It is time to start thinking out Christmas workouts. Here is a great little workout for the festive season. Time to get moving!
*Please make sure you are able to undertake exercises correctly and you have a medical clearance to do so before undertaking any exercise.
Want to be a proud Fit Average Jo? Looking for a cool gift for someone.
There is a range of fitness related Fit Average Jo merchandise available just for you. Head to the Fit Average Jo Shop to see what gear you can get your hands on. Wear it with pride in the gym, out socially or to the pub because after all, you are a proud Fit Average Jo!
*WARNING – you may get mobbed wearing this gear as everyone wants to be a Fit Average Jo.
Sizes are selling out fast at the moment so don’t leave it too long to make your decision.
If you are someone who is keen to ease their way back into fitness (who is back at a beginner level) with some basic motivation, workouts and staple exercises then the Fit Average Jo on-line 30 Day Challenge may be for you. It is a planned 30 day slow and steady entry-level return journey to exercise program.
This on-line app based program lasts for 30 days and includes 1-2 daily exercise(s) to perform (rotating through 5 different ones), walking days, supportive daily messages (about mindful eating and gratitude journaling), and a start and finish progress assessment. It will help you get back into exercise at a nice and slow pace. You can link it to your smart watch if you like.
I am seeing great success getting people back into exercise with this app based program. It’s around a dollar a day to get you back on track with your health and well-being. Your 30 days starts from a date you decide so it can be a great Christmas present for someone. Buy now for a new year start.
**This is an ‘entry-level’ return to exercise program and not a program for people who are fit or have lived the gym lifestyle.**
You will access the program via an app for $30 for 30 days. That just a $1 a day to help get you on track to health and fitness! Just to make sure you are safe to exercise I will do some mandatory exercise screen questions with you before you start. I need to make sure exercise is going to be a good thing for you.
Find out more at FitAverageJo.com
Holiday season is just round the corner. There will be parties, celebrations, food and champagne. Ahhhh….that irresistible succulent Christmas dinner and sumptious pudding. That mouth watering new year buffet and the countdown champagne are so tempting. Your spirit is willing but your flesh is week. You will probably binge.
So what is price you pay for your hoilday binge? Well, it’s likely that if you step onto the bathroom scale, horror of horrors, you will gain a few kilograms and have lost some fitness!! Aaaaaaaaarrrrgghhh!! …
You may even contemplate engaging a personal trainer to put you on a strict training program to get you back on track in the new year. Whoa, fret no longer. With a little thought and planning, you can avoid holiday decline of health and fitness.
Here are some tips on how to stay on track during the holiday season.
1) Just Remember that the holiday season is just a few days.
You may find yourself thinking “I will gain weight around the holidays,” or “I’ll have to lose my Christmas weight after holiday season is over.”
Since you know this is likely to happen recognise that there are only a couple of days that you will eat more. Eat more on those days and no more. Don’t let the binge spread into a week or more by taking home all the leftovers or storing more sweets and pastries than you need for that particular holiday. It is usually what people find in the fridge and on the kitchen shelf after the holiday that they continue to binge on. Empty your fridge and the shelves. This will help you to manage what you eat in a more planned way.
2) Turn Off Your TV Set
Hey! Instead of watching all those holiday special programs or streamed channels, get moving! Instead of watching a soccer game on TV, get a ball and go to the nearest park for a kick around. Instead of lying on your couch snacking to a packet of chips, go lie by the poolside, then do a few laps. Better still, get your family and friends to join you. Go for a jog instead. Be innovative, think of some indoor activities or exercises you can do every day. While others gain weight, you may even lose weight. After all its a holiday. Have fun!
3) Avoid Acohol To Avoid Weight Gain
One gram of alcohol packs a whalloping 7 calories. In contrast, carbs and protein have only 4 calories per gram. Calories from alcohol are just, well, calories with zero nutritional value. Empty calories. They will rapidly convert into fat fast when you do not burn them off quickly. Avoid high-calorie mixed drinks like cocktails that are full of sugar or beer which are high in carbohydrates which translate into even more calories. You will definitely need to be on a weight loss program if you indulge in too much alcohol.
4) Drink Plenty Of Water
Juices, soft drinks and coffee don’t count! Just good ole plain water. Water flushes out toxins in the body, helps the body recover from dehydration caused by alcohol consumption. You will also feel full so that you will not over eat resulting in gaining weight.
5) Skip Dessert
Do you need those sweet and calorie laden thingies? If you must have them, choose those that are not that sweet or even better, just have some fibrous fruits and nuts.
If you can keep to these tips this coming holiday season, you will help to keep your health, fitness and wellbeing on track. Simple and cool isn’t it?
Going away over the festive season but want to stay fit? Gym closing over Christmas? Locked down at home with no gym access? Want to keep training at home to keep the edge on your training?
It’s so hard to stay on track when you have to be self motivated to come up with a training plan yourself. Many people end up not doing anything and losing ground on their training at this time of year.
This app will help you stay on track. I do up a program just for you. No equipment at home or on holidays? No problem, I can program for no equipment. If you have specific equipment like a suspension trainer or dumbbells, I can program with those. I cater for all fitness levels from beginner through to the super fit. You load the app onto your phone or tablet and take it with you on holidays, the park or use it at home.
Track your progress as you go. Keep in contact with me through the app if you have any questions. There are videos that show you how to do each exercise if you are not sure how to do each one correctly. Lots of people are finding great success with this app. For around a dollar a day you can keep your training on track during the holiday season at home or away.
Get programs and workouts written specifically for you loaded onto your app, no having to make up workouts yourself.
The app is on your phone so you can train anywhere and at whatever time suits you – no need to wait for your trainer. Train at midnight if you want to!
There are short videos to show you how to do the exercises safely. Record and track your progress through the app.
Communicate with your trainer (me) through the app.
The app links with your Fitbit, Apple Watch and My Fitness Pal.
There is the option to upload your progress photos and reminders will be scheduled to record your progress.
Its cheaper than a personal trainer!
Don’t go losing those gains you have worked so hard for all year. Find out more about the app at Fitaveragejo.com.
Here at FIT AVERAGE JO, I care about your health and well-being, both immediately and in the long term!
That’s why I am doing a blog about what I am doing in the wake of the COVID-19 virus (aka Coronavirus) … and what YOU can do to protect yourself.
