tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55032206828102302902024-03-05T23:17:30.224-08:00Ramblings of a multi-taskerKarleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-82302124386104159312013-07-28T14:01:00.000-07:002013-07-28T14:01:36.787-07:00Wheat and Dairy-free Raw Chocolate and Cherry Brownies<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They sound dry and boring but they are most definitely not. As you may
have read I have been dabbling with raw food, not for weight loss purposes but
for general well being and health. If you
want to read more about why I am interested in trying a diet rich in raw food,
have a read of <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/taking-control-of-my-hayfever-once-and.html">this post</a>. For more information on a raw food workshop I
recently attended with <a href="http://www.annamiddleton.com/">Anna Middleton</a> check <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/the-raw-benefits-two-weeks-on.html">this post</a> out. Anna is an expert
when it comes to chocolate and sweet treats and shared her raw brownie recipe that
uses cacao powder. It was a really inspirational experience and I have tried a
range of recipes since I attended the masterclass. I was a little unsure of how
raw cacao powder differed from regular cocoa powder you’d find in my cupboard. In
essence cocoa powder has been roasted and may contain added sugar, cacao powder
is chocolate in its raw form. It is simply the cacao bean, that through a
cold-pressing process, has had the fat (cacao butter) removed.<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmx-FZ2agbi5dJALqbLUxBa-XEWZoL3r9xUiRaey_O5YNRjbhQhtf6RUPVXP9Ek2Wb8jP9F3QKgkxG-pOUpN1qqCwbV8SCiAJbzChmJ_O7XKPWTfqJF4VePLOiFB-OXdxef6gTs8tI5M/s1600/Karleen+Raw+Chic+Brownie+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmx-FZ2agbi5dJALqbLUxBa-XEWZoL3r9xUiRaey_O5YNRjbhQhtf6RUPVXP9Ek2Wb8jP9F3QKgkxG-pOUpN1qqCwbV8SCiAJbzChmJ_O7XKPWTfqJF4VePLOiFB-OXdxef6gTs8tI5M/s320/Karleen+Raw+Chic+Brownie+3.jpg" title="Karleen raw chocolate brownie" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A little more about
cacao…<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Raw cacao can be bought in several different forms from health food stores and
online health food sites; Cacao nibs, cacao powder or cacao butter. Cacao powder is the most versatile of the raw
cacao products, because it is finely ground and ready to be added to smoothies,
homemade energy bars, raw and baked bars, cookies, and other desserts. It
blends well with water, nut and dairy milks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The botanical name for the tree that chocolate comes from is Theobroma cacao. The word cacao comes from the Olmec people from what is now Mexico, and is believed to be
the closest pronunciation to the original name of the plant. History shows that
chocolate then changed hands from the Olmec to the Mayans to the Spanish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_MY0AytyCEMtvEBVrK3sO1zQH7aPtc3XGv0iqAsPw_SrFMs4HEGHTfcB7bMoDAUo7_J2EGnNYnPBpJ5RlBw5psYMwcTUGxi4lqZUvEE_pGG4Yk8UB_FsCVz9UGmq-PI1Dykh6e-sDd8/s1600/cacao+pods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_MY0AytyCEMtvEBVrK3sO1zQH7aPtc3XGv0iqAsPw_SrFMs4HEGHTfcB7bMoDAUo7_J2EGnNYnPBpJ5RlBw5psYMwcTUGxi4lqZUvEE_pGG4Yk8UB_FsCVz9UGmq-PI1Dykh6e-sDd8/s320/cacao+pods.JPG" title="Cocoa Pod" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The word cacao is the only word ever used in any of the
hispanic languages to describe what English speakers think of as cocoa. It is widely
believed that the word cocoa has its origins in a spelling mistake. A mistake
which was never corrected, and perhaps found easier to pronounce, successfully
overtook the correct form.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Theobroma, which translates as "food of the gods",
is native to the tropics of the Americas where it was used as currency and
revered for its medicinal qualities for centuries. The edible properties of Theobroma
cacao were discovered over 2,000 years ago by the indigenous people of
Central America living deep in the tropical rainforests. The Olmecs living in
Mexico and Guatemala established their first cacao plantations around 400 BC,
and by 250 AD the Mayans depicted cocoa in their elaborate hieroglyphic
writings and on carvings and paintings. . Images of cocoa pods were carved into
palaces and places of worship when it symbolized life and fertility. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Historical accounts about also point to widespread use of
chocolate in Maya and Aztec engagement and marriage ceremonies and religious
rituals. In this respect chocolate occupied the same niche that expensive
French wines and champagne do in European culture today.The Aztecs and Maya
peoples had many ways of making food and drink from cocoa beans. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6pt;">They were so
precious that only the royals, warriors and the wealthy could afford to eat and
drink chocolate. The hieroglyphs tell us that the Aztecs and Maya peoples drank
cocoa powder suspended in water, and used flavourings such as chillies , </span><span style="background-color: white; color: windowtext; line-height: 15.6pt;">vanilla,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.6pt;"> aromatic herbs and honey.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The theobromine naturally found in raw cacao is a mild,
non-addictive stimulant that some believe can treat depression. We were warned
in the workshop that because it has a stimulating effect, it’s not always a good
idea to indulge in the evening as it may affect how you sleep. It is thought that chocolate may cause the brain
to produce more of a neurotransmitter called anandamide which may account for
the euphoric sensation some of us feel when indulging in chocolate treats. Raw
cacao is very high in antioxidant flavanoids, sulphur and magnesium and the
essential fatty acids found in chocolate may help the body to raise good
cholesterol and lower bad cholesterol. All of these potential health benefits
and it tastes good too. It is worth noting though that looking back at history,
chocolate was a treat and not something that was consumed daily on the way home
from work or when somebody was having a stressful day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are interested in the origins of food derived from
plants then check out the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/incredibles/index.htm">Incredible festival at Kew Gardens </a>exploring edible plants
and there’s even a chance to go on a tutti frutti boating experience with
Bompas and Parr. I haven’t had a chance to visit yet but as a friend of Kew I will definitely be
taking a visit to check it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Tuesday we had the Kilpatrick PR Summer bake off. Our
last bake off was at Easter and there were some amazing treats baked and a
whole lot of calories consume! I decided that I would make raw brownies to go
up against the other amazing, indulgent treats. I slightly adapted the recipe
that Anna shared with us at her workshop. When I tasted them I couldn’t believe
they contained no dairy. They taste extremely indulgent but are made from whole
foods. They are obviously not low fat but there is no dairy, no wheat and no
cooking involved. They make the perfect treat and I wanted to share the recipe
with my colleagues. I don’t eat a huge amount of chocolate but every now and
again I fancy it and avoiding dairy makes it impossible to enjoy so these
brownies are a great solution. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thrilled to say that the general consensus was a thumbs-up
and I came joint first place. Hooray for raw food! It can be healthy and taste
good. The ingredients below can be adapted entirely to your taste. It is just a
guide and I found that I added more or less of certain ingredients so that they
were to my taste. The cacao powder I have is very rich so I used less than the
recipe suggested. I kept adding until the mixture was the richness of chocolate
that I like. Unlike when you bake cakes, I have found that raw recipes don’t
need to be an exact science so recipes can be tweaked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMm-BJE6eChhPPriiqcfZSeQ6isso0F4EHqW3LttrgvcjQNDRk9UIKwmYnWG37i8TaD0oMwnkI-EXlCeltGivFDby2f-3c4AFBYU-RHZotUdlrA7L08POxtc2DoqLWXpbzShiLV07fyo/s1600/Karleen+Raw+Chic+Brownie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMm-BJE6eChhPPriiqcfZSeQ6isso0F4EHqW3LttrgvcjQNDRk9UIKwmYnWG37i8TaD0oMwnkI-EXlCeltGivFDby2f-3c4AFBYU-RHZotUdlrA7L08POxtc2DoqLWXpbzShiLV07fyo/s320/Karleen+Raw+Chic+Brownie+1.jpg" title="Karleen Raw Brownie Ingredients" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Basic Raw Brownie
Recipe<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
200g walnuts (soaked and dehydrated)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
50g Brazil nuts (soaked and dehydrated)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
300g Dates<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100g raw cacao powder<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100ml sweetener (agave syrup)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
100g cherries and sultanas (soaked and chopped)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
30g cacao butter melted (optional)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tablespoons coconut oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Soak the nuts in filtered or bottle water and then drain and
allow to dry. Keep 25g of the walnuts aside and chop.</li>
<li>Blend all of the other nuts until finely ground. The
ultimate mixer to use in a Magimix but I don’t have one yet. I used my little
handy blender which did a good job but I guess any half decent food processor
will work.</li>
<li>Then add all other ingredients apart from the cherries and
blend. The more you blend, the smoother and more dough like the brownie mixture
will become. If the mixture is a little dry you can add
some of the liquid that the cherries were soaked in. I added a little more
coconut oil. The cacao butter adds a delicious richness but if you don’t have
it you can use coconut oil instead. Both of these ingredients will help the
brownies to set when refrigerated.</li>
<li>Add the dried fruit and remaining walnuts and mix
thoroughly. This is the basic brownie recipe but you can adapt to your taste.
The original recipe I tried didn’t have sultanas but dried cherries are quite
expensive so I used slightly less than was originally listed. You could also
add some raw chopped chocolate at this stage. Give the brownies a kick by
adding some chilli powder or add some more cherry flavour using a medicine
flower extract. The black cherry one would work brilliantly. It is expensive
but smells and tastes absolutely incredible. You could use it in the Avocado
mousse to make a black forest style chocolate mousse.</li>
<li>Line a baking tin with clingfilm and then press the mixture
into the tin. It will take approximately an hour to set. Lining it with film
makes it easier to lift out of the tin. The brownies are good as they are, but for
an even more decadent treat you can make a chocolate sauce to drizzle over the
top. The cling film allows a cleaner, less messy finish if you are going to add
the sauce.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPchbtLWp7HxOtWJ4H1l3U8LB6ikDQn2ZJgTPkfs9mabEFT-6pDIarVmPc-eWL3agP3-p2MNf26XO03qoLI_LD_8OxpMFK0F6X4pyB9wOX_u6j13Wo8y1HwFp4ThKVoA-ZVjvnPskyER0/s1600/Karleen+Raw+Choc+Brownie+in+tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPchbtLWp7HxOtWJ4H1l3U8LB6ikDQn2ZJgTPkfs9mabEFT-6pDIarVmPc-eWL3agP3-p2MNf26XO03qoLI_LD_8OxpMFK0F6X4pyB9wOX_u6j13Wo8y1HwFp4ThKVoA-ZVjvnPskyER0/s320/Karleen+Raw+Choc+Brownie+in+tray.jpg" title="Karleen Raw Brownie in tray" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Simply blend together some coconut oil, sweetener, cacao
powder, vanilla essence and a pinch of salt. I kept adding the ingredients
until the texture looked like a sauce. The coconut oil will help the sauce to
set when refrigerated. Drizzle over the
top of the brownies and leave to set. I used a fork to make some patterns in
the top. When set, take out of the fridge and cut into small squares. It is
rich so I think smaller portions are better but it is of course entirely up to
you. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-66449117289684787612013-07-16T14:00:00.001-07:002013-07-16T14:00:25.188-07:00No dairy makes you nuts!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I’ve had time to digest what I heard on Saturday I
thought it would be helpful to share some of the key info and recipes I really
liked. The fundamentals of <a href="http://www.annamiddleton.com/Raw-Food-Fundamentals.html">raw food workshop</a> <span style="background-color: white;">advertised that you </span>could<i> ‘Learn about the benefits of raw
living food & how to include more in your life with quick, easy and
nutritious recipes. Find out which raw and cooked foods are the most
nutritious foods to eat plus essential tips for eating raw food in the UK.’</i><span style="background-color: white;">
I think this description is spot on. I now have a much clearer idea of the
benefits of raw food and learnt so many new tips, techniques and information
about new ingredients. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Anna covered a
wide range of topics including the theories and benefits of raw food, juices and
smoothies, introduction to superfoods, essential fatty acids, savoury snacks,
salads and dressing and even sweet treats. I had a brilliant day and learnt so
much!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOeSgxs1Hmkkg3_271t4euyitggLsgWkNgxC730LvF8lJtl7440iYioN_f8qu7H-JzvXzZjkgOxRhcnxJ3NjnkEPxjnzbtXE98_GpWY-OcKR6P3WKxoF-eJgyq1pvTvgeE-xpWDOlysI/s1600/Fruit+Karleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOeSgxs1Hmkkg3_271t4euyitggLsgWkNgxC730LvF8lJtl7440iYioN_f8qu7H-JzvXzZjkgOxRhcnxJ3NjnkEPxjnzbtXE98_GpWY-OcKR6P3WKxoF-eJgyq1pvTvgeE-xpWDOlysI/s320/Fruit+Karleen.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
The term "raw" can refer
to any food which has not been processed or cooked over temperatures
of approximately 104°F (40°C) as this is the point at which enzymes
start to break down, although the exact
temperature at which enzymes are destroyed varies for each food. Following
a living food lifestyle tends to means that anything between 70-100%
of diet comes from uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. The most
important thing I took away from the workshop was to take things slowly and listen
to your body. As I have mentioned previously, I was keen to explore
incorporating more raw food in to my diet to see if it would help with my
hayfever symptoms. I believe that dairy affects how I react and my allergy
symptoms are much worse when consuming dairy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Since altering my diet just over
two weeks ago I have been eating mostly fresh food and no dairy at all. My
hayfever has been amazing. I know that other people have really been suffering
the last couple of days whilst we have been having such glorious weather. I can’t
quite believe it but I have been absolutely fine! I have still been taking an
antihistamine tables but no nasal spray or eye drops. I would normally be
really suffering. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
I had restricted my dairy intake
the last few years but had gradually started to consumer some dairy produce. Until
now I have been mostly using soya milk as an alternative to dairy. Although it
is marketed as a healthy alternative, I have read mixed reviews about soya. Many
people I know had mentioned that it is not healthy but I guess I turned a blind
eye as it meant I could still have everyday things such as coffee at high
street coffee shops if I stuck to soya. However, following conversations at the workshop, and further
research since I will not be consuming soya milk any longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTYwH7JHSVRHs2bnY2Oq5RXeXjr3buWJUR0OKL1qVM9_iBocHGsNr8x2oqkqzfZfi7dXBiGk98-9ZhpQwj6gpEye3IN90DGXeTzRpJE9vkK6o1OpjnmELGiovE_JXoq3VtafYR_zC5sU/s1600/Soya+Bean+Kernel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTYwH7JHSVRHs2bnY2Oq5RXeXjr3buWJUR0OKL1qVM9_iBocHGsNr8x2oqkqzfZfi7dXBiGk98-9ZhpQwj6gpEye3IN90DGXeTzRpJE9vkK6o1OpjnmELGiovE_JXoq3VtafYR_zC5sU/s320/Soya+Bean+Kernel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Unfermented
soy (used in soya milk, tofu, soya yoghurts) contains naturally occurring
compounds called isoflavones. They
can have a mild hormonal effect on women's hormones as they are similar in chemical
structure and can bind to estrogen receptors and turn them on. This may be great
if you are menopausal and need an estrogen top up. However, a high intake of isoflavones is linked to early
puberty, heavy periods, <a href="http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/fact+sheets/fertility/endometriosis,12661" jquery1374003439632="147"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">endometriosis</span></a>, <a href="http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/fact+sheets/hormones/fibroids,11595" jquery1374003439632="148"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">fibroids</span></a> and infertility. I’m way past puberty
but no thank you to any of the others!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
Isoflavones
can also have a detrimental effect on the thyroid. They are known as goitrogens
(they cause a swelling of the thyroid) as they block the enzyme thyroid
peroxidise that adds iodine to thyroid hormones. The end result is that your
thyroid can't produce adequate amounts of active hormones and becomes sluggish.
