Tag Archives: Fitness

Keep on Running

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Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday… The countdown is now on for the Mull of Kintyre half marathon on Sunday 26 May. There’s not much more training I can do now, it’s just a question of staying fit, healthy & uninjured!

Today’s #WellbeingWednesday #5aday is 5 top tips for anyone training for a run, be it 10k, half or more…

  1. Follow a good training schedule. Read this previous blog for a snapshot weekly running programme to get you started. Running
  2. Get the right trainers – you should be replacing them every 400 miles. Read this previous blog for top running shoe tips. Screen shot 2013-04-30 at 19.37.15
  3. Run to a good audio book! Read this previous blog for recommendations of thrillers to keep you gripped on those long runs.The Fear Index
  4. Find earphones that don’t slip when you get hot & sweaty! Yurbuds twist in & are guaranteed not to fall out. Screen shot 2013-05-14 at 22.17.05
  5. Stock up on Bodyglide Anti-Chafe Balm to prevent chaffing from head to toe. It’s long-lasting & easy to apply! Screen shot 2013-05-14 at 22.16.44

5 useful tips which have helped me through my training & now I hope they can help you with yours!

Keep on running! G x

Blog Club Monday!

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Hello & welcome to #BookClubMonday. While today’s blog is still all about reading, it’s more of the blog variety rather than books…

Today’s #5aday features 5 #blogs that I recommend following – talking food, fashion, fitness and more… Welcome to #BlogClubMonday!

  1. Fitness & Wellbeing from Fit Chick Tori. Follow her blog here for inspiration about running & life. Screen shot 2013-05-13 at 12.29.35
  2. Relationships from The diary of West London Girl. Follow her blog here for amusing anecdotes about relationships. Screen shot 2013-05-13 at 12.29.56
  3. Food from We Love Food It’s All We Eat. Follow this couple’s blog here for great reviews on restaurants in London & beyond. Screen shot 2013-05-13 at 12.30.26
  4. Bars from Hot Bar Chick. Follow her blog here for best guide to drinking in London (& elsewhere). Screen shot 2013-05-13 at 12.30.38
  5. Fashion & Lifestyle from Alex Loves. Follow her blog here for super cool styling advice & inspiration. Screen shot 2013-05-13 at 12.31.11

5 brilliant blogs covering different themes but which is the most blog-tastic in today’s #BlogClubMonday #GTopSpot?

Today’s #BlogClubMonday #GTopSpot goes to #5 Alex Loves - for down-to-earth fashion & lifestyle insight! G x

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Running Shoe Top Tips

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Evening & welcome to #WellbeingWednesday. In less than 4 weeks I’m taking part in my next running challenge. On Sunday 26 May, I am running the Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon which takes place in beautiful coastal Argyll, Scotland.

A vital part of running is our trainers, so for today’s blog, I’m reposting some advice from my great running friend Tori…

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Tori has run hundreds of kms around the world & has about 30 pairs of trainers, so she’s more than qualified to talk trainers! Here’s her #5aday advice on choosing running shoes to minimise injury & maximise fitness & well-being.

  1. Always take at least a 1/2 size bigger than normal to allow for swelling and to avoid black toenails and other unsightly conditions.
  2. Always shop later in the day when your feet are more swollen. Morning they tend to be slimmer but later resemble a bulging sausage.
  3. Support your local running shop! Trying in store & ordering online to save a few ££s is not nice & the running gods will punish you!
  4. Even on finding your dream shoes, it’s still good to swap & change in order to avoid the exact same stresses & strains on your feet.
  5. Don’t dismiss colour co-ordination. Look good in a stylish outfit & shoe combo & you will train well & race better. Fact!

Thanks Tori for your words of wisdom. I’m all for supporting local running shops. My pick goes to Up and Running in East Sheen.

If you’re looking to be inspired, are an avid runner or simply enjoy reading, check out Fit Chick Tori’s blog here.

G x

The ingredients for happiness…

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Welcome back to #GTime. Today’s #SundayTimes has been inspired by my recent trip to Lyon for a race in the beautiful Beaujolais hills. It is dedicated to the Boston Marathon, today’s London Marathon & my great school friend Tori & new friends Ronnie & Gary.

Lyon

We spent last weekend together in Lyon, all with a common passion for running. While I was there to run a mere 30km, Tori & Gary opted for the 65km. Ronnie would have joined them had she not been pregnant, so took on the role of fabulous supporter & coach on the side-lines. Running brings people together from all over the world – communities, friends & lovers. So, while we were enjoying a delicious meal on Sunday evening to celebrate Tori’s birthday, we were terribly shaken when news reached us about the Boston Marathon.