I’ve even created an Immune Boosting Checklist, which contains science-backed steps you can take to improve your immune function AND avoid picking up any unwanted germs (including any colds, flu and stomach bugs that are going around).
Here are some steps I am taking with Fit AVERAGE JO clients at the gym:
If you are not showing any signs of sickness I also encourage you to continue your workouts, since regular activity is a part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Studies show that moderate workouts lasting an hour or less helps improve your overall immune function – plus they can help you de-stress, which can also help keep your immune system strong.
If I had a dollar for every time someone said this to me I would be a rich woman.This statement is so far off base but it reveals the fears that people have about their own fitness and group fitness.
The truth is you go to a Bootcamp to get fit. Bootcamp isn’t the end goal, it is the means to the end goal (fitness). Any decent bootcamp instructor can work with all fitness levels and scale bootcamp challenges to suit every fitness level. Bootcamp is fun. Go along and see for yourself.
Many people are surprised that Bootcamps are far from what you imagine they would be. Yes, you get challenged, yes, some bootcamp sessions you will hate. Some you will love. Bootcamp is about challenging yourself, not being better than everyone else. Bootcamps are about trying something different every time. You learn a range of functional fitness skills. Someone plans it all for you. You just have to turn up.
If you really don’t think you are fit enough start walking every day. It’s free. Walk a little further each day, walk a little longer each day. Set yourself a walking goal. Start committing time to your health, fitness and well-being. Start being consistent. Get into a routine. Walk with your family. Start something.
If you are one of those people who thinks they can’t join a group fitness class until they are fit enough, think again. Prove yourself wrong. Just start. Ask your friends and family who they recommend. Go with a friend so you have someone to share the experience with.
The trick is just start something. Don’t wait until Monday, or next month, or after your holiday. Just start. You are investing in your future self. Go!
| Unplug 🌟Did you know that 80% of smartphone users check their phones within 15 minutes of waking up!? Checking for missed calls/important texts is one thing, but scrolling social media first thing is another. It can set your tone for the whole day! 📲Set yourself a challenge, try waiting at least ONE hour before you scroll through your social media in the morning! Instead, use that time to read, journal, or talk with your family members and take control over how you start your day. 🙂 |
🎉🙌This recipe sounds weird but it is so delicious – you would never guess that it is made from chickpeas!
🍪😋 This cookie dough is safe to eat raw because it doesn’t contain eggs.
🥣🥄 You can eat this straight from the bowl with a spoon, or make cookie dough balls from it, and store in the fridge.
👩🍳🥜One of the things that’s awesome about this recipe (besides the fact it’s healthier and delicious) is that you can experiment with it to make it your own.
Try swapping out the nut butter, adding some oats or flaxseed (start with ⅛ cup (12 g) and add more until you get the desired consistency) and using honey or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup. It’s so good!
🍪Chocolate Chip-Chickpea Cookie Dough
(makes 4 servings)
Ingredients
Place the first 5 ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until well-mixed. Scrape into a bowl, and stir in the chocolate chips (option: melt the chips and stir in).
This will keep 3-4 days in the refrigerator, if it lasts that long!
🏼 Bit scared to give a boxing class a go?
🥊 Not sure how to use all the boxing gear but want to give boxing a go? 🥊 This Introduction to Boxing PT session will show you the basics on how to use gloves, use pads with confidence and learn some boxing basics. ✅ I get you ready to join a boxing class with confidence. ✔️
I can refer you to a reputable local boxing club to take your dreams of boxing and boxing fitness to the next level.
This is an entry level boxing PT session to help you prepare for a boxing class. No judgement, no pressure. Just the basics so you can start your boxing confidently. Suitable for individuals, families and couples. I can come to you in the privacy of your own yard or work with you at PCYC Mount Isa if you are a current financial gym member. No boxing equipment needed.
$50 for an individual Introduction to Boxing PT session. Ask me about pairs and small group discounts.
🔥📢CHALLENGE TIME! 🔥📢
💜 For decades, we’ve heard about the importance of taking care of our heart by exercising and eating a healthy and balanced diet.
💚 But now, we also know that our gut health is just as important … and that the health of our digestive system plays a HUGE role in our cardiovascular and brain health!
👩🔬 The amount of research coming out in this area is pretty amazing, with new findings practically every week.
💪Your challenge this week is to focus on your gut health and show it a little extra love!
💡Try incorporating as many of these steps as possible into your routine and see how much better you feel!
📓Pro tip: Keep a journal to track your results with bloating, how you sleep, and how you feel in general.
Here are some suggestions:
😷 Slow down your eating! This will help your digestive system do its job better. Plus, it’ll help you stop eating before you’re too full, and you’ll also swallow less air (which cuts back on gas).
🍽 Eat smaller meals. Too much food in your stomach = reflux. Yuck!
⏰ Get on a meal schedule. Try to eat at the same times each day. Your body performs best with a regular routine.
😴 Stop eating a couple hours (at least) before bed. For many people, the GI system is most active during the day.
🥦🥑🍆 Get 20-30 grams of fiber a day. If this is more than you normally eat, slowly increase fiber so you don’t end up feeling bloated, uncomfortable and gassy.
🧘 Reduce stress. Your body has a much harder time digesting food when you’re feeling tense and stressed out.
🧘 Do deep breathing exercises. Think about breathing down deep into your belly!
🍲 Probiotics. Consider eating low-sugar, probiotic yogurt to boost the healthy bacteria in your gut. If you want to take a supplement, be sure to ask your doc first because some strains can be harmful if you have digestive or immune system issues.
⛹🏼 Exercise. Working out helps your body move food through your digestive tract!
So… are you in?
Your gut (and your heart!) will thank you for it.
References:
www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/healthy-gut-healthy-heart
www.healthline.com/health/gut-health
Look into your crystal ball to ONE YEAR from now and imagine the life you’re living. This isn’t only about what you’ve accomplished (but that can be part of it). I want you to fast forward a year and envision yourself and your life.
What do you feel like? What does your life look like? How do you spend your days? And one final question … what has changed?
This is your chance to dream big for your life and how it will actually FEEL to get there! The more time you spend on this, the more clarity you get. When you KNOW what you want your life to look like, you’ll be a lot more likely to make your future self a reality!
Do yourself a favour and write down a detailed description of your “future self.” Don’t spare any of the details!
This may just be one of the BEST things you do all year.
