by Mollie Millington | Oct 15, 2020 | race review, running, travel
Never in my life did I think I would run a marathon. I have too many runner injuries and never have been very fast. Turns out to run a marathon, you need to run slow! But after completing many 1/2 marathons (which I never thought I would do either), I took the plunge in 2015 and signed up for the Volkswagon Prague marathon. Just one week after the London marathon, I knew I could train with my friends who were taking part in London that year. It was a fab idea as long runs can be daunting before you head out and then a bit lonely as you plod along. My mental game has never been strong so I knew I would find strength in numbers.
One of my goals is to run in every country and every state, so when I was looking through old posts to schedule my #traveltuesday series, I was shocked to find my review of the 2015 Prague Marathon in my drafts. Typically held in the spring, it was reschedule for mid-October 2020 due to the pandemic. Sadly, as I finished up this post, I saw the event was cancelled altogether like so many other races this year. Prague is a wonderful city and a fun race, so I highly recommend to give is a try in the future if you can. Please note, some of the info below may be outdated now so please refer to the official race website for the latest information.
Registration process & fees: In 2015, it was a simple online registration without a ballot process in place. They also offered an insurance fee for 10% of registration cost in case of injury close to the race, so that you could withdraw and get your money back. Race bibs could only be picked up at the race expo rather than having them posted to you.
Location: Prague, Czech Republic. The course takes you through many of the historical bits of town. The start area was centrally located too which was very convenient. The race expo at the time was a little bit farther out and accessible by tram. However, the public transport in Prague was easy to use once you learn how to buy the tickets and how to read the tram schedule.
Course & bogs: The course wound around the river and through many different areas of Prague. It even went right next door to my friend’s apartment building, which meant she just had to roll out of bed to cheer me on (thank you, Marty!). There were refreshment stations with sponges and loos every 5k. The rubbish at the water stations meant you had to walk through each one, but I was ok with that. One of the risks of running in older cities is various surfaces to run on. Prague didn’t have too many cobblestone patches on the route but there were lots of tram tracks to work around.
Atmosphere: Unfortunately, London set my expectations really high in terms of enthusiasm from the local residents. But Prague hadn’t got the memo yet. I think most of the people watching had come with runners so there were some signs and fans. I had my name out on my shirt but only my friend (who knows my name) and one other person said it. Maybe people didn’t know how to say it? It would have been nice though to have that kind of boost along the way. In later races, when I wore the same shirt with my name, I definitely heard my name called more often.
Bling & goody bags: The race medal was a pizza slice-shape because if you took part in all seven Run Czech events in one year, it fits together to make a giant medal. If I lived closer, I would be all over that! After all, it is all about the bling!
Tips if you decide to take part next time: I found Czech to be a very challenging language. Try to master “hello” and “thank you” before going. Bring your sunglasses and sunscreen if your race is in the spring as it was a lovely weather and a nice change from London. There are lots of sights to see (the big clock, the castle, etc) and it is a fairly easy city to walk around. Schedule a few days after the race for sightseeing. The race could also be a great city break for a quick weekend away.
When people ask me which marathon was my favourite, I always say Prague. To commemorate the race, I researched gems that Prague was known for. My friend helped me (as I needed a translator) purchase a small garnet (the official stone of Czech Republic) and had a necklace engraved with the date of the race, my finishing time, “Praha” and 26.2. It will always hold a special place in my heart. However, I think I need to go back as I cannot find any of my sightseeing photos. Hopefully, I can make it back in 2021.
by Mollie Millington | Oct 13, 2020 | travel
Last summer, my husband and I went to the East Coast the the US for just over a week. I was headed to Maine on a week-long course for work, so we took advantage of the free flight to see family and friends. Our friend, who officiated our wedding, lives on the outskirts of Philadelphia. We had been to seen them once (for their wedding!) before but now they had a two year old son and a dog. Even though the summer was in full swing and our friends had to work, we managed to stay busy during our visit. Here are my recommendation on how to stay active when visiting Philly.
Run through the City of Love and up the Rocky steps– I gave myself an August run streak challenge, which I stuck too even though it was so hot and humid! I ran at least one mile a day that month, covering ground in London, Boston, Philadelphia, and Bar Harbour. Thanks goodness we could use their washing machine during their stay because I was dripping with sweat after even one mile. I couldn’t go to Philadelphia and not recreate this iconic cinematic moment as part of my streak. The wide open sidewalks were great for running on. It was earlier in the morning when I started out so it wasn’t too crowded on the steps leading up the the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The weather was hot but there were a few other runners joining me on those steps. I was probably the only one taking selfies with a tripod though.
