Interview: Howard Chambers, The Right Altitude.

Howard Chambers, is a keen runner, adventurer, and general life 'go getter'. Through supporting him through our imminent adventure to the Atlas Mountains for our running training trip, I have got to know Howard, his wife Jo, why he goes exploring mountains...and just generally, why he loves running a lot.

Running on our recent reccie trip. Photo: J.Roberts

I asked Howard a few questions about his love of running, and how it became such a big deal for him. From running across the Peaks, being in the leadership of a significant Northern running club, to organising adventure trips across the world -  Howard is a very proficient, yet extremely humble, runner.

M:How did running become a passion for you?

H: I always loved the outdoors, and got into running through the Boys Brigade XC at the age of 11, but only every trained for the short season. I didn't join a running club till around the age of 17: Oldham and Royton Harriers. The BB took us out walking and camping in the Lakes at Easter, and I was blown away with the beauty and one day knew I would run in the fells. 

2) Have you got a favourite place to run?

There are no bad places to run - I have found so many lovely places travelling extensively in UK and in Europe especially. The Picos in Northern Spain is a stunning area and one often missed by the mass tourism market. Closer to home I love the Lakes and Scotland. But I'm so lucky living so close to the Pennines; such beauty on our doorstep.

3)What is it like being part of the leadership of a running club?

I've always been an organiser, I just love putting something back into a sport I have got so much out of. Although I have now moved away from the Exec side of things, I am part of the coaching team at Saddleworth which gives me so much pleasure. 

4) How did The Right Altitude become to be?

I had been asked to recce a trek for a hospice I help out at, so I went over to Morocco to test things for myself and was absolutely blown away by the place. It's not just the stunning location that makes it special, but the Berber people are so lovely and nothing is ever a problem. Working with Discover Ltd who own the Kasbah and provide our guides means we have something very unique to offer I feel.  

5) Why the Atlas Mountains?

It sounds a bit naff, but I feel at home there! The peace and tranquillity have to be experienced to be fully understood. There are numerous paths and tracks taking mules over 2400m passes into green valleys beyond; it's just a magical place. 

6) What trips , adventures have you got lined up in the near future?

I hear concerns about the safety of Morocco, which is just so very wrong, but I do know people are worried, so to accomodate for this,  I'm also looking at possibilities with Discover in the Massive Central, Southern France. I also operate a more traditional holiday company: The Right Balance,  which takes clients over to Crete. Personally, I am just happy to be still getting out running whenever I can, be it this country or abroad. 

After reccing the Atlas Mountains with Howard, and Nikki Barnard recently, to prep us for our upcoming trip ,I could not agree more about the beauty and tranquility of that part of the world, and I am excited to be soon returning and training at altitude. For any more info on future trips, do get in contact via my facebook page or The Right Altitude.  

Alpine life.

It’s so nice thinking you will see snow each day, whether by your feet or on the mountains overhead. The Alps are my kind of place-  with scenery both mighty yet welcoming and peaceful.I have now been here just over three weeks – which I cannot quite believe! Time goes quickly when you are having a lot of fun! I am enjoying running, taking in the elements that come with that in a snowy climate, as well as having the chance to ski!

While out in the Alps I am working for Epic TV, which is really ace and I am loving it. A great team with a common love of the outdoors and adventure makes each day of work a total blast! It’s great to be challenged and to learn more about other adventure sports and equipment that you were less familiar with too. Two series that I have been enjoying watching from Epic TV lately : Wild Women and Avalanche Awareness. The first gives a glimpse at the lives of some amazingly talented, strong and yet such humble women in different extreme  sports. The second I have found particularly useful as I learn more about touring and off piste skiing. 

I decided that in order to progress with off-piste and to gain some more confidence and practical knowledge, I would try and find a group and have an instructor take us out. I contacted the incredibly friendly team at Tinderbox ski school and have the biggest smile on my face after a truly adventurous day yesterday! Chris, our instructor was awesome, and I felt just that bit more confident despite frequent strong blizzard conditions and pretty dense snow! It was a great group and we had a lot of laughs as we took on the tour together!

