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Walking

Walking My Way To Fitness

March 20th was the official first day of Spring and with the lighter days and even a bit of sunshine in Scotland it is time to step up my fitness game.

Back in 2012, I was a national Step Count Champion before becoming a try-athlete (I would try any sport), but various life events, from the pandemic to working from home, knee pain, broken bones and recently, the return of Optic Neuritis, have led me to become more sedentary than I’d like.

I’ve been searching for something to help me maintain my fitness drive, and I remembered what kickstarted my success back in 2012.

Walking.

The Power of Walking

Walking is much more than a way to get from one place to another. It is a lifestyle choice that lets you break from daily stress, soak in nature, and improve your overall well being.

Walking is a natural mood enhancer. When you set off on a brisk walk, your body releases endorphins and serotonin—those feel-good hormones that help lift our spirits. This daily activity not only reduces stress but also clears your mind. Imagine the calm that comes with leaving behind the task of work for a few moments of nature’s embrace.

Walking acts like a gentle meditation often creating a quiet sense of inner peace. It gives your brain the chance to reset, resulting in improved focus and reduced anxiety. When you are immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, you will discover a well of positivity and gratitude. This emotional uplift can be transformative, helping you face daily challenges with a refreshed perspective while providing you with a greater sense of stewardship for the world around you and the wonderful creatures we share it with.

And physically, walking is a powerhouse. It is a low-impact exercise that improves your cardiovascular health, tones muscles, and boosts overall fitness. It is an effective way to manage weight and lower the risk of chronic illnesses. When you choose to walk to and from your office or take regular strolls in your local park, you are actively investing in your body’s long-term health.

As much as you can walk on your own, walking with a loved one, friend, or colleague transforms exercise into a social activity. It is the perfect chance to catch up, share laughs, and build stronger bonds. Walking together provides mutual support and encouragement while walking with a friend or in a group also adds a layer of security.

Walking My Way to Fitness

I always do better when I set myself goals. I usually start small and then increase the challenge. My first goal and the foundation of success was consistency. I would walk a minimum of 7500 steps a day, every day, and then increase it to 10,000.

Working at home for half the week doesn’t help, so I built in time to walk before starting work, during lunch, and after dinner. Pre-breakfast and pre-lunch walks are generally short but completing both helps me reach midway of my daily goal.

My days in the office are when I bank some miles, walking the 2.6 miles to and from walk and often walking during my lunchbreak. The recent weather made this easier, but having lived in Glasgow most of my life I know that the rain is never far away and it’s return is not a surprise.

And that’s where my role as part of the adidas blogger community helps. I cannot allow rain to derail me or give me an excuse not to walk

I am absolutely obsessed with rain, so it might not come as a surprise that I have added waterproof trainers to my kit, thanks to adidas.

I picked up, again thanks to adidas, a Terrex Rain.Rdy Cap to keep my face (and primarily, my glasses) reasonably dry. In Glasgow, the rain comes at you from all directions and this will no doubt be used in conjunction with a hooded jacket

I mentioned earlier that my approach would be to gradually increase my goals and while I love walking, I also want to get back on my back and again, I’ve taken steps to reduce the likelihood of me finding excuses not to and that means also adding another waterproofing piece of kit.

Wanting a lightweight jacket that would protect me from the elements, I went searching for a suitable adidas jacket. With its drop tail hem, adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and inner pocket, the Five Ten All-Mountain Rain Jacket seemed a perfect fit. And it had to be. I am still far heavier than I want to be and having it available in an XXL was both welcome and currently necessary.

As much as I wanted to get back on my bike, I enjoyed the walks in the sunshine and despite losing 12lbs (and 4 inches from my waist) from my heaviest at the start of April, I still don’t feel ready to switch gears.

But I have ensured my bike is road ready, checking brakes and tyres. I’ve walked over 600,000 steps so far and I’m aiming for 1 million by July. I’ll hopefully also continue to lose fa, increase my fitness, and rid myself of the Optic Neuritis which has returned, before resuming my try-athlete ways.

I’ll do an update in July and hopefully this approach of walking my way to fitness will be successful.

This blog was supported by adidas as part of my role in the adidas blogger community.

