Sydney Street Art

After reading this story on the Guardian about a hapless workman destroying an original Banksy, I started to wonder whether the cool street work that I’d dubbed ‘imitation Banksy’ on my recent trip to Oz was, in fact, the real thing…?

Oh, and here’s a pretty derelict factory that I liked the look of:  

If there are any budding graffiti art historians out there who know anything about any of these images then feel free to leave me a comment!

Do you like street art? Have you ever found yourself taking pictures out of the realm of the normal ‘tourist’ shot?

Tags: Australia, Banksy, graffiti, news, Sydney

The Liebster Award

Last weekend the always-ever-so-stylish Diary of a Dashinista awarded my own little blog right here, BlackdogsandBarbells, a Liebster Award. This particular award is for small blogs with less than 200 followers – never has unpopularity been so rewarding!

Seriously though, I was extremely pleased to be awarded a Liebster – and from the Dashinista, no less, so a massive thank you! Diary of a Dashinista is a favourite blog of mine to read and one which lives up to its tag line: ‘never knowingly understyled’.It follows the exercise exploits of Dashinista, most notably recently running the Brighton Marathon, and is always immaculately and thoughtfully written, encouraging readers to get out there and try the activities reviewed for themselves.

I was having an especially grumpy weekend last week, which extended to a grumpy week hence the lack of posting till now, but receiving a Liebster Award relegated my frown to the sidelines – well, for a few minutes anyway.

Now, if you receive a Liebster, you should in turn nominate five more bloggers with less than 200 followers. Therefore, my own awards go to:

1. LiveRunLoveYoga is a healthy living and exercise blog which is always informative and inspiring. The author, Whitney, is dedicated to living her live as best she can and is careful to encourage others to do so too without preaching about it. I fully credit her with inspiring me to begin my yoga journey. Head over to LiveRunLoveYoga and see if you too can be motivated to try something new!
2. Howtorunabitfaster makes me giggle on a regular basis. A blog with the tag line ‘learning to run like a gazelle and less like a penguin’ was always going to strike a chord with me! Deana’s, the author’s, wry and true observations on the sometimes weird practice that is running means that her blog has relevance for every runner, regardless of ability. And if, like me, you’re not a natural, or come to that any kind of, athlete it will make you smile that little bit more.
3. Wild Things Run Free follows the adventures of Charlotte as she strives to show everyone how ‘More powerful than the will to win, is the courage to begin’. Her determination to live life to the fullest she possibly can is infectious and demands that you too attempt to do the same – well, at least, if you’re anything like me, until you get distracted by the mundane. Charlotte is also a shared host of Sweat to Street Sundays, an exercise/ fashion link up which regularly makes me wish I had the courage to put my face on my blog so I could take part.
4. Miles Covered is one for all the dog-loving runners out there. Not only does the author, Carrie, tend to run with one but she has created a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates this by matching dogs living in animal shelters with runners who wish to have the company of a four-legged friend whilst out pounding the pavement. If you’re a pet person, I bet that, like me, you’re very jealous of those lucky souls living in Philadelphia who get to take advantage of this great scheme. For the record, Carrie, if you’re reading this please consider branching out internationally!
5. Inspiring and healthy living in London does exactly what it says on the tin. If you’re in need of some motivation then head over to this blog to be reminded of the simplest of pleasures that is running. It can become all too easy to get caught up in mile splits and believing that the latest fancy gadget is essential to being able to plod one foot in front of the other, but stating that she measures ‘in smiles rather than time’ Inspiring and healthly living in London proves the perfect counterbalance to this.

The rules of the Liebster are:

1.    Link back to the person who gave it to you and thank them.
2.    Post the award to your blog.
3.    Give the award to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers that you appreciate and value (it’s a great way to get to word out there about other blogs). Apologies now if I’ve miscalculated how many people follow each blog that I’ve awarded.
4.    Leave a comment on the 5 blogs to let them know that they have received this award.

Tags: Liebster Award, motivation, running, yoga

30×30 progress update: 10k (finally)!

Yep, I finally did it.

Run 10k, that is.

Now, you may be wondering why it’s taken me so long to get here and, quite frankly, so am I. I did go to the land of Oz for nearly a month and I have been a bit inconsistent with my running but, still, I am unsure why it’s only now that I have accomplished this. In the interests of not getting injured I have progressed very slowly with increasing my mileage. In fact, I seemed to stall at 5 miles, to the point where I now feel I could easily proclaim “5 miles? Easy-peasy” and not be left with too much egg on my exercised induced reddened face.

