As promised, here are some pics from last week’s holiday. I hope you enjoy them.
Here’s Cardiff Castle:
The Millennium Stadium:
Cardiff’s Docks:
And the Dr Who Experience- choosing which pics to share was difficult!
I even hugged a Lego Dalek 😉
I’d highly recommend a visit!
Date: 12th July 2015
Profile: Undulating
Terrain: Mixed: road, sand and trail
Weather: Warm and sunny
Website: https://www.facebook.com/greatcarradalecanter
Positives: brilliant course, with a mix of hills, flat, beach, road and trail. Excellent support, awesome views
Negatives: not a negative, but a quick field on a difficult course left me fourth from last 😮
Carradale is a picturesque village nestled on the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula, some 25 miles south of Tarbert. It’s blessed with a lovely harbour (with a working fishing fleet) as well as a golden sandy beach and a great network of forestry trails. If you read my post about crewing for Julia at the Kintyre Way ultra, you’ll perhaps remember that Carradale is also located on the Kintyre Way.
As ever, I had my race gear ready to go the night before: 
Fortunately, the race wasn’t an early one as it was scheduled for an 11.30 am start (I’m assuming this might be to do with the tide, making the beach section easier to run), and so this morning we had plenty of time to get ready, have breakfast and the drive the long and winding road to Carradale (yes, THE ‘long and winding road’ that Paul McCartney wrote about 😉 )
The sun was shining as we arrived in Carradale. We parked in the primary school car park, and as we were doing so, waved to the marshals we knew, who were having their briefing. We walked to the harbour for registration, and as we walked, saw that the village was a little hillier than we had remembered!
The registration area was pretty busy when we got there, and when we checked in, I realised that I’d been given bib number one! Wowee! I realised, looking around at the other runners, that I might actually be the first runner with bib #1 to finish last 😮 
We checked our bags, then chatted to other runners as we waited for the race briefing, and everyone was relaxed and having fun. Then we had a short walk to the start of the 10K, where we had our race briefing. Instructions today included things like ‘watch out for adders’ and ‘beware of the mud’…. I knew this was going to be an interesting race!
Here’s a map of the race:
The race was started by a countdown and a starter’s pistol, and we were straight onto the road leading back into the village – and it was a tough hill! It got the legs working from the start. TheWelshWookie and I knew we’d be slow, and so we kept to the back of the pack. The support was great from the start, with villagers out in their gardens to support us all.
We soon turned off to the left, and headed down a country lane to the beach – my first ever race section on the beach! Although it was tough, I surprised myself, because I really enjoyed it – I had a smile plastered on my face. A lady asked to take our picture (I think she liked the skort). She had camera problems, but we stopped and waited, to let her take a snap – I think we were happy for the break, but it did cost us a couple of minutes (not that time was a concern for us). I loved dodging the jelly fish and the flotsam and jetsam, and before we knew it we were back onto a track road, and heading for the forestry section.
The forestry part was great – lovely and cool, shaded, soft underfoot. We were soon way behind the pack, and had the run to ourselves. We didn’t see any adders, but were treated to an awesome aerial display by a golden eagle – lucky us 😀
Next was a short section back on the road before heading onto the kintyre way at the Network Centre (you’ll see pictures in my blog post here), and then we were at the hilly part – a steep climb up a forestry track to the highest point of the race. Well, that got the heart going! We walked it, unsurprisingly! Next was a great downhill section for about a kilometre along forestry roads.
Finally, we had the last section: into the village along the main road, back along a side road, up a short grassy hill, down a track, through a field, over a style and then onto the harbour road, where we could see the finish line 🙂
We reached the finish line to a somewhat subdued welcome – but we were not far from last, and people had been waiting to see the finishers for a looooong time by then, so I’m thankful they stayed!
I was handed a goody bag which contained the medal, and grabbed a bottle of water. Other runners were really chatty, and we had a great catch up with quite a few people about how we’d found the run, and how amazingly scenic it was.
