by Mollie Millington | Feb 1, 2022 | affiliate, fashion, gift guide, outdoors, product review
Can you believe it is already February? Your Christmas decorations may be packed away by now but it is time to do a bit of shopping again. While I understand that some people may think Valentine’s Day is a marketing ploy to sell flowers, wine and chocolates, I love a day that gives me an excuse show people that I love them. There is nothing like choosing the perfect item that makes your bestie smile! The list below includes gifts for people who love the outdoors, whether that is while running, hiking, camping, swimming, or relaxing. I chose items that are under £40 to keep it affordable too. These Valentine’s Day ideas are for men, women, friends, and family. Some of these I have tried myself (*gifted PR product) and others I like the looks of. If you have any other Valentine’s Day gift ideas, please leave a comment below.
For those who run commute: Nuasan Active Body Wipes* are my workplace essential. I can freshen up my face if my mask gets too hot or do a quick wipe down after a run (£13.26).
For the chocoholic: 80Noir Ultra dark chocolate was designed for your recovery and wellbeing. With a UK-based female-founder, this small business is one you should support (spices start at £2.00, chocolate at £5.50).
For al fresco lovers: The Hydro Flask Wine Bottle* has been on my wish list for a while. Perfect to avoid glass on the trial and to keep your wine at the perfect temperature (£35.00). The wine tumbler* can be used on the go, at work, and around the campfire too (£24.00). (Wine sadly not included)
For dog walkers and campers: SealSkinz has an amazing waterproof LED beanie* that is perfect for early morning dog walks and year-round camping. No more searching in the tent for a head torch. The built-in light has 240 hours of battery life and visibility of up to 500m (£35.00).
For those who live far away: Monty & Ridge letterbox gifts are the perfect care package for the adventurer in your life. With over a dozen themed-boxes to choose from, you can’t go wrong (from £17.95).
For those who lift: Grass-fed and additive free, the Organic Protein Company’s Strawberry, Elderberry, and Beetroot bag* is a fun pink whey protein powder to try this Valentine’s Day. It tastes good too! (£24.00).
For the impossible to buy for: Sport Pursuit offers short-term deals on all the outdoor kit you didn’t know you needed. Clothes, trainers, SUP boards, sleeping bags, protein bars, and more from the brands you know and love. They don’t offer gift vouchers but have a look for the perfect gift anyways.
For those looking for health and happiness: My book, 52 Weekend Challenges, is available on Kindle or as a printed paperback. Each week there is a small goal to achieve to help you step outside your comfort zone to find something you love. Available on your local Amazon site (£15.85).
For those who can’t sleep/need to relax: R3ST 500mg CBD spray* from R3 CBD is something I have been using since the 2020 Running Show South. I spray it under my tongue after I brush my teeth to help me relax a bit before bed. CBD also helps some athletes with recovery (£24.99).
For those who work for the NHS: Donate to Duty To Care in their name. Duty to Care provides free wellbeing services to anyone with a NHS email address. From counselling, to yoga, to physiotherapy, to personal training with me, I am so grateful that Duty to Care is helping those who need it most.
For those who are environmentally conscious: dewerstone Chunky Knitted Beanie hat will keep you up on the bobble hat trend while doing good for the planet. dewerstone takes part in 1% for the Planet where 1% of their annual revenue goes directly to non-profit environmental action groups. Plus their products are Climate Neutral Certified and for every product they manufacture, they plant a tree (£19.95).
For those who want to run faster: Superfeet carbon insoles make the idea of using carbon technology to improve your performance without a hefty price tag (£40).
For those who always have cold feet: Rab Cirrus Hut Slippers look like small sleeping bag shoes, don’t they? Filled with recycled PrimaLoft Luxe synthetic insulation that comes from post-consumer waste, this material retains twice the loft of down when wet, breathes, has no allergens and retains warmth when wet. Available through specialist outdoor retailer, Trekitt (£36).
