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Try-Athlete

Chi Running and Yoga at Lululemon Glasgow

I have a confession. Two, actually, but I will explain the second later.

I have missed running. Apathy and injury have taken their toll and it has been 6 months since I ran in my last Great Run event.

I would like to say that the break has served me well, but I have struggled mentally and physically. I have lost confidence, fitness and friends and I have gained weight. A lot of weight.

Not running has not helped and I have decided that I am happier when I am running.

However, my knees, like the rest of my body, are suffering from wear and tear and if I am going to run again, I have to learn to run with less impact on my joints.

So, when Lululemon Glasgow announced a free Chi Running and yoga session, I signed up (they used my favourite word, free).

Nick introducing us to Chi Running

The session was delivered by Nick Constantine of SoulinMotion and yoga teacher Mark Russell and we all met outside the cosy Lululemon Glasgow store, where Nick explained the core principles of Chi Running.

He explained how Chi Running was developed in 1999 by ulta-runner and T’ai Chi practitioner, Danny Dreyer, and how it has helped thousands of runners transform their technique using the core principles of focus, posture, alignment and relaxation.

This message was reinforced inside Lululemon, where we were treated to a video of the legendary Kenyan running coach, Brother Colm O’Connell instructing his runners. We watched as they gently jogged and even walked around the track. This was no warm up. This is how they train.

This is how World Champion, David Rudisha, trains.

And this, is how we train. The Kenyans better watch out.

Nick then went on to explain the 80:20 rule. He suggested that 80% of our training should be gentle and form focused. Something, I can totally buy into. Too often we relentlessly push ourselves, with the only outcome being injury. How much smarter and possibly more enjoyable would it be to go out for more slow and gentle runs?

It was then time for Nick to introduce us to some of the techniques he uses to help runners.

We started by aligning our standing position. I am guilty of dropping my shoulders and Nick helped me to straighten and strengthen my posture. A few adjustments and I was standing taller and leaning a little more forward than my normal stance. Not enough to fall over, but enough to make me feel a little more solid.

Another principle of Chi Running is to engage our core strength, to give us power. Rather than leading foot first, Nick suggested that we propel ourselves forward, pelvis first. We practised this for a few minutes, walking back and forth, and by the end, it felt both comfortable and even natural.

Next up, Nick had us stomping in time to his metronome. I say stomping, but another key concept of Chi Running is to run lightly, regardless of the size and weight of the runner. Again, music to ears. Or rather, metronome beats to my ears.

The purpose of this was to increase our cadence and get us used to midsole landing, which would help us to decrease the amount of time each foot had on the ground and seemingly help us conserve energy.

It was then time to put Nick’s advice to the test.

As I learned forward, I felt the urge to move and with a quick pelvic thrust, I was off. I was able to maintain a good pace with quick, light steps and some high heel kicks.

We had only spent an hour with Nick and it would be unfair to expect a complete transformation of my running style, but I did see and feel a difference.

In May and September, Nick returns to Glasgow for his Chi Running workshop and there are still spaces for the September event.
You can find out more HERE.

An added bonus of the workshops is that you get to spend a few hours with Mark Russell, an Ironman and yoga teacher who specialises in yoga for sports

At the Lululemon Chi Running event, we were treated to a short introduction to his yoga teachings, in the most salubrious of setting of Club 29. Other than the lush surroundings, one thing stuck out for me.

Put your left leg out.

Mark reminded us that when we run, we are predominantly on one foot and he encouraged us to train accordingly. We practised a few Yoga poses, including Vrikshasana (or tree pose), and made them more challenging by closing our eyes. This unbalanced me and I will make practising this pose a daily habit, especially as I have weak glutes.

In fact, I was so impressed with Mark’s approach that I intend on attending more of his weekly classes at Lululemon, who have to be applauded for putting on their weekly free yoga, running and training sessions.

Which brings me to my second confession.

I have discovered that I love Lululemon and Lululemon clothing. Up until yesterday, I had assumed that it was an overpriced brand that didn’t cater for the oversized man.

Until yesterday.

Post event, we retired to the store for drinks and nibbles and I browsed the men’s clothing range. I fully expected to have my preconceptions confirmed. Instead, my gaze fell upon the top below.

Lululemon anti -stink t-shirt

It was in my size, it felt so soft and it had anti-stink materials that inhibits sweat bacteria from growing. The previously hidden fashionista and the geek in me were mesmerised.

