A photo posted by Mollie, the Happiness PT (@ptmollie) on
Freya lingerie brand has recently added an activewear line to its offerings. Smartly, they chose to use fabric treated with Polygiene for their designs, which helps prevent bacteria (and therefore odour) build up after repeated gym sessions without washing in between. You can read my other suggestions on how to avoid stinky gym kit at your desk here on H2 Life Blog.
To put these Polygiene-treated shorts to the tests, I wore them for over 5 hours of running and indoor cycling without washing. After each use (and then drying on a hanger or floor), my husband gave them the sniff test. Only this last time did he start to notice something, and as he pointed out, he had to put his nose right against the fabric. What a brave soul! I was really surprised because they were really sweaty after each of my workouts. i thought there would have been some indication before then.
Overall, I am very pleased with how the Polygiene treatment helped delay the onset of smell to these shorts. It helps save me time from doing laundry and save energy/water from less loads. My husband is happy too as he feels is he constantly washing gym kit while his collared shirts require fewer washes if he layers properly. Less washing also helps your clothes last longer, as the washing machine can be a bit rough on fabrics.
Yes, a dryer uses a lot of energy, but boy do I miss having one!
The only thing I would suggest is that Freya start using Polygiene fabrics for their sport bras too. It would make me feel more confident knowing I am not going to smell after wearing my sport bra for a second time without washing (come on- you know you do it too!) or that if I douse myself with water on a hot day, I won’t smell horrible.
What tips do you have to avoid your gym kit from smelling? Thanks to Polygiene for gifting me these shorts to try out. All opinions are honest and my own.
One of the fun bits about being a blogger is trying out products before a big marketing launch. Samples might come to me from goody bags, via other bloggers who are not a good fit for the brand, or from the brand finding me on social media. I will only share products that fit in with health and happiness (along with my skin allergy) so here are a few I recently tried and think you should too:
Lean Greens– The health benefits of algae and other superfoods are all over the news lately. Lean Greens takes veg and makes it into a handy portable drink. The smell is very similar to my Energy Bits but it tastes good (remember to swallow Energy Bits rather than chew). The first ingredient listed for Lean Green is malodextrin (aka sugar, which probably helps with the taste) but I don’t know how much sugar there is per serving. I use it as a meal replacement on the Tube if I am running late for work. All you need is a protein shaker and water. And the Lean Greens of course!
Sass Intimate lotion– I finally was able to try the lotion after a bikini wax (not that I needed one as Florida was too cold and rainy to swim). I used the Sportive Recovery Serum and Perfect Skin Concentrate lotions to help prevent ingrown hairs and to reduce irritation after running and shaving. Neither irritated my skin (which is sensitive due to allergies). I did not try any of these internally (nor will I). Nature knows best when it comes to lady bits. If you regularly wax and exercise, you would really benefit by trying Sass out on your thighs on bikini line.
The Protein Works Bircher Breakfast– Very easy to use if you can plan ahead. Simply add water, milk, or nut milk to this pot and leave for a few hours. I added milk and left in the fridge overnight. It was a very fast and filling breakfast. A small spoon is included in the container too. I wish the pot itself wasn’t plastic but I don’t think cardboard would last overnight with the added liquid. Super handy for camping, early training sessions and life on the go.
Goodies from The Protein Works
The Protein Works Diet Protein Truffles– OMG. I think the flavour of the mint chocolate truffles is delicious. My husband doesn’t have as big a sweet tooth as I do and said it was pretty good for a protein snack. The size is perfect and with 10.7g of protein, it is pretty filling. I can’t wait to try the other flavours.
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 soap– What amazing smells! I washed my hair and body with the hemp lavender scent after my marathon. It lathered well but left my hair feeling a little dry. Usually I use conditioner and leave in conditioner, so it felt very different to me. It gave my hair great body though.
Dr. Bronner’s 18 in 1 soap
Supergrain Protein Pot- Similar to the Bircher Breakfast, this superfood pot simply requires hot water. The nutritious ingredients include white hemp, ancient grains, and sunflower protein. It was ready in only a few minutes and tasted like warm brownie mix. It is lactose- and dairy- free too.
Green People quinoa and calendula shower gel– Another great goody bag find! The smell is subtle, yet refreshing and it feels soft when applied to my hands and skin. The winter wind along with frequent hand washing makes my skin so dry this time of year. This shower gel is a nice treat.