For those who cold water swim: Zone3 Neoprene Heat-Tec Warmth Swim Socks have a titanium lining on top of being 3.5mm thick. There are no more excuses to avoid open water swimming in the winter (£39.00).
For those with a ponytail: MAAREE Secret Pocket scrunchie two-pack in red and pink have clever little zip pocket to stash your locker key (£12).
For those who don’t wear sunglasses: On Cloud Lightweight unisex cap with laser-cut ventilation is lightweight, breathable, and comes in several different colors (£32).
For those who like to pack light: Paramo neck warmer is multi-functional and comes in a variety of colours. It will keep you warm or cool due to the Parameta G (R) fabric, depending on what you need, because it is fast drying and moisture wicking (£20.00).
For those who love pink: Designed By Sport Pink Amnesia leggings will make you smile each time you put them on. Featuring both thigh and waistband pockets, these high-waisted leggings are also squat proof (£39.99).
For those who love fun socks: Thought’s Heck Athlete socks are made from bamboo and come in a little gift bag. Patterns range from runners, to bicycles, to pugs, to robots, to polar bears. There is something for everyone (£7.99).
For those who need more support when train: Crossfly Men’s Performance Underwear can help men by offering additional support where they need it. The unique design of 3D breathable, fast-drying panels and a 7″ inseam plus anti-microbial fabric means you will be returning your cotton pants for good (£24.99).
For those who like to have their phone handy: Ultimate Performance Ridgeway phone holder arm band is a low-tech and comfortable solution for carrying a phone while on the move (£15.99).
I had a few other ideas I wanted to list, but they cost more than £40. Let me know if you would be interested in more gift guides here on the blog. There are already a few, which you can find here. Hope this list gave you a few more Valentine’s day gift ideas.
*Thanks to the brands for sending complimentary samples. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links which doesn’t cost you anything additional. I receive a small fee for each purchase to help cover the costs of running this website.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 10, 2021 | fashion, running, safety
Dark mornings and nights during the winter months make it tough to hit the pavement (regardless of the temperature outside). Many people use exercising outdoors as a way to release stress and meet up with likeminded friends. It is probably even more important for women during the darker months not to be out alone (sad fact, but true). It is important to dress appropriately when training outdoors in the early mornings or late evenings so that drivers and cyclists can see you (nobody likes a run or ride that ends in injury) and to ensure you don’t overheat or struggle to stay warm. Here are my five tips on how to stay warm and safe in the winter months.
Wear light colours or high vis– This one is a no brainier. If others on the road or pavement can’t see you, they might not be able to avoid you. Unfortunately, many sports brands limit the colours of their clothing to primarily black. If you don’t have a top or bottom that is white or a bright colour, look for hi-vis accessories- such as a head band or gloves. Ultimate Performance has a versatile range of reflective and LED kit this season. You can even level up with a head torch, clip on lights if you run with a rucksack, or an LED vest. Hi-vis accessories and small flashing lights are a good way in increase your visibility without having to carry too much extra gear.
If you are feeling bold, check out Designed By Sports Starlight leggings and Orange Be Safe Be Seen reflective full zip hoodie. A few years ago, there were star leggings similar to these that I was unable to get a hold of. I am very tempted to ask Santa for a pair of these! If you know me, you know I like to stand out in a crowd.
To keep your look more sleek, Seal Skinz makes a fantastic wind- and waterproof reflective beanie which will keep you cosy and dry all winter long and not look too out of place if you need to wear it during the day too. I might get their waterproof beanie with a built-in LED for dog walks. My headtorch is so big, it ended up bobbing around.
Wear an ID bracelet– This bracelet is a must for anyone who exercises on their own. A reflective canvas strap holds a piece of paper that has your essential details- date of birth, allergies, emergency contact info, and anything else you feel is pertinent. That way, if you are found unconscious, you will be cared for properly. You can also laminate a small card and keep it in your wallet or pocket for easy access. It is tempting to believe your phone has an ICE setting, but if your phone breaks or is stolen, you will be out of luck.
