Caring for the environment is something I have always felt strongly about. There wasn’t any recycling on campus when I went to university so my first trip home (a six hour drive) I brought a laundry basket full of recycling (and another full of dirty clothes). Living in London, I am amazed at how many people litter and how much rubbish ends up all over the place. Some of it may be due to lack of public rubbish bins (there are reduced numbers available due to security), but I think it is primarily down to laziness and lack of respect. When I used to go on dog walks, I would pick up crisp packets and empty bottles to help keep the local parks clean.
A brand I am quite fond of, Keen Europe, has started up their own initiative to keep our water ways clean. Their new campaign, #bettertakesaction, had a boat tour all over Europe to encourage people to get outside, explore, and protect the planet (which is a big part of my own brand’s ethos). Did you know that 60% of the European population is not active enough and do not spend enough time outdoors to keep healthy? Along with that 18 billion pounds of plastic ends up in the ocean every year. 80% of this waste comes from land. People- we can do better on both accounts.
Sadly the tour is over now, but Cal Majors, of Paddle Against Plastic, is continuing her own campaign. She stand up paddle-boarded (SUPed) from Land’s End to John O’Groats over two months. Plastic Whale came over from The Netherlands to help us collect the plastic we found in the canal around Hackney Wick. This company takes plastic bottles (like water and soft drink bottles) to make their boats as this type of plastic can be made into the correct material. The other waste we collected was sorted into “other plastic” and “garbage” for various recycling efforts or the landfill.
Between the kayaks and the Keen boat, we found all sorts of stuff- shoes, noise makers, bottles, watering cans, a pregnancy test, candy wrappers and a ceramic vase. You can see that some stuff gets blown in if the bins are full. There were also a lot of small pieces of plastic that went right through the nets which we were unable to remove. The bigger stuff eventually gets broken down, which makes it harder to remove and easier for animals in ingest.
Personally, I think there are two simple things you can do to greatly reduce your impact on the environment. First, carry a reusable water bottle (I love my Hydroflasks) or just drink tap water. If you can’t find a water bottle that is convenient to carry, dust off your flask and simply fill it with water. It will fit easily into your pocket or a small bag. Second, don’t buy takeaway coffee or if you must, use a reusable cup. My husband has several of these collapsible silicone cups and leaves them around so he always has one handy. There are lots of other things you can do to help too, but from what I see in London, these two would have a significant impact. Keen was kind enough to give us a reusable water bottle, metal straws, and canvas bags to us to get started.
I am hoping to continue #bettertakesaction in the local London waterways on a SUP board ramping up to the London Regatta. There are a few bits to put into place before I can announce anything formally.
My Keen Ethos with the bottle cap boat floor
If you are a long-time reader of my blog, you may remember I reviewed the Keen Ethos last summer. Their range of shoes are versatile for adventures on land and water. While already a big name in the USA, they are steadily finding their way into the European adventurer’s closets. A lot of my outdoorsy friends have their kids kitted out in Keens as the sandals have reinforced toes and the soles are thick plastic and very durable. For those who prefer hiking, you can also read my review of the Terradora boots.
As a consumer, it is important to me to support brands that align with my values. Keen is one of those. Since the company was founded in 2003, Keen has donated more than $17 million to chariites and non-profits that work for people, animals, and the environment. I hope you spend some time getting to know them too. If you enjoy being outdoors and active (whether in the mountains or on the water), you will also love their shoes.
Before you go, here is a minute-long time lapse of our group going through the lock on the canal. I can’t remember the last time I was in a lock. It was so cool!
Thanks to Keen and Plastic Whale for inviting me along to this event. All opinions are honest and my own. This post contains affiliate links which cost the buyer nothing additional but help contribute to the costs for running this site.
This year I have been so lucky to spend time outdoors on various adventures. Packing for these sorts of trips can be difficult as you don’t want to pack too much but you also want to have the kit that you need. When Keen contacted me about their new Terradora Ethos hiking trainers, I was super excited to try them out. As you may have read previously, I am very familiar with the US brand Keen. I have had a pair of their Newport sandals (or something similar) for years and wore them a lot in Thailand (every beach trip and even when snorkeling to protect my feet from sharp shells). The only thing about them is that they are very bulky and make my feet look very large compared to my dainty ankles.
Keen Terradora Ethos
The Ethos are designed to be a versatile shoe you can wear on the trail but also through water. They are very light with a sleek design and I love the purple colour. I wore them on a few dog walks on Wanstead Flats before taking them to Love Trails Festival. They were instantly comfortable to walk in at camp. The cut outs on the side allow for a cool breeze but unfortunately the occasional pebble. The secure-fit laces make it quick to put them on or take off as I popped into my tent.
