Bootcamp Ireland

I decided to sign up to Bootcamp Ireland again this year. They use Military Style Fitness Techniques and REAL MILITARY Instructors. Every session has a different instructor which is great as it keeps your workouts interesting and you never know what to expect. We do a combination of running (sprints, hills, endurance) and also lots of lunges, squats. army craws, circuit training, push ups, burpees, abs and more.

I did it last year for a few months & absolutely LOVED it. The classes are outside in Phoenix Park, which is great as I love being outside in the fresh air instead of running on a treadmill in the gym. I stopped going in the winter due to the cold and dark nights but have been getting more and more fed up with going to the gym. I get bored reallyeasily and prefer to exercise in a group setting rather than on my own. I love a bit of competition and the instructors are motivating and push you hard which is great.

Check it out at http://www.bootcampireland.com/

Olympic Flame

With the London Olympic Games fast approaching the, Olympic flame is making it's way through the UK and Ireland. Today it came right through the centre of Dublin.

Since I was working from home today and the flame was being carried along the street right next to my apartment, I was able to pop out to see it.

I cannot wait for the Games to begin. I love watching the Olympics and will definately be glued to my TV for it's duration. I also know a few people (Dominik Meichtry & Jean Basson) who will be taking part in the Swimming so I am excited to see how they will be do.

Bavaria City Racing

This weekend Bavaria City Racing came to Dublin. I wasn't planning on going since it was a rainy, freezing cold day but when I heard the engines roaring from inside my apartment I decided it was something I just had to check out.

Jenson Button, the Vodafone McLaren F1 driver & former world champion, was in top form along with the roaring engines of cars from the world rally championship, superbikes, supercars and drifters.

I always knew that F1 engines make a huge noise but was I blown away when I heard Janson Button come roaring by. The sound from one single car was almost deafening. I can't even imagine how loud it must be to have 20 cars going around the track at one time.

Here are a few pics and video's from the day:

Howth for the day

Since it was a lovely sunny day today, I decided to go to Howth and do the hill walk around Howth head. It was a bit chilly but the autum colours and sea views were absolutely beautiful. It's great getting out of the city centre every once in a while.

Night Shots

At the beginning of the year My friend Ulrike and I went into town to take some night shots. She had already done a photography course so she showed me what settings to use. Here are a few of my best shots....

Happy Halloween

My friends Angie & Simon came over to my apartment for dinner followed by a night out in Town for Halloween. Angie went as Cruella, I was one of the Incredibles and Simon was Lurch from the Adam's Family :) Saw some great original costumes at the party!

My first Photography Class

Last year I got a Digital SLR camera and I have been wanting to do course for a while to learn how to use it properly. Since I have been looking for a new hobby to keep me busy during the winter months, I decided to sign up to the Beginner Photography class at the Dublin Institute of Photography. The class runs one night a week for 8 weeks and I had my first class the other night.

We learned how to use camera buttons we have to improve our photography. All cameras have different scene modes but the average person doesn't really make use of these and tend to stick to shooting in "auto" mode. We also learned about ISO, white balance and red eye.
The first class was quite basic but it was interesting to know what each if used for and to understand how your camera actually works.

On my way home I was feeling very motivated and it made me see the city in a different way. i was seeing photo opportunities all over the place :)