be a day to celebrate the benefits of being physically active, but also, more importantly, a day when we could encourage more people to move more, more of the time. It was a day to Move The Nation.

What we got instead was more self back patting, a trending hashtag, more confirmation bias and lots of preaching to the converted.

It trended on Twitter, but did that reach make a difference?

On National Fitness Day, it seemed that the already active were hashtagging their day’s activities with #NationalFitnessDay while the inactive presumably went on with their day none the wiser and certainly no more active than they were they day before.

And can we blame them? One National Fitness Day Challenge was to record 50,000 burpees. This is not an exercise that you motivate the inactive with. This is the type of challenge that frightens people and most likely makes them doubt their capabilities.

Is this how we get the inactive moving!?

If you are in London you might be reading this and wondering what I am on about? For you, National Fitness Day included events outside the Olympic Park, events with celebrities and Sports Ministers and events that went on all day. It looked exciting, it looked fun and it really looked like people were getting involved.

No expense spared in London

However, it is supposed to be National Fitness Day, not London Fitness Day and in Glasgow, you would never have known that it was even happening.

In Glasgow, I struggled to find anyone who knew what it was and I struggled to find ANY fitness operator giving it any serious attention.

Just look at the efforts that Pure Gym and the Gym Group went to, in order to entice people in and to share their free gym pass offer! Inside Pure Gym, there were no posters, no flyers and no events that I could see.

It was simply business as usual. With gym membership and attendance increasing, do the likes of Pure Gym and the Gym Group even see a need to invest time and money into National Fitness Day? The pictures below suggest not.

No expense spared

I also visited National Fitness day Sponsor, Argos, to see what activities and promotions they had. As the main sponsor and having read what they had planned, I was confident that they would be celebrating it with some style.

Oh, how wrong was I?

I saw a young cashier with a National Fitness Day t-shirt on and I asked him what was happening. He responded that he had turned up for work and had been given the top to wear. To his credit, he went searching for information and told me that there had been people in, but that they had left. They hadn’t left any flyers or posters and Argos were not advertising any offers, but at least someone had been there. It is however National Fitness Day, not National Fitness Hour.

Wide Open Spaces

Was Glasgow alone and were we just proving that despite our protestations, that we are the Sick Man of Europe?

According to Sean Blyth of World Gym Challenge, the answer is no. He organised and delivered a National Fitness Day event in his Argos Store in Kent and he struggled to engage any members of the public . He reported that while the staff in Argos were helpful, they were too busy to offer any real support.

People were shopping or on lunch from work. They had no desire to work out in Argos and had no real interest in National Fitness Day. This is the apathy and attitudes that we need to somehow break down.

We need to consider ways to engage with people and National Fitness Day, on paper at least, is a great idea. However, maybe the word fitness doesn’t quite fit. Is it possible that this is a word that the inactive recoil from and maybe we need to, dare I say it, consider A Different Approach ?

UKactive are to be applauded for attempting to make a difference. I believe in National Fitness Day and I genuinely hope that we can reflect on what worked well and what went wrong this year. In 2017, we can all work together, to make National Fitness Day better and bigger and help more people, move more, more often.

September 7, 2016 10 comments

Europe Physical Activity Travel

Escape The City: Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

written by Stephen Morrison

Go Ape have seemingly invited every blogger and their dog (now, that would be a blog) for a swinging time in their Aberfoyle location, set at the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

I’ve still to receive mine, but that didn’t stop us from heading off to Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to experience the Great Scottish Outdoors.

For the uninitiated, that also means experiencing the Great Scottish Weather.

The forecast wasn’t great, but we were keen to escape the house and the city and after some gentle persuasion (“we’re going out and that’s final”) the boys warmed up to the idea of going for a wee walk (regular readers might see a trend developing for whenever I use the phrase “wee walk”).

As we set off, one thing that wasn’t warming up, was the weather. It was a drookit day and after an hour’s drive to Aberfoyle from Glasgow, our spirits were dampened a little. The sky was grey, verging on black and the heavens seemed keen to open up on us.

But hey, we had driven for an hour and there was a park to explore. But first, there was a cafe to explore. I fed the parking meter its £3 for a full day’s parking and then moved on to feeding some others.

Teresa and the boys don’t function properly without food, so we sheltered in the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, to gather our thoughts, some maps and a few provisions.

At £18 for three hot drinks, two soft drinks and three cakes, it wasn’t overly expensive and the boys seemed happy with their hot chocolates.

Suitably fed (and bribed) we all set off to explore Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

There are four recommended walks in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park ranging from a gentle and accessible 1/2 mile route to a waterfall to 4 mile hikes up to viewpoints over the forests and land beyond. We decided to try and do at least two walks.