Be mindful of layers– Layers are important in the winter to maintain proper body temperature. You don’t want to overheat or be too cold. When selecting your outfit, think about what the temperature will be like at the start of your session and then the end. I usually dress so I am a bit cooler to start. Once I complete my warm up (which is very important in the colder months, so please do not skip this), I am usually at the right temperature or even too hot. Páramo make a great range of base layer from shorts to short sleeves to leggings and long sleeves that can help you find the right temperature comfort zone. The asymmetric zippers on the outer layers are a nice feature to keep your skin safe from the cold metal.
Does it snow where you live? Adjust your kit accordingly. If so, a white top may camouflage you. Fog or mist? Again, white or grey might not be the best colour choice. Think about your environment and aim to clash! Bright colours are great, as well as flashing lights and reflective material (see above).
You also need to have the right shoes for the wet and slippery terrain. On Running’s Cloudventure waterproof trail shoe has amazing cushioning and perfect grip to keep you on your feet for medium and long distances. I tend to wear waterproof trail shoes on a daily basis in London during the winter months to keep my feet warm and dry.
Be prepared to stay indoors. Unfortunately, there may be times were it isn’t safe to go out due to weather conditions or if you are not feeling well. There is nothing wrong with having a bonus rest day or working out indoors. While you may prefer to be outdoors (I know I do), sometimes you have to be sensible. Missing one session is much better than being out for a few weeks dur to illness or injury.
These are just a few ways you can ensure you are safe when exercising in the darker winter months. Stay safe and keep hitting the pavements on foot or the roads on your bike keeping the above in mind. You can’t be too bright in your outfit choice or too lit up (go on and put Christmas trees to shame). The other people on the road will be grateful they can see you and avoid near collisions. You can, however, be too warm or too cold. I think of dressing in layers as another layer to add to my training. Keep trying out different combinations until you find one that works. Be bright, be seen. Be safe.
by Mollie Millington | Sep 8, 2021 | clothes, fashion, product review
Full disclosure: In this post, I will be talking about stress incontinence when running, peeing my pants, my private parts, periods, and more. If that is TMI (or we are related), you might want to give it a miss. However, if you want to learn about ways to live with stress incontinence, please read on!
There may be various reasons what you want to try out absorbent underwear for periods and incontinence. Personally, I suffer from stress incontinence when I run (even more so when my hay fever is acting up) even though I have never given birth. It is extremely frustrating and embarrassing. When it first started happening a few years ago with only a few drops, I would wear Runderwear due to how quickly it dries. But the last two years, things how gotten out of control. I am currently waiting for a gynecological referral and am using a Perifit to strengthen my pelvic floor in the meantime. Over the last two years, I have gained 15+ pounds and have read that weigh gain can cause incontinence. Hopefully, the solution will be straightforward enough that I can resolve this soon.
Another reason might be to lesson your ecological impact on the planet. Pads, tampons, and liners normally have plastic and will end up in a landfill. A preference towards reusable options is more sustainable. Although the initial investment might seem like a lot, wearing absorbent underwear can save you money in the long run.
Before you invest in these fancy pants, there are a few things to consider. First is absorbency and related gusset thickness. You will have an idea of how heavy or light your flow is, as well as how much you leak when incontinence hits. I tried to highlight what the brands report below, but I still find it hard to quantify in comparison to my pads and tampons. I usually just go by how the pad/tampon looks and base my judgement around that. None of the products below feel too bulky (do you remember the pads you wore in high school? My Always were at least a centimetre thick!) but you can tell a bit when wearing the very absorbent ones. Most of the absorbent pants I find are black, which makes it hard to tell how ‘full’ they are. Predominantly, I use the pants below for stress incontinence when running as I have reusable pads but now that my underwear drawer is full of absorbent pants, why save them just for my runs?
Second, look at the design of the pants. Do you want a thong, high brief, bikini cut, or boy short? Luckily, there are several different style and gusset shape combinations to choose from across all brands. I have realized that I don’t like to run in pants where the gusset goes up the back to the waistband. While this is good for overnight protection, it just makes my bum hot when I wear a bum bag on a run. It might help you with bladder leaks depending on your situation though.
