by Mollie Millington | Feb 25, 2020 | class review, relax
Some people exercise to relax, others bake, and a new option now is to float. Floatworks is a new studio in London with two locations (Vauxhall and Angel) where you can go to float, relax in silence in a lounge and enjoy a cup of tea. My mom had actually told me about floating before I had heard of it in London. There is a place in my hometown where her friends have already tried it. I was excited to be invited for a complimentary float at Floatworks Angel when they opened in July 2019.
What is floating? Clients spend 60 minutes submerged in salty water (each pod has half a tonne of Epsom salt) with no lights or sound. Epson salt reportedly helps with muscle soreness, reduces swelling and pain, and promotes sleep. The first 10 minutes offers relaxing music to help you settle in, and then the music comes back on five minutes before the float ends. Without any sensory input, you can completely switch off and relax, even enter a bit of a trance. The high level of salt allows you to float effortlessly and the water temperature is meant to be the same as your skin, which means you can’t tell where your skin meets the water.
The facilities at the Angel studio are fantastic. There are lockers to secure your belongings, a room to style your hair and apply makeup, a quiet lounge for relaxing before or after your float and another area to enjoy a complimentary cup of herbal tea. You can arrive early to start to unwind or stay a bit after your float to maintain that zen feeling. Much like a massage, I suggest leaving a few hours free after your float to chillax.
Each pod room has hooks and a shower for you to use, along with towels, earplugs, organic shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. The Hair and Mirrors room has Parlux hairdryers, GHD hair straighteners, organic body moisturiser, cotton buds, and vaseline. You can float naked, which is what I did, or bring your swimsuit. I found it a little chilly and the staff put a note in my record to warm the water another 0.5 degrees C to make me more comfortable. The rain showers were incredible and I had plenty of time after my float to shower and dress.
As you can imagine, I found it extremely hard to switch off for my first float. I was rinsing off in the shower when the music started. So I hopped in the pod and tried to keep my face dry (as the salty water can sting your eyes). I can confirm you definitely float around inside the pod (I gently bumped into the wall a few times). When the lights turned on at the end of my 60 minutes, I was sure the music didn’t turn on as a warning that my time was almost up. The staff member at the desk said I had zoned out so much that I didn’t hear the music, which happens often. I am impressed that I was able to tune everything out and actually relax. Working full-time, training for marathons, and blogging on top, doesn’t leave me much time to do absolutely nothing. Usually, there is multi-tasking happening, or I am thinking about how I can multi-task later. It felt good not to think for a short period of time.
I have another float booked in soon and cannot wait. Now that I know what to expect, I think I will be able to settle in and enjoy the float sooner. Are you curious and want to give it a try? Use the code FLOATMOLLIE for a 20% discount off your first single float experience. Here are all the FAQs in case you still have questions. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Thanks to Floatworks for the complimentary experience. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 23, 2020 | exercise, quickie
You can use a kitchen timer to keep track of your intervals. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial. Remember to consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime.
Go for quality over quantity. Breath on the excursion (ie, exhale when pushing yourself up on the press up, inhale as you return to the ground).
This week’s workout I am borrowing from CrossFit Thames (CFT). A few summer’s ago, I attended a few of their outdoor sessions and this was one of them. They gave me permission to share. You don’t need any kit but you will need 30 m of space to run.
Be sure to warm up by walking, running, or skipping rope. Once you break into a light sweat, you are ready to begin.
We start with EMOM (every minute on the minute) for four minutes. Complete the following (based on your fitness level) in one minute and then rest for any leftover time within the minute.
For beginners:
- 3 burpees
- 5 push/press ups
- 7 lunges (stationary or walking)
For intermediate to advance fitness levels:
- 8 burpees
- 10 push/press ups
- 12 plyometric lunges
Minute 5: Suicides/Shuttle runs from starting point to 10 meters, back to starting point. Then starting point to 20 meters, back to starting point. Finally, starting point to 30 meters, back to starting point. This needs to be completed within one minute.
Repeat the above five minute program four times through for a wicked 20 minute workout. Remember to listen to your body, as this one is a little more advanced. I encourage you to give it a go though. You will never know you can do it unless you try!
by Mollie Millington | Feb 20, 2020 | recipe
Smoothies are an easy, satisfying snack we have frequently in my house. In the summer, we serve ’em up (with a little whey protein thrown in) after workouts. Today I made them because I saw one at the mall and developed a craving. Since making my own, I never order them while out. I can taste the difference with the sugary, syrupy mix. Here is how I make them.
You will need: frozen banana (freeze your brown bananas for fresh banana bread or smoothies rather than throwing them away. My banana bread recipe will be up soon!), frozen berries (you can get mixes in the freezer section of your local grocery store rather than buy fresh), low-fat yogurt, orange juice, honey or agave nectar, and a blender.
1. Leave the frozen banana out on the counter for a few minutes to thaw slightly. By using frozen fruit, you won’t need to add ice.
2. Add 1/2 cup of low-fat yogurt (any flavor you like) and 1/2 cup of frozen berries (can be any fruit, even avocado, kale or spinach) to the blender.
3. Cut banana into smaller chunks and add to the blender.
4. Add a splash of orange juice. The more juice you add, the thinner the smoothie will be.
5. If using plain yogurt, I like to add honey or agave nectar as a natural sweetener. Vanilla extract works too.
6. You can also add flaxseed, linseed, chia seeds, protein powder, or other supplements for additional nutritional value.