The waterfall walk was as easy as suggested and it is worth the lack of effort. The falls are pretty and photogenic while the boulders at its base are generally safe and fun for the kids to play on

We nearly didn’t go much further on this walk due to a discovery that stopped us in our tracks.

Teresa discovered that lying on a hammock was the most relaxing thing ever, while the boys discovered the joy of swinging around on said hammocks.

Set amongst the trees with the noise of the gurgling stream and the waterfall in the background, the swaying hammocks offered an opportunity to relax, empty my mind and empty my pockets as all my loose change fell onto the ground. This shattered the spell that the forest was putting me under and I managed to free myself from the enchanting comfort of the hammock.

We then set off and crossed a wee bridge. This brought us out to a three way junction, with no apparent means of choosing which way to go. Unless, of course, you count the map in my pocket, but who looks at them? We could hear people monkeying around at Go Ape to our left and made the reasonable decision to go right.

After about 15 minutes of walking we came to another junction and the sight of a path leading up into the forest was enough to pique our interest. Teresa consulted the map and we recognised that we had stumbled across the Lime Craig Circuit. According to the information sheet, it was very steep in places .

An understatement if I have ever read one.

This was a hard slog. More than once Teresa and I had to stop for breath and I know, from my regular checks on my Garmin, that my heart rate reached its peak as we tried to reach the peak of the hill we were on. Danny, our family mountain goat (note: he isn’t really a goat) tore up the hill, while wee Jack was responsible for some of the spikes in my heart rate. Every 30 secs he would make a pass at overtaking me and I’m sorry, but there is only one walk leader in the family. Just as he sprinted level. I would burst into my own sprint. Loaded with extra baggage (our provisions and my belly) I just about kept him at bay until deciding that I needed to let him win once.

Not because I am good step-dad, but because he was killing me and because Jack is as stubborn as a mule. Unless he is kept entertained or distracted, he realises that he is walking up a very big hill only to walk back down it again.

He is often apt to simply sit down when he has had enough

The walk through the pines, clouded in mist,and the heather, bracken and thistles that surrounded us on every side was postcard and poem pretty. For expats across the world, this is the Scotland they adore and the fact that there was virtually nobody else on the trail made it all the more tranquil. Even the occasional rain shower enhanced the tableau.

We could have walked all day in this, but after about 40 minutes we were faced with a decision.

Should we climb or should we retreat.

As a family, we like a challenge and after a careful consideration of the wet and slippery scree, we put our heads together and we decided that it would be a shame not to climb to the top and experience the vista that awaited us.

So off we set and it was tough. Ideally you want proper hiking shoes and even hiking poles for such a walk, but it can be completed without either. Even with the rain, it wasn’t too muddy, but we had to climb carefully and I almost lost my footing on a couple of occasions. This isn’t a walk for everyone but it was enjoyable and and there is always a sense of satisfaction from the thrill of reaching the top and reflecting on what you achieved

The top for us was only 1,009 feet high and to my pals who are Munro, Corbett and Graham baggers, this may seem like a small climb, but for us it was a fun and rewarding challenge. At the top you can see all the peaks and valleys around and it made for a pleasant spot to have our packed lunch.

Suitably rested and fed we headed down back towards the Information Centre on a slightly different and easier route. One that could be accessed my most and another example of us taking a right turn which turned out to be wrong. This was a gentle and peaceful descent. We were all in high spirits, despite the increasingly heavy rain, and we were all happy. There was no ruminating about busy schedules or homework and we all felt at peace.

Scotland is blessed with with stunning landscapes and in Forestry Commission parks, such as the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, you can easily spend a day on trails and learn about the history of the land.

Inside the Lodge there is information on logging operations of old. We ended our day in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park learning about the LumberJills, an army of female loggers who helped Britain’s war effort during WW2 by taking on responsibility for providing much needed timber. At the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, they are remembered and honoured for their contribution and it it is a worthwhile addition to any visit to this magical part of the country.

The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is a one hour drive from Glasgow and once there you have the entire Trossachs National Park to explore. After a year of travelling extensively across the world, we are going to try and spend as many weekends walking and lunching in our own backyard.

What walks would you recommend for a family who enjoy quite but challenging walks within driving distance of Glasgow?

September 4, 2016 2 comments

Cycling Free Events Running Try-Athlete Yoga

Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

written by Stephen Morrison

Get your diaries out and put big circles around Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September.

For on these days, there is an abundance of FREE activities on for you to try, in and around Glasgow.

Whether you want to go for a walk with the family or a cycle with the family, there is something for you. If you want to hone up on your running skills or even test your fitness, there’s a way to get fit for free, this weekend.

There is an activity for you and activities for all.

