Inspirational advent – 5th December
How will you spread kindness today?
Active and adventure travel gift guide
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?
Inspirational advent – 4th December
Mindset is a key component to achieving your goals.
PT Mollie Self care and well-being gift guide
This year, as I was injured, I tried to focus a lot on self-care, which is something I don’t usually prioritize when I am physically able. As I couldn’t run to release my stress and frustration, so I had to come up with other ways to keep myself occupied. I read a lot of books, we adopted a sassy dog, I practiced more yoga at the local gym I work at (but not as much as I should of) and watched a lot of Grey’s Anatomy.Here are some gift suggestions for people in your life who could use more work-life balance, aren’t in to high impact exercise, or just need some encouragement to be happy. Anything with a * I was given to review and I think is pretty great. Other items were suggested to me but I have not tested them out. Is there anything else I should add to the list?
Yoga Matters natural linen eye pillow*- I had never used an eye pillow before I received this in a goody bag. It is actually heavier than I thought it would be, yet somehow relaxing when placed over my eyes. It is filled with lavender-scented linseed and has a removable linen outer cover in case you get eye make-up on it. You can even place over your hands to ground you in savasana, making it very versatile in its use. It is handy to carry with you wherever you go. I will be bringing mine along to my next sports massage.
Run Up 2 Christmas event– This might actually be a gift for yourself, but why not join my Run Up 2 Christmas team as we aim to run 50Km together in December? All proceeds go to Mind Charity and you will receive a medal at the end of the month. Get your friends and colleagues to sign up to for added motivation to keep moving this month.
Run Things Run Club (RTRC) membership*- This virtual run club is a supportive and friendly space online and across social media which can help hold you accountable on the days you don’t want to run. They are also the folks behind RU2C above. Whether it is your work schedule or location that prevents you from joining a local run club, this is a fantastic alternative. It is a one-off payment for a lifetime membership, emails, and access to a private Facebook group.
Barrecore on demand and Barrecore accessory pack- London’s original boutique barre collective and the workout synonymous with the lithe bodies of Jourdan Dunn, Pippa Middleton and Claudia Schiffer are now available for you to do at home (if running isn’t your thing). The brand has an ON Demand online workout membership for which you will need a few accessorizes. At just £25 per month, the online-workout programme is the chance to stream The Barrecore Method from any device and in any location, to create lasting change in your body in just a few weeks. The accessory pack (£39, shown here) contains everything you’d need to keep your barre-training going, no matter the time or location.
Sea Soul box set- Sea Soul Blessings are mindfulness tools that awaken the ‘blue mind’ benefits of being in or around water. The simple daily practice of drawing a card each day to evoke the sea can be as rejuvenating as a trip to the beach. In Wallace J Nicholls’ bestselling book, “Blue Mind”, Nicholls explains that spending time in and around water has the power to calm us when we’re anxious and overwhelmed. It also boosts our focus and sense of wellbeing, lowers stress and anxiety, builds resilience. I know the moment I enter warm water (not the 10 degree C kind), I can feel the tension in my body melt away. Just like sea swimming, the cards clear the mind, encourage reflection, help us to release tension, and boost wellbeing. Regular use helps to shift unhelpful thoughts, develop greater self compassion and move towards positive life changes – while also building a sense of connection to the world around us. Sea Soul Blessing also donate to environmental projects from every sale, protecting the natural world for future generations. A great gift to help ground someone you love.
Dook soap making workshop– Sure, smelly soap makes a great gift (and this product is exceptional!), but why not go a bit further and gift a soap making experience? My friend, Helen, founded Dook and puts a lot of thought into her products to make them luxurious and eco-friendly. She recently added a shampoo bar to her range (bye bye plastic bottles!). If you live Edinburgh or want a weekend away, book in for this unique learning opportunity.
Body and Soul gift box- This is perfect for someone who needs to be pampered in a more traditional way. The gift box includes bath salts, a face mask and jade face roller – perfect for that much needed me-time while enjoying the candle to create a calming atmosphere. A Body and Soul journal and pen also provide support for well being and self-development over time.
