london – Project Healthy Fit Me

Alternative race recovery or a spot of relaxation

05/05/201630/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in General, Product Reviews

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If like me you are taking part in Run Hackney this weekend, then you might want to think about treating yourself to a relaxing post race float at Floatworks

I am sure you have already heard about the benefits of Epsom Salts to help ease the pain of aching muscles, well times that by 100 as you step into the biggest bath of Epsom Salts ever, imagine how good that’s going to make those aching muscles feel?

When I had a job in the City I used to have monthly floats at the Floatwork studio in London Bridge, at first I was nervous as I suffer from claustrophobia & a fear of water (I can’t swim), so the first time I visited I left the tank door open until I relaxed (don’t worry you are always in a private room), I am not entirely sure how my friend convinced me to go for my first float – it was probably the lure of a Groupon offer, but I am glad she did, as with a demanding career my monthly floats soon became a really good way to relax & have some me time, an hour to switch off and unwind

Following a change of ownership & move from London Bridge to Vauxhall, I was really excited to be invited down for a float to celebrate Floatworks relaunch at the start of April, the new studio is situated just a 2 minute walk from Vauxhall Station & is designed to ensure complete tranquility during your visit

When you arrive you are asked to complete a short questionnaire before the float process is explained to you, you are then invited to leave coats, bags shoes etc in a locker & before you are shown to your private room, the rooms are small but adequate, and contain the tank and your own private shower

In the room you are left a towel, some ear plugs and vaseline to cover any cuts or grazes, before you are left to undress/change and enjoy your float session.

As I mentioned in the past I have found the sessions so relaxing I have fallen asleep, I’m one of those people that find it very hard to switch off from daily life, unfortunately this time I was a bit like ‘ohh I wonder if I can snap a quick selfie to share on Instagram’

Post float, you have a shower, shower gels, shampoo and conditioners are all supplied, before getting dressed and being invited to spend some time in the Floatworks chill out area, where they offer complimentary juices and green teas, they even have a hair care area complete with hair dryers, straightners

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So would I recommend Floatworks, absolutely, I definitely intend to go back myself, I had planned to go after the marathon but unfortunately stairs were not my friend so I couldn’t face the trip into London.

If I were asked for feedback, my suggestions would be a hook somewhere in the room to hang clothes, offer clients two towels, if you have women attending one isn’t enough when you are encouraged to sort your hair out in a room upstairs & maybe a bath pillow, the pillow won’t fit with the luxe feel of Floatworks but for first time floaters who may take a little time to relax these will definitely stop you coming out with neck ache (& on a personal note pack a toiletry bag with deodorant, hairbrush etc to take into the float room, rather than leaving them in your locker and then having to make a dash to the loo to put on deodorant and run a comb through your soaking wet hair)

Want to know a bit more about what floating is and the benefits of it, here’s a snippet I have pinched from the Floatworks website

So what is Floating

Floatation therapy at The Floatworks is the practice of lying back effortlessly in one of our world leading i-sopod floatation tanks and drifting into a blissful, deep, meditative state that rejuvenates and revives your mind and body.

Here comes the technical bit!

Also known as floatation & float therapy, the floatation experience is delivered through a super-saturated Epsom-salt solution, 25cm deep and containing 525kg of magnesium rich Epsom-salts.

Floatation Therapy

The solution is heated to skin temperature (35.5°C) and the environment in the tank is controlled so that the air is also skin temperature. Once you are settled, it is impossible to tell which parts of your body are in the water and which are not.

This creates an environment similar to that of the Dead Sea but without the sensation of temperature or movement, which lets you float effortlessly on the surface of the water, enjoying a feeling of total freedom & weightlessness!

Our Isopod tanks are the best on earth, specifically designed to block out all external distractions including sight, sound, tactile sensations and gravity. This environment brings long lasting and transformational experiences.

Floating has become increasingly popular, as more people have learnt about floatation therapy’s remarkable benefits.

So why float

In summary, floatation therapy is awesome!

