by Mollie Millington | Feb 23, 2025 | race review, running, WMM
Many years ago, a friend challenged me to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks. I said absolutely not but I will do the Abbott World Marathon Majors instead. Fast forward 10 years later and she has run several hundred marathons and I am struggling to complete my 6 stars. But I am nearly there now! In 2024, I managed to complete my 5th star with the Tokyo Marathon. The 2025 race is coming up on Sunday 2 March so I thought I should finally share my thoughts on this race (as best I can remember).
My story starts in the summer of 2019, I woke up at 2am to secure a charity entry place for the 2020 Tokyo marathon (you can see where this is going). I donated about £700 to Florence Charity (which offers day care and schooling for children with special needs amongst other things) and then bought my race entry fee for £150. There are a few different ways to gain entry to Tokyo Marathon with charities. You can either make a donation upfront to the charity (similar to a bid) or fundraise as much as you can and then earn your entry. There isn’t a JustGiving (or similar platform) so it can be tricky to fundraise the money you already donated back. This was the cheapest donation entry I had for the World Marathon Majors, so I was happy to donate and not have to add more stress to my training by asking people for money.
Turns out, I had to reschedule my trip twice due to Covid and restrictions for foreign visitors not on an organized tour. Aside from March 2020, I was supposed to race in October 2021 but there was too much up in the air with international travel to commit. I finally made it in March 2024. There were still regulations in place to keep runners safe, such as to using an app to register whether you had a fever every day for a week or two before and after the race.
Sadly, I don’t have many photos from the race as I was filming on a small sports camera for a vlog. I lost this footage along with some Kyoto city tour photos I logged on to a temporary admin profile on my laptop in haste. Lesson learned!
Without further ado, here is information from my experience running the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.
Entries and fees
As mentioned above, I decided to enter via a charity route in 2020, which the organization and charity kindly let me keep my place until 2024. While I paid an entry fee in 2020 (and received a large parcel with all of the 5Km race and marathon finish line goodies plus my 2020 medal at the 2024 expo). I was required to pay an additional race entry fee for the 2024 race and completely understand why. There was so much logistics and communication over the four years, I am surprised they didn’t charge people every time their rescheduled. Compared to the other WMM races I have done, it wasn’t too expensive (not counting the flights and accommodation).
Course and bogs:
The race starts on the west side of Tokyo in Shinjuku City and then ends near the Imperial Palace. There were not enough port-a-loos in our start corral for the number of people waiting which meant I split up from my friends. Just as I made it to the front of the queue, there was an announcement saying we had to start within 11 minutes but the start line was still a ways to walk. I was stubborn and stayed to use the loo and managed to start without any issue.
Along the course, there were many port-a-loos which were well sign-posted both with a warning that a toilet was near by and then volunteers were there with signs where it was time to come off the course. We didn’t run by too many famous landmarks (see the route I ran below). We did go close to the Hanazono Shrine (I think) and a shopping area that was on my tour. Otherwise, we passed a lot of 7-11s.
The course is said to be ‘flat’ but I would say that it is undulating. Strava tells me I had an elevation gain for 157 feet. Of course, I am very literal so would have preferred 0.
Location
Tokyo, Japan (see map above). The expo center and many events leading up to race (including the lululemon shake out run I went to) were in the Koto City area. I went back there nearly every day before the race (including for museums). Most people stayed in Japan either before or after the race to travel a bit. I will say that the jet lag was killer. I slept nearly an entire day after I arrived.
Atmosphere
Even though there were lots of people along the route, both spectating and working, there was not a lot of noise. I don’t know if it is true, but I was told culturally, Japanese people will not cheer unless you speak/cheer to them first. Of course, there were some international family and friends who had traveled with the runner that brought silly signs and they kept up the vibes. It was a sunny day so everyone was smiling.
The food along the course, both officially supplied and by the crowds, was a bit unusual for me so I didn’t try very much (nothing new on race day!). As a ran along, I saw people giving out Coca Cola and was grateful to have a 1/2 cup for a boost while I was flagging.
Race bling and goody bag
For this race, I walked away with two medals. No, not for my 6th star but for the 2024 and the 2020 races. I would like to commend the Tokyo Marathon race organizers for how well they handled all of the uncertainty during the pandemic. Financially and administratively, it must not have been easy for them.