It was incredible this morning to see London’s response to last week’s attacks, with crowds deeper than ever before. This more than anything sums up what running is about. Whether taking part as a runner, supporter or volunteer, everyone shares that common bond of respect & community.

The timing of my trip to France could not have been more perfect. As I embark on a new career path, it was a time to reflect on what’s important in life & what makes us truly happy… Today’s #5aday focuses on 5 things which I believe are the ingredients to happiness: Life, Love, Laughter, Loyalty & Lyon.

  1. Life – When tragedy strikes, it’s a reminder how we must live life to the full, thankful for the freedom & opportunities we have.
  2. Love – Whether it’s the love of family & friends, a special someone or running, this vital ingredient keeps us passionate & driven.
  3. Laughter – We certainly laughed lots last weekend. It was a special time with old friends & new & I will cherish the memories forever.
  4. Loyalty – Whatever happens, loyalty is an important value giving us purpose & fulfilment. Always remain loyal & true to yourself.
  5. Lyon – A beautiful place to spend 4 days with inspirational friends, challenging running & inspiring conversation. Serendipity…

Lyon in this case is a metaphor for a moment in time, & one I will remember forever, thanks to fabulous friends & a new tattoo… :)

So, here’s to life, love, laughter, loyalty & Lyon… My thoughts remain with those affected by the Boston tragedy & to all those inspirational people with incredible stories, involved in today’s London Marathon.

G x

Live in the Present

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Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview & today’s #TheChainofInspiration at 4pm to accompany that last cup of tea before the weekend!

At the end of March, Katie Quinn of Downtown Betty, was my fifth interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted today to introduce our next interviewee - Karen Munnis, a UK Fashion Stylist & Brand Consultant. Over to you Katie!

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Karen has over 8 years experience working in print media & the film & television industry, working with clients such as Vogue UK, Glamour UK & Britain’s Next Top Model. She has also worked with celebrities such as Chloe Sevigny, Lou Doillon, JLS, Olly Murs & Stephen Rea to name a few. 

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to have three jobs –  to be a baker, hairdresser and a psychologist.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? To grow my brand, to live in the present & for the compassion & consideration of all beings. 
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? The thought of coffee or a good yoga practice usually does it.
  4. How did you become a Fashion Stylist? I moved  to London after University & started interning on various magazines.
  5. Which designers inspire you and why? Miuccia Prada for her ability to be continually innovative & Nicolas Ghesquiere for his incredible craftsmanship & impeccable tailoring.
  6. What is it you love most about being a stylist? The diversity & range of the projects & working amongst very talented people.
  7. What tips can you give to any wannabe stylists? Intern & assist people whenever possible. You learn the most valuable skills on the job or by making mistakes. Be persistent.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Practicing yoga, riding my bike, watching films & scouring for vintage finds. 
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? David Letterman,  Diane Keaton, Duchamp, Marie Colvin, Katherine Hepburn.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? Someone handsome & handy, a few bikinis, a Swiss Army knife with tweezers, Bragg’s Liquid Aminos & Linda Farrow sunglasses.

Thanks Katie & Karen! As always, it’s wonderful to showcase yet another inspirational female, doing what she loves!

Karen now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 3 May.

Right, I’m now off to France for a few days, so taking some #GTimeOut! #GTime will be back next Sunday 21 April. Have a great weekend!

G x

Running on Empty

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Hello! Over the last few weeks I’ve been feeling run down & full of cold. Not great preparation for my run this coming weekend!

I have been popping so many pills I’m rattling! So, today’s #WellbeingWednesday #5aday features great supplements to keep you fighting fit.

  1. Boots Pharmaceuticals Cold & Flu relief Echinacea – a herbal medicine to relieve cold symptoms @ £5.99 for 30 capsules.
  2. Sun Chlorella “A” - a high quality & balanced nutritional supplement, rich in many nutrients @ £21.95 for 300 tablets.
  3. Holland & Barrett Skin Hair & Nails Formula – a naturally inspired supplement providing vital nutrients @ £4.99 for 40 pills.
  4. Boots Value Health Non-Drowsy Hayfever & Allergy Relief – a good remedy for hayfever symptoms @ 99p for 7 tablets.
  5. Protex-H – Extract of prickly pear speeds up muscle recovery during strenuous activity (marathons) @ £29.85 for 12.

5 supplements to keep illness at bay & promote health & wellbeing everyday & during training but which will win today’s #GTopSpot?

