Pirate times in Gdansk

We arrive in Gdansk yesterday, the flight was late getting in so we didn't make it to the apartment until quite late Thom and was very tired. The Airbnb we rented was nice in a new apartment block close to the centre with shops and cafes close by. The only issue was it was quite noisy we could here the bleeping from the bridge raising ever hour and lots of people coming and going.

Today Wanda had booked us on a Pirate ship journey down the Motlawa river. Thom enjoyed the ship we had seen one going by from our balcony already so going on was quite a treat. During the voyage we got to know many things about Gdansk. The port is simply vast you can the why it was of stratigic importance. After returning from the pirate ship we headed to the centre of town to have a go on the wheel there. The wheel is 50 meters high so just a touch over 1/3 of the London eye height of 133 meters. Thom enjoyed it thought he said "You can see a lot of city!". Next stop was the Gdansk sign, next to the rive r it provides a nice photo backdrop. Then onto lunch at śliwka w kompot. Finally we had a look aroud the Soldek, thefirst ship build in Gdansk after the war. The Soldek was a bulk carrier, it used to ferry coal and iron ore. Thom enjoyed walking around seeing the engine room. It took 850kg of coal an hour to power the ship! I can't imagine how hot it must have been for the folks stoking the engines.

View from the wheel

Soldek

It's a rush

What an incredible night at the O2 Academy Manchester seeing Japanese Breakfast! Michelle Zauner was absolutely on fire, dancing and bringing so much energy to the stage.

The highlight for me had to be "Paprika" in the encore, especially when she theatrically hit that gong during the chorus – pure magic!

To top it all off, I managed to snag a signed copy of her latest album, "For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)," from the merch store. Their merch is always fantastic!

It was a perfect date night with my wife, Katarzyna, and a much-needed treat while the parents looked after our son. Still buzzing from the performance!

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The Mental Marathon: Building Resilience When You're Not 100%

Today was my long run day, a staple in any training plan. But this one felt a little different. Last week, I was under the weather and had to miss a training session – one of the hardest things for a runner to do! The immediate instinct is to try and catch up, to push harder to make up for lost time. However, experience (and a bit of self-preservation) tells you that's rarely the right approach.

Adding to the challenge, the weather was surprisingly warm today for late June in Wilmslow. Usually, I'd relish a bit of sun, but when you're trying to put in serious mileage, heat can quickly turn a good run into a struggle. This meant consciously slowing my pace, taking on extra water, and really listening to what my body was telling me.

The Art of Showing Up (Even When You're Not 100%)

This is where the real trick comes in: recognizing that some runs, you just aren't going to be 100%. Whether it's post-illness fatigue, unexpected heat, or just a general "off" day, the key isn't to hit arbitrary targets, but to keep going. It's in moments like these that running truly becomes a mental marathon. The little voice in your head tries to convince you to speed up, to hit those splits you had planned, or even just to cut the run short. But then another, more resolute voice kicks in – the one that reminds you why you lace up your shoes in the first place.

It's about building resilience, about overcoming those internal doubts, and simply putting one foot in front of the other. Today's run wasn't about smashing personal bests or hitting ambitious targets. It was about showing up, being patient with myself after a week off, and adapting to the conditions. And honestly, those are often the runs that teach you the most. They build not just physical endurance, but the mental fortitude that carries you through every aspect of life.

Did you have a run recently where you had to dig deep and keep going, even when you weren't 100%? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Relaxing in Kos: An All-Inclusive Review

We recently returned from a wonderful week-long, all-inclusive trip to Holiday Village Atlantica Mikri Poli Kos, and it was exactly what we needed! After a busy year, it was fantastic to have a break from the usual routine and just relax.

One of the absolute highlights for Thom was, of course, the kids' club. He had an amazing time, especially enjoying the water slides and spending hours splashing around in the swimming pools. It's always great to see him so happy and entertained, and it definitely gave us a chance to unwind a bit more, knowing he was having a blast in a safe and fun environment.