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| Your challenge is to switch it up and do something you haven’t done in a while (or haven’t done before!) Ready to take it to the next level?! How about signing up for a seminar, workshop, or new class?! Maybe it’s rock climbing class, mosaic workshop, gardening or photography class, a new dance session…. you name it! Any ideas come to mind that sound interesting? Do it! |
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| Have a think about what you really want for your life over the next 12 months, and create your 2020 bucket list. I’m not just talking about setting big, serious goals (although those are always good!) … but what are some fun and different things you want to try this year? This time next year, what do you want to have accomplished, tried, or conquered? Think about it … and make a list! Maybe you want to climb a mountain, write a book, run a marathon, learn to make sushi or visit a special vacation spot. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination! Are you up for the challenge?! Write down what are the 3 things on YOUR list for 2020? |
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| One of my New Year resolutions is to listen to more Podcasts. In this quest to learn more I have stumbled upon the Plant Proof Podcast by Simon Hill. From the outset, I can say I am not a vegan. I eat meat. I am also not completely wedded to any particular diet either. If you look hard enough you can find research that will support and dispute just about any diet. However, since becoming allergic to dairy I have been unwillingly forced (initially) to explore more plant based foods. To my surprise I have found some great vegan food options and this has driven me to explore more about a plant based lifestyle. If you have an interest in this area or you are curious about the benefits of plant based foods then have a look at the web page at https://plantproof.com/ and also start listening to the podcasts. Some of the episodes didn’t capture my interest but the stories of many different people have me hooked. Plant Proof™ was inspired by Simon’s personal experience living a plant based lifestyle. Prior to transitioning from animal foods to a plant based diet he shared many common fears among men, and many women, in this position:“Am I going to lose muscle?” “Will I gain fat and feel bloated?” “What about my iron?” “Will I get enough protein?” Through talking to others that are happily leading a plant based lifestyle, tuning into countless hours of podcasts, indulging in a diverse range of nutritional books and taking on University studies, Simon has been able to answer all of those questions and more.Being frequently questioned about his diet and what foods he does and does not eat to stay healthy on the inside and out Simon decided to set up Plant Proof as a central source of ‘easy to apply’ evidence based information. What interest’s me most about this podcast is the variety of information about the benefits of plant based foods, even for those of us who are not living a vegan lifestyle. |
Breakfast Burritos
(Makes 2 burritos)
Ingredients
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onions and peppers until soften and slightly caramelized. Add beans and pepper flakes and cook until warmed through, 3-4 minutes.
While the veggies are cooking, in a medium bowl whisk the eggs and egg whites, and then add the cheese.
When the veggies are heated through, transfer to a dish and if necessary, spray the skillet with non-stick spray. Pour in the eggs and scramble, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
To serve, spread each tortilla or lettuce leaf with some salsa, and then layer each with half of the black bean mixture, half the eggs, and half the tomato and avocado. Season with hot sauce. Roll up your tortilla or lettuce leaf like a burrito and enjoy!
TIME TO GET YOUR WORKOUT MUSIC IN ORDER
To get the most out of your workout playlist, instead of just adding songs in a random order, organize them by their mood and tempo. That way, the music can help you pace your workout. Slower motivating songs can get you warmed up … and faster or more intense songs can help you pick up the pace for the bulk of your workout. Then nice relaxing and empowering songs will help guide your cool down.
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a fun city that I definitely want to go back to.
I ventured there in September and I now very much regret not planning to stay longer. The weather was perfect in September too, not too hot or too cold. It was a friendly, clean and welcoming city.
The biggest draw card for me was the Harley Davidson Museum. I was like a kid in a candy shop. Oh, yes I was! This girl almost couldn’t sleep with excitement the night before going.
Milwaukee is the home of the Harley. The Museum is a testament to that but it is also a very clever marketing strategy because I walked away wanting to buy a Harley. :-).
If you are a HOGs member then entry to the Museum is free. I paid for the extra behind the scenes tour which was well worth the extra. Entry entitles you to try out some fixed Harleys and there are some old and new Harleys that you can sit on in the Museum. If you love bikes you will love this Museum. If you don’t like bikes, you will after your visit. Definitely a must see Museum in Milwaukee. I spent quite a few hours there. A new Harley Davidson motorbike is considered a souvenir, right?
There is a great river walk and a sculpture walk though Milwaukee, both free. I found the Bronze Fonz on the river walk. Heeeeeeeyyyyyy.
The Modern History Museum is also one of the best I have seen. It is a bit on the expensive side, around $20US, but definitely worth going to. They have some great displays with something to interest everyone.
The Milwaukee Public Market is the place to go if you are a foodie. I found a beer and sausage bar there. Yes, dreams do come true, folks. I thought I had struck gold.
The Art Museum is located right on the water front and it has wings. The wings open in the morning and close at night. It’s a quirky and artistic way to bring people to the area.
Milwaukee has great walking tracks around the water front with lots of space for families to run around, play sport, read a book or take some time out. It is nice to walk around downtown Milwaukee from there. There are many options for anyone who likes to enjoy a city on foot.
I found a bar that serves Bloody Mary drinks with burgers in them. If you are quite peckish you can order a whole fried chicken in your Bloody Mary. I kid you not! Delicious. Sobel Mans is the place. Definitely check it out.
Don’t miss the brewery tour at the Lakefront Brewery. For $9 you get 4 beers, the tour, a spare beer ticket to use at another location and a free beer glass. Great value for a beer lover like me. The tour told the history of the brewery but I have to say the free beers were the best bit. It is also on the river walk so easy to get to if you like walking. It’s clever marketing with the free glass but now I am working out ways to get my glass back in one piece on the plane.
I stayed at the Astor Hotel. This hotel was very reasonably priced in a good residential location right in downtown Milwaukee. It was a very regal style hotel. They have a complimentary transport service to locations close to the hotel. I absolutely enjoyed my stay and the location was perfect. I would recommend this hotel.
When I left Milwaukee I travelled to Chicago by the Amtrak train. It was easy and probably the best way to get to and from Chicago. The ticket was about $25 which included two checked bags. This would definitely be my preferred way to travel that way over the short distance.
