G'day Mate!

We arrived in Brisbane around 10pm on Thursday night and settled in our beds immediately so we could get an early start the following morning. Turns out you don't get much sleep in a busy 10 bed dorm hostel! Not quite the 5 star lifestyle we were used to. By 1.45am I thought I could drift off but the noisy girls in the other beds ensured I never. 7am I decided to get up,shower and head out for coffee. Brisbane turned out to be a lovely city. Perfect weather for a beautiful morning cruise down the river. Runners passed us every few minutes and I felt pangs of envy as I hobbled passed feeling sorry for myself. From posters I could see that the city marathon was taking place this weekend. I wondered if some of these runners were on their taper and getting excited.

The 5 hour bus journey to rainbow beach was pretty painless but disappointingly not very scenic. That may be because it got pitch black around 5pm. With it being around 25 degrees and sunny I was forgetting that this was Australia's winter. I was dreading checking into the next hostel and I had right to. It was a busy friendly place with live music until the wee hours catering for the young backpackers but I just couldn't get comfy in my bunk especially with many snoring roommates! I tried to knock myself out with wine but no luck.

7am and we were up for free pancakes but no chance to nap in the bus as it was a bumpy ride over to the biggest sand island in the world, Fraser island. The trip was magnificent. We stopped off to swim in the lakes, spot dingoes and hike the dunes. And the fantastic news was that we weren't camping as expected but we were staying in a nice beach resort hotel - bliss!

We travelled back to the hostel for a shower and cheap burger before catching the overnight bus. 14 hours on the bus to airlie beach ended up being reasonably and strangely enjoyable. I watched top gun and then fell into a deep sleep - better than the hostels!

Due to my experience with dorm rooms I phoned ahead to our next hostel to request a private room which we were willing to pay extra for. Our new hostel in airlie was more like a hotel with lots of gardens and a pool area. Unfortunately the morning was rainy so we did the laundry, grab breakfast and caught up on the internet before the sunshine came out. Although it was still too painful to run I managed to swim in the gorgeous manmade lagoon by the beach. The resort was filled with students so the bars had loads of deals so we got some cheap pizzas and beer for 18 dollars before heading home for tea and milky ways - rock n roll!

After another wee swim we arrived at the jetty for our whitsundays cruise in the blazing sunshine. The boat tour started with a roar as we sped off into the crystal blue sea. At least my running jacket came in useful for once, it helped me keep dry from the waves and the occasional shower later. Imagine my surprise when 20 minutes into the journey we spotted humpback whales playing in the water. This would be the first of two sightings of the majestic creatures as they migrated up the East coast from the Antarctic to breed. The ocean rafting tour then took us snorkelling to 2 different locations where we swam amongst the most amazing colourful fish and coral reef. We did a bush walk to the lookout point over the white islands before an anchoring for lunch. Despite a little rain I couldn't stop grinning after such an incredible experience.

I felt pretty guilty ordering icecream after dinner since I've not been doing any running but it was so delicious! We got to pick different flavours and favourite chocolates (Caramel, hazelnut with flake and m n m's) before the girl mashed it all up into the cone - yum yum YUM! Time for bed as it's a long drive, around 500 miles, tomorrow!

Singapore Sling

After an hour's wait for the overbooked Dubai to Singapore flight the check in attendant finally gave us the good news we were waiting to here- there were two last seats on the plane for us, phew! We settled in with our tablets, books and inflight entertainment but after dinner I was out like a light! This maybe because I tried to tire myself out by going to the gym in Dubai before we left. Feeling brave I tried the treadmill but instantly I was in agony so resorted to the stationary bike and weights. Easy enough workout but with no water during Ramadan I couldn't do more than 30 mins cardio! Thank goodness for the hotel staff who delivered cold wet towels to me as I worked up a sweat!

Arriving in lush Singapore I felt fresh and raring to go - it was great to feel the temperature below 40 and the sun still shining in a clear blue sky (quite unusual for monsoon season here!) The taxi ride into the city was fast, cheap and gave us the opportunity to see some of the sights. We were staying at the Park hotel by Clark quay, a bustling hive of colourful cafes, bars and restaurants by the river.

We spent the rest of the day walking about this vibrant city including taking a tour down China town. Not only did I have some amazing spicy authentic asian food but also got a massage and accupuncture on my dodgy hip! I'm not going to lie - it was extremely painful but I was willing to give anything a shot. The Dr said I should get another appointment and rest from running for at least 2 weeks as my hip was out of alignment and the muscles around were very tight and cramping causing the pain. Not quite the news or instant remedy I was hoping for...

