The Great South Run 2013, October, Portsmouth and Southsea

At the end of October I completed the Great South Run again. 

Having caught the running bug nearly two years ago I felt an enormous sense of achievement crossing that finish line as I ran the complete 10 miles on my own, with great support from the crowd.

For anyone unaware the Great South Run is the premiere 10 mile event in the UK and attracts thousands and thousands of runners each year (25,000 this time).

There is a great buzz and you run through the streets of Portsmouth and Southsea through the dockyard, past the Spinnaker, and along the seafront. 

All the way through I felt fine a lot more confident than last year and paced myself to make sure I didn't burn out quickly. However, it would seem the weather had another plan for the runners, the evening of the run a massive storm was predicted.  It didn't hit when we were running however coming through Eastney was fine but turning right onto the seafront it felt as if someone hit you and running along was a constant struggle and felt as if someone constantly had their hands on your shoulders pushing you back.

It was brutal and by far the hardest two miles I have ever run, there was a point that I was concerned that I would not be able to finish, I kept running whereas others walked. The only thought going through my head was if I walk I won't be able to run and with the need to beat my time again kept pushing through.

Last year I completed the Great South Run in 2 hours 9 minutes, this year...1 hour 58 minutes. To say I am over the moon is an understatement I was overwhelmed and so proud that I had done it. I also raised £260 for Mind which was phenomenal.

I did say I wasn't going to do it again next year, £41 is quite a lot, so I am looking at getting a charity spot again. My thinking well first it is the 25th anniversary and second if it's not windy how fast could I run it?

In other running news not long to go until the Brighton Half Marathon in February, little nervous 13 miles so this week going to up my training to nail it! Just hope my couple of weeks off doesn't impact on it all.

After the Great South Run

My treat after the race

Liam Fray acoustic tour, Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, Wednesday, September 25, 2013

I have seen Manchester band The Courteeners about four or five times at last count since about 2007 when they first came to Portsmouth and Southampton. With these gigs you know what you are going to get, loud and fast guitar heavy songs belted out across the room with the crowd loving every minute.

To say the crowd at a Courteeners gig is full of energy is probably an understatement, they sing, they dance, they shout and chant - mainly 'Li-am, Li-am, Li-am'.

So when I bought me and my boyfriend tickets to see lead singer Liam Fray's acoustic gig I was a little intrigued as to what he was going to play and what it would be like.

Lets just say I was not disappointed, and the crowd still managed to get a chant in.

Playing for about an hour and a half he treated us to a number of Courteeners hits Last of the ladies, Scratch you name upon my heart and Lose control. All of which just sounded perfect, just him, a guitar and a piano guy. 

It is nice to hear songs like Acrylic slowed down and stripped back showcasing the word smith we all know Fray is.

Even though he said he had a sore throat the songs were delivered, to the sometimes silent room, with such quality and class.

The crowd were also a little different this time, less rowdy but still shouting out the song lyrics at the top of their voice, especially to favourites Bide your time  and Please don't, so loud in fact that Liam stepped back to enjoy the moment and let the crowd sing out.

 I can see why with this tour he has chosen to play smaller more intimate venues like the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth as he can interact with the audience, so much so that someone in the front wanted to talk to him about Manchester to which he said 'You want a one to one conversation but no one else in the room cares'. 

To be honest I think at this gig was the most I have ever heard Liam talk.

He also treated the room to a bit of a Fleet Foxes song which was amazing.

It was an phenomenal gig, laid back and chilled out but still with a slight rock and roll edge. 

Even without the band as support Liam still brings it to the stage and I'll be buying my ticket next time he goes acoustic.

A brave new world

I have been in my new job for about two months now and love every minute of writing for a magazine.

I thought I would plug etc Magazine in a bid to get web hits and people reading it.

The August edition came out about two weeks ago and was the first Hampshire edition alongside the three well-established Sussex editions which was very exciting especially since I live in Hampshire and I am very proud of my home county.

So, what can you expect from the magazines?

Well in Hampshire I went to a piloxing class which I am obsessed with and have signed up for six weeks - http://etcmag.net/high-energy-piloxing/

I also had a shrinking violet body wrap and lost in total about eight inches  Read it on page 26 here - http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=7ff12f34-a8e7-4615-959d-6cb2dfd41b85

And had a lovely meal at Italian La Piazzetta in Petersfield p.66

In the Sussex edition http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?pbid=cdbd86eb-0ed9-41e5-a590-031651c44a1c

I interviewed Alexandra Heminsley about her book 'Running like a Girl' which I can't recommend enough especially if you have just started running p. 134

Plus I talk to a couple about their home which used to be a water pumping station on p. 82


Plus there is lots, lots more in the e-mags and online at www.etcmag.net so check it out.