I have come to the conclusion that I will never have enough time to do everything when I visit a city. There is always something exciting happening in every city and Milwaukee was no exception. There was so much more I could have done. I heard there is a fantastic music festival that runs over two weeks at the end of June and the start of July each year. This may be the reason I go back. I fell in love with Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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I recently visited The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
On display at the museum is an actual camp bed that was used by George Washington in 1775. I have to say, it looks remarkably similar to camp beds people use today. It seems to be a design that has lasted centuries. This particular camp bed looks like it folds right back up into a suitcase which is at the pillow end of the bed.
Also on display at the museum are photos from 1915 of people camping with what looks like a modern day awning tent off the side of a Model T Ford. There is also a roof top camper on the top of a Ford dated 1957.
It looks like these designs have been around for over 100 years, as long as cars have been around.
The most interesting camping display item was a ‘tent trailer’ from 1927. The design is very similar to modern day camper trailers!
Glamping may not be a new concept after all!
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Detroit is a city in recovery with a very strong and fascinating history.
I stayed in downtown Detroit. It wasn’t a bad location but transportation in Detroit isn’t one of Detroit’s strong points so there were a lot of Uber rides.
Downtown Detroit is a contrast of abandoned buildings and new city life. There are historical buildings, abandoned buildings, vacant lots here buildings once stood, buildings being given new life and some very expensive buildings, all intermingled. There are green spaces, swings for adults, free entertainment and lots of places to eat in the city itself. A walk around the city makes for an interesting opportunity to appreciate architecture new and old.
Detroit doesn’t seem to do tourism that well so I had to do a lot of my own research. If you are planning a trip to Detroit research heavily before you get there.
The outstanding highlights were the Motown Museum, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Henry Ford Museum.
I happened to be at the Motown Museum on the 60th anniversary of Motown Records where Berry Gordon (founder) was there to make a big announcement. I was lucky to get a ticket given you really do need to book a ticket ahead and it was such a monumental day. Tickets were less than $20US. The tour is very interesting and gives insight into the development of Motown Records. It was very moving to be standing in the same recording studio that Aretha Franklin, Steve Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, a Lionel Ritchie and many more have stood and made records. There is an original Michael Jackson glove and Fedora (donated by Michael himself) on display. The piano on display in the recording room was restored with the help and support of Sire Paul McCartney. This company was before its time promoting female executives and valuing what people could offer, not what their past was. I took an Uber from downtown Detroit to get to the Motown Museum which was under $10US.
Close by (under a 30 minute walk) is the Detroit Historical Museum which was free to enter (with donations gratefully accepted). This Museum is three floors of amazing stories, artefacts and information. It is a definite must see. It is located on the Wayne State University campuses. There are several places that you could visit while on the campus. This is one of the top places to visit.
I took the opportunity to also visit the Detroit Institute of Arts on the Wayne State campus which was interesting and had some particularly interesting art pieces. My favourite pieces were the bronze pieces. They have a very good restaurant that was very good value.
If you are in Detroit you should not miss the Henry Ford Museum. Put aside two full days and get the ‘access all areas’ pass for $78US. This Museum has some of the most historical displays that you will never see anywhere else. I took an Uber to get there which cost just under $20US.
Part of the full ticket is a tour of the Ford F-150 production plant (I now want an F-150). It was awesome to see how they put together the F-150s layer by layer, which explains why it is so darn hard to work on anything on my car when an item I want to work on is generally one of the first things they have probably put on a car!
I had expected uniforms but all the worker were wearing their own clothes and shoes. The plant was particularly orderly and clean. It was a good insight into just how fast a car can be assembled. Dead set, if you are waiting weeks or months for a new car it is definitely the shipping you are waiting for because they assemble a full car in under an hour.
In the Henry Ford Museum itself I saw the car President Kennedy was assassinated in, the chair President Lincoln was assassinated in, the car Reagan was thrown in after an attempted assassination, model T Fords either assembled or in parts, the actual bus that Rosa Parks refused to give her seat to a white man in that started the civil rights movement, an original diner, one of the biggest trains in the world, steam engines, bikes, a tiny pod house (why did this never take off), planes, tractors, antique guns and many other items of historical significance. It is a view into the collector (perhaps hoarder) and visionary that Henry Ford was.
The Greenfield Village is also part of the access all areas ticket. The Greenfield Village is a collection of houses and buildings of historical significance that Henry Ford brought to the site and made a village from. It has a working steam train that you can take a ride around the village on, a horse drawn carriage and model T Ford rides that are available to get around the village. These are fun forms of transport to take you back in time.
Many of the buildings in the village have been restored to what they were back in time. You can go inside Henry Ford’s family home, Thomas Edison’s home and his various workshops, the home where Heinz (ketchup and beans) products were first made and the Write Brother’s home and bicycle shop. There are many many more homes, working gardens and buildings including the oldest windmill in America which stands tall on the grounds. The steam train, horse drawn cart and the model T Ford rides are free with the access all areas but are very reasonable on price if you purchased a cheaper ticket.
Outlet shopping is approximately a $40US Uber ride as it is quite a way from downtown Detroit. Definitely worth visiting if you like outlet shopping.
At the waterfront at downtown Detroit you can look across the river to Canada. There are vehicle bridges going over to Canada. There is a great waterfront walk that goes for kilometres along the waterfront. There is a park where families play with their kids. I kept to the city area of the pathway as I had been advised not to go much further on my own. The path connects with a great walkway that takes you under a large number of bridges, some in use, some not. There is unique wall art along this walk on the foundations of the bridges. Families ride their bikes and it is a well used path. When you walk further through the city you will also see more great wall art on buildings. Detroit is known for its bicycle culture in the warmer months, no helmets required.
I booked a Hotel through the QANTAS app. Things are not always what they seem when you book online. Cleaning of the room didn’t happen every day, there were police cars either travelling through or parked in the Hotel parking lot regularly, the plumbing had a lot to be desired, the ‘free’ breakfast that was included had almost nothing with nutrition in it and I am not sure that it was as safe as the pictures on line depicted. I ended up putting a door stop under the door each night so I could sleep. If you are booking a hotel in Detroit pay the extra and get a reputable and safe hotel with a good brand name you know. You can’t put a price on feeling and being safe.
I am in two minds about whether or not I would recommend people travel to Detroit to explore the city. On one hand you will never get to see the things that you see at the Henry Ford Museum, which was exceptional. And you also won’t get the Motown Museum experience anywhere else l either. If those are the experiences you are looking for the Detroit should be a bucket list destination. If those things don’t interest you then perhaps choose a different destination.