Voucher for Wellness appointments (female) or Wellness appointment (male)- How often do we stop and take time to access our health? This in-depth private GP appointment can help your loved one establish a baseline level of health and if any action is needed in terms of nutrition, exercise, or stress reduction. There are several different levels of appointment service that may include a thorough consultation and examination with an experienced doctor, a resting electrocardiogram, extensive blood testing, and a follow-up consultation or a written report summarizing the medical as well as giving recommendations for future care. Blood tests may include a full haematology profile, infection and inflammation markers, full cholesterol screen, kidney function screen, iron profile, glucose level, vitamin D level, thyroid function screen and more depending on what you are worried about. I have worked with the Walk-In Clinic in the past, and have been impressed with what they have to offer. There is always enough time to sit and chat with GP, you are never rushed, which is why I love this practice. Their clinic also offers a travel vaccination clinic* and marathon medicals.*
Function360 vouchers*- If your friend or family member is a weekend warrior and lives in London, why not treat them to a gift voucher to Function360? Located near Moorgate Station, the team does it all, from prehab to post-hab, sports massage, dry needling, physiotherapy and more. New clients also get 15% off their first appointment with my code #F360MM15. I have been going there for several years now and have absolutely seen an improvement in my body mechanics and use #challenge52 to find us on social media.
52 Weekend Challenges: Cultivating health and happiness– You might not have seen that I wrote a book which came out in January of this year. Available as an e-book or in print on your local Amazon website (it is free for those with Kindle Unlimited in UK). It is a great way to spend a year gently exploring different aspects of life just outside your comfort zone. There is a private Facebook group too. Message me to join!
Gratitude and resilience journals by Awesome Inc– My friend, Nicky, has built a pretty cool business up over the years using her skills in graphic design. Her products offer readers ways to build a healthier and happier life. Who doesn’t want that? There is a range for kids, adults, and case studies of schools incorporating her products into their curriculum with amazing results. Simply writing down three things a day you are grateful for can have a large impact on your mindset.
Float session at Floatworks*– This experience makes a great gift as the price tag might deter some folks from giving it a try. For 60 minutes, you float in a salty bath in an enclosed pod to let your mind drift away without any distractions from the outside world. It may take a few sessions for the full relaxation effect but the long-term benefits of better sleep and less anxiety are worth it. (I will be writing up a full review of my experience later this month). This is a great gift idea for the person who has seen and done it all as it is pretty new on the health scene.
What are you asking Santa for this year to improve your health and wellbeing?
Inspirational advent – 3rd December
Let’s share some love today, people.
Fitness and outdoor lover’s gift guide
This year, I have put together four gift guides to help you sort out what to give others and what to ask for yourself. Today’s list is for anyone who enjoys keeping fit and/or being outdoors. My other guides include self care and well-being, active and adventure travel and fun sweatshirts. Please keep in mind, any product with a * I was given to review and feel it is an excellent product to recommend. Others were suggested to me but sound like something I would find useful. Hopefully this gives you a little inspiration on what you might want to ask Santa for this year.
Chrome Industries merino cobra hoodie 2.0– You know I love merino. Put it in hoodie form and you have a winner. Run, walk, hike, ski anything is possible with this warm layer from Chrome Industries that will help regulate your body temperature and is resistant to becoming stinky. It is straight cut to allow for freedom of movement no matter what activity you are doing, along with a high collar and zipper back pocket.
KEEN Innate x Sherpa hiking boot– Tackle the outdoors in these limited edition hiking boots. With both brands sharing an affinity to take action, give back and create a better future for communities in a meaningful and immediate way, values are woven into the soul of this unique collaboration, with €15 being donated from the sale of every shoe to charity Room to Read®. Room to Read seeks to transform the lives of millions of children in developing countries by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. These boot have some pretty cool design features, such as a distinctive endless knot embossed into the upper and subtle signature Nepalese flag detail to the heel loop, which pays homage to the Sherpa climbers and unsung heroes of the Himalayas. Constructed in premium, environmentally preferred Better Leather from a Leather Working Group (LWG) tannery, a PFC free Durable Water Repellent system and featuring Eco Odor Control, the KEEN Innate x Sherpa Adventure Gear looks good, feels good and does good. A PU midsole provides lightweight durability whilst KEEN’s trusted S3 technology and stability shank deliver reliable suspension and support when negotiating varied terrains. A KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane gives all seasons protection, with an EVA footbed providing step in comfort and superb arch support. Ready to explore any destination, a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN outsole offers rugged traction, with KEEN’s secure fit lace system with robust aluminium eyelets ensuring a precise and supportive feel. Think of all the hills and mountains you can explore in these!