Visit the Philadelphia Zoo– Did you this is America’s first zoo and it opened in 1874 after a delay due to the Civil War? The zoo itself covers 42 acres, giving you plenty of chances to get those steps in. Plus there will be benches, cafes, and toilets along the way. And don’t forget all the cool animals too. We went on an overcast day and ended up getting rained out. Plus it was nap time for the wee one.
Go to Marsh Creek State Park for a hike and then grab lunch at Victory Brewing Company (VBC). When you have a small child in tow, you tend to stick to easier paths in case you need to carry said child. That was ok with us due to the heat. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the large lake in the center of the park, but you can swim, boat or fish in the lake. Not far away is the VBC at the Downington location. it looks like the menu has changed a bit from last summer because of Covid, but when we were there, we all enjoyed the pizza. Philly Cheesesteak is still on the menu if you don’t manage to find one in the city during your stay.
What else did we get up to while we were there?
Got our nerd on at Mutter Museum– I have a strong interest in medicine and biology. This museum did not disappoint but might not be your cup of tea. It is a bit macabre, showcasing physiological anomalies (deformities, false eyes, preserved animals born with two heads, etc). They also have slices of Albert Einstein’s brain, a skull collection, and medical instruments from around the world and across time. You are not allowed to take any photos while in there but the gift shop has some great options to take away as a memento.
While I like all this biology, James loves going to tall buildings when we travel. In Philadelphia, he went up the One Liberty Observation Tower while I went shopping in the mall below. Being a geographer, James enjoys seeing the structure of the landscape. Unfortunately, it looks like it has closed indefinitely due to low tourism rates but keep checking back in case things open up again in 2021.
Lastly, we ate donuts! When we went to Dublin in 2016 with my mom, I spotted a trendy donut shop while on a city bus tour. From then on, I always try to find at least one donut shop in every place I visit. Much like running, it can take me to a neighbourhood I might not otherwise go to. Plus, I love sugary treat. In Philly, we visited Reading Terminal Market for Beiler’s Donuts. These were delicious and also had retro pricing (I believe less than $2 per item. In London, trendy donuts at £3.50+). On the way to the airport, we drove to Frangelli’s Bakery in a local neighbourhood. As it was the afternoon, there wasn’t much choice but they will stuff your donuts upon request, which I thought was pretty cool.
We did several other touristy things (bog standard Liberty Bell, National Constitution Center, etc) and also enjoyed trips to the local playground with our friends. \it was the perfect mix of relaxation and keeping busy for me. If you head over to Philadelphia, keep in mind it has a subway system available but it also seemed pretty easy to drive through if you decide to hire a car.
What other suggestions do you have for keeping fit and active in Philly? Leave a comment below and let me know.
by Mollie Millington | Oct 6, 2020 | product review, travel
Traveling is one of my passions and sadly, the pandemic has limited that in 2020 to England. This actually wasn’t so bad as there are many places in the United Kingdom I haven’t been yet. Starting in October, I am going to be sharing a few of my favourite trips from the last few years, along with ideas on how to stay active when visiting these places. Most of the activities I have tried myself, so I can give you a fair review, but others will be things I have heard of or wanted to try but didn’t get a chance to. Of course, if you can suggest anything in the local area, please leave a comment to let others know.
To kick off these #traveltuesday posts, I will start with our most recent trip to Oxfordshire for our tenth anniversary. James was away with friends on a walking trip when he spotted Mollie’s Motel and Diner in Buckland. Why is this so cool? First, it is spelled like my name. Second, it is an American-style diner and I am American (in case you didn’t know). Third, there are many waterways nearby where we could stand up paddleboard (SUP). Finally, we wouldn’t have Maple with us so we were bound to get a good night’s sleep.
After dropping Maple off at the kennel, James drove us in the hired car to the motel. It was about two hours from Chingford in Friday afternoon traffic. It was the first time we stayed in a hotel since the pandemic began. We wore our masks when entering and the clerk had one on too. The lobby is referred to as the General Store and there was a selection of American candies, other foods, drinks, and complimentary filtered coffee. There was some Mollie’s merchandise available too but nothing I couldn’t leave without sadly (please stock t-shirts and magnets!). The hotel clerk let us know that due to Covid-19, our room would not be tidied every day but that was fine by us. The room was basic with a huge bed, large rain shower (no tub) and small table with chairs. All very modern and clean. I think the rate was £66/night so a very good bargain for a weekend away (yes, we paid for it). The location is off of a busy motorway, so not great if you wanted to head out for a run without having to drive anywhere. I did pack my trainers, but didn’t make it out from the hotel on foot.
