I learned a few things from last year’s Spitfire Scramble. Even though I made a list of things to pack, I still forgot a few things, like baby wipes. I did remember a hot water bottle and think that was more essential because if I smelled, I was camping alone. Here are the Things that got me through Spitfire Scramble 2016.
2016 UK Fitness Bloggers team
Pearl Izumi kit is lush
Pearl Izumi*-Their Transfer Dry running kit is amazing! I have the Pursuit Singlet and 4.5 in short. Both dried out so quick after my first lap I left them on and wore for lap #2. I even wore the shorts to Fierce Grace Yoga once and they never stuck to me or need to be adjusted. They are now my go-to shorts in the summer. The only change I would make is to add a zipper or Velcro seal three small pocket on the back waistband as I am always afraid my gel or keys will fall out. The top is a flattering cut (as is my preference for a loose cut).
Runderwear– They quick dry too so you don’t have to worry about swamp ass. ‘nough said. Here is my original review. Knuckle Lights*- Team member, Corey from Learning Patience, was able to hook up the team with these. She had used them last year and raved about them. I used mine at high power and could see everything even though it was pitch black out. I also had Night Runner 270′s* on my feet, Million Mile lights on my waist and a head torch. It was awesome to be so lit up because I got of lot of comments during my 2 night laps, which gave me the boost I needed. One person said I was lit up like a Christmas tree, while a marshall said I made their night by being so bright. The rechargable batteries didn’t last me too laps though while on high power. Next year, I will go with medium strenght.
A video posted by Mollie, the Happiness PT (@ptmollie) on
Primal pantry bars*– Sabine, from My Life My Challenges, was able to share some sample Primal Pantry bars. My flapjacks ended up sticking to the parchment paper when I took them out of the oven, so I was grateful for an alternative snack. We had 4 flavours but I stuck to the ones I knew and saved the rest for run commuting. VITHIT water*– These were sent to me just days before the race. I chose to have them as a treat after my daytime laps as a way to rehydrate without having to worry about my body’s response. (Runners are really superstitious about trying new things, if you haven’t pick up on that yet). I tried Apple & Elderflower and Coconut & Pineapple. Both were really nice treat after a hot 5.9 mile run. I still have 2 other flavours in my fridge and hope summer lasts a bit longer so I can enjoy them properly. Primus Lite gas stove*- I harnessed it’s true potential this year and had a hot water bottle while I slept, made Sabine a pot of noodles, and someone a cup of tea. I was so relieved it didn’t rust when we left it outside in a plastic storage container in the garden that became super damp when we had heavy rain. The insulation on the cup went a bit mouldy but I was able to wash that off under the tap. I was super impressed it wasn’t damaged further. Quality stuff right there! elete Holistic Hydrate*- These were a lifesaver as it was very hot and sunny on Saturday afternoon. All I did was pour 1/2 capful into my 750ml water bottle and added water. It didn’t taste that much different (but just a little bit, maybe just psychosomatic as I knew there were added salts in there?). The bottles are small enough (like an eye drop bottle) that you can travel with it or keep in your gym bag for hot days or super-sweaty workouts.
Stretch and massage in between laps
Massages- I had enough cash on me to invest in 3 massages this year. Corey’s massage therapist said to get massages throughout the race. Our team was the first in line to sign up for our anticipated slots. God bless the Flying Physios as they worked for nearly 35 hours straight to keep all us runners going. I don’t know if it was mentally or physically a relief but I will do the same again next year. Familiar faces- It is wonderful to be building up my friends in the London running community. We had several other blogger friends at the race (Lisa, Lucy, and Frankie), my friend Clare and her gang of East End Road Runners, two ladies from Advent Running, and my local park run leaders. Spitfire is so friendly and relaxed you really can’t beat it. I am already looking forward to next year. My goal is to bring my own food rather than rely on the food stands. During my laps, I had lots of time to strategize our rota for next year. Returning to such a fun race year-after-year helps me check in with the community aspect of running and reminds me how fun it truly can be. All items with a * were given to me with compliments in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own.
I learned a few things from last year’s Spitfire Scramble. Even though I made a list of things to pack, I still forgot a few things, like baby wipes. I did remember a hot water bottle and think that was more essential because if I smelled, I was camping alone. Here are the Things that got me through Spitfire Scramble 2016.
2016 UK Fitness Bloggers team
Pearl Izumi kit is lush
Pearl Izumi*-Their Transfer Dry running kit is amazing! I have the Pursuit Singlet and 4.5 in short. Both dried out so quick after my first lap I left them on and wore for lap #2. I even wore the shorts to Fierce Grace Yoga once and they never stuck to me or need to be adjusted. They are now my go-to shorts in the summer. The only change I would make is to add a zipper or Velcro seal three small pocket on the back waistband as I am always afraid my gel or keys will fall out. The top is a flattering cut (as is my preference for a loose cut).