We are still exploring the depths of the benefits, and this long list will get longer as each year goes by and floatation therapy becomes ever more popular:

General well-being

Promotes total calm and peaceful relaxation
Eliminates fatigue and jet lag
Improves sleep
Alleviates stress (mental and physical)
Energises, rejuvenates and revitalises
Increases motivation, diminishes depression, anxiety and fear
Facilitates freedom from habits, phobias and addictions

Mental benefits of floatation

Stimulates left/right brain synchronisation
Shifts brain waves from beta to lower frequency alpha, theta and even delta
Creates mental clarity, alertness
Increases creativity, problem solving
Heightens visualisation
Deepens meditation
Expands awareness, intensifies acuteness of all the senses, accelerates learning
Enhances hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis

Physical benefits of floatation

Decreases the production of cortisol, ACTH, lactic acid and adrenaline
Increases production of endorphins
Speeds up rehabilitation and recovery
Relieves pain (arthritis, migraines, injuries and so on)
Boosts immune function
Improves circulation and distribution of oxygen and nutrients
Reduces blood pressure, pulse, heart rate and oxygen consumption
Improves athletic performance
Helps prevent sports injuries, speeds healing process

Have you ever tried Floating or is it something you’d like to try?

Floatworks currently have some fantastic opening offers and are also offering a 20% discount if you use the code MYFLOAT this discount CAN be used in conjunction with their other offers

NB : I was offered a complimentary float from Floatworks to celebrate their launch weekend, I was not asked to write a blog post in return but as I enjoyed it so much & had previously paid to visit I wanted to share my experience

Winter Run Series – Race Recap

02/02/201630/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in Races & Race Reviews

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I so wanted to be writing a happier race recap of this years London Winter Run & I will, but before I start I wanted to share my experience of the start line

As we headed to the start line I went to do my usual pre race selfie & Facebook check in, when something caught my eye, my news feed was full of the words RIP Terry, the sad news broken that Terry Wogan had passed away, another life taken by cancer, we are only one month into 2016 and we have already lost so many British icons, David Bowie, Alan Rickman & now Terry Wogan to this awful disease

wogan

While everyone was excited to run, the start line definitely had a more sombre feel, there was even more of a poignance as to why over 15,000 runners were standing in the rain waiting to run 6 miles on a dreary Sunday morning & when the going got tough during the race it certainly made you think, yes this run is tough, but fighting cancers tougher & my struggle is nothing compared to what many others are going through

Those of you that have been following my journey for a while will remember me being so excited about polar bear hugs & snowflake bling at last years London Winter Run and instead I got a free ride to the first aid tent, lots of sugary tea, a plaster cast for my leg and my London Marathon dreams shattered (click here to read more)

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I must admit as excited as I have been for the last 18 months about this run it has definitely been hanging over me like a dark cloud, I know its stupid, this race had nothing to do with last years accident, but pschologically it has been a barrier I had to pass through, maybe its because the 1st February marks a year since the accident but I have felt for months that if I can get through this race then I will be ok

LWR-route

In 2015 the race route ran along the Thames, unfortunately this years race was more inland (possibly due to road works down the embankment) & a little boring, I love running through London but today’s race was a lot of side streets and doubling back on ourselves, the only sights I spotted were Trafalgar Square at the start, St Pauls Cathederal & the Houses of Parliment at the finish line

Poor route aside the support along the route was great, snowmen, polar bears and penguins cheering us on, snow falling (thankfully only the fake stuff) & a fab bling waiting for us at the finish line

CaDeLkaWAAAuOUS

I ran the race with my friend Jemma, we are both running the London Marathon this year and our training runs have been around 12 minute miles, so baring in mind today was a fun run we were hoping for a finish time of around 1hr 15, so you can imagine our faces when we crossed the finish line in 1hr 8mins, its given us both a much needed confidence boost, I have a few niggles in my leg (I actually typed niggles in my head & I am wondering if that is nearer the truth & that the niggles are in my head) but I am hoping some stretching and a few days rest they will pass as the marathon training is starting to get serious over the next few weeks

If the London Winter Run sounds like a race you would like to take part in, why not click on the link below to register your interest in next years event.

