I am so excited I found some time to share with you some of my favorite kit from this year. A few pieces (marked with *) I was gifted to try out, while others I discovered on my own. This year, the items selected fall into travel, active, and/or eco-friendly categories. Hope you discover a few new things to put under your Christmas tree.
Hydroflask True Pint* – This item falls into the eco-friendly category. The True Pint holds beer, coffee and even soup. Fantastic vacuum insulation means your drink stays the temp it needs to and so do you hands. Great for camping and festivals.
Venus Gillette Precision Bikini Trimmer*-This small battery-operated electric razor keeps your bikini line tidy from all angles. It includes a 5mm plastic comb to ensure uniform hair length too. I think it would work on trimming hair on the back of your neck too but my husband won’t let me try it out on him. The perfect size for your travel bag.
B-twin hydration bladder cleaner*- Lots of runners and cyclists have water bladders but don’t take the time to clean them properly after use. This is a great gift because it isn’t something the athlete in your life would buy for themselves, but they will definitely use it.
Salomon Agile 6*– A great little backpack to hold a lightweight jacket, book, sunscreen, and whatever else you will need for a day exploring a new city. It includes two 500ml soft flasks in case you decide to run instead of walk. This bag’s capacity is only seven liters so your kids can use it too. SKINS Compression calf tights*– Wear these calf tights on the plane or under your trousers if your legs ache from too much walking on your holiday. You can also wear them when out on a run or for recovery. I wore mine during my five day desert ultra back in October. There is a large range of colors available.
Rite in the Rain notebook -This is a travel essential for keeping track of what happens each day you are away from home. It doesn’t matter if it gets wet, which makes it all the better for outdoor adventures. I brought one with me when I climbed Kilimanjaro and to Jordan because I knew there wouldn’t be electricity or wifi. I had to go old school with a pen and paper. My preferred nnotebook style is A5 with a spiral spine but there are many to choose from.
Smith Overtake bike helmet*- With their MIPS system and Koroyd(R) honeycomb insulation, this will protect your brain during a collision, which is the point of a helmet (think about how much money and time you have invested in your brain!). There is still maximum ventilation and excellent aerodynamics in the design. Nothing is compromised.
Wonderbag slow cooker*- This portable slow cooker was developed to help women in developing countries cook without tending a fire. It saves them time as not as much fire wood needs to be collected. It is also better for their health because they are not inhaling smoke while tending a fire. I think it is perfect for camping, tailgating, and hosting dinner parties as it retains heat for up to 8 hours. Full review will be up later this week.
Bamboo straws from Bare Vida – Plastic straws are a hot topic right now, so why not start carrying your own reusable straw? I have one made from bamboo and another from stainless steel. I keep one in my lunch box and one in my purse so I am always prepared for my next beverage.
Margaret Dabbs foot cleansing wipes and foot hygiene creme*- I was sent some lovely foot wipes and lotions to help my feet prepare and recover from my desert ultra. These are a nice treat for those who spend a lot of time on their feet but aren’t necessarily into pedicures. The wipes are perfect for travelling to climates where you will want to wear sandals or flip flops too.
On Cloud lightweight running hat– A lightweight and ventilated cap to help keep your head cool and dry in sunshine or in the rain. The perfect stocking stuffer for just about anyone.
Icebreaker merino wool base layers– As my regular readers know, I live in merino socks year-round and have a heavy rotation of tops for the winter. Both the 150 Zone long sleeve crewe top and BODYFITZONE (TM)150 Zone leggings are designed to help you regulate your body temperature so you are not too hot or too cold no matter what you are doing. Icebreaker garments are also biodegradable when buried in a landfill, making them a eco-friendly gift choice.
Black Diamond Creek 22L rucksack– A super stylish way to carry everything you need for work and the gym while day commuting. It has a waterproof shell and holds a 15″ laptop. Lots of internal organization options too so you can easily find what you need.
Leki Hot Shots ski poles– How crazy is this? These ski poles hold your favourite drink inside the pole, up to 200ml. They even have their own funnel to help you pour. Please remember to drink responsibly when participating in sport.
What is on your Christmas list this year? Let me know in the comments below and I will put in a good word for you with Santa.
Thanks to Hydroflask, Venus, Decathlon, Salomon, Skins Compression, Smith, Wonderbag, and Margaret Dabbs for gifting me the items above. All opinions are honest and my own. This post also includes affiliate links, which costs the buyer nothing but helps run this website.
