Fitness

Despite having been on the water on an a regular basis this winter I'm still feeling somewhat lacking in paddle ready fitness. With all sorts of goals set for the year ahead including a trip to Alaska, I feel some sort of training regime is in order which may well includes a weekly trip to the gym. Now this is not something I usually go for but the benefits are clear, if I stick with it that is. However, as the clip above parodies the dangers of, the one device I'll not be using is the running machine!

What Defines Us?

Photo: Sascha Hüttenhain

I attended a conference recently in Edinburgh where I had the opportunity to present some of my research. A frequent question asked of me on that day 'what is it you do?'. There was apparent confusion amongst the intellectual gathering when I gave the glib reply of 'well right now, breathing'. This was not the required answer or desired response as it didn't aid those making the enquiry as to my role, function or reason for being. I wasn't deliberatly trying to be obtuse but was somewhat annoyed that those in attendance need to establish some sort of credibility reference frame rather than just accepting the status quo at the time. Namely, I am who I am and I'm here because I'm here.

On the train journey home I began to think more about the question put to me and how my sense of belonging was being mapped out through defined descriptors attached to me by others. Is our existance given meaning by what we do, by what we own, say or look like. I would say that it is the intersection of these categories that may define us. I realise that this is far from revelatory and that there are dedicated sites for delving deeper into such topics. Its just an aspect of my persona that values the importance of learning, exploring, and widening my breadth of knowledge through sound questioning and reflection. Perhaps due to the fact that in the past, I was to busy try to find meaning in the 'what?' rather than the 'why?'.

Photo: Sascha Hüttenhain

Amazing People - Alys Mendus

Alys Mendus is a great source of inspiration to me. There are only a handful of people I know who can fill theirs lives with as much productive activity. Alys has the energy, enthusiasm and passion for life that sustains a remarkable sense of being. Every hour of every day is engaged in fufilling something of purpose and benefit. And this is not just in some sort of self indulgent way, Alys has the desire and willingness to share what she knows and what she loves with as many others who are open to such generosity.

In the time I have known Alys, which is over a decade now, she has proved to be to be a trustworthy, reliable and enthusistic friend. Alys possesses great maturity and conducts herself with reassuring confidence and efficiency. Qualities that I feel are particularly valuable traits in this modern society of ours. Whether its in the mountains, on a snowboard or clinging to a rock face, Alys such can't help herslef but get stuck in. Such is the boundless 'joi de vive' Alys possesses. She's even promised to give sea kayaking in the UK a go, though Alys has been spoilt by the trips she completed in New Zealand (which is a lot warmer and sunnier).


Photo: Alys Mendus Collection

If you were ever searching for a vibrant and wonderful travelling companion to have great adventures with......look no further