Second pair of socks over leggings - fashion statement or simply cold? Shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3's

Working out training for running in a totally different environment when you are also living in different places has been an interesting challenge, but I am loving running out here.  Whether that is a speed session in the dark and it’s raining; episodes of virtually ice skating; to finding your feet on snowier paths or a bit more incline – it’s a great place to be! For some of the times I have spent running more directly on snow, I have used these snow shoe grips that Nikki brought me (similar can be brought on amazon). I am considering getting spikes at some point in the future – but for the meantime these definitely are a great option. 

It might sound a bit dramatic to say this trip to the Alps so far has been ‘life changing’, but then I think travel, adventures and having experiences has that affect on you. So far, I’ve learnt a lot, I’ve come across different challenges, and I’m looking forward to what is next.  

What's next?

Happy New Year!

Already January is flying past! After a  great New Year with good mates in Germany, it’s been what feelt like a super quick month training, prepping and getting pretty psyched for the next adventures…

Recently I teamed up with Sophie from Hinturland and her sister Mary to be part of their running film entry for the BMC women in film competition. My friend Cat Slater and I had a great day in the Lakes, with laughs, good views, a bit of mud and a brilliant chance to film on a brisk winters day. Keep your eyes peeled for our entry, coming soon!

We all turned up in the same Salomon Speed Cross 3s!

Now, I'm in the process of packing-  I tell you, it’s easier to get ready on a race day…

The reason for this strategic packing is that I am about to spend the next couple of months in the French Alps.  I am really excited to be heading to the Chamonix region while I spend some time interning with Epic TV. Epic TV produce as well as broadcast unique adventure and extreme sports footage online, as well as 'know their stuff' when it comes to good sports gear. I look forward to this time working with them and getting to know the team.

Winter 2014 in the Alps

Now the snow has arrived there, it will be very wintery and wonderful in those mountains, and I look forward to the travel adventure - a chance to also get some training in somewhere different :).

As well as being based in the Alps, both Nikki and I will be also travelling to the Atlas Mountains, to recce the area and then help The Right Altitude with a running training camp in March. I am really chuffed to go and explore and train in another set of beautiful scenery. I've written more info about this trip here and do check out their facebook page about future trips. 

My plans for races this year are in my head, and I'm excited for whats potentially in store - more to follow on these! I hope you are able to get out running at the moment and are excited about your exercise plans for year ahead.

Before I get back to the packing scene – hope you like the new blog lay out. I will post more info soon as I make my way on my travels :)

As Nikki, and many others have uttered before....."the mountains are calling..."

End of 2015!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, I was down by the coast with my family, eating good food and getting the chance to do some Pilates, run by the sea, get in the sea (briefly!) and generally have a bit of a relax. I enjoyed a very casual bit of filming leading up to Christmas, which, although not demonstrating the best of camera skills (vlogging holding iPhone while running downhill is easier said than done!) was a good laugh! You can find those here.

I am posting this while now in Germany for the New Year with very good friends. Cannot believe it is now very soon to be 2016! Taking a moment to chill, although still thinking about training; I am excited to share what I am planning to get up to in 2016 with running soon.

Recently I was interviewed by Forever Sports magazine in their latest issue, chatting about ultra running. I enjoyed being part of this and it really got me thinking about plans for year ahead. A big thank you also to John Mason for the inclusion of his shots. He can be found here, and highly recommend for outdoor adventure shoots. A great photographer and a good friend.

I also enjoyed being part of the Tough Girl Podcast series, out today. Sarah is a great person to talk to, has achieved some really amazing feats herself and I really enjoyed my recent chat with her about adventures and running (despite my on air gabbling, my talking non-top and my generally getting in a bit of muddle!:) was good fun and hopefully a fun listen :) a cool experience!