Saturday 3rd’s Free Activities

Walk About

From September 3rd -11th, the Ramblers are organising 100’s of free walks across the UK as part of their Walk About festival.

20 of these walks will be in Balloch Park, this Saturday. There will also be games for the young and old and there will be talks from experienced Park Rangers and partners Cotswolds. There’s even free refreshments later in the evening being served to those with tired legs.

Walking was the activity that started my huge weight loss and it is an activity that almost anyone can undertake. With short 15 minute walks to all day hill treks, there is a walk for almost every ability at Walk About at Balloch Park.

British Military Fitness

If your idea of fun is getting down and dirty, then this Saturday, British Military Fitness might be the workout for you. As the UK’s biggest and best loved (their words) provider of outdoor bootcamps, you are rest assured to get no rest.

But fear not, British Millitary Fitness is actually another activity that is suitable for most and with free events on this Saturday at Kelvingrove Park for Westenders and at Rouken Glen Park for Southsiders, you might want to sign up as new recruit and take this opportunity to get fit for free.

Touch Rugby with the Centurions Touch Rugby Club

As a try-athlete, Rugby is one sport that I’ve yet to have a punt at. It’s not that my face is my fortune, but that me knees are already in bits without having some 16 stone bearded bear maul me in a ruck. So, why haven’t I though about getting in touch (that’s enough puns, I think) with the guys and gals at Centurion Touch Rugby Club?

Touch Rugby is an increasingly growing sport that is fun, fast and non-contact. It is a great way to get fit and again, is open to all abilities and all sexes. This and every Saturday, you can head down to Victoria Park for a free introduction and training session.

Sunday 4th’s Free Activities

Tour of Britain and Sky Ride

Th big events, for cyclist at least, this weekend are the Tour of Britain and Sky Ride Glasgow. The Tour of Britain is an opportunity to watch some of the finest riders in the world embark on this iconic race across Britain and it is also an opportunity to travel in their footsteps (or should that be in wheel circumferences?). Once the the elite cyclists have departed, the route is opened up to the general public and everyone has the chance to cycle the traffic free 5KM route around the city centre. It is ideal for families and also novice cyclists.

Go Sky Ride around Glasgow in a traffic free 5K

And fear not if it has been a while since you last peddled and you are worried that your bike is not roadworthy. Every registered participant gets a free bike check from Halfords and a free Sky Ride Bib. A lack a bike shouldn’t be a deterrent either as you can hire, using the code 721972, a free bike from Nextbike (see, everything is free in this blog) for one hour. This should be plenty of time to take part in the fun.

Lululemon Athletica, S D Movement and Barbells, Beards and Barbers

Unfortunately, I will not be running in this year’s Great Scottish Run due to my stubborn pride and my weak hide. My hip and my knee are on the mend, but neither a 10K or half marathon road race will do either of them any good.

However, I can still train and I can look for ways to help me return to running and make me a more efficient runner. If you’ve read my Chi Running blog, you’ll appreciate that I am open to new ideas and that I am a huge fan of Lululemon Athletica. Not only for their uber expensive but oh so wonderful shorts and t-shirts, but for their innovative and community driven approach to helping their customers improve all aspects of their fitness. Every weekend, you can find free yoga and cardio classes and they regularly put on special one off sessions.

This Sunday, they are spoiling you for choice. The splendid Stella Bertram and trainer Paul are delivering a Barbells, Beards and Barbers session at Mohair in the Trongate. Beards are optional but you will learn just how useful and effective a barbell workout can be. Again, all abilities are welcome but spaces are limited. Sign up HERE

I am really interested in this one (especially as I also need a haircut and beard trim) , but unfortunately (or fortunately) I will be participating in Lululemon’s main event (sorry Stella and Paul).

Run Glasgow Run with SD Movement.

This is the first of four weekly pre-Great Scottish Run Events at Lululemon. Each week, one of Glasgow’s premier trainers will take you through a free (there’s that word again) but invaluable training session that will help you run faster, longer and with less injuries.

I hear they have a money back guarantee

Week 1 is with Scott Devenney of SD Movement and even if he wasn’t a personal friend (my disclaimer), I would have no hesitation in recommending this session. Scott’s services are highly sought after and he includes mountain ultra marathon runners and er me as clients. He might not get you up a mountain, but he will get you up and over the Kingston Bridge at around mile 2 of the Great Scottish Run, using an array of tools and techniques that make him one of Glasgow’s best movement coaches. You’ll have fun and get fit for free.

(As an aside, Lululemon are also having a wee party this weekend, where you can see the latest range of clothing. Hopefully this means a sale soon)

So whatever your plans are this weekend, why not spend an hour or two trying out a free activity? It might be the first step to a healthier and happier you.

