The best start to 2015 and the best future awaits

 It is surreal looking back on such an eventful first month of 2015. All of it has been so positive for me.

 Being back in the UK for he first part of the year really opened my eyes to the world of food I love so much. The innovation combined with my passion for the kitchen even made me doubt returning to the rock I love so much. I didn’t want to miss anymore of the food fashion. However, without speaking too soon there have been some frank discussions about the future with my loved ones. Even I need to watch this space on that…

 There have also been many first’s during the first part of this year in the UK. At 31 I had never been ice-skating and did so at Hyde Parks’ Winter Wonderland. The highlight for most was watching me fall spectacularly…flat on my arse. It wasn’t the only time I fell over and throughout the hour on the ice I went down about 10 times all in true comedy sketch style. 

Hollie and I during at Winter Wonderland

 

Getting our skate on (managed to stay upright for the photo)

 When in the UK I, as expected, ate at many restaurants, gaining much inspiration for my next tasting menus. I cannot get over just how much food has influenced my life’s journey. After all, I wouldn't be on the beautiful island of Lanzarote if I didn't have my cheffing skill to offer.
 The trip back to the UK was to join my beautiful girlfriend Hollie. I was to meet her family and her close friends, as well as be the guest to her friends wedding in Scotland. The newlyweds both happened to be chefs in London so you can imagine that was a great party!

  The 13 days went by so quickly and it was time to come home! To be honest I was a little hesitant. I was confused about how I could compete with the UK and continue my food journey here. However, very quickly after being back on the island (2 days) Hollie and I looked to move our relationship to the next level of commitment. We decided it was the right time to get a flat together. There are other personal reasons as to why we did this (I was supporting Hollie but it felt like the right time to go). This took me away from the North of the island and Club La Santa and closer to Sands Beach where we made the decision to train. We believed this change in location would see us surrounded by more positive people, which has been completely true. This means we can focus on training for our biggest events to date; Ironman Lanzarote for me (which Hollie will also be doing) and The Ironman World Championship in Kona for Hollie. It was a move that will be massively beneficial to both of us and already I feel happier mentally and stronger physically.
 So I am now in Costa Teguise and have joined the ever growing family of triathletes at Sands Beach all led by the expert coaching of 16 x Ironman and champion Bella Bayliss and her husband and pro Stephen Bayliss. They together through their triathlon team, TriActiv, are growing the next generation of champions. I feel so lucky to have this support helping me to achieve my goal and dream of becoming an Ironman in May.
 
 Alongside all these big moves, partying, training and holidaying I'm still working hard on growing my own culinary ideas. I am now taking time working in a young and vibrant street food style restaurant/bar in the capital of Lanzarote, Arrecife. This gives me a steady base to play with food and express my creativity. January is a hard time to be excited about but for me I can truly say it's been one of the best months of my life. There are a few people I'd like to thank for that and the others I don't mention well you know how you are. The biggest thank you goes to Hollie for being the best Christmas present ever, for being the best part of the new year and for being you. I also have to say a special thank you to Bella Bayliss for giving me her time (and patience) to turn me into a swimmer – not an easy task given I only started 4 months ago. Thank you girls!
 
 So after taking the time out of the kitchen to write this I can only look back at January and feel buzzing about the future. I no longer doubt that I will become a ironman this year - anything IS possible. The first goal is to enjoy it and the second is to learn just what I am capable of.

Thanks for reading guys and catch up with you all soon!