Spring Essentials | #IrishBlogCollab

So I am delighted to let you all know that I am part of the #IrishBlogCollab which is a collaboration between a great group of Irish Bloggers. Over the course of 9 weeks we will be posting our take on different topics. Each post in the series will be live on Wednesday. I'm so excited about this because I'm relatively new to the blogging world so this is a fantastic new challenge me.

In the first post of the #IrishBlogCollab series we will talk about out Spring Essentials. 

Here is a list of my Spring Essentials (it's a mixed bag really!):

Walking/running shoes - now that the clocks have gone forward and the evenings are getting longer it's great to get out into the fresh air. Having good shoes are essential,in my opinion, to prevent injury. I go between 2 pairs of runners at any one time. At the moment it's my Asics, which look a bit worse for wear, and my Skechers! I run 3 days a week so I need good runners that will support my feet and I think that both pairs of runners do that for me!

Bobble Water Bottle - I have made myself a promise that I would drink at least 2L of water each day and I have been good so far but that's because I am never without my bottle of water. I love the refillable Bobble Water Bottles. The idea of the bottle is that it filters the water as your drink it, using a replaceable carbon filter. Mine is the 1L size but they also come in a smaller size and also a water jug. I bought mine for approx. €5 in Tesco but you can get them in a number of stores or indeed online. Each refill lasts approx. 2 months and costs €5, which isn't bad considering I use mine e very day! 

 


Portable iPhone Charger - the battery on my phone is so bad. It is constantly going dead so I always like to have my portable charger with me at all times! Its just so compact and handy.

Essence Longlasting Lipstick in 05 Cool Nude - I just love love love this lipstick. It's not a concealer type nude it's more of a natural shade. It just finishes off my daily look so perfectly! It's not a drying lipstick which is perfect for me as I constantly feel like my lips are dry. I like to wear it with Essence Lipliner 06 Satin Mauve. The Essence range is great for anyone on a tight budget, most products are well under €10. Considering the price I think that the quality is fantastic! (I'm not posting a photo of myself wearing the lipstick as I am currently off sick from work and let's just say that my face isn't a pretty sight at the moment!!!!)

"Me-Time" - this is a bit of a strange one but for me I love to have some "me-time". Whether it's getting outside for a walk or run or sitting in the garden with the dogs or just spending an hour to myself reading or painting my nails, I love some time to myself (When little Colin goes to bed is usually the best time). I think it's also great for my own peace of mind too, it allows me to unwind and relax after a long day! I'm off work due to illness so my "me-time" consists of staring out the window, but I'll take what I can because it's not a bad view to look at!!!!

(The view from my bedroom window today!)

Below are links to the other members of the #IrishBlogCollab:

Catherine of Breathing Silver Linings
Eimear of Chirps From A Little Red Hen
Cat of Mentally Beautiful
Lara of The Love Song of Fashion
Maeve of Thrift O'Clock
Marie of The Beaut mum
Sharon of Behind Green Eyes
Zoe of I Believe In Romeo



I hope you enjoyed my take on Spring Essentials, I know I enjoyed putting it together!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

#3LittleWords

Firstly I need to apologise for being a day late with this post. I have been quite unwell all weekend (typical that it would happen at the long weekend!!). This weeks #3LittleWords are a reflection of that.

The #3LittleWords that broke my week were:

"You look terrible"

I'm actually not too sure who said those words to me but they mirrored how I felt! 

I have been feeling miserable ever since Saturday. It's a long weekend this weekend and instead of enjoying the extra day at home I am spending it in bed! The worst part about being sick, apart from feeling sorry for myself, is that I have to stay away from little Colin. I know it's for his own good and it's only for a short space of time but it's still a pain!

Anyway that's this weeks #3LittleWords. I'm off to bed to try to get over this sickness! Let me know your #3LittleWords, I'd love to hear them!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Abbey Run - 3rd 10K in 3 Weeks

Yesterday I headed up to Quin in Co Clare for The Abbey Run 10K. Orla, Caroline and I were joined by 173 other 10K runners and 7K walkers.