The water crossing
At Love Trails, I took them out for a 10k trail run and didn’t experience any Achilles pain. Whenever I switch shoes, I usually experience some discomfort. I think it may be due to a change in the height of the heel but haven’t tried to confirm that yet but looking at the shoe stats. Also, we had a high water crossing on the route. When everyone else was faffing taking off their shoes and socks, I smugly went straight in and out on the other side. Running in the wet Ethos didn’t pose a problem at all. In fact, it was really nice to have the cool water on my feet while the temperature approached 30 degrees.
I also took my Ethos on another camping trip to Wales the following weekend. This time, we stayed at a proper campsite with indoor showers. I wore my Ethos in the shower and around camp to give my feet a rest from my heavy trail shoes. Even though they were wet in my bag for the long drive home, they didn’t stink when I unpacked them late that night.
With the flattering slim design of the Ethos, I think they will be replacing my old Keen sandals on upcoming trips. The are a little more “dressy” if I paired them with jeans while travelling and won’t take up as much room in my suitcase. I can also wear them over multiple types of terrain, apart from snow! I found out they are also very durable as our local fox chewed mine overnight while they dried in my garden. No more drying outside! Lesson learned.
Do you have shoes that are versatile for adventures and travelling?
Thanks to Keen for the complimentary pair of shoes. All opinions (and urban foxes) are honest and my own.
This year I have been so lucky to spend time outdoors on various adventures. Packing for these sorts of trips can be difficult as you don’t want to pack too much but you also want to have the kit that you need. When Keen contacted me about their new Terradora Ethos hiking trainers, I was super excited to try them out. As you may have read previously, I am very familiar with the US brand Keen. I have had a pair of their Newport sandals (or something similar) for years and wore them a lot in Thailand (every beach trip and even when snorkeling to protect my feet from sharp shells). The only thing about them is that they are very bulky and make my feet look very large compared to my dainty ankles.
Keen Terradora Ethos
The Ethos are designed to be a versatile shoe you can wear on the trail but also through water. They are very light with a sleek design and I love the purple colour. I wore them on a few dog walks on Wanstead Flats before taking them to Love Trails Festival. They were instantly comfortable to walk in at camp. The cut outs on the side allow for a cool breeze but unfortunately the occasional pebble. The secure-fit laces make it quick to put them on or take off as I popped into my tent.
The water crossing
At Love Trails, I took them out for a 10k trail run and didn’t experience any Achilles pain. Whenever I switch shoes, I usually experience some discomfort. I think it may be due to a change in the height of the heel but haven’t tried to confirm that yet but looking at the shoe stats. Also, we had a high water crossing on the route. When everyone else was faffing taking off their shoes and socks, I smugly went straight in and out on the other side. Running in the wet Ethos didn’t pose a problem at all. In fact, it was really nice to have the cool water on my feet while the temperature approached 30 degrees.
I also took my Ethos on another camping trip to Wales the following weekend. This time, we stayed at a proper campsite with indoor showers. I wore my Ethos in the shower and around camp to give my feet a rest from my heavy trail shoes. Even though they were wet in my bag for the long drive home, they didn’t stink when I unpacked them late that night.
With the flattering slim design of the Ethos, I think they will be replacing my old Keen sandals on upcoming trips. The are a little more “dressy” if I paired them with jeans while travelling and won’t take up as much room in my suitcase. I can also wear them over multiple types of terrain, apart from snow! I found out they are also very durable as our local fox chewed mine overnight while they dried in my garden. No more drying outside! Lesson learned.
Do you have shoes that are versatile for adventures and travelling?
Thanks to Keen for the complimentary pair of shoes. All opinions (and urban foxes) are honest and my own.
One of the great things about being a fitness blogger is the opportunity to try new products. This year, I was extremely lucky and received a few pairs of trainers (sneakers, for you Americans). Before the London Marathon, I was hesitant to try any new pairs of shoes before the race (#1 rule- never try anything new). After the marathon, I continued to attend track sessions with Advent Running and started incorporating more strength training in.
My last six pairs of running shoes have been Asics Nimbus 15’s and I am petrified of what to do when my last pair wear out. Good trainers can cost £100+ so there is a big financial risk and, of course, a possible injury risk. With a long-term history of Achilles tendinitis and more recently plantar fasciitis, I am always worried that changing shoes will cause me problems again.
