September, 2010

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10
Sep 10

Running – Lesson #2

Don’t go to extremes but…..

Lesson #2 Embarrass Yourself

How did I do this when it came to running? I decided to announce to the world (i.e. my social network), that I was running.  I knew that to some of them my distances and times were an embarassment, but to be honest it really helped thinking that people were watching my progress via my RunKeeper profile.

I think that announcing to the world that you are running or on a diet is a great idea. It means that you now have people watching your progress ( or lack of), and it gives folk an opportunity to post comments and offer a little bit of support.  I noticed how empty my RunKeeper profile looked at times and that pushed me to get out and run. I like the idea of having a network of running buddies, but due to my current location, I feel a little loney on the old running front.  Still though – putting your successes and failings on a site like RunKeeper or Facebook can be embarrassing but at the end of it all – it has been one of the factors keeping me running.

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10
Sep 10

Running – Lesson #1

Dear runners

I am now one of you – yes, I am a runner.  I can hardly believe it myself, but sure that’s where I am and let that be that.   I am currently working on my speed and stamina over 5km.  This may not seem much to some of you, but you didn’t see where I started from – dead people could run faster and for longer than I could when I first started.

I’ve not really much grace when running, but I hope that will come with time and practice. As you can see from the video below, the Phoebe running style is one which many of us are familiar with… I lack Phoebe’s speed, but make up for it by ensuring that my face is redder than the sunburnt Brits abroad.

Lesson #1 of running?

Having people to support and encourage you

Everyone needs a bit of encouragement from time to time – and I was a great example. When running was the last thing on my mind, I had a lovely “encouraging” boyfriend who would nudge me until I got out the door to run. It’s also nice to have a shared hobby, even if he is that bit faster and has a lot more stamina.

I definitely would not be running now, without the support of David Coxon - a man with endless energy, and Sarah Ross – the woman who inspires me to keep going and even managed to get me into pink running gear – you can imagine how much that clashes with my ruby red, sweaty face!

When running, you need support, even if it is just over the phone.  David and Sarah have offered all sorts of advice and encouragement over the past few months and I’d be lost without a lot of it.

The next stage of the “people” part of running, is to find a partner to run with. I think that the dark nights and lack of a friend to pace myself against, may eventually work against me. There is the security aspect too – safety in numbers etc.  I’m currently on the market for a running buddy, or running club and would love to hear from either one as soon as possible.

So remember folks – people – they help and encourage and give you that little push / kick you need, when it matters most.

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9
Sep 10

Forget Lush – I’ve Changed My Mind!

After my last post, I decided to take a gander at the other natural soaps that are currently doing the rounds.  I’m loving my rice soap from Thailand but alas, I can’t seem to buy it here.  So, off I went to Holland and Barratt and picked up a gem of a soap – it’s cresent moon shape is perfect for those uber sore shoulders and my newly painful shin splints.

Australian Organics have a number of sales distributors in England, so don’t bother rushing off to buy them online. The soaps are made from plant oil and not the usual icky animal fats that some of the cheaper brands contain. The site leaves a lot to be desired, but I am so happy that they got their products right!

I do have one reservation though, but it won’t stop me buying their products. Essentially there is nothing online about their company….it’s as if their website is the only list of content and the rest of the details online consist of stockists selling the products. A little bit strange in this day and age I would have thought?  Either way- a great clean feel and definitely relaxed after that run.

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1
Sep 10

“Lush” Post Run Habits

After another interesting run around Middlesbrough (interesting, as in police raiding a house interesting), I decided to have a think about something nice, rather than the arrests that were going on ahead of me.

It got me thinking – what do people do after a run – do you down a pint of water, sit and relax for a bit or head straight to the shower? I like a mix of all three. Sitting down while sipping a pint of something….generally water, before heading for the shower.

My favourite thing about a post run shower? My mini collection of Lush shower products. They are fab for running over tired muscles – especially my shins, which seem to suffer a lot. I am currently enjoying their minty Ice Blue soap, and Lemslip (which is great for that super all over clean feeling).

I love the customer service experience in their various branches (a big shout out to their Boro store staff).  The happy little Lush helpers are always on had to advise on products, presents, and sometimes a nice natter when the store is quiet!  The Lush site is full of information on their ingredients (via their Lushopedia), their mission statement, their latest “Lush Times” publication and lots more.

All in all, the site is full of lovely content, but they could work on access a little more…..the site isn’t the easiest to navigate at times when looking for something specific.

You can follow @Lush on Twitter or check them out on Facebook.