No time for real snow though as I headed west across the Atlantic to Sarasota in the state of Florida for the first modern pentathlon World Cup of the season. The Americans don't do things by halves and this World Cup was no exception. The riding and run/shoot event were held on a small man made island adjacent to an international rowing lake and the closing party was a beach barbecue. Slightly confused, I asked where the beach was and received a few strange looks. It transpired the artificial sand next to the rowing lake was ‘the beach’. Sadly I haven't had enough time to discover the real extensive coastline of Florida, maybe next time.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Slopes to the sand
I started the week on a ski slope and finished it on a beach; sadly neither was real. My snow experience was a prickly one on the artificial slopes of the Mendip ski centre just outside of Bristol. A group of my friends were given the opportunity to have a taster session snowboarding, I'm always keen to try new sports, so I jumped at the chance. As a child I was never allowed to sample the board sport due to my father’s strong dislike of snowboarders. Apparently they carve up the slopes for skiers but I'm staying out of that debate. I made an error in my clothing choice opting for a pair of tracksuit bottoms which offered no protection for my derrière from the wet toothbrush like bristles that we had to sit on. I'd also forgotten how difficult artificial slopes are after being spoilt with skiing on real snow. Sadly I didn't master snowboarding in those two hours but it did reignite my desire to hit the real slopes - time to start saving for next year!
No time for real snow though as I headed west across the Atlantic to Sarasota in the state of Florida for the first modern pentathlon World Cup of the season. The Americans don't do things by halves and this World Cup was no exception. The riding and run/shoot event were held on a small man made island adjacent to an international rowing lake and the closing party was a beach barbecue. Slightly confused, I asked where the beach was and received a few strange looks. It transpired the artificial sand next to the rowing lake was ‘the beach’. Sadly I haven't had enough time to discover the real extensive coastline of Florida, maybe next time.
No time for real snow though as I headed west across the Atlantic to Sarasota in the state of Florida for the first modern pentathlon World Cup of the season. The Americans don't do things by halves and this World Cup was no exception. The riding and run/shoot event were held on a small man made island adjacent to an international rowing lake and the closing party was a beach barbecue. Slightly confused, I asked where the beach was and received a few strange looks. It transpired the artificial sand next to the rowing lake was ‘the beach’. Sadly I haven't had enough time to discover the real extensive coastline of Florida, maybe next time.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Like marmite
Love is in the air; or in theory it was last weekend. Valentine’s Day is treated like something of a marmite occasion by almost everyone I know – people either love it or hate it. Personally I don’t fit the mould and fall somewhere in the middle. I do like an excuse to celebrate the occasion but I also don’t feel obliged to do something just because the commercial sector has realised they can make money from me.
I tested the water with my friends and it turned out many of them were on the same page. My Valentine’s Day featured a healthy and varied selection of activities. It began with a visit to a bridal shop. No I wasn’t trying on dresses; I was just an excited bridesmaid helping my friend try on her dream dress. I then squeezed in a long training run. It was in danger of becoming a very slow plod by the tenth mile were it not for the incentive of being home in time to watch England beat Italy in the Six Nations rugby.
The finale of this romantic day involved alcohol, food and live music in the form of a cider festival; there was cider aplenty, a hog roast and a Wurzels tribute band. Who would want to join me for such a ‘romantic’ Saturday night? That’s exactly what I thought when I first floated the idea to my friends but I was surprised when every single one of them (and mostly couples) replied with a definite yes. They apparently had no interest in going for an awkward overpriced Valentine’s meal. I usually require the rugby or at least some sunshine to get me onto the cider but it turned out that avoiding the stereotypical Valentine’s evening appealed to so many that the festival was a sell out.
I tested the water with my friends and it turned out many of them were on the same page. My Valentine’s Day featured a healthy and varied selection of activities. It began with a visit to a bridal shop. No I wasn’t trying on dresses; I was just an excited bridesmaid helping my friend try on her dream dress. I then squeezed in a long training run. It was in danger of becoming a very slow plod by the tenth mile were it not for the incentive of being home in time to watch England beat Italy in the Six Nations rugby.
