A Day of Deliciousness

A Day of Deliciousness

Although this is mainly a running blog, and I try to keep it focussed on running and eating well, sometimes lots of times, my life creeps in!

I’m sure that might bore some of you, and I’m sorry about that, but hey- it’s my blog 😉

So, after that intro, I think I’d better warn you. In twelve week’s time, I’ll be married. And so, that means some of my posts might include wedding talk over the coming couple of months (yawn, I hear you say!).

Today has been a day of getting organised. We only set the date back in late October, and although we have booked the main things, not many of the details have been ironed out. Hence, today is planning day! 😮

I’m trying not to turn into Bridezilla!

Of course, it also means that I have a fancy frock to fit into. And so, the healthy eating has been moved right back to the top of my agenda, where it should be! Last night I had a fab salmon salad for dinner. It was amazing! I had it with a couple of new potatoes, some chilli beetroot and light coleslaw.

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So far today, I’ve had a breakfast smoothie, with strawberries, raspberries, yoghurt, chia, flax and protein powder:

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Followed by another delicious Food Doctor pot for lunch:

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And we have a lean pork casserole in the slow cooker for dinner. It’s smelling yummy!

What’s on your menu today? Any wedding tips you’d like to share?

Looking Towards Late Summer

Looking Towards Late Summer

So, it may still be January, and freezing outside for many of you. But I’m already looking towards late summer!

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Already, I have my summer holidays all authorised at work, so I can now look forward to a few trips. 🙂

I’ve also been mooching around various running sites, lining up potential races.

So far, I’ve entered the ballot for places in the Great North Run:

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I watched last year’s race, wishing I was there! I know it’s always over subscribed, so I’ll just have to wait and see if I’m lucky 😉

I’m also still considering the Loch Ness Marathon, and I am definitely leaning towards entering it…. I just haven’t actually committed to it….. yet!

Back in the present, this evening I’ve done my plank-a-day, my squat challenge and some rowing. Gosh, it feels great to be back to it!

Have you signed up for any late summer races yet?

Festive Food

Festive Food

Ok, so I’ve eaten well over the past couple of weeks. Very well, actually.

Wanna see?

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Happy Hogmanay!

Happy Hogmanay!

Happy Hogmanay!

And a Happy New Year too!

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Portavadie Marina

Portavadie Marina

Portavadie Marina is a fantastic hidden gem nestled on the west coast of the Cowal peninsula in Argyll. Conveniently for us, it is also a very short ferry ride away from Tarbert!

It features a wide range of accommodation: bed and lockers: bunk rooms for cyclists and walkers, lodge rooms (which are like good hotel rooms) , secluded cottage for honeymooners and couples and luxury apartments for friends and families who want a little more space and luxe while away.

The marina has excellent facilities, and there is a top notch restaurant, while the lodge has a more relaxed restaurant and family area. There’s a spa, and a shop which sells everything from milk and newspapers to high end clothing and chandlery supplies.

I love it!

We’ve visited many times, often for lunch and a few drinks; sometimes ourselves, other times with friends and family. We celebrated @TheWelshWookie’s 40th Birthday here, too.

And now we’re back; gatecrashing the honeymoon, and welcoming in the New Year at the Hogmanay Gala Dinner.

Lucky us! 🙂

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WiFi and mobile signal is patchy, so I’ll check in when I can!

TartanJogger’s 2013 Review

TartanJogger’s 2013 Review

If you had told me this time last year that I would have run a much as I did in 2013, AND become an amateur running blogger, I would not have believed you. What a difference a year makes, eh?

On 31st December 2012, I set one goal. To run a half marathon in 2013.

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How far I have come since then!

I’m sure your blog feed will have been overflowing with the 2013 reviews frm your favourite bloggers. So, let me add mine, though I promise, I’ll keep it short!

Favourite Race of 2013

986694_10200604902817628_1628708063_n Yay! We did it! :D

This is a difficult one, and it changes every five minutes. I’d have to go for the Mull of Kintyre 10K. Not only did I PB, but it was great fun, with fantastic support and a brilliant goodie bag!

Most enjoyable race of 2013

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The inaugural TT10K. Not only was it on my doorstep, but it was a great balance of easy running, hills and trail. The organisation for this event was fantastic.

Most fun running trip of 2013

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Hands down, this has to be our trip to Dublin for the inaugural RnR Half Marathon. The run was great, and the craic as mighty! Second place was the Color Run UK in London, back in July.

Best Family Event of 2013

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That’ll be the Perth Kilt Run back in August, which we ran with Joe, Stacey and RJ. Great Fun!

Favourite non-road running Event of 2013

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The inaugural CowalFest 5K in October. As my first proper trail/hill run, it was great. And I placed! 🙂

Now, bring on 2014!

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A Winter Wedding

A Winter Wedding

Well, we have had a FAB-U-LOUS weekend at Joe and Stacey’s wedding. The bride was stunning, the groom was dapper; the best man impressed with his organisation and speech, and the bridesmaids were gorgeous.

I didn’t run, but I danced the night away!

Would you like to see a couple of pics?

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This morning, @TheWelshWookie and I were up early, and spent a couple of hours in the pool, which was great! 🙂

Next, we’re off to gatecrash the honeymoon at Portavadie this week. We are going for the Hogmanay dinner dance, and for a few days to celebrate the new year: trainers are packed for this trip!

Do you have any Hogmanay and New Year festivities planned?

More Tree Huggin’

More Tree Huggin’

Here’s one from the hotel at my brother’s wedding…. More pics to follow!

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Friday Fantasia

Friday Fantasia

Tonight, I went with my sis and two of my nephews to see Fantasia, with a full orchestra.
It was awesome!
Roll on the wedding of the year tomorrow!

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Boxing Day

Boxing Day

Have you had a relaxing Boxing Day, or was yours filled with sales shopping?

Mine was lovely and quiet: we went for a lovely walk this morning, and have spent the day pottering and packing for my brother and soon-to-be-sister-in-law’s wedding on Saturday. I can’t wait!

We’ve had another day of eating well: @TheWelshWookie made soup and chilli bread, which was just what we needed after our walk!

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Tonight, we may have another lil’ refreshment, maybe these beauties:

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Do you have plans today? Anyone having to work tomorrow?