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eGlove Review and Comparison

A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by eGlove (well, actually the husband of a lovely fellow runner friend) asking if I’d like to review their gloves for my blog. After finding out a bit more about them I agreed and was sent a rather nifty black pair.

The gloves are designed to be worn when running (though obviously not exclusively, you could use them walking or doing other sports, such as horse riding or cycling) and due to their special design you can operate your iPhone, Samsung or other touchscreen device while wearing them.

As someone who listens to podcasts when both running and walking I find it immensely annoying to have to remove my gloves to use my phone, especially if I’m mid run or if it’s very cold. In any running gloves I buy I specifically look for this touchscreen design now. Previous to trying the eGloves I was using my Nike gloves.

They too have the special design that allows you to still access your phone.

As I have both gloves I thought it would be interesting to do a little comparison. The Nike gloves cost approximately £7. They’re comfy, lightweight and do indeed work with my phone. However they are not really that suitable when it’s really cold. I found on a cold morning my fingers were numb despite wearing the gloves. Also the touch screen device can be a bit temperamental which is highly frustrating. They’re not perfect but they do look rather stylish and you can get them in different colours. They also have a little pocket on the palm to put your key.

The eGloves are very thin and lightweight BUT are a lot more warm than the Nikes, possibly because they’re slightly looser which creates a bit more of a vacuum between your skin and the cold air outside (or something science-y like that) and they have a thermal feel with a tight cuff to keep the warmth in.

The gloves also have a non-slip design on the palms so it stops the danger of your expensive smartphone sliding out of your hands. This is a genuine concern for me, the clumsiest girl on the planet (!), especially with running. If my podcast needs changing or I want to take a photo mid-run I don’t want in danger of dropping my phone.

They are more expensive at £24.99 though (however, there are different colours which are cheaper on the website). That said, they do exactly what they say on the tin and I can honestly say I prefer them to the Nikes.

They also do a whole range of different gloves, including ones specifically for snowboarding/skiing and cycling.

Do you wear gloves when running in the cold?

Do you look for gloves that can be used with your smartphone?

**Full Disclaimer: I was sent the gloves for free in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own honest ones.**

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My favourite podcasts right now

I listen to a lot of podcasts (and audiobooks). I have a fairly boring commute to work (Southampton to Basingstoke) which takes around an hour each way. To pass the time I sometimes like to listen to a podcast as I find the journey passes so much quicker that way. I also listen to podcasts when I walk Alfie and when I do long runs. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s nice to listen to music or to simply just zone out to the sound of the outdoors but it’s also a great way to broader my knowledge on information or just listen to something interesting or funny.

Here are my favourites:

BBC Five Live Film Review

Simon Mayor and Mark Kermode talk movie reviews. This has been a longstanding favourite of mine. I love watching films but I don’t get to the cinema as often as I like, but I still enjoy listening to reviews of the latest films that are either out or up and coming. The relationship between Mayor and Kermode is great – they have good banter and squabbling between them and it’s often very funny. There are a lot of in jokes as it’s been going on for years but it’s easy to get hooked. I will usually always trust Kermode’s review of a film as well.

Who’s it aimed at? Anyone who has a passing interest in watching movies, whether you go to the cinema or not.

The Empire Film Podcast

Another film review show, but this time with an ensemble cast of usually three people who change from time-to-time. It’s from the Empire magazine. There’s swearing, it’s silly and it’s very light-hearted (like the magazine). They discuss movie news and answer fun, random listener questions (“best stairway scene in a movie?”). My only slight annoyance is they do have a heavy Marvel love which I struggle with as I’m not that into comic book movies. They always have great sweary interviews with actors, directors, etc.

Who’s it aimed at? Probably more aimed at movie lovers than the Five Live podcast above as it can get geeky with movie news and interviews.

Marathon Talk

Of course Marathon Talk is on here (I’m going to the Marathon Talk weekend in a few weeks time wheee!). Good running training tips, running news from around the world, funny anecdotes from Tony Audenshaw (from Emmerdale no less), interviews and listener stories. I really like Martin and Tom and they always have a good balance of opinion and information and they’re extremely down to earth. My one peeve is why they still insist on listing all the upcoming marathons at the end of the podcast…does anyone really listen to this?? It goes on for ages and is so dull and repetitive. I always end the podcast before it starts.

Who’s it aimed at? People who love running, but not necessarily just marathons.

Ben Coomber Radio

Quite a light-hearted podcast based on nutrition, health and performance. It focuses a lot on lifting weights in the gym but it’s not exclusive to that subject. Ben is very amiable and funny and takes a no-nonsense approach. He’s also very knowledgeable with a lot of science and research behind what he preaches. He often co-hosts with Rachel Guy, who’s heavily into lifting weights, so provides a decent insight into that sort of thing and they do Q&A style shows answering listener questions. There’s also a lot of interviews with people from the nutrition and performance industry.