On Cloud hoodie*– I got this hoodie in the spring and have been living in it ever since. The cut is boxy and therefore offers loads of room when I want to snuggle in front of a campfire or am cooling down after a long run. A cowl neck with asymmetrical zipper is a unique design choice which I use to keep me warm or to release some heat. There are also other design details, such as thumb holes, zippered pockets, rear vents, and a very unique color called beluga (the marine biologist in me loves this!). This hoodie is a must for rest days.
Zone 3 Aspire wetsuit– I wanted to get into open water swimming this winter but seem to have chickened out so far. A good wetsuit can make all the difference when you are swimming outside. The Aspire is one of the highest rated wetsuits of the last decade. With a new integrated one-piece shoulder and chest panel design, flexibility is increased as is distance per stroke. The Aspire features new aerodrome buoyancy panels on the legs and hips to allow for 30% more buoyancy than standard neoprene. It is designed for a fast, smooth and natural feel swim with different areas ranging from 4-5mm.
Canyon Pathlite fitness bike (I tried this bike but was not given one to keep)- Don’t let the name confuse you. Canyon calls their hybrid bikes a fitness range. In June, I was able to try this bike out in Richmond Park and and enjoyable the relaxes posturing and ease of riding on varied terrain. These bike have an adjustable air suspension, Shimano gears, comfortable hand grips and disc brakes. Cycling is one of the best cardio and endurance workouts you can get, and Canyon’s fitness bikes (there is a road bike version too) offer a great workout wherever you are, whether that’s on the road or off the beaten track. With Canyon, you can leave the ordinary behind and ride your workout.
Darn Tough socks* – See above (and many previous blog posts) about how I love merino wool. These socks have been added to my winter rotation, as I was given thicker hiking socks rather than something from their fitness range. James received a few pairs for cycling and he is enjoying them on his chilly morning commutes. The bonus is that this is an American company based in New England. They have 100’s of different styles and colors, all of which will keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Mammut Broad Peak light jacket– What can I say? I want everyone to stay warm this Christmas! This jacket offers perfect insulation. The Broad Peak Light Jacket features an extremely soft, lightweight, wind- and water-repellent Pertex® Quantum material, which is complemented by a down and feather filling. This makes the jacket not only weather-resistant but also warm. It packs down small (into a side pocket) so you can store it away if you need to when on the mountain. It also means it won’t take up more room in your flat.
Ultimate Performance reflective gloves and hat- “Safety first” is one of my motto’s. It is incredibly frustrating when I see runners and cyclists out in the dark, dressed in black and with headphones on. Come on people! Ask for these matching reflective hat and gloves and stay safe while you train this winter. The back of the gloves are covered with an ultra-reflective and multi-colour print that reflects light, keeping you visible to others so you won’t be missed. The breathable fabric is abrasion resistant and doesn’t bobble, with high moisture diffusion and drying ability to keep you dry and comfortable during wear. The gloves even have touch pad index fingers, allowing you to keep your gloves on when using your phone and the silicon grip pattern on the palms and fingers provide a non-slip surface so that you can hold your devices with confidence.
SmellWell odor eliminator pouches– These i found on the Vibram website. Living in England, my shoes are often wet. Add some bacteria in there and you can smell my shoes a mile away! These pouches claim to remove the odor so I would love to see these in my stocking. Plus, the available patterns are a hoot.