After we dropped off our luggage, we headed over to Mollie’s Diner. They were only taking bookings, and the hotel kindly shifted our reservation 30 minutes later as we were running late due to traffic. The menu had several American classics, like milkshakes, burgers, and all day breakfast. I knew we would be eating out a lot that weekend so had a chicken Caesar salad, milkshake, and sweet potato fries. James had a burger and apple crumble. We were back Sunday morning before we headed home for waffles, French toast, and avocado on toast.
Saturday morning we got up early and drove to Lechlade-On-Thames for paddle boarding. I brought my inflatable board from Two Bare Feet (gifted last summer) and James hired a board from Cotswold Canoe Hire (who also have canoes and swan boats). There was a small car park and a nearby area for me to launch my board. While I have enjoyed many SUP sessions in the London Royal Docks, this summer, I have been able to explore more English waterways, such as in Flatford Mill and Saltford (near Bristol/Bath). James and I went an hour upstream, enjoying the views of greenery around us. We headed back to the hire venue but found going the same direction as the current was much quicker so then went a little bit passed our starting point. On the way back, James also bumped into my board as I tried to fix my ponytail, knocking me into the water (apparently after a slow motion wobble). He says he didn’t mean it, but didn’t apologize until much later.
After paddle boarding, we enjoyed a picnic on the bank with an artisan cheese and wine basket from Prestige Hampers.* It included a bottle of red wine and a bottle of white; three packs of oatcakes; three different chesses; a jar of ploughman’s pickle. I packed our tin mugs although we didn’t end up opening the bottles of wine because James had to drive and it was only midday. We did enjoy the food that came in the hamper (along with grapes, pork pies, and Tolberone that we had picked up in the morning) to make it a filling meal. Even though I was soaking wet, it was nice to sit by the water’s edge and enjoy the views. The white wine was enjoyed on Sunday night when we got home and the red we have saved for an upcoming lamb stew. There are lots of areas to row, paddle, and even wild swim in Oxfordshire, as we saw driving to and from the hotel. Most had wide open green fields that are perfect for picnicking too. I did think about packing the hamper on the board but knew it wouldn’t be waterproof. Plus, if it landed in the water when I fell in, it probably would have ruined the rest of the day (I tend to get hangry if I am not fed at regular intervals).
After a quick shower back at the hotel, we drove to Uffington White Horse, part of the National Trust, for a walk along the hill top. This park is also part of the Race To the Stones route if you are in to running long distances. It was super windy but very interesting to walk amongst ruins from the Bronze Age. Sadly, we discovered from neither the castle ruins nor Dragon Hill could you get a good look at the horse. Perhaps there is a hot air balloon ride or helicopter tour that would provide more impressive view (check Groupon people!) although also be a bit more expensive that paying to park. If you enjoy walking and hikes, Oxfordshire includes portions of the Cotswolds, Chiltern Hills, and North Wessex Downs (all areas of outstanding natural beauty).
While we didn’t get a chance to try this, Oxford University is famous for its rowing team (especially when competing against Cambridge) and punting. There are many places to hired boats for punting in Oxford itself along the River Cherwell. As a last resort, Bicester Village is also found in Oxfordshire and offers luxurious outlet shopping close to London.
Where is your favourite place to explore in Oxfordshire? Where should we go on our anniversary next year?
Thanks to Prestige Hampers for the complimentary feast. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Aug 7, 2020 | outdoors, product review, travel
Travelling is one of my passions. Living in the UK, I have been very lucky to explore much of Europe and even further afield due to my husband being a lecturer. Covid has ruined all the travel plans we had for this year, and possibly next year too. The walls of our flat were starting to become very tiresome during UK lockdown when we couldn’t even think of leaving our home, let alone London. Luckily, things have improved slightly and we have been able to explore the numerous options for a staycation in the UK.
The Field Studies Council (FSC) was founded in 1943 as a place to allow school children to study living plants and animals in their natural environment. Today, they aim to “create a world where everyone feels connected to the environment so they can enjoy the benefits it gives and make choices that help protect it.” As someone who loves spending time outdoors and is very interested in saving the planet, I was excited to learn about them this year. They have 29 centres all over the United Kingdom, at which visitors can take courses on natural history, art, leisure, and secondary school courses. Eleven of their sites, covering England, Wales and Scotland, are now open for the public to stay at at least through mid-October (depending on local government advice) for time away with friends or family. To help share the news about their accommodation being available to everyone (normally it is school groups that stay, but Covid has prevented these from going ahead), FSC invited myself and my husband for a complimentary two night stay to experience some of what their centres have to offer. The only centre to allow dogs is in Scotland, so we had to leave Maple at home (which ended up being fine as I had the best night sleep ever there).
