THE inaugural European Championships was out of this world.

Over 11 amazing days, the city of Glasgow hosted a wide range of sporting events and festivities. While Berlin held the athletics, Scotland was given a chance to shine with top-class competitions in aquatics, golf, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon.

As well as the sporting showdowns, Glasgow also hosted GO LIVE! at the Green – which gave visitors an action-packed daily programme of free to attend activities.

Strathmore Water, one of the key partners of Glasgow 2018, was proud to hydrate the athletes and volunteers during the championships.

Since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Strathmore Water has been encouraging people – regardless of age or ability – to ‘Do More’ by getting into the sporting spirit and make small steps towards a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Do More challenge is not about running a marathon or cycling from one end of the country to the other (unless you want to). Instead, it can be taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work or by going on a brisk 20-minute walk at some point during the day.

Inspired by Glasgow 2018 and all it had to offer on our doorstep, it was time to step up to the plate and take on Strathmore Water’s Do More challenge over the course of the championships.

Over the 11 days I went out for runs, scenic walks and midnight strolls. I also smashed the gym, hit the dance floor, worked up a sweat kayaking, and walked what felt like 500 miles at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.

After cheering on the cycling stars at the Emirates Arena, I hoped to get out on my old mountain bike. However, that adventure came to an abrupt stop when I discovered my mum was using the bike within an intricate set-up in the family shed to hold up racks of growing plants.

Super swimmer Ross Murdoch – a Team Strathmore ambassador – also inspired me to make a splash at my local pool. I’m not a strong swimmer, but I do enjoy a relaxing steam and sauna afterwards.

At the end of the championships I felt healthier, more energetic and ready to take on the world. My skin also looked amazing because of all the Strathmore Water I had been drinking to keep hydrated.

I’m no stranger to the gym, but I normally sit outside in my car for a good 10 minutes – during which time I have to psych myself up to actually go in and start a workout. After a stressful day at work, sometimes the last thing you want to do is exercise. I’m guilty of skipping the gym when I feel run-down – however, it is one of the best ways to banish those blues.

The Do More challenge encouraged me to keep active even when I wanted to wrap up in a blanket and watch Netflix all night. I still did that, but I made time to go for a walk or fit in a quick gym session around my TV programmes.

Now two weeks on from Glasgow 2018, I have kept the Do More legacy alive by continuing with my health kick. I am eating better, laying off the fizzy juice and trying my best not to avoid the gym – which is a challenge in itself. It’s been a fantastic body-confidence booster.

In addition, I am also still in awe at all the athletes, volunteers and everyone else involved that made Glasgow 2018 a smash hit. This great sporting event was right on our doorstep and I feel privileged to have caught some of the action in our glorious city.