Before I sign off, I just want to take a moment to say goodbye to a dear friend, John Ellison. After a hard battle with cancer, John passed away recently and this has had a worldwide impact, as he was so dear to so many people . A truly inspirational man, he set up CAC (climbers against cancer) raising not only an incredible amount of money for helping the fight against cancer through his charity, but also being so brave, so inspiring, and so positive and instructive about life, while simultaneously enduring the fight himself. An incredible, unforgettable person, a big smile and a great friend; although he is not here, we never lose him.

Have a very Happy New Year, and get planning those adventures for 2016 :) - it's all very possible, don't forget that! :)

Sport talk with James Bishop: Part 2

Here is the second part of my interview with James Bishop! Last week I met up with James to chat through his youtube channel and to have a discussion of his running in December.  This week in our second sport talk, I found out whether James did the Iron Man he set out to do, what Goalhanger films has been up to recently, and what James wants to do in 2016. During the video, I also took the opportunity to ask James about his sports watch. I am on the look out for a new running watch (as much as I do love my forerunner 210) so I asked James about the super duper watch he has – take a look for yourself, and maybe add it to your wishlist! James has actually spoken about the Garmin 920 XT on his you tube channel here. If you can recommend a new watch to get - love to know your thoughts!

I can’t believe how quickly this year is going! Really excited to share with you ideas and plans for 2016  - bring it on! For now, enjoy your weekend, it’s nearly Christmas; get wrapping (if you need to), and enjoy the festive time.

Don’t make a wish this Christmas – simply formulate a dream. Then start encouraging yourself to make it happen.

JB interview Part 1: Fitness, running, Christmas.

I have enjoyed starting to film on Youtube, ‘vlogging’ and chatting about running, as well as lifestyle and fitness stuff. Learning to edit and film has been a cool thing to take on and I am enjoying the challenges that often pop up..watch on for more about that…:)

Yesterday  I caught up with James Bishop, athlete, entrepreneur and part of the team at  Goalhanger films – who have made some pretty immense sporting content.

James is also big into sport himself – taking on his own challenge for Christmas 2016 which we chat about here in Part 1.

More will be revealed in a PART 2 Blog coming very soon!

Click here for James' channel.

By the way - if you have youtube do let me know and I will check out your channel!

Bouldering Training

So, I'm not all about running..

I like bouldering too, and actually find it really helpful for getting a bit stronger, building up my core muscles, making me (hopefully) a bit tougher on the trail!

I have my favourite places to boulder indoors to (if I don't venture outside to boulder). One being Rock Over in Manchester, which, when the weather is less than optimal enables you to climb some good problems in a spacious environment (plus get a good cuppa when you need a break).

The other, for when I am in London, is Vauxwall climbing. Nothing is more reassuring than the rumble of the tubes overhead (it is based in the arches underneath the train lines - so very accessible by London Underground!). The staff are really helpful and friendly; it's also a good place to actually go and work if you need a remote work/train kind of day (has good wifi), and three climbing rooms, plus a weights/work out area.

Bouldering FAQs: a quick check

What do I need to start bouldering?

Rock shoes + chalk bag. Both hireable if you don't own your own. It helps to wear comfortable clothing you can move easily in. I opt for leggings and t-shirt/tank normally.

Is it very high? What if I fall - do I need ropes?

Indoor wall bouldering doesn't require ropes - hence being bouldering rather than route climbing. It is not massively high at the wall, and there is a soft crash mat landing for jumping off. There is an art to landing so you need to treat bouldering with care and caution, but when approached properly it is a safe sport - like any other.

Is it only for the WAD climbers and super fit?

No, it's for everyone. A great way to get strong - problems are graded according to difficulty so you can challenge yourself appropriately. It is also a fairly cheap sport - pay for your session (and shoes + chalk if you don't have your own.) And just go.

The British Mountaineering Council has all the know to do with indoor climbing, do visit their page on indoor climbing

Kendal Mountain Film Festival 2015

New Week!

I'm really excited for this week, as on Friday I will be making my way to Kendal Mountain Film Festival! This is definitely a highlight in the winter calendar, as it it the chance to see some really awe inspiring, jaw dropping, totally captivating films in various adventure sports.

