You are probably wondering what the significance of the above photo is – it was taken on the way to Larbert High School in Falkirk last Wednesday where I was to give a talk. They actually look like this:
They are called “Kelpies” The Kelpies tower a colossal 30 metres above the Forth & Clyde canal and form a dramatic gateway to the canal entrance on the East Coast of Scotland. Sculpted by Andy Scott and are a monument to horse powered heritage across Central Scotland.
A few weeks ago I had been contacted by Fraser at Larbert High School to ask if I would come and talk to a group of pupils who were taking part in the “Captains Challenge”. The project was launched to coincide with the run up to the Commonwealth Games that start at the end of July in Glasgow. The aim is to inspire and encourage as many of the 1800 pupils in the school to challenge themselves in 2014 to set a goal targeted around them leading a more active, healthier lifestyle. The challenge is being organised and lead by Fraser and the ten other senior pupils who make up the Captaincy Team, hence it’s name. Here is a video sent to me of some of the challenges the pupils have set themselves. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ-1L_0bmc4
I hope they enjoyed my talk, from a personal point of view I loved meeting the pupils and hearing about their challenges. The school has won many sporting awards and has great facilities and clubs to cover every interest imaginable. Two young ladies were aiming to improve their 800m and 100m times, others were running a half marathon or 20 miles, in fact there were so many challenges it would take a whole blog just to cover them! One marvellous pupil called Barry was full of questions and his challenge for 2014 was to cycle a marathon. I’m looking forward to hearing how they all get on. There were loads of questions which I loved and even HWMBO answered a few questions!
After the talk we returned home where I took myself off for a lovely run around Arthur’s Seat – note to self “I need to do more hill work” it knackered me running up the road to Arthur’s Seat, there was no way I could run to the top! Then it was time to get all dolled up and drive to Glasgow for the Scottish Adventurer Awards.
When I heard that I had not only been nominated for two awards Adventurer of the year award and Physical Endeavour Award I was absolutely delighted but didn’t expect to win any of the awards when I looked at who I was up against.
The Adventurer award went to Sean Conway who swam the length of the UK (totally mad!) I asked him what made him do it and he said that he was told it couldn’t be done (a man after my own heart) Then it was time for the Physical Endeavour awards – well, not a chance when you look at the other amazing people on the list so you can imagine my delight and surprise when I was called up as a winner alongside Donnie Campbell – I was so ecstatic my heart was pounding as I stepped up onto the stage. Of course I had to make a little speech as I was so overwhelmed! Many congratulations to every person who was firstly nominated and then on the shortlist, everyone of the names on the list was a worthy winner.
It was lovely to have two of my sponsors there Ed & Phil Active this is going to sound corny but for me it makes a huge difference having the support, encouragement and belief in my abilities from all my sponsors, as well as my outstanding crew, thank you. A great evening was had by all.
With all the excitement of the week HWMBO and myself finished the weekend off attending a fantastic wedding in London then on Sunday packed all Son & Heir to Nothing possessions into a van and waved him goodbye as he moved out of the family home into his own flat – HURRAY!
From a training point of view things are improving all the time. My knee seems to be good, now I just need to get my ankles sorted then I’ll be marvellous! It’s very frustrating going out for a run when everything feels good except for my wooden ankles but this will also improve over the next few weeks.
I now just need to get used to a quiet and tidy house ……….. 🙂
Happy Training!
