Video diary: Riding my first 24 hour mountain bike race

At the finish line of Longest Day, Longest Ride

Last month I competed in Longest Day, Longest Ride, a 24 hour endurance mountain bike race on the Isle of Man.

There were a few concerns at the top of my mind: I was on a borrowed bike, riding against some of the country's best MTB riders, and had done zero training. 

Slow and steady was the order of the day (all 24 hours of it), and somehow I managed sixth place in the ladies, having completed 29 laps, and 87 miles.

Here's a video diary I made along the way.

Top five exercise excuses – and how to beat them

I haven’t got time to go to the gym…Sound familiar?

That might be because a lack of time has been identified as the top excuse people give to working out.

Hollie Shillito

The five biggest barriers to exercise are revealed in a new survey by Matalan – and they certainly ring a few bells with me.

Luckily, personal trainer Hollie Shillito is on hand to solve these problems in a few quick and easy steps.

 1. I don’t have time

Hollie says: Include it in your day. Walk, run or cycle to work if you can and take the stairs rather than the escalator. You could even get off a stop earlier on the tube and walk the extra bit. When you take long calls, stand up instead of sitting.

Exercising is about priorities - how much do you want to rock your bikini, run that 10k or lose that belly fat? Get up an hour or even just half an hour earlier - many gyms open very early and most classes start from 6:30am. Mornings are getting lighter now so you can go for a walk or run before work.

Evidence shows exercise doesn't have to be done for long periods of time - bouts of ten minutes throughout the day all count toward the weekly 2.5 hour target. You can use high intensity interval training (HITT) or circuits to get hit the most muscles and get the biggest benefit.

 2. I don’t find exercise fun

Try an unusual class, like SUP yoga at Hove Lagoon

Hollie says: Find something you like! There is exercise to suit everyone. Challenge yourself to try something different every month. Classes are a great introduction to exercise, are loads of fun and come in all shapes and sizes e.g. cardio, strength training, dance, even pole dancing and gladiator classes! Or you could try a new activity or sport such as rock climbing, netball, tennis or five-a-side football.

3. I can’t afford a gym membership

Try a fitness class instead of a gym membership

Hollie says: You don’t have to work out in a gym, you can go outside, use your local park or go to local community centres to see if they are running any classes. Look into gyms with no contract. Gyms such as Pure Gym and private fitness companies such as 1Rebel, Barry’s Bootcamp or Project Fit allow you to buy a monthly membership or a block of sessions rather than tying you into a contract.

4. I don’t enjoy working out in public places

Small classes are great if you don't like to exercise in public places

Hollie says: Use your home or garden - fitness DVDs are great for guidance. Use your local gym - classes are good if you feel embarrassed as you can hide at the back!

5. I’ve not got enough space at home

Explore the outdoors

Hollie says: Go outside. See what classes are offered at your local park - there's everything from Nordic walking to buggy bootcamp to choose from. Buddy up with a friend who has a bigger house, go to a gym or local leisure centre.

You can follow Hollie's health and fitness updates on her Facebook page, and on Twitter. Or check out her website for more information.