June 1, 2025 0 comment

Mental Health Physical Activity

Be Happier Walking with Nature

written by Stephen Morrison

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

Those moments when I feel connected to nature.

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

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

Nature Connectedness

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

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

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

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

Why does it matter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love nature and love thyself.

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

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

Walking with Nature

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

There be life in, on and under this tree.

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

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

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

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

Even the boys are now walking with nature

References:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 11, 2021 3 comments

Health Physical Activity

Join me at Maggie’s Culture Crawl 2017

written by Stephen Morrison

I read the statistic and it horrified me. Most of us can say that we know someone who has cancer, but the startling and frightening truth is that 1 in 2 of us born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime (1).

50% of us will be diagnosed with cancer while the other 50% will likely have a loved one diagnosed.

In truth, it is possible that all of our lives will be affected by cancer in some way and over the last few weeks, I have been learning about some of the services in place to help those diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Maggie’s Centres is a charity established in 1996 and they are now located in the grounds of 20 hospitals across the UK. A Maggie’s Centre is a place that offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families. It is a place where anyone can come for a chat, a cup of tea or just to find a quiet space to relax.

It is a home away from home.

A home from home

Before I arrived, I expected the building to look like any other hospital building. Sterile and clinical. Instead, I was overwhelmed with how warm and welcoming the centre was. There were open planned sitting areas, open gardens, and open arms. Light shone in and smiles radiated from almost every face. This was not a place full of people suffering; many were thriving and the staff were almost indistinguishable from the visitors as everyone moved freely and engaged positively.

It was moving and reassuring and at this point, I must have gotten something in my eye. Possibly some pollen from these flowers.

Maggie’s is a place to grow

I eventually managed to clear my eye and I sat down with one of the counsellors and we discussed some of the programmes that Maggie’s deliver and I was encouraged to learn about how physical activity is promoted within the centre

We all know that our lifestyle choices can increase the risk of cancer and being over 40 (I know, I do not look it) I recently made the decision to reduce my intake of red meat and to end my love affair with processed meats like bacon (2)

Maggie’s has a fully functioning kitchen and also a nutrition class, but it was their activity programme that I was interested in.

Remaining active while living with cancer has been shown to result in significant improvements in physical functioning, active daily living, shoulder range of movement, cardio-vascular fitness, positive mood, and quality of life. (3)

At Maggie’s, you can join a walking group, try yoga and if feeling up for it you can go for a crawl.

No, this is not some form of functional fitness, but instead, one of the highlights on the Maggie’s social calendar that I spied on a shelf.

The Maggie’s Culture Crawl is open to all. It is an evening of music, dance, comedy, art and of course walking. You get to discover your city in the most wondrous fashion with special access https://healthylivinguk.org/2017/05/28/buy-cialis-20-mg/ to iconic buildings and beautiful venues and entertainment and culinary delights from talented performers and chefs. The walks vary from six to ten miles in length and with regular breaks, they should hopefully be accessible to most.

You get to have fun and you get to help fund the amazing work that Maggie’s continues to deliver.

It all starts in Edinburgh on 22nd September and you can sign up here

The cost of entry to this amazing night is £25 with the expectation that you raise £100 or you can simply pay £75 without having to fundraise.

I will be participating in the Glasgow Culture Crawl on the 29th September and it would be great to have you join me on one of these amazing nights.

Together, we can ensure that those with cancer and their families receive the care and support that can be life enhancing and potentially life saving.

Disclaimer: In return for this post I have received two free entries to the Culture Crawl. However, having witnessed and been overwhelmed by the care and support they provide, I have decided that I am going to make regular donations to Maggie’s, starting with any fees that I receive for writing for Expedia

Eyes now clear, it was time for me get home

References:

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August 26, 2017 0 comment

Health Mental Health

My Steps to Better Mental Health with a little help from Charles Dickens

written by Stephen Morrison

Now, I am no Charles Dickens and I hope that you do not have great expectations for this blog, but for two months, I have been experiencing some hard times. High levels of stress, anxiety and depression (we will not get into the reasons) have not made this the best of times and it has affected every aspect of my life.

My work has suffered (I am not currently at work); my friendships have suffered (I am not leaving the house); my fitness has suffered (I am not doing anything to keep myself active); my eyesight has suffered (I have developed Central Serous Retinopathy) and, I am struggling to complete tasks (I am not doing anything). I worry that I am a poor excuse for a partner, step-father and son. I have been unable to see the forest for the trees and I want to escape from myself.

