Exercise. Lots of it!

Skipped aquafit to watch the men's tennis semi finals. Not really much of a game (Kyle isn't really quite up to it yet) the women's semi was MUCH better. They do need to have a discussion about equal prize money! With fines for too much screeching, of course.

We both went to the gym, leaving Archie in the hallway with his favourite - a big Kong wobbly toy which spills out treats if he knocks it over the correct way. He goes absolutely crazy for it.

I did my 20 minutes on the cross trainer, and some arm/leg work, but most amazing of all, I went on the Big Steps (been avoiding them for weeks) and just set my mind to doing 10 minutes. And I did it! With just one stop half way. It's a really good hard exercise, because you have to lift your knees up high every time.

Actually, a nice man (who is an instructor in another Edinburgh gym), showed us how to use several bits of equipment. The SkillMill is much better than the treadmill, apparently, for running. And he showed JR how to use a huge contraption where you climb up, hang on, and are left dangling. Great for arms and backs, but I couldn’t do it, as you have to kneel on the seat thingie to start. Anyway, we were both quite enthused at this help. The usual gym chaps, while nice enough, fiddle on the computer all the time - they don’t really come round and offer advice, or show you a different machine.

And that was not the end of my exercise today! No, we set off for Braidburn Valley Park - haven’t been there for ages - and it was lovely. The burn was in full flow, so sensible Archie didn’t jump in for a drink as he usually does.

We walked back into Morningside (the exercise kept going!) and JR popped in for a meeting with her Personal Adviser at the bank, while Archie and I walked on. I was getting pretty bloomin' tired by this time, and - oh good - there's my bus!

Back home and I’m stuffed. But I do hope that I can keep the new exercise regime up. I hope to accompany JR on a short part of her epic walk later in the summer. I have a goal!