The goody bag had bath salts and limited snacks. It also had a McDonald’s gift voucher. After I received by 2024 medal, I went to over to the Florence charity celebration for their runners. It was a bit confusing to get to as it involved sub-terrain walkways. Many runners headed here as it was where the official changing rooms are. Since it took me a while to finish the race, there wasn’t much time to enjoy the free snacks and drinks with Florence. My main priority was the sports massage which I was able to receive. After I changed, I can’t believe I went to McDonalds (even when I had to climb stairs to enter the restaurant and then needed a lift to find seating). I knew once I got to the hotel, I would not leave again and just wanted something very salty.
Tips if you want to take part next time
Communication: Organizer emails can be tricky to read because they are written in very formal English. Take your time to read through them as they do contain lots of helpful info. You can also log on to the race portal for more helpful info there.
Expo: Wear comfy shoes because the lines are long to both enter and collect your bib on Thursday. Bring food with you because there are only a few vending machines and one shop in the building where the expo is. There is a larger shop outside but it quickly was depleted in stock. Everyone going crazy for official WMM kit (the videos I saw were crazy!) but I wasn’t that bothered about it. Personally, I don’t think the 2024 WMM designs were that cool anyways. It is no where near the size/energy of the other WMM expos I have attended. Do stop by the charity stalls as there are many and you can let your friends know which ones to register for next year.
Strict rules for start area: No liquids allowed and they mean it. I had to throw away an opened tin of anti-chafe wax which made me very sad. If you plan on carrying water during the race, you need to fill soft flasks within the starting corals (which are huge and do not have many rubbish bins).
Along the course: Remember, Japan doesn’t not have rubbish bins on city streets and no one litters. Plan on carrying your rubbish with you until there are bins along the course.
Finish line: I had to pay to have my checked bag transported to finish line. It was not very expensive and definitely worth IMO. I did receive a towel poncho at the finish line which would have helped keep me warm, but I preferred having dry clothes too.
Best of luck to everyone running in 2025. Be sure to leave comments below with tips from this year’s race.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2025 | ski, travel
Winter ski season is here and many people will be headed out soon for quality time on the slopes. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, especially when the airlines keep changing the rules, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a skiing holiday.
Tip #1: Check airline regulations for baggage. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Don’t forget to check how much a checked bag is when booking flights on budget airlines. It may be a better value to pay for a flight that includes one hold bag if you are earning airline miles rather than paying for each little extra (like a reserved seat, drinks, and snacks). Be sure to read the luggage and sports equipment policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag falls within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions.
A recent tip I saw on Instagram was to use a double ski bag even if you only have one pair of skis. For example, British Airways says the maximum ski/snowboard bag size you can have is 190 x 75 x 65cm. This expandable ski/snowboard bag (with wheels!) measures 145-175 x 17 x 32cm. Use this massive luggage allowance to your advantage and all you need to do is stay within the maximum weight. If you are feeling generous, feel free to send me the Tramline Quad 170 Hardside (in pink, of course). Measuring 180 x 35 x 22cm, it has built in compartments for your helmet, poles and clothes.
Tip #2: Use clothes to pad equipment. If you don’t have a hard cased ski bag, pack your soft goods (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, comfy clothes, pajamas, and swim suit) in your ski bag. By wrapping the clothes around your skis and poles, you know your kit will be protected from damage in the hold. Toiletries and sneakers can go into your boot bag (which can be used as a carry on) which limits the need to check an additional bags for an added cost. It is much more fun to spend that money on the après ski.
Tip #3: Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wearing your bulky clothes on the plane will save room in your luggage. If you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these along with your ski jacket and any other big layers. Of course you can remove the extra layers once the flight is underway but this tactic will save space in your luggage. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced sooner.
Tip #4: Dress for the weather. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains. Be sure to pack outerwear that is versatile, such as being breathable and waterproof. You need to be warm as you ride the chair lift but then also cool as you make your way down the hills. It is usually best to wear layers in case the weather changes. Merino wool allows for temperature regulation and comes in a variety of thicknesses to suit the climate you are in. The other great thing about merino is that it doesn’t smell after a few sweaty wears. That means you can pack less for longer trips (although it is good to have a back up in case you get wet).
If you don’t ski often enough to justify buying ski clothes, check out Ecoski. They hire out ski gear and also sell used kit in w wide variety of sizes. They only sell sustainable brands so no matter what you purchase or rent from the site, you know you are making an eco-friendly choice.