Abbey Run 10K

The run itself was extremely well signposted and stewarded. There was never a question which direction the route would take us. The route was quite tough. There was a lot of slow steady inclines, which I found extremely hard. I did know the route but I had forgotten how many hills that I would have to deal with!

There were 2 water stations and it was such a treat that the lovely people handing out the water had the bottles already opened for us! The 7K walkers joined the 10K runners, at the second water station and we all ran/walked to the finish line outside Quin Post Office.

My 10K

Yesterday was my 3rd 10K in 3 weeks and I have to be honest I found it very very tough. I had went for a training run on Thursday (I only managed 3K) but when I got home I said to Aiden that I felt really sluggish. I just shrugged it off because I knew that I would need to keep my focus for yesterday's run. 

As it turned out I woke up yesterday morning feeling like I had a 10 stone weight on top of my head. I didn't sleep great and I just felt like I was coming down with a flu or something so I rang Orla to check if she had us registered or if she was waiting until before the race. I had decided that I felt so unwell that I wouldn't run if she hadn't registered us but if she had then I would run. Unfortunately for me Orla is super organised so she had us registered since the night before so I had to run!

I was delighted to be cheered on my Aiden and Colin and my sisters fiancé, Darren. When I passed them, at only 1/2K I felt so lazy and by 1K I knew I was in trouble. When I say trouble I don't mean that I was going to collapse or anything, I just knew that the run wouldn't go as well as last week.

As I mentioned above there were a lot of inclines and I found them so tough. At one point, just before the 4K marker, we had to run up over the railway bridge, this was a short steep incline and the downhill was lovely at the other side but even at that stage I was shattered!

I ran slow and steady until the 4K marker and by then I just felt like I had to walk. I ran and walked until the 7k and I then ran slow and steady, again, until the finish line. Again I had my supporters to cheer me to the finish but it was a bit upsetting that I finished in 1 hour and 10mins (the time on the clock, when I crossed the finish line was 1 hour and 10mins but my "official time" was 1 hour and 13 mins! Go figure!!!!). By that time the majority of runners had finished and were either walking back to their cars or were already in their cars on their way home. As a result the cheer at the finish had died down and for me I really needed it to push me on. There is nothing better than some random stranger clapping and cheering and telling you to keep running because you are almost there! Don't get me wrong there were people there to cheer me to the finish, all I'm saying is that the crowd had started to go home! (I think that's my hint to up my training and finish in a much better time!)

It was a hard run, for me, and I was so delighted to see the finish line but I did have some comfort in knowing that Orla and Caroline (both more seasoned runners than me) had to walk and found the run difficult too! We were all so exhausted after it but at the same time we were delighted to have finished in one piece!

Even last night sitting in my parents house, all showered and warm, in front of a glowing fire, I still felt wrecked! Did I do too much in the past 3 weeks (considering that the Run Clare Series 10mile is next weekend and my fitness level is not yet where it needs to be)? I can honestly say that: YES I did. It's a huge lesson learned and I'm going to have to be more careful before the Great Limerick Run Half Marathon.

Pulling out the Positives 

At the end of the day if I can take away anything from yesterday it's that I finished the 10K. Regardless of how it I did and how I felt I still got out there and walked/ran and finished! And I managed to get another medal, to add to my ever growing collection! Roll on the 10 mile next week in Kilnaboy!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Bringing The Glow Back To My Skin

 

Anyone who reads my blog will know that I run at least 3 times a week outdoors, as we are not lucky enough to own a treadmill. I love getting out because it gives me some time to myself and I find that it is very calming. I’m sure that my skin does not agree though!

I began to up my running training during the winter so temperatures were often at 0 degrees or below and I’ve more than once ran in rain, snow, hail and sleet. There have been days where the wind would cut through you and I’d often feel like my ears would fall off! Because of all this my skin needs to be looked after properly but unfortunately, due to my own lack of prioritisation, it is getting a little bit neglected, I should know better considering that I am a qualified Beauty Therapist! I decided that I would do a weekly feature on my skin to see if I can improve its appearance over the next month. Considering that it is spring and summer is approaching fast (As too is my sisters hen and wedding, which I am the chief bridesmaid!!!), I couldn’t think of a better time to start.