What are you favourite finds lately that makes living healthy and happy a bit easier?
All of these items were sent to me as samples in return for a review. All opinions are honest and my own. What can I say? I love to eat!
Before we knew what was coming. Photo by Owen Fern
My second marathon ended up being nearly six hours of running up and down hills, through smelly ankle deep mud, and around neighbourhoods in Totterirdge and Barnet. Trust me, I earned that medal!
I took a taxi to the start line, which gave me an hour to get organized. My co-worker, Lucy had signed up with me and we have been training together on our lunch breaks. I gave Lucy a gel before the race and packed 4 in my Fleetfoot 3 Max waist bag, along with my phone. I sipper my The Protein Works iSurge as pre- drink while I waited and just before we headed out the door, my Energy Bits. I tried the iSurge once before but at a more diluted concentration. I was worried it would be raise my heartbeat but I didn’t feel out of control (if that makes sense) at the recommended concentration. Overall, I averaged 1-2 gels per lap with Haribos and squash at check points. Somehow, we didn’t warm up properly as we were worried about what to wear and how challenging the course would be.
Here is a very brief recap of the race: Lap 1- Sunshine, laughter, and a quick realization that this was going to be a tough race. Hill climb within first 10 minutes on a small gravel path.
Ready, set, go! Photo by Owen Fern
Lap 2- My friend, Pattie, who lived locally, came and kept us company. We discussed running the Loch Ness Marathon for 2017. Unfortunately, Pattie could not be convinced to join us for lap 3
Lap 3- Lucy’s calves started hurting her and she got a stitch, so we slowed down. My left piriformis and hamstrings were starting to play up a bit too so I didn’t mind. It was a dark place mentally but we got out on the other side. James, his brother, and his brother’s girlfriend were at the check point with more gels and Lucozade. I didn’t plan very well and we needed some electrolyte replacement.
Lap 4- The last one brought us to a happy place mentally but Lucy still struggled with her calves. We met a stallion meters from the finish line who was checking out his new neighbourhood. Rather than a sprint finish, I had to stop to say hello so as to not spook him. Lucy did the same but then his trainer got a bit chatty. But we both finished in under 6 hours.
In the end, we endured. Probably one of the hardest races I will ever do, and it was lonely too. With only about 70 runners, we quickly spread out. The route was a lap without any hairpin turns to see oncoming runners. There were various signs marking the trail, but I got distracted by dogs twice and would have gotten lost if I was on my own. Luckily, Lucy was paying attention. We did get lost once while chatting with Pattie, which lead to a short detour in a residential area. This probably added a half mile to the 26.6 mile course. At one point , I was so delusional I considered aiming for 30 miles so I could call myself an ultra runner but I quickly came to my senses.
Thank you everyone for you tweets & well wishes. I finished just under 6 hours. It was muddy, hilly & beautiful pic.twitter.com/g5nPuSuuaQ
Thanks to my friends for braving the hail, snow, and rain to watch me run by once or twice: Jamie, Miranda, Matt, Pattie (she came back after a hot shower), James, Michael and Lee. The group of runners and organizer’s were smiling and friendly the entire day. This community spirit was fantastic. If they re-route the race to be flat next year, I might consider signing up. If you like trail running, I would definitely recommend this race. The first finisher crossed the finish line in 3:29 so it is not for the faint-hearted.
I was back to work the next day and am still struggling on stairs 2 days later. I have 2 spinning sessions his week and will volunteer at Park Run on Saturday. I will try to get a longer run on Sunday as the North London Half is not far off and I haven’t run much because of my cold (which still lingers). No rest for the weary.
One of the things I miss most about living in the USA is having space for all my stuff. We visited my mom and step-dad at the start of January and I am pretty sure my flat would fit in their basement. Don’t get me wrong, I love our flat and am excited to be putting decorations up that make it ours, but I do wish it had a bit more storage. For example, our galley kitchen has limited counter space, which means I can’t invest in every kitchen gadget I see. I couldn’t even bring my pink Kitchen Aid mixer with me when we moved (I did bring my hand mixer, which blew up the first time I used it so it was probably best that I left my stand mixer with my mom).
