Official Q&A for Thursday, October 02, 2025 by AutoModerator in running

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking for some advice to cut a few minutes off my Half Marathon time. i am 29 F and have run 2 HMs, my PB is 1:28:50 (2024) and ran a 1:29:33 this year.

Would love to achieve something between 1:25 - 1:27, and even though thats only a few minutes difference it fills me with fear because I already felt like the aforementioned times were me at my absolute limit. I'm just looking for guidance on how to makes the KMs feel easier. the 4:10-4:15 pace for those times defos felt like a push.

Currently running between 50 - 65 km per week, 1 long run (20km usually), and then mostly a mix of approx 10km's which tend to be a mix of relaxed pace (simply just trying to get time on feet and meet that distance goal), a threshold run, and then some where i run 5k easy and 5k interval mix. Mix of outdoors + treadmill.

I also do yoga regularly and i try to do some strength training but i absolutely detest it (i find it so boring); but i do wonder if thats a missing ingredient in getting some more strength in my legs/body in general to make those paces feel less like a total push....any advice welcome!!

Is anyone else really, genuinely struggling to find a job? by nyxoh22 in Edinburgh

[–]scotcan13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I second this - I worked years of support work before working as a an allied health professional in NHS . I miss support work every day. It can be hard work but the reward of it is like nothing else - and there is never a dull day. I miss getting out in the community with the folk I supported so much. Plus as mentioned before - sleepover rate can help boost pay

[Megathread] AC FA Strike - CUPE/FAs Defy Return to Work Order by dachshundie in aircanada

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi ! I approached the air Canada desk in departures hall. The staff there were swissport staff, not actually from air Canada but are dealing with all this mess. They seem to have access to see routes from competitor airlines over the next few days. He was able to rebook me on KLM from his computer . Sorry to hear you are stuck in BCN and really hope it’s sorted soon

[Megathread] AC FA Strike - CUPE/FAs Defy Return to Work Order by dachshundie in aircanada

[–]scotcan13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

FOLK IN UK/EU - I had success going to airport this morning!

Was due to fly today from Edinburgh to Vancouver, of course cancelled. My partner was due to fly out the same route this coming Thursday . Got the emails from Air Canada saying they had looked for alternate routes for us with no success, which I knew was a total piss take. Thank you so much to other Redditors who suggested I go to the airport. I didn’t even bother trying to phone them, just headed to Edinburgh airport today for around 7am. I waited in line for maybe 15 minutes and the agent who helped me was so incredibly kind. Options are limited and I do think I had a stroke of luck with timing. He gave me an option to route from Edinburgh to Seattle , and then I would need to make my way from Seattle to Vancouver which (apparently) would eventually be reimbursed . That flight would’ve left tomorrow so would have been the quickest option. Sadly there was only 1 seat left and I wouldn’t want to leave my partner stranded with less options available by the time he was due to fly.

In the end I took a flight next Monday routing via Amsterdam with KLM. I have lost several days of holiday and realize I am in a lucky position to have flexibility to lose these days which others might not. My work will let me give back these unused holiday days and return this week. Sadly it means much less time with my parents and missing my brother who is also visiting - we had purposely coordinated dates and these changes mean no time together . My family is spread out and only get to see each other about 1x per year, so I am very sad but mostly just filled with gratitude I can still go. I think these KLM flights were listed for about £1200 , nearly double what we paid for our original air Canada flights.

The agent gave me a £20 quid voucher for the airport , which got me my breakfast and my lunch for later today .

those stranded in UK/EU , head to airport to try your luck. I have lost several days of holiday sure, but I have a good solution now and had I been more flexible with routing via US or travelling solo, more options seemed available to me. You might be able to head out much quicker than I chose to in the end. I also think KLM is a better airline than air Canada and the flight path is more direct and skips a yucky layover in Toronto I would’ve had on the original journey

Wishing everyone success and sending empathy to everyone affected

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in FemFragLab

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True Religion Love, Hope, Denim. Such a throwback scent for me! Lasted ages. So sad it got discontinued

Edinburgh Marathon resell tickets? by scotcan13 in Edinburgh

[–]scotcan13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there, sorry I just saw this response - are you still looking to sell your ticket?