Delicious Dining and Fantastic Entertainment

The food at the resort was mostly good, offering something for everyone. The main buffet restaurant was brilliant, with a great mix of Greek and British dishes, ensuring there were always familiar favourites and exciting new tastes to try. We especially loved the themed nights, like the Mexican day with delicious burritos and chili con carne – a really fun touch! While we didn't particularly enjoy the Greek specialty restaurant, the variety and quality at the buffet more than made up for it.

The kids' entertainment was also a huge hit. The Amphi-theatre was the hub for all the evening fun, hosting a lively kids' disco and various other entertaining shows that kept the little ones enthralled. It was lovely to see Thom and all the other children dancing and having such a good time.

Relaxation and Keeping Active

While Thom was enjoying the kids' club, we even managed to sneak in some well-deserved relaxation at the resort's spa. We both enjoyed a fantastic massage one day, which was pure bliss! It was wonderful to have that time to ourselves to truly unwind. And speaking of keeping active, I was also able to get my training sessions in at the gym, which was a huge bonus for me. As a keen runner who will be tackling the Chicago Marathon this year, maintaining my routine even on holiday is important!

Exploring (or Not) Beyond the Resort

Although the resort offered so much, we did venture out briefly one day. There's a village just a short 1km walk away, which we explored, but we didn't see much more of Kos beyond that. There was also a convenient bus service to the capital, but given how warm it was during our stay, we mostly chose to enjoy all the amenities and comfort of the resort itself.

For us, the all-inclusive aspect made the trip incredibly easy and stress-free. Not having to worry about meals or activities was a true luxury. We loved being able to just go with the flow, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and simply soak up the sunshine. It was lovely to have the freedom to do as much or as little as we wanted, without any pressure.

Kos itself is a beautiful island, and the resort provided a perfect base for our family. It was exactly the kind of rejuvenating break we were hoping for.

Father's Day Breakfast at Nursery

This Father's Day, I got to kick things off in a truly special way: a breakfast visit to the nursery. While I've dropped him off and picked him up countless times, I've only actually been inside the nursery a handful of times, so this was a lovely chance to see his world from a new perspective.

When I first arrived, Thom was actually a little shy, but it didn't take long for him to warm up. Once he spotted his favorite member of staff and got a little food in him, he started to warm up. He then became absolutely buzzing with excitement, so keen to show me around and pulling me by the hand from one area to another. It was clear he was really proud of his space, and it was heartwarming to see him so comfortable and happy there. He led me through the different play zones, pointing out his favourite toys and activities.

We settled down for breakfast, and I enjoyed a proper bacon sandwich, a nice start to the day! Ever the sophisticated little man, opted for a croissant, which he happily munched on. It was just a simple meal, but sharing it with him in his environment was a nice experience.

After breakfast, we had about half an hour to play together. We explored the outside, and I got to see him interact in a way I don't usually witness. He was so engaged and full of joy, and watching him enjoy himself so thoroughly was the best Father's Day gift.

Leaving him after our play felt a little bittersweet, we had a big cuddle before I left. It was a wonderful reminder of how much he's growing and how much he loves his nursery. Moments like these are truly precious, and I'm so glad I got to share this Father's Day breakfast with my enthusiastic little guide.

Reclaiming Your Web Experience: Safari's "Hide Distracting Items"

If you're anything like me, you've probably clicked on a news article only to find it unreadable thanks to the annoying advertising jammed in. Open a news article, and you're immediately bombarded with pop-ups, autoplay videos, and, worst of all, a relentless stream of adverts that obscure the very content you came to read. For me, sites like the Manchester Evening News had become almost unusable.

I've had a revelation! I recently stumbled upon a feature in Safari that has absolutely transformed my news-reading experience, and I'm kicking myself for not discovering it sooner. It's called "Hide Distracting Items," and it's nothing short of a miracle.

What is "Hide Distracting Items" and How Does It Work?

Essentially, this feature allows Safari to intelligently identify and conceal non-essential elements on a webpage. Think of it as a built-in ad-blocker and content declutterer all rolled into one. It doesn't just block ads; it hides banners, social media widgets, newsletter sign-up prompts, and all the other visual noise that clutters up so many websites.