James loves maps and is the driver in this duo so I let him choose which site we went to. He chose Flatford Mill in Suffolk. Only one hour by train from Stratford station in East London, Flatford Mill is between Colchester and Ipswich. Initially, we were going to drive as we wanted to bring my SUP and James’s bike but car hires were expensive. The train was very easy apart from booking a taxi from the train station to Flatford Mill centre. The visitors information we received when booking did say to arrange transport ahead of time. However, I waited until we were on the train and had to call several taxi companies. (Be warned, there are no Ubers in the area!) The centre is a 2 mile walk or run from station for those who are up for it and travelling light. James cycled and I took our luggage and SUP in a taxi (which was about £10).
FSC Flatford Mill is comprised of several buildings, one of which is Willy Lott’s cottage as made famous by Constable’s Hay Wain (spoiler alert: we stayed in this cottage). The buildings are old and rooms designed for school groups, so I would describe the rooms as hostel-style. Because of Covid, all available FSC rooms offer either en suite bathrooms or you will have a bathroom assigned to your room, which is really nice. Our room had five single beds, a separate (very small) shower stall, a sink in the room itself, and then a bathroom with sink too which meant if there were more than the two of us, we could all be getting ready at the same time. Each bed had a lamp above it too but I would always recommend packing a head torch to be considerate to your roommates. Our room also had a large set of dresser drawers and tea/coffee making equipment. Luckily, we are not very tall, as the room had very low ceiling because it was built in the 1600s. Most of the lower bits were padded as a precaution. Overall, the room was basic (no TV or radio) but also clean and warm. All bedding and one towel per person is provided. Paper towels and hand soap are available in the toilet but you need to bring shampoo, conditioner, soap for the shower, etc.
All bookings can be made on Booking.com and the price includes a takeaway breakfast. Pricing for Flatford Mill starts at £27/night/person or £72/family of four/night. For breakfast, you could chose either a sausage and egg sandwich with hash brown (vegan sausage available) or continental (yogurt, cereal, croissant). Each breakfast comes with tea or coffee (even though you have kettle and coffee machine in your room). Other locations might have their canteens open, depending on local government advice. We found it a bit awkward to eat on our beds but if the weather was better, we would have eaten outside. FSC aims to be as sustainable and local as possible. Packaging is recyclable or compostable. There are recycling bins everywhere and food is locally sourced. For those looking to stay in touch with social media, there is excellent WiFi available throughout the site. We never had a problem logging on or with the reception.
Flatford Mill has many paths and fields for walking or running. The Stour River is right next to the site, so I brought my inflatable stand up paddleboard and was able to explore the river while James went on a long bike ride. The river was very busy by Dedham, with lots of families in hired row boats, inflatable kayaks, more SUP boards and people swimming in the river. I even saw a few people fishing, although I am not sure if they caught anything with all the people going by. Everyone on the water was very friendly and was great at sharing the river. At the Dedham lock, I took my board to the other side of the lock and continued on for another 30 minutes. There was much less traffic and it was still beautiful. I would have gone out SUP’ing again on the second day but it looked like it was going to rain, so James and I went for a 5K walk instead.
The Flatford Mill centre is 1.8 miles away from the local town, East Bergholt. Depending on how fast you walk, it can take 30-40 minutes to get into town through fields (some uphill) and then a small neighbourhood. Going out for dinner was the only time I wish we had a car but we had gorgeous weather on Friday and Saturday night so we didn’t mind walking. There are two pubs and we ate dinner at them both (this was just as restaurants were allowed to open up, so it was our first experience eating out). The menus were quite similar, with jacket potatoes, sandwiches, chilli, lasagne, and nightly specials. Everyone, both staff and locals, were friendly. There is also a Co-Op in town should you need anything during your stay. We brought lots of snacks because I really like snacks and we weren’t sure where we would get lunch from. It turns out there is a National Trust cafe right next to the FSC Flatford Mill centre, which offers sandwiches, scones, desserts, and cream teas. Again, due to Covid, their operations were a bit different with take away only but there was lots of outdoor seating along the river as well as grass if you wanted a picnic. We were told it is normally one of the busiest National Trust cafes in the UK. There was always a steady flow of people taking photos at the pond and people coming in and out of the cafe but it never felt overwhelmingly crowded.