After spending a lazy few hours in the sunshine by the hotel pool, we glammed up and took a quick cab to the marina bay sands hotel to see the city lights and the lazer shows on the water. A friend had recommended bar 33 to get fantastic views but ended up in the sky bar of the marina bay sands hotel and glad we did! What a magnificent view, great atmosphere and tasty cocktails however at $25 a drink (14 approx) we didn't have many! The rooftop infinity pool was reserved for hotel patrons only and looked so inviting - definitely staying there on my next visit.

We then headed back to lively clark quay for more spicy asian cuisine and a few mojitos. My plan of rising early the next morning didn't quite happen but I did manage to get a few hours by the pool and thankfully for me, and the sanity of Ryan my travel companion, I managed to swim 64 lengths of the peaceful 25m pool without too much hip pain. 2nd day in a row I have managed to swim without my comedy limp getting any worse. Result! Feeling on a roll I tried 20 mins resistance work in the gym too. Not quite my usual 2 maybe 3 hours training per day but I certainly felt I deserved my sumptuous Singapore sling cocktail in the legendary raffles hotel later that afternoon!

After a bit of navigation and a lack of taxis we hopped on the metro back to the gardens at the bay where we walked through a beautiful tropical botanic garden. The sun was starting to set which was in ideal time for us to head North out the city (when the tour guide finally remembered us and drove back for us that is!) to Singapore rainforest for the night safari. The tram ride around allowed us to get up close and personal to all of the magnificent nocturnal animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, hippos and tapiers. Glad that none of them wanted to get too close to us I was pleased to finish the tour and tuck into an indian buffet washed down by another sling of course. One animal that did have a fancy for me seemed to be the fish! Ok they only wanted my dead skin so that was a fair deal for $10!

Another mile swim in the morning set me up for a traditional or local breakfast surprisingly consisting of toast! Toast shops seemed to be on,most corners so I felt intrigued to try... And yes, it was just white toast! Ryan and I both opted for what looked like the most popular choice on the menu - toast, runny eggs and tea. The eggs were served in a small bowl with 2 slices of white toast sandwiched together in what seemed like a sugary sweet butter. Hmmmm... I'm all for savoury/sweet combinations but I'm undecided on this one. I think I'll stick to their cocktail specialities!

Singapore Sling

After an hour's wait for the overbooked Dubai to Singapore flight the check in attendant finally gave us the good news we were waiting to here- there were two last seats on the plane for us, phew! We settled in with our tablets, books and inflight entertainment but after dinner I was out like a light! This maybe because I tried to tire myself out by going to the gym in Dubai before we left. Feeling brave I tried the treadmill but instantly I was in agony so resorted to the stationary bike and weights. Easy enough workout but with no water during Ramadan I couldn't do more than 30 mins cardio! Thank goodness for the hotel staff who delivered cold wet towels to me as I worked up a sweat!

Arriving in lush Singapore I felt fresh and raring to go - it was great to feel the temperature below 40 and the sun still shining in a clear blue sky (quite unusual for monsoon season here!) The taxi ride into the city was fast, cheap and gave us the opportunity to see some of the sights. We were staying at the Park hotel by Clark quay, a bustling hive of colourful cafes, bars and restaurants by the river.

We spent the rest of the day walking about this vibrant city including taking a tour down China town. Not only did I have some amazing spicy authentic asian food but also got a massage and accupuncture on my dodgy hip! I'm not going to lie - it was extremely painful but I was willing to give anything a shot. The Dr said I should get another appointment and rest from running for at least 2 weeks as my hip was out of alignment and the muscles around were very tight and cramping causing the pain. Not quite the news or instant remedy I was hoping for...

After spending a lazy few hours in the sunshine by the hotel pool, we glammed up and took a quick cab to the marina bay sands hotel to see the city lights and the lazer shows on the water. A friend had recommended bar 33 to get fantastic views but ended up in the sky bar of the marina bay sands hotel and glad we did! What a magnificent view, great atmosphere and tasty cocktails however at $25 a drink (14 approx) we didn't have many! The rooftop infinity pool was reserved for hotel patrons only and looked so inviting - definitely staying there on my next visit.