I had to have it and tomorrow, I’ll be testing out its non stink properties at Bikram Yoga Southside and I might need to add to my Lululemon collection (do you think they might like to have a fat male ambassador?).

Huge thanks to SoulinMotion, Mark Russell and Lululemon for a wonderful introduction to Chi Running.

May 1, 2016 5 comments

Radio Try-Athlete

CamGlen Radio’s Adventure Show TryBowls

written by Stephen Morrison

Another week and another outside broadcast for CamGlen Radio recorded as we TryBowls.

April 7, 2016 4 comments

Radio Try-Athlete

CamGlen Radio : New weekly Adventure Show

written by Stephen Morrison

While every other blogger is turning their attention to vlogging, Periscoping and Snapchat, I am going old school and using the tried and trusted medium of radio to share my try-athleting ways.

From tomorrow and then on each and every Tuesday, I will be joining the amazing (not a word I use lightly ) Paula McGuire, of Paula Must Try Harder , on her CamGlen Radio Adventure Show to discuss ways to become more active.

Paula and I first became friends in 2013 when we were both selected to blog for the Commonwealth Games and we are now reuniting to deliver a weekly dose of fun, inspiration and our own brand of Legacy.

Well, that is the plan. It might take me a few weeks to discover my radio voice (there is a reason I blog). I already have a radio face.

Each week, I will reporting on an activity and tomorrow starts with how I first started out on my path (literally).

With walking and with Paths for All

Stepping out at work

So, tune in to Paula’s Adventure Show on CamGlen Radio from 11.00am and listen out for my dulcet tones.

Let’s Get Scotland Walking and more active. Let’s have fun and let’s all become Try-Athletes with CamGlen Radio and the Adventure Show.

March 28, 2016 0 comment

Journey Running Triathlon

Happy Trails – A Man V Fat V Mountain Trail Running Challenge

written by Stephen Morrison

At the end of last year, I had a crisis in confidence. I didn’t feel valued by my running partners and after 10 months of broken promises and dreams and a serious bout of soul searching, I walked away from my roles of running blogger, coach and event coordinator and announced to the world that I was giving up running for a while.

So, when sportsshoes.com asked me to trial some trail kit, I was at first hesitant. I had regained some weight and I had lost a lot of confidence.

But then, I recalled two of my favourite days of 2015. They were two days trail running in the Highland Fling and Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultra Marathon Relays in Scotland. Running along the tree lined banks of Loch Lomond and over the hills in the Borders were as far removed from running in the crowded streets of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle as you could get and the thought of them had me lacing up my boots.

There are many reasons, why I have found myself drawn to trail running.

Trail running appeals to my inner child.

#muddytrainersclearmind

Running in winter is often accompanied by rain, sleet and snow (usually on the same day) and normally when running in my city streets , I try to avoid puddles. However , when out in the woods and parks, there is a magnetic force that pulls me towards puddles and mud.

The quality of a trail run is often judged on the quantity of mud accumulated on my shoes.

Trail running is good for both the heart and the mind.

Trail running also delivers a sensory smorgasbord of sights, sounds and smells, with recent research from Stanford University suggesting that spending time in green areas can reduce mental illness, improve our cognitive development and lower levels of rumination. While trail running, we momentarily forget all the negative stuff in our lives and simply enjoy the scenery and serenity around us.

Better than any street view

Trail running has no rules.

You find a park or a trail and just run. Hell, you can even walk if need be and when the terrain moves from soft mud to hard rocks, you will be forced to scramble. Again, this is reminiscent of my childhood, complete with skint knees.

Quite often, I won’t even have a route or distance in mind. I’ll head out to my local park and go exploring. I’ll wade through streams, climb hills and lose myself spirituality and on occasion literally.

Trail running is better with friends.

Running through the woods alone might instil thoughts of an ill fated horror movie, so why not run with friends? There’s nothing like sharing the magical sight of a deer or celebrating the ascent of a hill with a fellow runner. You are also rarely running at pace and are more focused on not catching your feet on a tree root than catching your breath, so talking isn’t only possible, it’s actively encouraged.

Trail running takes you to new heights.

A part of me is always seeking new adventures and friends often say that I have my head in the clouds, so when I watched the Adventure Show this weekend (looking for all of my Jedburgh pals ), I was captivated by the feature on the Glen Coe Skyline Race.

I couldn’t hope to compete in the 55 km event traversing across the Glen Coe range of mountains, but the Vertical Kilometre called out to me.

