by Mollie Millington | Dec 10, 2023 | product review, running, travel
If I counted up all the miles I have run in the last 10 years, I would say there have been a fair few. Since moving to the United Kingdom in 2011, I have started running routinely, as well as travelling more. By combining the two, I refer to it as active travel (not to be confused with running or cycling to work). Believe it or not, Europe is so much more accessible from London rather than Michigan. My passion for running started as a way to fundraise for an American charity close to my heart. The more I ran, the farther distances I had to go to encourage more donations. My first international race was in Paris for a half marathon in 2013. I traveled alone from London and stayed with a friend’s sister (who not only I had never met, but also wasn’t there, so I actually stayed with my friend’s brother-in-law). The only other time I had been in Paris was in 2005, so it was amazing to explore the city with fresh eyes while on foot. Road races tend to take you through neighborhoods you might not otherwise see. Moving at a relatively slow pace (compared to a car) and above ground (as opposed to a subway), you see things from a different point of view. An added bonus is runners love talking about all things running which means even if you head to the start pen on your own, you will make friends shortly after arrival. This trip to Paris was a long weekend and as it was my first ‘big’ race, I was cautious drinking too much wine or eating too much cheese until after I had crossed the finish line. Now, I am quite not as cautious if the race is only a 5 or 10K.
Since 2013, I have run in 12 countries and ten states as part of my goal to run in every country and state that I visit. While I have memories from each, I have been looking for a way to commemorate these trips. Luckily, I have discovered El Camino Bracelets.* With each race, I have specific memories of the time and place, and now I also have a physical representation i can wear on my wrist. The half marathon I did in Auckland, New Zealand was seven loops in a local park with a hill, which my husband reminded me each time I passed him that I was slowing down. My first marathon was in Prague and I had a few days to wander the city on my own beforehand. As a souvenir, I bought a small red garnet (the national gem) to wear on a necklace that said ‘26.2’ (the number of miles in a marathon). The first time I went to Disney World was at the age of 36 for a half marathon with a charity entry. Charity entries start in the back due to lack of estimated finishing time and everyone ahead of me was walking due to the Dopey Challenge (four day event which starts with a 5K and ends with a marathon). It took me six miles to move ahead of the walkers and find a steady pace. I slept under the stars in the Jordanian desert while completing a 5 day ultra marathon in 2018. During the Rock-N-Roll half marathon in Dublin (which was hillier than I thought it would be), the deer in Phoenix Park ran across the course as we neared the finish line. I was too slow to get my phone out for a photo.
Hanging my race medals in the spare bedroom isn’t too inspiring when I am training or conversational when visiting friends and family. Those of you who know runners know we love to talk about running! When I learned about El Camino Bracelets*, I saw this travel-inspired accessory to be the best way of reminding myself of what I have achieved and therefore what I still am capable of. With a ‘Step’ from each country I tick off, along with the colorful Steps to categorize my race distances for ‘5k’ to ‘marathon’ to ‘250km ultra’, I can wear this bracelet day in and day out, including when I am training, as a reminder of how many memories I have made by simply running. El Camino Bracelets are made in the UK and meant to be worn while exploring. The hand polished surgical grade stainless steel holds up against salt water, sweat, and a range of temperatures. The spacers are all made from sustainably sourced woods and coconut. Typically, I don’t wear jewelry because it is too inconvenient to take it on and off daily for exercise, dishes, my ‘real job’, showering, etc. The big appeal to me was I can leave this bracelet on and only take it off after I have run somewhere new.
Even though El Camino has created categories for their Steps (animals, regions, continents, sea, oceans, etc), you can create your own code to make the jewelry meaningful to you. I wanted to use traffic lights as inspiration for my distances. You can use your creativity to find a custom Step designs too, to capture weddings, birthdays, travel with your besties, adoptaversaries of your pets, etc. You are only limited by the 29-32 character space. Adventure Steps illustrate your jewelry with small symbols. I chose the airplane and arrow adventure Steps (not the footprint because I don’t like feet), then added on the following the countries and colorful Steps: 5K (green/South America): USA; 10K (orange/Tiger step): South Africa, Portugal; half marathon (blue /Australia region): Scotland, New Zealand; marathon (red/ North American region): Czech Republic; other (purple/Baltic Sea): Jordan. I love this bracelet so much, it is listed in my 2023 gift guide and I have asked for the rest of the countries I have run in (see map above) for Christmas. Fingers crossed that Santa got my letter.