Things like paying bills, making and attending GP and Optician appointments and yes, writing blogs are a chore. I have withdrawn from events and I have withdrawn from life. Even when I am feeling good, I am a procrastinator and not the most gregarious of individuals , so imagine me with zero motivation and little focus.

The only thing I have felt able to do is eat. Eating has always been a comfort and a joy to me (quickly followed by sorrow) and I am definitely someone who will run for cake.

In 6 weeks, my weight has suffered and I have regained 12 lbs through lack of moving anything other than my jaws. 12 lbs that I fought so hard to lose in the previous 12 weeks.

However, one thing that I am is self aware. Yes, I know that I annoy many of you with my selfies, my endless shoe pictures and my occasional humblebragging, but I also know that my physical and mental health cannot continue to suffer. I also know that this is a path which I been on for far too long.

Steps to Better Mental Health

There are no quick solutions. No magic pills (well, that is not strictly true) and no guarantees, but there are several steps that I have been taking to help improve my physical and mental health during a period of immense stress.

Firstly, I have been moving more.

I have been going out for 20 minute walks ( I hope to run soon) to the local park, where the feeling of the wind and the sun on my face; the hearing of laughter of children and the barking of dogs; the sight of the trees and the smell of recently cut grass always helps to put a smile on my face. Even in the rain (I do live in Glasgow).

Thinking about new shoes!

I have also been getting wet at home by building up a sweat, using my collection of kettlebells and my Core Momentum Trainer.

As my levels of exertion and my heartrate increase, my levels of stress and anxiety dissipate (for a short time, at least). While swinging my kettlebell, I am lost in the moment and I am focusing on the movement. The events in my life that I am struggling with fall to the back of my mind and I can escape (for a short time, at least) from the thoughts that are dragging me down.

A heart that never hardens?

I am also talking more.

I have reached out to friends and I have sought counselling. I am being open and honest with my loved ones and hey, I am sharing with you, dear readers (or reader).

And I am looking at my diet.

Anyone who knows me well, knows about my aversion to vegetables, especially broccoli and brussel sprouts (they are the devil’s work, I tell you). It is my hope to move to a more plant based diet and I am eating more fruit, nuts, grains and vegetables, but I do know that I should be eating more.

I have bought some cook books; we have procured an extensive collection of spices and herbs and Teresa has made some fabulous soups. Soups that cunningly hide the source of their vegetable goodness. It is a slow road (for me, at least) to destination plant based diet.

However, I have also been popping some pills.

I do not want to go down the road of prescribed medication for my anxiety and depression, so I have been supplementing with Vitamin D (Glasgow, remember), Ashwagandha, Curcumin and Pharmaton Vitality capsules.

Now, the health properties of the first three are quite well researched and documented, but you may be unfamiliar with Pharmaton Vitality.

Earlier in the year, I was gifted a supply and although I was heavily suspicious of their claims that: “Pharmaton Vitality Capsules work by enhancing mental and physical performance” I discovered that without making any other significant changes to my life, I was more focused, more alert and getting more done. My weight loss increased (as I was more mindful about eating) and I felt more inclined to go for a cycle. The 28 days that I consumed them coincided with my 28 day cycle streak. Now, I know all about causation and correlation, so I will not be making any silly claims.

I also know all about the placebo effect

However, as I have reintroduced them (I used some Boots giftcards to buy the maximum 12 week supply), I have noticed that I am regaining my drive. It might just be the Ginsing, but I am working out again and I am writing again.

I am getting shit done.

Will these stop m from being a muddy, solitary, moping weed?

Hopefully, It is only a matter of time before I am able to go out again; go back to work again; and start living my life again. It might take longer to see properly again (4 to 6 months, seemingly), but the Pharmaton Vitality tablets are also packed full of Vitamins A, B and C so every little helps.

At £10 for a month’s supply, they are not cheap. Add in the cost of my Vitamin D, Curcumin and Ashwagandha supplements and you might be asking if I would be better getting these vitamins directly from food.