7. Blend. You may need to stir the mix with a spatula if an air pocket develops in the bottom of the blender.
8. Serve.
Of course, you should experiment with fruit, yogurt, and juice flavors to find a combination you like. As smoothies break up the food for you, take your time to enjoy it. It will be easier to digest that eating the food whole which means your body will take less time to digest it. It may give you a temporary sugar spike that you are not expecting.
Let me know in the comments below what smoothie ingredients are your favorite.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 18, 2020 | running, WMM
It is with great sadness that I found out yesterday the Tokyo Marathon 2020 has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. While I know the decision was not made lightly by the organizers, it has sent many of us die hard runners (and 6 star chasers) into a limbo. We have been training for months, booked time off work, spent money on flights and hotels….. and now we aren’t sure what to do (except contact our travel insurance company).
I have spent a few hours researching marathons all over the world that take place from 22 February as alternatives to the Tokyo Marathon that still have entries open. Please check their websites carefully for all T&C in case I had made an error. And, remember that this list is not exhaustive. At the bottom of the post are links to additional lists of races.
Leave a comment below and let me know which race you are going to do or if there are any additional races to list.
22 February 2020, Red Rock Canyon Marathon, Las Vegas, NV, USA. Entries close 20/2/20.
23 February 2020, Glentress Trail Marathon*, Scottish borders, UK.
23 February 2020, Fort Ebey Kettles Trail Run, Fort Ebey State Park, Whidbey Island, WA, USA. Entries close 20/2/20.
23 February 2020, Ice Valdaice, Valdai, Russia*
23 February 2020, Banjul Marathon, Gambia*
26 February 2020, Marathon Day Marathon by SVN*, Kent, CT14 7LH, UK.
28 February, Tel Aviv Marathon, Tel Aviv, Israel. Registration is open until 22/2/20.
29 February 2020, Ras Dewi Sant*, St Davids, Pembrokeshire
1 March 2020, Atlanta Marathon, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Entries close 26/2/20. NOW SOLD OUT!
1 March 2020, Little Rock Marathon, Little Rock. Arkansas, USA. Online entries close 21/2/20.
1 March 2020, Napa Valley Marathon, Napa Valley, California, USA*. Use code NVMJUAN for a small discount.
6, then 9-15 March 2020, Enigma Running various marathons around Milton Keynes, UK.*
7 March 2020, Thames Meander, Kingston-Upon-Thames, UK Surrey*
7 March 2020, Spring Marathon by Phoenix Running. Walton-On-Thames, UK. Email Rik for 50% off registration fee if you were due to run Tokyo Marathon. PhoenixRunningUK@gmail.com
7 March 2020, The Woodlands Marathon, Woodlands, TX, USA.*
8 March 2020, LA Marathon, LA, CA, USA. Limited charity places available.*
15 March 2020, Barcelona Marathon, Barcelona, Spain.*
21-22 March 2020 Limmassol Marathon, Cyprus.*
22 March 2020, Rimini Marathon, Rimini, Italy.*
29 March 2020, Rome Marathon, Rome, Italy. Entries open until 15 March 2020 or until bibs run out.
26 April 2020, Southampton Marathon, Southampton, UK.*
There are lots of options out there so please also use these links (not all races still have entries open):
Saxons, Vikings, and Normans have lots of options over the next few weeks around London.
World’s Marathons list for February
World’s Marathons list for March
Ahotu list of of marathons around the world
*as of 17/2/20 entries still open
by Mollie Millington | Feb 16, 2020 | exercise, quickie
You can use a kitchen timer to keep track of your intervals. Perform once through and keep going if you can. If you are unclear what the exercise is I am describing, please look for a video or arrange for an in-person tutorial.
Please consult your doctor before engaging on any fitness regime.
Remember to go for QUALITY over quantity. Breath on the excursion (ie, exhale when pushing yourself up on the press up, inhale as you return to the ground).
This workout can be done inside or outside.
1 min- Walk
30 sec- Jog with high knees
1 min- Squat with leg lift at the top. Alternate knees.
1 min- Jumping jacks/star jumps
1 min- Feet shoulder width apart, arms out to side in a letter T, touch opposite hand to opposite toe then come up straight and repeat on other side (work those obliques).
1 min- Stand with feet together, bring one foot back and drop that knee almost to the ground for a reverse lunge. Keep front knee over the ankle when you are down and then bring your back foot to the starting point. Repeat on the other side.
1 min- Pilates 100 Remember to inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 5 counts. Don’t pull with your neck and keep legs in table top position and shoulders off the ground. If your neck hurts, stop.
30 sec- Side plank on your right side. Keep the top leg’s foot in front of the bottom foot.
30 sec- Side plank on your left side. Keep the top leg’s foot in front of the bottom foot.
1 min- Russian twist. You can hold a weight or ball if you want to add resistance.
1 min- Crab dip not an appetizer but rather a way to work your triceps. Start with your hips high and tummy tight. Bend elbows to lower hips.
1 min- Frog crunch Have your legs in a butterfly stretch position while lying on your back. Keep your heels up but toes on ground for extra challenge. Or you can bring your feet up as shown in the video. Keep your tummy tight and don’t pull with your neck.
10 minutes and you are done! Add a cool down by walking for 1 minute. Stretch a bit too as your muscles and joints will be warm. Make 2020 the year of flexibility.
Recent Comments