14: Get Inspired

After the disappointment of not getting any tickets for the London 2012 Olympics, I was determined to at least see one event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games currently taking place in Glasgow.

In April, when tickets for the general public went on sale, I scanned through the sports that were on offer looking for something that would be both appealing, and of relevance. It wasn't too long before weightlifting had grabbed my attention. I felt it was appropriate because I'd recently started lifting weights as part of my workouts at Luke Bremner Fitness. 

Knowing nothing about this sport, I did a quick internet search on the different classes and categories. When better informed, I applied for a ticket for the 94kg (207lbs) Mens Weightlifting Final, as this was the closest weight - at that point in time - to my own. 

After weeks of waiting, on Tuesday I made my way to the Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow to attend the event. Like London 2012, the venues have been packed with spectators, which is great to see. Whilst waiting for the competition to start everyone was given a brief introduction to the weightlifting format, how it worked and what to look for. This was a prefect guide for newbies like me. The audience were also encouraged to cheer and support all the competitors equally. Once both competitors and judges had been introduced, there was 10 minute warm-up before the competition started.

The first element was the "Snatch". Once this got underway, I suddenly realised weightlifting isn't just about brut strength, but there's a psychological element to the competition too. Participants started nominating to lift heavier weights which altered the order in which people appeared on stage. I also hadn't appreciated that there were time limits placed on each lift. This all made for a very enthralling spectacle.

When Scotland's Peter Kirkbride - who had won a Silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Dehli - appeared on stage, the venue roof almost came off with the noise from our cheers. The pressure of performing in front of a home crowd must have been immense for him. However his first lift was sufficient to take him through to the second element which was the "Clean and Jerk."

It was at this point that the audience became completely impartial. When competitors failed a lift, the noise from our support for their next attempt became even louder. We were almost willing some competitors to make the lift in order to keep the competition going longer.

Ultimately it came down to a battle between Simplice Ribouem from Australia and Steven Kukuna Kari (photographed above) from Papa New Guinea. Mr Ribouem had managed to lift a heavier weight in the Snatch but Mr Kari had lifted more in the Clean and Jerk. At the end of the competition this left them both tied on the same combined weight for the two lifts of 349kg (769lbs). In the end the gold medal was won by the gentleman from Papa New Guinea, because he was the lighter weight of the two men.

The BBC - who are televising the Commonwealth Games across the UK - are asking its audience to get involved by using the Twitter hashtag #GetInspired. After Tuesday evening I've certainly been inspired. I've been given quite a number of new challenges this week by Luke Bremner in his private fitness training studio and, in all honesty, I've surpass all my expectations… well, for this week anyway.

13: Taps-Aff

Scotland has been enjoying some glorious weather over the past few days – quite a rarity for up here. As a result I've done what the saying advises and been "Making hay while the sun shines." Of course it helps when friends from outwith the city come to visit. Last weekend Tom, a friend from Bristol, was in town for the first time, so I decided to take a half day last Friday and show him around.

For those who have never been to my adopted city before – I was originally born in the south east of England but have lived in Edinburgh for 23 years – let me explain that the centre is really rather compact. Despite our fabulous bus system and excellent new tram line, in my opinion the best way to experience Scotland's capital is on foot. Also, due to Edinburgh's undulating terrain, this doubles-up as great cardiovascular exercise too.

After a quick stop at mine to drop off luggage, we ventured to the Royal Botanic Garden for a spot of lunch al-fresco at their Terrace Café. From there we headed to Calton Hill to enjoy panoramas of the city before dropping back down to Princes Street for an afternoon coffee. Crossing to Edinburgh's Old Town we sauntered up the Royal Mile enjoying the free street entertainment on offer, then climbed to the top of the Camera Obscura. We made a final descent to the bustling Grassmarket before allowing ourselves an early evening beer in the beautiful surroundings of Princes Street Gardens. In total we covered 12km (7.5 miles) without really thinking about it.

Walking more has been another part of my fitness regime over the past 4 months – however there are people I follow on the Argus app who are prolific walkers and put my daily average of 5–6km (3–3.5miles) to shame. That said, when Luke Bremner took my measurements at his training studio last week we discovered that I've already hit one of the new targets we set last month - this was to lose another 2.5cm (1") from my waist. Since April I've lost over 14cm (5.5") from my waist and over 10cm (4") from my chest.

It's stats like these that bring me to the photo above. I took this selfie yesterday when I wandered into Inverleith Park to enjoy the warmth of the early evening sunshine. Due to the recent achievements I've been making, through diet and exercise, I have a new level of confidence about my body. Taking my shirt off in public - commonly referred to as "taps-aff" in Scotland - doesn't seem to phase me now, nor does posting a photo of me like that either. I guess it's another example of how Luke's strapline of "Fitter. Stronger. Healthier. Happier" is spot on and summarises how his clients' feel after working with him. I know I certainly do.

As the Fringe Festival starts in earnest at the end of next week I expect the Scottish weather to return to our more traditional wet, and not quite so wet, climate. In the meantime, when the sun does shine I intend to enjoy it a little more at the park.   

12. Nuts!

Often in life it's the small insignificant things that provide us with biggest surprises. Last week I posted an image of some Greek Yoghurt with mixed nuts and blueberries on Argus. Most of my usual friends and followers, on that app, indicated their approval of this dish by liking it. One or two even took the trouble to write a complimentary comment about it too.

As the week has progressed the number of likes and comments for this photo has gathered momentum. The last time I looked almost 100 people had given the picture a "thumbs-up." Who knew that this dessert, that was really quick to put together, would fire the taste-buds in others. I'm not sure whether it's the combination of ingredients, with their different textures and flavours that have inspired people. Now seems to be an appropriate time to let you into a little secret though. I was simply finishing up bits and pieces from my refridgerator because they were nearing their use by date. There, the truth is out!

Last Saturday, as I busied around my appartment doing domestic chores, I had the TV tuned to Le Grande Depart of the Tour de France. For 2014 this particular element of the race was hosted in the UK, with the first two stages taking place in the English county of Yorkshire. I was particularly interest to see these, as the riders passed through many of the places I had visited with my parents, when we once holidayed there several years ago. 

It was brilliant to see how the British public got right behind the race. For me, it evoked memories of the London 2012 Olympics, as again huge crowds lined the roadsides and took up every vantage-point in order to see the pelaton pass by. I remember feeling an urge two years ago to buy an bicycle and start cycling again, and these feelings emerged again last week.

For gentleman of my age there is a danger that if we purchase a bike we suddenly become a MAMIL - middle-age man in Lycra - which is a wonderful accronym that I was introduced to recently. Personally speaking I haven't needed to acquire the bike, the regular gym routine has already done it's job in this respect. 

Yesterday Luke commented on a new Nike Pro Combat training shirt I was wearing. As I explained to him, I'd bought it about a month ago but I've only just acquired the confidence to wear it - due mainly to the way my body is changing and the shape it's becoming. For those who don't know, this range of clothing is marketed as a "second skin" and the fit is very snug. As Luke pointed out to me "There's no hiding place in that shirt Derek." And he was right, from now on my abs will always need to be engaged whenever I decide to wear it to his gym.