McFly, Portsmouth Guildhall, Memory Lane tour - 14 May 2013

Fifth time is a charm for McFly, although every time I have seen them they have been amazing.

The band is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, scary when you think about it as even though they have been doing other things the band has been touring pretty  much every year since they started.

The chemistry of the guys on stage is electric, you can almost imagine them playing in a spare room somewhere and having as much fun as they are performing in front of their fans. I also love with McFly that they haven't really, over the past few years, played big arenas but preferred to stay with the smaller venues which is great for fans.

I think this is probably the second greatest hits/memory lane tour I have been to but then you know the songs and you know what you are getting and can dance your heart out.

They are still my guilty pleasure and I do love them. I hope these boys are still going in another 10 years.

I was near the front for the first time which was great, and Harry threw his drumstick into the crowd which landed very close to me.

Great songs, great atmosphere and a fantastic band.

Set list: 
- Memory Lane
- That Girl
- Star Girl
- Transylvania
- 5 Colours in her hair
- Falling in Love
- Room on the Third Floor
- Obviously
- Corrupted
- Nowhere Left to Run
- Lies
- I'll be Ok
- Bubblewrap
- Smile
- It's Alright/ YMCA/ Don't Worry, Be Happy
- Shine a Light
- One for the Radio
- Memory Lane

Encore
- Love is Easy
- It's All About You
- The Heart Never Lies

The stage with Tom in the corner - 

Les Miserablés costume exhibition - Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Anyone from Portsmouth will know that the opening scene of the 2012 film version of Les Mis was filmed in the Dockyard, everyone now knows someone who was an extra in the film.

Now those who didn't get the chance to star in the film can get up close to the costumes that feature in it.

The Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth is hosting nineteen of the costumes and a selection of props, which were Oscar and Bafta nominated. This is the first time they have been shown in the UK, courtesy of NBC Universal Archives and collections.

I saw and loved the film so wanted to check them all out, I also wanted to see just how skinny Anne Hathaway got for the film.

The costumes featured include Hugh Jackman's Valjean convict costume  that he wore in his Portsmouth scenes, various costumes worn by Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Isabelle Allen and Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Natalya Angel Wallace and Samantha Barks as Eponine, Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier, Colm Wilkinson as the Bishop, Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras.

They aren't all behind glass which is quite cool because you can get quite close and see the intricate detail used and how beautiful even Fantine's dirty red dress is. Let me say as well she is very, very skinny. Her clothes are tiny, so are Samantha Barks. 

It is really good, if you loved the film you will enjoy this. My sister went with me, she hasn't seen Les Mis but said she really wants to now.

There may not be many but it is great for something like this to come to Portsmouth. I hope more come down, we had a great Little Black Dress exhibition at Portsmouth Museum a few years ago and I know people will go to it, well I will..

Tickets are £5 just for the exhibition and it ends on April 14.

To buy tickets online visit: http://www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets/  I would advise buying in advance as we had to queue to get in.

Fantine - 

Jean Valjean -

Eponine - 

Letter from Cosette to Marius - 

The Courteeners, Pyramids, Portsmouth, Monday, March 4, 2013

Anna

The Courteeners, what can I say.

This was the fifth time I have seen them perform live. The first of which being in 2008 at the University of Southampton  student union we could only stay for 45 minutes due to last train home but it was brilliant and from then on my boyfriend and I were hooked to this band from Middleton, Greater Manchester.

The band's first album St Jude came out in 2007 and I am still gutted to this day that we didn't go to one of their first gigs in the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth. I think we have made up for it though having seen them at the Pyramids twice, Bournemouth O2 and in Chester as part of Chester Rocks.

They never disappoint and I think this gig was the best I have ever seen them live. The band, made up of Liam Fray, Michael Campbell, Daniel Moores and Mark Cuppello, seemed more comfortable on stage and you could tell that Liam was feeding off the atmosphere.

I always thought that bands could never really see the audience but I think on this occasion it was Liam who had a front row view. He interacted with people on the front, and looked in amazement at a crowd of lads dancing and moshing in the middle of the floor.

To start with voice his didn't sound as strong as it had done on previous gigs but seemed to warm up pretty quickly. I think he is probably fitter than I've ever seen him, in both senses of the word, as he seems to have lost quite a bit of weight, he looked great.