But, an achievement is still an achievement so yay! And the best part of all this? I felt at the end like I could still have run another couples of miles. They may not have been very pretty but I’m confident I could have done 7 and probably even 8 miles. And you know what that would have meant? Only 2 more to go until I’d get to 10 miles – which is good seeing as I’ve just signed up for the Great South Run in October! Yay again!

Entering this 10 mile road race along the South Coast of England was, as you may remember, a New Year’s resolution of mine and something which, until recently, I would have never dreamed of being able to complete. But, exercise seems to have replaced self-harm as my weapon of choice against depression (along with meds and a brilliant mental health team) and so it is for this reason that I have decided to run in aid of the mental health charity Mind. I might feel brave enough to post a link to my sponsorship page when I get around to creating it but should any of you feel inclined to donate a few pennies before I’ve posted said link then just email me and I’ll send you the details of how you can sponsor moi.

Shameless plugging over and done with, I must admit that since running 10k I may, very possibly, have contracted a case of race fever. Not only have I entered my first ever proper-big-girl race (I have been to the amazing Parkrun a few times but the organisers there stress that it is a free weekly timed 5k run and NOT a race), but I may also be party to a plan to enter the lottery for……. THE LONDON MARATHON! Eek!

Quite how, if I am successful in the lottery, I am going to run 26.2 miles I have not the faintest idea! However, what I do know is that it will be run for a very good cause and to show support for a very special friend. One of my closest friend’s Mum has Leukaemia whilst her Dad has Cancer. As you can imagine it’s been a very tough time for them all and so one of my other friends has hatched a plan whereby we run the London Marathon and raise money for a Leukaemia or Cancer charity to demonstrate our love and support.  Not least, the sight of me attempting to huff and puff my way round London will provide ample light entertainment, I’m sure!

Are you entered for any races? Have you had any achievement lately, sporting or otherwise? 

Tags: 30 things to do before 30, 30 x 30, 30x30, depression, Great South Run, London Marathon, Mind, New Year's resolutions, running

30×30 progress update: Australia

G’day, mate!

How are you all?

I am back from the other side of the world!

Am I enjoying the wind and rain that seems to be constantly gracing the UK since I got back? Erm, nope, I am not! Bring back the sunshine please! It just seems so much easier (and nicer) to live an active lifestyle when the weather is on your side. Even if you only have a lunch break to spare, then you feel more inclined to get outside and get some fresh air. I certainly did in Oz (it was a research trip after all so no endless days of sunbathing for me!).

And, now that I’m back in the UK? Well, I’m pleased to be home in the flat as living out of one room between two of you gets pretty tiring after a short while. Really, though, I wish I were back in Sydney. It’s a great city with, what feels like, a healthy lifestyle. There were always people out jogging. Not to mention yoga, boxing and general fitness-related shenanigans in the parks and botanical gardens. I definitely found it very inspiring and have come back with a determination to keep improving my fitness and to make sure it becomes part of everyday life for me, come (the very frequent) rain or shine.

But there was another Sydney-related factor that has motivated me beyond belief. It is a factor that has a name: Helen Jenkins. For those of you not in the know (as was I a mere two weeks ago), Helen Jenkins is a team GB international triathlete. She is, in fact, a team GB triathlete who came 2^nd in the female race at the ITU World Tri Series opener in…Sydney!

To watch the event and see all those strong, determined women compete and complete was so very inspiring. And, it turns out, was also another step (or swim, bike and run) closer to completing my 30×30 list as I can now cross off ‘attend an international sporting event’. Sorry Olympics but ITU got there first!

Now, I must confess that I had hoped to be writing about achieving a different 30×30 goal: running 10k. But, alas, it was not to be. Both time constraints and the fact that my pasty and pale English body was sweltering in what the Australians were considering ‘chilly’ meant that the furthest I ran was about the 4 to 5 mile mark (my garmin died en route so I can’t be sure). I did manage to get this little picture of me running with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background though.

How have you been? Have you been keeping up with your exercise routines? Are you in need of motivation like I was? 

Tags: 30 things to do before 30, 30 x 30, 30x30, motivation, running, Sydney, triathlon

30 x 30 progress update: yoga

By the time you read this post, I should, finger’s crossed, be on the other side of the world. I’m hoping to find an internet café somewhere in Sydney so that I can update you all on my adventures, but in the meantime please allow me to fill you in on some more 30 x 30 progress.

You may recall that my 30 x 30 list included learning several new skills. Some of them, such as cooking, have not really gotten off the ground. Others, such as yoga, have been more successful.

