Dare I say I’m loving the cooler weather…? I just hope it remains for 2nd October, when I have the Chester Marathon. Anyway, on to some things I’ve been loving lately.
New (inexpensive) workout gear: I popped into TKMaxx the other day quickly just to check out what they had. I don’t often shop there as (similar to Primark) it stresses me out as it had a very warehouse-feel and can be a bit mad ad disorganised. But I rifled through my size area and found two bargains: an Adidas sports bra and a New Balance running top.
Together for under £25! I love the colours. I don’t often go for greens or blues so it’s nice to have some variety
Toms: I have one pair of Toms (a simple black pair). I love them. They’re so comfortable and go with so many things. My mum also loves Toms. She has SO many pairs…
Happily we both have the same size feet (5 if you’re interested). This means I get to borrow her Toms. She often lends them to me in order to “stretch” them a bit so they’re a bit more comfy for her. I willingly oblige (*sighs* the things you do for your parents ). The photograph above isn’t even of all of them. (My mum also has a handbag addiction and I also get to borrow some of those lovelies too! Hello, Mulberry and Michael Kors).
Foot sling: I was sent an Ashipita Foot Sling*. When I was first contacted about this review I was a bit like, “a what?” but then I read a bit more about it and decided it sounded like a very interesting product to try!
They’re made by a young start-up company in Germany that sells health products, which you can find more of from their Amazon shop. The foot sling appealed to me because my feet are always an issue with running with my fairly collapsed arches.
It’s supposed to strengthen the midfoot ligaments and muscles to allow your feet to roll naturally but not excessively. It helps provide stability and provide comfort. I’ve been wearing them around the house (and with shoes as well as they’re quite discreet). I have to say they do feel very comfortable. After an hour or so I do notice my feet feel a bit different – not achy but just something is off, but in a good way. Like something is working. I can’t tell you if they definitely work or not, but I’ll continue to wear them at home as I do feel like they’re doing something. Apparently they’re quite the thing in Japan – like foot lingerie!
Compression sleeves: I’m a big fan of compression socks and clothing. When I run in the evening I’ll usually pop on some compression socks or sleeves after I’ve showered and it’s divine. Both the socks and the sleeves I use are CEP.
Yes they’re expensive (£40 for the socks; £35 for the sleeves) but I swear by them for recovery. While there’s no firm evidence for improving your actual running, there is some evidence that shows that wearing compression socks improves blood flow and recovery (here’s an interesting article on this can be found on some of the debate of whether they work or not). Personally I love them after a run – make calves feel a lot fresher after wearing them for a couple of hours. As to wearing them during a run? I think the jury’s out on this one. I don’t notice any benefits for short distances (and when I suffered from shin issues they didn’t give much relief) BUT I find that for long runs they’re great. My calves don’t cramp as much. Perhaps it’s psychological but they work for me!
Tangle Teezer: After my annoying hair issue last week after my 21 miler in the rain, Maria mentioned the Tangle Teezer brush.The bristles move with your hair so don’t tug it all out when you’re trying to brush through it. It works for both wet and dry hair.
I used to use a wide tooth comb for after I washed my hair but this made my life SO much easier. It just seemed to glide through. Saves me loads of time now.
Speaking of hair… My parent’s dogs have had haircuts. They look adorable. Their Cavalier, Dylan, is a bit on the chunky side and this has only been made more apparent post-haircut.
I (lovingly) call him Shamu as he looks a little bit like a killer whale. The little tubster!
Funny Ladybird books: I love these Ladybird books. This one called “The Wife” made me laugh a lot.I’m sure we all know that person, right?? Hehe. Whereas this one spoke to me on a more personal level…Dating in this day and age… such a nightmare! Speaking of which, I’m listening to an audio book that Maria (again!) recommended called Modern Romance and, though hilarious, does actually speak of a lot of home truths I’m experiencing. Giving me some good advice as well.
I’ve also just started reading the Brownlee brothers autobiography, Swim, Bike Run: Our Triathlon Story. How amazing was it to see Alistair sacrifice his first position in the World Triathlon Series to help his brother when he was near collapsing near the end of the race? I’m not an overly emotional person but it did almost bring a tear to my eye!
What books have you been reading lately?
Have you heart of the foot sling before (or “foot lingerie”!?)
Do you use compression clothing?
**Full Disclosure: I was sent the Ashipita foot sling for free in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own honest ones.**
Glad you like the recommendations!
I’ve been reading the book by Rosie Pope Swale where she runs around the world- it is really interesting but the first chapter was a real tear-jerker.
Those tops are a lovely colour- I really like greens and blues, but with workout gear nothing matches usually because it’s just whatever is on the top of the drawer when I open it. Race t-shirts are such random colours so there is no hope to look co-ordinated!
I love compression socks or sleeves for after a run- I feel relief when I put them on, but I can’t imagine running in them as I think they would get so sweaty and I would not be able to get them off. I wear my calf sleeves on flights too.
Maria @ runningcupcake recently posted…When I realise that I need to plan my runs out…
Ooh I’ll have a little look at that book, sounds good!
Unless you’re wearing neon yellow leggings and lime green t-shirts I think you’re fine! With black shorts and black leggings I can get away with lots hehe.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Post Marathon
All those Toms are so pretty, love them! I agree, TK Maxx can be a bit manic and disorganised, but once you put that aside you can find some real gems.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted…Happy 6th Birthday Celery & Cupcakes Plus a Happy Health Bundle Giveaway
I think I need to be in the right frame of mind when I go there next…
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Post Marathon
Omg same watching the Brownlee brothers in Mexico the other day, brought a tear to my eye too!! (Though I’m a highly emotional person so less surprising I suppose) haha! Defo gonna get myself a pair of compression socks now that I’m upping my distance again, see if they can do anything to stop the dreaded shin splints returning!
Urgh shin splints are the WORST. I get nagging shins and calves when I up my mileage. The socks do help though.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Post Marathon
Glad that I come across and read your article. Nice review. Thanks for your recommendation. I impressed on the foot sling section, maybe will give it a try.
It’s an interesting product!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Post Marathon
All those Toms are so pretty, love them
Thanks for your recommendation. I impressed on the foot sling section, maybe will give it a try.
Im a big fan of Toms. Very comfortable and easy go with dress or jean. I got 10 pairs and half of them are blue. I love blue. Colour of sky and new day!
So many interesting things to share. And I do love your parents’ dog hair cut. How lovely! Thanks so much for posting and inspiring me.
Barbara J. Silverman recently posted…Best Tennis Shoes For Standing All Day 2016
What I am actually reading right now – Fiona MacCarthy’s wonderful and rich biography of William Morris and Jezebel’s Daughter by Wilkie Collins. Just started the Collins, but I have been with the Morris bio for over a week now and it is marvelous. 🙂
Michael recently posted…How to creat HIIT workout plan for beginners
Wow your collection of workout gears is awesome! I’ve never heard about the foot sling before. Such a great tool! Thanks for sharing!
Claudia Smith recently posted…25 Healthy Smoothie Recipes Refreshments to Keep You in Shape
Your collection is so cool! I am really impressed with Tangle Teezer. It looks soft and helpful for preventing hair falling. Thanks for your sharing.
Jack recently posted…Are Sit-ups Or Crunches More Effective?