Screen Shot 2015-11-16 at 09.20.05

Highlights for me this year will be heading to the Adidas Endurance Night where James Thurlow will be interviewing Nicky Spinks and Sean Conway - two incredible endurance athletes in the field of long distance running and swimming. Also looking forward to hearing from Tommy Caldwell, an incredible climber of pretty extraordinary heights, and to head to the BMC Breakfast morning on the Sunday - chance for films, banter, bit of breakfast and lots of other goodies, with the legendary host Niall Grimes.

It's going to be one great weekend that's for sure!

Last year our film 'Running Wild' was shown; still takes me aback to think of how special that running experience was, and how I never would have imagined, upon signing up to that race, that we would end up at KMF. Just goes to show, that when you go to events like these, you get really inspired, and that anything is possible.

That's how I am motivating my start to the week - thinking ahead to this year's Kendal Film Festival, where I will have the chance to listen to some motivational people in adventure sports. I could not recommend this weekend enough.

Do tweet me if you are going - would be great to say hi!

More shots from Trail Running photoshoot

I recently posted a vlog that myself and Trail Running magazine editor, Claire Maxted, made on set at the mag's photoshoot. It was such a fun day, and great to catch up with Claire's running story and advice on a sport we both love!

The photographers Bob Atkins and Adam Atkins were amazing all day and took some great shots! I thought I would share some with you.

More about Trail Running magazine can be found here

Photo: Bob Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Photo: Bob Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Photo: Adam Atkins

Photo: Adam Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Photo: Bob Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Photo: Bob Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Photo: Bob Atkins / Trail Running magazine

Essena O'Neill, body image and being happy.

I originally wrote this post, in a flash of inspiration and following a train of thought a while back, keeping it for a future time.

However in light of Essena O’Neill’s recent video, this post never seemed more relevant to now publish. For any of you who have not heard of Essena, she is a hugely successful Australian model. Beautiful, skinny, and seeming ‘to have it all’, she has just published a vlog, breaking the media façade of ‘what it means to be successful’; admitting the truth behind every model shot and the reality behind trying to maintain an image that society seems to hold in such high esteem.

Listening to her video, I don’t think I have heard such a strong, motivated and determined young woman of her age, who wants to redefine what strength really is as a woman, and what true beauty is. She is very beautiful person; and this is no reflection of her obvious good looks.

“You don’t have to do anything, but explore what excites you”, O’Neill speaks out on her video, trying to re-define to her vast audience what real happiness truly is. It isn’t about trying to ‘fit in’, or ‘be skinny’ or ‘look a certain way’. It is about being yourself.

Here are my thoughts about body image. Let me take you back to August 2014.

Getting ready for my first ultra, and my body felt a lot different than how it had ever felt before. I had got more beefy. Bigger legs, my shoulders used to be slim and now filled out t-shirts more, and I was a few pounds heavier.

When I was 18, this might have been a cause for concern.

But in light of the 53km mountain ultra marathon I was about to embark on, I couldn’t not have felt more proud and I had never felt so strong, or so myself.

Growing up, I was always fairly skinny. A seemingly high metabolism, I ate like a horse and never really gained weight. I wasn’t particularly sporty, but somehow I never really changed weight, even during the more hormonal teenage years. Growing up in a time when ‘Size Zero’ was the epitome of a successful body image, I held my stature with a fair amount of pride, and although never officially one to diet, was pretty conscious, the older I got, that I didn’t want to look any other way. I liked being slim – and the media and magazine industry seemed to certainly endorse that. I would feel guilty if I over indulged, and would get a bit of a buzz if people commented on my slim physique.

As many of you know, long distance off road running is something I started over two years ago, in 2013. When I signed up to my first ultra marathon, I took on an intense training schedule which would get me race ready in eight months, through milestones such as running my first half marathon, to training to the distance of 26 miles etc. And my body changed. With it, confirmation came, that I was indeed, as Essena wrote, doing what excites me, never feeling so myself and happy. I was looking a bit different, but quite frankly better. I was getting a bit stronger.