I feel uncomfortable putting
something that is potentially harmful into my body just so that I can grab a cappuccino
every now and then, especially when other perfectly good alternatives exist. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
You can buy pasteurised nut milks fairly
easily but the great news is you can also make your own and Anna demonstrated
this at the workshop. I’ve always been a bit wary of trying nut milks. I actually
bought some from Whole Foods last week but it is still sat in the bag in my
hallway. When you buy nut milk it has
been pasteurised so it’s not as nutritious as the milk you can make. I tried it
for the first time and it is absolutely delicious! You don’t need any expensive
equipment, just a blender and a nut bag like this <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Milk-LM001-Universal-Nut/dp/B007OVEIHE">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Milk-LM001-Universal-Nut/dp/B007OVEIHE</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv0oWqIbX9tcs9PY9vo3U8V_dQ037xJaUrIbjFtMgMTtqNUkfjG5CNdJSQG9RY5yXnFEuntX5YISybW5XARgPsM-8ohB4xFgpceokZd-DS41vrxJ9fpLCaN7eAX9ArNN_zVXGfKT7vwE/s1600/Blender+Nut+Milk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinv0oWqIbX9tcs9PY9vo3U8V_dQ037xJaUrIbjFtMgMTtqNUkfjG5CNdJSQG9RY5yXnFEuntX5YISybW5XARgPsM-8ohB4xFgpceokZd-DS41vrxJ9fpLCaN7eAX9ArNN_zVXGfKT7vwE/s320/Blender+Nut+Milk.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy3LTRhZCRw8-imHsn1H-ejdaXtUcuZJg8B16pn2cQ9mwU6qDLfF_7_X7hS9SpXV-0bfGPCfp75iZHdhVEBS4KMOYvE4Z6e_HAYr87AjD96IHHQuB-2V6LXHUwoKGDjAsQGLsZeeG24c/s1600/Almond+Mik+Karleen+Smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy3LTRhZCRw8-imHsn1H-ejdaXtUcuZJg8B16pn2cQ9mwU6qDLfF_7_X7hS9SpXV-0bfGPCfp75iZHdhVEBS4KMOYvE4Z6e_HAYr87AjD96IHHQuB-2V6LXHUwoKGDjAsQGLsZeeG24c/s320/Almond+Mik+Karleen+Smith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b>Almond Milk ( serves 2-3)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
What you need: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A blender<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->A nut bag <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 cup of soaked almonds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->3 cups refrigerated filtered/bottled water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2tbsp coconut oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 tsp vanilla essence<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2-3 dates<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 tsp nutmeg<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 pinch of mineral salt <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
You first need to soak the almonds
in water overnight for up to two days. Soaking the almonds makes them more
nutritious as it releases the enzyme inhibitors and also makes them easier to
digest. <span lang="EN">The longer you soak the
almonds, the creamier the milk will be. Drain and rinse the nuts from their
soaking water and then blend them with fresh water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN">Strain the liquid through a nut bag squeezing to release the juice. Once
you have squeezed as much as you can into a jug or bowl add all other
ingredients to taste and blend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN">The result is a delicious creamy milk that will last for a couple of days in
the fridge. You can drink alone or use as a base to smoothies. We got the
opportunity to sample almond milk with superfood powders added for more nutritional
value. We tasted almond milk with maca and algaroba. </span><span lang="EN-US">Maca is the powdered root of the <i>Lepidium
Meyenii</i> plant. </span><span lang="EN">Known for
its ability to support healthy energy levels, maca has been used by the Incas
as a kind of "Incan <a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/superfood.html"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">superfood</span></a>"
for thousands of years. Maca tastes a little like roasted chicory root, which
tastes</span><span lang="EN-US"> a
little bit like coffee. But it's not a caffeine stimulant like coffee. Rather,
it's considered an "adaptogenic" herb that supports healthy energy
without blasting your nervous system with chemical stimulants. I really liked
the taste but preferred algarroba which is a powder made from ground white
carob powder and it has a caramel flavour. It was delicious! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">When cutting dairy the other thing I miss is chocolate
and lucky for me Anna shared some amazing sweet recipes. One of my favourites
was the Avocado Chocolate Mousse. It is extremely easy to make and tastes fab
too. I have let a few friends and family be guinea pigs and they all loved it. I
know I will be using this one again. I think it would work well with other ingredients
such as berries and Anna also suggested exchanging the chocolate for lime juice
for a zingy fresh alternative, great for hot summer days! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsT1OgjVtT-eYoHZpDLSR-q54QOKSN_BC45luLn_WuWt2Rz_nhCqRu2rWS7RzFPBf_EBzJzZ7Ywnal9rVys3QjnQZhzbVxOxQij1YmfzrzbVWIKW1OlhARfFlsYBBrxJrnWs9TQ2NdS0/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsT1OgjVtT-eYoHZpDLSR-q54QOKSN_BC45luLn_WuWt2Rz_nhCqRu2rWS7RzFPBf_EBzJzZ7Ywnal9rVys3QjnQZhzbVxOxQij1YmfzrzbVWIKW1OlhARfFlsYBBrxJrnWs9TQ2NdS0/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Avocado Chocolate
Mousse <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">What you need:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">1 large avocado<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">2 tbsp yacon/maple syrup or alternative sweetener ( I used agave syrup)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">2tbsp cacao powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">1 tsp lecithin powder*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">1tsp vanilla extract or powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Pinch of himalayan pink salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Drop of water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Superfood of choice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">Blend the avocado and agave nectar until you have a
smooth, creamy consistency. You can add water until it is completely smooth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">Add the cacao powder, lecithin powder, vanilla and
salt and blend until fully mixed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">Taste and add more cacao powder to your taste. The
more you add, the more intense the chocolate flavour. You can also add more
sweetener if you have a sweeter tooth. Vanilla enhances the sweetness so again
alter to your taste.The mousse will last in the fridge for a couple of days. Serve with berries of your choice. I chose rapberries when I made it at home and it worked really well. I served them in mini shot glasses with a raspberry on top. Yum! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US">*The lecithin is not essential but it makes the mousse
even creamier and is great for helping the liver to process fats which this
recipe is rich in. They are of course fats of the healthy variety. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-52650024608097886782013-07-13T15:41:00.002-07:002013-07-13T15:42:53.146-07:00The raw benefits two weeks on...<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not really sure where to start because I have so much
whizzing through my head and I am really excited. This time two weeks ago my
hayfever was about to peak and I felt absolutely shocking. Today I feel
amazing! I am full of energy, my hayfever symptoms are nowhere to be seen and I
am in an amazing mood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think the 5 day course of steroids have had a part to play
in dampening down the allergy symptoms but I can’t ignore that I have consumed more
fresh fruit and veg in the last two weeks than I probably did during the whole
month of June. I am now firmly in a breakfast routine which is a big deal for
me. I am now waking up hungry in the morning and I am making sure I eat at
least three healthy meals per day. The
majority of my meals in the last 2 weeks have consisted of fresh, raw food. I have
been keeping a food diary to send to my personal trainer. Knowing that I have
to write down what I’m eating and sending to a third party has made me look
closer at my diet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a snapshot of the food I’ve eaten in the last few
weeks. It is far from perfect and there are definitely changes to be made but
seeing some it together shows how much colour there is in natural foods. I have to say I feel more energetic than I
have done in a long time. I’m waking up every morning before 5:00 most days and
I am bouncing out of bed and full of energy.I haven’t been a saint and haven’t given up booze. In fact
at a second glance I realise I have
completely forgotten to put a couple of G&T’s and several glasses of
prosecco from Tuesday night. Ed, if you’re reading this, I am not being a
secret squirrel, just completely forgot to put it down.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jrjRvgpVzRbqapYF0-9RN0rxcNbzkEaGEcj0ZToyPMjJs7L1dYwSD9FCo6tWEqjMqP-Qk8N7hpOtO2MTWSFZ7RKa5uazZXgIcDuxGKgukRBb_c71uY0notlCGZ7a7749s7WH9YTqWqI/s1600/Food+diary+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jrjRvgpVzRbqapYF0-9RN0rxcNbzkEaGEcj0ZToyPMjJs7L1dYwSD9FCo6tWEqjMqP-Qk8N7hpOtO2MTWSFZ7RKa5uazZXgIcDuxGKgukRBb_c71uY0notlCGZ7a7749s7WH9YTqWqI/s400/Food+diary+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FE18Xp6m5-lSZRBSAMT7X0mMQyUGXyf9MbUjcAVu58cQxb3ewFCId1MQ2siVb45Asf163b50-Tszfr5AKep9pGx1C__zpGCc8a4TjjMZF5IeySaPsXzI9CxnnfNE0f2Ijoa9qWas5QI/s1600/Food+diary+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FE18Xp6m5-lSZRBSAMT7X0mMQyUGXyf9MbUjcAVu58cQxb3ewFCId1MQ2siVb45Asf163b50-Tszfr5AKep9pGx1C__zpGCc8a4TjjMZF5IeySaPsXzI9CxnnfNE0f2Ijoa9qWas5QI/s400/Food+diary+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’ve been following me on Twitter or Instagram, you
will have seen me getting over excited about a raw food workshop that I
attended today in Bristol. I feel so excited and inspired. The workshop was run
by <a href="http://www.annamiddleton.com/">Anna Middleton</a> and she was assisted by Fliss who runs <a href="http://www.insideouthealing.co.uk/">http://www.insideouthealing.co.uk/</a>. It was a fantastic workshop and I learnt so much from Anna and Fliss
who were extremely passionate about what they do. It was a world I knew very
little about before today, but I got the chance to learn about new ingredients
and techniques, and tasted lots of new foods. There were six other people in the
group and it was great as I picked up lots of new information from other group
members too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I absolutely love learning, especially about topics that I
have little knowledge of. Although I like to think of myself as a bit of a
foodie, today was very humbling as so much was like a foreign language to me. This
was in no way negative but instead a very positive and exciting experience. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am going to do
some detailed separate posts about the workshop and the new foods and
ingredients I was introduced to. I am no expert but I think my beginner’s
perspective may be useful to some people. From the little research I have done
so far, most raw foodies seems to be pretty hardcore and experienced and it can be overwhelming
for people like me. As Anna said today, you don’t have to go 100% raw; it’s about
introducing some beneficial raw foods into your diet in ways that suit you. I
can honestly say that I have benefited greatly after only two weeks. I will be sure to update you regularly on my
progress. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a selection of the foods I was lucky enough to try today. Anna prepared a huge amount of recipes from Thai curry, to chocolate brownies, green smoothies, chocolate sauce, nut milks, salads and salad dressings. Believe it or not, all of the foods below were made using fresh, natural ingredients that are good for you and there was no cooking at all. I was astounded by just how delicious everything was that I tasted today including the almond milk which I have always been reluctant to use. The avocado chocolate mousse was outstanding, as were the chocolate brownies, and the raw Thai curry was so tasty and filling and it wasn't strange that it was cold. I
will be sure to share some of the recipes as I start trying experimenting. I had so many ideas when watching Anna at work today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgR7NJFWNL-h5lawcj0a6NFATjTm93cOjo7ngu32v0I8Xpr7OssHNmGuy8v24YzGBnnhqqbfUD015E6Q0HvWGfDhkdqiV6G8eH_4Vo_g65FuZbW4-gwhswoNBPOm-4rfUZM3S991Y6h8/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgR7NJFWNL-h5lawcj0a6NFATjTm93cOjo7ngu32v0I8Xpr7OssHNmGuy8v24YzGBnnhqqbfUD015E6Q0HvWGfDhkdqiV6G8eH_4Vo_g65FuZbW4-gwhswoNBPOm-4rfUZM3S991Y6h8/s400/009.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3yT0-JnWBiR2lDgCqs-L2o89ybHMvlBu3Cw0eNLg3IOwzZQsjFGdxk6y2bO-uj9juVtGv2Q0ySbq28Gk_7ZCS5tAvX42WtesORWzUXyP7rcClxJx5hfbMr8kRSrqlJ0EM4Y4bOWj6Go/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3yT0-JnWBiR2lDgCqs-L2o89ybHMvlBu3Cw0eNLg3IOwzZQsjFGdxk6y2bO-uj9juVtGv2Q0ySbq28Gk_7ZCS5tAvX42WtesORWzUXyP7rcClxJx5hfbMr8kRSrqlJ0EM4Y4bOWj6Go/s400/003.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3sPiaT5LIM04yjYlS8r_rEKcK3et8EIjORpZlGGLNE5Q5F0V2qrITZ5xm8tLPRm-F67iYw4xMV4ccmvvewSoR8IYu5tKcc5VOCN-mbVi9UBe0UwfqzxypHu1UiXu6cHso4JvbYOuUoY/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3sPiaT5LIM04yjYlS8r_rEKcK3et8EIjORpZlGGLNE5Q5F0V2qrITZ5xm8tLPRm-F67iYw4xMV4ccmvvewSoR8IYu5tKcc5VOCN-mbVi9UBe0UwfqzxypHu1UiXu6cHso4JvbYOuUoY/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw40aHbfgn2JxqT7Urtoa7QS_PJgxGs0z_RbvjuwUAluXpwQzjU2v3uY1Rxwu2xqB4tyB4j0LxS_FHUmlG91ei23LwsukqsJSpW8pwWBdYe9qvdepqU6cNKJZcTylPbTnRzqtIf3Sl4tU/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw40aHbfgn2JxqT7Urtoa7QS_PJgxGs0z_RbvjuwUAluXpwQzjU2v3uY1Rxwu2xqB4tyB4j0LxS_FHUmlG91ei23LwsukqsJSpW8pwWBdYe9qvdepqU6cNKJZcTylPbTnRzqtIf3Sl4tU/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jnOs1FlWT_AKa4x4ERLcTSLZvoeliirmhHSkVMp9QBII9LJkGTTKT50Ns5RqY16p_Q5ZqrgT5rUloUu7BTM27Pj72IbYJEtoN9ChI9esuwTucvEZdGJfSj0dxxVLk1KnK8Q4YicwAtY/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jnOs1FlWT_AKa4x4ERLcTSLZvoeliirmhHSkVMp9QBII9LJkGTTKT50Ns5RqY16p_Q5ZqrgT5rUloUu7BTM27Pj72IbYJEtoN9ChI9esuwTucvEZdGJfSj0dxxVLk1KnK8Q4YicwAtY/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIrtun8Hv6o6-wXHC_9LPSk-afUcn7Kl10ixCzn2X0FJb6YK_Uih-p8PDccY6A6O9vxfqYmYQTd8mn_QwfTRpq2gNzMJbNWniLMny6wuyFHMZ28_okiQ-3WvFLQj7gABtEAFBz7CGP70/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIrtun8Hv6o6-wXHC_9LPSk-afUcn7Kl10ixCzn2X0FJb6YK_Uih-p8PDccY6A6O9vxfqYmYQTd8mn_QwfTRpq2gNzMJbNWniLMny6wuyFHMZ28_okiQ-3WvFLQj7gABtEAFBz7CGP70/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1KL3mDRLlSnpbS-RMsN-DFYBGwkyJXvL5UBQoG_I5ciW5l236RGOOjCbHSyU1iZAJk3efBuh8mcLCLKT-F7BsCGC_8D3Y9TC-C7dPpEhRbi-QOh941XQDuwFd8wXqxCCFtb7zAEUTBA/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1KL3mDRLlSnpbS-RMsN-DFYBGwkyJXvL5UBQoG_I5ciW5l236RGOOjCbHSyU1iZAJk3efBuh8mcLCLKT-F7BsCGC_8D3Y9TC-C7dPpEhRbi-QOh941XQDuwFd8wXqxCCFtb7zAEUTBA/s640/030.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIYXVMd0IcRRQWaiyO1fzwiEd0V7NZ0fivCU1D6t-Jm2v-iR9_jx-Q-6Sm6Lq-tV4M-0tnutH_BsjO69NuFEH7RrZKoPuAnSkHP0RZTQyXpGLWpWx21yEfDnnfAyna5XOXMYvYJRDNK4/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIYXVMd0IcRRQWaiyO1fzwiEd0V7NZ0fivCU1D6t-Jm2v-iR9_jx-Q-6Sm6Lq-tV4M-0tnutH_BsjO69NuFEH7RrZKoPuAnSkHP0RZTQyXpGLWpWx21yEfDnnfAyna5XOXMYvYJRDNK4/s400/050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIJ4LcP9PuTqDJW2Uiuclcsh7hKt-txsKIX-EQ1FMXtgjbPODfWu0aoDu8d809KJxIyx1ZyGXA0RkcJbQSfe_XOsTNQgjVMU7XhkInPFWw4FbrvK14zV3zwxtj4TQO6Z_57QS6_FUHOk/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIJ4LcP9PuTqDJW2Uiuclcsh7hKt-txsKIX-EQ1FMXtgjbPODfWu0aoDu8d809KJxIyx1ZyGXA0RkcJbQSfe_XOsTNQgjVMU7XhkInPFWw4FbrvK14zV3zwxtj4TQO6Z_57QS6_FUHOk/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGoLdNsIw-2ayAeYixAnjEPbetft-oOJpHFuw02UgfWKaxLH_u7FxC_3WgBTM1lNws-LVUsvpXAn5F32shExMJeaXPI9hek5aVT1cMWUOiwic7BdGLibYmz5CiV1qtwjLf-SbxcmbGEE/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGoLdNsIw-2ayAeYixAnjEPbetft-oOJpHFuw02UgfWKaxLH_u7FxC_3WgBTM1lNws-LVUsvpXAn5F32shExMJeaXPI9hek5aVT1cMWUOiwic7BdGLibYmz5CiV1qtwjLf-SbxcmbGEE/s400/052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YNdkN-eyEWHo-x7NJfhjYW6I3ZqzlTb923ugZAry3RMo_H74688izgHvKNBAaykbcF4VGhHN4sLFM6xIxveEpyRdx-srta_x81YpQ09mXTCn_4CllG5rRE1x19UPQwvrAfuqi1nXbss/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YNdkN-eyEWHo-x7NJfhjYW6I3ZqzlTb923ugZAry3RMo_H74688izgHvKNBAaykbcF4VGhHN4sLFM6xIxveEpyRdx-srta_x81YpQ09mXTCn_4CllG5rRE1x19UPQwvrAfuqi1nXbss/s400/058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-71653103003274083662013-07-02T14:39:00.001-07:002013-07-03T04:37:13.433-07:00Taking control of my hayfever once and for all! <span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the age of six I have suffered from severe hayfever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went out in the field behind my house a
normal, happy, healthy girl and came back with bulging red eyes that resulted
in a trip to A&E. I am now 31 and there have been many more trips to the
doctor and hospital. I have tried absolutely everything, from conventional
methods to the more alternative, including acupuncture and homeopathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing has ever really worked for me. Some
medication has taken the edge off symptoms momentarily but essentially summer has
always been a real struggle. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMg7EeOvzRSCfiFOIS3lOitwaLhCw3Up5o10JFjNGXmwTn3Kg2Pn6AoqhgysGb5kWUGil-MSrcv372hQ5ceNUgnyaXu0tQ51Tx6tf56V13wTVTDVhCL3Xbn9UDf3-zb0lfz1NVA_DVK4/s1600/Karleen+Smith+Flower+Hayfever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMg7EeOvzRSCfiFOIS3lOitwaLhCw3Up5o10JFjNGXmwTn3Kg2Pn6AoqhgysGb5kWUGil-MSrcv372hQ5ceNUgnyaXu0tQ51Tx6tf56V13wTVTDVhCL3Xbn9UDf3-zb0lfz1NVA_DVK4/s320/Karleen+Smith+Flower+Hayfever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Hay fever is
caused by an allergy to pollen. Common hay fever symptoms are a runny, itchy
and/or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes</span>. I suffer from all of these
and more. My eyes aren’t just itchy but they swell and develop a film so that I
find it difficult to see. Hayfever makes me feel really unwell most of the time
throughout summer. A constant sore scratchy throat, a headache and I often feel
nauseous due to the constant congestion. Not to mention the sore red nose, disappearing make up
and my skin even seems to flare up when it’s really bad. Everything itches and
it makes you feel agitated. You itch from the inside out, your ears, your eyes,
your throat and your mouth. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleeping
with a blocked nose means you tend to keep your mouth open and I find I get a
sore mouth too. I like to think that I am usually on the ball but during
hayfever season everything seems such a struggle and I’m just not as sharp as I
usually am. It makes me feel absolutely exhausted too and I am woken up by
sniffling and sneezing by about 4:30-5:00 every morning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout school and
college it made exam season extremely hard and affected my social life too. Summer is a time when you want to be outside
but it just makes the symptoms worse so I often have to sit in with the windows
closed, even though I am a real outdoors kind of girl. It just
makes you feel miserable and no matter how positive you try and remain, it
wears you down both physically and mentally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I moved in with my boyfriend 5 years ago and I remember how
shocked he was the first summer we lived together. I used to come home from
work at 6:00, take another antihistamine to help me sleep and would head
straight to bed because I just couldn’t handle being awake because of my hayfever symptoms. I'm normally quite fun to be around but hayfever makes me miserable It got to the point
where I just couldn’t take it anymore. I spoke to my GP about desensitisation
injections but I would have to wait until after the hayfever season to start and I was desperate to try something that would help sooner. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the recommendation of my best friend I went to visit
Natasha Lindeman. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natasha is a
homeopathic practitioner and she uses a bio magnetic diagnosis technique. She
advised me to stop consuming dairy in my diet and also recommended a selection
of homeopathic remedies. I decided to try eliminating dairy before trying the homeopathic remedies. I was
sceptical before the appointment but it absolutely changed my life. After cutting dairy my symptoms were still there but
they were drastically reduced and antihistamines really worked for me for
the first time. I was absolutely astounded and couldn’t believe my luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I felt like I had hayfever like a normal person. </span>I would wake up every day feeling absolutely
fine . The few times I did have some dairy my
symptoms would get worse so it was a no brainer, I had to leave it out. Not only did my hayfever
improve but it also seemed to help calm my rosacea too and I felt generally more healthy. However, I’m not a
fussy kind of girl and if I went to a dinner party I would try not to be
difficult and would occasionally eat dairy, normally cheese or sometimes ice
cream. It would always cause my symptoms to get worse and on a couple of occasions of consuming a larger amount of cows milk, I got quite sick with painful stomach cramps. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2-5py7qHCA6dd_M3qXKBwEFg3oJUZzwZwok4BDoFJV4ALeuveHc16uU2nesMqHSJmgsSl7k17ZhcyIYNVg0HeOPGTGsfuRLsJae-CIfp3PLaXEa5SBuVtjD3wDOyxeB-YVpVzgXDJhM/s1600/Karleen+smith+Cows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2-5py7qHCA6dd_M3qXKBwEFg3oJUZzwZwok4BDoFJV4ALeuveHc16uU2nesMqHSJmgsSl7k17ZhcyIYNVg0HeOPGTGsfuRLsJae-CIfp3PLaXEa5SBuVtjD3wDOyxeB-YVpVzgXDJhM/s320/Karleen+smith+Cows.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fast forward three years and I have to admit that although I still
restrict dairy, it has slowly crept back into my diet. I don't have a huge amount but I have been eating some cheese and perhaps some cream with strawberries every now and again. I enjoy it and it can be
tricky to avoid. So many convenience foods contain dairy. Until now it hasn’t seemed to make a huge difference to my
allergy symptoms. This year has seen the worst pollen counts for a long time. I
started the season really well and while other people were sneezing, I was absolutely fine. I even had a naive thought that I may have grown out of it. How wrong could I be! All of a sudden it has hit me really hard and I have spent the last two
days in bed. I take daily prescription antihistamines, a nasal spray, eye drops and
I have also had to take decongestants to help me breathe. I know every little trick in the book; turning the pillow over before going to bed, Vaseline up the nose, washing hair frequently, changing clothes twice per day, wearing glasses even when it's not sunny so that you look like a poser but nothing is easing
it. Today I have started a short course of steroids to ease the symptoms because it has got so bad. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel exhausted and pathetic that I have had to take time
off work for something as trivial as hayfever but I feel absolutely terrible. We
all have to take responsibility for our health and if conventional methods aren’t
working then I feel strongly that we should look elsewhere. I have done some
reading about the benefits of a raw food diet and going natural makes sense to
me even though it is very daunting. I do have my reservations as I’m more a champagne and sushi kind of girl than
mung bean and super juices. I like the finer things in life and like to think I’m
a bit of a foodie. I may not be the tie dye ‘save the earth’ vegan type type but
if the modern methods aren’t working I’m willing to give it a go. If you haven't got your health then nothing else really matters! I have
ordered a juicer that I will pick up after work tomorrow and I have signed up
to a fundamentals of raw food workshop later this month. My place is paid for and the train tickets to Bristol are booked so the social life this month will have to go out of the window. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rGh_-3gF0bQ8ZHM5cw_-8duh0wffJtrMWz8YRLZ_8lzph5O0Zh-3eI5NSIV6CcQhE1OhtgX3O9BhQVspmUSA99GS0ZxZJFIOxWUo0YOHC79ODNzQGOkitZM4ScynrOgGy8NQjFbL6q0/s1600/Karleen+Smith+strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rGh_-3gF0bQ8ZHM5cw_-8duh0wffJtrMWz8YRLZ_8lzph5O0Zh-3eI5NSIV6CcQhE1OhtgX3O9BhQVspmUSA99GS0ZxZJFIOxWUo0YOHC79ODNzQGOkitZM4ScynrOgGy8NQjFbL6q0/s320/Karleen+Smith+strawberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also can’t ignore that I haven’t been as active in the
last 6 months as I have in the last couple of years and I can’t help but think
this may also be affecting my body so I have booked a PT session on Sunday to kick start me again. I don’t think going raw is going to be an easy
transition but I am willing to make sacrifices. I apologise now if I’m a bit of
a green juice drinking bore for the next couple of months. I am going to
document my progress on my blog and my experience will hopefully help some
other people. This goes without saying but I am not a medical professional.