Tip #5: Think about snacks and an easy lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for before struggling to find a seat. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift, or a large sandwich, to maximize my time on the slopes. A hot breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so I prefer to be on the slopes from 11am-1pm. I suggest you plan your day around that window.
Tip #6: Don’t forget the little things. Even thought I wasn’t in Girl Scouts for very long as a child, I still like to always be prepared. Tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle, hand warmers, a battery pack with cable, and sunglasses are the essentials I like to have on hand when I am out skiing. By wearing a small rucksack, I have everything with me to prevent trips back to the hotel room. A bag is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking around the resort village.
These are my top tips on how to pack for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchasing via the link does not cost anything additional and helps contribute to the cost of running this website.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 29, 2024 | gift guide, product review, ski
Happy Black Friday! If you’re new to the tradition, Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving (on the 4th Thursday of November) and is known for incredible deals and discounts. To kick off the winter season, I’m excited to share my Black Friday Gift Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders! Over the next few months, my content will focus on all things related to skiing, snowboarding, and snowy mountain adventures. This guide is just the beginning. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, snowshoeing, or enjoying après ski activities, these hand-picked gifts are perfect for anyone who loves snow days and winter sports. Get ready to find the ultimate gifts for outdoor enthusiasts this season (or for yourself)!
Before you go
We start off with getting ready for the trip, you may want to refresh your skills with ski lessons. The options in the UK are limited and I recently tried a new option in Wiltshire. The South Wilts Ski Club* (1) is located in Bapton and offers 30 and 60 minute lessons on a dry slope. James and I shared a 60 minute lesson and after 10 minutes my legs felt jelly. We swapped every 15 minutes and my calves need a good stretch during that break. Even though James had never skied before (he is a ‘boarder), he picked up the basics of “pizza pie” and “French fries” quite quickly. My lesson was a bit of a refresher with pizza pie to get used to the carpeted slope and after my first break, I started to move towards parallel skiing. The instructor, Craig, said it can take people 1-3 sessions to get used to the slope so we were quite happy with how we did on our first go. Even though it has only been open a month, the sessions are full and folks are coming from 1-2 hours away to brush up on their skills before their 2025 ski holidays. Currently, there are membership packages available for both peak and off-peak slots. This club has loads of potential and after sure an explosive opening, I see it continuing to build and create amazing skiers in the Southwest.
The elephant in the room is that skiing is not a carbon-friendly hobby. A lot of travel is involved to find the snow. One way to offset this to repair and refresh your ski gear rather than replace it every trip (especially if you only manage to hit the slopes every other year). Nikwax Glove Proof (3) is a sustainable way to re-waterproof your gloves for the snow without having to replace it. If you want to make sure all your gear will stay dry on the slopes, you can use TX Direct for washing your ski jacket and trouser. They also have down wash and base layer detergent if you want to take care of your kit.
What to pack
Since my ski lesson, I have been reaching for Muscle Mechanics pain relief balm (2). I came across this female-owned small business at Wild Goat Festival and keep my supply nearby at all times. Not only do they have pain relief, but they also have Muscle Balm, Respiratory Balm and a Calm Balm to help with sleeping. Since they come in 50g tins, I keep them in my gym bag and travel bag to help me no matter where I am. You can event take them in your carry on.
If you are lucky enough to be headed out for your first ever ski trip and need to shop for the mountains, you will want to find outerwear that is comfortable, breathable, waterproof and warm. A hat is a good place to start. While I have never skied in Austria, there is meant to be some great slopes there. If you find yourself in St Anton, blend in with the locals with the Frans hat (5). Moving on, you need to have a solid set of base layers to keep the chill away. Artilect Flatiron 185 base layers* (4) are great for temperature control (I took them to Antarctica), with a nice stretch to the fabric, and merino wool helps hold off the smell if you need to wear them a few days in a row (needs must with limited luggage allowance!). A TOG24 Hilder fleece pullover in a bright Starry Night print (6) is useful to have as an extra layer in case you get chilly out on the slopes (it will also make you easy to find in the pub). For outerwear, Ellis Brigham now carries Descente ski gear for men and women (7). I have not tried this line but I have tried their premium running gear and loved the trouser and zip up hoodie I had (to be honest, I am not even sure if they still make running gear).