TheWelshWookie and I then headed to the barbecue, and joined the burger queue. As we were waiting, the prize giving was taking place. So while we cheered and clapped for the winners, I didn’t manage to take any pictures. Sorry! We were in the queue with Karen, one of our fellow SUPercisers, which was fab. We enjoyed our burgers in glorious sunshine, watching a seal play in the harbour, before heading home to Tarbert. On the walk back to the car we chatted with Gail from Campbeltown about running adventures, and I was struck once again as to how friendly and supportive runners are of each other. 
Our stats: 1:17:17. My, my – slow, even by my slow standards! No matter, it was worth it.
The Medal: Engraved, and it came with stickers to add your time to it. No, don’t think I’ll do that!
Goody Bag: banana, bottle of water and an ace buff style scarf!
T-shirt: None, but no problem with that
When I got home, I uploaded my run and was greeted with this milestone:
And right away, I reset my Nike Coach for the Great North Run training – nine weeks today! :O
I’d definitely do this run again. You’d never know it was an inaugural event as it was so well organised and supported. Roll on next year’s event!
2015 marked the 10th Anniversary of the fantastic Mull of Kintyre half marathon and 10k. Two years ago, I PBd at the 10k, and that PB still stands :). The lasting memory I have is of the fantastic support from the crowds and the marshals. @TheWelshWookie and I were signed up and training to run the half marathon this year, but due to a few issues we ended up withdrawing. Instead of being negative about it, though, we turned it into a positive and volunteered to marshal instead 😀 
So, at 9.30 this morning, we found ourselves in Campbeltown, at the Victoria Hall, being allocated our spot. As we walked to the hall, we enjoyed watching people set up:
Knowing that we might not get the chance to see the finish line later, I took a quick snap:
The actual finish was just past the war memorial, tucked just out of sight from the finishing straight. The organisation was great, the briefing was very professional and covered most issues:
The route begins and ends in the town centre, while the main race takes runners out of town, along West Port beach, past the world class Machrihanish golf course, Campbeltown Airport (one of the short listed sites for the UKs space port due to its massive runway) and back into town. Our point was just before mile 9, not long after the tough-on-the-legs beach section.
We stocked up on jelly babies before we set off, knowing that , with 1/3 to go, a sugar rush might just be what runners need 😉
Our spot was great: we could watch the runners come along the main road just before mile 4, on their way out to the beach, long before they got to us. Here’s our view of the road:
We were parked in a lay by, so I enjoyed taking some pics of the cows in the left hand field and the sheep in the right hand field:
Oops- the cows seem to have been a lil camera shy- sorry!
Before we knew it, the leading runner was in sight, running the straight which was gently climbing up towards us:
the next couple of hours flew by, as we clapped, cheered, supported and offered jelly babies to the intrepid runners. The thanks, chats and support we received was incredible, and really humbling. All of the runners did so well.
All too soon, we were stood down and all marshals were invited back for complimentary coffee and Danish pastries. Never ones to turn down free food 😉 we made our way back to the finish line. The tent was busy, and everyone was in good spirits;
The pastries were soooo worth it!
We stayed for a short while, supporting runners as they crossed the finish line, while jealously eyeing up the medals and goody bags that could have been ours. Oh, well, there’s always next year 😉
We had a brilliant time, and can’t wait to run it again in 2016.
This weekend will be the third race in a row where I have marshaled or helped, rather than running. I’m really looking forward to it.
First, was the Inveraray Jail Break which was great fun, and very wet. Next was manning a checkpoint and crewing for Julia at the Kintyre Way ultra.
Sunday brings the fantastic Mull of Kintyre half marathon and10K. We are registered for the half, however life got in the way, training was derailed and so we’re marshaling instead.
Volunteering to help has been a huge positive for me. My mojo has returned from its wee trek away, and I have a new found appreciation for race organisers and runners too.
