I saw a post a couple of days ago that said "if you have lost faith in humanity, go and watch a marathon. If you have lost faith in yourself, go and run one".
After an extraordinary weekend, run by an incredible man who is so genuine, kind and big hearted, I would seriously consider coming out of relationship retirement for another like him, I return home with a full heart, new friends and fully motivated to grasp life by both hands.
BE MORE SCILLY
That is my mantra after an absolutely wonderful weekend in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I went along as support for good friend and online member Lou who had taken on (and completed, of course!) the mighty challenge of 60km run over 5 islands. The pressure was all the more intense as each island had to be completed before a cut off time, in order to get all runners onto the boats and over to the next island so where in some ultra endurance events the participant may walk, have a moment to take photos or stretch, on this event there was no time! Lots of people “time out” and don’t make the final bugle call on any one of the islands.
They then sit on a boat for sometimes up to 30 mins, with muscles tightening, getting cold and losing that momentum before lining up at the start line on the next island and setting off again.
There was a marathon distance a couple of days before and an insane 110k two days after. Suffice to say that St Mary's was wall to wall with endurance athletes and supporters and the weekend was a total joy. The atmosphere, the sense of camaraderie the open armed welcome of the island inhabitants all added to an extraordinary few days where, as we were all staying on the island, we got to know eachother, meeting for coffee or lunch, or on one day, a sauna and sea swim. We have come away with new friends and connections, meeting such a diverse range of people all brought together for one mad reason!
I taught a beach class on Saturday with a really good turn out and from there on in, was met quite a few times with “oh you’re the Pilates lady” which I was delighted about!
We were able to buy little cow bells to ring and the noise of that along with the cheering was extraordinary.
Despite being “just” a supporter, I felt totally included and by race day I knew quite a lot of the participants and was merrily bellowing out support and ringing my little cow bell with passion while following them in the supporter’s boat from island to island and dashing to various vantage points to cheer them on.
On the day, as one runner passed us, a lady said to her (I assume, partner) "Oh, you have mud on your face", which I followed up with "you big disgrace, kicking your can all over the place." I thought I was terribly witty but she just stared at me with a totally blank expression. Wasted moment... .
I won't say any more about Lou's race as it is her story to tell but I will wrap up by saying that what she achieved was phenomenal. Some people who had not managed to finish in previous years returned for a second or even third attempt and out of 150 starters, only 115 managed to complete it. Our Lou absolutely smashed it and even managed a big post race smile for the photo below.
(psst - never mind blistered feet and bloodied knees - I have a cow bell ringing blister on my finger! THAT'S the commitment of support!)
Ageing is a privilege
and a fact of life (if we are lucky). We cannot do anything about ageing but HOW we age... now that is another matter.
"If there was a new drug available that burns fat while you sleep , improves sleep and mood, costs next to nothing and has no side effects, would you take it ?"
It lowers cortisol, over time it grows the brain - more grey matter that provides sharper focus, stronger emotional regulation. Memory that actually improves not declines... it reduces inflammation across the whole body, reduces puffiness and stops the body fighting itself... it permanently raises your resting metabolism meaning you burn more calories even at rest...
It's called
STRENGTH TRAINING.
I am always cautious before I write about subjects such as this, as there is a lot of rubbish out there and it is essential that you do NOT believe every article you see but I have a few trusted sources that rely on scientific research and published findings from where I write this. The words above borrowed from
The Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer's Association recommend combing strength training with aerobic training for optimal brain health.
Recent studies conducted have proved better memory and thinking skills and less brain wasting for those weight training twice a week, against their peers who were not lifting weights.
Here's a scientific bit...
"Lifting weights reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease by combating physical decline and triggering beneficial processes in the brain. Regular strength training helps shield the brain by reducing inflammation, bossing crucial neuroprotective proteins and improves overall metabolic health."
You don't need to become an Olympic weightlifter or dedicate your entire retirement to the gym but you do owe it to yourself to live your best life.
Ageing is out of our hands. HOW we age - that one is down to us. So, if you are not yet lifting weights (clearly not one of my clients), I ask you .. when might you choose to start?
ONE DAY? OR DAY ONE?
Sources - Fisher Centre for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, Age Uk, The Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer's Association, ACSM Guidelines, Jaymie Moran,