Who’s it aimed at? If you’re interested in solid nutrition advice, going to the gym and just generally being healthy it’s a good one. However it does focus a lot on weight lifting, macros and building muscle/losing fat.

Freakanomics Radio

I used to listen to this one a lot more than I do now. It’s hard to describe but basically Stephen Dubner, an economist (he wrote the Freakonomics book as well) explores social, political and random issues with loads of different guests, from social scientists to entrepreneurs to delve into different problems, questions and oddities with an economist and social science perspective. It’s light-hearted and gentle in terms of heavy science but always very interesting. It is quite US-focused though.

Who’s it aimed at? Anyone who has a curious nature and likes to puzzle things out. Not necessarily deep thinking but a fun way to question the world.

RunnersConnect

A series of interviews of a wide range of runners, professional athletes, coaches and people with a good knowledge of running or in the industry. It’s led by Tina Muir who I think is awesome. She’s a Brit living in America and is an awesome runner (check out her blog – such a talented runner and a lovely person. She incidentally did her favourite podcasts recently too). This podcast is a great way to get some insight into specific running areas and hear more about certain topics from different people within the industry.

Who’s it aimed at? Anyone interested in running, whether at a beginner’s level or an elite level.

Serial

You can’t talk about podcasts without mentioned Serial. I binge listened to all the first series a couple of years ago (wow so long ago now!) and haven’t started the second series yet… Anyone tried it? I’ve heard it’s good but it’s not the same ‘story’ as last series which is a shame as I’d love to know what’s going on there. It’s just very well written and you’re kind of drip-fed the story which keeps you going back for more without it seeming like it’s dragging.

Who’s it aimed at? Really anyone. I know so many people of different ages and backgrounds who loved it.

What podcasts do you love to listen to?

When do you listen to podcasts?

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My first experience of reflexology

I had heard of reflexology but never actually had any sort of reflexology treatment before. In fact, what I knew about reflexology was quite sketchy. It’s a sort of holistic treatment? A massage? Relaxing? Those were my first thoughts.

When the Association of Reflexologists offered me a free treatment in exchange for an honest review I was intrigued and quite keen. Beforehand they sent over some information of what I was to expect, as really I had no idea.Aor_Logo_colour Greysale

Essentially it’s a non-intrusive complementary holistic therapy. It works on different points of the body, from the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears which are believed to correspond with different areas of the body. In a similar vein to acupuncture, reflexologists work these different points to influence the entire body, aiding relaxation and improve well-being.

A lovely lady, Jackie, from Calming Influences came to my flat to give me a 40 minute foot-focused treatment. She came with her own super comfy reclining chair, towels and choice of creams. She had a very calming presence (as you can imagine!) and talked me through what was going to happen. I apologised profusely for my runner’s feet of course 😉

She gently massaged my feet, while explaining different things to me. She gave me a foot map to have a look at while she worked. I found this fascinating. IMG_7739I found it quite hard to believe that a pressure in my toe could influence something like my hormones or sinuses, but it was interesting and so very relaxing. The massage was divine. I’m used to the hardness and pain of a sports massage so this was just wonderful. She would push on different areas, knead my feet gently and just generally massage them all over.

I’m not a big ‘believer’ in holistic therapies… However, I do believe that our body is a whole and that something from one area of the body can affect an entirely different area (my flat feet for instance can cause my back and knees issues, and studies have shown headaches can be caused by pressures elsewhere in the body, etc.). I’m also a fan of acupuncture and this is very similar.A0 Reflexology Body & Feet whiteAnyway, whether or not I was swayed by the logic or beliefs behind the treatment, it felt amazing. I was so relaxed and my whole body just chilled out. Jackie was fantastic and answered any questions I had and informed me when she found a ‘bumpy’ area which could reflect something else happening in my body. For example, the area reflecting my ears was bumpy, as was the area corresponding to my stomach. I can’t say I have any issues in those areas but it was interesting nonetheless.

I honestly could have fallen asleep but I was keen to stay awake and enjoy the treatment. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Normally I feel very awkward in massages but Jackie made me feel very at ease. After the treatment she encouraged me to drink lots of water through the day and that I might feel a bit ‘funny’. But for the rest of the day I felt great. I’d definitely have it again and I’ve recommended it to my mum who adores foot massages.

Have you ever tried reflexology?

Do you enjoy massages?

How do you relax?

**Full Disclaimer: I received a free reflexology treatment in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own honest ones.**

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Handmade Pistachio Panettone Cake from Sicily

Considering how much cake I eat and like, it’s surprising how few cake reviews I’ve been asked to do. I’m not great at baking (there’s an understatement), but I know my cakes when it comes to seeing how they taste and look!