August 30, 2016 0 comment

Kit and Tech Reviews Triathlon Try-Athlete

Garmin Forerunner 735XT Multisport Watch Review

written by Stephen Morrison

This summer, I headed off to Australia with a spring in my step and a new Garmin Forerunner 735XT on my wrist. It had been a winter of discontent , disappointment and disconnection, but I had decided that by autumn, I would branch out into new sports and activities and leave my troubles and negative thoughts behind.

Armed with the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, I was equipped to track several new activities in addition to the staples of outdoor and indoor running, cycling and swimming which are more than adequately tracked by almost every other Garmin Forerunner watch.

These included Rowing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding and Hiking. All activities that I hoped to undertake while on my Australian travels.

There is also the option of adding other activity profiles, such as Strength and Cardio, but these basically operate like a stopwatch with heart rate based calorie burn, which don’t, in my opinion, add much value, although you can download HIIT training apps, which could be fun (please note that perceptions of what constitutes fun may vary).

The watch itself is smaller than the Forerunner 620 and similar in shape and size to the Forerunner 235. This makes for a comfortable fit and more likely to be “borrowed” by my training partner and partner in life, Teresa. It is quite light and given my knack for falling off of bikes, I have concerns about how durable the plastic casing and screen are. My first 620 (it was stolen during a burglary) suffered a few scrapes and some might prefer a more rugged watch, such as the new Suunto Spartan Ultra, but I do like how light it is and the fact that I can customise it and wear it as an everyday watch (more on that later) at work.

It also lacks the touch screen ability of the Forerunner 620, but I have a confession. While I loved my 620, I prefer using buttons. More reliable, especially in wet conditions (I do live in Glasgow) and a slightly faster and more accurate response than the touch screen , although that might be down to my fat fingers.

Outdoor Swimming with the Garmin 735XT

While in Oz, I went swimming in oceans, lakes, creeks and even under a waterfall and can attest to it being waterproof (and shockproof seemingly). The optical heart rate monitor doesn’t work in water, but Garmin do provide a chest strap for swimmers and another for triathletes with the Tri Bundle. I never tested these as I had left them at home, but when I start my swimming lessons (pool and sea), I will use this to measure my performance and progress.

Garmin probably didn’t have swimming in waterfalls in mind when designing the 735XT

Currently, I am more of a try-athlete than a triathlete, so the Forerunner 735XT is probably a tad advanced for my needs, but the Ironman within me is eager to test it in triathlons and I did manage to test while hiking through a few rainforests and on a kayak in the Whitsunday Islands

Kayaking with the Forerunner 735XT

I went “get in the sea” with this pic, as I was about to get in the sea

The activity profile on the Forerunner 735XT is actually for rowing and I am not sure just how universal stroke speed and distance are, but on reviewing my performance back on land and comparing it against average kayaking metrics, the numbers seemed about right. For someone not very good at kayaking, that is.

Seemingly this is at the low end of average.

And here is my main issue with the all singing (only activity it doesn’t measure) and all dancing Forerunner 735XT.

Post kayak or row, I love looking at the stats, charts and maps on both the Forerunner 735XT and the Garmin Connect App on my mobile phone and reflecting on my performance. While running, I can lift my arm and see how I am performing in real time, and make adjustments, but just try that while kayaking (and even swimming). You are dependent on two arms and monitoring your performance is impossible, using only the watch (feel free to correct me) without interrupting your flow.

However, the GPS does certainly work well enough, even at sea. It is very quick at acquiring satellites and much faster than my old Forerunner 620. I especially like the Garmin Connect maps.

My Garmin Map of Shute Harbour using my Forerunner 735XT

Hiking with the Forerunner 735XT

In Hiking mode, it also adds elevation and as we climbed Mt Ngungun in the Glasshouse Mountains (read my post about it) and Mt Cannibal (given the Australian tradition of naming every place literally such as “To The Beach Road”, I was relieved to find it was clear of cannibals ), my boys were elated to hear at regular intervals how high we were climbing. One caveat worth noting is that the Forerunner 735XT relies on GPS. For some reason, known only to Garmin, it doesn’t have a barometric altimeter that you can find in the likes of the Vivoactive HR .

Elevation (both in altitude and heart rate)

In addition to measuring our elevation, it also measures distance, pace, calories burned and of course heart rate, which seemed to elevate in pace with our ascent of Dunk Island. The dips were undoubtedly selfie and scenery stops. Not rests. Honest.

And that brings us neatly to the wrist based optical heart rate monitor (hrm). For me, chest straps found on sports watches are a pain. Literally. They are often too tight and I have often found it difficult to keep them in place. The addition of an optical hrm attracted me to both the Forerunner 235 and 735XT and there is something addictive about checking your heart rate while walking to work, climbing stairs, watching television and even while sitting on the loo. Possibly too much information, but I was only doing so for research purposes. Honest.

