So as you may know I am currently slowly jogging through my first ever marathon training plan and the start of February has seen my endurance run go up a few notches to around the half marathon mark. It is incredible to think that I have already doubled my distance in just one month from 10k to 14miles, and I have learnt a little bit while pounding the parent in the past few weeks.
Lesson 1: You Are Stronger Than You Think
For the first time in my life I have actually started to see a change in my body, especially my legs. with every run they get larger, tougher, and STRONGER! Having spent the last few years being small and slim (with virtually no muscle tone) the goal when working out was always just to lose that few pounds of fat around my middle and arms, I never really saw the appeal of muscles....that was until now. There is a strange, overwhelming sense of achievement that I have as I see my legs muscles develop into these powerful limbs.
Lesson 2: You Will Have Good Runs & Bad Runs
Not every run is going to be an endorphins fuelled party like my handful of first endurance runs. As the runs get past the 10mile mark, my body is starting to adapt. I have noticed that the first 5 miles tend to be slow and boring.... but as soon as my muscles get warmed up then I usually get a good few boots along the next couple of miles (especially if my route takes me down a hill). I have also had my fair share of cold & miserable runs with very little to no excitement along the way, but as long as you are making every run count, the bad runs will make the good runs even better.
Lesson 3: The Last 2 Miles Hurt
Pain is inevitable... suffering is optional. This has been my mantra during the last two miles of my endurance runs as the distance creeps up. My legs become exhausted and start to burn, but this is an important part of training your muscles to the limit so they grow and develop. The most important thing to do is just not give up and keep in mind that nest week you are going to be able to run 2 miles more because of the work you put in now!
Are any of you training for the your first Marathon?
The second major change this year that I am facing is that I am running my first ever marathon. Having only ever run 5k and 10k before this is fast becoming one of the most physically enduring challenges that I have ever faced. The new year has seen a massive increase in distance in my weekly endurance runs. So far I am two weeks into my training schedule that has consisted of two shorter, strength building runs, and then one endurance run at the weekend. Thought the week I am also trying to incorporate some cross training at the gym, but this is has by far been the hardest as I am so used to just cardio work.
Week One
My first endurance run took me along the banks of the not so sunny Clyde in Glasgow. This was a 10k route (6.2 miles) that I had done before when I used to be quite into my running. It felt good to get back out and keep a steady pace, but unfortunately I am quite a bit slower than I used to be. The run took me just under an hour, where I was usually looking at running 10k in around 55-56 mins.
What I took from this first run is that is is important to stretch and warm up/down as my legs were a little stiff after this one.
I also have a good idea that my marathon pace is around 6min / kl. Even if this is slow it gives me something to work on.
Right now My aim is to finish he marathon without injury, and if that also happens to be slow, then so be it!
Week Two
My Second endurance run found me back home in the North East of Scotland as I was visiting my family for the weekend. With bad flooding the previous week, and freezing temperatures I was dreading this run, and not only because it would be the longest distance I have ever run in my life at 13k (8 mies).
I am very blessed to have a Fyvie Loch only a few minutes drive from my family home, so I reluctantly laced up my runners and headed out. around 0.3k into my run I has my first accident. I slipped and fell just coming into a wooded area. with a cut hand and skinned knees I considered getting my phone out and calling for someone to pick me up... but I knew if I had any hope of ever running 26miles... then I could run through this, and I am very glad I did.
Within a 10mins or so the sun came out and the Loch was stunning...even after several laps the ice cold lake and trees were so refreshing compared to running in Glasgow that I enjoyed every minute.
The run was also around the 6min/ kl mark and apart from the last 2 kilometres, i felt strong and steady through most of the run.
As my training journey continues I hope to keep you all update along the way! Also since I am a first time long distance runner, any tips & trips, or good blog or websites that anyone could recommend would be amazing.
Are we still allowed to say that? I was holding off writing this post until well into January because this post is not about a new years resolution but a lifestyle change that I have been pre-empting for the past few months, and one I plan to stick to for the rest of my life and not just the year ahead, and that is making the Jump from Vegetarian to Vegan.
I started my meat free journey when I was 12 years old when on leaving primary school I made the concise decision that I no longer wanted to eat meat. My youthful decision was down to the basic concept that I didn't understand why as humans we would choose to slaughter and eat animals when we didn't need to. As I grew older, and throughout often having to defend my life style choices in many an argument, I slowly educated myself on farming conditions overseas, the effect that eating animals has on the environment and the major health benefits that comes from removing meat from your diet.
As the years passed and I turned 25, I had now spent more of my life as a vegetarian than I had a meat eater and it was at this point I began making a concise effort again to re-educate myself on matters of the environment, animal welfare and my health. It was also at this point that I came across the documentary 'Cowspiricy', when I realised that virtually all my reasons for being Vegetarian bleed through into Veganism. I discussed the ideas with closes friends and family, and the most I discussed it, the more I knew that if I wanted to live my most ethical life, I had to give up all animal products. Over the next month or two I started to cut down on the animal products I was consuming. I decided that the New Year seemed like the perfect point to make the change for good.