The last factor to consider when you order period/incontinence pants is how to wash them. Do they need to be hand washed? Gentle cycle? Line dry? This might influence which brand you want to invest in. All the brands above say not to use fabric softener but vary in temperatures and how to dry. If you take good care of these pants, they should last you a while. After a run, I tend to rinse my pants with cold water and a little bit of hand soap if I am not washing them right away (for example, if I ran to work and then showered). If I am on my period, I still rinse after use and wait until the water is clear before stopping. We tend to wash our clothes at 30-40 degrees C anyways and always line dry (dryers are a rarity in the UK and oh how I miss having one). Using a lingerie bag can help protect your delicates too but I usually forget.
One thing I want to say before highlighting products individually below is that every pair of pants still leaked through to my leggings and shorts. My gut feeling is that it is due to the force of the urine stream (when coughing rather than just running) ‘splashing’ out of the underwear or the pants not being able to absorb the liquid fast enough. Think about the consistency of blood versus urine, for example. My flow tends to be thick which will take longer to absorb than urine. If you are worried about this, black leggings seem to hide the leaks best, but unfortunately, they do not cover the odor.
Ready to learn more about my experience? Please remember that preference for products is very individual so please do some additional research to ensure you find the right fit. Most companies will not allow underwear to be returned once opened.
Speax was the first brand that I had heard of whose design was specifically for leaks. It is the sister brand of Thinx, which is a period underwear. I ordered two pairs in February 2020 for $35 and $39 (sent to my mom’s when we were visiting home). The current website says these panties can hold up to 8 teaspoons of liquid (thongs only 3 teaspoons and one teaspoon is 5 ml) and have anti-odour technology. There are four layers in the gusset to ensure they are moisture eliminating and absorbent too. They now also come in a variety of colours and patterns but mine are just black. Individual pants vary in price from £20-30 here in the UK, but there are custom and saver sets that get bring the price down. I consider Speax to be my trusted friend for long runs because I have been using them for so long.
BP3 Underwear I have ordered twice, in May 2020 and May 2022. Each pair cost me £18 which is why they were initially appealing. BP3’s USP is their scallop edging that makes VPL’s a thing of the past. They consider themselves leak-proof pants that can be used for both periods and leaks (I tend to use these for stress incontinence only). They have several styles available and each one has a different absorbency rating. The Sarah Sporty, for example, is classified as light absorbency and is able to hold up to 10 ml, or two tampons, of liquid. With my last order, BP3 kindly included a small lingerie bag to protect my pants in the washing machine. The styles I have (one is even blue!) are lower cut that Speax and the gusset feels thinner. I am still happy with the protection BP3 offers from leaks when on runs up to 1-2 hours.
Iceni Silver* is a brand I discovered on Twitter. It was created by British friends who have sporty daughters that needed a solution to being active females. Their pants are very affordable (£22-£29), very comfortable and made in Great Britian. These are actually period pants but can be used for incontinence as well. Iceni is the only brand I have seen that offers a short-style with a longer inseam than a boy short. The silver lining (come on, I had to!) is Iceni’s USP. SILVADUR (TM) is the anti-microbial fabric layer that minimized microbes and thus the smell that comes from sweat. Iceni pants can hold up to 40 ml of liquid and the cotton layer absorbs moisture 20x faster. I found the Hipster to be super comfortable to run in and very absorbent as well.
Primark has recently launched a cost effective period underwear. My pants were only £6. These have a very thin absorbent layer that continues up the back of the pants to the waist. These were only available in a blush color. The fabric is synthetic which made it very hot when I was running so I only tried them once and said never again on a run. This marathon training cycle has been during the summer and I have been overheating on runs regularly and don’t need any more help feeling hot. There isn’t a lot of absorbency based on how thick the pants feel (Primark says the light to medium flow pants can hold three tampons worth (18 ml) and medium to heavy flow can hold four tampons (24 ml) worth). Because the fabric isn’t breathable enough for me when I run, I now wear them at the end of my period when there is light spotting as I am not sure how much I trust the thin gusset.