But the optical monitors are not without their detractors. Fitbit are currently battling a class action lawsuit for the inaccuracy of their optical heart rate monitor watches and I do have some reservations about the Garmin Elevate system. It is a proprietary technology and over the courses of several updates, Garmin claim that it has become more accurate and for the majority of time, it does seem to be. I have a very low resting heart rate and recover relatively quickly from exertion (it must be all the yoga and meditating) and the Forerunner 735XT seems to be unable to react accurately to sudden changes in heart rate, although it does eventually respond and for my purposes , the readings are accurate enough. While wearing it 24/7, I really like how it uses my heart rate to determine my daily basal metabolic rate. I.E. how many calories I burn each day (otherwise referred to as how much food I can eat in a day).

You become addicted to checking if your heart is still beating

I also quite like the customisable watch faces via Garmin IQ (their App centre) and the smart notifications that show me weather forecasts, social media updates, and even text messages and incoming calls (handy at work). However, these are also available on the Forerunners 235 and 635, and on their own, they are not a reason to upgrade to the Forerunner 735XT. However, the watch does come into its own with some key and rather exciting features.

Just call me Universal Biker

The Forerunner 735XT is the only Garmin watch order viagra
that supports the Garmin Varia range and having picked up the Vision In-Sight display headset, I can confirm that they pair together quickly. As I train for triathlons and get out on my bikes more, I will fully test the Vision and report back.

The Forerunner 735XT also improves upon the 235 by adding a function that would please my Chi Running coach (see my review of Chi Running).

A Metronome.

I am guilty of a long stride (even with my short legs) and a low cadence and the Metronome tool is set to pulse at the recommended 180 steps per minute, although this can be tailored to each runner. This helps you run at a more efficient pace.

For the sports scientists among you, the Forerunner 735XT is equipped with all manner of performance indicators. From the standard training tools, race predictor, VO2 max (premium Forerunners) and recovery adviser to more advanced Lactate Threshold (requires the chest strap) and Functional Threshold Power readings. I will be honest, these mean little to me at the moment, but I intend on finding out.

You might think that all of these functions and the constant use of GPS, heart rate and bluetooth might be battery intensive and in comparison to the seemingly never ending battery of the Garmin Vivofit, it is. While away for four weeks, and using the heart rate and GPS, I have charged it three times with a very quick charge time. I should point out that Garmin state that it will last 14hrs in full race mode, so any budding Ironmen might want to consider their expected finishing times and an alternative watch, such as the Fenix 3.

However, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a stunning sports watch that combines many of the best features of Garmin’s Forerunner and Fenix ranges and it equally works well as a physical activity tracker (like other models, it reminds you to move) and smart watch.

All of this doesn’t come cheap (Garmin Forerunner 735XT Tri Bundle costs £435 at Wiggle , but you can pick up the Run Bundle for £335 at Millets) and for the average runner or cyclist, I might recommend the less expensive options of the Forerunner 235 or Vivoactive HR, but then, who wants to be average and who would much rather be an Ironman (or at least a half Ironman)?

The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a watch for Triathletes and Try-Athletes. It is the watch for me.

Disclaimer. Garmin provided a Forerunner 735XT for this review, but I loved it so much, I bought one for myself.

August 24, 2016 2 comments

Try-Athlete

I am Team GB- Join In on Saturday 27th August

written by Stephen Morrison

Legacy.

Every Games, whether it’s Commonwealth or Olympic, tries to create a Legacy. The Olympic Games are a chance, not only to celebrate and coronate the world’s best athletes, but to inspire and motivate the next generations of Olympians to be the next Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah or Laura Trott

Every evening, I sit down with my boys and watch at least an hour or two of the competition on TV. I watch as they are transfixed by the gymnasts and cyclists. I watch as trampolines and bikes are dragged out of the closet and then I smile as the boys ask me if we can all go to the park.

They are my legacy

I duly and happily oblige and going out with these guys brings more joy than any of my awesome sporting sessions with Olympians.

I have always tried to encourage the boys to follow my example and become Try-Athletes and to find activities that they will enjoy and keep doing. They haven’t yet found the sports that they want to pursue and at 10 and 12 years old, they possibly need to find one now, if they are to find their future selves standing proud on podiums.

I can just see them as future Brownlees, standing side by side in sport as well as in life.

However, I am not a pushy parent (honest) and my only wish is that they remain active and enjoy as many sports and activities as they can. I do not want them to follow my example and become obese and unhealthy. With almost a third of children being overweight, we have to do our best, as parents, to provide our children with the opportunity to lead lead active, healthy and happy lives.