When I was asked if I’d like to review a Pistachio Panettone from the guys at Artminodo.co.uk I was obviously only too pleased to say “yes please!”. I had previously reviewed their trio of preserves that they sell on their website and really enjoyed them so I was looking forward to the panettone.

It’s quite a large thing (all the best cakes are in my opinion…) and when I unboxed and unwrapped it (it travelled very well) I was surprised to see just how, well, green it was! It’s handmade by a Sicilian company called Bacco. Panettone is a sweet bread and a traditional Christmas dessert in Italy. It’s similar to the brioche in France in terms of taste and like the stollen in Germany in terms of it being Christmassy and not overly sweet (though there’s no marzipan in this cake). Panettone is not always pistachio flavoured so this was a nice twist.

I joked that it looked like a large green bogie but I couldn’t resist a tiny nibble before my friends arrived to help me test it out. It’s covered in a delicious but not overly sweet pistachio flavoured icing.

When my friends arrived for our make-your-own afternoon tea, we sliced it in half to see the inside. We were a bit disappointed that it didn’t look as good as the photo did. But let’s be real here, not many foods do.

We cut ourselves a slice making sure we got some of the icing on the top and the pistachio cream in the middle. We were all really surprised at how tasty it was. The bread itself is similar to our iced buns in that it’s slightly sweet but not only a hint. The real sweetness comes from the pistachio cream that runs through the inside of the cake and the icing. There’s a subtle pistachio taste and it’s very light and springy in texture.

We all found ourselves going back for more. It’s not heavy or sickly so it’s very easy to eat a lot of this! I can imagine it being a great breakfast treat or a nice finish to a meal when you just want something light and sweet but not too much like a proper pudding.

I’d fully recommend this cake. And to be honest, I’d eat it all year round! Caffè Nero sell mini Panettones so why the hell not 😉

Do you like sweet breads?

Do you like pistachio flavoured things?

What’s your usual Christmas tradition for baked goods?

**Full Disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own (and my friend’s in this case as well) honest one.**

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SIS Rego Rapid Recovery Review

Hello! I’ve been missing in action this week because I’ve just had quite a few things going on..courses, moving house (which I’m doing tomorrow, argh) etc.

I really wanted to do a longer post to catch up but I need to crack on and literally move everything from upstairs in my house to downstairs to make the actual moving process easier, do lots of cleaning and just get everything I don’t need for the next day into a box. I’ve hired a van for tomorrow which I collect in the morning and then move all my stuff into the van before midday (contractual I have to be out of the house by then) and pray that before midday I’ll be given the OK to move into my flat rather than literally have to cram everything in the van and be in limbo. I’d rather be able to do a few trips! Oh the joys of completion…

Anyway, I have a review for you guys for a neat little protein drink sent to me by the ProBikeKit website. I’ve previously done a review for them before and I was happy to do another as they’re a great company. They have a cool site with lots of cycling-specific gear but also running as well, and a great selection of nutritional items.

I was sent some Science in Sport (SIS) Rego Rapid Recovery protein powder specifically designed for endurance athletes. There are obviously loads and loads of protein drinks out there but usually they’ll be more protein-heavy, whereas this baby has a nice balance of protein and carbs which is ideal for when you’ve done cardio, like running or cycling, rather than post lifting weights.

The idea behind this is that you take it 30 minutes after you’ve exercised and it provides your body with high levels of easily digestible protein and carbohydrates in order to accelerate your recovery. It was developed with Chris Boardman’s, the Olympic cyclists, input and feedback which is quite cool!

There are four different flavours available: vanilla, banana, strawberry and chocolate. I chose the chocolate flavour as it was a no brainer for me.

You mix one scoop (50g) of the powder with water. Interestingly, unlike regular protein powders, you only mix the powder with water, not milk. It advises that if you mix it with milk it will slow down the absorption process.

The nutritional stats are really good as well:

Though the ingredients list is quite long… But it is suitable for vegetarians.

Thoughts? I was really wary of the fact that it’s just mixing with water… I thought this would make it taste watery and not very nice. But I was pleasantly surprised! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not Nestle chocolate milk but it’s not unpleasant. I quite enjoyed it. For me it was a problem-solver for when I run after work and then have a long commute home – basically a long time before I get any proper food. It’ll be really handy after races as well, when I find hours go by before I get any decent food in me.

I’m really happy to continue to use this, especially with marathon training cropping up soon and the fact that I’m still loving lifting weights at the gym. I don’t want my body to suddenly start eating away at the muscle I’ve strived to build over the past few weeks.

Check out ProBikeKit’s website for more cool nutritional products like gels, protein bars and drink mixes, etc.

Have you tried any of the SIS products?

Do you take any protein powders?

What do you have post workout?

**Full Disclosure: I was sent this product for free in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own honest ones.**