SOS ear buds– These wireless ear buds are rechargeable and much more affordable that AirPods. Running without wires can be freeing so why not give these a try? They offer a super deep bass sound experience; single multi-function button to answer/end/reject a call, music play/pause/skip and last number redial; can support 3D Game Mode, low latency to 60ms; have a microphone. In addition, they are compatible with Bluetooth, are waterproof, and noise cancelling. Small and light-weight, you can keep these handy no matter where you are.
Smith Optics Ruckus sunglasses*- Smith Optics knows what they are doing when it comes to eye wear (hence the name). I have had a few pairs of Smiths and love what they offer. The Chroma Pop makes my view of the world more vibrant. Larger lenses provide excellent eye protection, not just from the sun, but from sand, wind, and dirt too. Each set comes with two set of lenses so you are prepared for the changing conditions. The raised brow design increases peripheral vision in the riding position, and top bar venting and two-position nose pads provide proper fit to help minimize fogging and maximize comfort. If having a clear view of what is in front of you while out exploring, ask Santa for a pair of these.
Two Bare Feet bamboo skateboard- Did you know that Two Bare Feet not only make SUP boards, but they also make skateboards and scooters? What not bring back your childhood memories of skating down the street by treating yourself to this bamboo longboard “The Deacon”? Forty inches long with clear spray on grip tape, you will certainly turn heads as you glide by. It comes with orange wheels but Two Bare Feet offers a range of colors if you dare to be different.
Those are just a few ideas from me. What is on your Christmas list this year? Were you naughty or nice?
Inspirational advent – 2nd December
Welcome to Day 2 of my motivational advent calendar. Thanks for have a look. Remember to join me over on Instagram for a new conversation starter each day where we will talk all things Christmas!
Inspirational advent – 1st December
It is my favorite time of year, advent time! Not only am I being active every day in December as part of Advent Running, but I am also sharing 25 days of inspirational graphics for your viewing pleasure. If you click on the image, it takes you over to Instagram, where I will be asking a new question about the holidays to learn more about different cultural traditions and holiday favourites. You will also be able to find my graphics over on Pinterest, if you would like to pin or share them.Please come back and see what new words of wisdom I am sharing each day in the lead up to Christmas. Enjoy!
Time for a catch up
Well hello there! I hope you have been doing well since the last time I posted. Lots has been going on behind the scenes here since October, so I thought I would catch you up. Some bloggers call these ‘catching up over coffee’ posts but I don’t drink coffee so grab a hot chocolate (feel free to add some Bailey’s) and let’s have a chat.
The biggest thing that has happened is my rebrand and new website. With the help of Think Marsh Studios, we have been working since the summer to give my brand a freshen up. Part of the delay is that Chris works days and I blog at night so it was hard to resolve issues quickly. But I am very happy with the result, a new logo inspired by 80s neon signs. I also switched from Blogger to WordPress as that’s where all the cool kids are. I am still deciding if that was a good idea or not as I am not a techy person but I am sure practice will make perfect.
A big change at our house was adopting a Crossbreed named Skipper at the end of September. She is 2 years old and we were told she is a Husky-Staffie mix but she also resembles a German Shepherd or Akita (but only weighs 15 kg). Her energy and intelligence levels are very different from Oldland, so we are all adjusting to the change. We are attending training classes with her on the weekends to improve her manners by Christmas when we head to my in-laws. She loves to run and play and was unofficial 4th dog last weekend at our local parkrun.
I also got the all-clear from my osteopath at Function360 to start running again. Tokyo Marathon is on 1st March 2020 and I officially started marathon training on 11th November. I did a few interval runs before that and some trail running in the Peak District with the Love Trails gang but am out of practice in terms of fitting all the miles in. Twice a week I teach spinning which I use as a substitute on my short run days. I am doing my physiotherapy twice a week too and checking in with my osteopath once a month to monitor my progress. The team at Function360 have always been supportive of my goals and I really appreciate that.
To compliment marathon training, I have (finally) hired a personal trainer named Sunni. I have seen her training clients at my gym for about a year and like how she encourages her clients and designs their programs. Many of the other trainers I see at my gym looked ridiculously bored when with clients, or spend more time chatting than training. I have met with Sunni twice now and it has been great refreshing my knowledge of all things PT. I should have started working with a personal training after my first marathon. I can’t wait to see how much stronger my body will be when I step up to the start line.