So, I am genuinely excited about next weekend, when sports clubs across the country open up their doors and invite all of us, young and old, to partake in parkruns, hockey, tennis, rowing and almost every sport on the Rio roster.

I AM TEAM GB

Join In with TEAM GB

It is all part of the “I AM TEAM GB” campaign which will see ITV switch off its seven channels for one hour at 9.30 am on Saturday 27th August, which will hopefully encourage you to switch off your own television sets and go out and do something less boring instead (showing my age).

You can go to your local parkrun (9.00am in England and 9.30 am in Scotland) for a leisurely and friendly 5km run (or walk); you can dive into one of the your local swimming pools and you can try many sports from barefoot bowls to golf, tennis, hockey and judo.

All for free and all at a sporting complex or park near you.

Simply sign up and enter your post code to find out what is happening in your area and then, just join in.

Join In

Join In are another partner of I AM TEAM GB and their goal is simple. To encourage more people to get involved with local sport. And that doesn’t need to mean joining a football league like the fabulous Man V Fat or digging out your running shoes for running groups like Great Run Local, it can mean simply giving your time and support to enable others to be active and to maybe help nurture future sporting champions.

I mentioned Man V Fat and Great Run Local for a reason (other than to give both a wee push). Both invite athletes (if you’re active, you’re an athlete) of all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities. Both were brought to Scotland by me, but more importantly both rely on volunteers and the support of local communities to deliver weekly events that genuinely change lives

For everyone involved, participants and volunteers.

Volunteering may seem like a sacrifice of your time, but take my word for it, there are few things as pleasing as hearing that someone is doing something positive in their life because of you and there are few better ways to make wonderful friends than volunteering. You meet people who enjoy helping others, who enjoy being around other people and people who seem to smile all of the time.

My old Great Run Local Glasgow Gang

So, why don’t you Join In with the I AM TEAM GB celebrations on Saturday 27th August and see what sport can do for you?

August 18, 2016 0 comment

Australia Travel

Best of Queensland : Glasshouse Mountains Walk

written by Stephen Morrison

“Are we going to be climbing hills or going hiking?”

This is the new question that the boys ask me whenever we are flying to a new holiday destination. I would like to say this is asked in excited anticipation, but the rather disappointing truth is that they would rather spend holidays in swimming pools and on beaches.

This is the Queensland that the boys really want to see

So, when we planned a two week tour of Queensland, while in Australia, they could be forgiven for thinking that since we had booked accommodation in beach resorts on the Sunshine Coast and the Capricorn Coast that we would be spending all of our time at the beach, especially as I had bought them snorkelling gear and an underwater camera.

The boys were possibly looking forward to seeing the Great Barrier Reef.

The poor wee mites.

For on Day One of our tour, as we drove to Noosa from Brisbane, and everyone was half asleep, I unleashed my hidden agenda and managed to convince everyone of the merits of a Glasshouse Mountains Walk. Next week, I attempt to broker world peace.

The Glasshouse Mountains are about an hour’s easy drive from both Brisbane and Noosa and make for a perfect stop on the way to or from either. They are as stunning as they are treacherous. Climbers are regularly injured trying to ascend their peaks and recently a woman was seriously hurt and had to be airlifted to safety.

So, it obviously made perfect sense to take my girlfriend and twelve and ten year old boys to the top of one of them.

Now, before you question my parenting skills, please understand that recklessly traversing up and over mountains is a family favourite. We’ve explored the Tatras in Poland and Slovakia and the Alps of Switzerland while we’ve bagged a few Munros in Scotland and we even climbed up a volcano (ok, it was inactive) in Italy.

Chilling on Mount Pilatus in Switzerland was just one of our mountain top destinations

A wee hill in Queensland would be fun.

I had mapped out a walk in the bush for the boys. They hid their excitement well.

Plus, I had actually researched all of the Glasshouse Mountains walks and, in Mt Ngungun, I had decided upon a relatively easy one for us to climb. Mt Ngungun is the sixth tallest of the Glasshouse Mountains, but it is also one of the most accessible. As long as you get there early and don’t stop for breakfast at the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout Café.

Although, you should actually totally stop at the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout Cafe as part of your Glasshouse Mountains walk

Not only is the breakfast menu worth the hours drive from Brisbane/Noosa, but the views across the Glasshouse Mountains National Park make the climb up them almost redundant. Almost. If lucky, you might even spot a few kangaroos that patrol along the mango trees, but who unfortunately decided to stay hidden during our visit.

We had set off from Brisbane at first light and when we arrived at the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout Café, we discovered that it didn’t open until 9.00am. This was just after 8am and I was keen to forego breakfast and start our ascent, but my girlfriend Teresa is a different animal. Without coffee and food she struggles to function. I have long since learned not to come between her and her sustenance.