Being the good Girl Scout that I am, I always like to be prepared. Carrying a bag when out skiing allows me to have a few things on hand in case I need them. In case you don’t have time for a proper breakfast as you aim to get first tracks on the slopes, keep a Hydroflask Insulated Shaker* (8) handy. Pop some protein in with warm or cold milk and head out the door. You can enjoy in the car or keep on hand for the chair lift, then refill with water later in the day. The Osprey Firn bag (9) is a good way to carry your shaker, along with snacks and sunscreen. This bag is perfect for the slopes too because it has a ski lasso system which allows you to strap your skis on the pack without having to take it off. This is so helpful if you need to carry your skis from the car to the slope or if you prefer to skin up the mountain. Throw a Paramo Grid Neckwarmer (10) in your bag too because it is so versatile, wicking and quick drying. The fabric also offers temperature control, helping you remain warm or cool. Wear it around your neck, your head, or use as a hankie. The last key item to keep in your bag is a Fold N Roll (11). This innovative packing organizer will keep a spare set of clothes for you or the kids in a neat little bundle. Once you get off the slopes, it is a quick change into dry clothes more suitable for après ski.
These days, a proper skier should wear a helmet. Salomon’s unisex Brigade helmet (12) is the first fully recyclable helmet on the market. It is very light, weighing less than 500g, and offers medium ventilation. It is so important to protect your brain when you head out for adventurous sports. If you don’t have a helmet yet, this is a must-have from Santa. With your head protected, you can head out for speed on the slopes. Leki’s Airfoil 3D aluminium ski poles (13) are perfect for tight turns and the teardrop shape allows for fantastic aerodynamics. The seamless glove to pole contact allows for high responsiveness and the gloves unclip easily when it’s time to ride up the chairlift.
Après ski
After an amazing day outdoors exploring the mountain, it is time to relax back at the chalet by the fire. Enjoy Baileys in your hot chocolate while wrapped in your Simba Hybrid duvet with Strata temperature control* (14). We received one a few weeks ago and it has been perfect to keep us snug at night with the weather changing daily outside. Before heading to bed, apply Voila Pure Retinal Moisturizer (15) to help repair and protect your skin after a day in the sun and wind (don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day).
My fashion style isn’t the most sophisticated and I love to wear a graphic t-shirt in the summer. For this winter, I would love a Joules Summit Cream Quarter Zip Ski Jumper (16). This long-sleeved top contains recycled wool and is still machine washable. Plus how cute is the back? Keen Howsers are casual slides* (17) that can double as travel slippers to keep your feet warm indoors and out. I took a pair to Japan earlier this year and found them great for flying too (because you don’t have any laces to tie). James is now a convert too and wears his indoors or to pop to the garage.
After a ski holiday away, a sports therapy treatment at Wellness and Beauty Clinic in West Hampstead, London (18)*. The treatment can help ease the pains of the muscles you don’t normally use day-to-day but were in high demand on the ski slopes. Use my affiliate code PTWBC10 for 10% off your first treatment (of any full price treatment, not just sports therapy). Of course, you can also visit the clinic before your trip too to make sure it is in tip top shape for the slopes.
Above is a variety of gift ideas in a wide budget range for your loved ones who are planning a ski trip. There is something for everyone and I hope it helps you find the perfect gift. If you noticed I have left something essential off the list, please do leave a comment below and let me know. For more ski content, keep checking back. In January and February, I am headed to Europe for skiing with the Outdoor Adventure Girls and James. The plan is to share info about the resorts and snow on Instagram in real time. Let it snow!
For items marked with * I was given a complimentary item or experience. All opinions are honest and my own. In addition, Amazon links in this post are affiliate links. Remember, affiliate links and codes cost you nothing extra to use and help me fund this website.
by Mollie Millington | Aug 5, 2024 | outdoors, product review
It has been a while since I was scheduled to complete the National Three Peaks challenge (N3PC). You may have seen on Instagram that I was hospitalized shortly before the scheduled weekend, which meant I had to cancel my place. From what I saw in the Whatsapp group, the women who were able to take part did incredible and were able to achieve their goals. Of course, I was a bit jealous of them but also very happy that they were happy. Plus now I have an extra year to train.
Over the last few months, I have been training for this event which also meant testing out kit and fuel to help me prepare. The Outdoor Adventure Girls provided me with a packing list. Most of the items I had, such as a rucksack that holds a Camelbak; waterproof and warm layers; neck pillow for the car; battery pack, and flip flops. I knew there were a few essential items that I would need to spend a bit more time locating that would ensure I was comfortable during the challenge.