Since then I have been on a food adventure... sampling some great vegan alternatives to various dairy products, trying out Glasgow's impressive (for Scotland) range of Vegan restaurants and emerging myself in vegan online culture.
I hope now that I can use this space to share this part of my life with vegan food hauls, recipes and vegan beauty. I would also like to say that I am very new at this so any help and advise would be greatly appreciated as I tackle this new ethical lifestyle.
So it's summer... and I am officially obsessed with all things tropical...and more specifically coconut! Having naturally think curly hair I'm constantly trying to find the perfect shampoo that is a balance of hydrating on my dry, damaged hair and something that is light enough that won't weight my hair down.
Up until now, I have been using, and loving the OGX coconut water shampoo & conditioner, but the other day, when strolling through Superdrug I saw this dupe that smelled so delicious I new I had to try it out! The main difference between the two was the consistence, this one was slightly thinner, but smelled better! At £3.99 each (or 2 for £6) This coconut water range is a snip of the price and leaves your hair just as hydrated and light! Top marks Superdrug for this wee gem of product range!
Well even though it is raining in Scotland all this week...it doesn't mean we can't enjoy the spiny time on our nails!
For the past few weeks I have been LOVING the new speedy quick dry nail paints from Barry M! They have recently brought out more shades but I am in love with most of the pastels. Not only do they dry super fast... the polish is pretty chip resistant! Barry M have 'nailed it' again with this spring/summer new line of Nail Paints.
This week Barry M Nail Paints are buy one, get one half price (£6 for two), so why not mix it up with an accent nail to put a spring in your step during this rather rainy May weekend.
Have you tried any of the Speedy Quick dry nail paints??
This is a long overdue post about a great love I have for this American Apparel Nail Lacquer. At £8 a pop this isn't the cheapest by far but I am addicted to the amazing neon orange. I wear so much black that this colour just makes an outfit pop. I'm already on my second bottle of this neon orange awesomeness as it always brightens up my day (no matter what season) and I always get so many people complimenting me on this super bright shade!
I genuinely think i'll be heartbroken if they discontinue this shade as it's become such a staple!
On my recent trip to London I had a wee trip into Superdrug and picked up two 'Scandalous Shades' of the £1 lipstick collection from Make Up Revolution. The two shades that caught my eye were 'Crime' & 'Depraved'.
Although I loved the shade 'deprived', The colour pay off wasn't quite as amazing as hoped, and it was all wrong for my skin tone, but still pretty good for £1. The winner for me was defiantly the pinker shade 'Crime'. Colour pay off was vibrant, and it lasted well on the lip!
I would say these lipsticks, and the range in general are very similar to MUA, but i've not been quite won over yet. I would love to try a few more products from the range so I hope we get a stand in Scotland soon!
This week a new illuminating moisturiser has hit the Superdrug shelves in the form of Optimum PhytoBrighter Triple action Black Moisturiser.
The most eye-catching aspect of this product is its colour... black!? One of the first black moisturisers to hit the drugstores, this product is designed for the 25+ age group and promises to visibly reduce age spots, discolouration and boosts complexions radiance. I suffer from minor discolouration, especially around the nose and under the eyes so I will be interested to see if I notice any personal difference after 4 weeks. From the first use the product it blends in very well and leave no dark discolouration on the face (even on my super pale skin). The product is however quite heavily sensed, not unpleasant exactly, but not quite incising either. I have a pretty hard time finding a moisturiser that really agrees with my skin so i'm quite excited to give this new product a try and keeping my fingers crossed.
We have all done it. Experiment gone wrong, but without them, how would we know what looks good. Last night I dyed my ombre ends a horrid pink. Since my hair wasn't super bright I was hopping for something slightly more subtle but it was not to be. Thankfully after around x5 shampoos, I have a slightly less horrendous colour, but it's now super uneven. My go-to hair style when i've had hair did issues is alway a braid! it hides a numerous amount of hair sins so here are my before and after! Fingers crossed i'll have my brunette locks back soon enough!
This September my country (and those who reside in it) have to make one very important decision. Independence is currently all over a lot of newspapers and has always been something I have had very strong opinions but over the past few months, more and more Scots, myself included feel confused and let down by the lack of answers and information on an Independent Scotland from both sides of the YES/NO campaign.
In the Beginning
Two years ago when we were starting to think more seriously about an independent Scotland I was 100% anti-independance. I didn't see the point in messing something up that seems to have worked relatively well for the past few centuries. I feel blessed to live in a country (Scotland) where I have a great sense of national identity and a rich culture, as well as the icing on the haggis, FREE EDUCATION. Being a part of the UK means that we have a relatively stable economic state (or as stable as you can really be), we have access to free healthcare with the NHS and we are protected by the armed forces. When I spent a year abroad in Canada, I would tell people that I was Scottish, British & European. I saw myself as all three simultaneously.