Since the very beginning of darkest January, I have been attending weekly classes at a lovely yoga studio full of candles, incense and warmth. From the first moment I sat on the mat there, I knew that it was the place for me. Despite confiding in the instructor at the end of the first class that I was finding ‘it’ more difficult to ‘get’ than the other students, I have been amazed at how relaxed and positive these classes have made me feel – well, compared to my normal state, anyway. The studio’s philosophy is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to do yoga. The aim is not to achieve a particular pose but rather to focus on the journey and experience of the tradition.

The whole practice is relaxing yet invigorating. I find it really helps to change my mood and re-balance my outlook. As I mentioned, I found both the physical and spiritual sides of yoga slightly difficult to ‘get’ at first. I am not naturally blessed with either flexibility or confidence, both of which are necessary for letting one’s self become immersed in the practice. When I finally stopped worrying though about what everyone else was doing, I found that the physical and spiritual practice of yoga made me happy. My boyfriend would even go as far as to describe me as floaty after class!

Although I am definitely finding that practice helps makes closer to perfect (of course remembering that no such ideal ever really exists, especially when involved in yoga), I think that what I love about yoga is that it’s a journey which promises something different every time you practice. So, to all you yogis out there: I now understand why so many people are obsessed with this form of physical and spiritual exercise.

Have you ever tried yoga? Do you find certain exercise benefits your soul as well as you body? 

Tags: 30 things to do before 30, 30 x 30, 30x30, yoga

We’re off to see the Wizard

“We’re off to see the Wizard,

The wonderful Wizard of Oz,

…. Because, because, because, because, because

Of the wonderful things he does”.

Yep, that’s right – I, along with the long-suffering BF, am off to Oz.

And I’m hopeful that it will be wonderful.

But most of all, I’m crossing my finger’s that it too (like the Wizard of the same name) can do ‘wonderful things’ to mind, body and soul because I’m still grumpy and exhausted which in turn makes me more grumpy and exhausted.

Speaking of Wizards, I saw my psychiatrist this week and got some additional meds and a plan for reducing my other ones in the near future so there is hope on the horizon. Every time I go and have an appointment at this place I’m always relieved and surprised by the whole experience – well, apart from the waiting room! Seriously though, anyone who disses the NHS is crazier than me!

So, where does all this leave me with my forthcoming trip? Well, I’m going to get an early night tonight courtesy of my new meds and finish packing tomorrow before catching my flight. Hopefully, once I’m settled on the plane and I’ve ticked everything off my to-do list, I’ll relax a little, or preferably a lot – although either will be a welcome improvement.

And do you know what I’m looking forward to doing most in Sydney? Going for some lovely early morning runs whilst admiring the new and spectacular scenery. Oh, how this girl has changed!

What are your plans for this weekend? Do you have any trips (big or small) coming up? 

Tags: anxiety, Australia, depression, mental health, running

The A to Z of Depression

D is for feeling like a cloud of Doom and gloom has enveloped me

E is for using Exercise to feel better

P is for Planning every detail of my day

R is for going Running to forget myself

E is for feeling like I’m Eating too much

S is for learning how to do a Shoulder stand

S is for the beauty and torture of Silence

I is for not trusting my Instincts

O is for Over-thinking things

N is for Never quite giving in

 

I is for resisting the thought of self-Injury

S is for always wanting to Sleep

 

A is for wanting to, but not being, Avoidant

 

C is for trying to avoid becoming a Crisis

O is for using DBT to help change my Outlook

W is for smiling at the end of a Weights workout

How are you feeling these days? Is there a particular acronym that sums up your emotions? They can be good ones as well as bad! Do you find exercise helps lift your mood?

Tags: dbt, depression, exercise, mental health, recovery, running, strength training, stress, weights

Frankie Says Relax

And like a good 80s child, I should listen…

Although, erm, actually, I don’t know a Frankie…

But, I have been told to relax – and by my long suffering BF too. So, in the spirit of the ever hopeful fulfilment of domestic bliss, that is what I’m trying to do.

And the reason for this enforced revitalisation? Well, I don’t know if I got stressed because I felt poorly or I felt poorly because I got stressed but, whatever the why’s and wherefore’s, I am not a particularly chilled-out little bunny at the moment and I have been sneezing and generally feeling sorry for myself too.

So, whilst I’m still sniffly and achey, there is to be no running or weights. And, more challengingly, there is to be no stressing out about not doing them.

One area, however, that I am happy to relax about not doing is the housework – I’m all for having a lovely little clean tidy flat but, right now, it is at the bottom of my increasingly long to-do list.

I can not afford to get either head or body poorly at the moment so I’m just going to try and r..e..l..a..x when I can and when I can’t I’m going to try to create even the tiniest time and space to do so. I’ll let you know how I get on!