Runderwear– They quick dry too so you don’t have to worry about swamp ass. ‘nough said. Here is my original review. Knuckle Lights*- Team member, Corey from Learning Patience, was able to hook up the team with these. She had used them last year and raved about them. I used mine at high power and could see everything even though it was pitch black out. I also had Night Runner 270′s* on my feet, Million Mile lights on my waist and a head torch. It was awesome to be so lit up because I got of lot of comments during my 2 night laps, which gave me the boost I needed. One person said I was lit up like a Christmas tree, while a marshall said I made their night by being so bright. The rechargable batteries didn’t last me too laps though while on high power. Next year, I will go with medium strenght.
A video posted by Mollie, the Happiness PT (@ptmollie) on
Primal pantry bars*– Sabine, from My Life My Challenges, was able to share some sample Primal Pantry bars. My flapjacks ended up sticking to the parchment paper when I took them out of the oven, so I was grateful for an alternative snack. We had 4 flavours but I stuck to the ones I knew and saved the rest for run commuting. VITHIT water*– These were sent to me just days before the race. I chose to have them as a treat after my daytime laps as a way to rehydrate without having to worry about my body’s response. (Runners are really superstitious about trying new things, if you haven’t pick up on that yet). I tried Apple & Elderflower and Coconut & Pineapple. Both were really nice treat after a hot 5.9 mile run. I still have 2 other flavours in my fridge and hope summer lasts a bit longer so I can enjoy them properly. Primus Lite gas stove*- I harnessed it’s true potential this year and had a hot water bottle while I slept, made Sabine a pot of noodles, and someone a cup of tea. I was so relieved it didn’t rust when we left it outside in a plastic storage container in the garden that became super damp when we had heavy rain. The insulation on the cup went a bit mouldy but I was able to wash that off under the tap. I was super impressed it wasn’t damaged further. Quality stuff right there! elete Holistic Hydrate*- These were a lifesaver as it was very hot and sunny on Saturday afternoon. All I did was pour 1/2 capful into my 750ml water bottle and added water. It didn’t taste that much different (but just a little bit, maybe just psychosomatic as I knew there were added salts in there?). The bottles are small enough (like an eye drop bottle) that you can travel with it or keep in your gym bag for hot days or super-sweaty workouts.
Stretch and massage in between laps
Massages- I had enough cash on me to invest in 3 massages this year. Corey’s massage therapist said to get massages throughout the race. Our team was the first in line to sign up for our anticipated slots. God bless the Flying Physios as they worked for nearly 35 hours straight to keep all us runners going. I don’t know if it was mentally or physically a relief but I will do the same again next year. Familiar faces- It is wonderful to be building up my friends in the London running community. We had several other blogger friends at the race (Lisa, Lucy, and Frankie), my friend Clare and her gang of East End Road Runners, two ladies from Advent Running, and my local park run leaders. Spitfire is so friendly and relaxed you really can’t beat it. I am already looking forward to next year. My goal is to bring my own food rather than rely on the food stands. During my laps, I had lots of time to strategize our rota for next year. Returning to such a fun race year-after-year helps me check in with the community aspect of running and reminds me how fun it truly can be. All items with a * were given to me with compliments in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own.
On 6th April, the Holbourn Black’s store held an event with The North Face (TNF), highlighting their new Mountain Athletics range. TNF athlete, James Pearson, told his story about becoming a professional climber. It was sweet, because it was basically the story of how he met his wife and she trained him to become a stellar rock climber.
James telling us about his journey
After hearing James, we headed out with TNF trainers to run the streets of London and get an effective workout with just our body weight. Unfortunately, both parks were closed so we ended up on the pavement on the north bank of the Thames along the Embankment. It was tough being only one of three girls, with tons of guys, but I held my own (aside from the press ups). It was fun racing through 5-6 exercises per set doing as many rounds as we could in a few minutes. It was a great workout, followed by a recovery run back to the store. I was lucky enough to get Pulse leggings, Graphic Play Hard vest top, Motivation 1/4 zip top, which are 3 of the 9 pieces from The North Face’s new Mountain Leisure line. The idea behind the line is to get outdoors and train for something. I found the Motivation top to be really soft and breathable during my workout with the TNF trainer. There was a bit of wind along the river and the sun had set by the time we started moving. I am going to wear the pieces a few more times before I give a proper review so check back next month for the scoop. On my trip to Cairo and Istanbul, I ended up wearing the Motivation top nearly every day, as the nights were quite cool. It was very kind of The North Face and Black’t to invite me to this fun evening. I look forward to exploring more of the outdoors in and around London in my new Mountain Athletics kit. Luckily, high elevations are not required to have fun.
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VITHIT water*– These were sent to me just days before the race. I chose to have them as a treat after my daytime laps as a way to rehydrate without having to worry about my body’s response. (Runners are really superstitious about trying new things, if you haven’t pick up on that yet). I tried Apple & Elderflower and Coconut & Pineapple. Both were really nice treat after a hot 5.9 mile run. I still have 2 other flavours in my fridge and hope summer lasts a bit longer so I can enjoy them properly.
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