One thing I have talked about a bit on social media is how I am struggling with my mental health and weight. I have gained 15 pounds since March when Oldland passed away. 2019 has also been dominated by injury, which has limited the physical activity I can do. To help my body prepare for marathon training and reduce my calories, I have been doing a sober November. (Ultimately, I tried Sober October and was unsuccessful). To give me more incite into sober life and knowledge the benefits of this temporary change, I have been reading the Unexpected Joy of Being Sober too. As I would normally rather have dessert over a drink, it hasn’t been too challenging. There did seem to be a lot more social events this month (World Travel Market, camping in Peak District, leaving do’s, and birthday parties) but maybe my perspective is different because I am aware I cannot drink. I am quite happy with a Diet Coke or I discovered alcohol-free Kopparberg fruity cider. Sunday I can drink again and after the week I have had, I am looking forward to it!
Finally, I am working on my annual inspirational advent calendar and four gift guides for you. The advent calendar starts here on Sunday and the gift guides will go live on 2-5 December. Keep checking back every day in December through Christmas for a little hit of inspiration to keep you moving. Or you can join my team for Run Up To Christmas, which raises money for Mind charity. It is only £12, you get a medal, and it will be loads of fun. Our team target is 200km so the more people you get to join us, the less you have to run. 🙂
There is even more to share, but I hope to post a few more tales in December. It has been a crazy autumn, but also a good one. I am slowly getting into a routine and will soon settle in to a run/work/dog/sleep pattern of success. Bring on Christmas!
How has autumn been for you? Leave a comment and let me know.
Is 15L enough for a run commute backpack?
For a long time, I have been a fan of Osprey rucksacks for running and other outdoor pursuits. As a brand, they offer a female version of some bags, which can be really important when ensuring the correct fit. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Duro 15, a unisex hydration pack. My usual go to bag for run commuting is their Tempest 20 which has room for snacks, a change of clothes, my lunch, sunglass case, and a large wallet plus water pouches on the shoulder straps. I was curious to see if removing five liters and having a unisex design would be noticeable.The bag was extremely comfortable as soon as I put it on. The mesh fabric used to line the area that will be against your skin never chafed or scratched. It is very soft and helps with breathability. The front chest strap is adjustable so you have find a level that fit your body shape. There is also a hip belt which helps support the bag if it is full, especially if you are running. Keeping the bag close to your body assists with balance and center of gravity. The hip straps also have zippered pockets which are super handy for snacks, your phone or a debit card- things you may need quick access to while you are out and about. There are also small zippered pockets that you can use to keep organized, which is very appealing to me.
As a hydration pack, this bag offers both a 2.5L bladder and two 500ml pouches. I think this gives it versatility and the options to take as much (or little water) as you need. Of course, the bladder will take up extra space leaving you less room to carry things like extra layers. For me, the missing 5L made the bag a little shorter than my Tempest 20 and therefore slightly more comfortable. The Tempest 20 does have an adjustable torso length to help with the fit but the though that the Duro 15 was too big for me never crossed my mind. I couldn’t fit both my changes of clothes and lunch in the Duro 15 but if I planned ahead for run commuting, it didn’t impact me. I would either leave a change of clothes at work or buy lunch in the canteen. Or if I was going on a long run and just needed to carry an extra layer and water, this bag is perfect.
Overall, I really enjoyed running in this bag. Even though I couldn’t cram all of my stuff in there, it was probably better for my body not to carry that much weight. Running with a rucksack (no matter what size aside from my 1.5L) always influences my posture and therefore running form. I like being prepared though, so tend to carry more than I need just in case it rains, I can’t find a shop, or I get injured. Of course, being restricted from carrying so much has benefits on my running performance. Looks like I should switch to the smaller pack to ensure my commute doesn’t turn into junk miles.
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Do you ever run to work? What do you carry with you and how? Leave a comment and let me know.
Thanks to Osprey for the complimentary bag. All opinions are honest and my own.
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