A strength and stamina sapping 1,000 metre ascent over a 5K route that will make this the most trialling trail run ever. Especially for a self-confessed Shite Runner.But what a scintillating place to run.

It’s too soon to say that I am back, but I am on the right trail and I can’t wait to take on this Man v Fat v Mountain Challenge.

I’ll also be keeping tabs on the SportsShoes.com trail hub for inspiration and discount kit.

February 23, 2016 2 comments

Journey Running Triathlon

No More Running…

written by Stephen Morrison

It is December the first and for many runners, it is the first day of Marcothon, the brilliant 31 day running streak challenge in December, organised by Debbie and Marco Consani.

It is a wonderful challenge that encourages people to run and make physical activity a part of their daily lives. It brings runners together and the community spirit amongst challengers is an illustration of why the running community is so often revered. If you are a runner, it is a fantastic way to make those miserable winter runs work for you as you try to work out how to explain to your family on Boxing Day that you are only going out to run because you HAVE to; not because you are trying to escape the madness around you(not that any of us would dare suggest that).

Good luck to all of my friends taking part, but I will not be joining you.

For there will be no more running challenges for me.

Too often I get fixated on the next and bigger challenge and forget to enjoy being active. I make running and exercise a chore, when it should be a pleasure. Too often, I worry about not running fast enough, far enough or simply often enough. I berate myself for not being hardcore or determined enough. Instead, I will focus on having fun and making exercise something I look forward to. I am determined that I will do more of what I love.

It is also no more running blog for me.

After two years, I have decided to stop writing for Great Run. While I enjoyed seeing my posts receive positive feedback and I revelled in the VIP treatment afforded to me at Great Run events, I never felt part of the team. I never felt that I was truly appreciated or valued and I never felt that the blog was getting the support it needed. Instead, I will focus on this blog.

The end of the Great Run Blog (for me, at least) also unfortunately means no more running group or Facebook page.

For the past year, I have had the pleasure and honour of being the Event Coordinator for Great Run Local in Glasgow. I have watched as we have grown from two runners on a cold Sunday morning in December to forty runners on a cold Wednesday night in December. Although I genuinely love Great Run Local, I cannot continue giving my time when I do not feel that I have been given the support or recognition that I deserve. I will miss my Wednesday nights at the Quay, but instead, I will spend them training with my other love, Teresa.

With more time on my hands, I have also decided that there will be no more running away from my dreams.

I want to help others and I want to use my passion for physical activity to change lives. That is why I am delighted to confirm that I am going to complete my Level 2 Gym Instructor course and pursue my Level 3 Personal Trainer course with Faster, arguably the leading providers of functional training in the world. And also my Nutrition Consultant course with the Advanced Coaching Academy with Dr Gary Mendoza. I have spent too long helping others achieve success; too long believing that I did not have the ability and worrying that I didn’t have the time. Instead, I will now focus on my future success and I will believe in myself and make the time.

Finally, there will be no more running.

Whoa, did I just say that? Yes, I did and I almost mean it. Running has been the main focus of my life for three years and I have forgotten what it is to be a try athlete. I have also gained a few too many pounds and while I will never join the anti-cardio brigade, I do need to change how I train. I am not really enjoying running at the moment and a few months away from it will hopefully reignite my passion. Instead, I will focus on getting stronger and fitter and spend more time lifting, pushing and pulling, rather than simply shuffling along pavements.

I might have given up on a few roles this week, but I have not given up on me. I am howmanymiles, a physical activity champion, blogger, try athlete and a winner. What will there be “no more” of for you?

December 1, 2015 12 comments

Running Triathlon

Smells Like Team Shite

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s 5am; Pete Tong is laying down the beats and we are chilling in our seats, with the lights down.

This could have been an average Friday night/ Saturday morning during my twenties, as a night on the town was nearing its end, but instead, it was this weekend and 5am was the beginning of our party.

For Teams Shite Runners 1, Shite Runners Number 2 and Shite Runners 3 were chilling (literally) in a minibus heading towards Jedburgh for the inaugural Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon Relay.

The clue is probably in our team names, but the majority of us are social runners and although several of us have ran a marathon (have I ever mentioned this??!!), for all but one, an ultramarathon is on our to do (or never to do) list.

The relay is the perfect way to sample the atmosphere of an Ultramarathon. It’s also a great way to get an Ultramarathon medal and t-shirt without having to complete the gruelling 38 miles of the Jedburgh Three Peaks.