I really enjoyed our weekend there. It was close enough to London to head out after work on Friday and still arrive with sunlight and time to explore the local fields. The landscape is completely different to urban London too- green and quiet with a few cows and sheep dotted in. Even if I couldn’t SUP, I would still go to decompress and get back to nature. A few things I would suggest packing (depending on what outside activities you enjoy are) are:
- mask and hand sanitiser (hopefully this is automatic now!)
- walking shoes/boots/trail shoes in case it is muddy
- swim suit for water sports or wild swimming
- sunscreen
- reusable water bottle and snacks as there are limited shops
- bike lock if you bring your bike in case you cannot store in your building
- head torch for walking home from pub
- rain jacket or umbrella (This is England, after all)
- a good book or deck of cards in case it rains
We are going camping in Slapton Sands in a few week’s time and will visit their Slapton Key site. Unfortunately, we will have Maple so won’t be able to stay overnight. If you have any other questions about FSC or Flatford Mill in particular, leave a comment below and I will do my best to answer. Or if you have ever been to a FSC site, let me know which one you visited and what you learned while you were there (there are even a few in London).
Thanks to Field Studies Council for the complimentary weekend. All opinions are honest and our own (as James weighed in on some). Check out my Instagram to see more photos from the weekend.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 11, 2020 | health, travel
With Coronavirus all over the news and a trip to Japan recently cancelled due to concerns the virus will spread, my husband asked me the other night if we should wear masks when we go on our re-booked holiday to the USA. Let me be clear that I am not a medical professional so if you are worried, you should speak to your GP or consult the links at the bottom of this post before you decide if you want to wear a mask. I do, however, have many years experience fitting people to wear the correct size N95 mask (random part of my job during my masters degree and also part of my current role). Read on to learn more about personal protective equipment masks and what they are used for.
What does N95 mean?
This rating means the mask filters out 95% of particles when worn properly. In the UK, the equivalent mask rating is FFP2.
Where can I get one that fits?
You will need to have a mask fitting to ensure you have one that fits properly. This involves putting a hood over your head while wearing the mask and having a bitter solvent sprayed into the hood (even my mom has had this done!). The idea is that a correctly fitted mask will not allow any air to get between the mask and your skin. This prevents germs from entering the nose or mouth and therefore infecting you. If you have facial hair, you will not be able to wear a mask effectively. You can watch my YouTube video for more info.
Keep in mind, that the news is reporting a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) due to the outbreak. In addition, there are many scams and price inflation occurring on masks, hand santizers and disinfecting wipes. I suggest leaving the masks for the professionals.
What is it like to wear one?
The masks will make it hard to breathe and can be very hot to wear, depending on the environmental conditions and what you are doing. It also makes it hard for others to hear you because your speech will be muffled.
Will the Coronavirus kill me?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports global death rate of 3.5% for Coronanirus. The population most at risk is people 60+ years old who have underlying health conditions. Children seem to be asymptomatic.
What can I do to reduce my risk of catching Coronavirus?
Many health officials have asked people to self-isolate if they have been traveling to affected areas. Frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially when in public places, will also help reduce the risk. Carry hand santizer and avoid touching your hands to your face and eyes if they are not clean. Finally, aim to stay six feet away from infected people, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. Refer to your local health authorities for up-to-date information as the global situation seems to be changing on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, a vaccine is at least 12-18 months away from being ready for market. This is due to rigorous testing in both animal and human models. I have read reports that the incubation period is five days and others that report 12 days. Working at home (which also helps you avoid public transport), will help reduce your risk of exposure and also prevent you from spreading the virus if you are infected.
Each day, we learn more about the virus. The lack of knowledge has been the biggest barrier. We don’t know all methods of transmission, how long it can live on surfaces, and other important information which can help limit the spread of the diseases. Stay up to date by visiting the links and references below for more information (some updated daily) rather than relying on social media:
World Health Organization (WHO) Novel Coronavirus outbreak 2019
Center for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus 2019
UK Gov Corona virus info
Guardian: What is Coronavisus and how worried should we be?
by Mollie Millington | Dec 4, 2019 | gift guide, travel
One thing I have been trying to do more of sharing my active travel and adventures here on the blog. I love to take adventure of all the local outdoor activities when I am in a new place, rather then over indulge on food and drink. For each new destination, I have had to acquire new pieces of kit and now have a living room that overflows with stuff. To help you not over buy, I have listed gift items that are useful on the road and at home. Anything marked with a * i have received a complimentary sample of and enjoyed testing out. The rest are suggestions that I have yet to try.