Today’s #WellbeingWednesday #GTopSpot goes to #2 Sun Chlorella “A” - For all your Iron, Vit B12, Vit D & Folic Acid needs! G x

Sun Chlorella A

Love what you’re doing

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Afternoon! Welcome this Good Friday to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration…

At the beginning of March, Krista Watters of Bhavana Yoga Boutique, was my fourth interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted today to introduce our next interviewee – Katie Quinn, designer/creative director for www.downtownbetty.com. Over to you Krista!

Downtown Betty

Katie is from Vancouver, BC. She is a very inspirational, eco-conscious clothing/fashion designer and talented surfer & yogini too! She designs a handmade, sassy, beach lifestyle clothing line, to get you from the studio, onto your bike and off on an adventure.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a national geographic photographer, a vet (but more like a Jane Goodall) & a fashion designer.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? I hope to grow my business into more studios & boutiques across Canada as well as worldwide. 
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Sunshine, birds & if I’ve written a list the night before, it’s clear why I should leave the coziness of bed with my boyfriend!
  4. How did you come to set up your business?  After a gruelling career in film, I went to India to do my yoga teacher training. I made some t-shirts for the ashram & soon realised I could put my fashion design diploma to work. Bicycle Downtown Betty was born & 3 weeks later I was at my 1st market.
  5. What is it you love most about Downtown Betty? I love all parts of it. I love helping people feel sexy & comfortable & confident enough in what they are wearing, to do so naturally.
  6. How did you select the name Downtown Betty? Betty is my Grandma’s name & it reminds me of the fifties when times were simpler. Betty is also a surf girl, skate girl, beach girl & it’s all about bringing the beach to the urban & the urban to the beach.
  7. What tips can you give to any wannabe entrepreneurs? Be ready to work all hours of all days of every month until it all starts to flow on its own, and then once it’s rolling, be ready to continue that pattern. Love what you’re doing or you will hate your life.
  8. What other passions take up your time? Yoga, travel, beach time & play time with my boyfriend & friends, film making, photography.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Jane Goodall, Stella McCartney, Jenny McCarthy, Aminata Diallo, Princess Diana.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? A beach blanket. Something to (safely) open up the coconuts. A water purifying system. A camera with sound recording capabilities. A lighter.

Thanks Krista & Katie! It’s been an absolute privilege to interview yet another wonderfully inspiring female this Good Friday.

Katie now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 12 April.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

G x

Beat the Blues

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Welcome to #WellbeingWednesday! While winter seems to maintain a firm grip on the weather, it can be easy to get down in the dumps.

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So today’s #5aday aims to help you bid goodbye to that bad frame of mind with these 5 steps to beating the blues & boosting your mood! 

  1. Exercise - For an instant boost, release those endorphins by taking some exercise. Running is my therapy followed by Bikram Yoga!
  2. Dream - Take positive action & plan how you will achieve your dream today. Reignite your passion for life & forget about your woes.
  3. Challenge - Set yourself a physical goal - a half marathon or the 30 day Bikram Yoga challenge & feel a real a sense of achievement.
  4. Talk - A problem shared is a problem halved. Spend time with friends and family, talking through problems & plotting for the future.
  5. Give Back - Increase your sense of purpose by doing something for others – volunteer in the community or donate to a charity.

5 simple ways to perk yourself up. Just remember that there are lots of wonderful opportunities out there, all waiting to be grasped!

See you back here on Friday for #TheChainofInspiration – who will Krista Watters be interviewing next?

G x

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Make it Happen

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Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration… And as it’s International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect day to feature another inspirational interview with yet another inspirational female!

Two weeks ago Erica Blitz was my third interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Erica’s chosen interviewee Krista Watters of Bhavana Yoga Boutique in Canada. Over to you Erica!

Krista Watters

Krista is from Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada. She is one of the brightest women leaders in her community, running her own business. ‘Bhavana’ is a lifestyle boutique & through Krista’s work with Ayurveda, Aromatherapy & Yoga, she’s empowered many to transform their lives.

