Yesterday I attended the 6 Hour Emergency First Aid course which was being run by East Lothian’s Outdoor Education Team.

The course acted as an introduction for those who have never been involved in a First Aid course before and a refresher for those who have.

While I fully agree with the theory that everyone should have some knowledge of emergency first aid and wanted to attend the course so that I would feel more confident if I was ever in the position to use it, my main motivations for attending a course at this moment in time was because I am embarking on the BELA course and the RYA Coastal Skipper early next year. Both these courses require a first aid certificate.

The course covered many of the common situations that may occur in the workplace. We looked at CPR, recovery position, sprains, choking, burns etc. Our insturctor Bill Stephen was both knowledgeable and patient, and with a wealth of experience to share ran a very practical and realistic course.

My thanks go to Bill for an enjoyable and valuable day!

Last night 6 of us completed the Jog Scotland 5k run around Inverleith Park and the Botanic Gardens. For me this was the culmination of 6 months of running in which I started unable to run continuously for more than 3o seconds. It was a huge personal challenge but I am very glad to have completed in a time of 48 minutes.

Massive thanks must go to Jayne Easson for her commitment and enthusiasm to helping her colleagues become fitter and healthier. Also I must thank Hazel Gilfillan of Kings Meadow Primary, who kept spirits high throughout the course and kept to her word that we would start and finish together!

Yesterday I visited Liz Brookes, Principal Teacher of Outdoor Education within East Lothian Council. The reason for my visit was that Liz had very kindly offered to talk to me about the various qualifications I would need in order to become GTC recognised as a Teacher of Outdoor Education.

We are very lucky in East Lothian as we have a very good and busy Outdoor Education Team who not only provide lots of opportunities for our pupils but also provide a wide variety of staff development opportunities. I intend to book onto various courses over the coming months in order to build up my qualifications. In addition, Liz is also allowing me to help the team out during my spare time to build up my experience.

 I would like to thank Liz for taking the time to talk to me.

Today saw the annual Alloa Half Marathon. The event has always been of interest to me, as growing up I lived in the street next to the start and finish line which is at Lornshill Academy. This year my colleague and our staff jogging group leader, Jayne Easson, took part in her third Alloa race. Jayne finished in 1 hour 48 minutes which was a fantastic time. She is pictured above (middle) with Sarah and Monise. Huge well done to Jayne, and everyone who took part in the gruelling 13.1 miles route!

Yesterday  saw the Sports Relief mile at Knox Academy. The event was organised by the S6 charities committee. At lunchtime a good number of staff and pupils took to the field wearing their red and white Sports Relief socks to run the two laps. After school, some memebrs of the staff running group ran along the river Tyne again showing off our new socks.

Well done to the Charities Committee for organising the event and to all that took part.

Well I am doing ok. I managed to get to band practice last night and went a run (in my case a walk) with the Knox staff running club tonight. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank Jayne Easson for being so very patient and understanding and to my other colleagues for their encouragement as I lost all feeling from the knees down and my feet began to bleed!

Mental note to ones self: must buy bigger trainers for next week!

I am not a fan of making new years resolutions, mainly because I can never seem to stick to them. However, this year I am quite determined. So what better way to ensure that I keep my promises to myself than making them public!

Recently I have found very little time to do much exercise or keep up with my hobbies. This is mainly due to my, on average, 3 hour daily commute. So this year I am determined to try to keep fit and get back into my music. I have done a fair bit of reading and it seems that the reason that my energy levels are always so low is because I don’t do enough exercise to feel energised.

So… Tonight, armed with my dog, Kali, we set out for a power walk. I have to say that indeed I feel less tired already and Kali really appreciated the extra walk.

I am also going to join a few of my colleagues from Knox under the instruction of Jayne Easson PT Guidance on a weekly jog. I shall keep you updated on how I get on with that!!

And I intend on making it to band practice at least once a week too.

 Here’s to a new me.

Kali likes to read blogs!