We then headed back to lively clark quay for more spicy asian cuisine and a few mojitos. My plan of rising early the next morning didn't quite happen but I did manage to get a few hours by the pool and thankfully for me, and the sanity of Ryan my travel companion, I managed to swim 64 lengths of the peaceful 25m pool without too much hip pain. 2nd day in a row I have managed to swim without my comedy limp getting any worse. Result! Feeling on a roll I tried 20 mins resistance work in the gym too. Not quite my usual 2 maybe 3 hours training per day but I certainly felt I deserved my sumptuous Singapore sling cocktail in the legendary raffles hotel later that afternoon!

After a bit of navigation and a lack of taxis we hopped on the metro back to the gardens at the bay where we walked through a beautiful tropical botanic garden. The sun was starting to set which was in ideal time for us to head North out the city (when the tour guide finally remembered us and drove back for us that is!) to Singapore rainforest for the night safari. The tram ride around allowed us to get up close and personal to all of the magnificent nocturnal animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, hippos and tapiers. Glad that none of them wanted to get too close to us I was pleased to finish the tour and tuck into an indian buffet washed down by another sling of course. One animal that did have a fancy for me seemed to be the fish! Ok they only wanted my dead skin so that was a fair deal for $10!

Another mile swim in the morning set me up for a traditional or local breakfast surprisingly consisting of toast! Toast shops seemed to be on,most corners so I felt intrigued to try... And yes, it was just white toast! Ryan and I both opted for what looked like the most popular choice on the menu - toast, runny eggs and tea. The eggs were served in a small bowl with 2 slices of white toast sandwiched together in what seemed like a sugary sweet butter. Hmmmm... I'm all for savoury/sweet combinations but I'm undecided on this one. I think I'll stick to their cocktail specialities!

Ramadan Kareem!

After 2 rather enjoyable flights (the first albeit was a 20 minute amazingly scenic flight from Campbeltown to Glasgow along the West coast showing off the magnificent Scottish scenery) we arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a 3 night stay in a 5 star french sofitel hotel by Jumeraih beach. Quelle surprise Dubai est chaud!! 47 degree heat enveloped us as we salivated for soft drinks and ice cream lazing by the luxury infinity pool or by the beach. We were aware of it being a Muslim country we wouldn't be drinking much alcohol, if any, but what we weren't aware of that during the month of Ramadan all public selling and consumption of food and drink are prohibited! Boy that was tough!

We got ourselves through it by sneaking into bathrooms to guzzle mineral water at various points of the day. By day two I couldn't resist the temptation of the minibar any longer and devoured the most delicious ice chilled coca-cola ever! We also treated ourselves to a Ramadan feast at a French restaurant overlooking the dancing fountains at the Dubai mall after scaling the heights of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

I had also hoped to track my training during my summer travels but unfortunately so far there hasn't been much to report! Disappointingly I injured my left hip before I left sunny Scotland last week. What I should have done was rest it when it felt sore but stupid me I battled through the pain to do a few more runs, swims and gym sessions before I left. Disaster. It has been incredibly painful even just to walk! This, in a way, has devastated me as I love to exercise daily and wanted to continue to train through my holidays to keep fit and in preparation for the Amsterdam marathon in October. Fat chance now! A few days rest was what I hoped would cure it although obviously I was hoping that wouldn't be necessary and I'd be at least on the treadmill by Sunday but unfortunately still in agony - gutted!! I was even staring longingly at the mad joggers in Dubai who plodded down the prom for a gentle run at the marina, I will try the gym tomorrow..... #runnersenvy #mad

Sunburn in Scotland

Just returned yesterday morning from a fantastic holiday to Hammamet, Tunisia with my husband and friends Tommy and Emma. Fabulous time! Weather was fantastic and enjoyed lazing about every day reading books, eating copious amounts of lovely food and drinking delicious cocktails. Of course the guilt kicked in and I managed to squeeze in a few runs, swims, pilates, yoga, zumba and aqua fit all in the glorious sunshine which was wonderful! We also managed to play some tennis before cheering on Andy Murray to win Wimbledon (only time of year we attempt to play tennis #wimbledonfever)

The best news when we returned to Scotland that we brought the sun back, it seems. Had a great few days on the beautiful beaches of Kintyre where today we had a bbq on the unspoilt Macharioch beach before trudging round the track tonight and spin. Felt as if I was burning up at training! Turns out I was. I now seem to resemble a lobster. After without getting any sunburn on holiday I have managed to get roasted at home.  Typical!