Hey peeps!
I am sure you are all glued to your TV’s right now, enjoying all the sports on offer. I have been loving it! I have never watched an opening ceremony before, and just put it on for a bit to see what it was like, and ended up watching the entire show. One channel was showing it without the commentary which was so much better- we did turn it over for a bit, but the chatter was so inane we quickly went back to the other feed. I did wonder if it would be a bit too arty, but I just enjoyed it all- the fireworks, the dancing, the music, the little cultural references sneaked in (like the most famous weather forecast ever!)- it just showed how fab Britain is. I was so pleased to see Beckham involved, as I think he has turned into a fantastic role model for younger athletes, and actually is proud to play and work for his country (and not just rake in the money like most footballers), plus he was involved with the bid, and I loved that they nominated up and coming athletes to finish the final part of the torch. I also though that London looked amazing, especially at night all lit up. It is a city with so many brilliant landmarks, impressive buildings (historic and modern), lovely parks, and the fireworks helped to showcase that I thought.
After a 5 mile run, a walk to the shops and some work on Friday, I chilled out in the afternoon by painting my nails (Primrose Hill Picnic– what a pretty name) whilst watching The Spirit of the Marathon- it got me into the mood for the opening ceremony I suppose.
I also made some rosemary foccacia from my Lorraine Pascale book.
I was a bit worried that it was too brown, but it was soft on the inside still.
(Mine was so much darker than the photograph)
As well as picking rosemary, I picked some fresh mint, and had it in mint tea, and also with pineapple and watermelon.
So refreshing 🙂
On Saturday morning, I had my longest run this year (since the Great South Run in October I think)- just over 10 miles. It was not quite as hot as it had been, which I was grateful for. I also turned my Garmin around so that I could not see the screen any more- that seemed to help a lot because I have been getting into the habit of thinking about how far I have to go, which makes me feel more tired. I want to run on feel really, especially on those longer runs. It took me about 1 hour 55 I think, which is not bad seeing as the GSR took me 1hr 50, and in March I could not even walk half a mile! I am sure I have said this before but I am not going to worry about a time, I just want to enjoy the experience, but going these longer distances does give me some confidence.
I had a delicious breakfast waiting for me- raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackcurrants all from the garden and allotment, alongside muesli, hazelnut milk, chia seeds, and a little drippy pb on top.
I have also been loving coconut water to rehydrate- it is just so refreshing, although I cannot find the mango stuff at the moment, which is my fave flavour.
Earlier in the week, I finally received one of these:
I think I had to use my Starbucks card 15 times to earn one, but now Andy has a card too, that counts towards the total too (basically the reward scheme is on visits and not per item, so you are better to have separate cards linked to the same account if that makes sense). I used to buy both our drinks on my card, which would earn one star, but now if we buy them on our own cards, we get 2 stars.
We had opticians appointments, so as a post-run treat, and a pre-opticians treat (I hate things like that) we went to Starbucks. As it was warm I got a soya chai tea latte, only iced. It was delicious (Andy had one too and liked it, but decided that it is not as good value because they fill it up with ice haha!). We shared a cinnamon roll- reading my GSR recap it seems that I need a cinnamon roll after running 10 miles!
Then this morning started with more garden produce:
I really fancied pancakes, so made up a quick batch with wholegrain spelt flour, hazelnut milk, apple sauce and coconut (random, but it worked). While they were cooking I made a sauce with blueberries and blackcurrants (from the garden), in a little water, with a tsp coconut sugar. The mix was only small (I think 40g flour or something) but it made a pancake mountain! I also had some hotel chocolat chocolate peanut smudge sauce (but it is not as nice as Dark Chocolate Dreams)- the fruity sauce was the best bit though- delicious.
After that I have been mainly relaxing- I thought my legs would be more tired, but they have been OK. We watched the Grand Prix, and a lot of the women’s road race (such an exciting finish!)- then we had a walk, and got back seconds before it poured with rain.
I am off for another fix of the Olympics- what sports have you enjoyed watching?
Yay for pancakes 🙂 I would be so starving after a morning run – I’d have obviously eaten double the muesli and a whole cinnamon roll to myself. Oh well.
Great that the run has been a confidence boost for you (and so it should be).
