Pimms o'clock

With the draw upon us tomorrow, the rankings have been decided and no real surprises with the men top four for Wimbles ; Djoko, Rafa, Feds and Muzza. Wimbledon has to be the one time in the year where you actually remember it is summer in Britain as our weather doesn't seem to lend any favours.  Last year the woman's game saw the rise of the young Czech star Kvitova with her hard hitting ground strokes dominating Sharapova.  But with Maria following on from great form from Roland Garros and seeded number one will this be her time to regain the title for the first time since her break through as a 17 year old.

Unsurprisingly all media attention however begins to swarm around our male British number one. A very disappointing first round knock out for Andy at Queens but with all the controversy of this year's final it has perhaps done him justice with the media pressure. For me, the biggest question is whether he beleives this year he can beat the three men ranked above him. In fact, I have no doubt he does but will his temprement stay true. Often letting him down in games- his erratic shouting to his box, his racket and at himself. If he could channel these emotions and focus more on the job in hand would he be able to get through these sticky patches and win? Perhaps also the consistency of his first serve needs to be looked at when his temper strays. Nonetheless he is our best chance with the rest of the British contingent in as wild cards ; James Ward, Jamie Baker, Josh Goodall and Oliver Golding. 

Me and my best friend at Centre Court

Looking at the British woman; Laura Robson, Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson, Johanna Konta and potentially a few successful wild cards. This Wimbledon line up is perhaps the most promising British woman's tennis has seen for a while purely with regards to their depth in numbers. Here's hoping some of them make an impact past the first few rounds as I am sure there is definitely no lack of support behind them all!

C'mon Murray!

England into 1/4's

I know I'm the other side of the border but what was the goal linesman even looking at? The posts paint work? They never seem to make a decision. In my opinion, no more evidence required for goal line technology and introducing video replays to stop all the tit tat over penalties. 

However, congratulations is due to Engerland on reaching the quarter finals against Italy! (who I hope they beat by the way for knocking us out of the qualifiers with a set play that shouldn't have been given - not.bitter.at.all.) Listening to the ITV pundits, Steven Gerrard was the stand out player, Rooney was a bit rusty and sheer determination from Terry to not give up on that clearance.  Roy Hodgson made perhaps predictable substitutions but effective in giving players the chance to recover for the coming game and to allow each to make as much of an impact when on the field. For example, first long ball to Andy Carroll showed his strength in the air, physical presence and holding up of play that he can bring to the team.
Sweden versus France group match seemed to be dominated by the sheer brilliance of Ibrahimovic and that outstanding finish. The French not quite turning up and now facing the European champions in their quarter final encounter : what a match that could be. 

Guess what team I'm supporting!

So with all group matches finished, the quarter finals are set in stone and here are my predictions:
Czechs won't be able to cope with Portuguese forward line especially Ronaldo but with Cech in goal and the team tipped one of tournament underdogs.Portugal 1-0.
Surely Germany 3 Greece 0.
Perhaps the most evenly matched quarter final but Spain know how to win when not on top of their game but the French do have many experienced players too but susceptible to "off" days. Spain 2-1.
The English seem to be growing in confidence but the Italians are full of quality and often luck in their favour. But it seems England have been receiving all lucky charms lately. England 1 Italy 0

What are yours?

Forca Portugal!

Take Two- better get running!

Procrastination appears to be at its best from my dissertation research and job searches. I can already feel the sickness and butterflies appearing in my stomach on the start line- why do you always get this before a race even if it is just for fun. I'm not too sure I can call the Great Scottish Run fun but definitely rewarding nonetheless.

Last year's race seems a life time ago, 2hrs 2mins was my finishing time which I felt was pretty impressive after a year of baguettes, croissants et beaucoup du vin rouge à Lyon. The picture below depicts desperation to reach the nearing finishing line tinged with agonising feet on fire! However, my entry form has been sent off and now its time to mentally prepare myself to get in shape for the 13. something miles in under 3 months time! 

First stop= training schedule

This is where I need some help from you- if anyone has any tips on surviving long runs and useful training schedules- leave me a comment!!

2011 Great Scottish Run

COUNTDOWN WIDGETS

Olympic Torch - a piece of history

Here she comes!

Touch down from a relaxing week in the Portuguese sun, I was soon reminded by family to check out the street party being held in our area that day. Festivities not for the Diamond Jubilee but for the passing of the Olympic Torch through Giffnock. All ready to go, I got into my car, turned on the engine and my car sort of slumped!! Left back wheel unable to function, I had to ditch that plan, break into a jog and join the hurrying families moving towards the Olympic stretch. 

Crowds lining the streets

I swear in my life, I have never ever seen such big crowds in Giffnock.  There was a sense of excitement and anticipation expressed by a variety of ages but in particular the children. Myself and my cousins positioned ourselves up high on a garden wall awaiting the arrival of the parade.  First to appear were the enthusiastic sponsors attempting to get the reserved southside residents wooping. Typically the biggest response was heard when a City Sprinter occupied by a confused passenger made its way through the crowds on his bus route home!

The moment came as the girl with the flame arrived, beaming with pride to pass the message on to the following torch bearer. An experience I will never witness in my life time again in my own country let a lone my own neighbourhood. Raring to go, Hannah set off on her Olympic path welcomed with a warm reception. 

I could not help but feel extremely jealous of this moment she had been given and wished it could have been me! My coach had been given this same opportunity which soon made me understand the amount of hard work and dedication he has given to sport to achieve such a honour. Another torch bearer, a talented friend of mine who has had to overcome severe leg injuries to get back onto the ski slopes, again highlighting the desire and courage this torch represents.

This Friday afternoon is one I will never forget and I will cherish it as me being a small part of the London 2012 Olympics!

Passing on the flame