Tag: fun

A Day of Deliciousness

A Day of Deliciousness

by TartanJogger ♥ 22 Comments

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?

Thinking About Training Plans

Thinking About Training Plans

by TartanJogger ♥ 27 Comments

Well, we have made it to Friday. I’ll admit, there were times this week I wasn’t sure whether Friday was creeping closer, or pulling further away!

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This weekend, I’ll be running and doing some wedding planning. Someone has to!

But I’ll also be reading this:

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I have been perusing various training plans, trying to see which one is most likely to suit me for marathon training. Up until now, I have always used Nike training plans. But for the forthcoming RnR Madrid half, I’ve decided to try out Hal Higdon’s training plan. If I’m honest, the iPhone app seems pretty cool, so that persuaded me!

I’m really looking forward to comparing it to the ones I’ve used in the past, to see how it fits my running.

But, the wonderful Full Moon Runner suggested I read Greg McMillan’s book. I downloaded it last night, and got stuck in!

I’m only a few chapters into it, but so far, I’m already thinking differently about how I run, and how I train. I can absolutely understand why you’d personalise a training plan, and I’m excited about that, too! I’m sure that this book will be devoured over the weekend, and I promise to give you all my views on it 😉

Which training plan do you use? Do you develop your own?  Have you read this book yet?

Still Excited

Still Excited

by TartanJogger ♥ 23 Comments

Evening, all! It’s Thursday….. almost the weekend…… where has January gone? It’s flashing past me!

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That would help!

Any hoo, I’ve been super excited for the past couple of days, since signing up for my first marathon. Thank you, everyone who has commented, encouraged and congratulated me: I hope you stick around over the coming months, I think I’m going to need your support!

It’s great to see that there are quite a few of us first timers working towards the same goal: we can share ups, downs and in-betweens; and we can benefit from the wisdom of all of those who already have a marathon (or a few) in the bag.

2014 is shaping up to be quite a year!

So, I was excited to get some running in tonight. I did a really easy 5K on the treadmill tonight, followed by 15 minutes on the rower. It felt great!

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Though I’m looking forward to getting outside to run maybe tomorrow, but definitely over the weekend! It’s the first weekend that@TheWelshWookie and I have had at home for months, so we’re looking forward to a run, and a relaxing time.

How’s your week been so far? Any weekend plans? Would you love or hate time travel, and why?

I’ve Only Gone and Done It!

I’ve Only Gone and Done It!

by TartanJogger ♥ 56 Comments

Earlier this month, I posted about Mo Farah’s pledge to move from Metres to Miles in 2014, and how I was considering running my first marathon, too.

Well I’ve only gone and done it. I’ve signed up for  The Loch Ness Marathon this September! Eeek!

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I thought: this is the year. It’s the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. It’s the Year of Homecoming across Scotland. Mo’s stepping up the distance. And I signed up!

There was something extra special about signing up for this race: it’s the first race I’ve signed up for in my married name- since I’ll be an ‘auld married wummin’ by then! That was exciting, too!

Be prepared to be very bored with my marathon chat, folks! 😉

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Looking Towards Late Summer

Looking Towards Late Summer

by TartanJogger ♥ 24 Comments

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?

Metres to Miles in 2014

Metres to Miles in 2014

by TartanJogger ♥ 45 Comments

Evening all: I’m just dropping by with a quick question to all of my super-knowledgeable friends, during my short visit home from Portavadie and before yet another busy weekend. We have our family Secret Santa day tomorrow!

I need a holiday!

Those of you who are fans will have seen that, for Mo Farah, 2014 is about moving from metres to miles.

In 2014, Mo will run a marathon.

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Now, the question I have is: can I do the same?

I’ve been eyeing up The Loch Ness Marathon for some time, following some twitter encouragement from @pt_steveb . I must admit, I am seriously tempted. But, can this serial short-distance jogger of 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons step up and do the big one?

Festive Food

Festive Food

by TartanJogger ♥ 10 Comments

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!

by TartanJogger ♥ 8 Comments

Happy Hogmanay!

And a Happy New Year too!

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Portavadie Marina

Portavadie Marina

by TartanJogger ♥ 10 Comments

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

by TartanJogger ♥ 12 Comments

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

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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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