Bhavana Store

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse & a gardener & in my early teens I realised you could use plants to heal your body – my path really began to unfold.
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? Extend the healing possibilities of Bhavana – I’m thinking an Ayurvedic spa for Halifax!
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Travelling! I just returned from India & completely fell in love with the people. I’m totally inspired to return & study Ayurvedic medicine.
  4. How did you decide on the name of your business? The sanscrit word ‘bhavana’ is used to describe your intention for your yoga practice. It means ‘to make happen or cultivate’. I opened my boutique, to support yogis to heal, grow & fully enjoy the journey on & off the mat.
  5. What is it you love most about Bhavana? I get to be creative and conscious, every item is hand-picked with intention behind the brands and the designers.
  6. How did you come to run your own business? I travelled and lived in Vancouver & Hawaii for the last 15 years. When I returned home I saw a gap in the availability of yogic lifestyle supplies & had always wanted to own my own business.
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Say YES!!! Allow yourself to go beyond your comfort zone, lean into your fears, find ways to be of service to others and… have fun!
  8. What other passions take up your time? Practicing & teaching yoga, learning to play the ukelele, dancing and long hikes with my pooch, princess Ellie!
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? Bjork, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Marley, Vasant Lad and the Dalai Lama.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? My pashmina, raw shea butter, a mango tree, princess Ellie and an endless supply of water.

Thanks Erica & Krista! It’s an absolute pleasure to interview another fabulous inspirational female today, on International Women’s Day.

Krista now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 29 March.

Have a wonderful weekend! G x

p.s. The lovely coincidence about this interview is the fact that my grandmother (Mardi Jones) was from Halifax too (I’m a quarter Canadian) and she too was a truly inspirational woman. She met my grandfather in 1939 when he docked in Halifax with the Navy. They had 10 ‘dates’ and fell in love. After which he returned to sea to hunt German pocket battleships. They wrote to each other over the next 4 years during which time they got engaged.

She then risked her life crossing the Atlantic in a convoy to be reunited with him, during the Battle of the Atlantic – 75 years ago this year. He was still at sea on her arrival in England where she waited patiently for 5 months for his return. They were married the day after he returned on St Andrews Day, 30th November 1943.

Passion inspires Purpose

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Afternoon! Welcome to #TheFridayInterview and today’s #TheChainofInspiration… Friday is the perfect day to enjoy an inspirational interview, at the earlier time of 4pm, with that last cup of tea before the weekend!

Two weeks ago Noura El-Imam was my second interviewee in #TheChainofInspiration. I’m delighted this afternoon to welcome Noura’s chosen interviewee, Erica Blitz. Over to you Noura!

Erica Blitz

“Erica, originally from Vancouver & now residing in the US, is passionate about nutrition, teaching yoga, holistic living and sailing. Erica is an international adventuress & is always visualising, planning big & seeking a healthier & happier life. She is soon to launch her own nutritional business ‘nubeleaf’ based on whole foods, nutrient dense & natural ingredients.

  1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A trapeze artist! I didn’t run away to join the circus but did go to Trapeze School – one of my most exhilarating experiences!
  2. What are your 2013 hopes & dreams? I’m committed to building conscious business (through nubeleaf) that supports the health of people, pets & the planet.
  3. What makes you get up in the morning/inspires you? Sunshine! And when the sun isn’t shining: love, purpose & passion.
  4. How did you get interested in nutrition? I travelled to India when I was 18 & decided I wanted to learn how to heal the body naturally. I just knew it was my path. 
  5. What is it you love most about eating healthy & mindfully? I love the energy that food gives us – it goes beyond calories. However, the QUALITY of the food is absolutely everything! 
  6. What tips can you give to any passionate individual looking to branch out in the nutrition side of business? Passion inspires purpose: follow it! Become the expert in your field, but never pretend to have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to fail. 
  7. What advice do you have for anyone who wants to set up a business doing what they love? Just do it! You’ve got to take the initiative to make things happen. Work hard (but don’t struggle) & be persistent. Ask questions & ask for help when you need it and above all have fun!
  8. What other passions take up your time? Aside from making green smoothies, roaring up my juicer, & yoga, I spend a lot of time writing, reading, cycling, sailing, taking long walks along the beach, art gallery hopping & travelling.
  9. Who would be your fantasy 5 dinner party guests? My number one guest invite would be Oprah! Next up would be the Obamas, Ghandi, Steve Jobs &Madonna.
  10. If you were stranded on a desert island, what 5 items would you wish you had? An unlimited supply of water, my man, spirulina, lip balm (with SPF),  & a knife – gotta crack the coconuts! 

If you fancy learning more about nutrition, inspired living or if you fancy connecting with Erica to collaborate or discuss all things health, nutrition & yoga, connect with her at www.ericablitz.com. Erica will be launching her new business, nubeleaf, very soon so stay tuned on how you can elevate your health & your life to the next level.”

Thanks Noura & Erica! Really looking forward to hearing more about nubeleaf. Best of luck & big respect for following your dream!

Erica now takes over the baton & will interview someone that inspires her for the next #TheChainofInspiration on Friday 8 March.

Have a wonderful weekend!

G x