Everything that I share will be my own experience. We are all different and what
may be successful for me may not work for you. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would be interested to hear about your hayfever remedies and
also any experience you may have of a raw food diet. <o:p></o:p></span>Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-23499014926448607482013-02-11T15:50:00.003-08:002013-02-11T16:08:25.005-08:00Thai Spice of Life - Tom Kah Gai Soup Recipe<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love cooking and eating and I love to take pictures of
food. In fact, I love everything about food. Back in November, I visited Thailand
with my boyfriend and one of the top things on our to do list was to take part
in a Thai cooking course. We stayed on Koh Lanta and were lucky enough to find
an amazing cooking school <a href="http://www.timeforlime.net/cooking-school/about/">Time For Lime</a>.
It came highly recommended by the guest house we were staying at and we were
drawn in by great reviews and this description. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Meet other food
enthusiasts from around the world and share the fun of Thai cooking. While
wining and dining, listening to good music in a relaxed and clean environment.
Since the cooking school is on the beachfront you will also see, hear and feel
the harmony of the sea. Enjoy your time – you’re on holiday!”</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcvsKe0ijal-YFeWSCRNjB51H4DB8c-5xoFHG3HtrLJAApS6L9YXa0mLL4iTdVtlnjBQnUounuQ6L1DQh0ApBQH9bOTCjAImKaF0kj85jIAkzOilnHljKsnq_j5HJXiSboMW3xjXqbcA/s1600/Time+For+Lime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcvsKe0ijal-YFeWSCRNjB51H4DB8c-5xoFHG3HtrLJAApS6L9YXa0mLL4iTdVtlnjBQnUounuQ6L1DQh0ApBQH9bOTCjAImKaF0kj85jIAkzOilnHljKsnq_j5HJXiSboMW3xjXqbcA/s320/Time+For+Lime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-lELhqvyi0fDrbY5b9TQHWbY0Wr0GnpDZTCQasvWSmXHvDWToCVRrQRTnfZVLuTauCzWrUNmcqObCvzpn3LfJvdkQ0AEzbo2Oc1brsiMOF8JRiITkyby0PMR3cm7kfMpO0pyTdScr8/s1600/Time+for+Lime+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90-lELhqvyi0fDrbY5b9TQHWbY0Wr0GnpDZTCQasvWSmXHvDWToCVRrQRTnfZVLuTauCzWrUNmcqObCvzpn3LfJvdkQ0AEzbo2Oc1brsiMOF8JRiITkyby0PMR3cm7kfMpO0pyTdScr8/s320/Time+for+Lime+on+the+beach.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqA6A4un8Z8SDjESSfI8pjtxACIPU8mflgr7y6yVjEoSxUkl4ARGMZ-7sbwhEhyphenhyphenjl3Av8mZWM7cWUWpbtBW3U-YULW4fel5RA5QR63beyQyePOdyOPfZMwNdxTMkIHU8LONlRTQI0aHU/s1600/Cooking+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqA6A4un8Z8SDjESSfI8pjtxACIPU8mflgr7y6yVjEoSxUkl4ARGMZ-7sbwhEhyphenhyphenjl3Av8mZWM7cWUWpbtBW3U-YULW4fel5RA5QR63beyQyePOdyOPfZMwNdxTMkIHU8LONlRTQI0aHU/s320/Cooking+class.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was such a fantastic experience! We learnt a great deal
about Thai ingredients before entering the kitchen and then got the chance to
cook 4 dishes. We were taught about the kind of ingredients we could use as
substitutes in our own countries. We also learned how to make curry pastes from
scratch and the difference between fresh and shop bought is spectacular. It was
a great social experience in a beautiful setting and I got the chance to create
a huge flame in a wok which I could definitely not do at home due to a very
sensitive fire alarm.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwwHT4fws-57Nj9jX-BVzhUh9yUvW2Z6NOvkM9_p8DsySPxCfBVfu7a_hOgwEvpZtRNo1bxqRL8khJHfGjXBEf9kynfr10_hn4FVTRF7srQ1EUu0IReCNYN4zHvAE-yedzrgt7DOWOEU/s1600/Karleen+Wok+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwwHT4fws-57Nj9jX-BVzhUh9yUvW2Z6NOvkM9_p8DsySPxCfBVfu7a_hOgwEvpZtRNo1bxqRL8khJHfGjXBEf9kynfr10_hn4FVTRF7srQ1EUu0IReCNYN4zHvAE-yedzrgt7DOWOEU/s320/Karleen+Wok+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wzn0qT3DQ2-E72hM_OgRve4VGQ3uK6892kfdrUJAn0MxKdxWcluTAEcOj0UqBuzgJ9zqwUi-w5lLJZ-k5NOdHJqdk23OPARuPa1TuDhnSVfOzHZNLSEpaFRxdPIhT8oHjiAMntZCvhE/s1600/Karleen+Wok+Flame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wzn0qT3DQ2-E72hM_OgRve4VGQ3uK6892kfdrUJAn0MxKdxWcluTAEcOj0UqBuzgJ9zqwUi-w5lLJZ-k5NOdHJqdk23OPARuPa1TuDhnSVfOzHZNLSEpaFRxdPIhT8oHjiAMntZCvhE/s320/Karleen+Wok+Flame.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YgMruFSkcynhwpBQQqhaZFcIgmyS-2NxTKkdW7pws5niqXrDz2eKvBPx0CgbZ89qaWOnXQE3w8r9e911z_5vIypLaOjj2oNYnHchuGEjBMlm-NGaQ3Zql_SRvoBqd0PkyCPGOkIVpXM/s1600/Karleen+wok+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YgMruFSkcynhwpBQQqhaZFcIgmyS-2NxTKkdW7pws5niqXrDz2eKvBPx0CgbZ89qaWOnXQE3w8r9e911z_5vIypLaOjj2oNYnHchuGEjBMlm-NGaQ3Zql_SRvoBqd0PkyCPGOkIVpXM/s320/Karleen+wok+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since returning to
the UK, the one thing we have cooked a few times is Thai Soup. We have adapted
the original recipe that we learned but I thought it would be good to share the
recipe as it is very easy to make, relatively healthy and simple to adapt to
your taste. The hot and sour flavours are perfect for cold wintery days such as
today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thai cooking consists of the 3 S’s (sweet, sour and salty)
plus spice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The balance of these
flavours is not the same in every dish. This recipe contains all three and
certainly packs a punch. The first s you should taste is sour, the second sweet
and then the third salty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The recipe can
be adapted and made without coconut milk, using more stock instead for a
lighter soup (Like Tom Yum) and chicken can be substituted for prawns or
seafood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, you can also adapt
the level of spice in your soup. Quick and easy, it is great for a quick meal
after work. I live in London and we are lucky as we have several Thai
Supermarkets local to us but many of the ingredients are available now in
regular supermarkets and you are also able to buy specific <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ingredients online. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP6JcLHIaMJUZlGSgTHd21flz4n2DtZ1u_2ucupu1ibLcBiR4HUD76JIz975lbvQgA7dPcBBMXvs9L44F8d-OKWPnd_jt2VOd4b5fdFMnV149RdbvCFT6N1iXmeVCVLo5atgc5pFuj_M/s1600/Thai+Soup+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtP6JcLHIaMJUZlGSgTHd21flz4n2DtZ1u_2ucupu1ibLcBiR4HUD76JIz975lbvQgA7dPcBBMXvs9L44F8d-OKWPnd_jt2VOd4b5fdFMnV149RdbvCFT6N1iXmeVCVLo5atgc5pFuj_M/s320/Thai+Soup+Ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tom Kha Gai - Tangy
Coconut Soup with Fresh Thai Herbs and Chicken <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(</b>Serves 4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 cups coconut milk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup vegetable or chicken stock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">12 slices galangal (This is not ginger)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 stems lemongrass (‘Leave me’
way)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8 kaffir lime leaves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 chicken breasts thinly sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 Thai red onions or 1 medium red
onion finely sliced<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 birds eye chillies (‘Leave me’
way)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 medium onion cut into 4 wedges
and then halved <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 tablespoons fish sauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tablespoon sugar<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/3 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 tomatoes ( cut into 4 wedges
and deseeded)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 spring onions cut into 5cm
pieces<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4 tablespoons lime juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coriander leaves for garnish <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How to make the soup<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firstly prepare your ingredients as the cooking
time is actually very short. Vegetables and herbs in Thai recipes are prepared
and chopped in such a way so that you can distinguish which you should eat and
which you should leave as they have just been included for flavour. The
ingredients on the left below are ‘leave me’ ( From the top, galangal, birds
eye chilli, lemon grass and kaffir lime leaf) and the ones on the right are ‘eat
me ( ginger, birds eye chilli, Thai onion and Kaffir lime leaf).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi386A9vq8B2mV0pcv04mL2bZBTHXGyu2EmeKiRQkGZYKUSu4xtaAoi_ymliqTV4WJzvqWG2cieW1ntu7zdSLmvgU8oU4xVSwz6jBx_Vxwr-IjLwuOBKwHpen7QC56pGWbitsnacPd0Ss8/s1600/Eat+Me+and+Leave+Me+Thai+Ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi386A9vq8B2mV0pcv04mL2bZBTHXGyu2EmeKiRQkGZYKUSu4xtaAoi_ymliqTV4WJzvqWG2cieW1ntu7zdSLmvgU8oU4xVSwz6jBx_Vxwr-IjLwuOBKwHpen7QC56pGWbitsnacPd0Ss8/s320/Eat+Me+and+Leave+Me+Thai+Ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V31pqgNYXs6bVauCmvZYA-jdAmkmRT5ChWVI0ospFihQpXdE8U1efuQHDCed11yood1UyQlj5lMd-AjJao-AusVAO7ByXDawpwZkYNWJrlAfZx6y7YtGYp1ZbSIPr6IUlUlG9dZtjEc/s1600/Thai+Soup+Ingredients+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V31pqgNYXs6bVauCmvZYA-jdAmkmRT5ChWVI0ospFihQpXdE8U1efuQHDCed11yood1UyQlj5lMd-AjJao-AusVAO7ByXDawpwZkYNWJrlAfZx6y7YtGYp1ZbSIPr6IUlUlG9dZtjEc/s320/Thai+Soup+Ingredients+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour coconut cream/milk and stock into a pot. Add
galangal, lemongrass, chill, kaffir lime leaves and Thai Red onion in ‘leave me
style’. This normally means that you would leave them bigger and bash to
release the flavour. Cover, bring to the boil and leave to simmer for 6
minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add chicken, onions, fish sauce, sugar and salt
and let simmer for 3 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add tomatoes and simmer for 30 seconds. Adding
the tomatoes before will have the effect of a red t-shirt in a white wash so
always add near the end to keep your soup looking white.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Add the spring onions and then the final step is
to add the lime juice once you have turned off the heat. Adding lime before
this point can make it taste bitter. This is where the name ‘Time for lime’
came from. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UOc0YMJ3GiHP5iBZWeQ5JcSjT8Y01HsdyUxdgxuoDj9uMAjtxbOKC6PWLrQC13gjhS7GKI69VsG97Ml37oZLlhZ_HldNWeIIaQEdD1AxIbLLWEHFWQ3vNz2IRF1_zT88h14opQ6VeCU/s1600/Thai+Soup+in+Pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UOc0YMJ3GiHP5iBZWeQ5JcSjT8Y01HsdyUxdgxuoDj9uMAjtxbOKC6PWLrQC13gjhS7GKI69VsG97Ml37oZLlhZ_HldNWeIIaQEdD1AxIbLLWEHFWQ3vNz2IRF1_zT88h14opQ6VeCU/s320/Thai+Soup+in+Pan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Garnish with coriander before serving and then
enjoy! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbDqfoDhWJQfDQs0dJAd5npOL6BrzSIQuFUlpTlbbpeO0uLjURVR1mtvsLdFMt-ursi2qQqZrPJI3jvzx5Av7wU4siPnhZ9Tidio52VD8bfOc_rqlolfQj_h35FfiiNcP0GzoZLdtepg/s1600/Karleen's+Thai+Coconut+Soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbDqfoDhWJQfDQs0dJAd5npOL6BrzSIQuFUlpTlbbpeO0uLjURVR1mtvsLdFMt-ursi2qQqZrPJI3jvzx5Av7wU4siPnhZ9Tidio52VD8bfOc_rqlolfQj_h35FfiiNcP0GzoZLdtepg/s320/Karleen's+Thai+Coconut+Soup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>I served the soup with Pad kaprow goong ( Shrimp with holy basil) and I will share this recipe another day. This is my dinner from tonight, a Tom Yum style Thai seafood soup that is based on the recipe above but without coconut milk. </o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Yh2-2W7JEshgx8Lbap1x7TvevyEJDCAmXSoc4tNYXavW0Rs6ACYjeYedlb4Bh4EojuMyDtnLb7AqZa1J9ArcRYVKibeJGoNnorVTu6Z6HKUFzWH49Lua-ZmxLt8_Jco5t4pE6yvO6LA/s1600/Tom+Yum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Yh2-2W7JEshgx8Lbap1x7TvevyEJDCAmXSoc4tNYXavW0Rs6ACYjeYedlb4Bh4EojuMyDtnLb7AqZa1J9ArcRYVKibeJGoNnorVTu6Z6HKUFzWH49Lua-ZmxLt8_Jco5t4pE6yvO6LA/s320/Tom+Yum.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>I'd love to see and hear about your recipes too so post me comments or show me your pics on Instagram. I never get bored of food pictures! </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-80424833933895033502013-02-03T08:52:00.002-08:002013-02-03T10:29:32.811-08:00Positive February<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the last two years I have felt really motivated in
January embarking on <a href="http://www.janathon.com/">Janathon </a>as a way to kickstart my
fitness journey. For those of you who have never heard of Janathon, you are
encouraged to exercise and then blog about it daily for the whole month and if
January is too cold then you can also give it a go in June too. This year I am
afraid to admit that I have been lazier and greedier than I have been in a very
long time and I have done absolutely no exercise. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janathon is a great way to get you moving but I decided that
it wasn’t the way I wanted to approach things this year. Exercise is important
but I have learned that it is also important to give your body adequate rest
too. I can be a woman of extremes and I’ve most definitely taken the rest days
to a different level in the last month. Don’t get me wrong, I have been busy
with other things such as work and eating it seems, but this is where it stops!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my experience I have found that February can be pretty miserable.
No more gloss of the fresh start of a new year, resolutions well and truly
forgotten and cold miserable weather that is no longer a novelty. Yes snow, I’m
talking about you! You were fun when you first arrived, we all built snowmen,
went for family walks and bored everybody on every social media channel with as
many photos as we could possibly take. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So please, no more until next year because the
frozen grey sludge just makes everything that little bit harder. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTMI87ug8rB8pL0arbIdbQJldwXShg8C_x7IHvgGbwJWayxURYLG6JwGm-BioeXgUrQnOAHdJszbyz2SH2Fa1BDS3rHYI8aCN3GH_IiJPuan9VAzhAaiA-8AHImQToJBwqaM8vU-7b9c/s1600/Snowman+Karleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTMI87ug8rB8pL0arbIdbQJldwXShg8C_x7IHvgGbwJWayxURYLG6JwGm-BioeXgUrQnOAHdJszbyz2SH2Fa1BDS3rHYI8aCN3GH_IiJPuan9VAzhAaiA-8AHImQToJBwqaM8vU-7b9c/s320/Snowman+Karleen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not big on New Year resolutions. I’m a lady who likes
to work towards goals and I continually stop to check in on my progress. I feel
strongly that every day is a new day so why wait until Monday, next month or
next year to make changes! I’m very, very aware that I can’t go on the way I
have been in January. I’m not beating myself up about it. I’ve enjoyed slowing
down a little, eating naughty food and being a little lazy but I’ve got things
I want to do and goals I want to achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first challenge
on my radar is the Paris Half Marathon. It was my very first big running
challenge nearly two years ago and I am excited about going back. If you want to read about the first time round check out <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/team-bangs-do-paris.html">this post</a>. I’ve
neglected my training recently but I am confident that I can pick it back up. Training
is very important but in my experience positive attitude is just as important as I found out when I ran <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/my-running-journey.html">my first marathon</a> last year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be running regularly and I am going to
start back on the <a href="http://www.spartanfam.com/">Spartanfam </a>homework videos every morning and evening.
Me and my Lycra are going to become very familar with my lounge floor. When training for the Berlin half last year, I really noticed an improved
fitness level by doing these regularly. I am going to try and document my
training to help motivate me and maybe I will motivate others in the process.
The pressure to blog when doing Janathon makes it harder to not exercise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6lmVo2_IFCcW7RfzT2sTMSUoGzoSZI7jOmsLrQozqHru4e1sB6uaZ73Xji0iLMr3tcgfAtWO5CiEMwvxt6zRWF6-Pwp5HsUMLcBWmk7uKHk89QzNbiF8seWHuUqJe9YQ4B1aDYAMEAk/s1600/Paris+Eiffel+Tower+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6lmVo2_IFCcW7RfzT2sTMSUoGzoSZI7jOmsLrQozqHru4e1sB6uaZ73Xji0iLMr3tcgfAtWO5CiEMwvxt6zRWF6-Pwp5HsUMLcBWmk7uKHk89QzNbiF8seWHuUqJe9YQ4B1aDYAMEAk/s320/Paris+Eiffel+Tower+2011.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXTg4V3Z6j2Tn7bMn00dtix-DjczLbHLGkR6k_G-MDPHeKloQzTOyWX13b_DeFuGp8HRu7FSyfucXJu7kJJxNY3FtOqz9c9j1pXGnH9caQElYaxD1QQLy1MRtL-AW_1gQPYp-nQsRvg/s1600/Spartanfam+Karleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LXTg4V3Z6j2Tn7bMn00dtix-DjczLbHLGkR6k_G-MDPHeKloQzTOyWX13b_DeFuGp8HRu7FSyfucXJu7kJJxNY3FtOqz9c9j1pXGnH9caQElYaxD1QQLy1MRtL-AW_1gQPYp-nQsRvg/s320/Spartanfam+Karleen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of you who follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/karleensmith">Twitter</a> or Instagram you
will know I’m a bit of a foodie when I flood your timelines with dinner pics.