First and foremost, I needed sturdy hiking boots. These boots would need to be waterproof, comfortable to walk in, and support my ankles. Luckily for me, my friends at Salomon gifted me a pair of X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots*. This stable shoe offers a high level of foot protection, all-terrain grip, and will keep your feet drive. As soon as I put this boot on, it instantly feel comfortable on my foot. There was barely a need to break them in. I just had to get used to tying the laces a little looser to avoid aggravating my Achilles tendinopathy. In early May, James and I went camping in (wet) Scotland and these boots helped keep my feet dry.
Most people suggest hiking boots for the National Three Peaks challenge as your ankles will need a lot of support as your body fatigues over the course of the weekend. Be sure to invest in a good pair of boots months before the challenge (if possible). Take the boots out for many hikes in varying terrain to make sure you are comfortable. I also suggest reading ‘Fixing Your Feet’ to help you harden your skin and preventatively tape them up. It is worth paying for the expensive athletic tape because it will last longer and keep your feet happy.
The next item that is important to your overall comfort over the challenge weekend is a pair of hiking poles. In the past, I have never been on Team Poles. Of course, I had them for the ultramarathon in Jordan but didn’t use them every day (looking back, I should have practiced with them more in sand). I never use them on other runs or hikes before I turned 40 (not even Kilimanjaro). I don’t know if I am older and wiser now, out of shape or carrying more supplies, but I used them in Antarctica and in Scotland for our camping weekend (which included climbing Ben Nevis which had snow at the top) and it made a world of difference. Now my Leki Sherpa mountaineering poles* will have to be content with warming up on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike over separate treks. They are ready to go though as I invested in rubber pads to prevent the poles from slipping on rocks. The baskets are handy for when I am trekking through snow again at higher elevations.
If you go shopping for poles, keep in mind they need to be the proper length for your height. Some can also fold down and/or be very light in weight. These features can come at a premium but depending on how often you will use them and if you need to carry them in your rucksack over long distances, it may be worth every penny. Leki has a very cool feature on some of their poles that are a strap that easily hooks on the pole and releases quickly if you need to grab something out of your bag. This feature is included on some of the higher end models that require quick release. You might not need this on a normal hike but for something that is timed, like the N3PC, it might be worth it.
A big element that will lead to comfort for the N3PC is fueling properly. Not only will you have to eat on the go as you climb, you will need to eat in the car with food you have packed. One my my friend’s who is very experienced with hiking recommended ham and cheese sandwiches for when you are on the mountain. Keep in mind that you need to be able to eat while you are walking when doing N3PC. There isn’t enough time to stop and eat as time is of the essence. My favorite snack when hiking is GORP (good old raisins and peanuts). Of course, I add M&Ms to make it a bit sweeter. Full disclaimer, this is NOT easy to eat on the go ( I drop crumbs everywhere) but agrees with my stomach. I also tried a variety of granola bars on my practice hikes and keep my leftover running gels leftover in my bag for emergencies.
Hydration is a key part of fueling too. It was suggested that we carry 2L of water for each hour of climbing. Maintaining a good balance of salts while exercising and sweating will be critical to succeed in a 24 hour challenge like N3PC. As part of my training, I was testing out Humantra*. Their little sachets are sugar-free, plant-based, and contain six essential electrolytes. I just wish they had a caffeinated option! All the flavours I have tried so far have been great (Himalayan lime, Elderberry, Berry Pomegranate). The sachets are light and very small, taking up little space. You can stuff them in your pocket and add to your water as needed. I keep a few in my office for a boost in the afternoon rather then having a caffeinated fizzy drink.
Lastly, I want to be mentally comfortable too. For me, that means knowing how far I have climbed, what elevation I am at, and my heart rate. The Suunto Race* has an outstanding battery life, an altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and so much more (like a vibrating alarm, receiving your phone notifications and queueing your music). Not only can you instantly upload your hike to Strava (once you have mobile data reception) but you don’t need to worry about charging your watch or having a back up watch (like I did for my desert ultra).
Don’t worry, I am going to give this challenge a go next year. I am always up for new advice on this specific hiking challenge or any endurance challenge (I am doing 100km Race to the Stone next year too!). Leave a comment below with your tips or suggestions on other crazy challenges.