How is your week going? How do you manage to relax even when life is becoming increasingly busy? 

Tags: healthy living, life, lifestyle, pressure, recovery, running, stress, time off, weights

30×30 progress update

Now, I must confess that this was an accidental achievement but, all the same, I managed to goblet squat my 24kg kettlebell! Yay!

The squat itself wasn’t the prettiest but the kettlebell still went down and back up in a squat-like fashion so I reckon it still counts! However, I didn’t realise that I’d achieved one of my 30×30 goals until I was looking at my list later on.

In fact, my focus for that strength training session had been on another achievement which, dare I say, was even more impressive than my goblet squat: I strict pressed my 8kg kettlebell with both arms! Whoop!

This may not sound like a major achievement but it’s been a goal of mine for months – I’ve got a very weak upper body, especially my left arm, and I’ve been struggling with it since last summer. As you imagine, I was very proud when I, quite unexpectedly, managed not one, not two but four strict presses with each arm!

Because this was a long-term goal of mine I was hopeful that it was on my 30×30 list but, no, I must have been feeling slightly optimistic and ambitious when I compiled said list as it does contain a kettlebell one-arm press goal but with my 12kg one instead! Doh! Looks like I better start practicing then! 8 months and counting till the big 3-0….

All in all, this fab weights session rounded off a pretty cool weekend – I went away with my BF and some friends to sunny Devon. It was a bit of a foodie weekend with the highlight for me being lunch at the River Cottage Canteen in Axminister.

I stuffed myself silly with roast parsnip soup for starters, spelt risotto for mains, and orange posset with shortbread for dessert. Yum! Oh, and I had a lovely fruit juice and a stinger ale to wash it all down with!

How was your weekend? Have you had any ‘accidental’ achievements lately? What are your current goals?

 

Tags: 30 things to do before 30, 30x30, food, goals, kettlebells, River Cottage Canteen, squats, strength training, weights

An active month! So far, anyway…

Greetings blogsphere buddies!

And apologies for my rubbish posting schedule lately. 

But, in my defence, I must add that this absence hasn’t been the result of some low-mood funk and the subsequent abandoning of living a healthy life that usually accompanies it. Nope! Instead, I’m pleased to say, I have been active, very active – well, for me, anyway…

Did you see all the pretty colours on the Garmin connect screenshot? That’s because I’ve been on some fantastic walks, some fab runs and a fearsome cycle ride. I’ve also been making progress on my 30×30 list, as you can tell by the Yoga inserts, but that deserves its own post so more on that at a later date! In the meantime, first things first: walking.

And not just any old walking, but snow covered (quite steep) hill walking in the Peak District. It was beautiful:

My boyfriend and I went on several long-ish walks, one of which took in the same edge that had seemed, to me, impossible to conquer just over a year ago. In fact, it had damn near killed me and was part of the inspiration for me to get fit and active. Now, this walk was only about 9 miles long but it felt, and took, a lot longer once you factor in wading through the snow. Still, never one to pass up a photo opportunity and to reflect proudly on the journey of the past year, I crept as near to the edge as I dared on the top of a hill that I’d only longingly gazed at 13 months ago:

This hasn’t been my only encounter with hills though. They, or rather their very-slight slope-like impostor relatives, have also made an appearance in my weekly runs. And, I swear, they are my nemesis. Neither of us likes each other. I don’t like the fact it’s such a life and death effort to get up them and they can’t enjoy the intrusion of such a spectacle either. But, I’m determined to be a better runner and unfortunately the world isn’t flat so hills (or slopes) it is then.

Luckily, I fared (only) slightly better on my first bike ride in decades. Although the gears on the bike didn’t really work very well and the saddle quickly became my latest enemy (with a force to rival that of the hills), I managed to cycle 16 miles and survived! Yay! What better way to spend Valentines Day than huffing and puffing along the English countryside with your significant other? We celebrated with a quick half in a nearby pub and then caught the train home where a nice bottle of chilled champaign was waiting to help soothe our aches and pains.

So far, then, it’s been an active an varied month. In addition to walking, running, and cycling I have, as mentioned earlier, also been regularly attending yoga classes and I even did a weights workout for the first time in months! It was fun, lotsa fun, and I’m looking forward to getting back what little strength I did accrue over last summer. I’m hopeful for hitting my 30×30 aim of a BW deadlift by September – finger’s crossed!

How’s your month been? Have you enjoyed a particularly active February? 

Tags: 30 things to do before 30, 30x30, cycling, healthy living, running, strength training, Valentines Day, walking, weights