Sorry if it’s not your thing but it is mine. I like good, healthy food with
colour. No anaemic beige food for this girl! I am going to share some of my favourite
recipes in the next few months and I’m also going to try and cook as many new
things as possible. I love to experiment and try new foods. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t have lots of spare time but there are
definitely ways to eat healthily if you get yourself organised. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diet is so important when you are training. I
realised this when I was training for my marathon. Once you start running for
more than a couple of hours, you notice that your body really needs the right
fuel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK1Nb3m_S4xbR-9I4wJO5RfqtJSIx4IwSASKa2sevxUgx87Tj3e_Fvm_B_Jzji6Pye0J_PRXo6EeephaepSXVCqLrZRuF8BrStDdV2kZyKFb-a8bOnZZIV0gYy02972hdTKN1FScZJc/s1600/Mediterranean+baked+mackerel+Karleen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYK1Nb3m_S4xbR-9I4wJO5RfqtJSIx4IwSASKa2sevxUgx87Tj3e_Fvm_B_Jzji6Pye0J_PRXo6EeephaepSXVCqLrZRuF8BrStDdV2kZyKFb-a8bOnZZIV0gYy02972hdTKN1FScZJc/s320/Mediterranean+baked+mackerel+Karleen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m also going to be doing a sponsored walk with my family
in March to raise funds for the Royal Marsden. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.royalmarsden.org/march/home">TheMarsden March</a> will take place on 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> March and the route will take
us 14 miles from the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea to the Royal Marsden in
Sutton. This is a really big deal for my family, especially for those who didn’t
even own a pair of trainers until we signed up. My 4 year old niece Ciana has
been very poorly as some of you know and we want to acknowledge her amazing
bravery and courage as well as show our thanks for the fantastic care she has
received. She is out of hospital at the moment but still has a way to go. I
think it’s really important to stick together with friends and family and show support
and thanks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’d like to make a
donation, no matter how small, you can go to </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.justgiving.com/princessciana">www.justgiving.com/princessciana</a>
( Apologies that the page isn’t prettied up yet but there seems to be some kind of
glitch with the system and it won’t allow me to update it to include her story
or photo). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVMoXV4g6pb4ifxpggnTud2LNpnwnwrQ0BCgCpyMOdA4tdXkHhXvY8eVp0jHgFnNWoC6cErkUIfKPwlqNG9BuzYogSftDeROeeGEv3kWC2J3foarJsGtCogM5AgauHYTvF5Oexnk2oc/s1600/Karleen+and+Ciana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUVMoXV4g6pb4ifxpggnTud2LNpnwnwrQ0BCgCpyMOdA4tdXkHhXvY8eVp0jHgFnNWoC6cErkUIfKPwlqNG9BuzYogSftDeROeeGEv3kWC2J3foarJsGtCogM5AgauHYTvF5Oexnk2oc/s320/Karleen+and+Ciana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My next focus is my beauty routine. I am a beauty junkie and
love nothing more than a new product, as anybody that has visited my home will
know. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a regular routine when it comes to my
face but I tend to neglect my body so I am going to make an effort to do more
at home pampering. I have the products, I just need to make the time. I work,
live and breathe beauty and I am going to try and share some of my experiences.
Because I’ve always had an interest, I forget that some people are really out
of their depth when it comes to shopping for beauty products. I’ve always had
problem skin and I don’t want to speak too soon but it’s better now than it has
been in a long time. I’m no expert but it may be useful to some people and I
love the chance to talk about beauty in any capacity. Up until now I’ve tended
to avoid it on here as the running took over but it’s time to get some glamour
back in my life. I’m not just about trainers and lycra! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the last two years I’ve experienced a lot emotionally. It
has made me realise that life is short, life is precious and things can chance
in a second so appreciate everything that you have. February can be miserable
but life is what you make if it. Starting from now I am going to make a
conscious effort to be more positive in all aspects of my life. I will be using
the hashtag #positivefeb to remind me this month but I don’t plan on turning
into a glass half empty grump in March. Feel free to join me and let me know
what you’ve been up to and any positive changes that you make. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI-4rusfl1wXWiMEpm2E4qY63EGowo0e5QdsZ4mATZPOIH3mKPUIv8y5pKg0gdNWn2melW5o-Kg9IH5GAdoWg0JtAFe8YR2yZ4Nat5gINcyAXzOaJqJMydFlsz_us9dks5DoVCmfTV2s/s1600/half-full-glass-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI-4rusfl1wXWiMEpm2E4qY63EGowo0e5QdsZ4mATZPOIH3mKPUIv8y5pKg0gdNWn2melW5o-Kg9IH5GAdoWg0JtAFe8YR2yZ4Nat5gINcyAXzOaJqJMydFlsz_us9dks5DoVCmfTV2s/s320/half-full-glass-water.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-45201867613949457662012-11-26T10:04:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:29:50.241-08:00Beauty Mishaps: The secret world of waxing<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s one of those things that many women do as part of our grooming
routine and we don’t really talk about it but I am all for talking a bit more after
more than a mishap or two. It’s only when you talk to others you realise that
shockingly, you’re not alone when it comes to waxing horror stories. I have
several of my own and friends have shared theirs with me too. I recently
tweeted asking if others had experienced waxing woes and there were plenty to
choose from. Although at the time they can be excruciatingly embarrassing and
painful, they are also pretty funny tales to share with the girls. It was while
sitting around the dinner table a couple of Sundays ago with four of my best
friends that we stumbled across bikini waxes as a topic of dinner party
conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tasteful no but useful
yes! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend has just moved to a new area, meaning she has had
to leave her trusted local beauty therapist. Much like when you have to find a
new hairdresser, it can be a daunting prospect. It’s not about letting any old
person loose on your lady garden! Whilst enjoying our Sunday roast my friend
raised the topic of waxing etiquette. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
has only ever been to one therapist and her way of working when perfecting her
Brazilian is to get her up on the couch, pants off and up on all fours. She
asked whether she should assume that the new beauty therapist would work in the
same way. Should she rock up, knickers off, in position ready for her to do her
work? It was a unanimous verdict around the dinner table that she should most
definitely wait to be told what to do. Every one of us around has had a
Brazilian wax and the conclusion was that all therapists work in different
ways. Some get you up on all fours, some leave pants on and whip them to the
side, others demand you’re <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pants off, on
your back or side, legs and bum in the air, all obviously very undignified but
whatever it takes to get the job done! There was a potentially awkward moment
heading her way if the new therapist was more of a pants to the side, on the
back kind of lady and she waltzed in up on all fours naked from the waist down.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How do you know where to go when you decide you want some
grooming? I’m a qualified beauty therapist but I almost butchered myself when I
opted for some DIY bikini waxing at home. I am a very competent waxer but it’s
all about the angles, and as far as I am concerned, it’s well worth the money
to pay somebody else to do it to make sure you get the best job done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I’m not going to lie, the whole
experience <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> be pretty
excruciating. You’re hardly feeling at your most confident laying on a couch,
pants off with ungroomed nether regions and if the therapist isn’t up to
scratch, it can be a whole lot more painful. You assume the therapist is the
expert so you let them get on with it. I say it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can </i>be excruciating because like most things in life, it depends
who is providing the service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my experience, it’s
not always about paying more to get a good result. I’ve had some bad
experiences in more expensive establishments. Despite some less than
pleasurable waxing sessions, the pain and a short moment of feeling undignified
is always worth it if it’s neat and tidy when it’s finished. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hate being ungroomed. I don’t wax for
anybody else, I do it for me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read
Caitlin Moran’s ‘How to Be a Woman’ with the chapter about waxing (or the
avoidance of hair removal) and while I get it and it made me laugh out loud
reading it on the train, feminist protesting in this manner is just not for me.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all about the Brazilian!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the tales I have heard include burns, blowing on the
client after each strip has been whipped off (yes, there!), super slow
therapists using strips more suitable for eyebrows so that the eye watering job
has taken nearly an hour and pushy sales girls peddling vajazzles to surprise
my boyfriend (you’ll be relieved that the sales girl didn’t get her way). It
was only when chatting with friends that I have been give recommendations of
places to go but I know some groups of friends may not be as open. I have a few
horror tales of my own to share along with some I’ve pinched off friends who
will remain anonymous and hopefully I can help you to avoid some waxing woes in
the future with a few of the lessons I have learnt along the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The barber style; short
back and sides<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the most disappointing things in life is going to be
waxed and going home to inspect the job, only to still be greeted by a growler.
Ok, it may be a slightly tamed one but a growler nonetheless. Some beauty
salons don’t offer Brazilians and you need to know what to ask for otherwise
you may end up being disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Experience has encouraged me to be more forthright in my
dealings with the therapist and I nowadays, I am always very clear about what I
want. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’re paying for a service after
all, just because you’ve got no pants on you still need to make sure you get what
you are paying for. I understand that you can feel pretty vulnerable laying
there with your bits out and you trust the therapist to get on with it but if
you aren’t clear about what you want you may be disappointed. It’s always a bit
uncomfortable when they finish and ask you what you think. A bit like when a
waiter gives you the wine to taste in a restaurant and then watches as you taste
it waiting for your verdict. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>The lesson: A temporary moment of cringe is definitely
better than an under groomed lady garden and always do your research before you
take your knickers off. <o:p></o:p></em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em>
</em></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The nervous
therapist<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is never going to end well but in all honesty it can be
a little tricky to wriggle out of because by the time you realise she’s
nervous, you’ve probably already got your pants off and she’s started ripping
your hair out. I’ve experienced this several times and I get the impression
that it’s down to experience or lack of it. I totally get that practice makes
perfect but I’m not about letting my beaver be a guinea pig! If the therapist
is not confident when she’s whipping the wax off, it can be way more painful,
take far longer and the results don’t last as the hair tends to break rather
than being removed from the root. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong>The lesson: Try and always go to therapists based on
recommendations so you know what to expect and quit whilst you are ahead. If
you are feeling really uncomfortable then ask the therapist to stop and
discreetly talk to the manager after the treatment.</strong></em> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The slowcoach<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Personally, I prefer to be in and out within 20 minutes and
this isn’t a problem when I’ve visited experienced therapists. On several
occasions though, I’ve had ones that like to wax a centimetre at a time. This
is absolutely excruciating for both client and therapist! One time the
therapist was using a weird kind of disposable roll-on type of waxing device
which was narrow and meant it took absolutely ages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To add to the uncomfort factor, it turns out she
was best friends with an old uni friend of mine. I established this as I
developed verbal diarrhoea triggered by the waxing fear. There was a lot of
time to talk in the hour it took her to wax me. Just brilliant! I came across a
slowcoach very recently too. I have been going to the same place for about 2 or
3 years now but it’s in central London. I flew to Thailand on Friday and had a
busy week before I left so thought I’d try a local salon rather than make time
to head in to town. It was cheaper than my regular place and meant I could pop
round one evening. I know, I know, I should have known better. It ended up
taking ages, the room was hot and the whole thing was just embarrassing. She
was nervous, I was nervous and I ended up having to help her out because she
was sticking wax all over the show. It all turned out in the end but it wasn’t
pretty! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong>The lesson: Don’t go to a new salon before checking out
reviews beforehand.</strong></em> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hand</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I’m getting my legs waxed I’m not offended by the hand.
When training as a therapist we were taught that it helped to reduce the pain if
you compress the area that has just been waxed with your hand. This all starts
to feel wrong when it’s down there though. It’s probably less than a second or
two that therapist places her hand on the freshly waxed area but it feels like
forever and I don’t like it. It’s not something that every therapist does but
when they do I still haven’t plucked up the courage to voice how I feel so I
lay back and cringe until it’s done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><em>The lesson: Don't be a coward like me and if something makes you feel uncomfortable, tell the therapist.</em></strong></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fire starter<o:p></o:p></span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been burnt on several occasions and I’ve heard
several horror stories from friends too. I knew that the wax felt quite hot but
I didn’t say anything as I trusted the therapist’s expertise. It’s not normally
until the next day that you often realise the damage that has been caused. It’s
pretty normal to feel sore after but your skin should not be bright red and peeling
the following day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><em><strong>The lesson: Again it
comes down to communication with the therapist and therapist recommendations.
Of course waxing is not pain free but trust your instinct. If it feels too hot
then it probably is!</strong></em> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The blower<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have never had this happen to me and if I had I think I
would have run a mile and then showered for a very long time. Upon sharing this
with others, it seems my friend is not alone though which is worrying. After
every strip of wax was ripped off the therapist lowered her head and blew on
her bits. I’m not quite sure what she was trying to achieve and it totally
freaks me out. I expect the therapist was trying to be helpful but breathing
all over you is not professional, it is just plain weird! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><strong>The lesson: If you hear of this happening to any of your
friends, take down the name of the salon and make a note to never go there!<o:p></o:p></strong></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought it may also be quite useful to write my own little
guide to demystify the waxing menu. There are so many things that you can ask
for now. What is the difference between a bikini wax, a Brazilian and a
Hollywood!? I am working on this now and hope to have it up within a week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Sorry to all the males who may ready this or the
waxing guide who were unaware of the lengths we go to in order to look like we
do.</span></em> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></o:p></u></b></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-11476768275239582942012-11-17T08:56:00.002-08:002013-02-03T09:44:03.912-08:00My Bubbly Guilty Pleasure<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love good food and the majority of the time I’d opt for savoury over sweet. Give me a starter over a dessert or a packet crisps over chocolate anytime, however, there are couple of sweet treats that do win me over and they are Aero bubbles (the mint ones) and a peanut butter Kit Kat Chunky. These are the things I sneak into the shopping basket when my boyfriend isn’t looking. When I was invited to a preview of the Bar of Aero on Thursday night I jumped at the chance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bar of Aero is described as the ultimate bubble playground filled with innovative technology, a multi-sensory chocolate extravaganza. My love of Aero bubbles and the thought that there may be a hint to the magic in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meant cough or not, I was going. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking in to the pop up bar located at Dray Walk Gallery at the Truman Brewery just off Brick Lane, I was greeted by a minty, bubbly paradise. Bubbles and Aero everywhere and a delicious peppermint scent throughout. Obviously there were also stacks and stacks of Aero chocolate. My hunch was right about my Roald Dahl favourite and there was a hint to Mr Wonka as the promotional staff were dressed top to toe in Oompa Loompa orange. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZqBMiwfmchLgIGZd32W8f5snxJJr5R75ZwQHEie1G4bamSghq3TSrXnCgkE-tcO2Zn1qhRS-ZNjpYkAFPdmKlJJuCrykCRqdPQGDllVOUz_lUcyc8gGaAQKzob9vh2gzQEJF9rJHaIo/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZqBMiwfmchLgIGZd32W8f5snxJJr5R75ZwQHEie1G4bamSghq3TSrXnCgkE-tcO2Zn1qhRS-ZNjpYkAFPdmKlJJuCrykCRqdPQGDllVOUz_lUcyc8gGaAQKzob9vh2gzQEJF9rJHaIo/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Experimental food designer Andrew Stellitano showcased the science behind the famous bubby treat in a specially designed master class. Who’d have thought there were 15 factors that went into making the bubbliness just right!? Burst or small bubbles leads to a dense chocolate bar experience and bubbles too big means it just doesn’t go down as well and melts a little slower as the chocolate is thicker. We got to try some of the ‘wrong’ Aeros followed by the perfect balance of bubbliness. I have to say, I loved them all! There were discussions about launching limited edition bars with oversized bubbles or tiny bubbles for a different experience but it was a unanimous decision that the perfect Aero was in fact the best. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO0pnmWBd_2hEhizBIUnrNhJIbfL_S9NJ9vbex7ji9BKBZ6hRzfqeKMBMAVyWunDJXaPbZ9FeNnFHxRiLASE-pI6FSLqccEkCS5OnLW_vLL1qcmYo7thG-jF6nqkMXi92UY9JjlKDWQo/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO0pnmWBd_2hEhizBIUnrNhJIbfL_S9NJ9vbex7ji9BKBZ6hRzfqeKMBMAVyWunDJXaPbZ9FeNnFHxRiLASE-pI6FSLqccEkCS5OnLW_vLL1qcmYo7thG-jF6nqkMXi92UY9JjlKDWQo/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Andrew shared a couple of tailor-made recipes designed to showcase the different ways that chocolate can be aerated to create a different bubbly chocolate experience. The carbonated Aero Mint Float was like an upgraded amazing mini milkshake with multi-bubbly layers and the Aero Mess was a combination of frozen aerated orange Aero with orange meringue and chocolate powder. Again, it was delicious but I can’t help thinking it would have been even better if there was something gooey in there such as cream or melted chocolate. I washed these treats down with some bubbly champagne and then a bubbly hot chocolate from the Aero fountain. The perfect medicine for a persistent cough I kept telling myself.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYFhmYZu8FZzfJoGzl1kIvOTkKETND1vNgIOskFBwnXHThfxKS_2IqsR8jW07-CGy2tL57ftdsO7dBPk2lZZk6upA-wf-L-vIaB6mhQDqRhLw6op6z50m-C58uUAK6T-fTpbr2HRFpSA/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYFhmYZu8FZzfJoGzl1kIvOTkKETND1vNgIOskFBwnXHThfxKS_2IqsR8jW07-CGy2tL57ftdsO7dBPk2lZZk6upA-wf-L-vIaB6mhQDqRhLw6op6z50m-C58uUAK6T-fTpbr2HRFpSA/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo58zuplPA43K2OnpNJlnPjN6RoBw_AqiqpFKmIhOr8LwvmW-br3gsIdfvIzRL3ytaaR-MPhFkJ4pUENamSyapYSwkTEBg4CTzsnqmmKP2naqtyegXSD8THm2Am5ya7A-ZZDiuZE0F0c0/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo58zuplPA43K2OnpNJlnPjN6RoBw_AqiqpFKmIhOr8LwvmW-br3gsIdfvIzRL3ytaaR-MPhFkJ4pUENamSyapYSwkTEBg4CTzsnqmmKP2naqtyegXSD8THm2Am5ya7A-ZZDiuZE0F0c0/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZeVtar-Qx60-IxHuzVe_3Pzt8_L0x7lG1GeXgVcug5M_XpdsIpmZwuLz-Drx-eKHCWjPMd4Uq5_ASZ_-MirRJ09HmfTBSDwpSlYPJDxbmwxyioCazEDbmuDgKgoFTra75AzSpVdad1U/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZeVtar-Qx60-IxHuzVe_3Pzt8_L0x7lG1GeXgVcug5M_XpdsIpmZwuLz-Drx-eKHCWjPMd4Uq5_ASZ_-MirRJ09HmfTBSDwpSlYPJDxbmwxyioCazEDbmuDgKgoFTra75AzSpVdad1U/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was very grateful for the goodie bag full of bubbly, chocolatey treats and I have to say I am relieved that it has taken until now to discover Aero biscuits. They are amazing! I am due to wear a bikini next week as I’m off to Thailand and a whole packet of Aero biscuits, bags of Aero bubbles and bars of Aero chocolate are not helping with my bikini body mission but I’ve had fun eating them and I eat healthy and exercise regularly most of the time. Well, that’s what I’ve been telling myself.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI_pOf5jYJLxPIb-gCZwIV0ri_soWKJdNJ_7Abqj3a_GV9IRCH5FuP3zp70bWTAMI28A3j9aX0AIZUy-iF8J9Xu2e9magYwd2KJSNlYXRLkESztlVDrZiSIRfGlxWX_EVyag37soLpu4/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI_pOf5jYJLxPIb-gCZwIV0ri_soWKJdNJ_7Abqj3a_GV9IRCH5FuP3zp70bWTAMI28A3j9aX0AIZUy-iF8J9Xu2e9magYwd2KJSNlYXRLkESztlVDrZiSIRfGlxWX_EVyag37soLpu4/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Bar of Aero is completely free and will be open all weekend from 12pm-7pm. As well as lots of free chocolate, there will be prizes on offer so if you’re planning to be East tomorrow, pop down and get your bubbly fix. Find more info <a href="http://www.trumanbrewery.com/cgi-bin/events.pl">here</a> </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-3882946839693500192012-11-10T00:42:00.000-08:002012-11-10T06:25:43.286-08:00My Running Journey<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I still struggle with calling myself a runner but I think I have earned myself the title now. I may not be super slim or speedy but I do have a healthy little medal stash under my belt now which I’m pretty pleased about. I hate the word journey but I think it's the best way to describe this long post.