These last 10 years have had ups and down both physically and mentally. Running has played a huge part in helping me get through it all (even though it is sometimes a love-hate relationship, I always feel better after a run). My next marathon is in Tokyo in March 2024. This trip has been booked since 2020 and rescheduled twice. The last time I ran a marathon was in 2021 as a virtual race (it may be the only way I ever get a Boston Marathon medal). I am anxiously looking forward to finally running this race after several start-stops over the years. As I enter my second month of training, I am starting to recall all the tips and tricks that have worked well for me in the past (daily protein shakes, weekly osteopath appointments, early morning runs in the dark, long runs with friends). It will be my 5th World Marathon Major which leaves me with Boston, the hardest one to gain entry to. The reason I chose a double El Camino bracelet was so that one string can be for the World Marathon Majors (London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Boston) as custom Steps with the years I ran them. What a tremendous day that will be when I get that Boston small Step on my El Camino bracelet (and then never have to run a marathon ever again!).
What will be next 10 years of active travel bring? I have already set my sights on a European road trip for August 2024. If I plan it correctly, I should be able add the following steps to my bracelet: Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark and/or Luxembourg. There are over 190 countries which means I have a long way to go. And probably a few bracelets (or necklaces) to fill. One thing I am thinking about is signing up for a polar race, even though I ran a 5k in Colorado on New Years Day in 2022 (in a few inches of snow!). And I want to SUP around the island of Jersey. My plan is to keep putting one foot in front of the other while spending as much time outside and exploring. While I am back home training, I will have a constant reminder of just how far I have come.
How do you keep memories from your travels? Do you print a photo book? Keep your airplane tickets? Buy a magnet? Get a tattoo? Let me know in the comments below.
*El Camino bracelets gifted me this bracelet and steps. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2023 | gift guide, outdoors, product review, travel
Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus. Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping. Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family. Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading. You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.
Gadgets
Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!). It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel. Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.
Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months. I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm. Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.
Travel
El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about. My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK. I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet. You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of. The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work. Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).
Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours. It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets. The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.
D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve). The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry. The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!). Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.
Outdoors
Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it. The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing. There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem. Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?
D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off. I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat. I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight. If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.
Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn. Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?). There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off. If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip? Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT. Enjoy!
EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes. What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter. EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too. Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity. The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm. So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.
1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer. This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs. I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need. The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.
Relax
Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home. Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear. The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.
Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling. I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home. The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep. The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.
The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure. For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet. Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.
Supplements
Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all). The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast. The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause. My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser). I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).
Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year. These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood. I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!
I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know. Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.
* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | May 23, 2023 | beauty, health, product review
My friends from Boston University came for a visit in March. It was years ago the three of us were together and we packed a lot into a weeklong visit. Now that we are all in our 40’s, there were many discussions about skin care, body aches and pains, and perimenopause (we sure know how to rock and roll!). We also discussed vitamins and supplements we take now that we are older (top tip: don’t get old). Eryn swore by collagen, which she has been taking since November. She saw her finger nails become stronger and experienced less aches and pains.
I decided to see what all the fuss was about for collagen. Like many supplements, most brands state that it takes 30 days+ to see an difference. This makes a lot of sense in terms of hair and nail growth. It also seems to be very much a trending supplement, much like menopause products which are also gaining momentum. The Global Collagen Report started that the collagen market is worth $9.1 billion in 2022 (which is approximately £7 billion), making it quite lucrative.
What do the professionals think about collagen supplements? Dr. Hana Patel, GP specialist in womens and mental health and GP Expert Witness, told me the NHS does not recommend patients take collagen as there isn’t enough evidence to support its effectiveness. Dr. Patel went on to say that are many studies, however, that show that taking up to 10 grams a day, may help with skin health, joint health, bone density and muscle mass.