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Venice Beach is about 7km from Santa Monica, California. It is a place like no other. One one hand I felt like I was in a movie. On the other hand I saw so many homeless people living in such a beautiful area, forming their own lifestyle. It is a place of extreme contrasts. There is an evident artistic beauty in the area.
The Venice Beach walk gives you an opportunity to see a range of talented artists, many of who appear homeless. There are stores selling Venice Beach souvenirs, fast food, a muscle gym and stalls with all sorts of art, some spectacular, some just recycled trash. There is a man, Nathan, who plays the piano like a concert pianist right there out in the open on the beach. Google his fascinating past if it interests you. There are a few lovely restaurants right on the beach. There is also a skate park with very talented skaters on show.
The Muscle Beach Gym is definitely an attraction with some of the strongest people working out in the outdoor gym right on the walkway. Holy muscles batman!
I visit Venice Beach almost ever year I am in the States. This year there was so much pot being smoked I thought I was high after one lap of the Boardwalk. There are Green Doctors along the walk. There must be many people with ‘bad backs’ there.
You can walk along a beach walk from Santa Monica. You will pass many beautiful people. Many are tanned and toned – some naturally, some enhanced by plastic surgery. There are all types of fitness activities to see along with way. If walking isn’t your thing then you can hire a bike. Every day is a beautiful day along that walk.
If you are looking for accommodation in the area I would recommend looking at the Santa Monica end of the boardwalk.
Talk a walk a few streets back from Venice Beach as there are cute shops, wall art and a canal to discover.
If you are in Southern California don’t miss a visit to Venice Beach. It really is a unique area that has it’s own special combination of art, beach lifestyle, poverty and money.
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Niagara Falls really is Mother Nature at its best. The raw beauty of the these Falls shows you the power Mother Nature has. Niagara Falls can be seen from both the USA side and the Canadian side. They say you feel the Falls from the USA side and you see them from the Canadian side. I couldn’t argue with that.
Niagara Falls has a history of people trying to conquer the water in different ways – tight rope walking, barrels. Many have perished for their troubles. It is not hard to see why. In some sees the water flows at 100km an hour!
Getting there
I flew into Buffalo, New York, then took an Uber to my hotel from the Buffalo airport. It is about a 20 – 30 minute drive. There are cheaper options – rail and bus. I was short on time so I didn’t want to have to juggle luggage in a bus or train and lose time waiting for the scheduled times. I found the Uber was a reasonable price of approximately $40 US given it was giving me precious time.
Accomodation
I stayed at the Comfort Inn which is pretty much in the car park of Niagara Falls. You can see the water and the Falls from the Hotel. Weekday prices are far more reasonable that weekend rates. This hotel had to have been the best positioned but within a few blocks there were many quality hotels to choose from. It was well priced given the standard and location.
If I went again I would probably stay on the Canadian side as there are far more Hotel options and there are many more options for food and entertainment. The Canadian side would best suit families, the USA side would better suit older people. Pick your side if you don’t fit into either of these groups.
The Falls
I was visiting the Falls in September which is a great time of year, the temperature is perfect and there are not too many people visiting so access to the best viewing spots was not a problem at all. There are many, many, many places that you can view the Falls from on both sides. There are no shortage of opportunities. It’s easy to take postcard perfect photos.
Make sure you visit the Falls during the day and night. At night the Falls are lit up with changing light colours. Just spectacular!
Be prepared for the spray. I found the Falls were very different each day. Some days were better than others for viewing. The spray was so big one day it was hard to see the Falls.
Walking tracks
Both the Canadian side and the USA side of Niagara Falls have excellent walking tracks. The Canadian side has well manicured gardens, the USA side has a natural green setting, both just as enjoyable as the other. On one day I walked over 30km taking in all the sights. I guess this is why it pays to be fit so you can get around on Foot Falcon if you want to.
If walking isn’t your thing you can hire bikes, scooters, take a tour or take a bus. It is a place where mobility really does allow you to get to all the good spots but those who need assistance with mobility can also enjoy all of the major spots, both sides.
The Rainbow Bridge takes you from the USA side to the Canadian side. You can walk across but remember to take your passport and identifying documents as you need to go through Customs and Border Control on both sides. There is a walking toll of $1 to go over the walking bridge.
Things to do
You can view the Falls from many angles for free.
If you are interested in something a little more heart pumping there are many different activities you can pay for. Here are the ones I participated in:
There are a variety of other things you can do while you are there that I didn’t partake in. There is a walk that takes you under the Falls on the Canadian side but by then I was all waterfalled out. There is also a zip line that can take you over the river for those who like extreme activities. Check if your travel insurance covers zip lining before you do this activity.
When you arrive on the Canadian side from over the Rainbow Bridge you are met with a street area fun park and Casino’s. I had never expected that! There are streets of amusement rides, haunted rides, amusement halls and a wax museum. It’s loud and rowdy just like a fun park. It would be great for families if that is your thing.
It’s a bucket list destination
Niagara Falls is definitely a bucket list destination. You could do it on a budget very easily as many of the attractions are free to access. The Falls have great access points and tracks so everyone can see the Falls no matter what your fitness level is. I absolutely enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to anyone thinking they may want to visit.
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The iconic Birdsville Races are run each year on the first Friday and Saturday in September every year. If you haven’t been before then you need to make the trek to outback Queensland. You don’t get much more remote in Queensland than Birdsville.
Every year brings something different. One year it rained out the Races and camps, flooding us all in. It was muddy, we camped in bucketing rain and drank beers at the Birdsville Pub. That was my favourite year. This year it was dusty and windy, so windy it would blow the feathers off a chook. Some years it has been hot, some years it has been cold. Take home message – pack for every occasion.
If you are self contained you can camp on the town common for free between the town and the race track. There is more than enough room for everyone. If you are lucky enough you may get a room at the pub. There is a caravan park and there are also organised tent cities.
There are busses that run out to the race track on race days. The fare is a gold coin donation to a charity. It is definitely standing room only at peak times so be prepared to ‘squeeze up’ against the people behind and in front of you. It is just under 4 km walking distance so walking out is quite manageable for those who enjoy a good walk.
One of the last Boxing Troupes in the world, Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe, set up each year with punters nominating themselves to take on Fred’s finest in the ring. Boxing Troupes will be a thing of the past in the very near future so make the effort to get a ticket and head into the tent while you still can.