That’s not to say the relay legs were easy. With three peaks (again, the clue is in the name) to climb, woods and muddy trails to navigate (wrongly, but we’ll come back to that later) and the title of the Best Shite Runners to claim, this was going to be a tough run.
On paper, Team 1 were possibly the favourites. Not only because they had Mr Stuart Ainslie, our token ultramarathoner, in their team, but also having within their ranks some international class in the shape of Dimitris and Joseph. But we had a plan to scuttle their chances……mhuahahaha!!

For my team’s vice captain, and one of three Hoka Highland Fling relay veterans in our team, had planted his wife, Sarah, in Stuart’s team. Poor Sarah was due to run the 2nd seven mile leg, but on the morning of the race, after a pretty horrid night, she announced that her cold had ruled her out. Stuart, being both a good guy and a legend, agreed to run her leg and then his leg, consecutively. Even with his experience and training, I don’t think he was envisaging a 7 mile warm up to his climb up the Eildon Peaks.

He did though earn two well deserved finishers’ medals.

Despite Kirsty’s heroics in leg one (it was pissing with rain) and Andy’s magnificent seven mile leg two, Team Shite Runners 1 had a 15 minute advantage at the handover (or keep goinger, for Stuart). So, imagine our surprise and delight as our Nick came storming home ahead of Stuart at the final exchange of baton, otherwise known as a rubber wristband, and set me on the final leg.

And I played a blinder. Well, sort of.

Some might see my slow shuffling as a weakness. however my steady gait helped me to avoid a speedy slip into the mire that made the Jedburgh course one of the most challenging I have ever faced. Although the sun had made a late appearance for my leg, it had rained for much of the day and by the time I was running the final 10 miles, the route was thick with mud. A route advertised as flat, but which had a few uppies and doonies for me to walk up (if it’s good enough for ultra runners….).

I am not sure how much running the 18 miles had hindered Stuart, but Joseph overtook me around mile 5 and after a pleasant exchange, he left me for dust or should that be mud? I settled into an even slower pace and enjoyed the route and the scenery. I had fun running over a wobbly bridge and made some friendly chat with a few runners (overtaking me).

My lack of proper training and proper shoes (note to self and everyone else, for that matter: Hi-Tec are not recognised as trail shoes manufacturers for a reason) made the last two miles along the streets of Jedburgh slightly uncomfortable.

That was until I rounded the corner and saw the finish line approaching. I pressed ahead and was literally lifted off of my feet by the cheers of the crowd and fellow runners. I am not sure if it was because I was a Shite Runner giving it my all or if this was simply an illustration of the famed friendliness of the ultra community, but I have honestly never experienced such an noise. I crossed the finishing line feeling like I had I won.

And in some twist of fate, I almost had.

The route was well marshalled and well marked and the instructions clearly stated that we should keep going unless instructed. That didn’t prevent some of us taking wrong turns and needing to be ushered around by friendly dog walkers or closed gates. Thankfully my own detour lasted all of about one minute of running, before I was set again on the right path.

However, at the finish line, I learned that some had not been so fortunate. Joseph had gotten so far ahead of me that I hadn’t noticed him (honest!) taking a wrong turn along with the other runner who had overtaken me only minutes before.

Joseph ended up running 13 miles and ended up in the losing team, finishing behind me, who also ended up on the losing team. We had forgotten about Shite Runners 3. Sharon, Rachael, Jen and token lad Chris had proven that these girls can and had steamed ahead to the top of the pile of Shite Runners. They hadn’t been a runner down, they hadn’t got lost and they all had ran their hearts out, gaining valuable time at each and every leg.
They thoroughly deserved to be crowned the Best of Shite Runners. .facebook_1445898339707

And our day hadn’t ended. With Sharon’s partner, Michael at the helm (huge thanks to him for driving us and putting up with us) we made stops at an off-licence and Krispy Kremes. We celebrated our first jaunt to Jedburgh in the way only shite runners can. With donuts, beer and rum.

Huge thanks to the volunteers and organisers of the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon; to Dimitris for pictures and to all of my fellow shite runners for making this day anything but shite.

And who knows, maybe next year I’ll look to see howmanymiles I can run.

October 26, 2015 1 comment

Health Rewards Journey Physical Activity

Health Rewards, Rewarding Health

written by Stephen Morrison

Instead of fat shaming and lamenting the cost of inactivity and obesity, let’s encourage and reward those who are active and those who want to be active. Let’s give them the tools, show them the way and let’s reward the journey.