And you would be mostly right. All Scots are advised to supplement with Vitamin D due to our lack of sunlight (especially in winter) and you would need to consume copious amounts of Turmeric to absorb the recommended levels of Curcumin, but most vitamins and minerals can be sourced from food (the Ashwagandha is a plant in India). My eventual goal is to make the behavioural and dietary changes that will facilitate a hopefully long and healthy life, but I know that it will take time and I know that the causes of my stress and anxiety will not disappear quickly either.

All I can do is remain positive, be strong and keep moving while introducing more fruit and veg into my diet and trying to stay in contact with friends.

5 Steps to Better Mental Health

I stole this image from Dr Andrew Murray, who posted it just today. For better mental health, I really think that the above encapsulates, for many, the key requirements.

What are you doing to keep yourself mentally and physically well? And if you are struggling, do you know how or where to go for help? Forget your pride and seek help. Speak to someone and maybe, go for a walk among the trees.

Listed are a few of the organisations that provide invaluable support and who will be glad to hear from you:

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87

Samaritans 116 123

SAMH 0141 530 1000

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August 2, 2017 0 comment

Feet For Life Health

Feet For Life : Walk Before You Can Run with Foot Medic Podiatry

written by Stephen Morrison

With my Ironman training gaining momentum (i.e. I am finally being consistent with both my training and my diet), I am still consciously aware that before I can start running again, I need to be able to walk (comfortably) again.

For the past year, my knee pain has made made running impossible and walking difficult.

My visit to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to see Magic Mandy identified that I had some abnormalities in my gait and the introduction of a temporary orthotic eased the pain considerably for a week or so (you can read that blog HERE).

However, if I was to ever run again and become an Ironman, I would need to find a long term solution.

And thankfully, I was presented with an opportunity that I could not refuse. I don’t demand or receive payment for the vast majority (i.e. all but three) of my blog posts whether they are for How Many Miles, FSEM, Man v Fat or the BMJ, so I was delighted when Ciaran of Foot Medic Podiatry in Bearsden contacted me to praise my work on the Feet For Life campaign with the College of Podiatry and then proceeded to invite me me along to his clinic for assistance with my recovery.

Once past the very lush and relaxing reception area Foot Medic Podiatry looks more like a science lab than a podiatry clinic. Ciaran and the team must have one of the most advanced private clinics in the country and the big kid in me wanted to play with it all.

While there is a treadmill and multiple cameras to analysis a runner’s gait, Ciaran suggested that with my knee pain that we use the pressure pads on the floor to assess my stance and my walking style. After an initial static reading, I repeatedly walked the short length of the clinic treatment room with a step landing on the pressure pad which would measure my landing and my step off.

Once Ciaran had enough data and had quickly assessed it with his trained eye, he presented his findings….in Technicolour.

From the computer images, It was clear that when standing I favour one side of my body over the other while almost a third of my weight distributed through my right heel. This is consistent with observations from Magic Mandy and from one of my Personal Trainers, Scott Devenney.

We next looked at how my feet land and then take off.

My heavy heel striking came as no surprise, but two things did come as a shock. Ciaran identified that when stepping off, I gently and possibly invisibly to the naked eye, perform an abductory twist just as my foot leaves the ground. Basically this means that I whip my heel and smarter people than me have explained this as my pelvis and tibia not working together. While it might not explain all of my pain, it was another piece of the puzzle that are my lower limbs. As was the fact that I had achilles tendinopathy, possibly due in part to lots of miles ran and years of my poor feet carrying substantial weight. With limited foot dorsiflexion, this could explain my very short stride

With my history of Perthes Disease and the clues that he had already discovered, Ciaran also had me lie down to measure my legs and what he discovered added yet another clue.

My right leg is 16mm shorter than my left and while up to 10mm is within normal parameters, Ciaran suggested that we consider this when it came to fabricating my orthotics.

For that was to be the final surprise. While most podiatrists have to send away for orthotics to be made, with a waiting time of around 14 days, Foot Medic Podiatry were able to cast my feet and produce my orthotics in just over an hour. And not just your run of the mill insoles. These bad boys would be made of Crist’air, a material that is used in making bulletproof products.

Ciaran was going to bulletproof my feet

Firstly though, he had me stand in their foot casting machine, which saw bags of heated silica mould around my feet.