The Pub put on live music over the weekend. The Crack Up Sisters provide light entertainment at the Pub. There are food vans and some tourist attractions to see throughout the town.
TOP THINGS TO DO
Sadly, the famous Birdsville Bakery is no longer open so a camel or rabbit pie washed down with a rum at 10am is no longer an option.
The Birdsville Races is definitely a bucket list event that you should make the effort to go to at least once in your lifetime. Don’t put it off. It is a trip of a lifetime.
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I do most of my domestic and international travel on my own. It takes quite a bit of planning and there are things I do to minimise risks, particularly as a woman. Having a great holiday is all about the fun, the adventure and the stories. Stories about lost passports, stolen credit cards, being mugged and ending up in hospital are not my kind of adventure.
1. Make sure at least one other person has a copy of your travel plans and they know when you are expected to turn up at different places. Check in with them regularly and have a plan in place that they check on you if you don’t check in.
2. Always have several forms of payment with you. After having credit cards hacked overseas I now carry and access several different credit cards throughout my tip, all through different banks and not linked. I found when the bank shut my card off when it was hacked I had no further access to my account. The last hing you need is all your financial eggs in one basket and the bank close off your access to it all. Always carry a back up.
3. Have electronic copies of your passport, ID and credit cards to access in the event they get lost. I had my a passport stolen while overseas. Having a copy made things much easier to get it replaced.
4. Don’t dress like you are a million dollars. Dress comfortably and plain. Don’t be a target. Dressing in designer clothing layered in jewelry isn’t ideal.
5. When I am in busier areas and cities I use a set of earphones when I am walking. I have the cord going into my handbag but not connected to anything so I can hear everything going on around me – traffic, people, animals, potential hazards. In crowded areas I put my head down, look like I have a purpose, do a lap of things to get my bearings and only then do I stop and admire things. Tourists are distracted and amazed by things in crowds – they are easy targets for theft. Tourists stand out. Blend in with the locals until you get your bearings.
6. I carry a cross body handbag designed for travel. The strap has a steel cable through it so it isn’t easily cut off. The inner lining has a steel net inside so the bottom of the bag can’t be cut out in a crowd. Inside the bag there are RFID pouches and all of the important zips have extra clips on them so they are not easily unzipped by others. I don’t put all of my valuable items together in the bag. I spread them securely between my bag, my person and other safe areas.
7. Get a doctor’s letter to carry with you that outlines all of your medical conditions and medications in the event you get sick. Unplanned sickness or injury can happen quickly. It is better to have all of your details with you so you can get the right medical attention. I also wear a MedicAlert bracelet and necklace in the event I am unable to speak for myself.
8. Always carry a hat, water and sunscreen. Dehydration and sunburn can really hamper your health and travel plans. Be proactive, keep hydrated and don’t get sun burnt.
9. Don’t go walking at night in areas you don’t know. Check with locals about where it is safe to go. Stay in busier areas, even during the day. Make sure someone knows where you are going. Even if you injury yourself or have an emergency you want to know that someone may be waiting for you to return to your accommodation.
10. Do a google search on areas you plan to stay. I was planning some travel in an area and was in the process of booking and fun looking Air B&B. I did a bit of a search on the area before finalising and found it was an area where people are robbed at gun point and there is often gang activity. It pays to do your homework.
Travel safely and enjoy our journey.
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So, with his permission, I am sharing how to make your own awesome bacon from scratch. You’re welcome!
Instructions for making your own bacon
Remove the skin (preferable for the curing process, and the skin goes quite hard, however if you prefer to leave it on, score it first), then rinse the pork belly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels until it is very dry; the less moisture the better. You can cut it into smaller pieces if you wish.
The ingredients lists for 5 different flavours are below, each including curing salt and a 1.5kg pork belly.
In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients first so the curing salt is well mixed before adding honey, maple syrup or other liquids of your choice. Using half of the curing mix above, sprinkle or spread it evenly over one side of the belly, and rub it in well. Next, turnover and repeat on the other side with the remaining mix. Spend a couple of minutes massaging the curing mixture into the meat.
Place the entire belly and curing mix into a large vacuum seal bag, then seal it using the Vacuum sealer. I used large ziploc bags for the first five I made, and it was harder to spread the mix after a couple of days, as the liquid would move around in the bag In the future I will definitely use a vacuum sealer (as recommended by many bacon lovers).
Now place your pork belly in the refrigerator for 14 days. Each day the belly should be flipped onto the other side, and the contents (which will transform to a liquid) should be massaged gently around to ensure an even mix – if you do not do this, you may end up with uncured areas. Leave the liquid in the bag, it does not need to be drained off. After 14 days, the bacon should be fully cured, with a firm texture and no soft spots. Remove the bacon from the vacuum sealed bag, and rinse it very well under cold water and pat it very dry – I used paper towel which worked well.
If you are using a grill, set it up for two zone cooking, or fire up your smoker. Smoke over indirect heat at about 110 degrees celsius, until the internal temperature is 66 degrees celsius, which should take about 2 hours. You can use any wood you like. While hickory is the tried and true, I liked the applewood.
If you don’t have a smoker, you can cook the pork belly in a 110 degrees celsius oven until it registers an internal temperature of 66 degrees celsius. Times will vary; check after about 2 hours.
Like most food, bacon tastes better fried the next day – or fry some up straight away and if you have the will power, put some away.
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months – if you don’t eat is straight away!!
Tips:
• When using salt, do not use iodised salt as there are additives in it to prevent sticking that can affect the curing process.
• The finer the salt, the saltier the meat will be – so use a coarse salt if possible. I used a pink Himalayan salt for mine and it was great.
• Wash the meat well before smoking, to reduce the saltiness.
• The longer you leave it curing the saltier it will be.
• If using a thick liquid like honey for the curing process, soften it in the microwave first, and have the belly at room temperature so it doesn’t stick to the meat, leaving a ‘pink’ spot on the meat.
Below are the 5 different cures I tried, and they are rated in order from best to least favourite – not by label number as they were simply the numbers given before curing.
Label # 2
• 1.5 kg pork belly
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons of coarse, non-iodized salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon curing salt
There wasn’t much salt to rub in, but it started looking good straight away – lightly sprinkle the mix on to make it last, then massage it in. We left it for 16 days before smoking. Excellent flavour, agreed by all as the best and simplest.