This is a message that I regularly share via my Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine posts and the reason why I am delighted to be a Brand Ambassador for Health Rewards.

Health Rewards are one of a new breed of businesses who are recognising the need for a different approach. Bounts is another wonderful app that I use and you can read all about it here, at the blog of my friend and fellow National Fitness Day ambassador, Mollie Millington.

But first, let me tell you about Health Rewards and Vitality. As a Brand Ambassador, I will, of course, be proclaiming how good it is (and it is), but I will also share my thoughts on how it could be improved. Yes, this could be the shortest lasting ambassador role ever.

Vitality is a life and health insurance policy that rewards an active and healthy life. It does so by giving free cinema tickets, coffees and iTunes along with substantial discounts on Virgin Active gym membership, running shoes from Sweatshop, bikes from Evans Cycles and even flights with British Airways and Spa weekends. The video below explains more.

I’ve been using the cinema reward for the past few months and I’ve saved several hundred pounds. I have also had to endure Minions, Inside Out and a few Marvel movies with the boys. I say endure, but as a fully-fledged man-child, I am secretly delighted. As are my boys.

To get the cinema tickets, I have to accrue 9 Vitality Points (more about them later) in the previous week and download codes from the Member Zone which I then copy into Cineword’s website. I can get any combination of standard seats for each member of my family, including a double bill of 15 movies, when the boys were away. The process is seamless and the value more than pays for the cost of the policy. If you are a single adult, you get only one ticket each week and you will need to benefit from the other rewards to make the policy pay.

The other reward that I have used, to great effect, is the Sweatshop 50 % discount. You can shop instore, but I simply emailed Sweatshop the product code of the shoes I wanted, along with my Vitality details and they sent me a discount code, which I then used on their site. Another £65 saved (I like expensive running shoes) and with each member of my family getting a pair each year, it’s another chance to save some considerable cash…..which I will no doubt just spend on more running shoes (well, I do have to use my Bounts vouchers).

I have also received monthly iTunes downloads and this has been disappointing. The site says that the rewards vary from a single song download right up to £20 credit. Can you guess what I have received each month, for the past four months? Yep, single song downloads.

Another reward is free Starbucks coffee, in participating Starbucks (always check first). It’s only one per week per adult (no caffeine for the kids) and as I don’t drink coffee I am building up credits. It seems that you can use more one Starbucks credit per visit, so I’m looking forward to sharing my rewards with friends.

I have yet to use the Evans Cycles discount, but I am looking forward to adding to my bike collection as I train to be a triathlete and I will report back on the other rewards as and when I use them. I do like my gadgets and a new Garmin or Polar at 50% off is tempting. The range of trackers and watches are good, but not brilliant and the pre discount RRP is off the current market prices. With a 50% discount you can still get an excellent Garmin Vivofit 2 or Garmin 220 Forerunner for a great price.

And you really have to. To activate most of the rewards you have to earn Vitality Points. You can earn points from getting health checks, stopping smoking, losing weight, running at parkrun (need to get them to add Great Run Local) and recording steps or your heartbeat.

The two latter ways require an activity tracker or a heart rate monitor and you can gain a maximum of 40 points this way each and every week. Given that you can earn 10pts from walking 14,000 steps, I do wish I wasn’t limited to 40 each week as it would mean a quicker rise to the higher levels of Vitality (it goes from Bronze to Platinum) and greater discounts on certain rewards. More importantly, it could encourage people to be active every day.

However, as a Vitality customer, I am more than happy with my policy and I couldn’t think of a better broker to be involved with than Health Rewards.

Health Rewards do not just sell insurance policies and they are not just helping me become a triathlete, they also support athletes, sports clubs and communities across the UK and they take extra steps to help you take extra steps. Each day they have personal trainers, nutritionists and psychologists providing advice and answering questions via live video. They are building a community and are investing in their policy holders.

That’s the kind of business I like doing business with.

And, if you want to get rewarded for being active AND get yourself a free Garmin, simply call 0800 881 8666 and quote SM when you take a policy. Get active, get rewarded and get Vitality.

August 16, 2015 0 comment

Health Rewards Journey Physical Activity

Reward The Journey

written by Stephen Morrison

From the moment I lost considerable weight, I have been approached by people and companies looking to align my success with their products.