Paramo Expedition Towel– It is perfect for your gym bag or hand luggage. Made from Parameta® S fabric, this towel provides a luxurious feel with unique water-management properties to give a low bulk, rapid drying towel, ideal for expedition and general travel use. It can even be recycled by Paramo if you don’t want it any more.
Leki Micro Vario Carbon poles- Do you love sporty trekking and are often on the go? The Micro Vario Carbon, equipped with lots of details, supports you uphill and downhill and helps you save energy. In addition to the anatomically formed AERGON Thermo Long Grip and the super simple Speed Lock 2 Adjustment System comes the newly developed ELD External Locking Device, which ensures more stability and safety on the mountain thanks to its special construction. The pole can be folded together to a pack size of 40 cm at the push of a button and can be stored in any backpack. Weighing in at just 240 g, it is a real all-rounder. You might not have a use for this at home but perhaps you can lend them to a friend?
Kathmandu Small Departure RFIDtech wallet– Protect yourself from digital theft with this space saving Departure Wallet. With a few precisely designed sleeves and slots, including two safe RFIDtech pockets, you’ll be able to easily keep all your essential travel documents organised. When you are not travelling, you can also store leftover currency and spare SIM cards.
Furoshiki slip on shoes– these Vibram shoes are super comfortable for exploring cities on foot yet stylish enough to wear almost anywhere. Without laces to try, they make airport security a piece of cake. They do have a zero heel drop so you will probably need to get used to wearing them at first. Another bonus? They pack down small so won’t take up too much room in your suitcase. You can also use them as slippers at your Air BNB.
Osprey Transporter zip bag*- I have been testing out the 30L rollover top bag in teal. It is a little more slick than the traditional backpack I normally use. It has a laptop sleeve, lots of internal organisation and side zips for a water bottle or snacks (which I always have on hand). The material is also water resistant, which is handy in London! Chest and hip straps mean you can travel, hike or run with it too.
Oatein snacks*- I highly recommend their Millionaire squares. Indulgent, portable and filling too which is why I will pack them on my next trip out of town. Did you know the Millionaires are also vegan, contain zero sugar, and are palm oil- and gluten-free?
Miss Plume Bowling Bag– Part of a lightweight and stylish range, this bag adds some sparkle to your carry-on. With a 14L bag capacity, you have room for overnight necessities or gym kit for your weekly personal training session.
Hydro Flask coffee flasks*- These are very versatile for hot or cold drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, beer, wine, whiskey). The lid doesn’t leak (bonus) and you will be saving the environment too. I used mine at Love Trails Festival this summer as I don’t drink but I do enjoy JD and coke. There are a few different sizes available, depending on how much coffee you normally drink.
1000 Mile compression socks*– These socks are great for helping maintain your leg circulation when flying (I need to wear these because I have a history of blood clots) and to aid in recovery after long days of walking around town. The bright colours makes me smile too. You won’t loose these in your suit case.
Sherpa Amdo crew sweater– A portion of each Sherpa Adventure Gear sale supports children in Nepal so why not get a new jumper this Christmas? Featuring a unique design inspired by the Dhaka textiles, the Kopan Crew Sweater in Peetho White feels super soft against your skin thanks to the blend of extra fine merino wool, alpaca wool and synthetic fibres. Naturally odour resistant and moisture wicking, the Kopan keeps you cool and stays fresh throughout the day. Pair with jeans for the office or layer up under a waterproof for those outdoor adventures. Merino will help keep the your body temp in check and the smell at bay.
Salomon Supercross trail running shoes*– Great for running trails, pounding pavements and treading on snow. GTX means your feet stay dry. There are lots of colours available, quicklace for ease, and a protective toe cap to avoid injury.
Kathmandu Trailhead rain jacket– Available in both men’s and women’s, everyone can be prepared to ignore bad weather with the Trailhead Rain Jacket. This coat is always a good idea to have in your travel bag. This jacket was engineered for easy hikes, with pack-friendly chest pocket and a fit that moves with you as you explore your environment. An inner zip lets you adapt to changing temps by attaching the Trailhead fleece, which you can buy separately.
This list has me excited about all the places I will go in 2020. What is a travel essential you can’t live without that I forgot to put on this list?
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