Last year, in true American fashion, I met a Hoka One One rep on the Tube last year and discussed becoming an ambassador with him. I had heard good things about Hoka One One as they are very cushioned. Originally designed for ultra runners, the unique thick sole provided more protection than other shoes at the time. I was hoping the extra padding would give me a bit more bounce (rather than relying on my Achilles) and protect my joints with each step I take (yes, I am a heel-striker). The rep sent me a pair of Clifton 2’s to try out. Here is info about the Clifton 2’s for you shoe geeks out there:
Clifton 2 Weight- 203g Where to wear them- Road (Hoka One One claims that there running shoes have 50% more cushioning that standard running shoes). Preferred ride- Plush Type of runner- Neutral Drop- 5mm offset (24mm forefoot, 29mm heel) Insides- 3mm Ortholite insole
It took a while to adjust to the shoes because they were elevated (due to thick insole). I took a few days to gradually break them in and get used to the motion of the shoe. It felt like I was rocking forward. I wore them to track, on local runs, and the Women’s Running Magazine 10K in Milton Keynes. They were comfortable enough that I started to wear them to work too (which I normally don’t do with my running shoes in order to save the miles for my marathon training). However, I was still stiff the day after runs. With a few pairs of Nimbus 15’s in my closet, I probably didn’t give the Clifton 2’s as much time to adjust to as I should of, but I was worried about aggravating my injuries.
This spring, Hoka One One sent me a snazzy pair of Hupanas. When I first looked at them, I could see the insoles were not as thick as the Clifton 2s. They seemed comfortable when I put them on for the photos. Here are their stats:
Sadly, I have yet to run in the Hupanas. After the London Marathon though, my Achilles have gotten progressively worse. I took most of June and all of July off from running in the hopes that they would heal. But they never did. At the end of July, the osteopath diagnosed me with Achilles tendinopathy, rather than tendinitis (I am not too sure how they are different), and prescribed eccentric exercises to help me heal. It was a 12 week program but I only had 8 weeks until Chicago Marathon when I started.
When I tried on the Hupanas on for the photos, they were really comfy. I think that they are urban-sleek too, meaning you could wear them for day-to-day casual.
Huspana on top and Cliften 2’s on the bottom
I really like the aesthetic design of this shoe.
As I can’t tell you much about how the shoe feels when you run in them, I can try to explain what an offset or ‘drop’ is. I have heard this term from many of my running friends who take running much more seriously than I do. They know about running shoes like my dad knows about cars. Make, models, specifications, and availability. I am trying to learn what I can from these experienced runners so I can find the next pair of shoes that will allow me to run pain-free.
I spoke with a friend and fellow blogger, Steve Skinner, who works at The Running Works in London to learn more about these terms. He explained the offset/drop is the difference between heel height and forefoot height. If the offset is zero, the heel and the ball of the forefoot would be at exactly the same height off the ground. He added “The weight of a shoe is less important for someone running 5k a few times a week to stay healthy compared to someone racing regularly. However, if you are an efficient runner and light on your feet you might not need a huge amount of cushioning and/or support. A lightweight pair could be more comfortable and help you to run more efficiently/quicker.” You can tell from the stats above that the Clifton 2 has a 1/2 cm thicker sole than the Hupanas. This info is useful for people who have joint pain, run long distances, or prefer sprints on the track.
Steve made a good point saying if you have comfortable shoes to run in, you will want to run more. He recommends that every runner have a gait analysis to help you understand how you run and what you need in a shoe. With your perfect match, you can run more efficiently too.
Another view to compare the insoles
As the saying goes, ‘give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world.’ That is what I am hoping for with my next pair of running shoes. After I complete the Chicago Marathon next month, I will be half way through my World Marathon Major quest and ready for more.
If you have run in a the Hupanas, let me know in the comments below how they felt. As soon as I can, I will update this post too.
One of the great things about being a fitness blogger is the opportunity to try new products. This year, I was extremely lucky and received a few pairs of trainers (sneakers, for you Americans). Before the London Marathon, I was hesitant to try any new pairs of shoes before the race (#1 rule- never try anything new). After the marathon, I continued to attend track sessions with Advent Running and started incorporating more strength training in.
My last six pairs of running shoes have been Asics Nimbus 15’s and I am petrified of what to do when my last pair wear out. Good trainers can cost £100+ so there is a big financial risk and, of course, a possible injury risk. With a long-term history of Achilles tendinitis and more recently plantar fasciitis, I am always worried that changing shoes will cause me problems again.
Last year, in true American fashion, I met a Hoka One One rep on the Tube last year and discussed becoming an ambassador with him. I had heard good things about Hoka One One as they are very cushioned. Originally designed for ultra runners, the unique thick sole provided more protection than other shoes at the time. I was hoping the extra padding would give me a bit more bounce (rather than relying on my Achilles) and protect my joints with each step I take (yes, I am a heel-striker). The rep sent me a pair of Clifton 2’s to try out. Here is info about the Clifton 2’s for you shoe geeks out there:
Clifton 2 Weight- 203g Where to wear them- Road (Hoka One One claims that there running shoes have 50% more cushioning that standard running shoes). Preferred ride- Plush Type of runner- Neutral Drop- 5mm offset (24mm forefoot, 29mm heel) Insides- 3mm Ortholite insole
It took a while to adjust to the shoes because they were elevated (due to thick insole). I took a few days to gradually break them in and get used to the motion of the shoe. It felt like I was rocking forward. I wore them to track, on local runs, and the Women’s Running Magazine 10K in Milton Keynes. They were comfortable enough that I started to wear them to work too (which I normally don’t do with my running shoes in order to save the miles for my marathon training). However, I was still stiff the day after runs. With a few pairs of Nimbus 15’s in my closet, I probably didn’t give the Clifton 2’s as much time to adjust to as I should of, but I was worried about aggravating my injuries.