So wait we did and I am glad that we did. Bacon, eggs and toast is such a simple dish, but it is surprising how often the bacon is too streaky and the eggs too runny. Maybe it was because we were on holiday or maybe it was because Queensland pigs and chickens are a breed apart, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a tastier pre-workout meal (seeing as I am also a fitness blogger, it was the perfect combination of carbohydrates, protein and fats), while wee Jack wolfed down his waffles and Danny salivated over the selection of cakes

A contender for our best breakfast in Queensland?

Once nourished, we set for Mt Ngungun and promptly went the wrong way. Which turned out to be a blessing, for a couple of hundred metres up from the café the Glasshouse Mountains lookout can be found.

Although, look out or you’ll drive straight past it. It is situated on the left hand side of the road and around a sharp bend. There are toilets, benches and the most wonderful panoramic views. Every Glasshouse Mountain can be viewed from this location and it really is a jaw dropping experience. I took 367 pictures, but still couldn’t capture how beautiful it was. You really need to see it for yourself. This is especially true if you lack the energy or inclination to mount an incline of one of the mountains (sorry for the terrible word play).

What a beautiful start to our first day in Queensland

We eventually dragged ourselves from the Lookout and with the aid of our satnav (an absolute necessity if touring in Australia) we headed towards Mt Ngungun. We arrived just after 10am and parking at its base was at a premium. It is free, but spaces are limited and you’ll pay dearly for arriving any later. We did luckily find a spot (on a verge), but others were not so fortunate.

Our brush with a Queensland Brush Turkey. The first of about 284 sightings

The walk starts off gently enough and apart from the last climb, there are wooden and stone steps all the way up. It does require a certain level of fitness and some narrow parts can be congested, but I witnessed people running up and down it and one parent even carried a young baby up, complete with push chair. It was a timely reminder to me that I really need to improve my fitness levels. Despite their complaining, the boys are like mountain goats once they are let loose and they loved spotting lizards and insects as we made our way up. We were even excited to see our first wild brush-turkeys. Eventually, after about the 200th sighting in Queensland, the novelty wore off.

So, how does Mt Ngungun rate as a walk and what did it do to my heart rate as I made the steady climb to the top?

As you can see, it is a steady climb to the top

It didn’t take long to get the heart pumping

According to my fancy and wonderful Garmin Forerunner 735XT (review coming soon) it took us just over 28 minutes to reach the peak of Mt Ngungun after a relatively strenous 450 feet climb. With an average heart rate of 134 bpm (beats per minute) and a max of 165 bpm, it was wasn’t quite the easy walk that I had anticipated, but it was highly enjoyable walk. We were touring in early July and even then, the temperature and exertion certainly made me sweat, so please take plenty of water. The tree canopy isn’t thick, so don’t forget to slap on some sunscreen either.

See, I could have made the family climb one of them.

Teresa and the boys struggled a wee bit on the way up, due to the heat (we are Scottish), and I would urge a serious word of caution on the final 50 feet to the very top. It does require a little bit of rock scrambling and sure footing. It is a long and bumpy way down and as a responsible parent (honest, I am) this was a step too far, for them at least. However, for me, the risk was totally worth it for these stunning views (and selfies, obviously) across the Glasshouse Mountains and the lush sub tropical forests below.

Ma, I’m on top of the world

Queensland is rightly celebrated for its stunning coastline, but hidden in the hinterlands are these majestic mountains, numerous national parks and wee towns that capture your heart and the contents of your wallet.

If you plan your journey well (or are just lucky, like us) you will drive towards Noosa on a Saturday or Wednesday and you will stop off at Eumundi for possibly the best market in Queensland. Yes, even better than Kuranda, the jewel of the Far North.

A fabulous wee place (ok, not so wee) to pick up all manner of goods and foods

Eumundi Markets is a diverse collection of over 600 stall holders who all share the ethos of make it, bake it, grow it and sew it. Here you will find quality handmade goods and foods from all over the world. They had everything including a kitchen sink (bush style)

Try before you buy with Eumundi Market soaps

Teresa was especially taken by the authentic homemade Ginger Beer and it was just as well that we brought a spare suitcase, as every second stall had a souvenir, shawl or scented candle that Teresa just had to have and for which I just had enough money to pay for (to be fair, her salary did pay for the entire Oz trip).