I enjoyed most of the opening ceremony but I think a few parts confused our American friends! My Mum loved the shipping forecast bit as well – I just wasn’t so fond of the NHS tableau with all of the kids because I found the huge blow-up Voldemort hilarious in a bad way and the kids a bit sickly-sweet. Plus the NHS isn’t quite as perfect at the performance might suggest. Other than that it was great though – I loved what they did with the torch at the very end.
I watched the cycling road race as well – what a finish! I was looking forward to the women’s marathon but it won’t be quite the same without Paula 🙁
xxx
Voldermort made me giggle too D:
I didn’t know that it was Voldermort until I read it- just thought it was some nightmare thing. I liked the NHS bit because even though it has its flaws, I think that is one of the great things about Britain- we care for everyone regardless of what they earn, which is very different from a lot of countries (esp. America).
Also found the child catcher very creepy!
Yes I will still watch the women’s marathon too, but it will be a shame for Paula- better for her to pull out now than half way through I think.
We have been watching a lot of swimming but I prefer to watch gymnastics (hubby says no 🙁 …) We did go try watch the mens road race yesterday (in Surrey) but the crowd was too deep (about 5 deep) and could;t see anyone – great lunch with friends afterwards though so still a great day out.
Well done on your 10 miles, thats epic, especially when you consider your recovery xx
Thanks 🙂
Andy has been watching beach volleyball!!
I like the gymnastics too- and the swimming.
I’m glad I found your blog! Congrats on the ten miles. That is awesome! I’ve been watching swimming and gymnastics right now. I swam for 15 years so it will always have part of my heart. Though both Phelps and Lochte’s ego’s have quite annoyed me this Olympics.
Well done on your long run sweetie!
I loved the opening ceremony! It was really quite something 🙂
I enjoy the gymnastics and athletics. I also quite like the diving! Its just impressive to watch.
xxx
Thanks 🙂
Yes I like the diving- esp the synchronised because I can tell more whether it is good or not!
Wasn’t the ceremony fantastic? It made me so proud to be British, it was stunning. Wish I’d known there was coverage without commentary on too; the BBC commentators were so irritating!
Love the look of those pancakes and your foccacia looks perfect and so professional 🙂
I think everyone really enjoyed it!
It was only by chance, when we put the TV on they said that it was on without commentary on one of the BBC channels so we switched it over.
I’m so predicable, I know – but I’m really looking forward to all the running events. But other than that, most of the track and field events.
Mmmm, foccacia…great inspiration for the baking I’ve been planning on doing this week, thanks 🙂
Yes when the athletics starts later this week (Friday I think?) that will get pretty exciting!
I loved the opening ceremony too. I particularly enjoyed the Mary Poppinses (is that the correct plural?) and the cycling doves were so pretty. As for the NHS, how can you not celebrate such an achievement? Flaws and all, we’d be a different country without it!
Enjoying the swimming, gymnastics and rowing!
Have a great week watching!
I totally agree about the NHS- it has its flaws but it is still fantastic.
Yes I think it should be Mary Poppinses 🙂
You inspired me to get running! I have yet to watch the olympics but I am excited for the soccer tournaments! Love and Shine CourtStar
Aw how sweet 🙂 I hope you enjoy it when you get out there.
I’ve been loving the Olympics too- the opening ceremony was amazing!
I’ve honestly not seen any of the olympics yet other than the opening ceremonies!
I’m loving the Olympics at the moment. Feeling really pro-Britain! We’ve done alright so far I think. And well done Lewis Hamilton as well! The pancakes look really good. I’m going to have make some this weekend I think. I’m just seeing them everywhere now. Good Sunday breakfast I think 🙂
Pancakes are a good Sunday breakfast, plus they are quite quick to make, but look like they take longer!
I’ve been loving the Olympics so far too. Thought the opening ceremony was great, and enjoyed cheering on Team GB so far! Great job on the run, I did just under 9 this weekend, and felt good. I haven’t used my garmin for a while, I just take a simple watch to time, but I have found it much better going without the gps for a while.
I used to do that with my Nike+ (not look at the distance or time) and I think it works better for me because the time goes much quicker!
Your foccacia looks so good!! And congrats on your ten miles, too! You’re doing a great job of building up your mileage.
We’re loving it all– swimming, gymnastics, and of course, can’t wait for the running events!