The band kicked off with Are You in Love with a Notion? From new album Anna, I would say by the crowds reaction to this song and Push Yourself, which they played after, it didn't seem as if many people had the new album. They livened up a bit after the latest single Lose Control, but practically erupted for Cavorting  and Acrylic.

The songs from the first two albums  St Jude and Falcon went down a storm and the room was buzzing.
Liam added at one point that he was worried people would have forgotten about them but seemed to have a strong following in the room.

The thing I love about The Courteeners is that they are still relatively unknown but should be massive. They never really headline festivals but do play a lot of them. I love them and they are one of my favourites.

My favourite song has to be Take Over the World which looked beautiful with two glitter balls casting a ray of stars around the Pyramids. It looked so good and the song was perfect for the mood, the crowd even quietened down a bit.

Surprisingly they didn't play You Overdid it Doll but ended with Not Nineteen Forever and What Took you So Long?

I loved on the set the light at the back of Anna from the album cover, I joked with my boyfriend that I wouldn't mind it when we have a place of our own.

Liam treated the crowd to a little acoustic bit where he played The Rest of the World has Gone Home this didn't really calm the crowd down but really showed off his fantastic vocal ability.

Liam described the gig on Twitter as manic, with chants of Liam whenever there was a quiet moment, we maybe Southerners but we do love these Northerners.

If you have never seen The Courteeners before but you are going to festival where they are playing check them out you really won't be disappointed.

10k Santa Run, RNLI, Portsmouth, 16/12/12

After the Great South Run I found it really hard to get back into running. It was almost as if my legs had said 'you've done what you set out to do so we are done'.
Everything felt stiff and hurt, but I wanted to continue running as it is a great way to keep fit and I have lost weight far easily than with any other form of exercise.
So I had signed up to a 10k Santa run for the RNLI in Portsmouth. It was this weekend and it was actually pretty fun.
10K is about 6.2 miles and isn't easy but it was fun. Thousands of Santas running about was a little surreal, but the atmosphere was great. They had the Portsmouth City Band playing Christmas carols and everyone was in a really good mood.

It was quite hard in places though as after 1k you run up to Eastney and then onto the beach, which in Portsmouth is stones...really difficult and impacted by knees when I got back on the tarmac I noticed the difference but I did it.
I ran faster than I had in my training runs, 4.5 to 5.0 miles per hour and I did it in 1 hour 10 which was good for me considering the day before I ate so much rubbish and had cider and a cocktail, also I hadn't run for a week.

There was also a 5k family run which I think would have been more enjoyable, but even doing 10k was good. I just wanted to get round.

However, running in a felt Santa suit is not great. It was so warm and hard to run in so I had to take off the top. The beard went pretty quickly and the hat was tucked into my belt. Other than that it was good.

It was surreal having so many people dressed as Santa, during the warm up it looked like some kind of ritualistic dance. Loads of people came with dogs and it was great seeing families dressed as Santa and getting in the festive spirit.

I'm going to keep the running up and I am looking for my next run - a 10k or half marathon.

Jake Bugg, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth - 13/11/2012

Jake Bugg is a name that many people may not have heard of but next year he will be the name on everyones lips.

He recently came back from a tour in America with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and has now embarked on his own UK tour. He also played at quite a few festivals over the summer, and you may have also heard his song Lightening Bolt during the Olympics.

Having seen him a few times on TV me and my boyfriend decided to get some tickets as he was coming to Portsmouth.

Jake came on about quarter past ten and played for about an hour maybe a little bit less.

He didn't really interact with the audience just saying the song titles but I can't fault his performance, he is only 18 but he does have a modest stage presence and you can't deny that voice has a unique quality to it.

He is frequently compared to Bob Dylan, and I can see that in his early days. He has quite a country style singing voice and also his lyrics are honest and sometimes a little brutal.

I did feel that most of the people in the audience probably didn't have his album as when he performed songs such as Lightening Bolt, Taste It  and Two Fingers the crowd erupted.

However with his album tracks you could hear people talking in the audience and atmosphere was a bit flat. There is nothing wrong with Jake's performance he could be a front man with swagger when he gains more confidence.

He is touring again next year so if you  get the chance do see him. He has a great voice and has the potential to be a great performer, as you have to remember he is only an 18 year old from Nottingham.

On another note he had two support acts but by far my favourite was singer Findlay who has an old style amazing voice, simply brilliant.

The Great South Run, Southsea, Portsmouth - Sunday, October 28 2012

Yesterday I ran the Great South Run. The largest ten mile road race in Europe, I was one out of 25,000.

In my training I got up to ten miles so I thought it would be fine, however, I found it really, really difficult. It didn't help I needed the toilet from the start but held it until six miles and ran into the Tenth Hole tea room to use the toilet.