A Year to Go and Scotland's Youth are Starting to Care
Over the past year the debate has really started to heat up. A night at the pub rarely goes by without someone bringing up the topic of independence, every day my Facebook newsfeed is flooded with NO and Yes campaigners. Independence has brought many young people of Scotland to actively think about the potential welfare of their beloved wee country and for the first time really engage actively with politics.
My Research in 'Scottishness'
Over the past year, my research at university was based around 'Scottishness'. How people determine 'Scottishness' from a national and international perspective. I began heavily engaging myself in material on everything Scotland. This opened my eyes to many of our stereotyped images. I learnt a lot about the independence battles of Scotland's past and how we lost our independence the last time (Scotland tried to build it's own empire, it backfired and we became bankrupt, England took us back). This made me think about our origins. Scotland was always an independent country. we fell upon hard times long ago and turned to the English for help, but were we ever supposed to stay a united kingdom?! Our traditions are worlds apart from the English, who share more of their history with other invading European nations such as Spain & France. Scotland's past lies in Celtic and Nordic routes, where many of our land and people are named after. All of this really go me thinking is perhaps I had many jumped too quickly onto to 'better together idea'. Yes we may be good together, but we are our own nation, and we could also both be amazing apart?!
The White Paper, SNP & Salmond
I have never really felt like I trusted the SNP. They seemed a party hell bent on one thing and never quite capable of achieving it. I have always detested Alex Salmond. He is the MP for my local constituency back home in the north of Scotland so I have met him on a few occasions. I always felt he was just a front man, a relatively good speaker and i'm guessing why he got the job. I don't think many people really felt that the current SNP have the ability to run an independent Scotland. I think this thought took its routes at the appallingly written 'White Paper'. With The Arts, Hospitality and Tourism being my field of research, I was particularly interested on how arts and culture would do in an Independent Scotland and the paper simply stated that they would 'support them'...?! Support?! They stated nothing about that support being financial, and with the soon closure of one of Glasgow's most beloved art galleries, The Burrell Collection, I fear for this sector in an independent Scotland.
Questions + No Answers = Confusion
Over the past few weeks there has been a few debates and even more campaigning as the day of the vote draws closer, yet I still feel like the most fundamental questions are not being answered by either side. The pamphlets that are dropped through our door on almost a weekly basis again answer no questions and all seemed to be based on loose stats that have been dragged out of thin air. I feel this debate seems to have turned into a a varsity of Sun articles where one minute red wine gives you cancer and the next it prolongs your life?!
So I'm here... still confused... but I don't think I'm the only one! I don't think anyone will know how this will all work out. The vote will be close and only time will tell if we do get to keep the pound and what will happen to our education and health systems?
On a recent trip to Aberdeen Art Gallery I cam across these evocative pictures and videos from Scottish Artist Rachel Maclean that once more got me thinking..
Lush Toner Waters | Tea Tree Water & Eau Roma Water
Lush Tea Tree Toner Water | £3.95 | 100g
Lush Eau Roma Toner Water | £3.95 | 100g
I have been a massive fan, and avid user, of the Tea Tree lush toner water for the past 4 years now. A toner water is basically a toner (in water form that you can spray) that removes any last traces of make-up or cleanser, as well as tightening and reducing pores. Before Lush, I often found many toners far too drying, leaving my skin tight and uncomfortable. Lush's toner waters are far lighter on the skin and are lovely to apply. These waters can either be lightly sprits straight onto freshly cleansed skin or, as I personally prefer, a few pumps only a cotton wool pad and a quick wipe (I find this better for equal distribution or the product). During my late teens and early 20's I found that the Tea Tree Toner water was perfect for keeping my occasional spot prone skin under control, as this water contains anti-bacterial properties that help keep spots at bay. Now that I am reaching my mid 20's my skin is far less oily and rarely breaks-out. On a quick visit to the new Lush store in Glasgow, I asked the ever-helpful girls in store if she could perhaps recommend a new toner now my skin is changing. She recommended the Lush Toner 'Eau Roma' toner water. This toner water is far more gentle on the skin, it can be used everyday to gently tone the skin while still allowing the skin to stay hydrated and nourished. Another benefit of using a rose water (the main ingredient in this product) on the skin is that it also reduces redness...something most pasty girls, like myself, suffer with. I have been using this product now for the past month and I have noticed my skin is a softer and I am still not suffering from any breakouts. Both of these toner waters are also excellent value for money. A 100g bottle (smaller size) will easily last me around 6 months (using twice daily)! At only £3.95 for the Eau Roma Water & the Tea Tree Water, that works out pretty cheep!
These no carb Quorn muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a small snack if you are eating clean. They are carb free and stuffed full of protein. They are quick and simple to make and only cost around £1 to make a batch of six!