I was developing a bigger body, one that would get me up the mountain incline, one that could tackle challenges that I had never even dreamt of before. I was not the skinniest I had ever been, but it was the best I had ever felt. My body image was one where the perception changed to "how can I best equip myself to reach new challenges and adventures?". A little less about what it looked like at the end, and a lot more about what my body might be able to do.

Photo: John Roberts

Photo Angela Roberts

It’s late 2015, and I’m trying to get stronger still, as it will help me further for future challenges. Eating a full, healthy and balanced diet could not be more important to make sure I am strong to run. I’m not immune to the media pressures to ‘be a certain way’; I often beeline towards mirrors, freak out at the appearance of a spot, spend a lot of time over my appearance on Instagram etc. In terms, however, of being more aware of who I really am– a girl who just happens to have a big smile on her face when she is running – this for me gives the most happiness. Sometimes I just have to look at my own feet to remind myself of this -long distance running has meant black and lost nails; but look how far they have taken me!  My message therefore is to do yourself the rightful thing by finding happiness in the person you are – whatever you want to achieve, and whatever that might look like.

I am grateful that the perception of body image, as well as women striving forward in sport, is looking far more positive, far more empowering and far more true to who we are as human beings, than ever before. I’m still going to find spots difficult to deal with. Yet, what Essena has done is falsify the notion that happiness is generic, looks a certain way and is a certain life. She however has found something far greater – real value in life, and her strength is inspirational. So whether you are a size 16 or a size 6, aged 25 or 65 – take care of yourself. Enjoy sport, be confident to try and seek in your image, to above everything, be healthy, and be strong. Strength in yourself.

Essena has started a new website, which both men and women, will find invaluable: http://www.letsbegamechangers.com/new-index/

Trail Running magazine photoshoot

I am really excited to share with you my recent photoshoot with Trail Running magazine. At the shoot I teamed up with the editor, Claire Maxted, to bring you a vlog of what it is like on a running photoshoot with the magazine. We had so much fun, and it was great to work with such a fantastic running magazine that I highly recommend to anyone wanting to read up more on trail running.

So here is our day, behind the scenes at Trail Running magazine photoshoot!

Many thanks to the great photographers,  Bob Atkins and Adam Atkins, to Editor Claire Maxted, Art Editor Laura Harvey, Editorial assistant Hannah James and to the following brands for use of their kit:  Columbia, Howies, Merrell, Salomon,Vivobarefoot,Zaazee.

It was also great to meet fellow runners and models: Phil Smith and Karina Grimes.

I slept outside, then took part in a photoshoot

Recently JR and I had an adventure by setting out in the dark and rain to trek up to Kinder to camp! Head torches on, and equipped with rucksacks on our backs, we made our way to our camping spot after bouldering at Burbage South.

In those situations it is the small things that really stand out. Team work to put up a tent in the dark and the drizzle contrasted by hot tea under canvas moments later. Getting outside has this effect of inducing life appreciation just that bit more.

With the same bedhead hair, I continued to boulder the next day, getting involved in a photoshoot for the newly designed tees range by BetaMonkeys . These are quirky t shirt designs, and it was a really fun shoot in the Autumn leaves. The photographers of the day were Alex Messenger and Peter Kneen. These particular shots were taken by ‘Crimpington Bear’ who provided us with a lot of laughs, and let’s face it - smiles help one to look less like they have slept high up the previous night!

Photo by P.Keen https://www.facebook.com/CrimpingtonBear

Photo by P.Keen https://www.facebook.com/CrimpingtonBear

Photo by P.Keen https://www.facebook.com/CrimpingtonBear

10 Runner's Secrets Revealed

I write a lot about training, running, racing etc, but thought it would be a laugh to also tell you a bit about some of the things that make me 'me'. I think friends would say I was a bit quirky, I love to laugh as well as run (often while I run!). So here are 10 runner's secrets revealed...