Pelvi, an Australian brand, makes period pants, kegel trainers, and moon cups. These were a bargain at TK Maxx for £8 (but also not in my size) and an impulse purchase because I had never heard of this brand. I love the detail of lace on the top as most of my period pants are just black and hard to tell apart, especially before I have had caffeine in the morning. Because I bought one size up, these really remind me of granny panties because they are so darn big. The absorbent gusset wraps from the waistline in the front all the way to the waistline the in back. Pelvi claims their period pants that can also be used for light bladder leaks and sweat. With three absorbent layers, Pelvi offers protection for up to twelve hours. I just wore mine on a 65 minute run. They felt a little warm but I has capris on in 22 degree C heat. I thought the gusset would protect a leak in the front, but sadly not. The lace trim on the waistband was unnoticeable, which was a relief. I worried it would chafe. Due to these pants being a size too big for me, I will probably save for overnights when i am on my period.
If you have any other underwear brands you would recommend for stress incontinence, please let a comment and let me know. Stay tuned because I want to make a short video soon to demonstrate how much water each of the above can absorb without leaking through the material because I really do think it is the urine steam force that causes my leggings to get wet. When I have it on YouTube, I will share the link here, so check back soon.
*Thanks to Iceni for gifting me their pants to trial. All views are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Apr 26, 2018 | clothes, fashion
Last Friday, I had time to stop by The London Sports Show at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. I didn’t know much about it before I arrived, other than new brands would be featured, as well as free fitness classes and panel discussions. There were about 10 brands on display (all new names to me), each with a small collection of items available for purchase. The thing I found most interesting was that most of the brands had the founders there, meaning I could talk to them directly about their passion projects and what inspired them to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Many still worked full-time while trying to build their brand in their free time. I told them I could totally relate!
Here are a few of the brands that I was able to learn more about. For a list of all of the brands that took part, click here. I should add that I am by no means a fashion person. I will always go for function over fashion when it comes to clothes. But if I look good in it too, it is an added bonus!
First off, it was fabulous to run into former London blogger, Babs, at the event. Turns out, she has been creating a new fashion brand since I saw her ages ago. Adinkra Yoga offers comfy cotton shorts and pants in beautiful West African prints. With an elastic waistband, this kit is versatile enough to be worn at yoga and summer festivals.
Form yoga mats really caught my eye. Heidi and Toby co-founded this carbon-neutral brand. The yoga mats have gorgeous designs with geometric patterns to ensure you are in the proper position. The mats are made of 100% recycled rubber and come in a rectangle or circular shape. You can also throw the mats in the washing machine, which I think is the best thing ever.
One piece of kit that caught my eye was the Be Brave Be Bold tank from Boudavida. This brand offers a range of sizes from 8-18, with a design ethos of flattering cuts for all body shapes giving women the confidence they need to be active. Using technical fabric, there is something for just about everyone in their collection. They also donate 5% of sales to projects that support womens sport or individual female athletes.
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| One of the free classes |
MYSPORTLONDON had bold primary colours in smooth technical fabrics for men and women. Lots of thought went into each design. For example, the leggings don’t have a seam over the IT Band, which helps prevent irritation. The high waist can be worn up or folded down, depending on what activity you are doing. The technical leggings have a gusset, reflective detail on the front and back, as well as a zippered pocket to store your essentials.
Italian fabrics help create the Yummy Yoga Girl‘s legging collection. Her tops have unique shapes, with cut out shoulders and backs. All pieces are really affordably priced too. Her website has several free yoga videos, so you should definitely take a look if you want to work on your practice in your own time.