Exercise and Your Skin

Yes the harsh winter weather can play havoc with your skin but exercising in general has so many benefits to your skin. I’m not going to bore you with lots of jargon and waffle but the main reasons that exercise is so good for your skin are:

1.       Sweat: Increased sweat rids the body of toxins but you need to shower after exercise to ensure that these toxins do not block your pores

2.       Increased Blood Flow: The increase in blood flow carries oxygen to the skin cells which increases skin health

3.       Reduced Stress: Stress can have a negative effect on skin, often causing breakouts and affecting complexion

4.       Increased Water Consumption: Increased consumption of water helps to flush out the toxins within the body.

My Skin Type

There's a huge difference between skin types and skin conditions and more often than not we are treating a skin condition rather than our skin type so we never really see improvements in our skin.

To explain a little more a - skin type is what you were born with e.g. dry, normal, oily or combination, whereas a skin condition is developed i.e. dehydration and sensitivity. I have a very oily t-zone and my skin is more normal on my cheeks therefore I have a combination skin type. It's important that we know the difference in order to treat our skin effectively. Everyone has a skin type but may not have a skin condition.

 

Because I have oily skin I have quite large pores and these can become infected so I suffer from breakouts regularly. I suffered from adult acne in my early 20’s and as a result, underneath my freckles, I have some redness and a few acne scars. I am extremely pale as well and people often tell me that I look pale or “Sick in myself” when I do not wear make up! Luckily one good thing about oily skin is that I do not have many fine lines and wrinkles.

Here is a photo of me without makeup:

And below is a close up (aghhhhhhhhh!) of acne scars, blemishes, redness and enlarged pores.

Skin Care Aims

My aim with this renewed focus on my skin is to build a quick and easy routine to follow. My time in the evening is very limited because I work full time and, as you probably know by now, I have a small baby at home. My time in the evenings is very precious so the last thing I need is my whole night to be taken up by a full routine. I also want glowing skin. I want to be able to confidently leave the house with no makeup on and not have people comment on how pale and tired I look!

Unfortunately I am not a millionaire so I cannot afford the most expensive skincare treatments, lotions and potions, so I have to buy all of my skincare products on a strict budget. As much as I would love to go for monthly facials, at the moment it’s not an option for me. BUT the good thing is that I and you can still look after your skin on a tight budget and hopefully this weekly feature will help with that! I use the Lidl or Aldi skincare ranges, which have received rave reviews from numerous bloggers and skin consultants (Just Google and you will see for yourself)!

Just so you know I am by no means expecting a miracle. There is only so much you can do on a right budget but I just want to show that with a little bit if extra care, you can improve the appearance of your skin.

Daily Routine

The first step to achieving glowing skin is to ensure that I stick to a daily routine. This routine will be:

1. Drink 2L of water. I always notice a difference in my skin when I do not drink 2L of water. It becomes sluggish


2. Clean my skin in the morning using a mild facial wash for combination skin


3. Moisturise using my Lidl Vitamin E Day creamApply an SPF 15, regardless of the weather 


4. At night I will cleanse/tone my skintone using the Garnier Micellular Water 


5. Apply the Lidl Vitamin E Night Cream 


6. Twice a week I will use the Lidl exfoliating facial wash

(Some of my skin care products)

At the end of the month, and each month after this, I am going to perform a home facial on myself! I will provide details of this home facial routine in another blog post! I hope you will join me in giving your skin back its natural glow.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Eamon Moloney Memorial 10K

The town of Ennis came to a complete standstill at 11am yesterday morning for Stage 3 of The Run Clare Series, the Eamon Moloney Memorial 10K. This was my second attempt at a 10K and I was hoping that I would have a better result than the previous week.

Event Background

The event itself was set up in remembrance of local Man Eamon Moloney. He was an athlete himself and spent much time coaching young athletes. The event raises money for local causes and charities.

This particular race was Stage 3 of the Run Clare Series. This series involves 4 races and sees participants going from running 5k up to 10 miles within 4 months.

I met one of the race organisers, Jason (Son of Eamon Moloney), after the race yesterday. Thanks to all of the committee for such a great day and event.

My 10K 

At this point I have to make mention to a fellow blogger, John From 19st to 10K blog, for his words of encouragement. I was so down after last weeks run and John said to hold my head up high and "go kick ass". He also said that my time of 1 hour and 10 mins beats everyone who did not run the race. To be honest I was so consumed by my own negativity that I hadn't stopped to really think about my personal achievement of participating in the race. Thanks John I really appreciate your support and motivation!

Orla and I decided from the start that we would run our own race. I didn't want her to feel that she had to run with me for a certain period of time so we said our best wishes at the start line and off we went at our own pace. And can I just saw that my stomach was twisting and turning in all directions from nerves but, at the same time, I had a huge sense of positivity within me.

I like to start at a steady pace because I like to conserve energy. It's happened in past events that I have taken off at a very fast pace, to keep up with the crowd, and ended up almost ready to drop by the 2K marker! I don't care if I run as slow as a snail and hundreds of people pass me out, I just want to run from the start to finish without having to walk.

The course itself was relatively flat except for the 2-5k markers, where we had a number of hills. There was nothing that I felt I couldn't manage though. As I have mentioned before, I struggle with hitting my "wall" too early and yesterday was no different. By the 2-3K markers Mr Negativity was screaming in my head to stop and walk! I pushed on, however, even though this was the part of the course with all the hills!

I ran on, playing tag team with a number of people. As I have said I like to keep a steady pace but there were a number of people walking and running so I would pass them when they walked and in turn they would pass me when they ran again. Everyone has their own way of getting round but for me, having now done 2 10K's I think running at a steady pace suits me better. 

There was a water station at the 5k mark but I just passed it out, I was petrified of getting a stitch like last week and having to walk! When I saw the 6k marker I couldn't help but smile because I knew I'd be able to run to the finish line! At the 9k mark I decided that wasn't going to let 1k get the better if me so I upped my pace . Once I rounded the corner at the Courthouse and saw the finish line, outside Rice College, I just started sprinting! I don't know where I got the energy from but i just sprinted on! I had such a smile on my face when I reached the finish line!

I beat last weeks time by 3 minutes! My official time was 1 hour 7 mins 22 sec. That was the icing on the cake for me!

Immediately after the race our times were available. I thought this was great as we were anxious to see how we actually go on!

Pacemakers

Yesterday's race had pacemakers available to those who wished to aim for a particular time. They were for 40 mins, 45 mins, 50 mins, 55 mins and 60 mins. I did not stay with any pacemaker because I knew that the pace would be too much for me but Orla stayed with the 55 min pacemaker and came in just under 55 mins. Congratulations and well done Orla!

I want to make special mention to the 55 min pacemaker from yesterday's race. Orla said that he was very motivating and entertaining. He Really pushed everyone forward and generally had the craic! She felt that a lot of people wouldn't have come in at 55mins if it wasn't for him!

Thanks again to John O'Neill and Eamonmoloney10k.ie for photographs. Next week I'm taking on the Abbey Run 10k in Quin Co Clare and I'm going to aim to beat yesterday's time by 2 mins. I think that's a realistic aim!

 

Congratulations to all of the 800 participants in the 10k run and 350 in the 5k walk. And to the committee well done on a fantastic and successful event. Thanks to you I can now say that I have stopped traffic on the streets of Ennis!!!!! 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

#3LittleWords

This week I had an array of words to choose from thanks to all kinds of motivational and inspirational words being thrown my way in advance of yesterday's 10K. 

This week I decided to go with #3LittleWords of positivity from my sister Orla. Yesterday following the 10K she said to me: 

"You Did It"

Yes I did complete the 10K from start to finish and managed to shave 3 minutes off my time! I haven't been able to wipe the smile off my face since!

What were the #3LittleWords that made or broke your week? I'd love to hear them!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Pakie Ryan Memorial 10K

It was a sea of saffron in my hometown of Newmarket-on-Fergus Co Clare on Saturday for the annual Pakie Ryan Memorial Event. It was my first ever 10K and it didn't exactly go according to plan for me!


Event Background

The event consisted of:

5k walk
10K run/walk
10mile run
30k family cycle
50k cycle





The event itself is in it's 5th year and has grown and grown ever since. The event was organised by the local GAA and Soccer clubs in conjunction with The Ryan Family and friends in remembrance of local man Pakie Ryan who unfortunately passed away from cancer in 2009. To date the event has raised over €180,000 and 12 different charities have benefited from it.

Pakie himself was heavily involved in the local sports clubs so what better way to mark his life and memory! It's amazing to see the sense of community at the event and to see the numbers of people out walking and running in preparation. It's an event that has really captured the community spirit within the village.

My First Ever 10K



My sister, her friend Caroline and I ran the 10k, while my mother and my little man Colin, walked the 5k. My parents house is 1 mile from the start line so we walked in and used this as our warm up! When we arrived up to the start line, at the soccer field, the atmosphere was unbelievable! Mr Motivator, Richie Clifford, was conducting a warm up and really created a buzz among the crowd. The DJ had tunes pumping and everyone was in fantastic spirits, ahead of the start. The weather was glorious, you could not have wished for bluer skies!






For me the nerves set in the week prior! I went up home the previous Saturday for a family lunch and the committee members were out marking the roads and that was enough to set my stomach into knots! I felt sick beforehand, the same way that I would feel before an exam! I think the reason that I was so nervous was knowing that I had a sore foot over the past few weeks put a halt to full training. I also knew the route quite well and so I felt sick at the thought of having to run up 2 hills within the course. The first hill was at the 1.5km mark and the second was at the 8km mark. I struggled at both!

I'm quite disappointed at my performance. I ran non stop until the 6km mark and then I was doubled over from a horrible stitch. At the 4km marker there was a water station and of course I took a drink. It was a beautiful sunny day so the water was a relief. I found out afterwards that apparently you are not supposed to drink the water rather take it into your mouth and spit out! This may have been a reason for my stitch. I'm no expert so I cant say for definite but I it wasn't from eating to close to the start because I had breakfast 2 1/2 hours before the start.



I walked for 1/2km and started running again but it was so hard to get my rhythm back. Once again after the next water station, at the 7 1/2km marker I walked. I walked up the hill and began running for the last 2km. I wont lie I was so annoyed with myself for walking that I shed a few tears at the 8km marker. I pushed on and started to fade again towards the end but knowing that I was almost there, kept me going.

When I reached the top of the village the stewards and supporters started to cheer me on and that gave me such a lift! I sprinted the last 100m and it felt great knowing that I was finally finished. My time was 1 hour and 10 mins. For my first ever 10k I'm sure its not the worst but for me I'm just so disappointed that I had to walk. I know I'm very hard on myself but I feel that I have to be. If I allow myself to get too relaxed then I know that I wont reach my goals.

When I finished I was given a lovely medal and there was loads of refreshments waiting for us, in the GAA field. The atmosphere was amazing and again there was a DJ playing which gave everyone a lift. I met up with my mother, sister and Caroline to discuss how we all got on. I couldn't help but cry at my disappointment. My mother gave me a big hug and just said that she was proud of me and my achievements. Even at 32 the reassurance from my mother was so comforting! Once I had calmed down we walked back home, with a trip to the swings, in the playground, for Colin. There was a cool down being carried out in the GAA field but we didn't stay for that as the walk home acted as our cool down.



Event Support

Bernard Dunne (the boxer) is extremely friendly with The Ryan Family and makes an appearance every year in support of the event. He mingles with the crowd and poses for photos, no questions asked! Of course when I saw him I just had to get a photo (Like a crazy fan!!!!)! He was so lovely and was only delighted to oblige!



Congratulations to the 2409 participants and well done to the committee on organizing a fantastic local event. I can only speak for myself but I will definitely be taking part again next year and who knows maybe I might win the 10k, stranger things have happened!!

ext Saturday I will be taking part in the Eamon Moloney 10k in Ennis so fingers crossed I will do better. I have been reliably informed, by a fellow blogger, that it is a much easier course and is relatively flat. I'm going to aim to shave 5 mins off my time, I know its a big ask but the course seems to be much easier so why not aim high!




(Photos courtesy of: Paul Hayes, John O'Neill and Up The Banner Photography)



Until the next time, always remember to be:


Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow


Dee x