Things you might not know about me.

• 1. I'm not keen on spiders. Interval hill training occurs by just bolting up the stairs, leaping over the the creepy crawly.

• 2. Once in a while, I will be overcome with an urge for a greasy burger. #noshame

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• 3. I have a Masters in Philosophy.

• 4. Despite skiing at significant height, and running in mountains, I can get quite daunted by climbing high / multi pitch climbing. I'm working on it.

Photo: John Roberts

• 5. I talk to myself on runs. I sing

• 6. I am the worst company on a long car journey. Mainly because this happens:

Photo: John Roberts

• 7. I have developed a moving technique going up hill and also prevalent while ski touring known to others as the ‘Noel’ - #oasis

• 8. Despite running like a fiend these days, I was never known for this at school. I really enjoyed drama.

Photo by @johndmason

• 9. I love pugs. I really love pugs. Unfortunately they are not the ‘runners dog of choice’ (for reasons too obvious to explain) but I’ve considered the possibility of fitting one in my running pack.

10. I never ever dreamt I would be competing in ultra-marathons.

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This Girl Can Running

I was recently involved with a photo shoot for the This Girl Can campaign, and The Running Bug, which was really fun! The This Girl Can campaign, developed by Sport England, seeks to encourage particularly women to enjoy and celebrate sport, whatever activity that might be and at whatever level. It was inspirational to meet runners with many different achievements and stories to tell, and we had a really great afternoon!

Images from the Running photo shoot,  in Greenwich Park. Photo: Paul J Roberts | RobertsSports Photo. All Rights Reserved

Mango and Banana Smoothie

Focusing on healthy eating and eating well is really important. Recently I decided to make my own smoothie. Essentially, you need yoghurt and fruit – and I don’t actually like to add anything else. This one is simply mango, banana and soya yoghurt whizzed together. Really thick and delicious, and actually feels a bit of a sweet treat – although so much healthier than tucking into a Snickers (which, of course, is actually totally fine in moderation and one of my preferred treats, especially after a run!).

Thing to note – eat on day of consumption. I put some of this smoothie in the fridge only to find it looking less appealing by the next morning - the fresher the better!

Some great Smoothie recipes can also be seen from Liza Prideaux's video

Via Ferrata in Arco

The bad news - unfortunately I was ill on holiday with a flu bug which meant some serious rest and having to be wise with pushing too much exercise. But I am getting better at learning to just 'go with it'  - listening to the body and not fighting when it needs to rest. The good news - the sun shone, a lot. When I did feel a little better, I did a via ferrata.

This means 'iron road' and is a method of travel by the mountains. You travel up the rock by an iron cable. There are different types of via ferrata, from those that are fairly technical, requiring a great deal of climbing, to via ferrata that is more of a walk/scramble. My first via ferrata was basically a gentle walk, and my second via ferrata involved more climbing. For via ferrata you need sturdy trainers underfoot with good grip (recommended) to place your feet on the rock, or the iron rungs/ ladders. You wear a rock climbing harness with a via ferrata safety kit attached, and clip the two karabiners to the wire as you ascend.

When we reached the top, we were able to just walk our way down the beautiful trail on the other side.

Although it was disappointing to be unwell on holiday, I was glad to have the chance to try a new sport!

Travel: Arco Italy

I write this currently poorly - oh no! Since I am resting up I thought I would take the time to blog the first few days of my trip to Italy! I love to travel, and I am currently spending some time in Arco, which is a really stunning part of Italy set by the panoramic backdrop of the Italian lakes. I find the place a wonderful oxymoron - snow topped mountains accompanied by leafy palm trees - everything I love!  The views are really stunning (I shall put more photos on during the trip!) and there is SO much to do here. From coffee and gelato moments to rock climbing, trails  - hard to get bored. It is a nice time of year to travel here actually, as the weather is fairly crisp yet it is pretty warm in the sun.

I have had a chance to do some route climbing, which is a nice change from my usual bouldering preference - climbing with friends who are also really skilled climbers means I am picking up good ideas when it comes to climbing, as well as having a really good laugh!