The atmosphere was fantastic among the runners and the crowd, hi-fiving kids who were cheering and clapping. Just really, really good.

However, by mile eight I was finding it really difficult. We were in Eastney and I knew where we ended up at the swimming baths but I couldn't figure out how we got there so I did start to feel a bit disheartened and did wonder if I would finish. But I missed the eight mile mark so it did feel as if it was going forever so I was relived when I got to nine miles.

It was cool running through the dockyard and past the navy boats but there was minimal crowd in there.

The best part was getting round the corner by the Pyramids and seeing the finish line I got my sprint on and pulled away from the boyfriend, but I did it too soon and he soon caught me up.

I think I got quite caught up in the moment to start with as the first five miles I did running between 5.1 and 4.9 miles an hour, far too fast for me. I was doing 11-12 minute miles! Crazy! The eight mile I did in 14 minutes, that was my hardest mile.

It was a great feeling afterwards though knowing I had just completed the Great South Run, at points I was really doubting if I would do it. The crowd support from friends and family was really needed and appreciated.

Doing it for charity also gave me that extra push as I had more of a purpose to do it.

As much as I hurt today it was really worth it and I would recommend it, the buzz was amazing. I feel so proud of myself as in May I couldn't run for five minutes without stopping and yesterday I ran 10 miles in 2 hours and 9 minutes!

Now hopefully I will be doing a 10k Santa fun run!

I ran for mind to donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/runcharlierun

To sign up for next years run visit the website: http://www.greatrun.org/events/event.aspx?id=12

Proof I did it...

When the Olympic Torch came to Portsmouth

Over the last couple of weeks the Olympic Torch has been weaving its way around the UK, and every day in the week I have heard Chris Moyles talk about torch cam on his show.

When I found out the torch was not only coming to Portsmouth twice but was coming on a Sunday I knew I had to go and see what all the fuss was about.

Portsmouth held an event on Southsea common, with performances from Twist and Pulse from Britain's Got Talent, local dance groups and Brighton band Rizzle Kicks. The band performed for about 15 minutes until the torch came in at 6.55pm. They were fantastic and I'm glad I got to see them live.

Three sponsors, Lloyds TSB, Coca Cola and Samsung ,had vans around the side where you could have your photo taken with a torch, there were long queues and after a little 'what are they doing? They are so silly queueing for a torch photo...' We got in one and had our photo taken.

The torch was lighter than I thought it would be.

The atmosphere was just amazing, it was buzzing so many people around and as the torch got closer it just built and built.

Then the torch, buses from coke came by and then just peeping over the top of the crowds heads was the torch, I don't know who was carrying it but it looked fantastic and I could see the flame.

I felt privileged to see it with thousands of other people. There aren't many times you can feel proud to be British but seeing the people of Portsmouth cheering and clapping and just getting involved made me feel very proud of not only my city but where I come from.

I wasn't that bothered about the Olympics before but after seeing the torch I cannot wait for the Olympics to start and Team GB to win some gold!!

The torch just outside the Queen's Hotel in Southsea...

The day I met the Queen

When I started at Admiral Lord Nelson school in 1997, there were already two years above us but they had been in another building. So when I started in September 1997 we were the first pupils to step inside the brand new building and also the first year to go from year 7 to 11 in that building.

To celebrate the brand new school opening The Queen was invited to open the new building.

Students were selected to welcome her with flags and dotted around various classrooms. I was picked to be in the IT suite and was told to work on a new project.

We were told that when the Queen came in we were to carry on with our work and not turn around. Try telling a bunch of 11-13 year olds not to turn around and look at the Queen though. You can probably guess what happened when she came in, we all turned around to catch a glimpse of the woman on coins, cash and stamps.

It was surreal and passed in a bit of blur, I remember she was short but looked regal, strangely enough.

I did get to talk to her people though, who came and asked about my work.

It was one of those moments I will never forget and as it is the jubilee today I thought it was quite fitting to write about when I (kind of) met the Queen.

The wheels on the bus....

Now I know that moaning about buses is not a new thing, but as someone who very rarely gets a bus I was really annoyed with the service.


Due to the frost and snow I decided to get the bus to college. Getting there was fine. It was a big, new bus that could fit a lot of people in, my only gripe was the fact that people wouldn't make room for others getting on and those who got off just barged through, almost as if the people in front of them were not there. Inconsiderate and rude people are just so frustrating!