December is in full swing and my diary is filling up. With that comes the stress of shopping, working, having the right clothes to wear to holiday parties, trying to schedule in time for the gym, and eating good food to balance out the party fizz. Unfortunately, it doesn’t leave much time for relaxing.
When HoMedics reached out out to me about their new home Stretch mat, I was intrigued. My back is often “locked” (limited mobility, not a muscle spasm) when I see my physio at Function360 (probably from working at a desk and being a runner). He says I need to stretch out more. Because I teach spinning, have started lifting again, and run, that leaves little time for stretching or yoga. The busy holiday season means I have even less time to book a massage (even with Urban who come to your home. Get current offer using my referral code RMOLLI1A). The mat seemed like it was just what I needed to release and decompress without being too technical (technology and I don’t always get along) or taking up a lot of time.
It was so easy to set up. The hardest part was clearing a spot on my floor (we have too many dog beds and shoes). I simply pulled the mat out of the box, plugged it in and turned it on. There are four different settings: flow, stretch, twist and energize. The mat inflates itself during each program which last 7-10 minutes. All you need to do is close your eyes and lay there. There are three levels of intensity that allow people with injuries or pre-existing conditions to modify the stretch to a level that is comfortable to them. Most of the stretches are back extensions which are perfect for those who work at a desk all day or bend over at a counter or cash register. Personally, I would have liked the option for flexion too but understand that this would difficult to achieve laying supine on the ground.
The mat comes with a small pillow you can Velcro on to keep in place. It folds in half and Velcros shut for storage too. It would easily fit under a bed or in the back of the wardrobe when not in use. There is also a handle if you would like to carry the mat with you to and from the car when going on holiday.
I don’t think this mat will cure any long term back pains or conditions, but I do think it will help with relaxation while supplying a gentle massage and some guided mobilizing. In today’s crazy world, we never sit still and just be. This mat will allow you to do that when you have a few minutes at home. This month especially, please make a point to set aside time to relax. You just need 10-15 minutes with the mat and either silence or chilled out music. Leave the phone and any other distractions (pets, children, partners) in the other room. Focus on your breathing and reset your mental state.
I tried to make an unboxing video of myself setting up and using the mat. This one has a bit more info however:
The Stretch mat was provided to me to review. As always, all opinions are honest and my own. The affiliate link costs you, the buyer nothing additional but contributes to the running of this site.
As part of the Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left.
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
A group of Adventure Queens
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
As part of the Decathlon Bloggers’ Community, I was very happy to take part in their recent #sportforeverybody campaign. We wanted to demonstrate that anyone, no matter what there size or shape, is able to over their body in a way they enjoy. Most people think running is how they should get fit, but they actually don’t like running. One of the concepts I try to get across here on my blog is that you need to do what you love. Of course, you need to be a bit brave to try something new (and maybe a bit wacky) but you never know unless you try. This concept doesn’t just apply to sports, in my opinion, but also for going on adventures.
I have been so blessed that 2018 has been a big year of adventure for me. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and ran my first ultra marathon, which happened to be in a desert (race review coming soon). I also tried camping at a running festival in Wales and attended a yoga festival too. Turns out when you try new things, you need the equipment to go along with it. Because I wasn’t sure if I would actually enjoy all of these new experiences, I didn’t want to invest too much in the kit and supplies. When selecting what to invest is (vs borrow or hire), I reviewed the recommended packing lists and then made selections based on what I know about myself.
Inside of my 3-person black out tent. Sleeping bag and borrowed mat on the right. All my kit and foot on the left.
When planning for your adventure, consider if you are usually hot or cold. Me? I am always cold so it was worth it to me to invest in warm things. For example, I wanted to own a sleeping bag rather than borrow someone else’s (who knows the last time it was washed?). My Forclaz Helium sleeping bag* was warm enough for normal people to be out in 0 degree weather. I know myself, so I also used a sleeping bag liner* when camping in Wales and on Mount Kilimanjaro, which meant I was snug as a bug in a rug in these extreme (for me) temps. Then I used the liner by itself (instead of my sleeping bag) when camping in the desert. I also packed it as an act of desperation in case I couldn’t find a place to sleep in JFK airport during a 9 hour layover. Sleeping bags are something I would recommend investing in due to hygiene and maintaining a suitable body temperature. Nowadays, sleeping bags pack down small so they don’t take up too much storage space.