The finale of this romantic day involved alcohol, food and live music in the form of a cider festival; there was cider aplenty, a hog roast and a Wurzels tribute band. Who would want to join me for such a ‘romantic’ Saturday night? That’s exactly what I thought when I first floated the idea to my friends but I was surprised when every single one of them (and mostly couples) replied with a definite yes. They apparently had no interest in going for an awkward overpriced Valentine’s meal. I usually require the rugby or at least some sunshine to get me onto the cider but it turned out that avoiding the stereotypical Valentine’s evening appealed to so many that the festival was a sell out.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Genes genes jeans
This week, for me, was all about genes and jeans.
The papers were dominated by bold claims that doctors had been given the go ahead to 'make' babies with three parents. The news editors couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an eye-catching headline and hysteria ensued. If, however, you took the time to read around the story it soon became apparent that these claims were not perhaps as dramatic as they first appeared. Doctors have discovered that they can prevent mitochondrial disease by using the healthy mitochondria from a donor in conjunction with the parent’s egg and sperm. Therefore the impact of the DNA from the donor is so minuscule several decimal points are required. Yes - in theory the child will have genes from three different people but in reality it's not as large an ethical question as we were first lead to believe.
The other jeans were not breaking any headlines but they were testing my normally insatiable appetite for retail therapy. I will let you in on a secret: I despise shopping for new jeans. This time of year is the worst; by the time I've found a few pairs to try, pulled off my boots and stripped off all my layers I am bright red, overheating and that's before I've even attempted to squeeze myself into an ultra skinny pair claiming to be ‘my’ size.
The frustration at my lack of well fitting jeans had reached a peak and sufficient time had passed since my last unsuccessful attempt - I felt ready to try again. An incredibly helpful shop assistant, an empty changing space and a surplus of perfectly fitting jeans resulted in an unexpectedly pleasant shopping experience. Now let's hope I don't change shape for a while.
The papers were dominated by bold claims that doctors had been given the go ahead to 'make' babies with three parents. The news editors couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an eye-catching headline and hysteria ensued. If, however, you took the time to read around the story it soon became apparent that these claims were not perhaps as dramatic as they first appeared. Doctors have discovered that they can prevent mitochondrial disease by using the healthy mitochondria from a donor in conjunction with the parent’s egg and sperm. Therefore the impact of the DNA from the donor is so minuscule several decimal points are required. Yes - in theory the child will have genes from three different people but in reality it's not as large an ethical question as we were first lead to believe.
The other jeans were not breaking any headlines but they were testing my normally insatiable appetite for retail therapy. I will let you in on a secret: I despise shopping for new jeans. This time of year is the worst; by the time I've found a few pairs to try, pulled off my boots and stripped off all my layers I am bright red, overheating and that's before I've even attempted to squeeze myself into an ultra skinny pair claiming to be ‘my’ size.
The frustration at my lack of well fitting jeans had reached a peak and sufficient time had passed since my last unsuccessful attempt - I felt ready to try again. An incredibly helpful shop assistant, an empty changing space and a surplus of perfectly fitting jeans resulted in an unexpectedly pleasant shopping experience. Now let's hope I don't change shape for a while.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
January had some highlights
We survived it - that's a big fat tick in the box for January. We can say goodbye to the toughest month of the year and look forward to enjoying the next eleven. I was still feeling the effects of my holiday spending when two fat bills for car and house insurance landed on my door step and it was goodbye to my designated saving month. I thought I'd made it through when on the final day of the month my car required a new tyre and then my lodger moved out; thank goodness it's now February.
You might have a different month that hits you financially but I'm sure you can relate to the relief I'm feeling. Bank balance aside I'm looking forward to having a drink with my friends who religiously stuck to 'Dry January' which also seemed to include the prohibition of socialising. I'm not suggesting that winter is over just because the days are now half an hour longer and the snow drops are out but I do feel the optimism in the air.
January wasn't all doom and gloom, there were plenty of positives too. A highlight for me was meeting one of my teacher's sons. I can imagine what you're thinking right now, what on earth could be exciting about that? I thought the same when I was a fourteen year old girl being taught Maths by a slightly intimidating Mrs De Glanville. I distinctly remember the boys being wide eyed asking about her son, I heard something about rugby, but it didn't register on my wavelength at that time. Many years later I became interested in the sport of rugby and it wasn't until then that I realised I'd been taught by the mother of Phil De Glanville, England Captain. It's fair to say that I wasn't disappointed, the reputation as a sincere and lovely person is most certainly true.
You might have a different month that hits you financially but I'm sure you can relate to the relief I'm feeling. Bank balance aside I'm looking forward to having a drink with my friends who religiously stuck to 'Dry January' which also seemed to include the prohibition of socialising. I'm not suggesting that winter is over just because the days are now half an hour longer and the snow drops are out but I do feel the optimism in the air.
January wasn't all doom and gloom, there were plenty of positives too. A highlight for me was meeting one of my teacher's sons. I can imagine what you're thinking right now, what on earth could be exciting about that? I thought the same when I was a fourteen year old girl being taught Maths by a slightly intimidating Mrs De Glanville. I distinctly remember the boys being wide eyed asking about her son, I heard something about rugby, but it didn't register on my wavelength at that time. Many years later I became interested in the sport of rugby and it wasn't until then that I realised I'd been taught by the mother of Phil De Glanville, England Captain. It's fair to say that I wasn't disappointed, the reputation as a sincere and lovely person is most certainly true.
Monday, January 26, 2015
All about the women
It's a good time to be a girl right now. I hope after I mentioned the "This girl can" campaign you have noticed it in at least one strand of the media. I'm definitely seeing more women out exercising, whether that's because I'm on the lookout for them or because there are actually more women enjoying the benefits of physical activity I don't know. All I do know is there's a strong positive vibe that's spreading fast.
Last week I was asked by national radio for my comments on the campaign and the importance of sport in our lives. There had apparently already been negative criticism just days after the launch and most surprisingly it wasn't from men feeling left out but from women themselves. They had branded it patronising. For those who've not seen it, the advert uses normal women to demonstrate that size, shape and appearance don't matter. It's all about the benefit you feel as a result of exercise. Yes the campaign has cost the government millions and yes it's only aimed at half of the population but I don't see what is patronising about addressing the issues that deter so many people from becoming active.
A few days later I was asked for my views on another issue involving women. I must admit that even I broke new personal barriers when I found myself speaking on world radio about the menstrual cycle and its effect on sportswomen. This became an international talking point after tennis player Heather Watson eluded to the fact that period pains caused her poor performance at the Australian Open. These discussions were due to reach world television the following day, that was before the death of the King of Saudi Arabia which understandably filled the airtime instead. It was still a significant break through and I'm pleased to say it was sport that triggered this international debate.
Last week I was asked by national radio for my comments on the campaign and the importance of sport in our lives. There had apparently already been negative criticism just days after the launch and most surprisingly it wasn't from men feeling left out but from women themselves. They had branded it patronising. For those who've not seen it, the advert uses normal women to demonstrate that size, shape and appearance don't matter. It's all about the benefit you feel as a result of exercise. Yes the campaign has cost the government millions and yes it's only aimed at half of the population but I don't see what is patronising about addressing the issues that deter so many people from becoming active.
A few days later I was asked for my views on another issue involving women. I must admit that even I broke new personal barriers when I found myself speaking on world radio about the menstrual cycle and its effect on sportswomen. This became an international talking point after tennis player Heather Watson eluded to the fact that period pains caused her poor performance at the Australian Open. These discussions were due to reach world television the following day, that was before the death of the King of Saudi Arabia which understandably filled the airtime instead. It was still a significant break through and I'm pleased to say it was sport that triggered this international debate.
Monday, January 19, 2015
This girl can
Who is still keeping up with their ambitious New Years resolutions? We have just past the half way point of the toughest month and I expect many of you have already forgotten you even made those promises to your self. I wonder how many people wrote off the 'party month' of December and justified it with "it's ok I'll be good in January"? My hand is up, I'm guilty. Actually doubly guilty, I have a confession on top of that. I extended my overindulgence through to the second week of the new year, I was still abroad on holiday so what was I supposed to do.
Coming back to the cold with no surplus in my bank account and a little too much surplus around my waste it was time to sort things out. I've set some realistic goals and dug out a thick wooly jumper, my life is on the up. I'm also delighted to say that we have apparently put the most depressing day of the year behind us (it was officially two Mondays ago).
The government have given the country a couple of weeks to get over the shock of returning to work and are now doing their best to encourage us to get active. The extensive campaign for "this girl can" is doing its upmost to encourage all women to go and do some sport. Admittedly it's helped motivate me and I'm pretty sure it's already helped thousands of others who just needed that extra nudge of encouragement.
Coming back to the cold with no surplus in my bank account and a little too much surplus around my waste it was time to sort things out. I've set some realistic goals and dug out a thick wooly jumper, my life is on the up. I'm also delighted to say that we have apparently put the most depressing day of the year behind us (it was officially two Mondays ago).
The government have given the country a couple of weeks to get over the shock of returning to work and are now doing their best to encourage us to get active. The extensive campaign for "this girl can" is doing its upmost to encourage all women to go and do some sport. Admittedly it's helped motivate me and I'm pretty sure it's already helped thousands of others who just needed that extra nudge of encouragement.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Please take it home with you
We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world; I mean the UK as a whole not just the Westcountry. As a result I'm sometimes slow to admit that there are other countries with equally stunning scenery and landscapes. Wherever I am in the world I'm easily upset when I see a lack of respect for nature. The majority of these places are protected but sadly it isn't always seen as a priority or necessity.
Oman, in the Middle East, is a country that can take your breath away with its extensive coastline, thousands of miles of empty desert and dramatic mountain ranges yet even with such attractions it is still relatively new as a tourist destination. When I visited over the holidays I was sold on the aforementioned whilst also being saddened by the state of some of the main tourist attractions.
I made the most of an international friendship from my sailing trip across the Atlantic back in June. One of the crew from the trip has lived in Oman for almost twenty years and kindly invited me out on his boat for a day trip in the Indian Ocean. We headed to the little known Dammanyiat Islands which from our anchorage point resembled a picture from the front page of a travel brochure but as I swam towards the shore I was disappointed to discover bags of rubbish strewn across the beach. Thankfully the sea life doesn't seem to be affected yet and the tropical fish still made snorkelling a beautiful experience.
As a nation we rely heavily on tourism and understand that maintaining our unique scenery is a significant part to attracting visitors. I seriously hope that Oman quickly realises what a beautiful country it is and the importance of preserving itself for future generations to enjoy.
Oman, in the Middle East, is a country that can take your breath away with its extensive coastline, thousands of miles of empty desert and dramatic mountain ranges yet even with such attractions it is still relatively new as a tourist destination. When I visited over the holidays I was sold on the aforementioned whilst also being saddened by the state of some of the main tourist attractions.
I made the most of an international friendship from my sailing trip across the Atlantic back in June. One of the crew from the trip has lived in Oman for almost twenty years and kindly invited me out on his boat for a day trip in the Indian Ocean. We headed to the little known Dammanyiat Islands which from our anchorage point resembled a picture from the front page of a travel brochure but as I swam towards the shore I was disappointed to discover bags of rubbish strewn across the beach. Thankfully the sea life doesn't seem to be affected yet and the tropical fish still made snorkelling a beautiful experience.
As a nation we rely heavily on tourism and understand that maintaining our unique scenery is a significant part to attracting visitors. I seriously hope that Oman quickly realises what a beautiful country it is and the importance of preserving itself for future generations to enjoy.
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