The best part? It's incredibly simple to use. While viewing a webpage in Safari on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, here's how you access it:

• On iPhone/iPad: Tap the "aA" icon in the address bar (usually on the left). In the dropdown menu, you'll see "Hide Distracting Items." Tap it, and watch the magic happen!
• On Mac: Click "View" in the Safari menu bar at the top of your screen. You'll find "Hide Distracting Items" in the dropdown.

My Experience with the Manchester Evening News (and Beyond!)

Before this discovery, trying to read an article on the Manchester Evening News was an exercise in frustration. Every scroll was interrupted by a new advert or a demand to sign up for something. Now, with "Hide Distracting Items" enabled, the site transforms into a clean, readable page. The articles are front and centre, as they should be.

This isn't just limited to news sites either. I've found it incredibly effective on a wide range of content-heavy websites that rely heavily on advertising. It makes reading articles, recipes, blog posts – essentially anything with a significant body of text – a far more enjoyable and less distracting experience.

Why You Should Try It

If you're tired of the web feeling like an obstacle course of promotions and pop-ups, I urge you to give Safari's "Hide Distracting Items" a try. It's a built-in solution that requires no third-party extensions and works seamlessly across your Apple devices.

It won't block every single ad, especially those embedded directly into the content, but it significantly reduces the visual clutter and dramatically improves readability. For a cleaner, calmer, and more focused Browse experience, this feature is an absolute must-use.

Have you tried "Hide Distracting Items" before? What are your thoughts? Share your experiences in the comments below!

The Downward Trend I Love: My 16kg Weight Loss Journey

For most things in life, I’m a big fan of seeing the graph go up. My step count? Definitely climbing! My wealth? Absolutely skyward! But there are a select few things that bring me pure joy when the numbers head in the opposite direction. And right now, the biggest one on that list is my weight.

It feels hard to believe, but since last December, I've been on a real mission. A mission to eat a bit less, move a whole lot more, and generally take better care of myself. Today, I’m genuinely chuffed to announce that all this conscious effort has paid off in a massive way: I’ve shed a whopping 16 kilograms

I had a health review and they were at pains to point out that I was dangerously obese. That was a wake-up call, a clear sign that something had to change for my long-term health and just, well, feeling better. Fast forward to today, and while I’m not quite at my "ideal" weight yet, I’ve managed to shift myself into the "merely overweight" category. Honestly, for me, that’s a victory.

giving up alcohol for several months. That decision alone had such a surprising impact, not just on the calories I was consuming, but on my energy levels and just feeling clearer in the head. It also totally broke a really ingrained bad habit: having drinks and then, of course, the snacks, while watching TV in the evenings. Instead, Kath and I swapped those out for herbal tea – a simple switch that’s made a huge difference in cutting out mindless evening calories. Coupled with being more mindful about what I was eating, the kilograms just steadily started to melt away.

m"Move more" for me wasn't just about pottering around; it was about getting back to something I already loved. I was already a runner, having completed the London Marathon in 2024. So, while I can't really say I discovered the running bug, this journey has certainly reignited it in a big way! During this time, I've trained for and proudly completed the Wilmslow Half Marathon and the Great Run Manchester 10K. Each time I crossed one of those finish lines, it felt like a real physical sign of my progress, solid proof that my body was getting stronger and way more capable. Next up on the horizon is the incredible, and slightly terrifying, challenge of the Chicago Marathon.

It's been a fascinating transformation, not just when I step on the scales, but in everyday life too. My clothes are practically swimming on me these days – I’ve actually had to go down one to two full sizes! In fact, my old trousers were so big, I literally had to go out and buy new ones just so they’d stay up. It’s such a strange, but honestly wonderful, feeling to pull on a pair of jeans that used to be snug and now they just hang comfortably

This whole thing isn't just about the number on the scale; it's genuinely about reclaiming my health and feeling more vibrant, more energetic, and a whole lot more confident. It's a brilliant reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying progress you make is when you're charting a downward course – especially when that frees you up to achieve even bigger, upward-trending goals like marathon training!

I'm really excited to keep going on this path and see where it takes me next. If you're on a similar journey, or even just thinking about starting one, just know that small, consistent changes really do add up to big results.