In case you hadn’t guess, I like sleeping but am a light sleeper due to various factors. I need to make sure I a comfortable no matter where I am (except I’m the car. I have no trouble falling asleep there). A sleeping mat or inflatable mattress is something that not everyone will need so it is a good thing to borrow from a friend. If you are travelling solo, a sleeping mat is a good option but can still be a bit bulky to carry. If the ground won’t be too rocky or cold, you might not even need it.
We now have an air mattress* for when I go camping with my husband. It helps keep us insulated from the ground and we don’t need to be spend too much time selecting the perfect place to pitch our tent. We had some friends visit last month and they used it in our living room as our normal inflatable mattress had a leak. The Quechua Air Comfort mattress was super easy to inflate with the built-in foot pump. Even though it wasn’t very thick, my friends said it was comfortable and warm. Again, it depends on how light a sleep you are and how much space you have if you need to invest in one or borrow from a friend.
My husband needs complete darkness to sleep, no matter where he is. It wasn’t until a friend mentioned waking up with the sun at Love Trails Festival, that I realized how amazing our Quechua black out tent* is. No long are we at the whim of sunrise when camping. We can sleep as late as we want! It is also great having a zippered ‘porch’ to store our shoes, which keeps the inside of the tent clean. The waterproof bottom goes about six inches up the sides as well, ensuring dry kit on the rainy days. A tent is something you can also borrow from a friend but if you start to go on adventures more often, it would probably be easier to have it on hand for last minute escapes.
Having a few cooking/eating containers is a good idea. It is always best be prepared for any adventure at any time. You will always need to eat when you are out exploring. I highly recommend a multi purpose pot* (as above) to cook food in or prepare overnight oats. This one also fits on my camping stove, which is fantastic. I also have a handy thick plastic bowl that doesn’t conduct heat, making it easy to hold when the foot is piping hot.
This insulated mug was it was on my list of required kit for my ultra. I never used it though because I don’t drink coffee or tea. It is handy to have in London for hot chocolates on cold days as we are making more of an effort to carry our own hot drink cups. I already carry a stainless steel water bottle with me at all times.
It isn’t an adventure without have to use a compass,* right? Decathlon’s basic model is on a lanyard with a transparent background to allow for map reading and orienteering. My husband, a geographer by training, was super excited when I brought it home. If you are just starting out with adventures, you might be able to borrow a compass when you need one but they are inexpensive and small so why not get one and practice your map reading skills? If there are maps involved on your trip, definitely have one. Your mobile phone won’t always have reception or battery power. You might have to go old school.
Just because I did some pretty crazy trips abroad this year, don’t think you need to do the same to be on an adventure. Micro adventures, such as camping in the backyard and going on a long walk that ends in a pub, are equally exciting. I like to think adventures take you into unknown or unusual situations which might even be outside your comfort zone. It is here that you will find personal growth.
A group of Adventure Queens
Also, remember you don’t have to go solo. If you would rather have someone else figure out all the details, signing up for an adventure with a tour group is a great option. In my opinion, it still counts as an adventure. And it saves you a lot of hassle and headaches if someone else plans the logistics, knows the area, and can advise you on how to prepare. Why make things harder for yourself as you build your confidence in trying new things? You will meet a bunch of new people on the trip who are interested in the same things you are too.
I hope my suggestions on what kit you need to own versus borrow have inspired you to get out there and find an adventure! Remember, if you need some inexpensive but quality kit, definitely check out Decathlon. Their stock tends to be seasonal so keep that in mind if you are planning head. If you don’t have a lot of room for new kit or don’t have a friend with what you need, Decathlon also hires out kit and has a 365 day return policy. Getting a car to carry everything might be the only obstacle to overcome. (I am serious. I will never go camping via public transport again).
What is a piece of adventure kit that you can’t live without? What do you tend to borrow? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Decathlon get for gifting me the items marked with a * as part of their Bloggers’ Community. Items linked without an * are items I bought from Decathlon. All opinions are honest and my own.
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc? It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for? Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
The biggest worry people seemed to have about my desert ultra was how I was going to stay hydrated. In actual fact, more people tend to suffer from hyponatremia during these sorts of events than dehydration. Hyponatremia happens when you drink too much water and the salts in your body reach a low concentration. I remember hearing stories of people dying from chugging water for a radio contest or when pledging a fraternity (because they were under age). Careful planning went into the food and supplements I brought with me to Jordan. I chose salty foods, like Lucky Me instant noodles and pretzels. I also brought Tailwind and nuun tablets, both of which provide electrolytes by dissolving the product in your water. Finally, I invested in salt tablets from Decathlon as an additional preventative measure.