Now getting home, the bus going from the town centre to near where I live comes just three times an hour, THREE TIMES!! When  I was younger and getting the bus to town it came every ten minutes, so this got my back up immediately as it meant I had to wait twenty minutes with a large queue forming. When the bus eventually came it was like something from the fifties and had hardly any seats, and the British queuing system went to pot with annoyed people pushing old ladies out of the way to get a seat. Common courtesy seems to have gone out of the window, to be honest I know that public transport is better for the environment but it was awful!


Given the choice I would chose my car over annoyed, frustrated people with no manners any day!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

As with my first ever post I'm having another snow day.




The snow is one of those things that you really want to happen but when it does you regret wanting it so much. It may look pretty but it causes loads of headaches.


Again, as with the beginning of the year the people and country can't cope. Public transport comes to a halt and everyone is surprised, it does annoy me a little though people moaning about the country going to pot. But then, ok, this is the second time this has happened but the country is not used to this weather. Unlike American and Russia, where this happens every winter, and I know the weather people were on the money with their forecasts, however, on the MET office website yesterday, we were be prepared not take action so I'm sorry if I don't always believe the weather.


I've just seen on the news that the army are helping the police in Portsmouth today, helping them get about. That is the nice thing about the snow; it brings out the community feel in people. Everyone is more willing to talk to neighbours to make sure they are ok, or if people are stuck on motorways in their cars everyone is more socialable.


As I look out the window the snow is still falling I must admit I am still in the happy mood, it is the 2nd December and it just makes me feel Christmassy!! Ask me again in a couple of days though when the cupboards are bare and I'm fed up of not being able to go anywhere.




The big question now is when do I go out, I'll probably take the dog out for a walk, well drag her as she refuses to walk.


Stay safe people and enjoy the snow!

Third time's a charm in the Race for Life

Alot of people already know about the Race for Life, it is the chance for women to walk, run or jog 5 or 10k, whilst raising money for Cancer Research UK.

Most of the women taking part have in some way been affected by cancer, myself included, my Nan had cancer including breast cancer so I do it in memory of her. It is just unbelieveable  how many people have been affected by cancer, it is also quite upsetting when you see young girls who have lost their mums, older ladies who have lost their daughters and people who have lost their nans, sisters or friends. However, there are also the women who have beaten the disease, showing it can be done. At the same time though there is a great friendly feeling amongst the women, we are all there for the same purpose to beat this horrible disease. The atmosphere is great as you walk round you hear a multitude of conversations, about a range of subjects from shopping to housework, moaning about boyfriends, husbands or sons, I'm sure some women also see it as an oppotunity for a good old natter, and who can blame them especially when the sun is shining.

As I have said in the title this is the third time I have done the race for life, as yet though I have not run it maybe one day...

Frankie Boyle, Portsmouth Guildhall, 15-04-2010

The controversial comedian Frankie Boyle played a second night at Portsmouth Guildhall last night. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive about this gig, due to the press a story in the press last week, highlighting how he had offended a mother who had a downs syndrome daughter. About three of his jokes are about downs syndrome; however, Boyle did make a good point in that the jokes about downs syndrome are probably the least offensive of his whole act!

No one and no thing is safe from the comedian’s dark humour, from religion to politics, Jade Goody to Christine Bleakley. There were a lot of his jokes when I wondered if it was right to laugh and some jokes were very close to the knuckle. But then you know what you are getting when you see Frankie Boyle, the things that used to be left in when he was on Mock the Week was shocking enough, so imagine him uncensored, if you didn’t like him then, you would hate him live.

He is probably one of the most un-PC comedians around, talking about Baby P and Jack Tweed’s recent rape case. Saying that he did make some valid points about Ashley Cole using an unregistered phone so he could send anonymous texts to women and then used said phone to take photos of his face! A true definition of a moron as Frankie put it himself.

I knew that he was probably one of those comedians who talks to the crowd, so I made sure all toilet breaks were taken before he came on. He tried to give career advice to some lad in the front row as well as trying to convince a social worker for young offenders to turn into a modern day Fagin.

One thing I found increasingly annoying wasn’t Boyle’s crude jokes but the people in the crowd taking photos. Particularly two girls in the second row who throughout seemed to be either filming, taking photos or texting, seemingly totally disinterested, why pay £20 to come to a show and then not pay attention! They did however, catch the attention of Boyle who asked the woman to turn her phone off and even threatened to chuck her out of the auditorium.

One mention has to go to Craig Campbell, the support act, a Canadian who has lived in this country for 10 years gave a brilliant and hilarious insight into England, he is visiting the south on tour, make sure you check him out.

Frankie Boyle was funnier than I was expecting but just as outrageous.