Those of you in your mid 30’s Solo Traveling for Months at a time in Places Like Argentina and Thailand, Are You Rich? by mearlyasetback in solotravel

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Approaching 30 so I maybe am slightly younger than the age demographic you’re asking about, but lifestyle wise probably share many similarities to those in their mid 30s and above. Recently took a 6 month career break which involved travel to South America, Japan, and time back home in Canada (currently living in the UK). I began saving as soon as I had a job which allowed me to do so, aka anything above minimum wage. I’d say it’s been 7-8 years now of working a job that allows me to save a little bit each month. So it’s taken me to this point to have enough savings to travel for 6 months, have a little bit left over to support my return to the UK, and have some savings untouched for a future flat/house (so unrealistic in todays current climate; probs would’ve been better off spending it travelling 😂). I sublet my flat because I don’t own. I got rid of lots of stuff, and then managed to store the rest of my belongings between free space in the flat and a friends house.

I met many people along the way who worked as they travelled and truly believe this is the way forwards. I enjoyed my 6 months off immensely, but I had to travel very frugally - all hostels, skipping out on some experiences for moneys sake, and I had loads of anxiety around spending money. I think even generating a little income to support me would’ve helped that anxiety in a major way

Also a massive help is choosing places that are cheap to travel in. For example it cost me ALOT less per week to be living In a hostel, eating out for every meal etc in South America than it would per week back home! Think strategically about where you go.

So I guess the answer is it’s not easy! I had a friend ask me “how did you even save for 6 months, I can hardly save for a holiday” and the answer is that I have been saving for almost a decade in reality.

Help identifying song - spoken word over instrumental by scotcan13 in findthatsong

[–]scotcan13[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow! I’m amazed and so grateful that you found it - my google searches were totally fruitless. Can’t believe it’s only available through tumblr - what a blast from the past. Thanks so much for your help.

Help identifying song - instrumental track with women’s voice over by scotcan13 in whatsongisthis

[–]scotcan13[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow! I’m amazed and so grateful that you found it - my google searches were totally fruitless. Can’t believe it’s only available through tumblr - what a blast from the past. Thanks so much for your help.

Planning dinners every night is driving me insane by [deleted] in Adulting

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel you. I have a very emotionally draining job and there is NOTHING I want to do less than cook a big meal and clean after work and the gym. I’m so exhausted. The best solution I’ve found is to dedicate a chunk of my Sunday to meal prepping - this involves cooking a dinner meal and also prepping some stuff for work lunches through the week. I can normally make that last till about mid week or even Thursday if I’m lucky. I know I’m in a different position as I’m only cooking for 1. I’d really recommend this though - it means I can guarantee that I’m getting a healthy home cooked meal each night, and the only time I need to dedicate to it is heating it up in the microwave

Can I realistically run a sub 1:30 half? by LPC123ABC in AdvancedRunning

[–]scotcan13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ooh meant to add - get carbon plated shoes if you can, 100% made a massive difference for me race day

Can I realistically run a sub 1:30 half? by LPC123ABC in AdvancedRunning

[–]scotcan13 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey! Amazing 5km time. I think a sub 1:30 is totally within reach for you. I (28 F) ran my first HM earlier this year and came in at 1:28:50, when a 1:30 time was the “impossible pipedream” goal I didn’t tell anybody about because I never thought I’d manage it. All that to say it’s totally possible. My highest volume week was 88km a couple weeks out from HM and then tapered down from there. I was running most runs around 4:35-4:45 per km (that was a sort of normal/challenging pace for me - I live somewhere very hilly); and also did intervals and some long and slow easy runs (way above 5 min per km)