*Items marked with * were gifted. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Apr 17, 2024 | product review, technology
For the last 5 years, I have been wearing my Suunto 5 nearly 24 hours a day. I invested in the watch after my desert ultra, where I had to switch between watches as there was no where to charge them. Technology is not my strongpoint, meaning I have simple needs when it comes to a GPS watch. My priorities are it being waterproof (for work, although I take it off when I shower), long battery life (I want to charge is less than once a week), different sports modes (my running, indoor cycling, paddle boarding, etc), GPS accuracy (if it’s not on Strava, it doesn’t count!), heart rate (to keep me in the correct zone), and ideally good sleep monitoring.
Suunto watches also have fantastic map features, including bread crumb trails to retrace your steps and the ability to upload maps. I have yet to try either of these as I mostly stick to paved roads when I am out running. #adventurestartshere is Suunto’s motto and my Suunto 5 made it to Antarctica and back. See my Strava profile to look at where I walked and camped on my 7th continent. I also noticed last week that there is also a digital compass and will be trying it out as I prepare for my National Three Peaks challenge and coastal navigation.
The Race was released in the autumn of 2023 and I was lucky enough to be loaned one for the last two months of marathon training before Tokyo. It is a little larger than my Suunto 5 which means it dominates my dainty wrist. Personally, I find the large bright display easy to read when I am running or teaching indoor cycling. On the way to Japan, I could tell who was a runner by the size of their watch and fancy trainers on their feet. I fit right in! The Race display will flash up when you move your wrist which is a helpful way to preserve battery. You can also have a ‘quiet mode’ where the display will not show with movement so it doesn’t wake you up at night. I charge the watch every other week when I am not marathon training. During the last two months before Tokyo Marathon, I had to charge it once a week.
Like the 5, you have to sync your watch to the Suunto app to log your workouts, which can then be automatically uploaded to Strava if your accounts are linked. The Suunto app also allows you to track friends and comment on their workouts. With the Race, I used the Bluetooth connection to receive notifications when out on morning runs before work. This saved me from having to pull my phone out of my running vest every time I heard a notification go off (we use Whatsapp to let each other know if we are running late or first the first person in has a question). You can also receive mobile notifications and adjust your music playlist via the watch.
The alarm feature was very handy in my capsule hotel the last night I was in Japan. We were not allowed to use alarms as to not disturb the other hotel guests. My friend suggested I set my watch to vibration mode and that did the trick.
Just before Easter, I caught a cold that was going around work that lasted 2.5 weeks (which is why this post is so delayed!). I found the Race to be incredibly helpful in justifying whether I should rest or not (it was usually rest). Suunto has their own algorithm for training and recovery: Chronic Training Load, Fatigue Acute Training Load, and Training Stress Score (which is the difference between these two scores). Aside from this, it also counts steps, burned calories, heart rate, sleep, resources. Recovery is monitored by heart rate variability. Sunnto says “If your HRV values consistently fall below your normal range, it is an indication of a compromised recovery state. This could be caused by chronic stress, inadequate sleep, overtraining, or an underlying health condition.” If you wear your watch 24/7, including when you sleep, the available data will be much more accurate and help you maximize your training plans. Looking at FORM (left side of above photo) shows your progress. You can see here that in my 3rd month of marathon training, I began to improve my fitness level (finally!). My Training Stress Score (middle of above photo) gives me the green light to start training while the heart rate variability (right side of photo) indicates that more rest may be needed. Note these screenshots are all from different dates so cannot be used in reference to each other. Hopefully you can see how each piece of data can be applied as an indication of how to proceed with your training.
Last week I discovered that the sleep monitoring is more in depth than I originally thought. It has a visual display on the watch itself of how much sleep is spent in different cycles, deep, REM, and awake. I always threaten to wake James up every time I do but he will probably relate better to a graphical representation. Being perimenopausal, sleep is a challenge. If I drink too much alcohol, I don’t sleep well. Body temperature can also influence my sleep. Being able to track my sleep quantity and quality will be useful in determining what impacts my rest and lead to a positive behavioural change.
Wearing this watch, I can 100% say #AdventureStartsHere. It was so useful while marathon training and then overcoming a cold while training to maintain my fitness for the National Three Peaks challenge which I am completing in late June. I know the mapping and compass features will be essential as I complete some intense day hikes over the next two months. Feel free to join me at Wild Goat Festival at the end of May for hiking, running, and gravel biking, along with talks and music. Use MOLLIEMILLI15 for 15% off your tickets and enjoy the outdoors with me.
Do you prefer to run with a GPS watch or ‘naked’? What data produced by your watch do you refer to most? Let me know in the comments below?
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