Been a little under the weather with a cold/fluey symptoms, but never mind  - hardly a bad place to recuperate!

I hope everyone has had a Happy Easter! More updates of the trip to follow!

Sportswear and Travel

Happy Bank Holiday! I write this now having arrived in a sunnier place - really psyched to be in Italy!  I've been told the Lakes is a great place for running, so hopefully (aches and pains permitting!) I can get some time on the trail. Yiiphee!

I will be blogging about the trip here, so do keep up with the latest, (you can either email subscribe, or visit the facebook page).

This week I caught up with the team at Outside Shop, as well as Salomon.

If you haven’t been, Outside it really is the place to get sportswear. I have been coming here ever since running in the peak – it’s great for picking up anything from a new pair of running shoes, deciding which running pack to get, or to simply stock up on gels. I come with friends many a time to just get a snack at the café before heading outside (a big part of any outdoors trip centres around meeting up with mates to then grab a coffee and a sandwich) . It’s friendly, the guys know their stuff when it comes to sport generally, and it’s a bit of a day out just visiting the store! Many of the people there have some great stories and adventures to share.Really excited to be working with them, and really appreciate their recent support with Salomon. Check out their online store, as even if you don’t live near the Peak, you can order their stuff on the web.

Outside shop: http://www.outside.co.uk/

Have a fantastic start to the bank holiday.

A (vaguely) healthy chocolate cake

Hi everyone I decided to do some baking (everyone holds their breath..I’m not the world’s most natural cook, however I do enjoy taking on new projects, so, bring it on I say!). Here is a chocolate cake. It's meant to be sugar free.

I wanted to make an easy, healthy (ish) cake. This is what happened. I was following a recipe from allrecipes website  adapting the recipe by doubling the quantities to make an entire loaf cake, rather than the cupcakes their recipe caters for . I also used actual drinking chocolate cocoa (seemed fine, tasted good, although in hindsight I realise my version was not completely free of sugar! Ah well, runners enjoy their food, no matter :) )

It could not be simpler- dollop all ingredients in a bowl, mix, bake (double baking time prescribed in original recipe)

I used:

200g self raising flour

4 tablespoons of Cadburys drinking chocolate powder

200g salted butter

4 eggs

splash of semi-simmed milk

100g Splenda powder

This creates a decent sized cake. Friends have scoffed several portions already, me included, and there is lots left!

Substituting the sugar for Splenda did make the cake seem lighter.  I’m keen to try this recipe again, and try and substitute more ingredients to make it healthier (maybe add dried fruit too? Hmm…) .

Would really love to hear your healthy treats recipes! Do comment below.

Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2015

Hi everyone! I hope everyone has had a good week. It's been nearly a week since I travelled to Sheffield for SHAFF - which is the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. Like Kendal Mountain Film Festival, this is a chance to meet some very wonderful, incredible explorers, adventurers and sports people, and see some fantastic films!

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This was the first time I had actually managed to see 'Running Wild' on the big screen, as I unfortunately could not make the screening of the Kendal showing. Seeing the beautiful scenery of Chamonix again, some dear people on the screen - it left me very nostalgic, and keen to go back out to Chamonix again. Not long now !

I also saw some other really amazing films. 'Finding Traction' about the incredible feat of Nikki Kimball's 273 mile ultra challenge was uplifting, motivating and quite frankly, nothing short of running mastery. It was then an honour to hear her talk at the Women in Adventure forum later in the evening. Her, along with other very talented women in sport, including climber Mina Leslie- Wujastyk, and adventurer Squash Falconer reaffirmed for everyone in the room, and everyone who has heard about it since - that women are taking the sporting world by storm, as we absolutely should be acknowledged for doing.

Whether male or female, a runner, climber, skier etc, novice or expert - keep doing what you are doing, and enjoy every moment. Everyone is a sporting champion in their own right, no matter who you are.

A really wonderful event, bring on SHAFF 2016 already!