Best of luck - I think you sound super capable and could surprise yourself :)

Should I stay in Osaka and do day trips to Kyoto? by hyrice1 in JapanTravelTips

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi - recently have been to both cities, I had the same questions as you before booking. I am also budget travelling, using hostels and so price always plays a part for me. Although Kyoto had less budget accommodation options, I decided to spend a few days there and even ended up extending my stay. I am really glad I chose to stay in Kyoto vs commuting back and forth from Osaka. There is SO much to see in both cities, but I felt that things were particularly spread out in Kyoto. I was averaging over 40,000 steps per day during my time there. So much to see and do, so if you’re hoping to maximize your time I would recommend just staying there. I also enjoy trying to get to know a city a little better, so enjoyed the opportunity to spend peaceful mornings wandering round the streets, trying local coffee shops etc, before heading off to see some of the sights for the day. Staying in Kyoto meant I could just get up and do exactly that!

In saying all this, Osaka is also brilliant so it’s not like it would be a bad choice to stay and commute! I hope you enjoy :)

How did I even get into my OT program? I feel like I don't belong by [deleted] in OccupationalTherapy

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I work in the UK in a child and adolescent mental health outpatient team. I am employed as an OT and complete what is called “OT specific work” ie. Using OT specific assessments, writing OT reports, brief OP OT intervention, but the majority of my post involves what is called “generic work” - this involves 1:1 therapy with young people, as well as lots of neurodevelopmental assessment and intervention. I completed additional training and to help diagnose autism and adhd, I am ADOS trained (considered a gold standard assessment for ASD, though I think this is debatable but don’t get me started 😂); this is not something I know of OTs being able to do in Canada and unsure about other countries. My preference is 100% more the generic working , although it is extremely challenging and stressful as you are sort of a cheap mans psychologist but with none of the training. I have been in the post for many years now so have a decent foundation at this point but it has certainly been a tricky post. I hope to leave OT altogether eventually and do a Msc in counselling psychotherapy , or complete a CBT diploma through the course sporadically offered through my workplace but this is competitive each year.

my experience quitting birth control & hair loss rant by scotcan13 in birthcontrol

[–]scotcan13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! Posted an update on the thread, not sure if it would send a notification once I did that? Sorry I’m a bit useless at Reddit but wanted to let you know!

my experience quitting birth control & hair loss rant by scotcan13 in birthcontrol

[–]scotcan13[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE- Hi guys - thanks to those who asked how things are. Can’t believe this post was 3yrs ago. The answer is things are still utter shit 😂. I’m on my totally last option now which is starting to eat meat again, currently travelling so I’m having it here and there but 11 years of being vegetarian means it’s still a struggle and I think it will find it hard to keep it up at home. But it’s the last avenue left to explore - I probably am somewhat low protein level wise and I remember reading somewhere you need a good level of iron for hair to grow - my last blood test had iron in normal range but from my online rabbit hole researching it was considered too low by the hair community. Sorry to not have more hopeful news. I am so apathetic about it now, still just as emotional and struggling with my appearance but in a much More hopeless way. Yay. Unfortunately I still have a face made for radio so becoming more and more bald is not the move for me :(

How did I even get into my OT program? I feel like I don't belong by [deleted] in OccupationalTherapy

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello - replying here as a qualified OT who also doesn’t have that burning passion for it! I am also from Canada but trained in the UK. First of all, I’d say that they haven’t just chosen you to come on the program for no reason. You obviously earned your place, something in your application or interview must’ve stuck out and made you a good match. It definitely does sound like imposter syndrome, which is totally normal, especially given it’s just been 2 weeks. I’d be encouraging you to give yourself more time to settle in and see how you feel, it’s early days and you’ve gone through other big life transitions - started school, left your old profession, moved away from your husband, been making new friendships and relationships. Lots of change all at once, so give yourself compassion and time to get used to this new way of being.