IMG 20161203 122014 1

Then the insoles were heated around my cast before we started on fabricating the wedges that would hopefully address my supination and my short right leg. I say we as I just had to get in on the action.

IMG 20161203 150457 1

Ciaran explained that he would use a carbon fibre composite for the base and that we would grind it into shape. We would not compensate for the full 16mm, but instead, around half of that. The reason, Ciaran explained, was that any more could create imbalances and cause more harm than good. It has taken me 36 years post Perthes to develop my unique gait and I accepted that any sudden changes might not be welcomed by my body.

IMG 20161203 151746 1

The end result was two pairs of orthotics that should hopefully see me through next year’s gruelling training regime, but if I should need more, I will not hesitate to return to the Foot Medic Podiatry. In fact, before I return to running, I will go west and have my running gait fully assessed by Evelyn, Foot Medic Podiatrist’s resident running expert.

However, I don’t know whether to forgive them for making me don this costume. On behalf of the entire Feet For Life campaign, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Maybe, someone will treat your feet to some pampering this year.

IMG 20161203 140056 1

December 16, 2016 0 comment

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

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

Health Obesity

The Race is On. A Step Count Challenge

written by Stephen Morrison

I turned the corner and there, 500 metres ahead, were the leading pack. They were tightly grouped and moving at a reasonable pace. Catching and overtaking them would not be easy.

It was Week 2 of the Step Count Challenge and my knee was still troubling me. I had originally decided to take this 5K easy, but when I saw the group ahead, my competitive nature took over. I checked my heart rate and pace on my new Garmin Forerunner 235 (what a watch) and realised that I could, should and would catch them.

I zeroed in on the person at the tail of the group and made him my target. I would catch him first and then pick the rest off, one by one.

I lifted my head, pushed out my chest and focused on quickly gaining ground on the competition. It took me five minutes to get within 10 metres of him and at this point I stopped gaining on him. It was as if he was aware of my approach and had increased his own pace to keep me at bay. I wasn’t sure how long I could maintain my own pace and I was close to admitting defeat.

He was in my sights

And then, an opportunity presented itself.

We approached a road crossing and although no traffic was coming, I nonchalantly jogged across and as we touched down on the kerb, we were finally level and for at least thirty seconds we were neck and neck, matching each other in stride.

I didn’t dare to turn my neck and simply stared ahead, quickening my pace that little bit more. Soon, I necked ahead and then the real work began.

At this point, I should probably explain . This was not a running race. In fact, it was really only a race in my mind.

For this was my 3 mile active commute to work and as far as I was aware, nobody else was in on my private race.

Or were they?

As I marched on towards work, I heard the sound of shoes slapping. He was right behind me and the quicker I walked, the louder his shoes became. I could not shake him and my wee (28 inch) legs were struggling. How could he be moving so fast, for so long? Was he also racing me?!

I quickly glanced around and he was nowhere to be seen. How could this be possible, especially when I could still hear his shoes?

Possibly because they were not his shoes. They were mine. Not on my feet, but in my bag!!

I take my walks to work and the Step Count Challenge seriously (maybe too seriously, if this blog is anything to go by) and wear running shoes on the way in while my dress shoes are in my bag.

The noise was the soles of my shoes reverberating rthymically together in my bag, as I moved faster. It reminded me of the famous Billy Connolly shark joke.

On realising this, I instinctively slowed my pace and disaster struck. Out of nowhere, another commuter appeared and overtook me. She had the most amazing gait and was walking effortlessly and at speed… in heels! I was up against a pro.

At every junction, I applied my casual jog to gain the lead, only to see her once again overtake me on the pavement. She was a walking machine. As I crossed the final road and neared the point of no return i.e. my workplace, I resorted to what can only be described as cheating.

I innocently checked my watch and feigned surprise and shock at the time. I shook my head and broke into a run.

Haha. Take that fast walking business lady.

Victory was mine, even if I did break the rules. But then, this is my own race and there are no rules. I am wild like that.

This is how I make my daily Step Count Challenge walks to and from work fun and interesting, especially as my route takes me along some rather dull and uninspiring streets.

My morning commute

Am I alone in my secret races or do you also compete against other commuters? Or, do you have other ways to gamify your Step Count Challenge walks?

April 27, 2016 7 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