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back on 16<sup>th</sup> October 2010 I signed up to run the Paris Half Marathon which was my first proper run. When I started training I remember being totally overwhelmed at the prospect of running for more than two hours. I’d tried to run before but never very seriously and all that really meant was a bit of a jog around the block with a lot of stopping and heavy breathing. I like to aim high and work better if I have a goal, so after volunteering at the London marathon as a sports massage therapist, I entered the ballot but didn’t get a place. I took up the invite from <a href="https://twitter.com/bangsandabun">Bangs and a Bun</a> to run the Paris Half Marathon instead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was tough but I rigorously stuck to the training no matter what the weather. Looking back I was a little naïve and very unknowledgeable about some of the technical aspects of running people talk about. But I kept my goal insight and trained hard finishing without stopping in 2 hours and 11 minutes. Although it was 1 minute slower than my original target I was absolutely thrilled. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking back, I didn’t complicate things, I just ran. You can read more about Paris <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/team-bangs-do-paris.html">here</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I learnt a lot about myself when I finished that run. It is amazing what you can achieve if you work hard and keep your goals in sight. I have now run a total of 5 half marathons since March last year and last month I ran my first full marathon in Amsterdam. I still can’t quite believe I did it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://twitter.com/daddydark">Charlie Dark</a> from <a href="http://www.rundemcrew.com/">Run Dem Crew</a> has said that you learn a lot about yourself throughout training and on race day and I can honestly say that with every race, I most definitely have found out something new about myself. Running gives me time and space to think and although it is hard work it also allows me to switch off and have some time of my own. Running is more than physical activity- it is a metaphor for life. So much of what you achieve is down to what is going on in your head. I am absolutely convinced that positivity and determination were what got me across the finish line in Amsterdam with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I’m being honest, my training didn’t really go to plan but I did stick to my long runs. It was the midweek runs that I found more difficult. I started out with great intentions but sometimes life gets in the way and certain things have to take priority. However, there was no way I was backing down. I signed up to a couple of half marathons to take part in during my training. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Firstly, the <a href="http://bbhm.burnhamjoggers.org.uk/index.html">Burnham Beeches Half</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a rubbish summer this year but I seem to have history that whenever I sign up to a run we get a momentary one day heat wave. The run took place on one of the hottest days we have had this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a tough run with tough hills and even tougher because it was a loop that you had to run twice which is pretty hard going. No PBs were set on 21<sup>st</sup> August but I did manage a sprint finish at the end and I ran up every single one of those hills. It was a very organised race and I would definitely do it again even though it was quite a challenging course. The race starts and finishes at <a href="http://www.caldicott.com/Home.aspx">Caldicott School</a> in Burnham Beeches. There is a great family atmosphere and an outdoor swimming pool within the grounds that you are able to use after the run which was particularly popular this year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZN3FgOeuGkwkUAao6xPXNVUt5wkmYkOvW-ni1lXZFRy3HS8gTTiLsCuGKl0N7-PRMaqD6UzodsHF52SZfRWP4KdM0sdKWtxotZrCikE9Vw_uHUcnc5yfIyrFtdP49uNFm_6K3FIcEFc/s1600/Burnham+Beeches+Half+Start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZN3FgOeuGkwkUAao6xPXNVUt5wkmYkOvW-ni1lXZFRy3HS8gTTiLsCuGKl0N7-PRMaqD6UzodsHF52SZfRWP4KdM0sdKWtxotZrCikE9Vw_uHUcnc5yfIyrFtdP49uNFm_6K3FIcEFc/s320/Burnham+Beeches+Half+Start.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYRnS6whymgNAKbDWEJSvPhiKDAkJOJjP692fEhUAyoVaFFwMk3TR4eBzfBh8URe2oFrTloJhSrYurvJsFfdtsxaUSn4VhMwqle0tPpLeStngtFm4Ua7j0qXQjBeCm2OL50JyOxUamb8/s1600/Burnham+Beeches+Half+Finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYRnS6whymgNAKbDWEJSvPhiKDAkJOJjP692fEhUAyoVaFFwMk3TR4eBzfBh8URe2oFrTloJhSrYurvJsFfdtsxaUSn4VhMwqle0tPpLeStngtFm4Ua7j0qXQjBeCm2OL50JyOxUamb8/s320/Burnham+Beeches+Half+Finish.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I then ran the <a href="http://royalparkshalf.com/">Royal Parks Half Marathon</a> on 7<sup>th</sup> October</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">. I went along and cheered some friends last year. London is my home and I love running in my city. I have to say I absolutely loved Royal Parks. It was a perfect cold and sunny running day. It’s a beautiful course and I loved it even more because my family, boyfriend and the Run Dem Crew Cheer Dem Crew were all there cheering. Getting a cheer en route makes such a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No PBs were set but it more was more about keeping it steady and staying injury free until my marathon at the end of October.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I absolutely loved it. The course was a little windy and repetitive in the parks at times but it didn’t bother me. I really enjoy running in the London Parks and the atmosphere was electric. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scenic route runs through four Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park and Green Park) and takes you past some key London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was brilliant to run a great course with so much support and I finished in pretty good shape. Don’t get me wrong though, although I was trying to ignore it there was a little voice in my head asking me how I was going to run double the route in Amsterdam. This voice continued to pop up uninvited but I just ignored the question afraid of my answer. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvVc7kroKsVWrLJGTfzJs9zMi5ou21-HurRLTa0dCcQuWik4Z2OkXOKcfLoSYO4291JmQySwIwDpofV1dyjoLakLlD2h17ka_tpLGuzak56MFlBCKLKj7OtPPMNrB34ZOKV_MPkK4mjo/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvVc7kroKsVWrLJGTfzJs9zMi5ou21-HurRLTa0dCcQuWik4Z2OkXOKcfLoSYO4291JmQySwIwDpofV1dyjoLakLlD2h17ka_tpLGuzak56MFlBCKLKj7OtPPMNrB34ZOKV_MPkK4mjo/s320/075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbn_MrjWUAs2jRcDwbqQgiNaXt2BTZt7VAiXWOu8SJ5LkT-VfG9dpcIPV1SeXsZVcHZcpFOnS3uxFioDU7h2xBs6Bk1n7bdxm4tNsbBs73VuZPuOyywfjFBrnzh-AqdOfZ0NnJz1Klx4/s1600/171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbn_MrjWUAs2jRcDwbqQgiNaXt2BTZt7VAiXWOu8SJ5LkT-VfG9dpcIPV1SeXsZVcHZcpFOnS3uxFioDU7h2xBs6Bk1n7bdxm4tNsbBs73VuZPuOyywfjFBrnzh-AqdOfZ0NnJz1Klx4/s320/171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNL0B-DvAemVtWnwIp8TInAAB7_dKHEi2Q48eVRqXhx06Xc0aepVudrwm9auFmfScBIuqktUTmT5MVh1QyMMMY829QXiZCUSgtHOgNTw_nXVDgQWJgGYrdCQ-i1ZNo9mLzSIO_oqk9Uw/s1600/182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNL0B-DvAemVtWnwIp8TInAAB7_dKHEi2Q48eVRqXhx06Xc0aepVudrwm9auFmfScBIuqktUTmT5MVh1QyMMMY829QXiZCUSgtHOgNTw_nXVDgQWJgGYrdCQ-i1ZNo9mLzSIO_oqk9Uw/s320/182.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I set myself some goals last year and originally thought about trying to get a pace in the New York marathon but decided Amsterdam was a more realistic option. Soon after I had signed up it was then announced that it was going to be the next Bridge the Gap run so more than 100 friends from Run Dem Crew were going to there as well as the other running crews from around the world such as the New York Bridge Runners, Paris Run Club and of course Patta, the Amsterdam hosts who were amazing hosts indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the marathon got closer I got more and more terrified even though I tried to keep my fear hidden. In training the furthest I ran was 25k (a marathon is more than 42k). I am normally the type of person that trains more than I need to so that I am confident I will be able to do the distance on the day. However, I was having a few ITB issues and didn’t want to aggravate it. I took the decision to scale the training back so that I was in the best shape possible for the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went to collect our race numbers the day before and then had a very chilled day where we hydrated and fuelled to give ourselves the best chance. My boyfriend is usually the resident photographer, cheer squad and bag holder but this time he was going to be running his first half marathon. He admitted that in the past he had always felt a little bit jealous when I collected my race number but I have to say he did look a little green as he walked towards me race bag in hand. Before going to bed I glanced at the course map and I had to look away quickly. Doubt was trying to rear its ugly head when I saw just how far I was going to be running. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXiEC1bQT3-uG_mIBM6adtRSJmEFDHk-zcBtx7fz0gFPxIbnR1ZoChdi5vLF4H-xo8Jah0oBJ0PnEEKBokhT5D2fzQAa1qaeJK1tZBqXqu76lo8lcvjgk5blfkaR9U2oek5nBgPGM1ko/s1600/Amsterdam+Marathon+Course.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXiEC1bQT3-uG_mIBM6adtRSJmEFDHk-zcBtx7fz0gFPxIbnR1ZoChdi5vLF4H-xo8Jah0oBJ0PnEEKBokhT5D2fzQAa1qaeJK1tZBqXqu76lo8lcvjgk5blfkaR9U2oek5nBgPGM1ko/s320/Amsterdam+Marathon+Course.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amsterdam Marathon Course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Walking to the race start I felt sick with nerves. All the others that were going to be running the full are hardcore and had trained very hard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We arrived at the meeting point and I felt out of place and like I didn’t deserve to be there. I hadn’t trained as much as I wanted to and rather than a high tech Garmin on my arm I had a rubbish basic digital watch so that I could keep track of my start time. There was talk of race pace and tactics but my goal was just to finish and to enjoy it. I didn’t want to be consumed by clock watching and disappointment. I wanted to go out there and prove that I was strong enough to do it. I had trained on my own and I was going to be out there on my own on race day. I went a bit mutey as we walked towards the stadium.</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1cikBiskTH4WBXZeN8ryo76g4uJmDEwESDj0wCgcCYh1FTpEcd0urUzuaN1Qej8Fgm6zntUhkVahxS2DCJVrVOflnNnQd73HYKAeYB1nhNSZkHnoYvK_D_Q8VPdLL8Z-l4OBmMTPAsw/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1cikBiskTH4WBXZeN8ryo76g4uJmDEwESDj0wCgcCYh1FTpEcd0urUzuaN1Qej8Fgm6zntUhkVahxS2DCJVrVOflnNnQd73HYKAeYB1nhNSZkHnoYvK_D_Q8VPdLL8Z-l4OBmMTPAsw/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"What am I doing here?"- Looking totally out of my depth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The race started and finished in the Olympic stadium which was incredible. It gave me just a little glimpse of how an athlete feels on a big day. I got a little bit emotional at the start, overwhelmed at what I was about to do. My tactic was to keep positive, enjoy it and smile a lot and it all went to plan. I absolutely loved it! The wall that people talk of never appeared and I felt great the whole way round. Seeing my friends Guy and Kaye at 2k was great and I shouted “I’m running a marathon!” as I ran past, still trying to convince myself I think. I knew that I wasn’t going to see anybody until about 26.5k so I turned my music up and just got on with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The marathon route has an additional 13 miles along the River Amstel on top of the half marathon route. Personally, I loved the run along the river as I train along the Thames in London and it was a smoother surface with Windmills dotted along the route which pleased me. Families were lining the route cheering and handing out water so I tried to engage with as many people as possible and said thank you for their support. It was cold and windy too but I was actually grateful for the cold weather. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the Run Dem Crew guys had planned to be at 26.5k to cheer the marathon runners before the start of the half marathon but my pace was a little slow and they had to leave before I got there. I was on track for my time I’m just not a 3:45 marathon kind of girl. Despite having a race of his own my boyfriend stayed to support me and I was thrilled to see him. I remember shouting “It’s brilliant, I love it!” as I ran past and I really was loving every minute. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlaIGlILmivjTpeFTbXGBPlcbInwEgDk49vKqQNnuiWs5hHP3OO65z15ycGOHxIXL_Q7wmQXqh-g2BEC36yacyHC4gRicqdQEPT1v_cHxrQUzCv0EkOUS0QjHkiImv_jnQaLkIJI7QWI/s1600/247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlaIGlILmivjTpeFTbXGBPlcbInwEgDk49vKqQNnuiWs5hHP3OO65z15ycGOHxIXL_Q7wmQXqh-g2BEC36yacyHC4gRicqdQEPT1v_cHxrQUzCv0EkOUS0QjHkiImv_jnQaLkIJI7QWI/s320/247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had aimed to try and run to 25k without stopping but I got there and I was fine. I reached 30k and I was fine. I reached 35k and I was still fine. I couldn’t quite believe it. I looked forward to seeing Bangs and a Bun who had told me she was going to be cheering between 37k and 38k. I saw her from afar cheering loud and running up and down. It meant a lot to me having her there as I ran my first half marathon with her and she has always been so supportive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say I got a little emotional as I ran past but I still had a smile on my face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My ipod and me had our own little running party the whole way round and I sang as I run. I listened to everything from dancey stuff to the Madonna Immaculate Collection. Like a Virgin felt very fitting as it was my first marathon. I also listened to some slower, more relaxing music which I never, ever do when I run but it really helped me to stay relaxed, calm and steady. I got to 39k and Kaye and Guy were still there cheering loud. I screamed as I ran past saying “I’m still running!” I couldn’t quite believe it. A race picture at 40k sums up how I was feeling. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwVYclnRKjdNqY1tps-qEThgRM3fHt2a1t8KLdAb2QQzC0tA-sEpNQVhDg7F1-3X5XTmiXb50OCuUhx3QFNgtUNLethFpAuojDHl9iY3GdEAX-HkMftvE8CxofNb536cEmv48oAc8_NU/s1600/Amsterdam+Full+at+40k.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwVYclnRKjdNqY1tps-qEThgRM3fHt2a1t8KLdAb2QQzC0tA-sEpNQVhDg7F1-3X5XTmiXb50OCuUhx3QFNgtUNLethFpAuojDHl9iY3GdEAX-HkMftvE8CxofNb536cEmv48oAc8_NU/s320/Amsterdam+Full+at+40k.JPG" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last 2k was tough but knowing the end was so near kept me going and as I was about to enter the stadium I saw a Run Dem Crew logo in the distance. I screamed at Terry as she cheered and I shouted “I’m actually going to do it!” I ran into the stadium and around the track to the finish line where I said the same thing again to a woman running just in front of me. I crossed the line and after a massive smile I just cried. I couldn’t believe I had done it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmrcsPadv6GFfjFvI-6JQN2W8PMXF_umr5WYQAxGx-G9cZKiwpoRm7qY0ZWwNl1WqDYumbNdEUyYdZW8x1rPaqkSSxyhwUnuw4FWeW383Hk4cxxTHzHwtJoOAhdSzehE5Ga7poGfhQGw/s1600/Amsterdam+Full+Finish+Line.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmrcsPadv6GFfjFvI-6JQN2W8PMXF_umr5WYQAxGx-G9cZKiwpoRm7qY0ZWwNl1WqDYumbNdEUyYdZW8x1rPaqkSSxyhwUnuw4FWeW383Hk4cxxTHzHwtJoOAhdSzehE5Ga7poGfhQGw/s320/Amsterdam+Full+Finish+Line.PNG" width="203" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last 18 months has been really hard for several reasons but crossing that line meant so much more to me than just finishing a run. It was about achieving something even when things hadn’t quite gone to plan. It proved to me that staying positive can be so powerful and even when things go wrong you can pick yourself up and achieve things you never thought possible. That may sound dramatic but it’s truly how I feel and I believe that this sentiment can be transferred to other things outside of running. Don't let doubt creep in, take each step one at a time and never take your eye off the goal, whatever that goal may be. I have been really lucky to have great support from people around me. Charlie from Run Dem Crew has always been supportive. He has helped me to feel more confident and the email from him before we left for Amsterdam meant a lot. I'm sure he won't mind me sharing a couple of the lines that really got me (and made me cry!) but I thought about what he wrote as I ran on the day. Thank you for your kind words Charlie!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<em><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "I know that life hasn't always been easy but Sunday is a chance to leave it on the road. Know you are going to totally rock your way through it. Run your own race and celebrate how far you have come with every step. We'll be cheering you along to the finish line."</span></strong></em></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished in 4:49. My original goal was just to finish by secretly I wanted it to be under 5 hours. I am confident that with training I could definitely finish more quickly. It seems I may well have the bug. However, before I even think about another marathon I’m going back to Paris where it all started to run at another Bridge the Gap event and this time my boyfriend is going to train and run with me. Happy days! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt_3w0pIvgQjYPfp3izgSxbWhN2upGR8XMFDelNdpWksxCr2-bIa-DsGAq6gf0J8ZP_mEv4InL-rGDERlZS2tzyWbg7Hx1dJcDd4vIqtRB8FjzY1eRTuMkwXujxSn8pVp-43RvQ6YCiM/s1600/370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRt_3w0pIvgQjYPfp3izgSxbWhN2upGR8XMFDelNdpWksxCr2-bIa-DsGAq6gf0J8ZP_mEv4InL-rGDERlZS2tzyWbg7Hx1dJcDd4vIqtRB8FjzY1eRTuMkwXujxSn8pVp-43RvQ6YCiM/s320/370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmL_9Meu5Xs0kg6M9SvkeY-AzOtj-izReEC9GmNXpxhnblGmmMi1TwQYAHNGsMkVzY3VDUn4KKT0NITaH5Y9VtJ0UXbb9esGRzO8G-GSxU3XajNFPZovu2LFUo3hmsYD94SB8IP1-nA0/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmL_9Meu5Xs0kg6M9SvkeY-AzOtj-izReEC9GmNXpxhnblGmmMi1TwQYAHNGsMkVzY3VDUn4KKT0NITaH5Y9VtJ0UXbb9esGRzO8G-GSxU3XajNFPZovu2LFUo3hmsYD94SB8IP1-nA0/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWdXw_Hx6EdmO4ml0n87-Wna6NR75qXMY7V6yTIcRsGZleWTFDdxMMkEz6ZRZ9JwCzLMtpmM1dsgYXm-g33oWneLk8tKPubx9-l49bYrVnuKvoSbRiZe1Mal4pI-qzD12MzKQYnJwTo/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWdXw_Hx6EdmO4ml0n87-Wna6NR75qXMY7V6yTIcRsGZleWTFDdxMMkEz6ZRZ9JwCzLMtpmM1dsgYXm-g33oWneLk8tKPubx9-l49bYrVnuKvoSbRiZe1Mal4pI-qzD12MzKQYnJwTo/s320/023.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-60759655210704009842012-04-09T13:02:00.000-07:002012-04-09T13:02:39.260-07:00Happy 30s Progress Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back at the end of October I set myself some challenges for the year and I thought that now we are a quarter of the way through the year I would check in on my progress. I set myself a mission statement and five goals. You can see the original post <a href="http://ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/happy-30s-challenge.html">here</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mission Statement</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to live life to the full every day and appreciate everything and everyone around me. I am determined to have more fun and success in my thirties than I had in my teens and twenties combined and to do this I need to continually challenge myself, even though it may be uncomfortable at times. Whilst I will learn from the past I will not dwell on it and will concentrate on moving forward and listen to advice that others are kind enough to give me. Rather than focusing on what I haven’t achieved, I will acknowledge what I have and will be proud but not cocky. I will learn how to build on and improve my achievements so that I can be the very best I can possibly be while being supportive and encouraging to those around me. Helping my friends and family to be happy will make me happy too.</span></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Goal 1- Shape Up</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been taking pictures of my body as it has changed over the last few months. I’m not quite brave enough to share them yet. However, what I have realised is that since I’ve shifted the focus from weight loss on the scales to increasing fitness I have seen more dramatic results. My clothes are most definitely looser and I feel fantastic! I’m no angel and I still have treats but I am doing more exercise than I have done before. I run with @rundemcrew, I train with <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/chakabars">@Chakabars</a> #SpartanFamily and do my homework, I’ve been trying out the <a href="http://www.sexyinthecitybootcamps.co.uk/">Sexy In The City Bootcamp</a> Classes and I’ve even tried a pole dancing class. Variety is most definitely the spice of life! I think I can safely say that progress so far in goal number 1 is positive and I am hoping I continue to see some more changes. When I get a little braver I may even share some pictures. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be doing some separate posts on the other exercise I have tried in the last few months. </span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw-QL8rhwHilEnIO3qHrQZ0L0gFozTVNrMMZg7NEzU6LSbxOacJT4oIGcReRYNyhZDcoAPWFf7bqsgizTkk8r1xiAkdbH52JO0vOIfLTI4VqwgjL7oQcAGczHRLAfT95yvhpfZ85rvfs/s1600/Spartan+Fam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhw-QL8rhwHilEnIO3qHrQZ0L0gFozTVNrMMZg7NEzU6LSbxOacJT4oIGcReRYNyhZDcoAPWFf7bqsgizTkk8r1xiAkdbH52JO0vOIfLTI4VqwgjL7oQcAGczHRLAfT95yvhpfZ85rvfs/s320/Spartan+Fam.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spartan Family at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Goal 2- Run Faster</strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELz22Wsj0V07t94GxjnKVriPEnGMv9udJOcJGtM8ggdhj3nEWuSEwF2z6fujRYS4MskZx0IONdkKoBbC4f88W2t9I4tXrQ6Y5kzsHm_Dpq-CGrgsP0XdHw5XVW05DpZQ92IIOURz2CFk/s1600/Berlin+cafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELz22Wsj0V07t94GxjnKVriPEnGMv9udJOcJGtM8ggdhj3nEWuSEwF2z6fujRYS4MskZx0IONdkKoBbC4f88W2t9I4tXrQ6Y5kzsHm_Dpq-CGrgsP0XdHw5XVW05DpZQ92IIOURz2CFk/s320/Berlin+cafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4bzG1iNAT1uAQAXj1pT6MUiGEG1L3ZhhgcMgOhOMQ6KjXpU23kNJuz861llTt-_ZCSs6mFwhR6y6E3SYeV-knLgVaXkUOw7I3dQSFo2cjOWWaCrCv5wtd8bKbXqfFYrha_AJzUsSBRo/s1600/Race+day+prep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4bzG1iNAT1uAQAXj1pT6MUiGEG1L3ZhhgcMgOhOMQ6KjXpU23kNJuz861llTt-_ZCSs6mFwhR6y6E3SYeV-knLgVaXkUOw7I3dQSFo2cjOWWaCrCv5wtd8bKbXqfFYrha_AJzUsSBRo/s320/Race+day+prep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last weekend I had the most amazing time and completed my third half marathon with my <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/rundemcrew">@rundemcrew</a> family in Berlin. I had set my sights on a sub-2 time and I had every intention of going for it. I even headed way out of my comfort zone and took part in a track session. However a month ago I was massively knocked off course with some news in my personal life. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I carried on with my training but my confidence took a bit of a knock and my healthy diet went out of the window. I didn’t start eating junk food but balance was not a word that could be used to describe the fuel I was providing my body with (or lack of).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the lead up to Berlin I did move up a group into greyhounds. I’d been threatening to do it for a while and was glad I finally plucked up the courage. It wasn’t scary at all, I managed to keep up and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I always enjoy running on a Tuesday night. I put my target time to the back of my mind and when people asked if I had a time in mind I lied and said “not really”. In all honesty, it was still there hiding away but I wanted Berlin to be a positive experience and I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The whole weekend was absolutely amazing. I enjoyed spending some time alone and I loved being with friends too, both old and new. The atmosphere before the run was electric. Nike had been kind enough to provide a pre and post-race location for us to meet. Alongside <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>70 @rundemcrew were running crews from all around the world, including the New York Bridge Runners. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amongst the excitement it was easy to forget we had 13 miles to run but I just knew it was going to be a good day. Throughout my training there seemed to be a trend. On the days I saw a pug on my run I had a good run. Walking up the race start, I saw this little beauty. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXR_5IiY2GVAhE0bV18ynkEkcUcvQEGuKyA5Zn-_CfBL0h-eZe3mt_WK8_c8FwKXVMBrRF_y-ZoopX5-8YgCIh2vgBt0QG-jEGD-AZmPFFyfgfVq7vPPtATnpicK4GRN4mMeVMUPP_WM/s1600/Pug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXR_5IiY2GVAhE0bV18ynkEkcUcvQEGuKyA5Zn-_CfBL0h-eZe3mt_WK8_c8FwKXVMBrRF_y-ZoopX5-8YgCIh2vgBt0QG-jEGD-AZmPFFyfgfVq7vPPtATnpicK4GRN4mMeVMUPP_WM/s320/Pug.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lucky pug</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWel-KYQuDoYukXd6n7TTo1DpC4rPuZfAxet72oc56YKMVDiFnnGDgXPvVhe1UJVX9ch6gmyg_KJEZ2bOdzThrvkGoH4aDNgGqCFDv1krEKetD9tg66ebsefwJpzc5_pgY6jvZ9YGtP0/s1600/Berlin+Race+Day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWel-KYQuDoYukXd6n7TTo1DpC4rPuZfAxet72oc56YKMVDiFnnGDgXPvVhe1UJVX9ch6gmyg_KJEZ2bOdzThrvkGoH4aDNgGqCFDv1krEKetD9tg66ebsefwJpzc5_pgY6jvZ9YGtP0/s320/Berlin+Race+Day.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race day</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lbcz7hT3zvms1OhPO3iRGfHbqQmONuOv3U9XgGOYlP_9VksoHLeKLhuaa38CYcUqj48EiLbFMRa4QcXStuFBwHXIJIk6Lbwx0dCQst7I9P6kpfq2PQoJs5AblXT5CSHgXI1NuVfpLw4/s1600/Me+and+Kaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lbcz7hT3zvms1OhPO3iRGfHbqQmONuOv3U9XgGOYlP_9VksoHLeKLhuaa38CYcUqj48EiLbFMRa4QcXStuFBwHXIJIk6Lbwx0dCQst7I9P6kpfq2PQoJs5AblXT5CSHgXI1NuVfpLw4/s320/Me+and+Kaye.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kaye</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06JzRBeOcphRRLJdTqqVb2i5fm3qNFG4chG2yAGlx2CZi3a60_FixNTD37p6gsl7pQqT-Nxk0npMmXMJeqBOcKra2tBnnQXAcx4BuRfo7dOObaLGvp-mVa_LNsM5M-nkmaxr-I8QVnwY/s1600/Karleen+and+Alski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06JzRBeOcphRRLJdTqqVb2i5fm3qNFG4chG2yAGlx2CZi3a60_FixNTD37p6gsl7pQqT-Nxk0npMmXMJeqBOcKra2tBnnQXAcx4BuRfo7dOObaLGvp-mVa_LNsM5M-nkmaxr-I8QVnwY/s320/Karleen+and+Alski.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Alski</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather was perfect long run Sunday weather; crisp, blue skies and bright sunshine. I was going to go out there and do my absolute best for myself. Not to make anybody else proud but to make myself proud. I set off and I felt great. I started my stop watch and decided I wouldn’t look until I got to 10K.The crowds were fantastic and the long flat, straight roads were just what I needed to focus. I kept my head down and concentrated on the goal, looking up occasionally to admire the amazing landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the remains of the wall or a glimpse of a fellow RDC runner which was a guaranteed boost. As I crossed the 10k marker I reached into my belt and grabbed my phone. I glanced down and I was over 57 minutes. If I had any chance at all I needed to seriously pick up my pace so I stuffed my mouth with some Haribo teddy bears and set off determined to not let anything get in my way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to lie. It hurt, there were times I wanted to stop and give up but I stayed positive and thought about how hard I had worked. As I passed clocks I was continually trying to work out how I was doing and I could see the 2 hour mark slipping away. At times I wanted to slow down but even if there was only a small chance I wanted to give it to myself. I normally run with water but decided not to on this occasion because I thought it would be best to leave my hands free. As the sun beamed down I felt myself getting thirsty. Drinking out of the plastic cups was tricky and I didn’t take in enough fluid but I was conscious I didn’t want to waste time at the water stops. Most of the cups of water ended up over my head and my mouth got more gloopy with the sugary sweetness of teddy bears. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By 16k my whole body hurt. My neck and back were aching and the blisters on my feet were burning but I knew that my friend <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/oh_gg">Gemma</a>, who I ran my first half marathon with, was going to be at 17k. She is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and she flew to Berlin for one day just to cheer us on. Amazing girl! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of her at 17k kept me going and it gave me a real boost as I heard her calling out my name and smiling at me. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQt3I5vkdkFu0zi2LS_Esei4MwPBAUQBpOspvdIH4R-2qm-SuvKMzNNtBV8kDmQKt9tgt2sV2d3LUV_xzihslY18bmJePiXftspx6LwcR3UuUACeSq35yIFmHBxD2cQghDPeDjusurmg/s1600/Gemma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQt3I5vkdkFu0zi2LS_Esei4MwPBAUQBpOspvdIH4R-2qm-SuvKMzNNtBV8kDmQKt9tgt2sV2d3LUV_xzihslY18bmJePiXftspx6LwcR3UuUACeSq35yIFmHBxD2cQghDPeDjusurmg/s320/Gemma.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous Gemma...look at that smile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kept going and as I glanced at the next clock I knew there was still a teeny tiny chance that I could beat my Paris time. I’m not really sure how I did it but I managed to cut 10 minutes off my Paris PB coming in at 2:01. Ok, I know it was 1 minute over my ultimate goal but I am still extremely proud. It seems to be a bit of a trend. The first time I ran a half marathon I was aiming for 2:10 and achieved 2:11. At the end of the day, it was one minute and I am still absolutely thrilled that I ran the race 10 minutes faster than my last. I have also managed to improve my Parkrun time by a total of seven minutes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider Goal 2 to also be progressing well. I’m not done with this goal yet and will be frequenting the track this summer. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It feels right to mention @rundemcrew here too. Without the support of @daddydark the @rundemcrew founder and my amazing @rundemcrew friends there is no way I would have been able to achieve what I did so thank you for all of the kind words and encouragement. Just look how happy I was to cross the line.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCllqqZdmBf4lScRcpPWI7gMju0M4oMTB6kq2NFS2vbAxHR0vUEgvJrdCEnANQzZ_nVZRNZMzhx8ACypEArwSOYtQFqYyUosElvKjakj_SqQiB4FsBw4-OnJ4ZIJkuyiCETobUpvmvwI/s1600/Race+finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCllqqZdmBf4lScRcpPWI7gMju0M4oMTB6kq2NFS2vbAxHR0vUEgvJrdCEnANQzZ_nVZRNZMzhx8ACypEArwSOYtQFqYyUosElvKjakj_SqQiB4FsBw4-OnJ4ZIJkuyiCETobUpvmvwI/s320/Race+finish.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WXAE5PLW-yijSoG-1KPzw991l-BF8CTgDhhyphenhyphenBg74Byh8fwef5-GwegLj0ZgdHqj1cdiOtOPzAl4ziPUml_EIY4bkRWmfEJZNqN2O7QcEBKsv35x3zzceDMFqagCGxEPuq5EueNQIWs/s1600/Orsi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs7WXAE5PLW-yijSoG-1KPzw991l-BF8CTgDhhyphenhyphenBg74Byh8fwef5-GwegLj0ZgdHqj1cdiOtOPzAl4ziPUml_EIY4bkRWmfEJZNqN2O7QcEBKsv35x3zzceDMFqagCGxEPuq5EueNQIWs/s320/Orsi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_MMwyZq5Jh08Wdk6nbVXtrVHg_Y3aE-Gva1adM-j9GJYlYYI9dK4yhz_iZ_27g87qvFTNS5tDiecQ6uW7PnJ4YWf6RQI1AwD-Oz9UKwaqA1h-aDEyNjqDLZKqNa3C5NxldAaGwpYNeY/s1600/Bangs+&+Rhalou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_MMwyZq5Jh08Wdk6nbVXtrVHg_Y3aE-Gva1adM-j9GJYlYYI9dK4yhz_iZ_27g87qvFTNS5tDiecQ6uW7PnJ4YWf6RQI1AwD-Oz9UKwaqA1h-aDEyNjqDLZKqNa3C5NxldAaGwpYNeY/s320/Bangs+&+Rhalou.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uh21vgVMlGYQQGic4snv1t0JwqgYsqviJIWnp0KWUjx8at_q-fcoH9osgZJ4RY1-uRNOegehnS4wWKhv_GRq4IsLeI1kl5RzCuipcciT5JVJ-QkTEAPZR9PxSNOoyM-4a8sTzADTbWA/s1600/Alski+at+Brandenburg+Gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uh21vgVMlGYQQGic4snv1t0JwqgYsqviJIWnp0KWUjx8at_q-fcoH9osgZJ4RY1-uRNOegehnS4wWKhv_GRq4IsLeI1kl5RzCuipcciT5JVJ-QkTEAPZR9PxSNOoyM-4a8sTzADTbWA/s320/Alski+at+Brandenburg+Gate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look what we 'spotted' at the Brandenburg Gate</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSMB6l1XpSgyyrQy3EkTvaOBn3IoGHHoIVwFsXIyOCOVr0WANB3SFKcQJpEswXwRlCOq3GFFXXjNgmio-TMEYd20f0v58zFcBDMNRScxNWPpw6u9AuuVovd4hgZZtXkCD0wUCK-RwlT8/s1600/Berlin+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSMB6l1XpSgyyrQy3EkTvaOBn3IoGHHoIVwFsXIyOCOVr0WANB3SFKcQJpEswXwRlCOq3GFFXXjNgmio-TMEYd20f0v58zFcBDMNRScxNWPpw6u9AuuVovd4hgZZtXkCD0wUCK-RwlT8/s320/Berlin+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Goal 3- Swim better and faster</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The less said about this the better at the moment but it is the next thing on the agenda. For those that are wondering, yes, I am terrified at the prospect of a traiathlon! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Goal 4- Run longer</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided that 2012 would be the year I run a marathon and I now have a place in the Amsterdam marathon. This scares me but I am willing to rise to the challenge. I researched a number of races and Amsterdam felt right. It is also flat which is a definite attractive feature for me. Even more excitingly, it seems that Amsterdam is going to be the next @rundemcrew destination. The rest if the crew will be doing the half that takes place on the same day but I know there are a couple taking part in the full. When I applied Amsterdam wasn’t even a thing but the thought of an RDC cheers squad is exciting me a lot! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Goal 5- Speak even more than I do already</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The German practice didn’t start until late but I did get a chance to speak quite a bit when I was there last weekend and I loved it. I love Germany<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but I have to say, when I arrived late Friday night on my own, I did feel a little like a woman out of a German text book as I asked for directions at the huge Hauptbahnhof train station. Being on my own all day on Saturday forced me to speak German and I loved it. I even indulged in German TV and watched Superstar, Undercover boss and some strange breakfast TV all without subtitles and generally understood what was going on. I guess being greeted in German wherever I went (because I do look quite Deutsch) was a good thing and encouraged me to respond in German. I’m going to try and keep it up and I’m also keen to visit more places in Germany. I’m also really keen to pick up my Spanish again. I love the freedom it gives you when you learn a foreign language and it’s also great to show that you are making an effort when talking to the locals. Goal 5 is also going well but there is definite room for improvement. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I can honestly say that I have stayed true to my words in my mission statement above. I have had some serious obstacles come my way in the last few months but I have learned a lot about myself and I am a stronger woman as a result. The biggest lesson I have learnt is that in life we have a choice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bad things happen but it is essential to stay positive and take control to turn things around. Sometimes it is scary to stray out of your comfort zone but it will always be worth it and doing scary things opens up so many opportunities. Life is there to be lived and I know I don’t want to look back with regrets because I have been afraid.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m pretty pleased with my progress so far and despite a number of obstacles that have come my way, I am actually in a really good place and feel content. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is a really good idea to jot down your goals as it makes it harder to back out but is also a benchmark to demonstrate just how much you have achieved. People don’t always remember to tell you when you are doing something well but if other people aren’t going to, it is especially important to stop and take a moment to acknowledge you are doing a good job. And if you’re not then there is always time to make things right. My Happy 30s challenge is well on track! </span></div>Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-59802543190456069262012-02-08T14:25:00.001-08:002013-02-03T09:44:31.356-08:00You are not welcome!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last Tuesday I completed Janathon and I was on a huge high. This Tuesday I was ill in bed and miserable. After a three day rest from running, which I felt my body deserved, I came down with a stinker of a cold and I have still got it. As the snow began to arrive so did my high temperature, blocked sinuses, conjunctivitis and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cough. Yum! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it very clear that illness was not welcome in January but it is also not welcome in February, March or April. I am going to have to sit this out and wait for my body to recover and then I am going to get back out there and work twice as hard. I’m ready to hit the track and to give the hills a go too because I mean business in Berlin. I just need to listen to my body, eat healthily and wait until I’m well enough to go hard again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-10734646328172153522012-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:08:53.277-08:00Janathon day 31: Crossing the finish line and the 100 mile mark<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I made it! Last night I completed Janathon with no breaks but I just couldn’t muster enough energy to blog. I set out to exercise every day and if possible, I wanted to run every day. I managed to run 28 days out of a possible 31 and even though there were days I really didn’t want to exercise, I am really pleased that I did it. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy51fA-972Z3Ny0SbhYl5cwxjMYFRDoYajCWSC2v5B8evqKv4u4b6oAoFbWl_zUPTG2X6k4buOm2hSRDuZB-9Ac6ygD-cfH2eH2Z7s2XUibMmOr9KvustcfsQaEfBkOn0xjCGXPnxW2R8/s1600/Janathon+stats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy51fA-972Z3Ny0SbhYl5cwxjMYFRDoYajCWSC2v5B8evqKv4u4b6oAoFbWl_zUPTG2X6k4buOm2hSRDuZB-9Ac6ygD-cfH2eH2Z7s2XUibMmOr9KvustcfsQaEfBkOn0xjCGXPnxW2R8/s400/Janathon+stats.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I haven’t really experienced any negative comments on my blog before but on Monday night this comment was left. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tiPYBatwitKz-4i2SLlxDHROi2BpumT1vMegWIqrHwdWVknn5MvoYu7-uaCgRTmoEgTl8JXnFud8ixbHMI2RVHB1ObRvETnIq5TZ_aEP7L1q8VH2WyTjci7mq3nyF5iOEpJTNtTX2Z4/s1600/comment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tiPYBatwitKz-4i2SLlxDHROi2BpumT1vMegWIqrHwdWVknn5MvoYu7-uaCgRTmoEgTl8JXnFud8ixbHMI2RVHB1ObRvETnIq5TZ_aEP7L1q8VH2WyTjci7mq3nyF5iOEpJTNtTX2Z4/s320/comment.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janathon has most definitely not been about torturing my body or being virtuous about it. For me it was about setting myself a challenge. I knew it would be tough but I wanted to prove to myself that even when things get tough, you can succeed and surprise yourself. I was so determined to succeed because I wasn’t able to complete Janathon last year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was also about kick starting my training for the Berlin Half Marathon on 1<sup>st</sup> April. I want to complete the course in under 2 hours and I am prepared to work hard to achieve my goal. There are going to be days that I don’t want to train but if I’m serious I need to learn to get over that feeling and get out there no matter what. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Throughout January I ran over 100 miles and I was ecstatic that the last day of January fell on a Tuesday so that I could run my final Janathon run with my Run Dem Crew friends. I was grinning the whole way to Nike Town and back and when we arrived back to the arches at 1948, I was greeted by this. What an inspiration! I'm done with just dreaming and this year I'm willing to work hard and train for what I want to achieve.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_j0SDPzZTZgAiPq-cRFKsWuDZeI__rjg7NxGAwWzKBsA6mlbFsWTWifjNw6CeIXe3sEnbRDZ224ILjLRVI0f4QRa_H_5AxgyG3ssFmkFKEjAJeGpyHnl0AtPvodeMKrNaCamPKUf8eI/s1600/Mo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_j0SDPzZTZgAiPq-cRFKsWuDZeI__rjg7NxGAwWzKBsA6mlbFsWTWifjNw6CeIXe3sEnbRDZ224ILjLRVI0f4QRa_H_5AxgyG3ssFmkFKEjAJeGpyHnl0AtPvodeMKrNaCamPKUf8eI/s320/Mo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Janathon has been great. I have had the chance to follow some really inspirational and determined people as they ran and blogged their way through the month and I have really enjoyed the group training mentality. Thank you to every single person that tweeted or posted a message of support. It may be the end of Janathon but it is only the beginning of a long road of training. I am determined to work hard and be the absolute best I can be but I am definitely looking fowarrd to a sports massage and some rest days. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-65655498970797191532012-01-30T14:31:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:09:47.830-08:00Janathon days 29 & 30: One more day to go<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was planning a long run yesterday morning and I was also planning a surprise baby shower for my best friend. I decided the least stressful plan was to bake in the morning and get everything ready for the baby shower to then pick my heavily pregnant friend up at 1:30. Trying to squeeze in a long run before was just not going to work so I planned to do it in the afternoon. The baking was a success and we managed to suitably surprise the mummy to be. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQbpTucFKFjwxUrcCgLOhyphenhyphen_fxa7zlfGt8PVPB1wax9kn8hRIqBEpdrzWQhC8NklYQL2BmmclnF9WgLZLtMrGWERB5y06oxw99ST4Fh348zAcZzJ75-73-Y5YK41WIDDZngh0dvIWBP8s/s1600/Baby+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWQbpTucFKFjwxUrcCgLOhyphenhyphen_fxa7zlfGt8PVPB1wax9kn8hRIqBEpdrzWQhC8NklYQL2BmmclnF9WgLZLtMrGWERB5y06oxw99ST4Fh348zAcZzJ75-73-Y5YK41WIDDZngh0dvIWBP8s/s320/Baby+shower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By the time I got home it was late, dark and I was tired. I was still feeling sore and Janathon had really started to take its toll. I could have happily snuggled on the sofa but I wasn’t giving up this late in the day. I headed out of the door and did my 5k route. I was tired and thirsty as amongst the excitement I had managed to forget to drink but I didn’t do too badly and felt really good once I’d been for a run. However my legs were throbbing when I got home. I am really in need of a sports massage and a rest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">RDC West was starting tonight and I had set my heart on going but when I woke up this morning, I knew it wasn’t a good idea. I made a decision before I left for work and left my kit at home so that I wouldn’t be tempted. When I started my training on 1<sup>st</sup> January I was clear that I wanted to exercise every day and I was going to try and run every day but only if my body would allow. My body needed a break tonight. I thought it was the best option to have a day off from the running and head to the pool instead so that’s what I did. I swam 40 lengths (1000m) and felt great and I’m now more excited than ever about RDC tomorrow. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have enjoyed Janathon but if I’m being honest, I am looking forward to finishing tomorrow and having rest days. My body feels like it needs a break and so does my brain. I have managed to blog most days but there have been a couple of double whammies when I have just run out of hours in the day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am proud that I have managed to exercise every single day, although I swam on two days and walked on one. It still means that I have run for 27 out of 30 days so far. I am thrilled that day 31 has landed on a Tuesday and I can finish in style with my friends running by my side. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-12866434728640840342012-01-28T16:27:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:11:02.573-08:00Janathon day 28: Can I call myself a runner yet?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As planned this morning I decided not to run today, but I didn’t slack off and walked 11.5km instead. 6.5km of that was with way too many shopping bags and my arms were ready to drop off when I got home. It was the first day that I haven’t changed into my kit to do my exercise and it felt strange so I’m looking forward to my long run tomorrow now. I did get the urge to just go out and run but it really is important to listen to your body. For me, Janathon has been a great way to kick start my training, but I want to stay healthy and injury free so I vowed at the start I would be sensible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got a pleasant surprise today when I found out that I’m in the March issue of Runner’s World magazine. A few months ago I volunteered myself as a case study for a feature on how to get your running mojo back. I sent <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.com/2011/10/facing-up-to-life-with-little-help-from.html">this blog post</a> and spoke to the journalist about how difficult I found it to get back to running once my first half marathon was complete. My solution was joining Run Dem Crew and running with friends. I never received any confirmation of when the feature was going to run so it was a good start to the weekend to hear that I made it in. I’ve always had a bit of an issue with calling myself a runner but I guess I’m a little step closer if I’m in a running magazine, right!