This spring, Hoka One One sent me a snazzy pair of Hupanas. When I first looked at them, I could see the insoles were not as thick as the Clifton 2s. They seemed comfortable when I put them on for the photos. Here are their stats:
Sadly, I have yet to run in the Hupanas. After the London Marathon though, my Achilles have gotten progressively worse. I took most of June and all of July off from running in the hopes that they would heal. But they never did. At the end of July, the osteopath diagnosed me with Achilles tendinopathy, rather than tendinitis (I am not too sure how they are different), and prescribed eccentric exercises to help me heal. It was a 12 week program but I only had 8 weeks until Chicago Marathon when I started.
When I tried on the Hupanas on for the photos, they were really comfy. I think that they are urban-sleek too, meaning you could wear them for day-to-day casual.
Huspana on top and Cliften 2’s on the bottom
I really like the aesthetic design of this shoe.
As I can’t tell you much about how the shoe feels when you run in them, I can try to explain what an offset or ‘drop’ is. I have heard this term from many of my running friends who take running much more seriously than I do. They know about running shoes like my dad knows about cars. Make, models, specifications, and availability. I am trying to learn what I can from these experienced runners so I can find the next pair of shoes that will allow me to run pain-free.
I spoke with a friend and fellow blogger, Steve Skinner, who works at The Running Works in London to learn more about these terms. He explained the offset/drop is the difference between heel height and forefoot height. If the offset is zero, the heel and the ball of the forefoot would be at exactly the same height off the ground. He added “The weight of a shoe is less important for someone running 5k a few times a week to stay healthy compared to someone racing regularly. However, if you are an efficient runner and light on your feet you might not need a huge amount of cushioning and/or support. A lightweight pair could be more comfortable and help you to run more efficiently/quicker.” You can tell from the stats above that the Clifton 2 has a 1/2 cm thicker sole than the Hupanas. This info is useful for people who have joint pain, run long distances, or prefer sprints on the track.
Steve made a good point saying if you have comfortable shoes to run in, you will want to run more. He recommends that every runner have a gait analysis to help you understand how you run and what you need in a shoe. With your perfect match, you can run more efficiently too.
Another view to compare the insoles
As the saying goes, ‘give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world.’ That is what I am hoping for with my next pair of running shoes. After I complete the Chicago Marathon next month, I will be half way through my World Marathon Major quest and ready for more.
If you have run in a the Hupanas, let me know in the comments below how they felt. As soon as I can, I will update this post too.
Spring has finally arrived in London and I am so excited. With the warmer weather, there comes varying trail conditions, rainy pavements, and occasionally the icy morning.
When I ran the Mill Hill Marathon, I wore my trail shoes. Unfortunately, they are not waterproof but I did treat them with a spray when they were fresh out of the box. They offered a bit more grip on the rocky paths, but no shoes would have been a match for the ankle-deep mud puddles.
Nice layer of mud on my shoes.
Having grown up in a place that gets four proper seasons, I have come to appreciate functional footwear over fashion. (This could also be because London’s cobbled streets are too much for my heel collection.) With all the walking I do in between public transport and running errands, I choose comfy shoes and prefer waterproof ones when the weather is poor (which seems to be often in London).
For example, I wear wool-lined wellies when out walking Oldland in the woods. It helps keep my feet warm and my jeans mostly mud-free. These walks are only 30-45 minutes and on flat terrain.
If I am out running on the pavement (‘sidewalk’ for you Americans) on a sunny day, my running shoes cushion my body as the miles add up.
After a run commute, on the Tube.
Right now, I am looking for comfy (and stylish) walking sandals for my upcoming trip to Cairo. We will be walking in the city (and I think the desert near the pyramids) for 4 days, which means I need shoes that are cushioned and won’t give me blisters. I have some Keens, but they are a bit chunky. My feet are quite narrow, meaning it is hard to find sandals that fit my feet. I have a month before I go though, so I will keep looking around.
It is really important to choose the right shoes for the activity you are going to do so you can focus on enjoying your time rather than worrying about your feet being blistered or sore. Hi-Tec have made this handy infographic to help you choose a new pair of walking boots. It is time to get out of winter hibernation mode and start being active outside. Get the right kit, and get out there!
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