Last, but not least is Refill. Vlad was the first brand owner I met and was very passionate about his product (it was his first time at a show). Refill is a double-insulated steel water bottle with a copper lining to help preserve the temperature (hot or cold) of your beverage. It comes with a regular cap, as well as a sports lid with straw, so that you can keep your bottle in hand no mater what activity you are taking part in. Refill advocates a ‘refill’ lifestyle, where you take time to rest and recharge. Cutting down on plastic use is a big thing right now, so we have one bottle in ‘pure black’ for you to win! Details below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Did you make it to the pop up? Which brands did you love?
by thinkmarsh | Apr 26, 2018 | clothes, fashion
Last Friday, I had time to stop by The London Sports Show at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch. I didn’t know much about it before I arrived, other than new brands would be featured, as well as free fitness classes and panel discussions. There were about 10 brands on display (all new names to me), each with a small collection of items available for purchase. The thing I found most interesting was that most of the brands had the founders there, meaning I could talk to them directly about their passion projects and what inspired them to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Many still worked full-time while trying to build their brand in their free time. I told them I could totally relate!
Here are a few of the brands that I was able to learn more about. For a list of all of the brands that took part, click here. I should add that I am by no means a fashion person. I will always go for function over fashion when it comes to clothes. But if I look good in it too, it is an added bonus!
First off, it was fabulous to run into former London blogger, Babs, at the event. Turns out, she has been creating a new fashion brand since I saw her ages ago. Adinkra Yoga offers comfy cotton shorts and pants in beautiful West African prints. With an elastic waistband, this kit is versatile enough to be worn at yoga and summer festivals.
Form yoga mats really caught my eye. Heidi and Toby co-founded this carbon-neutral brand. The yoga mats have gorgeous designs with geometric patterns to ensure you are in the proper position. The mats are made of 100% recycled rubber and come in a rectangle or circular shape. You can also throw the mats in the washing machine, which I think is the best thing ever.
One piece of kit that caught my eye was the Be Brave Be Bold tank from Boudavida. This brand offers a range of sizes from 8-18, with a design ethos of flattering cuts for all body shapes giving women the confidence they need to be active. Using technical fabric, there is something for just about everyone in their collection. They also donate 5% of sales to projects that support womens sport or individual female athletes.
|
| One of the free classes |
MYSPORTLONDON had bold primary colours in smooth technical fabrics for men and women. Lots of thought went into each design. For example, the leggings don’t have a seam over the IT Band, which helps prevent irritation. The high waist can be worn up or folded down, depending on what activity you are doing. The technical leggings have a gusset, reflective detail on the front and back, as well as a zippered pocket to store your essentials.
Italian fabrics help create the Yummy Yoga Girl‘s legging collection. Her tops have unique shapes, with cut out shoulders and backs. All pieces are really affordably priced too. Her website has several free yoga videos, so you should definitely take a look if you want to work on your practice in your own time.
Last, but not least is Refill. Vlad was the first brand owner I met and was very passionate about his product (it was his first time at a show). Refill is a double-insulated steel water bottle with a copper lining to help preserve the temperature (hot or cold) of your beverage. It comes with a regular cap, as well as a sports lid with straw, so that you can keep your bottle in hand no mater what activity you are taking part in. Refill advocates a ‘refill’ lifestyle, where you take time to rest and recharge. Cutting down on plastic use is a big thing right now, so we have one bottle in ‘pure black’ for you to win! Details below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Did you make it to the pop up? Which brands did you love?
by Mollie Millington | Sep 11, 2017 | fashion, product review, running, shoes
One of the great things about being a fitness blogger is the opportunity to try new products. This year, I was extremely lucky and received a few pairs of trainers (sneakers, for you Americans). Before the London Marathon, I was hesitant to try any new pairs of shoes before the race (#1 rule- never try anything new). After the marathon, I continued to attend track sessions with Advent Running and started incorporating more strength training in.
My last six pairs of running shoes have been Asics Nimbus 15’s and I am petrified of what to do when my last pair wear out. Good trainers can cost £100+ so there is a big financial risk and, of course, a possible injury risk. With a long-term history of Achilles tendinitis and more recently plantar fasciitis, I am always worried that changing shoes will cause me problems again.