The week before the race, I started taking the salt tablets as directed on the bottle to make sure I could stomach them and also to start off with a higher-than-normal salt concentration. I avoided drinking loads in the week leading up to the race and on the plane. Starting off my adventure with a hangover would not be wise. My plan was to space out the salt suppliments I had evenly throughout the day and hope it did the trick.
It is hard to know exactly how much salt is gained or lost during an ultra. I couldn’t really see what color my urine was nor did I have a lot of salt sweat on my skin. I was drinking 1-2 liters of water every 10k with either a serving of Tailwind or nuun. The food was pre-planned out but could be swapped if I felt thirsty or a bit off. Luckily, I did something right as I was able to maintain my body weight, muscle mass and percent body fat over the 5 days. Some people lost as much as 10kg while most lost 2-3kg. One person even gained weight (I have no idea how!). This is reflection of what they ate and drank over the entire week, not just during the running bits. One person needed an IV after day 4 and another started to exhibit signs of hyponatremia. She quit for the day after a short trip to the ambulance.
We finished the race on a Friday and spent half of Saturday on a bus and half walking around Petra in the midday sun. We also partied hard on Friday and Saturday, celebrating our crazy feat. When I got home on Sunday night, I was exhausted from the ultra, the Jordan heat, the late night parties and the early morning flight. Luckily, I had a visit from the IV Doc booked in as my last defense against my body rebelling against a tough week.
What is the IV Doc? It is a visiting nurse service that comes to your home, work, gym, etc to administer saline in addition to detoxifying and energizing additives, such as vitamins and amino acids. When I made the appointment in August, I had to complete a short medical history questionnaire and have a screening call with the doctor. The at-home visit was eight hours after I landed from Jordan but I still sent them my flight details just in case I was delayed. The IV Doc confirmed my appointment for an antioxidant IV hydration therapy 24 hours in advance by email too so I wouldn’t forget in my jet lag haze.
My experience My nurse, Judy, arrived at my home with a suitcase full of goodies. She had saline, liquid vitamins, syringes, and everything else needed for my treatment. She reviewed my medical history, allergies and asked how I was feeling. With my info, she said she wouldn’t be able to give me one specific solution due to my allergy to sulfa drugs but she could give me extra vitamin B with an intramuscular injection. We then called the doctor to confirm my prescription. I actually talked to him too about my allergy and current medications.
Once we got the all clear from the doctor, we set me up on the couch with Bridezillas on the television and a needle in my arm. My husband got Judy and I tea and we chatted for a while about my race, her upcoming wedding, and working for the NHS. After 30 minutes, Judy increased the drip speed as I hadn’t had any ill effects. It took just over an hour for the bag to drain entirely. The time passed quickly though as she was very easy to talk to. Before the appointment, I was wondering what the nurse does during the treatment. Judy said it depends on the person and where they are having the treatment. She said people at work tend to be more tense and formal, while home visits are relaxed.
I had read that some people get the chills during the at-home IV treatments, but I was comfortable the entire time. The needle didn’t bother me and I didn’t have to go to the bathroom during the drip. When the bag was nearly empty, Judy unhooked me, tidied everything up and took all of the waste with her. My husband and I didn’t have to worry about needles in the rubbish, which was a relief. In total, the appointment took about two and a half hours. It was wonderful to have the treatment in my home, rather than having to travel to an office after a grueling week of travel.
Who is this service for? Judy told me that athletes use The IV Doc before and or after big competitions. Entertainers who have a long gig (such as at a festival) or two performance a day (matinee and evening) have also booked in with her. Obviously, after traveling is a popular choice, as well as after a big night out that results in a hangover. It is something that would have been a game changer during the Wadi Rum Ultra for participants who were struggling a bit (I am going to suggest it to the organizers). My treatment was designed to help me get back to a balanced state by providing immediate hydration. The solution also boosted my immune system and helped increase my oxygen delivery to improve my energy levels and fight fatigue.
The following day, I was back to work and feeling fine. I was still a little stiff but my feet were less swollen and I slept well. It was back to normal life after an incredible experience I will never forget.
Thanks to the The IV Doc for the complementary service. All opinions are honest and my own.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments