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.
Ragnar Randoms- ready to go at the start line. Photo from team captain, Natalie.
Ragar Relay has been on my radar for a while. It is HUGE in the USA and my sister-in-law takes part a few times a year (she is really fit BTW). This year was the second year it was held in the UK and I think it lived up to the hype (aside from the typical British weather). If you like adventure, sleeping in smelly cars, and have some friends who also enjoy running, this might be the perfect race for you.
Ready to run.
Entries and fees: The entry fee was £95 per person as we entered in April with an early bird fee.. Then we had to add on van hire, petrol, team t-shirts, van decorations, and transport to the start and back home again. We decided to keep it as affordable as possible. Some teams also made magnets to put on other cars but we skipped this. Maybe if we had been more organized, we could have done it. Most people on the team brought food and snacks for 24 hours, although we were given bags full of candy, snacks, and energy drinks at the start.
The race had staggered start based on submitted average run times. We started at 10am which was perfect as no one had to sleep near the start line. Before you start, there is a safety check of high vis, head torches and back lights, as well as a compulsory safety video. All of the Ragnar staff at the start area were super helpful.
Running along the sea
Course and bogs: The course was a little different than last year. We started near Sittingbourne and ended in Brighton, running along the coast as much as possible. I was super excited to see the White Cliffs of Dover (it was a big selling point when deciding to sign up). Unfortunately, it was dark when I ran over them so I will need to go back another time. I did spot some chalk in the mud as I climbed up the cliff path to overlook port of Dover.
The majority of the checkpoints were small car parks or along the side of the road. Every 5th checkpoints was big as the teams hand over to their other vehicle. There were stands with coffee, a small selection of food, and of course, port-a-loos. The small check points also had port-a-loos but they didn’t always have toilet paper.
We had terrible, cold rainy weather the weekend of our race. Four legs were cancelled due to the rain and unsafe conditions, some later in the day. Unfortunately, one of them was the Ragnar Leg (27 out of 30, which earns the person who completes it an extra medal). The organizers decided to give the medal to one team member who ran the last two legs. The only thing was (due to logistics) that they gave you the medal before you actually ran either. Our fearless captain, Natalie, was due to run the Ragnar Leg. She dug deep and was able to run the last two legs, which were the equivalent of a half marathon, after living in a van for over 24 hours with barely any sleep. Well done, Nat!
T-shirt with a summary of the weekend.
Location: Ragnar Relay started off in the USA and are now expanding globally. This race was along the southeast coast of London, covering about 120 miles. This was split between each team of 10 (although you can also do as a team of 5 for an ultra Ragnar). It seemed like most of the runs this year were in the rain and/or dark though, which was a bummer.
There is a Ragnar Relay app, which gave you info on all the checkpoints, but I didn’t find it very helpful when I got lost in a cow field. It was crucial when we were racing runners from checkpoint to checkpoint though. Be sure to pack a mobile phone holder that attaches to the windshield to hold your phone as you navigate from check point to check point.
In June 2019, Ragnar Relay is headed to Sweden and I would love to take part! Who’s in?
Night stage was full of disco lights and high-vis
Atmosphere: My team had great banter over WhatsApp and very fun vibes in my van. At the big exchanges, everyone was chatty and friendly, even though the weather was grim. There really weren’t any spectators cheering you along the route on however, so at times it was a bit lonely. There was also potential to get lost because the sign posts were only at major junctions. You were supposed to be able to follow along on the app, but I struggled with this (I don’t get along with technology). The race does give you a chance to enjoy nature if you had a leg through the woods or along the coast. The runners were really spread out due to staggered starts and hand over logistics.
Race bling and goody bag: The team was given 10 medals that interlock with each other. On the back of each one is a Ragnar Relay quote, some of which resonated with each team member. I wasn’t too choosy, so I let everyone else have first dibs on their medals. At the end, everyone was given a free drink token and a voucher for one (small) pizza to share. Most of the goodies were in the bags given to each van at the start. Also included in the starter bags were sunscreen, lanyards, ear plugs, and disposable rain ponchos.
We did it! Celebrating at the finish line. Photo from Paz.
Tips if you want to take part next time: Before Ragnar Relay, I had completed a few relay events, some while camping (at the Spitfire Scramble) and some while on the road (Fitbit Fifty). Here are my tips for Ragnar Relay:
Practice running at weird hours so you know what to eat, how cold/hot you will get, and feel comfortable running in the dark.
Pack a Dry Robe, blanket, or sleeping bag. I did none of these as I was on public transport and 100% regret it. A pillow is a good idea too (maybe an inflatable one?)
Aim to get to the next checkpoint ASAP rather than leisurely change your clothes. We were late a few times and felt bad to have our team mate waiting in the rain.
Discuss with the team who is bringing what. You only need one foam roller per van but everyone needs their own battery pack to charge their phones.
You will need to bring water but will not be able to eat all of the food. We had time to go out for pizza on the earlier break when Van 2 was running but then slept during our second break.
Bring along a new set of clothes for each leg, and then pack another. I would have run the last leg if I had dry kit to wear. The sun was out and most of the team was running.
Keep the sweaty clothes in big zip lock bags to prevent the car from stinking up.
Make sure you have enough data on your mobile plan for all of the WhatsApp chats.
Some of the above I got from other people before I ran the race. Do you have any others to add? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks to Simplyhealth for sponsoring my 4×4 Challenge. You can click here to learn about their new Active Plan, which is perfect for people who like to stay fit and healthy.
Ragnar Randoms- ready to go at the start line. Photo from team captain, Natalie.
Ragar Relay has been on my radar for a while. It is HUGE in the USA and my sister-in-law takes part a few times a year (she is really fit BTW). This year was the second year it was held in the UK and I think it lived up to the hype (aside from the typical British weather). If you like adventure, sleeping in smelly cars, and have some friends who also enjoy running, this might be the perfect race for you.
Ready to run.
Entries and fees: The entry fee was £95 per person as we entered in April with an early bird fee.. Then we had to add on van hire, petrol, team t-shirts, van decorations, and transport to the start and back home again. We decided to keep it as affordable as possible. Some teams also made magnets to put on other cars but we skipped this. Maybe if we had been more organized, we could have done it. Most people on the team brought food and snacks for 24 hours, although we were given bags full of candy, snacks, and energy drinks at the start.
The race had staggered start based on submitted average run times. We started at 10am which was perfect as no one had to sleep near the start line. Before you start, there is a safety check of high vis, head torches and back lights, as well as a compulsory safety video. All of the Ragnar staff at the start area were super helpful.
Running along the sea
Course and bogs: The course was a little different than last year. We started near Sittingbourne and ended in Brighton, running along the coast as much as possible. I was super excited to see the White Cliffs of Dover (it was a big selling point when deciding to sign up). Unfortunately, it was dark when I ran over them so I will need to go back another time. I did spot some chalk in the mud as I climbed up the cliff path to overlook port of Dover.
The majority of the checkpoints were small car parks or along the side of the road. Every 5th checkpoints was big as the teams hand over to their other vehicle. There were stands with coffee, a small selection of food, and of course, port-a-loos. The small check points also had port-a-loos but they didn’t always have toilet paper.
We had terrible, cold rainy weather the weekend of our race. Four legs were cancelled due to the rain and unsafe conditions, some later in the day. Unfortunately, one of them was the Ragnar Leg (27 out of 30, which earns the person who completes it an extra medal). The organizers decided to give the medal to one team member who ran the last two legs. The only thing was (due to logistics) that they gave you the medal before you actually ran either. Our fearless captain, Natalie, was due to run the Ragnar Leg. She dug deep and was able to run the last two legs, which were the equivalent of a half marathon, after living in a van for over 24 hours with barely any sleep. Well done, Nat!
T-shirt with a summary of the weekend.
Location: Ragnar Relay started off in the USA and are now expanding globally. This race was along the southeast coast of London, covering about 120 miles. This was split between each team of 10 (although you can also do as a team of 5 for an ultra Ragnar). It seemed like most of the runs this year were in the rain and/or dark though, which was a bummer.
There is a Ragnar Relay app, which gave you info on all the checkpoints, but I didn’t find it very helpful when I got lost in a cow field. It was crucial when we were racing runners from checkpoint to checkpoint though. Be sure to pack a mobile phone holder that attaches to the windshield to hold your phone as you navigate from check point to check point.
In June 2019, Ragnar Relay is headed to Sweden and I would love to take part! Who’s in?
Night stage was full of disco lights and high-vis
Atmosphere: My team had great banter over WhatsApp and very fun vibes in my van. At the big exchanges, everyone was chatty and friendly, even though the weather was grim. There really weren’t any spectators cheering you along the route on however, so at times it was a bit lonely. There was also potential to get lost because the sign posts were only at major junctions. You were supposed to be able to follow along on the app, but I struggled with this (I don’t get along with technology). The race does give you a chance to enjoy nature if you had a leg through the woods or along the coast. The runners were really spread out due to staggered starts and hand over logistics.
Race bling and goody bag: The team was given 10 medals that interlock with each other. On the back of each one is a Ragnar Relay quote, some of which resonated with each team member. I wasn’t too choosy, so I let everyone else have first dibs on their medals. At the end, everyone was given a free drink token and a voucher for one (small) pizza to share. Most of the goodies were in the bags given to each van at the start. Also included in the starter bags were sunscreen, lanyards, ear plugs, and disposable rain ponchos.
We did it! Celebrating at the finish line. Photo from Paz.
Tips if you want to take part next time: Before Ragnar Relay, I had completed a few relay events, some while camping (at the Spitfire Scramble) and some while on the road (Fitbit Fifty). Here are my tips for Ragnar Relay:
Practice running at weird hours so you know what to eat, how cold/hot you will get, and feel comfortable running in the dark.
Pack a Dry Robe, blanket, or sleeping bag. I did none of these as I was on public transport and 100% regret it. A pillow is a good idea too (maybe an inflatable one?)
Aim to get to the next checkpoint ASAP rather than leisurely change your clothes. We were late a few times and felt bad to have our team mate waiting in the rain.
Discuss with the team who is bringing what. You only need one foam roller per van but everyone needs their own battery pack to charge their phones.
You will need to bring water but will not be able to eat all of the food. We had time to go out for pizza on the earlier break when Van 2 was running but then slept during our second break.
Bring along a new set of clothes for each leg, and then pack another. I would have run the last leg if I had dry kit to wear. The sun was out and most of the team was running.
Keep the sweaty clothes in big zip lock bags to prevent the car from stinking up.
Make sure you have enough data on your mobile plan for all of the WhatsApp chats.
Some of the above I got from other people before I ran the race. Do you have any others to add? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks to Simplyhealth for sponsoring my 4×4 Challenge. You can click here to learn about their new Active Plan, which is perfect for people who like to stay fit and healthy.
I wrote this post in the week leading up to NYC Marathon. It gives a good insight into the worries runners have when training no longer takes up most of their time. Maranoia– paranoia about your health, including but not limited to niggles, aches, pains and cold-like symptoms, in the weeks leading up to a marathon
Since coming back from the Wadi Rum Ultra, my right ankle hasn’t felt right. The range of motion (ROM) was decreased and something inside the joint felt locked and stiff. Many other parts of my body hurt too so I didn’t pay too much attention for the first few days I was back in the UK. Over time, the other aches went away and the blisters on my feet healed (no toe nails have dropped off yet). But my ankle was still off.
I knew only having three weeks between these two big races was a risk. Running across all of the unstable sand made my ankles work harder than usual. My biggest fear is that if I run the NYC Marathon on 4 November, I will do long-term or permanent damage to my ankle. This winter, the plan was to cut back on the miles a bit and spend more time strength training. However, I also wanted to get back to Track Tuesdays with Advent Running. I haven’t been in two months and I miss seeing everyone and working hard. Hopefully my performance will not have suffered by the time I make it back.
Luckily for me, osteopath consultations are covered under my Simplyhealth active plan. The team at Function360 have a few osteopaths on site, so I booked in for an hour long appointment with Victor. He had seen me prior to Wadi RUm Ultra for a pain I had in my neck (another case of maranoia). As we already had a rapport and he knew a bit about my 4×4 Challenge, I felt safe in his hands. I also know that the Function360 team supports their clients’ goals. If I said I definitely wanted to run NYC Marathon, Victor would make it happen.
We began with a chat about what the pain was, where it was, and how it felt. He then observed me moving a few different ways (on my toes, on my heels, bending knees, etc) to see how my ROM and flexibility was on my right vs left side. He then had me sit on the table and palpated my feet, ankles and calves. By observing what points were painful for me and how ankles and feet felt under his touch, his detective work continued. He determined I had a strain and possibly sprain on the inside of my right ankle. As treatment, he spent some time massaging around my medial mallelous, and also on my calves (sometimes tight calves can cause pain in the feet) to help relieve the pain. Victor moved my right leg and foot around to encourage lymph drainage and inserted about five acupuncture needles in my ankle to help address the pain. The last step of my treatment was taping the inside of my right leg from my ankle to mid-calf with a single piece of kinesiology tape. I had always thought taping was a placebo affect, but Victor told me that this study showed that kinesology tape helped promote lymphatic drainage. The tape stayed in place for three days.
Victor recommended active recovery that was low impact, such as swimming or cycling. He also wanted me to do some ankle strengthening exercises to help loosen the joint and promote strength. I only went swimming once, combining walking the water with a doggie paddle as I didn’t want to get my hair wet (but it did anyways). I also did a yoga class, some slow dog walks, taught indoor cycling once, and lead a beginner’s 5K before work one day at a 10 min/mile pace.
A week after my initial visit, my ankle ROM had improved but it still wasn’t feeling 100%. I booked a 30 minute appointment to follow up with Victor. We chatted briefly about what I had been doing to recovery since we last met and how the ankle was feeling. He again observed me walking and stretching in various ways before manipulating my foot and ankle to find the source of the pain. Using massage wax, he used manual therapy on the tenderest areas. He also performed some traction on my ankles.
At this point I was really torn. Victor confirmed there was still a strain (ligaments) and/or sprain (tendon) in my right ankle. The process takes 21 days to heal so I technically would have enough time to be ready for the NYC Marathon. On the other hand, working too hard during the race (like for a PB) so soon after injury could make the complete recovery process take longer. Victor said the decision was up to me as there was a chance I would be better. Again, he recommended low impact activities and that I invest in an ankle brace if I was going to run the marathon for additional support. My ankle feel fine running unless it moves left and right, which might happen during the race as I avoid water bottles and other runners on the road. Luckily, I know I have medical care available if I do decide to run as my active plan runs for a full year and covers physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, and more.
There is a chance my travel insurance will reimburse my trip after receiving a letter from Victor, who is a member of the General Osteopathic Council, explaining I am not fit to travel. I have been doing some soul searching to decide what I should do. This trip is a package deal with a tour company, so I won’t get a refund from them, not would I be eligible to defer my place to next year. I am working hard to complete all of the World Marathon Majors but my Chicago race last year was a horrible time due to injuries. I wanted NYC to be a PB.
Update #1: I was able to run the entire NYC Marathon. A full review of the race is forthcoming here on the blog. Luckily, my ankle didn’t bother me at all. Instead, I ended up stopping to use the loo five times. It wasn’t a PB race but not my worst either. I am back to light running this week and look forward to getting that PB in 2019.
Update #2: After teaching spin class Monday night, going to track Tuesday, and then leading a run club Wednesday morning, my ankle was a bit tender to the touch. I was able to book an appointment last night with Victor who said I need a longer break from running. He also taped my ankle and gave me isometric exercises to do. Someone please hold me accountable on these as I am eager to run again!
Have you ever been in a similar situation? What did you do? Leave a comment below and let me know.
Thanks to Simplyhealth for sponsoring my 4×4 Challenge. NYC Marathon is the last race in the set.
I am experiencing a wave of relief as I type this. I knew that the 4×4 challenge would be tough on me physically, mentally and emotionally. There was so much packing, logistics, planning and physical effort involved to get it done. My house is a mess with bags half unpacked and new kit without a place to go. My usual habit is over-committing, so I am really looking forward to having no races booked in until February 2019. My first first priority now that I am done is sorting out my house (which will also keep my husband happy) and then focus on strength training. That Boston Qualifier isn’t going to come without some more hard work.
Wadi Rum Ultra, Jordan 257 km over 5 days. Hardest thing I have ever done Race review forthcoming
NYC Marathon, USA Official time: 4:49:15 due to 5 bathroom stops and sore legs from mile 20. Also my 4th World Marathon Major. Race review forthcoming
Hogwarts Running Club Platform 9 3/4 run, benefiting Rods Racing Bonus virtual race because I have a t-shirt that says “Run like You Know Who is chasing you”.
Coming soon are a million blog posts about the races, the kit, and preparation. If there is anything in particular you want to know about, leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer it.
And don’t forget that through the month of December, I have an inspirational advent post every day through Christmas. Be sure to bookmark www.ptmollie.com so you see each and every one.
I am experiencing a wave of relief as I type this. I knew that the 4×4 challenge would be tough on me physically, mentally and emotionally. There was so much packing, logistics, planning and physical effort involved to get it done. My house is a mess with bags half unpacked and new kit without a place to go. My usual habit is over-committing, so I am really looking forward to having no races booked in until February 2019. My first first priority now that I am done is sorting out my house (which will also keep my husband happy) and then focus on strength training. That Boston Qualifier isn’t going to come without some more hard work.
Wadi Rum Ultra, Jordan 257 km over 5 days. Hardest thing I have ever done Race review forthcoming
NYC Marathon, USA Official time: 4:49:15 due to 5 bathroom stops and sore legs from mile 20. Also my 4th World Marathon Major. Race review forthcoming
Hogwarts Running Club Platform 9 3/4 run, benefiting Rods Racing Bonus virtual race because I have a t-shirt that says “Run like You Know Who is chasing you”.
Coming soon are a million blog posts about the races, the kit, and preparation. If there is anything in particular you want to know about, leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer it.
And don’t forget that through the month of December, I have an inspirational advent post every day through Christmas. Be sure to bookmark www.ptmollie.com so you see each and every one.
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