There’s a new campaign launched to highlight the need for volunteers, supporters and marshals, and it’s being supported by Jo Pavey: 
If you haven’t already, check out joininuk for more information.
If you’re running the MOK on Sunday, look out for me: I’ll have jelly babies, and plenty of vocal support! 😉
Hi everyone, how has your week- and weekend- been? Mine has been awesome!
On Saturday I had lunch in Merchant Square, Glasgow with my mum and sisters. I don’t know what happened to me, but for once I didn’t even think about taking a picture of my food! 😮 We had arincini and bruschetta to start, then I had carbonara. It was delish!
We had a wander around the arts and crafts stalls, and picked up some brilliant cards.
Yesterday was the final day of the 5×50 Challenge and again, for the third year, I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be signing up in 2016. Will you?
Today is day one of my 10k training plan: it should be a one mile walk, but I replaced that with my Clubbercise class as cross training instead. As Jacqui, our instructor, was on holiday last week it was tough getting back into it, but as always it was a fantastic class. Love it!
Tomorrow night calls for a 3 mile run, and I’m looking forward to that too.
Here’s some motivation for this week:
And I say amen to that! 😀
I woke up early this morning: after yesterday’s paddle boarding escapades, I didn’t want to accidentally sleep in. I opened one eye, a little worried that the forecast snow may have arrived. I got up, peeped out of the window, and was surprised to see that it was only wet. Huh, yes, only wet.
@TheWelshWookie was already up, so we had breakfast and got ready for our morning of marshalling. I layered up: winter running tights, long sleeved running top, running socks……. And, no, I wasn’t actually running today! I added a fleece sweater, welly socks, water proofs, hat, scarf, gloves and wellies. We were out the door and on our way to Inveraray. 🙂
About an hour later, we arrived. We parked up, and finished getting ready. My outfit was completed with one of @TheWookie’s fluorescent work jackets- no one was going to miss us. The briefing was scheduled for 10am, so we made our way to Inveraray Jail. On the way we were stopped twice- once by someone who held up traffic just wanting to know what was going on, and then by a runner wanting to know about parking.
Here’s the start of the race, outside the jail: 
I should point out that the Jail is now a museum, which is well worth a visit. I’m sure I’ve shared pictures before 😉
Registration and briefings were held inside, which was just as well because the rain was torrential. We knew we were in for a soaking- but we were well prepared for that. 
Fee, the wonderful race organiser (and jog Scotland leader, and cycling organiser, phew! Some how I missed taking a pic of her!) gave us our briefing, handing out emergency contact details and advice. Everything was so well organised: we even had a lift to our marshalling point!
Off we went, into cars, up to Inveraray Castle. We reached the marquee, and thought we’d be walking to our point. But, no, further transportation had been provided! There before us was a vehicle and trailer for us all to pile into! Now, I didn’t manage a proper picture of the actual vehicle, but it was like this, with a trailer attached. I think ours was bigger: 
We loaded up: I was in the trailer, and off we went! 😀 it was brilliant! I did remember then to take a quick snap: 
We were positioned at a gate, and were first to be dropped off. Here’s the wee truck as it left us, climbing upwards: 
We had around half an hour until the race started, so we had a good chat- in the rain- and got ready. Here’s our view- the runners came along the road in the distance before beginning their ascent: 
And, of course, I had time to pose 😉 
It was soon 11am, and only 6 minutes 30 seconds later the first runners were already reaching us, and we were well past the 2k mark. Wow! So impressive!
There were three races: one for full jail breakers, one for junior jail breakers and a kids race. The first two races came up past us- the full race made its way up to Dun Na Cuaiche, where they were rewarded with fabulous views and the skirl of the pipes 😀
Here’s Dun Na Cuaiche, from the finish- it’s at the top of the hill, I’m sure you can make it out: 
We really enjoyed being out there, supporting the runners. It was humbling, how many runners were working hard but still found time to smile or thank us :). Runners are a great bunch, aren’t they? 😉
Before we knew it, the runners were on their way back down. Everyone did so, so well. I was really surprised how quickly everyone was past us- both ways- up and down that hill. And I was so caught up that I didn’t take any photos of any runners – not one! Sorry about that!
We were then picked back up by the wee truck, and taken back down to the finish line at the Castle: 
Although we were a little cold and very wet, we had a great time. The marshals each had a goody bag, containing water, a cereal bar and some delicious home made tablet. Yum!
We grabbed a coffee, and walked back down towards the car park, ready to head home after going to church first.
Now that we’re back home, we’ve had a dip in the hot tub to thaw out, and we’re now enjoying a cuppa with that delish tablet.
Thanks to Fee for such a great event!
Today, @ TheWelshWookie and I tried something completely different: we went paddle boarding!
Dave, who runs the fantastic water sports business Kayak Majik in Tarbert has some fantastic new paddle boards, and we couldn’t resist giving them a try.
So, at 9 o’clock this morning (usually known as PJ time for me on a Saturday), we were at the West Loch with some fellow intrepid adventurers: Dave, his wife Alison, Mark, Janet from Pure West Media, her hubby Gordon and son Struan.
Dave got us kitted out with wetsuits and buoyancy aids, and then took us through a briefing about basic balance and techniques while we were still on dry land. That turned out to be really important! We then carried the boards to the waters edge, and climbed on.
I’ll be totally honest: I did not think for one minute that I’d be able to stand, but the boards were great, and I went for it….. And stood up! Woop Woop!
Next, Dave took us through some basic techniques while we were in shallow water, and before I knew it, I was moving: miracles do happen! I kept trying to work on my slice, and by the end of the lesson it was beginning to get there. We had a wonderful paddle around the side of the loch.
I’ll admit that, when trying to push my balance on one leg during one of the exercises, I took a dunk 😮 . But TheWookie took a few dunks (one was pretty spectacular) – he said that it was because he was really going for it. Yeah, well…. 😉
Towards the end of the lesson I found myself at a standstill, battling against the wind (and my weak arms) so I had an extra leg workout wading through the water, pulling my board towards everyone else. But I loved it! Some of the others moved onto some more technique work like the hybrid stance. Me? I was happy with mastering standing up!
Thanks to Janet for this pic, which sums up my experience today 😀
We’re busy with the Kintyre Way Ultra next Saturday, with Julia from Girl Runs Wild but will be back out on the boards the following week if we can!
When we got home, we kicked off Hot Tub Season 2015 😀
What’s your favourite water sport? Ever been stand up paddle boarding?
I’m sure you all know by now that included in the long list of things I love are running, eating, vino and gin.
For our first wedding anniversary, we were able to indulge in most!
On the day of our anniversary, we were celebrating with family, as it was also the Saturday closest to my brother in law, Andrew’s, 40th Birthday. His two eldest sons, Kieran and Aidan, were to be player escorts that day at the Partick Thistle v Motherwell game, and so we went along to see them – and to show support of course!
It was a gloriously sunny day, and we were able to sit in the sunshine, soaking up the fun and the atmosphere. When the boys came out onto the pitch, we couldn’t see Aidan, who is 4. He was escort for Scott Fox, the goalie, and Scott had scooped Aidan up and carried him onto the pitch! Too cute!
Here’s some pics, just to illustrate 😉
After the game, the boys were able to head back to a meet and greet with the players, and one of my other nephews, Liam, was able to go with them. I think they had a ball!
Afterwords, it was back to the Donnelly’s house for a bit of a party. As @TheWelshWookie and I were heading to Edinburgh the next day, we went to our hotel and celebrated with a bottle of fizz, overlooking George Square.
And yes. That’s not an optical illusion. This 4 star hotel in the city centre really DID give us hugely different glass sizes to enjoy our fizz with. And @TheWookie had to open it himself 😮 . And no, we won’t be back.
Sunday arrived with heavy rain 😦 but we headed to Edinburgh, excited for our short trip. We made our way to 56 North, where my friends, Pauline and Gavin, had treated us to an afternoon tea with gin tasting 😀 Hurrah!
We were greeted with a really friendly welcome, and with the fab news that Pauline & Gavin had treated us to a bottle of fizz! Yay!
We settled down with around 20 or so others, eager to get started. This was the joyous sight in front of us….
The two guys hosting the session took us through the first four gins which were all strikingly different. The pace was relaxed, and there was no rush at all. We had a selection of different mixers to try, and the whole session was interactive – we could ask questions, and add comments – good or bad!
We then had a short break, with afternoon tea of sandwiches and small cakes, before starting again with the final four gins. I won’t spoil it for anyone by telling you which gins we tried, what we found out about them, or which were my favourites. You can try for yourselves!
After the session, we bagged a great window table, with the sun – newly surfaced through the rain – beating in. The bar is stocked with around 300 different gins, so I chatted with the barman, telling him what I liked in a gin so that he could recommend a gin for me. I had a Daffy’s, which is a small batch gin made in Edinburgh, while @TheWelshWookie had a Hoxton grapefruit and coconut gin. Yummy! They serve their gins in gorgeous continental style goblets with ice, a suggested tonic, and a garnish designed to compliment the flavours.
We had some lunch with our fizz- @TheWookie had a burger, I had a gorgeous chicken caesar salad with a poached egg. It was delish!
We finished off with another gin each – @TheWookie had a Brecon Welsh gin, while I had a Rock Rose, which may well be my new favourite – it, too, is a small batch Scottish gin. We then headed to our hotel, to get ready for our evening in the city – with the ghosts!
It’s Monday! And I am MOTIVATED! 😀
This weekend, @TheWelshWookie and I have been busy. We’ve decorated the hall, and it is looking fantastic. We have also -at last – replaced our cooker. The last one blew up 😮 and we just hadn’t gotten round to getting a new one. But, now we have: and can you guess the first thing made in it?
Yup. Chocolate Cake 😀
But it will make healthy eating a little easier again. After I treat myself to a pizza this week, of course. Pizza, I have missed you!
Anyhow, I have kickstarted this week in a fun filled and energetic way – with a Clubbercising class! It was totally AWESOME!
The class is aerobic, dance style, which you can do to suit your own abilities, either high or low intensity. Everyone has glowsticks, and the music is upbeat: dance, clubbing style. I LOVED it! 🙂
And what was even better was the lights are dimmed, there are disco lights, and no one is watching what you’re doing 😉
Some of my favourite running tracks were used, which was great: Titanium and Pump up the Jam, amongst others. But the track of the evening was one I remember very fondly from clubbing in Glasgow when I was in my late teens, early twenties:
Gotta love me some N-Trance on a Monday night, reminding me of Destiny nightclub, and The Boulevard at the weekends. Brilliant!
If you get the chance, take a Clubbercise class!
Bring on February!
How are your New Year health resolutions going? Do you make any?
I don’t make specific resolutions, but I do enjoy refocusing and re establishing routines after the festive season.
And my first workout of Jantastic is under my belt- Woo Hoo!
Saturday was my first run in a while and, boy, did I struggle- I felt like an old lady, huffing and puffing (and a little walking) my way through a short two mile run. Tonight I mixed it up a little, with some exercise bike and strength work.
Now I’m basking in post-exercise endorphins, and plotting my runs for the year. I’ve signed up for two so far: the Mull of Kintyre half marathon which, as ever, sold out within a couple of hours! It’s been voted the best run in the UK by Runner’s World many times. And I’ve also scheduled in my postponed GNR which I’m definitely planning to do in 2015.
Here’s something that suits my mood today:
Go for it! 😀
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