Last year, in true American fashion, I met a Hoka One One rep on the Tube last year and discussed becoming an ambassador with him. I had heard good things about Hoka One One as they are very cushioned. Originally designed for ultra runners, the unique thick sole provided more protection than other shoes at the time. I was hoping the extra padding would give me a bit more bounce (rather than relying on my Achilles) and protect my joints with each step I take (yes, I am a heel-striker). The rep sent me a pair of Clifton 2’s to try out. Here is info about the Clifton 2’s for you shoe geeks out there:
Clifton 2
Weight- 203g
Where to wear them- Road (Hoka One One claims that there running shoes have 50% more cushioning that standard running shoes).
Preferred ride- Plush
Type of runner- Neutral
Drop- 5mm offset (24mm forefoot, 29mm heel)
Insides- 3mm Ortholite insole
It took a while to adjust to the shoes because they were elevated (due to thick insole). I took a few days to gradually break them in and get used to the motion of the shoe. It felt like I was rocking forward. I wore them to track, on local runs, and the Women’s Running Magazine 10K in Milton Keynes. They were comfortable enough that I started to wear them to work too (which I normally don’t do with my running shoes in order to save the miles for my marathon training). However, I was still stiff the day after runs. With a few pairs of Nimbus 15’s in my closet, I probably didn’t give the Clifton 2’s as much time to adjust to as I should of, but I was worried about aggravating my injuries.
This spring, Hoka One One sent me a snazzy pair of Hupanas. When I first looked at them, I could see the insoles were not as thick as the Clifton 2s. They seemed comfortable when I put them on for the photos. Here are their stats:
Hupana
179g
Road
Responsive
Neutral
5mm offset (19mm forefoot, 24mm heel)
Molded Ortholite sockliner
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| Top view of the Hupana |
Sadly, I have yet to run in the Hupanas. After the London Marathon though, my Achilles have gotten progressively worse. I took most of June and all of July off from running in the hopes that they would heal. But they never did. At the end of July, the osteopath diagnosed me with Achilles tendinopathy, rather than tendinitis (I am not too sure how they are different), and prescribed eccentric exercises to help me heal. It was a 12 week program but I only had 8 weeks until Chicago Marathon when I started.
When I tried on the Hupanas on for the photos, they were really comfy. I think that they are urban-sleek too, meaning you could wear them for day-to-day casual.
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| Huspana on top and Cliften 2’s on the bottom |
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| I really like the aesthetic design of this shoe. |
As I can’t tell you much about how the shoe feels when you run in them, I can try to explain what an offset or ‘drop’ is. I have heard this term from many of my running friends who take running much more seriously than I do. They know about running shoes like my dad knows about cars. Make, models, specifications, and availability. I am trying to learn what I can from these experienced runners so I can find the next pair of shoes that will allow me to run pain-free.
I spoke with a friend and fellow blogger, Steve Skinner, who works at The Running Works in London to learn more about these terms. He explained the offset/drop is the difference between heel height and forefoot height. If the offset is zero, the heel and the ball of the forefoot would be at exactly the same height off the ground. He added “The weight of a shoe is less important for someone running 5k a few times a week to stay healthy compared to someone racing regularly. However, if you are an efficient runner and light on your feet you might not need a huge amount of cushioning and/or support. A lightweight pair could be more comfortable and help you to run more efficiently/quicker.” You can tell from the stats above that the Clifton 2 has a 1/2 cm thicker sole than the Hupanas. This info is useful for people who have joint pain, run long distances, or prefer sprints on the track.
Steve made a good point saying if you have comfortable shoes to run in, you will want to run more. He recommends that every runner have a gait analysis to help you understand how you run and what you need in a shoe. With your perfect match, you can run more efficiently too.
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| Another view to compare the insoles |
As the saying goes, ‘give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world.’ That is what I am hoping for with my next pair of running shoes. After I complete the
Chicago Marathon next month, I will be half way through my
World Marathon Major quest and ready for more.
If you have run in a the Hupanas, let me know in the comments below how they felt. As soon as I can, I will update this post too.
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