On the run

Call me stupid, call me impetuous, but I've signed up to do Race for Life at Tatton Park in Cheshire on June 25th.

Those of you who've met me in person will know that I'm not built for speed and that I've not run any distance in my life. The run is in aid for Cancer Research, and if you would like to sponsor me you can do it via my website https://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/mam

The run itself is 5K, which is a distance I'd have no trouble walking, but I'm determined to run most of the distance.

So with the help and encouragement of people on Guardian Unlimited Talk I'm going to train sensibly and I will succeed.

Training Diary Week 1

Day 1 - Walk at 6km an hour 2 minute/ Run at 7 km an hour 1 minute. Incline set at 3 on the treadmill. Repeat 10 times
Day 3 - 30 minutes horseriding (cross training innit!)
Day 4 - Walk at 6km an hour 2 minute/ Run at 7 km an hour 1 minute. Incline set at 3 on the treadmill. Repeat 10 times
Day 6 - Walk 9 miles in the real world


Plans for the future - increase my running speed to 9 km/h on the intervals. Borrow a heart rate monitor to see what the damage is.

Almond Topped Biryani

Serves 4
Preparation 30 minutes
Cooking time 40 minutes
Calories per serving 340 approx

For the Biriani

600g mixed vegetables sliced (eg. Cauliflower, courgettes, red peppers, mushrooms)
250g Basmati rice
550ml vegetable stock
1.5 tablespoons of curry powder(medium strength)
1 cinammon stick broken in half
4 cardamom pods crushed slightly
1 teaspoon tumeric
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
salt and pepper

For the Sauce

2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed
5 cm piece of grated root ginger
2 tablespoons of curry powder (medium strength)
1/2 teaspoon tumeric
1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
400g can of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon of toasted sliced almonds to garnish.


1. Preheat oven to 180 C
2. Mix all the biryani ingredients in a flameproof, oven proof dish. Heat gently on the hob until simmering. Cover with a tight fitting lid and put in the oven. Cook for 40 minutes.
3. Make the sauce by, heating a pan, spray with low fat cooking spray (or oil of your choice). Fry the onions until soft and brown. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients (except the almonds), bring to boil, cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer gently for 30 mins.
4. Blend the sauce mixture for a smoother texture.
5. To serve, fluff the rice with a fork then scatter the toasted almonds over the top. Serve the sauce on the side.

Murder she wrote?

Why is it when you feel under the weather, there is nothing more comforting than a gentle murder? The adventures of Jessica Fletcher et al provide gentle entertainment for the slow of thinking.

However, I do think that they missed the boat by not having the final episode revealing that she was actually a really clever serial killer, bringing death and destruction to all around her.

My life has been busy of late, I've just got back from a training course in Paris and I go into a massive run of customer engagements.