How to choose a collagen supplement
I know I was overwhelmed with choice as I started to look into it. Eryn takes Beyond Collagen Multi Collagen for Women (which Oprah also recommends) which is a powder but I could not find it in the UK. Dr. Patel shared that although collagen can be absorbed in all forms, studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. You may want to take this into account when choosing a collagen product. Other factors to consider are ease of administration (do you want to be able to swallow a pill or make a drink) and if what kind of collagen you want. For example, Type I collagen typically is move from bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) or even bones. It can be found in your body in skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Type II collagen can also be found in the body in your cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. Type II collagen often is made from chickens. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Holland and Barret have an informative summary over on their site if you would like to learn more.
So I put some feelers out on Twitter to see what people would recommend. A few people responded with Arbonne Skin Elixir Collagen Booster. I already have an Arbonne consultant and she takes it too. As it is vegan, it doesn’t contain any collagen but instead encourages your body to make more.
Stacey, founder of Planthaya, contacted me to try out her Glow Natural Collagen Support, which is also vegan. Its three key ingredients help promote your body’s natural production of collagen, which will improve skin elasticity. The instructions recommend taking on an empty stomach for best results.
Osavi is a brand I had not heard of before and are health, nutrition, and food supplements company who focus on creating supplements which are high quality and pure. They just launched two different collagen formulas, one for tendons and ligaments* and another for joints and bones*. These products use collagen peptides (the collagen protein has been hydrolysed). Osavi also shared with me that their Tendons & Ligaments collagen is formulated using patented TENDOFORTE® bovine[i] bioactive collagen peptides, made by world-leading producer Gelita[ii], which are optimised to stimulate the production of collagen in the body. TENDOFORTE stimulates the biosynthesis of new extracellular matrix molecules, reducing the risk of injuries and rupture of ligaments and tendons. TENDOFORTE® is clinically proven to increase tendon strength and flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and result in a faster return to training. I was impressed by the clinical trial results they shared with me that highlighted the effectiveness of TENDOFORTE®. I have high hopes for this one because as a runner, I am always getting injured!
Lastly, I went to MyProtein to see what they had to offer because they always have sales and who isn’t trying to save money these days? I bought their collagen capsules and also was intrigued by their collagen gummies so I bought both (on sale).
Whenever I try a product for review, I make sure to test it for a while before passing judgement and my opinions on to you. With collagen, it is a bit tricky because I wasn’t expecting to see any effects within the first 30 days. I decided to start with Arbonne Skin Elixir because I bought it and it came with a 30 day guarantee. It was one of the few products I was testing that had a flavor, acai, which is very mild. I have the Skin Elixir with my breakfast and had initially had trouble getting it to dissolve in about 400 ml of water. It is easier if you add the sachet to the glass, THEN the water. Who knew? Having an extra glass of water to start my day helped wake me up a bit. It has now been 30 days and unfortunately, I have not noticed any difference. This is to be expected, however, and if I didn’t have so many other products to try, I would stick with it for another month. Arbonne have me a second box as a free gift with my order, so I am saving it for the end of all this product testing. If you would like to try it, you can use the code ARBONNE10 for 10% off your purchase.
This week, I started taking both Osavi products which will give me the recommended 10g a day, per Dr. Patel. I was told I can take a serving of each type every day. This morning, I added one to my porridge and this evening, I added the other to my coconut yogurt. It truly does not have a taste and I didn’t notice any changes in the food texture either. So far, that is a good start!
How do they compare?
Below is a chart I made to summarize the major differences between all the products I will be testing (please note the pricing is from April 2023 and may have changed since publication). Dr. Patel shared that although there are no specific trials to support added ingredients in collagen supplements, in the body, lysine and vitamin C work together with collagen to help keep connective tissue and joints strong and healthy. Therefore, they might be something to look for on the label. You will have to keep checking back to this post to see how the other products compare as I try each one for 30 days.
Finally, Dr. Patel said that collagen can be absorbed in all forms, but studies show that more is absorbed per gram in the powder form, as there are not other additional substances added to it. There seems to be a variety of ingredients in the products I am trying, as you can see above. The convenience of a capsule or gummy appeals to me, but if something works there is no reason not to be able to stick with it. Dissolving a powder into a glass of water doesn’t take too much time.
What are you thoughts on collagen supplements? How long did it take you to see a noticeable result? Which form do you prefer (powder, capsule, other)? Leave a comment below and let me know.
*Thanks to Planthaya and Osavi for the complimentary samples. All opinion are honest and my own.