July 17, 2015 2 comments

Health Journey Mental Health Obesity

Time to Come Clean

written by Stephen Morrison

Recently I haven’t been eating clean. I haven’t been training well. I haven’t been sleeping well and I have struggled to get out of bed, to enjoy any of the activities that normally make me smile or to even shave (currently sporting a poor excuse of a beard).

It hasn’t gone unnoticed at home, where I am more irritable, more grumpy and eating more than I should be. Even as I write this!

I’ve had a bout of sickness and a wee dose of the cold, but the truth is I recognise these symptoms. I have experienced them before. When I was morbidly obese.

Then, as now, I was suffering from depression. There, I said it.

If you read this blog or follow my tweets or Facebook updates, you will maybe question how I can dare to say that I am depressed. I have a wonderful partner, two smashing boys, an amazing mum and the opportunity to do so many things. I even ask myself what right I have to feel depressed. But, I know I am.

On Facebook and twitter and among friends I have been trying my best to pretend that I am ok, but I’ve probably been dropping hints. I’ve slept in for PT sessions, I’ve struggled to write and complete tasks and I have been (over) reacting to too many posts on obesity by fitness professionals who are anything but professional in their opinion of the obese (but that is another blog).

Ask me what is making me depressed and I might struggle to pinpoint it. Like most people I have regrets, fears and I have stuff going on in my life that I wish wasn’t. I’ve lost friends and seem to be losing my way. As I continue to eat, I think of the Biggest Loser contestants who regained their weight and my old fear, that I too will again become obese, resurfaces. I have began to doubt myself and as my doubts increase, my eating and my weight increases. Self medication and self sabotaging.

It is a vicious cycle and one I must turn around.

I am not wanting medication and I am not wanting sympathy. Writing this and speaking to my girlfriend has been cathartic, even if some may judge me. But it hasn’t rid me of the dark clouds that hang over me. I guess, like the Black Dog in the video below, I will never be free of them, but I can try and prevent them from clouding my judgement or from preventing me from realising my dreams.

I can find new activities to keep my try athlete life alive and I can clean out my life. I have made a clean break from some people who made me feel low and I need to focus on my goals and on the people who I value and who value me. I can stop seeing and talking about myself as fat.

More importantly, I will use the poly pill of physical activity to make me feel better about life and about myself. Exercise works and it worked for me when I was morbidly obese. Hopefully, it will work again and if needed, I will reach out to professionals.

January 29, 2015 7 comments

Try-Athlete

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

written by Stephen Morrison

And I’ll be in er, Loch Lomond before you. “In” being the operative word.

As an active travel champion and try athlete, I like to champion and try new active ways of getting from A to B and, via WILDERNESS SUP, I have discovered another activity that I have added to my “must keep doing” list.

It is Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding and it is exactly what it says on the tin. You stand on a board and paddle. Sounds easy.

So when asked by Barry of Wilderness SUP if I wanted a wet-suit, I looked at him incredulously and politely declined. We shared a “we are men” look and headed towards the shoreline with an 8ft inflatable board under my arm.
The instructions were simple. Climb on, stand up and paddle. However, before standing up, Barry encouraged me to get comfortable on the board by paddling on my knees. After a few minutes and several hundred metres into Loch Lomond, I stood up.

And promptly fell off and fell in.

If anyone is wondering, Loch Lomond is as far from the warm waters of Hawaii, where SUP hails from, as you can get and at times the water is persishingly cold, but fortunately after about the fourth time I fell in, I no longer felt the coldness seep through me. I’m not sure if had become accustomed to it or if my body had just gone numb, but after a while I did gain more confidence and I spent more time standing up and less time swimming. And yes, this was a “put your hands in the air” moment.

Hand SUP

Stand Up Paddle boarding is like yoga on water. Equally relaxing and strength sapping. As I skirted amongst the islands of Loch Lomond…ok, as I slowly (and wind assisted) floated around the islands, I realised why they are called the Bonnie Banks and why SUP is one of the fastest growing water sports. It is a magical and beautiful place and paddling with Ben Lomond in the back drop remains one of my favourite pictures.

Bonnie Banks

By the time we had reached Inchconnachan or as it is also known, Wallaby Island (it is actually inhabited by Wallabies) I was in need of a rest and some of the homemade tablet kindly donated by Barry’s mum. If Wilderness SUP does not make him rich, then selling this tablet could.

January 28, 2015 2 comments