Label # 4
• 1.5 kg of pork belly
• 4 1/2 teaspoons of coarse, non-iodized salt
• 4 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dark maple syrup
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon curing salt
This one had a lot of liquid in the bag during the curing process – the cracked pepper stuck to the outside of the meat, even after a very good clean and looked fantastic. We left it for 16 days before smoking. Great flavour, rated a close second.
Label # 5
• 1.5 kg of pork belly
• 4 1/2 teaspoons of coarse, non-iodized salt
• 1 teaspoon 5 spice powder
• 3 tablespoons powdered ginger I used fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon powdered garlic
• 1/3 cup honey
• 3/4 cup kecap manis sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon curing salt
This one didn’t look very good during the marinating process due to the water added. I wish I had vacuum sealed this one. We left it for 10 days before smoking. It had a sweet taste – almost like a honey ham when fried on the BBQ. We couldn’t taste the hot sauce, and although we rated this as the third best, it was very good fried the next day.
Label # 3
• 1.5 kg of pork belly
• 3 tablespoons of coarse, non-iodized salt
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons pepper
• 2 teaspoons sweet paprika I used normal paprika
• 1 teaspoon curing salt
This one had a lot of salt to rub in, easy to put on and we left it for 16 days before smoking. There was none left in the pan after frying it up, but the other ones above were a better tasting.
Label # 1
• 2.5 kg pork belly
• 1/4 cup of coarse, non-iodized salt
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey (preferably chestnut honey)
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika I used normal paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons curing salt
It was very hard to apply due to the honey to this one, but after a couple of days the honey started to melt and blended in well. We left it for 10 days before smoking it, and it was very salty with no pepper/chilli flavour. There is no such thing as ‘bad tasting bacon’, but given the choice, this was our least favourite.
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The little outback Queensland town in remote Queensland sure knows how to turn it on with a fun weekend in July every year at the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races.
Outback Queensland describe Bedourie as an oasis in the desert. Bedourie is located at the base of a sand dune surrounded by Eyre Creek. Bedourie is home to the famous ‘Bedourie Camp Oven’ which the Australian Government claimed significant and ‘uniquely Australian’ in 2001, and are sold at the Visitor Centre year round.
Bedourie is approximately 1400km North-West of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
The Bedourie Camel and Pig Races were fun filled this year with the famous Bedourie Camp Oven cooking competition, the Diamantina foot races, a wood chopping competition, golf competition, pig racing, camel racing and Camp Oven throwing. If that wasn’t enough fun in one day a band set up and played until midnight.
Good prize money was up for grabs with 1st prize winner of the damper cooking competition walking away with $650. Even the kids category had a $200 prize for the winner.
The Wood Chop had a number of categories for men, women and mixed teams. If you are up for a couples wood chop then this might be the competition for you next year.
The camel races were great to see with the slow thundering thud of camels blowing up dust as they all made their way around the track. These races were definitely a crowd pleaser and with bookies on site there is the chance to bet locally.
My absolute favourite event was the pig racing. Cute little ‘thoroughbred’ racing piglets wearing sequined capes raced each other through an obstacle course akin to that of a ninja warrior. The crowd went wild betting on the piglets.
Camping was free on-site, included in the tickets. There are a few toilet and shower facilities which were in hot demand. The temperature this year was close to zero overnight so there was lots of sitting around fire and sipping on beverages to keep warm.
This year the dates lined up well so a lot of people went to the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races, on to the Big Red Bash in Birdsville during the following week, followed by the Boulia Camel Races the weekend after.
If you are looking for a great outback experience the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races is definitely something you will want to pencil in for July next year.
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Ever had to sit in an airport for a few hours on a stop over, had WiFi on a plane and wanted to fill your time with something interesting or you sit in a car as a passenger with time on your hands? Completing surveys may be a way to use this time wisely and make some money or earn gift cards.
Survey companies want to hear what you have to say. It helps their marketing, to research opinions on their products and their customer base. It helps you influence the market in a wide range of things from food to shopping, holidays, health, cars and services. Companies are willing to pay you a small amount to answer questions about a large range of topics. There are survey companies that undertake surveys on behalf of a wide range or large and small companies.
First up, I can tell you, you will not make your fortune from completing surveys. It is a low money earner but definitely a fun way to influence and a way to use some downtime to earn some rewards for yourself.
These are my favourites:
Both Life Points and Pure Profile seem to have a reasonable earn rates per survey and rewards are more easily attainable than other surveys. The surveys are regular so you have the option to earn points quite regularly if you are eligible.
Life Points gives you options to use your points earned on gift cards which is a great bonus. I have found that gift cards are transferred electronically within a few days. I choose gift cards that I can use for grocery and fuel shopping.
Pure Profile lets you redeem your Pure Profile points for cash which is transferred directly into your bank account. Transfer is within 30 days of redeeming your points which can feel like a very slow process but it does arrive in your account like a surprise gift.
Octopus Group surveys come along less often than Pure Profile and Life Points but they have a good earn rate and are a good way to earn a cash redemption for completing usually quick surveys.
Some other survey options that I also use are:
Toluna Influencers have a large amount of surveys going all the time. There are also bonus opportunities to earn points on small one question surveys. Points are redeemed for gift vouchers. despite the abundance of surveys the earn rate seems slow and the points per survey earn rate is low in comparison to other surveys. You need to do a lot of surveys through this app to earn a small value voucher. It is still lots of fun and there is always something to interact with on this app.
With Swagbucks you earn reward points for doing things like searching the web, shopping, watching videos and answering surveys. You can redeem those points for all kinds of gift cards. I have found that Swagbucks is a slow earn rate for points and the rewards are harder to earn but definitely another survey company worth considering.
Survey Village allows you to redeem your earned dollars for gift vouchers from a wide range of shopping options. I find there aren’t too many survey options that are available so it is a slow earn. Non-the-less, it is a good way to earn gift vouchers on the go.
Tips:
Use your downtime while travelling to earn yourself a few extra dollars and gift cards. It all adds up in the end!
Read about our other blog posts:
MOUNT ISA RODEO – An outback event not to be missed.
Winton’s Way Out West Fest, 2018.
Gold Coast Marathon Weekend – combining two of my loves, travel and running.
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival 2018
Earn QANTAS points by exercising. WINNING!
LONGREACH, Queensland – A free camping spot that was second to none.