[i] Osavi’s Bovine collagens are clinically tested collagen peptides that target specific needs, which are kosher, and halal certified.
[ii] TENDOFORTE® is made by Gelita. Gelita is a German producer that is the world’s leading supplier of collagen proteins for the food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. The brand works in the market since 1875, currently having factories on five continents, more than 20 plants production and 2.8 thousand employees all over the world.
by Mollie Millington | May 22, 2023 | virtual training group, VTG
After a two year break, I am pleased to say my Virtual Training Group (VTG) is back for my 16th offering. This online program gives participants a method of accountability and encouragement from a supportive online group. Anyone who has an email address is welcome to join us.
The next VTG program starts Sunday 4th June, 2023, and lasts nine weeks total with weekly check-ins in our private Facebook group. We finish with our last check-in on Sunday August 6th, 2023.
During week zero, I have a quick chat with you to develop three SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound). You then have eights weeks to work towards these, guided by support from the group and weekly emails from me which include motivational quotes to print out, current health news, and delicious recipes.
I want the VTG to be accessible to everyone, so I am offering an early bird price of £49 for nine weeks of coaching. Consider that I charge £75/hour for in-person personal training, which makes this an incredible deal! This price is valid until 11:59pm London time on May 31, 2023. From June 1-5, the price is £79. Payment can be made via Paypal below.
Personally, I will be working on paleo eating along with completing my physiotherapy and drinking more water. Your goals can be as simple as:
- 10 minutes of meditation before work
- spending an hour unplugged every evening during the week
- calling your family every weekend
- completing a 30 second plank five days in a row
- reading a chapter a week of your book
The possibilities are endless and I can ensure we shape the goals to make them work for you and your lifestyle.
What are you waiting for? Sign up now and feel free to send this link to friends and family who might also be interested. The more people involved, the more fun we will have.
Don’t delay. Register via link above today to secure the early bird price. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or send me an email. I can’t wait to get you going as summer arrives.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 27, 2023 | running
Winter is in full effect in London, with a touch of spring on a sunny day. With the changing weather, there comes varying trail conditions, rainy pavements, and occasionally the icy morning. My go-to shoe in the winter months tends to be a Gortex trail running shoe as it keeps my feet dry but it does’t mean the outside won’t get dirty. Muddy trail shoes are not a good look when at work. They leave dirt in my office and on my carpet at home. So how can I keep my running shoes clean?
Every pair of new shoes I get, whether they are waterproof or not, I spray with a Nikwax waterproof spray. This helps add a layer of protection from dirt and water (just keep in mind that this may negate any product warranties on your shoes if something happens). I will also keep last year’s shoes for very muddy or rainy days in the hopes of keeping my newer ones clean. Of course, if you live in a small flat, this approach may not work for you. If your shoes do get wet, I suggest stuffing them with newspaper and leaving overnight to dry. Most of the time, this absorbs all of the water and avoids your shoes becoming smelly. If the shoes are not wet after one night, swap out the newspaper with a new piece. Stuffing newspaper won’t help prevent mud build up, however.
For nearly a year, I have been working with ON Running and their shoes tend to have Cloud-Tec soles that can allow a lot of mud to build up (some of their shoes now have a solid sole). I have learned to check for rocks and mud when I get home from the trails, and remove as much as I can before letting them dry by the radiator. Usually, it can be easier to brush off the mud the following day. You can use a stiff brush for this if there is a lot, but be sure to avoid wire bristles that may damage the shoe. I don’t worry too much about the dirt staining my shoes but if you prefer keeping them pristine, keep reading!
It is really important to choose the right shoes for the activity you are going to do so you can focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about your feet getting wet or slipping along the trail. If you live in a warm, dry climate, your shoes might not get too muddy and will last a long time. However, if like me, you live in a place with ample mud (thank you British weather!), Brooks Running wrote a great article on how to clean running shoes if you would like a step by step guide. Their first tip is don’t put your shoes in the washing machine, which I 100% agree with! Keep in mind that by taking care of your shoes properly, they will last you much longer. This is much more sustainable for the planet and your bank account.
If you have any other tips and tricks for keeping your sneakers clear that are not covered in their article, please leave a comment below and let me know.
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