Homemade ginger beer at Eumundi Market

Eumundi Markets closes at 2pm, so my advice If you are driving from Brisbane to Noosa) is set off early, climb Mt Ngungun BEFORE breakfast at the Glasshouse Mountain Café before then heading towards Eumundi. That way you might also find time for a quick stop in Montville, a charming little town full of quaint artisan shops. That is if you can find a parking spot. Unlike Eumundi, which seemed to have hundreds of parking spaces, Montville has few and we drove around for ten minutes before disappointingly disappearing north along the extremely scenic drive towards Noosa, where I would once again convince my family to go for another walk in the wilderness.

August 14, 2016 1 comment

Cycling Running Swimming Triathlon

My First Triathlon with Fusion Triathlon Club

written by Stephen Morrison

It took a few moments for the laughing to calm down. The cause of the merriment? My answer to the question of what my aim was, when I announced I was going to lose weight. That I was going to compete in an Ironman competition and become a triathlete. I was at that point 354 pounds and had tried losing weight before, so as much as it hurt, I understood their laughter.

However, I was deadly serious.

Since I’ve started on this path and my previous path to fitness, I’ve made goal setting one of my main tools. I’ve mentioned before that I crave challenges and if something both excites and terrifies me, then there’s a good chance I’m going to sign up for it. Be it Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast or even the Copenhagen Marathon (did I ever mention that I ran a marathon….once?).

So, what is more exciting and terrifying, especially for a morbidly obese desk jockey than the thought of becoming a triathlete…an Ironman, no less. And the crazy thing is, even now that I have regained some weight, I believe that it isn’t a dream, a fancy or an outlandish pursuit. I will be an Ironman and I’m ALREADY a triathlete (and try-athlete)…..of sorts.

For a few years ago, I came across something that got me excited and partly terrified me. The Fusion Mini Triathlon at my local sports centre. How could I pass it up? Quite easily could have been the answer, as I didn’t have a bike and er, couldn’t really swim. Not triathlon stylee, at any rate. But was I going to let a couple of minor issues prevent me from realising a dream? Hell no. I would complete my first triathlon.

I learned that all swimming styles were permitted and a borrowed a bike, albeit a 12 year old, purple MTB that, unlike a fine Scottish whisky, hadn’t aged well.

So on race day I entered the arena and made my way, first to registration and then to rack my bike. I was surrounded by gleaming, shiny, finely tuned and sleek machines while the bikes weren’t too shabby either. At first, I felt a little out of place. Just like I used to, when I was obese. But everyone at Fusion was really friendly and made me feel at ease. So much so, that I felt comfortable removing my t-shirt for the swim (no matter, how much I progress, I’m still a little ashamed of my gut).

And I dived right in and was soon coursing through the swimming leg like a….well, like a not so fat non-swimmer. But I can swim breast-stroke all day (thankfully I didn’t have to) and was soon overtaking a few

and before I knew it, it was time for transition one and time for my first competitive cycle. I say competitive, but the only real competition was which out of the bike and I would break down first.

For, as I had said, the bike wasn’t new and it weighed about the same as a small family car. Plus, it had another problem. One working gear. No, it wasn’t one of these fancy training bikes, it’s gears simply didn’t work and no matter how hard I pumped my wee legs, Fred Flintstone style, everyone and I mean everyone overtook me. But, I’m not a quitter (well, not now at least) and I ploughed on (actually, I think a plough also passed me).

Eventually, it was time for my second transition. From bike to run and I was prepared and ready.

For, I had spent at least 30 mins watching youtube videos and I had been practising my dismount.

But, I’ll be honest, I did surprise myself and probably everyone else by doing a perfect transition. So much so, that it drew a few favourable comments. I say perfect, but I broke the pedal as I jumped off.

Sheer delight at finishing my first triathlon

My spirit raised, I raced into my strongest discipline. All that really means is that I’m never usually in danger of killing myself when I run. I was a little tired after the swim and cycle, but I pushed on and started to overtake a few, not many, but enough to give me hope of not finishing dead last. As I approached the finish line, I did my now mandatory sprint and raised my arms in triumph as I finished my first ever triathlon. It might only have been a wee one, and I might have ended up in the wrong third of rankings, but now I wasn’t only a runner but I was a triathlete.

Not only that, but I had outlived the bike, which was subsequently taken to the dump (I doubt that even Glasgow Bike Station would have wanted it).

I’ve since bought a couple of “proper” bikes, via my work’s cycle scheme and Vitality – you may have seen my #Everyday Athlete video.

I will also finally take swimming lessons and check out Vigour Events, who specialise in outdoor swimming. I will regain my fitness and I will see if Garmin’s Forerunner , Varia and Edge gadgets (all the gear, no idea) make me faster and more safe, as I use active travel as a means of training.

For, in 2018, I will compete in my first Ironman 70.3, while next year I might try (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and find a couple of local triathlons and/or duathlons.

From fat to fit and from try-athlete to triathlete

July 27, 2016 1 comment