Aside from spiralizers, juicers seemed to be the hot Christmas gift this year. I was aware of the Vitamix Total Nutrition Center Blender from my studies at Institute for Integrative Nutrition, but the NUTRiBULLET Pro 900 Series Extractor was new on my radar. There are lots of kitchen appliances aimed at improving your health, but they all involved a financial investment and coveted space in my kitchen. Plus, would I use it? (After uni, I really wanted a bread maker. My step-sister lent me hers to try out. I used it once and watched it sit unloved for a month before returning it).
I was super-psyched when my friend, Elle, told me about her new business venture, Borrow My Blender (BMB). For a low weekly fee, you can rent a Nutribullet, Vitamix, Kitchen Aid or MagiMix anywhere in the UK. London-based folks can arrange in-person delivery and pick up or Elle can ship to you if you live farther away. I had the Nutribullet, complete with several cups, handles and a recipe plan book. Elle also provides a bunch of recipes to customers. There is a required security deposit, but this is promptly refunded once you return the appliance. First off, I didn’t realise the Nutribullet had a lifestyle plan. It was really interesting to read what they recommend in terms of ingredients for smoothies, shakes, and soups. I made the following cholesterol busting recipe off of their website and it was really yummy!
Nutribullet Cholesterol Crusher Blast Smoothie- before
After! Yum.
I also experimented a little with flavours I like and things we had in the cupboard. The book gave inspiration too. I would have never considered adding whole nuts or dates to my smoothies. The Nutribullet is so powerful, it chopped up everything I threw in in less than 1 minute! The handles made it easy to blend and go without too many extra dishes to wash. A few mornings, I brought a smoothie to sip on the train with me instead of having breakfast at the table.
Improvising with what I had in the house.
BMB was really helpful to me as I could rent the Nutribullet without having to buy it first. I learned it wasn’t as big as I thought it would be and I found it easy to clean. I could also see people using BMB if they want to kick start a healthy habit of smoothies for breakfast or if preparing for a big event, such as a wedding, beach holiday or family reunion. BMB also can come to your London event and prepare smoothies for your guests, which is a nice touch after a group run or yoga class.
I am very proud of Elle and encourage you to support her small business. Like the BMB Facebook page to stay in the loop with her latest news. Or contact BMB to rent one of their appliances.
I received a complimentary loan from BMB of the Nutribullet. All opinions are honest and my own.
Long-time readers will know that I am a fan of British sport accessory brand Workplay Bags. Over the years, we have supported each other on many campaigns and it has been fantastic. It has been great reviewing their bags, which are specifically designed for the female figure, as well as testing prototypes. The Fleetfoot II I reviewed in 2012 and I have nearly worn it out. If I am running a short distance and don’t require a water bottle, I throw my keys, phone, & Oyster card in my Fleetfoot II. Technically, it could carry a small water bottle in the mesh bit, but I never liked how it felt on my lower back. The bag might also hold one small pack of Haribos or a gel, but that was it.
Introducing the Fleetfooot 3 Max in a new colour range.
Based on feedback from customers, Workplay Bags have released the Fleetfoot 3 Max. It has a slightly bigger pouch which means there is now room for your iPhone6 and inhaler. The bag also comes in new colours- black, berry, and luminous yellow. Even though it is bigger (and therefore can hold more stuff), the bag is still incredibly comfortable. The adjustable strap means you can wear it where it fits best for your body shape. I wear it on my natural waist and for me, it doesn’t bounce no matter how full (or empty) it is. Having a little more room means I pack a few gels without a problem. The interior now has three sections- a soft pouch for keys and change (to prevent your phone from getting scratched) and then a divider for the rest. There are also gel loops on the strap, which is a new feature. The mesh external storage pouch and elastic straps for holding a jacket have remained in the updated design, which allow the user to carry even more.
The bigger pouch also means a greater reflective area to maintain your visibility on early morning or late night runs. The larger size has not compromised the female fit however. The Fleetfoot 3 Max still is hardly noticeable when you wear it (no bounce and it stays in place).
Check out the high-vis. Safety is key!
It you are looking for a comfortable bum bag, please do check out Workplay bags. Support a British small business that designs for a women’s body shape and you will not be disappointed.
WorkPlay Bags graciously gifted me the Fleetfoot 3 Max for review. All opinions are honest and my own.
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