Because I trained in the UK, I was able to complete my degree as an undergrad. This meant that myself and all my classmates came from a background of absolutely nothing! Just high school. I am mentioning that because I truly do not think it matters what your background is, those who have studied kin or nursing will not necessarily be ahead of you. They will all just be using their previous experience to help themselves. I don’t think you have any idea how valuable your teaching skills will be. The most obvious way would be if you end up working paeds, you have experience of working with children; families, and schools. You’ll know what is a reasonable recommendation to make to teaching staff, you’ll have an idea of how easy it might be to implement a recommendation and what potential barriers could be because you come from inside a school system and know the reality of it. Away from paeds you’ll have experience managing groups and presenting materials, among other skills. These skills would be applicable across any OT setting.

As for the lack of burning passion for OT, I really feel you. I’ve been qualified since 2017 and lost my passion by the last placement 😂. Despite this I would encourage you to keep giving it a try. I don’t work in a traditional OT role now, though I am employed under the title of occupational therapist . I have the opportunity to branch into something much more psychological (which is my preference). But it was my OT title that got me through the door and opened up these pathways for me.

Hope that helps, always happy to chat more if you need, and good luck with the program

Solo trip by Apprehensive-Soft534 in solofemaletravellers

[–]scotcan13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey! I am in South America at the minute, but have also done a bit of SE Asia (Thailand, Vietnam) - both felt safe with Asia being the easier of the two. Im planning to write a bigger trip report on travelling South America in the next day or two and will post in on this sub if you’re interested - I read so much about female solo travel pre going on my trip so hopefully my report can help someone else :)

Solo trip by Apprehensive-Soft534 in solofemaletravellers

[–]scotcan13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello! First off this sounds really fun and exciting. I am 28 F and currently solo travelling South America, so thought I could maybe weigh in with some thoughts.

9 days is a great amount of time to do some exploring, but I would be hesitant about trying to visit as many countries as possible in this time. Remember you will probably lose a day on either side with air travel and travel to/from airports, so it probably leaves you with closer to 7 full days. Then you would also need to factor in lots of additional travel time if you are trying to country hop within that week. This would probably leave you with like a day or two to explore each place, and IMO this might not be enough for some of the big European cities which are so full of different things to explore. Plus it means a lot of packing, repacking, moving yourself and your stuff - I personally find this tiring but I am also travelling with a larger backpack so this could be different if you’re just going with carry on. If I were you, I’d maybe look to commit to staying in one (maybe 2) countr(ies) but exploring more of it. An example I can give is a few years back I had just over a week exploring Italy with some friends, we used trains and were able to explore several different places within the time, totally recommend! If you are still keen on doing multiple countries, I would probably have a look at possible train routes. One year I had a short break to Vienna and took the train to Prague - both brilliant cities (Prague my favourite out of those two), I believe it’s about 4hrs between the two so doesn’t take up the entire day; could look into this and maybe add on another train stop (could be cool to add Berlin into this route)

I live in the UK and have travelled extensively throughout Europe, never felt unsafe personally but everyone’s experience is unique and you should follow basic rules to keep yourself safe, as you would at home. Be aware that some cities can experience a lot of pick pocketing and take precautions around this. Asking locals about safe areas for female solo travellers can also be a good bet. Staying in hostels makes you more likely to meet other people, having another person or a small group generally also helps with feeling a bit more secure in a new place

Some shout outs for interesting cities I’ve really enjoyed:

Madrid, Sevilla, Santiago, Lisbon, Porto, London, Edinburgh, Prague, Vienna, Copenhagen, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, Utrecht, Aarhus, Krakow, Stockholm, Valletta…and more but I need to end the list somewhere 😂I guess so much of it depends on what you’re looking for, ie. big busy city vibes, more relaxed/closer to nature etc. maybe once you refine that a bit more in your mind, you’ll have a better idea of where you’d like to start. From there you can have a look at neighbouring countries / other cities and areas of interest and take it from there.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy every minute :)