(That’s what I’ll keep telling myself.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeqZFul476MloZUPt4MVXtjigDI4k8zBzi5jixU-5olpT3U9iBo0IjF525nxTAnxG3NSIWw1mhVkEKIP-dgsY01faHXEbKKhiaKM0qOiALjRo0g7s_0pjDsUfuiTniuPpHqas7T7521Q/s1600/RW+Feature.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeqZFul476MloZUPt4MVXtjigDI4k8zBzi5jixU-5olpT3U9iBo0IjF525nxTAnxG3NSIWw1mhVkEKIP-dgsY01faHXEbKKhiaKM0qOiALjRo0g7s_0pjDsUfuiTniuPpHqas7T7521Q/s400/RW+Feature.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Running can be solitary and although I enjoy my own company, I found running with friends to be really inspiring and motivating. It helped me to get back in the swing of things and to keep up the training too. Throughout Janathon, I think the most important thing that I have discovered is to not overthink and to just do things. The more you ponder, the more chance you will actually end up not going to the gym or out for that run. We are all different but I like the balance between running on my own and running with my friends. Agreeing to meet with friends commits you to the cause and it is much harder to back out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We all have to get to know how we tick and what works for us individually but reading the feature in Runner's World today made me realise just how important my friends have been. Not only my friends at RDC, but my Twitter friends too. Throughout January I have received so much support and encouragement and although I am stubborn and giving up has not been an option, having so many people knowing what I have vowed to do has really helped me to knuckle down. I know it’s not over yet but I wanted to say thank you for every tweet, every comment on my blog and every word of support. Janathon day 29, I can’t wait to see you. The same goes for Janathon day 30 and Janathon day 31, I’m even more excited to see you. I think I will feel even closer to calling myself a runner if I can go out with a bang on Tuesday! </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-35279355782253137642012-01-28T04:21:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:53:45.249-08:00Janathon day 27: My guardian angel<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the track session on Thursday night I was feeling sore but if I was going to stay in the Janathon game on day 27, I needed to go running in the morning as I had plans for the evening. I reluctantly squeezed myself into my kit and forced myself out of the door before work. It hurt! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whenever I am having a really tough run and I want to give up, I seem to have a little guardian angel that appears and snaps me back into reality just in time. I have seen this man in numerous different places and it’s always on days that I am struggling. On one occasion I was ready to give up in Richmond Park and I saw him and it made me determined to carry on. The same thing happened along the towpath in Putney. He has a prosthetic leg bladelike Oscar Pistorious to allow him to run as he only has one leg. I was struggling and hurting but he was looking strong and absolutely determined. He wasn’t letting his so called disability stop him as he sped past me, so I gritted my teeth and decided I wasn’t going to let my sore muscles stop me. Thank you to my running guardian angel that always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and helped me complete my short 3.5k morning run yesterday. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lFIaua3I8R5YIb4-Yvn3Gq9CJpl80XevoZcYb_puLKseHleiG_ARaBAMREH9WUBtVUxFqtrBH2eVEpnMZAo76HDdR9pRZsf36Z58NKXNtalR5fgi-28vSIqrj-XCzPla_aEi-GbSKFs/s1600/oscar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lFIaua3I8R5YIb4-Yvn3Gq9CJpl80XevoZcYb_puLKseHleiG_ARaBAMREH9WUBtVUxFqtrBH2eVEpnMZAo76HDdR9pRZsf36Z58NKXNtalR5fgi-28vSIqrj-XCzPla_aEi-GbSKFs/s320/oscar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing I have learned this week is that track hurts. My muscles are more sore than they have been throughout the whole of Janathon and my legs feel tender in places that they never usually do. As for my poor glutes, sitting down and getting back up again is proving to be a challenge. I'm not giving up though, I will be seeing a track again in the next week or so. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was originally planning to run today but I am going to see how I feel. I have a long run scheduled for tomorrow and I'm going to Run Dem Crew on both Monday and Tuesday as there is a new West crew starting this week. I want to finish Janathon in style, not in a limping mess, so it may make sense to take it a little easier today and skip my run and opt for some brisk walking instead. I will just wait and see as that little Janathon devil will probably start nagging me and I may just have to give in to the trainers. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-65444983746958162492012-01-26T16:03:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:54:06.726-08:00Janathon day 25 & 26: The only way is up!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time last year Janathon was over for me. This year I am still feeling strong and I’m looking forward to completing Janathon on a high. I have run every day except one, where I chose to swim as my leg wasn’t feeling great. I headed to the gym last night to battle with the treadmill again. My music helped a lot last time, so I opted for some loud old school tunes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put my headphones in and started to run but my music was quiet, so I adjusted the volume to the max. Still the volume was pretty pathetic but I kept running. Soon after, my boyfriend was tapping me on the back frantically waving his hand at me. Oh yes, it seems the reason my music was quiet was because I had pulled the headphones out and the whole gym was in for a treat with my speed garage compilation on loudspeaker. Shame! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wanted to do 5km and wanted to improve my time. I had 27:30 in my head but I was tired and I was struggling at 1.5km. I decide 3km would be my lot but as 3km neared, another good song came on, I got an extra energy burst, so I carried on. I was making good time, so despite feeling tired I just kept going. I had to slow down a couple of times as I had severe heartburn, caused by ramming crisp bread and jalapenos down my throat whilst heading out of the door. I would definitely not recommend this. I am pleased to say, I finished my run exactly on target with a big smile on my face. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs22aEzwaS6GzX3j2gnZUSnGWrTx2YvJZFMpdMknElR1eqYp_9Ef3fQtAITmGEvPNuunJRitlAWSxygnJm8HXSx5LmpuTgOT-wjvwRrTzLY_49jQCIiyzgP_i42xbD_ygvYa6Zt9jBcxw/s1600/27.30+5k.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs22aEzwaS6GzX3j2gnZUSnGWrTx2YvJZFMpdMknElR1eqYp_9Ef3fQtAITmGEvPNuunJRitlAWSxygnJm8HXSx5LmpuTgOT-wjvwRrTzLY_49jQCIiyzgP_i42xbD_ygvYa6Zt9jBcxw/s320/27.30+5k.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight was track night and I’m not going to lie, I was scared. I did say recently though that it is good to be scared and also that I need to take my own advice more. I travelled 18 stops on the tube so that some of my lovely @rundemcrew friends could show me the ropes. I arrived and as a complete beginner I felt out of my depth but you sometimes <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have to do things that are a little uncomfortable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Everybody made me feel extremely welcome, giving me advice and helping me out during the group drill session before the track laps started. I did 3 x 400m warm up laps before the session really started. I then did 6 x 400m laps, with small walking rests in between each lap. I knew immediately that I hadn’t hydrated enough so after lap 3 I grabbed my bottle of water and felt much better. I ran at a speed that it was difficult to talk at and though it wasn’t fast compared to some of those speedy people whizzing around the track, it was faster than what I am used to. The warm down lap felt surprisingly easy after the fast laps. I'm hoping that a few mnore regualar track sessions will make my half marathin feel easy. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-rB74fwyuPU9MMju6h0I8tJP5RGYxTL7F7_4cDd1DRHwRRs3oXYzqIl1IPwg_9_NtPyLbZpj6lpYVAuWBnM136JudL1p6H7eyRaPCB6MVU9SNq8ImA9wTXTlAKtmig42MbEx8abCM3I/s1600/Track+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-rB74fwyuPU9MMju6h0I8tJP5RGYxTL7F7_4cDd1DRHwRRs3oXYzqIl1IPwg_9_NtPyLbZpj6lpYVAuWBnM136JudL1p6H7eyRaPCB6MVU9SNq8ImA9wTXTlAKtmig42MbEx8abCM3I/s320/Track+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I finished, I survived and I was still smiling. I am determined to get quicker and I am happy to commit myself to track. I may not go all the way to Mile End every week (which really felt like Mile End on the journey home when I was ready to chew my own arm off) but I am going to venture along to my local track on the weeks <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t get to train with the RDC guys. It was great running with some really experienced people tonight <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that were happy to share their knowledge. Thank you to @BangsandaBun and @RunUrb who encouraged me to come along and thank you to each and every person that took time out tonight to help me. Berlin Sub two hours, you will be mine! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HMDy3tqiHxrCTX46MoD6u4EkUF4mcsZ2-yey6T6Jq9261CYYffGyA4q8PrL3KgT_vRtQxbNNa9kUagBy-WmlCgdFd_WH3km2lWGenDoai5noyzWEKWCV7dVONNUKyw82rP4PfKa-CWU/s1600/Track+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HMDy3tqiHxrCTX46MoD6u4EkUF4mcsZ2-yey6T6Jq9261CYYffGyA4q8PrL3KgT_vRtQxbNNa9kUagBy-WmlCgdFd_WH3km2lWGenDoai5noyzWEKWCV7dVONNUKyw82rP4PfKa-CWU/s1600/Track+1.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-54562661030706225252012-01-24T16:21:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:54:30.404-08:00Janathon day 24: Well and truly beaten<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time last year I had the worst run ever! I was aching, felt terrible and was on the verge of tears the whole way round. Little did I know at the time, but the reason I was feeling so ropey on <a href="http://ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-janathon-nearly-broke-me.html">24<sup>th</sup> January, 2011</a>, was because I was on the verge of coming down with flu. Not just a cold, but real flu where I couldn’t move from my bed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so stubborn that even though it was my last run of Janathon 2011, I still stubbornly tried to exercise on day 25, only to crash and burn in style. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was determined that I was going to enjoy tonight and it was only ever going to be positive that it landed on a Tuesday, as Tuesdays mean Run Dem Crew. I felt good when I arrived and was greeted by this. The Nike Make It Count campaign relates to me and really captures how I feel.All I ever want to do is to do everything to the absolute best of my ability. I touched on this in my <a href="http://ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.com/2011/10/happy-30s-challenge.html">Happy 30s</a> post.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSChsKvKxUUA1xN_DlgSE4qH0vn8KQmr92cnJw6hqs3q9y0-CaQQT1LCT__WUTo8uDMaKhz98E64EwMKO7dHD6yITKRR6CD9RdYJwCvPlan2ASaWB2Imn6J7U10cqVoJEeRPkkK9OSWD0/s1600/Make+it+count.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSChsKvKxUUA1xN_DlgSE4qH0vn8KQmr92cnJw6hqs3q9y0-CaQQT1LCT__WUTo8uDMaKhz98E64EwMKO7dHD6yITKRR6CD9RdYJwCvPlan2ASaWB2Imn6J7U10cqVoJEeRPkkK9OSWD0/s400/Make+it+count.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were 147 people at RDC tonight and it was fantastic. There was such a positive and exciting vibe in the room and I chose to run in the fast hares. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAqwFbK8HGeFFsUVZFfwQxe_5tbO7XW95JaHDE0CmnFv3cilRZR2-BtVddyIxv3ogZTyPEgC7pbpwDXejgStjj3vpmR7EgmB8VoA9qTHdLiRDtawkVtG6Ern-jv8t0QxesvBbGbwckq4/s1600/RDC+Group+24.01.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAqwFbK8HGeFFsUVZFfwQxe_5tbO7XW95JaHDE0CmnFv3cilRZR2-BtVddyIxv3ogZTyPEgC7pbpwDXejgStjj3vpmR7EgmB8VoA9qTHdLiRDtawkVtG6Ern-jv8t0QxesvBbGbwckq4/s320/RDC+Group+24.01.12.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RDC at 1948 (Picture courtesy of @RuthHooper)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It felt good and we saw some great Lomdon sights along the way. According to my endomondo app on my phone, we ran 8.3km but when speaking to other members of the group after the run, it seems we actually ran nearer 9.4km. This makes me happy, as it means I am probably cutting myself short on my runs but I’m cool with that. I guess it's better than not running enough.Our group split into two groups as it was quite large and I opted to go with the 'sightseeing runners' who were keen to get a glimpse of Tower Bridge. I've lived in London for most of my life, but I am always so impressed by it. The lovely @glennhancock led our smaller group and we had a fantastic run. Thank you all for letting us stop so that I could take the Tower Bridge snap below. I regretted not taking one last week so I wasn't going to let it slip through my fingers again.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tvIVnjVPFlvP7Zy_xvElsi8t5pVguKjYwO76qgMBt33DDwubnalCBGRl236jUlEFRYkzPURTSEJU8tInKuI0snNVIYeQ2lUpxJD0wr8AL7kZF1OCKeOKON76rU7Q4nvJUskiVqdJW2I/s1600/Tower+Bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tvIVnjVPFlvP7Zy_xvElsi8t5pVguKjYwO76qgMBt33DDwubnalCBGRl236jUlEFRYkzPURTSEJU8tInKuI0snNVIYeQ2lUpxJD0wr8AL7kZF1OCKeOKON76rU7Q4nvJUskiVqdJW2I/s320/Tower+Bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYTdc9DXmtDVE8O18-VEubn04YDrS_VbT4GP8470QcMZbxj9V6PA2uE7dPn8FJlKRLEm8eJsMBfjLCsLt9TMnrGcY0wuKcTlVKfQE_zEY37ovFQitowzeVnyULZSwxVmXVdG-X7oXSno/s1600/St+Pauls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYTdc9DXmtDVE8O18-VEubn04YDrS_VbT4GP8470QcMZbxj9V6PA2uE7dPn8FJlKRLEm8eJsMBfjLCsLt9TMnrGcY0wuKcTlVKfQE_zEY37ovFQitowzeVnyULZSwxVmXVdG-X7oXSno/s400/St+Pauls.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The run tonight was considerably longer than last year’s poor attempt and the only glimpse of being near to tears, was when I saw one of the new RDC members run under the human arch that we created at the end of her run. She was nervous beforehand but she pushed on through, finished that run showing grit and determination and she made herself proud. That is what RCD is about!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is magical when you see new people discover Run Dem Crew for the first time and even more special when they finish their first run with a beaming smile on their face. Tonight was always going to be better than last year because I was running with friends. Janathon day 25, I look forward to seeing you! </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-61116695604745428032012-01-23T14:10:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:54:50.800-08:00Janathon day 22 & 23: A little bit of of pug love<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After an exercise filled month, my home was feeling a little neglected, so although I did my run yesterday, I just didn’t have time to blog. Yesterday the running gods were looking over us once more. I can’t get over how good the weather had been in comparison to this time last year. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of my long runs so far. Yes, it’s been cold but the sun has been shining and yesterday was no exception. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was aiming to run 13km yesterday and as it was such a lovely day I thought I’d do a figure of eight river run. I started at Barnes Bridge and ran along the Southbank towards Hammersmith. I then crossed the bridge and ran along the other side of the river up past Fulham Football Club and on to Putney Bridge. I crossed the river once more, past the many rowing clubs back to Hammersmith and then back across once again for the final leg past Dukes Meadows towards Barnes Bridge. You can tell it’s marathon training season as there were so many people running on the towpath. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImFtWCr6_U_YgdxOvrXonnbxN54al2D5aS6IDfLTUBi4hnPXNlg9Ht9z10e716w8V5idB6mSt5Falw3bs2PP2J2DRojYIe2D9ZjQG6rc5mQQ8aW7dvshFwkvYqmqbGSE8S8oD89k0-Ho/s1600/13k+final.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImFtWCr6_U_YgdxOvrXonnbxN54al2D5aS6IDfLTUBi4hnPXNlg9Ht9z10e716w8V5idB6mSt5Falw3bs2PP2J2DRojYIe2D9ZjQG6rc5mQQ8aW7dvshFwkvYqmqbGSE8S8oD89k0-Ho/s400/13k+final.JPG" width="341" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastenders style running route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The highlight of my run was seeing two gorgeous pugs as I ran past Hammersmith Bridge. When I came round the corner to be greeted by their squidgy little faces a couple of kilometres into my run, I was instantly cheered up and I knew I was going to have a good run. As I ran I called out “thank you for cheering me up” to the ladies that were walking the dogs. I continued running but was annoyed that I didn’t take a photo. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhYtUc2VzpMJcK00XCa5JQIvX1-onYHNsh1UYm-nYHRN3Z5uyni6p_kNknIwuVH8fIOfOGmxvaA_5vEwhfheqnsFbv1n50676VgNq0KftxcJTZ-CLhMjC0BMKq-QKY-a-DUpaQiZJtw0/s1600/Pugs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhYtUc2VzpMJcK00XCa5JQIvX1-onYHNsh1UYm-nYHRN3Z5uyni6p_kNknIwuVH8fIOfOGmxvaA_5vEwhfheqnsFbv1n50676VgNq0KftxcJTZ-CLhMjC0BMKq-QKY-a-DUpaQiZJtw0/s400/Pugs.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of uggs and a couple of pugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I couldn’t believe my luck when I was running from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge. In the distance two familiar squidgy faces came into sight. It was like a mirage. I wasn’t letting them out of my grasp this time round and I confess, I did stop my run for a little stroke of the cheeky pugs and to take a picture. But look, how could I resist? I went on to complete my 13km with a beaming smile. It’s funny how things just crop up to keep you going. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today I was not really in the mood for running. I ate a couple of crisp breads before pulling on my kit and heading out of the door. Within a minute or two, I realised that I was actually feeling pretty strong. I went on to complete my regular 5km route in the fastest time so far and when I arrived home I was feeling fantastic. Definitely a good start to the week and tomorrow is Run Dem Crew. Janathon day 24, I’m looking forward to meeting you. Last year <a href="http://ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-janathon-nearly-broke-me.html">you very nearly broke me</a> but this time I am not about to be struck by flu and I will not cry! In fact, I know I am going to have a big smile on my face. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-59360993744314840502012-01-21T14:22:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:55:11.617-08:00Janathon day 21: My first taste of yoga to end week 3<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I went to my first ever yoga session today. I must admit that I was slightly nervous and didn’t really know what to expect but the nerves were a complete waste of energy. I came out feeling calm, relaxed and positive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will tell you a little about myself that many may already be aware of. I can be a bit of a stress-head although it’s not always apparent to the outside world. I’m just not very good at relaxing unless I am in a gorgeous spa resort. It somehow gives you permission to relax if you are away from home and the household chores, wearing a fluffy white robe. When I go for a massage, I am always being told to “just relax”, as my shoulders are normally tucked tight up into my neck. I am aware I need to chill sometimes but it is quite difficult to unlearn certain behaviour and let go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I work in PR and have recently started working on the <a href="http://www.manukalife.com/">Manuka</a> account. Manuka produce a range of gorgeous, yoga, Pilates and fitness clothes that are innovative and eco-friendly. You can buy the products online and in several stores but they also have a beautiful boutique and fitness studio on the New Kings Road. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was lucky enough to be invited along take part in a class and I jumped at the opportunity. I have considered trying yoga previously and have several books at home but I’ve never quite plucked up the courage to go. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Manuka studio is quite different to a regular fitness studio in most gyms. It is absolutely beautiful with attention to detail throughout providing a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. Each class only has about five people per instructor which is perfect for a beginner like me. In fact, in my class today it was just myself and one other student which allowed the instructor <a href="http://www.manukalife.com/yoga-studio/yoga-bunnies.html">Natasha</a> to help me throughout to ensure I was carrying out each of the poses correctly.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgTUusy-PHVVNd4rqhQ2fXwZyUe4LwvKEloTWmTITXOB7wMkPFG-xYTBToE5ctrVPFHZNpKGObIgnJhYNYvGEsweVU8qXArx5GAE3un24_CRnZLB1D9jSjEnGksvpIBwPB4gGyCf_6xI/s1600/Manuka+Studio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgTUusy-PHVVNd4rqhQ2fXwZyUe4LwvKEloTWmTITXOB7wMkPFG-xYTBToE5ctrVPFHZNpKGObIgnJhYNYvGEsweVU8qXArx5GAE3un24_CRnZLB1D9jSjEnGksvpIBwPB4gGyCf_6xI/s400/Manuka+Studio.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As soon as I stepped into the peaceful studio, I instantly felt calmer. The first part of the class was focused on concentrating on our breathing. I don’t think I have ever paid quite so much attention to how I breathe but it was a relaxing and calming experience. I have a tendency to rush through life, ticking off multiple things on my to do list, but it forced me to slow down and focus on just one thing. Although my mind did wander a few times, as I am a multi-tasker by nature and I do find it a little tricky to concentrate on just one thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We progressed to a number of different poses, constantly being reminded to focus on our breathing . There are a number of key poses I remember such as the downward facing dog, the cobra and the plank. There was one particular pose that I can’t remember the name of but that I found to be really beneficial for my tight hips, after three weeks of running. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natasha mentioned that the pose was great to release tightness in the psoas and although it may feel uncomfortable at first, it would be helpful to persevere to show you that you can achieve things that are at first uncomfortable. This really struck a chord with me and is exactly how I feel about a lot of things in life, including my running. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was very different to any other exercise class that I have been to and although it wasn’t high impact and energetic, I certainly felt like I’d worked hard in a different way and I was even glowing. (Yeah, I do actually mean sweating but it it’s not very feminine!) I found the experience to be positive, uplifting and my body was loving me for it. It was like an extended calming, stretching session with positive reminders along the way. At one stage we were encouraged to inhale and think of bright colours, then exhale whilst thinking of the colour grey. It was like letting go of negative thoughts. It was only my first yoga class but I really think I will benefit from regular attendance as I felt like a new woman when I left. Thank you to Natasha for a fantastic introduction to yoga. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As well as the yoga class which was 1hour 15 minutes, I also did some other exercise today as I felt really energetic, even though I was calm and relaxed. I walked to and from yoga which was a total of just over 10km and I then ran the 3km to the gym, before doing a 550m swim. At the end of week 3 of Janathon, I have completed a total of 119km running,an extra 10km walking, 1050m swimming and my very first yoga class. I ran a total of 40km this week and did my first Run Dem Crew run of the year. It has most definitely been a good week! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am really pleased that I have managed to run every day apart from one. I can be stubborn but I also know it is important to listen to your body sometimes to avoid injury. Last year I did exercise every day (until I got ill with flu towards the end of January) but I didn’t run every day, so I am thrilled with my progress. I feel great today and I’m looking forward to my long run tomorrow. My ankles are niggling me slightly but I’m just going to take it easy and enjoy it. Janathon week 3, over and out! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-10822620386414093702012-01-20T16:02:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:55:35.998-08:00Janathon day 20: A forgotten costume = foam rolling<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I planned a chilled out relaxing night in the Jacuzzi and steam room but first I had to work for it. I hate feeling beaten and I’m determined to get over this hatred of the treadmill. As I have mentioned previously in <a href="http://www.ramblingsofamulti-tasker.blogspot.com/2012/01/janathon-day-8-run-to-no-beat.html">this post</a>, I have chosen to train without music. I tend to do most of my runs outside and as I said in yesterday’s post, I love enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors. The reason I find the treadmill so painful is because it is excruciatingly boring. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I decided to spice things up with some music in the form of one of my old garage albums and it was the best idea I’ve had all year. Don’t get me wrong, being in the gym on a Friday night isn’t the coolest thing ever but my old school music livened up the session more than you could ever imagine. The familiar sound of tunes I used to dance to when I was in my teens gave me the edge to keep pushing through, with a beaming smile on my face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was still really difficult and I was absolutely dripping with sweat but the music just made it all the more pleasurable. I love the way music can trigger great memories and as if by magic, when I took my earphones out and stepped off the treadmill, the Paris half marathon theme tune was on. It was the song that was played as we all crossed the start line (Barbra Streisand by Duck Sauce) and I can’t help but smile and get a good feeling when I hear it. It takes me back to the excitement and anticipation of the big day, my first ever half marathon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a hot and hard 5k I really felt like I deserved a wallowing session in the Jacuzzi and a stretch in the steam room. The sheer devastation when I realised I had left my costume on the radiator! I couldn’t believe it and felt really hard done by because I pushed hard to complete my fastest 5k in a long time. My calves and shins were sore and were screaming for a massage and the jets in the spa pool would have worked perfectly. I left my boyfriend to relax and headed back up the stairs to the gym for a stretching session. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a qualified sports massage therapist, I am aware of the benefits of stretching but I have to confess, I don’t always dedicate as much time as I should which is probably why my legs are feeling tight. I did some work on my glutes first followed by a little planking and then headed for the foam roller. If you haven’t used a foam roller and you enjoy running, then I seriously recommend that you consider giving it a go. It is simply a large cylindrical foam roll, as the name would suggest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The foam roller is a great tool for lengthening and elongating muscles, and they are especially helpful for runners who are suffering from tight and fatigued muscles. When used correctly, they can help you to avoid sport-related injuries by conducting self myofascial release, which can work in a similar way to a massage. The roller is effective on different areas of your body and you can use your body weight to apply pressure to sore muscles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can control how much pressure you apply to the tissues that you're working on, and you can locate and focus on areas that are problematic. It allows you to apply deep pressure to areas that may otherwise be difficult to stretch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s not a replacement for proper stretching, warming up or cooling down, but it can be used as a tool to limit soreness and tightness. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will warn you, much like a sports massage, it is not particularly pleasurable but it does definitely help to relieve sore legs and prevent injury. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The iliotibial band (IT band) is one of the areas most susceptible to injury in runners. It is the band that runs on the outside of the leg from the hip to the knee. You can use the foam roller on this area by rolling across it, slowly back and forth towards the top of the leg, particularly focusing on the quad where it meets the IT band and using your body weight to apply more pressure. This will cause you to make ugly faces and strange noises but your legs will thank you. It can also be used on other areas of the body such as the glutes, calves and the piriformis, all areas that can become tight in runners. Have a look at <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--13796-0,00.html">these videos</a> (courtesy of runnersworld.com) which do a great job of showing you how to use the roller in some of these key areas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A hard run accompanied by some decent tunes, followed by a stretching and rolling session has left me feeling great on day 20 of Janathon. I would recommend the use of a foam roller during training but I would also highly recommend going for regular sports massage as a means of preventing injury. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not saying this simply because I am a massage therapist but because I truly believe in the benefits however, I will delve more deeply into the benefits of massage in another post. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-72706579486285217782012-01-19T15:23:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:56:02.501-08:00Janathon day 19: Sometimes running is really tough<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not a fan of treadmills. The thing I love about running is the freedom of being outside and the opportunity to take in all of the sights sounds and smells along the way. Perhaps this is why I find running on a treadmill so difficult. For me, it is far more challenging both physically and mentally. Although my feeling is that the physical difficulty stems from the fact that I find it so tiresome mentally.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to admit; I am starting to feel a little weary 19 days into Janathon and my legs were really sore and aching today. I thought that a stretching session in the steam room would do me some good but only after I’d done my run. I pushed myself on the treadmill and I wanted to stop so many times. The 5k felt like about 50. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although I ate a lot of food last night, looking back at today, I hadn’t eaten nearly enough or taken in enough water in order to run well. The fuel is so important to allow your body to perform. I wanted to stop after about 30 seconds and I felt so tired. It reminded me of when I’d just started running and I thought back to how determined I was when I started out; wanting to run but I couldn’t do it. I didn’t let it beat me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>persevered and I have achieved things I never thought possible. I gritted my teeth and just kept going but I hate having a constant reminder of how much further you have to go on the screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In all honesty I didn’t enjoy my run tonight. The only part that I did enjoy was pressing stop and treading off the treadmill. I finished day 19 with some serious stretching in the steam room and although I’m sleepy, I’m aching less and I’m pleased that I’m still in. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-41654451256545781292012-01-18T15:44:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:56:37.058-08:00Janathon day 18: The day I forgot about Janathon<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night was Run Dem Crew and when I woke up this morning I was tired. The last thing I wanted to do was go out for a run in the rain, so I didn’t. I knew I had plans to go out with work tonight and if I didn’t run this morning I was going to be out of the game. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went for dinner and after over two weeks of healthy eating I went on a full on carb-fest. The length of our table was laden with pizza. I was so full I even turned down ice cream but I made up for it on the dairy quota with the volume of cheese I ate. Pretty good going for a girl that avoids dairy!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqvuTQI9kw8Z2hv_knu4_8x98roUb7eteQIkwuyERcujwSBwmGlG9BkglPyhnstRfmOsKzFkQbfP69f8oQe1vx90l_l6eKy5ibW8BrdBNbPwrFVTDKE-7IDi5EG_KvSDaudeCkn-Y2rI/s1600/Pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqvuTQI9kw8Z2hv_knu4_8x98roUb7eteQIkwuyERcujwSBwmGlG9BkglPyhnstRfmOsKzFkQbfP69f8oQe1vx90l_l6eKy5ibW8BrdBNbPwrFVTDKE-7IDi5EG_KvSDaudeCkn-Y2rI/s400/Pizza.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I knew that after a bellyful of delicious food, fizz and wine I was well and truly out of Janathon. With each mouthful, Janathon just disappeared but I got home and I spotted my trainers glaring at me. I didn’t want to be beaten on day 18 so I considered some kind of half-hearted strength training routine that I could do on my floor. Still my trainers continued to glare. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuWE9gdKlLO3HYPKlzWWzXyt4eCigoDvJktO9Px7i7NU_VWcvN6BJwkCc0_QFHEjpr-e3I8WoVPf0CCMm2MUSrpqnndFPdf-pbYdUYZMM0PtKAEG7Sdf17zt7VzaCesLG6GfRVRQfBhE/s1600/Trainers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPuWE9gdKlLO3HYPKlzWWzXyt4eCigoDvJktO9Px7i7NU_VWcvN6BJwkCc0_QFHEjpr-e3I8WoVPf0CCMm2MUSrpqnndFPdf-pbYdUYZMM0PtKAEG7Sdf17zt7VzaCesLG6GfRVRQfBhE/s400/Trainers.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was nothing for it. I still wanted to be in this game so I pulled on my kit and ran out of the door before I had a chance to change my mind. I did a 3k run and kept to the main roads for safety reasons. I actually really enjoyed the calm of running tonight and I’m glad I went. A ton of rich food and booze is not the ideal preparation for a run but I got round, I’m still in Janathon and best of all I’ve got a smile on my face. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLzsz8vCAsCl6M-pxsoiY0I2NGESBrcFSNgf1ia_A61KCAmjHE-PyZJ2KvMOhMX14glsYgNfnHpj5VOaX_yRjSsfQsRwcsvWvK0jtPkCV3h6UKbOiRe9U0XpB6znvCA7Xh-YERNxJXLM/s1600/Run+route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLzsz8vCAsCl6M-pxsoiY0I2NGESBrcFSNgf1ia_A61KCAmjHE-PyZJ2KvMOhMX14glsYgNfnHpj5VOaX_yRjSsfQsRwcsvWvK0jtPkCV3h6UKbOiRe9U0XpB6znvCA7Xh-YERNxJXLM/s400/Run+route.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-53977657587055662872012-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:57:06.831-08:00Janathon day 17: Run Dem Crew is back!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tonight was the return of Run Dem Crew and damn it was good. Yesterday was my first non-running day in January and I opted for swimming instead of a run. Believe it or not, I haven’t really ached much since starting the running regime on 1<sup>st</sup> January but today my butt cheeks were seriously sore. I think my body took the ‘running rest’ as an opportunity to relax and make me hurt. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I was running at home I may have re-considered whether I was even going to run tonight but there was no chance on earth that I was missing RDC. The buzz and excitement in the room was incredible. It was like going back to school but with far more excitement and enthusiasm than I’ve ever experienced towards school (and I was a geek that liked school)!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Charlie Dark was inspirational and funny as always and I met some great people brimming with positive vibes. I saw old friends as well as new and it felt good to be back. An 8.5km bridges run and it was the perfect night for a river run. Cold but calm and peaceful. I just wish I’d taken some pictures of Tower Bridge as it looked absolutely spectacular glowing over the river. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I left RDC with a warm fuzzy feeling inside and I’m so glad it’s back. Every time I go, my faith in humanity is restored. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but there are some seriously good people there. I only ever leave feeling positive and excited about life. I turned 30 on Christmas day and I talked about being the best I can be and Charlie talked about this tonight. I don't want to restrict this to my running but to everything that I do. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have arranged to go to track next week with a couple of the RDC girls. If I'm going to get a sub two time in Berlin, I need to start 'proper' running training. I’m not going to lie, I’m absolutely terrified but I need to start facing my demons! On a positive note, I'm pleased that my running mojo has returned and I’m loving it. Janathon day 17, I can safely say that you are well and truly ticked off the list, despite some mightily sore buttocks. If you see a blonde girl hobbling tomorrow morning, on the train to Clapham, then please be nice to her and maybe even offer her your seat. I'm sure she would be forever grateful. </span></div>
Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-35871417436742179532012-01-16T14:17:00.000-08:002012-01-21T14:25:08.063-08:00Janathon day 16: Exchanging running for swimming<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a 15k run yesterday I had a bit of a niggle in my foot and knee (old injuries). I really wanted to run every day throughout Janathon but I decided my longer term goals are more important. For the first time in a couple of weeks I didn’t run today but I’m still in the game as I exchanged my run for a swim.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the eve of the return to Run Dem Crew, I decided that a swim was a much more sensible option. Tomorrow’s run will be longer than my regular daily run and I want to be fit and ready for it. I swam 20 lengths tonight (500m) and it got me thinking about the triathlon that I’ve signed myself up for in June. I can swim but I’m not technically very good and ahead of my first triathlon I am going to have to take the scary leap to swimming lessons. I’m terrified! If anybody has any triathlon tips I would absolutely love to hear from you. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After my run, I also enjoyed a steam room session and a Jacuzzi which felt great. I have to say that after 15 days of running, my legs feel surprisingly good and I am super excited about running with my friends tomorrow night. Away away away! </span></div>Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5503220682810230290.post-6768853534378953802012-01-15T11:04:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:04:40.963-08:00Janathon day 15: A weighty issue<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I didn’t want my blog posts to be concentrated on body issues, but when you are concentrating on your body so much it is hard not to think about it. When I first started running I made a point that I’m not really built for running and I still stand by that point. I’m not sleek, slender or light on my feet and my breasts need strapping down in a serious way. However, this doesn’t mean that I can’t give it a go. The fact that I don’t look like a conventional ‘runner’ makes me even more determined to succeed and in the last year, I have learned that a huge percentage of reaching your goals in running is linked more to your head than your body. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Athletic records are broken year after year, and the limits of human performance continue to be debated. When we think something can’t be done, someone comes along and shows us that it indeed can be. There was a time when it seemed impossible for a human to run a four-minute mile but Roger Bannister achieved it in 1954 and soon, many others followed. A positive attitude accounts for so much. I find it is far more rewarding to concentrate on what you are achieving rather than what you are not and to focus on several goals rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So many people focus on weight loss as their main goal when starting an exercise regime but I feel strongly that this is not a healthy attitude to have. I am the first to admit that I would like to be slimmer but I try not to bore people with talk of calories and rice cakes. I have decided that the thing that is important to me is how I look and feel, not the number on the weighing scales. I would like to improve my physique but I’m not going to let the scales influence my feelings in any way. I have put on some weight and I have to admit, it is making running a little bit more challenging and nobody likes to feel their wobbly bits wobbling around when running but sometimes it’s just what has to be done if you’re going to make a change.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A couple of years ago I decided to start going to a ‘fat club’. I had put on quite a lot of weight and if I’m honest, I was in denial but I had to face up to it. When I stepped on the scales on the first night <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was absolutely devastated. I find it hard to put into words just how disappointed in myself I was that I had allowed myself to get up to that weight and abused my body in that way. I lost a couple of stone and managed to keep it off for a while but slowly as my diet changed so did my weight and it crept back up. I wanted to nip it in the bud so I headed back to fat club for a short, sharp shock. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Week after week I would go along and be weighed and then listen as we all made excuses for why we were still fat. I do accept that the moral support of the group can help but it actually made me feel terrible. The only goal we were focusing on or that was recognised as success was the number going down on the scales. I was working really hard with both my diet and with my exercise and for three weeks in a row my weight stayed exactly the same. I knew I was getting thinner as my clothes were getting looser. I also had a piece of string that I used to monitor my shrinking waist but I still felt totally demoralised and a complete failure when I was told three weeks in a row that I had effectively failed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another thing that is completely ridiculous is the huge amount of pressure that revolves around one weigh in, on one day every single week. I’m not going to lie, I was tactical about it. On weigh in days I would eat and drink less and try and wee more to be the lightest I could possibly be. I would NEVER consider wearing jeans or chunky jewellery as they may have increased my weight and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only fat club member that has behaved like this. It was quite normal to go home and pig out after weight in night too as I had a week to undo the damage. Surely this is not a healthy way to behave! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Different things can affect your weight too making it seem like you’ve failed. One particular week I had exercised every day and I naughtily weighed myself the night before to have a sneaky peek at how well I was doing. By the time the weekly weigh in came the following night, I had magically put on 4lbs. I looked like the girl that was full of excuses when they told me my weight. I was astounded, I couldn’t believe it. When I got home I stepped on my scales and sure enough, the fat club ones were correct. Amazingly, the following morning the 4lbs disappeared. The extra weight may have been water retention but it still went down in my fat club week as a ‘gain week’ which translates as failure! I am not saying that I completely disagree with slimming clubs as they do work for some people and I do still follow some of the eating guidelines.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jDv8_pVKMVBBYkWLJYWD-JMBHsHuQYNLsZzG9kbRuIgBuCHGYrK77k3zpfzXAvFd05dPlUc2i4gEJlkip7nvA_IIZr9ZVkZZT2fHofsSpohCsf7ypUM47yesil4Mh4z7nvjO-_PTntM/s1600/Weighing+scales+cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jDv8_pVKMVBBYkWLJYWD-JMBHsHuQYNLsZzG9kbRuIgBuCHGYrK77k3zpfzXAvFd05dPlUc2i4gEJlkip7nvA_IIZr9ZVkZZT2fHofsSpohCsf7ypUM47yesil4Mh4z7nvjO-_PTntM/s400/Weighing+scales+cropped.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I thought long and hard and in the end came to the conclusion that for me, to focus solely on weight is a ridiculous notion. On 1<sup>st</sup> January I took a number of pictures of myself in very few clothes and they are pretty shocking. I have taken a similar set every Sunday since and will continue to do so throughout my training to enable me to physically see how my body is changing. Getting slimmer isn’t my only goal but it is one of them. For me, running is about feeling good, working hard and achieving things you never ever thought you’d be able to achieve in order to be the absolute best that you can be for yourself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today was another glorious day for a run. I headed out to do 11 or 12k and ended up running 15.35k. It was so beautiful and I was really enjoying it so I kept on running. I figured that the weather may not be as gorgeous next week so I should make the most of it. I even managed to incorporate some hills and still keep smiling. Just to make my day even better, I saw two pugs. A pug is a guaranteed happiness trigger when I’m out and about. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I took my phone with me and tracked my run but I intentionally didn’t take much notice of time. I worked hard but at this point in my training, my long runs are not about stressing myself with time goals. I thoroughly enjoyed today’s run and it was a great start to Janathon 2012 week 3. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Karleen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07878409779510495823noreply@blogger.com1