Eumundi Markets – World famous markets on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane Beer, one of my most favourite topics!
Paronella Park, Far North Queensland
Is a 12 week fitness challenge right for you?
What is the first step in your fitness journey?
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Did you know you can earn QANTAS points by exercising? It’s a winning deal for someone like me whose two passions are travel and exercise.
I have been earning QANTAS points for well over a year now and have found it quite a good way to earn QANTAS points doing something I love. Incidental activity and specific exercise periods all count. There are even bonus challenges with friends and activities (such as entering your BMI and blood pressure) that help you manage your health but also earns points.
All you need to start is a QANTAS frequent flyer account and an eligible fitness tracker such as an Apple Watch, Garmin or Fitbit.
(You’re welcome).
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
1. QANTAS points for being active.
2. It’s a great way to track your exercise activity and have an incentive to stick to your activity goals every day.
3. Contributing to your long term health by being more active every day.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR QANTAS?
Sounds too good to be true? Well, it’s a clever marketing strategy for QANTAS insurance. You will get some emails encouraging you to use the QANTAS health insurance and if you are in the market for health insurance then this may work for you. If you do use the QANTAS Assure health insurance then your QANTAS point earn rate for exercise is significantly higher.
If you don’t want their insurance but still want QANTAS points then you can still earn QANTAS points for being active, it will just be at a much lower rate of points. In my mind, every point counts! They all add up over time.
I love this activity app and I earn QANTAS points every day. They are allocated weekly so I see the rewards as my QANTAS points increase regularly. From a Personal Trainer perspective I can certainly recommend this app as a good way to keep your daily activity on track. It combines my two loves – exercise and travel.
Time to get moving!
Read our other blog posts:
Gold Coast Marathon Weekend – combining two of my loves, travel and running.
MOUNT ISA RODEO – An outback event not to be missed.
LONGREACH, Queensland – A free camping spot that was second to none.
Eumundi Markets – World famous markets on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Winton’s Way Out West Fest, 2018.
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival 2018
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Queensland
Brisbane Beer, one of my most favourite topics!
Paronella Park, Far North Queensland
Is a 12 week fitness challenge right for you?
What is the first step in your fitness journey?
Find us on Facebook: Get Fit for Life and Travel – Tips for the Average Jo
Find us on Instagram: @FitAverageJo
CLICK HERE TO START EARNING QANTAS POINTS BY EXERCISING AND A BONUS OF 150 POINTS
A friend of mine was putting together a team of people in the name of a charity, the Red Beard Challenge – Run for BP, to participate in the Gold Coast Marathon weekend events. The Red Beard Challenge – Run for BP raises money for Police Legacy.
I wanted to be part of the team to support this great cause. However, having a heart condition isn’t really compatible with running a marathon or a half marathon so I chose the shortest run I could, the 5.7km run. I knew this distance was within my capability as I run 5km on a regular basis. I registered before I could back out and started planning for the trip to the Gold Coast.
I have participated in a few fun runs before for charity – the Run with Dad’s 5km run (prostate cancer) and a Colour Run (it also to raise money for cancer). I also ran 5km in the Stack Run a few years ago in outback Queensland to prove I could run again after a heart attack. However, I knew nothing about the formal Marathon events so it was all new to me. In fact, it was a little bit daunting, particularly knowing there were 10,000 people registered for the marathon alone and nearly another 10,000 people registered for the half marathon. I was a newby at this sort of event and didn’t know what to expect.
The Gold Coast Marathon weekend events are so well organised with many volunteers supporting registration. collecting of race numbers, entertainment and the co-ordination of so many different runs over the weekend. Thumbs up to the organisers and volunteers who really do put on a great weekend of events and things of interest for those who love running.
I have to say I LOVED every minute of that short run. My pace times were much faster than I usually run. I think it was the magnificent views of the Gold Coast early in the morning and the great flat running surface that made the difference. Where I normally run to keep fit it is uneven rocky ground, it can be 40 degrees, the air is far from clean and you have to keep an eye out so you are not chased by stray dogs. To run along the river in the early morning on a flat road with people cheering on was such a treat. I am sure this is why I ran so much faster than I normally do.
There were people playing Jazz music on street corners along the run, the crowd was amazing. There were complete strangers calling out my name (from my number pinned to my shirt) encouraging me to keep going. There were people running in costumes. The final 700 meters were the probably the hardest part of the run, but the most exciting. I knew the finish line wasn’t too far off. There were so many people cheering that it gave me the extra spirit I needed to finish strong. It was such a great experience from start to finish.
There were a number of awesome people who joined the Red Beard Challenge – Run for BP team. We all wore our red beard shirts. My friend, the organiser, finished her first (and last, so she says) half marathon. It was an awesome achievement for her. There were entrants from the team getting behind this great cause in every one of the runs over the weekend. It was great to see everyone finished strong wearing their Red Beard shirts.
The next day I got to watch the full marathon at the 38km mark and then walked along the beach into Surfers Paradise to watch the majority of the runners go past. It was nothing short of impressive. At the 38km mark the leaders were sprinting. What amazing athletes they were to watch. I checked their times and their average pace for the ENTIRE marathon was double my pace doing only the short run…..for 42 kilometers, consistently. Oh, to be so fit! I was completely inspired.
Those of you who have completed a marathon, a half marathon or a shorter run in an event like this will know how awesome it feels. If you have never considered running in an event like this you should. The shorter runs are for people, like me, who can cover a short distance but still get to enjoy the event. You can walk, push a pram, run, run and walk, whatever you like. You can do the full marathon or you can start small like I did. If you have never done it, get out of your comfort zone and give it a go. You won’t regret it one bit.
I have to warn you though, it seems to be the beginning of a possible addiction. I am now thinking about what other running events I can register for. I have been checking out the run schedule for the year so I can join two of my favourite things, running and travel.
Run safe.
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#FitAverageJo #GCM18 #RunForBP #RedBeardChallenge
Previous blogs:
LONGREACH, Queensland – A free camping spot that was second to none.
Eumundi Markets – World famous markets on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
MOUNT ISA RODEO – An outback event not to be missed.
Winton’s Way Out West Fest, 2018.
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival 2018
Roma Street Parklands, Brisbane, Queensland
Beer, one of my most favourite topics!
Paronella Park, Far North Queensland
Is a 12 week fitness challenge right for you?