My Day At The OM Yoga Show, Olympia, London

12/11/201431/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in General

I have had a couple of bad experiences with yoga, attending what was meant to be the first session of a beginners courses to find everyone else bending in multiple directions & me just sitting on my mat thinking how they hell do they do that

Yoga seemed elitest to me, everyone seemed to be an expert, I felt like everyone was looking at me thinking what is she doing here, she can’t even do a downward dog (I am actually surprised I even know what the pose is, but that proves how many classes I have sat in on and wanted to feel a part of)

Pilates on the other hand I love, again I am far from supple but I always felt welcome in a Pilates Class, my experience has been that the instructor moves around the room, correcting your positions if necessary or helping you move deeper into a position, a few years ago when I was running a lot I really found Pilates helped me stretch out my muscles and seemed to keep injuries at bay, but I can’t find a local Pilates class at times I am able to attend whereas Yoga studio’s are popping up everywhere and everyone I know raves about it and after the year I have had I love the idea of the meditation aspect of it

So when I saw a competition on Lucy Lunges blog to win two tickets to the OM yoga show, I decided to leave it to fate, if yoga and me was meant to be then winning these tickets would be my opportunity to give it another try – Thanks Lucy

I was still apprehensive about attending I looked online at the selection of classes that were available a few charged a small fee but most were free and open on a first come basis

Both my friend and I were keen on the Boxing Yoga class, I naively thought because I enjoyed boxercise I would enjoy this and it would be similar.. Think Nikki think!!

Here’s what Boxing Yoga have to say about their class

A BoxingYoga™ class merges boxing technique with traditional and innovative yoga postures in a 60-minute class format. The four stages of the class are performed in one continuous movement sequence to music, with intensity adapted to participant’s needs and ability.

There was still a lot I couldn’t keep up with and there were some very basic positions I am not sure I will ever be able to gracefully get into, but depsite this session being held in full view of the hundreds of people visiting the show for once I didn’t feel paranoid about my efforts & OMG I was surprised how much I could already feel it in my core – just how out of shape have I gotten?

Next was the I ❤ Wellicious – Open Your Heart session, this class was pure fun, and if it was run locally I would definitely make an effort to attend

As well as there being classes to try there was also lots of exhibitors & as I am a sucker for a protein bar this was something I was very excited about, lots to try and even more to buy

I admit I went a bit crazy especially on the Ombar’s but I have not seen them in the shops so this was a perfect opportunity to give the various different varities without the steep postage costs, my favourite purchases are definitely my Yogi Tea‘s Chai Latte & the Ombar, I still have to try my Bakewell Tart Nakd Bar (why can’t I buy these in the supermarket) and the Pulsin Bars

We finished the day off with a quick visit to Nando’s before I headed over to Battersea Park to take part in the 5k Poppy Run

Thank you again Lucy for the tickets, it has definitely given me the confidence to try BYE your Hot Yoga Studio

My Poppy Run, Battersea Park, London

12/11/201431/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in Races & Race Reviews

Race No 21 – The Poppy Run 5k

As soon as I saw this race advertised I knew I had to enter, like most people my age my grandparents fought in the war, my ex husband was in Iraq during the early 90’s and I have friends that have been involved in the more recent conflicts so the British Legion Poppy Appeal is something I always support

Unfortunately I didn’t really think the logistics of this one through very well, my local race was being held at night in a park, I am scared of my own shadow and now had to find my way to the registration point in a very large dimly lit park on my own, I expected there to be signs directing you to the start but unfortunately there wasn’t a single one, so I ended up walking around in a very large circle

The registration process was simple and the bag drop while the least secure I have ever seen (a pile in the bandstand) was perfectly adequate

The race itself was disappointing, two laps of part of the park, Battersea Park is beautiful and sits between Albert & Battersea bridges unfortunately, the organisers brought us on an earlier pathway so we didn’t get to see the bridges lit up at night. I also managed not to turn my watch on at the start, I am not sure what is going on with me and races recently so I don’t know what my time was other than not good – I also had to stop and tie my shoe laces, what is wrong with me recently

I have to give a special mention to the goody bag, entry to this race was only £15 and included a t-shirt, medal & one of the best goody bags I have seen at a race, I am loving the Whole Earth Peanut Butter sachets being given out at races recently

If your would like to register your interest in taking part in one of the Poppy Run events in 2015, please click on the link below

Running with an Olympian

22/10/201431/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in Races & Race Reviews

Race No. 20 – Running with an Olympian

(ok so I know this wasn’t a race but it was to amazing not to go in my 26 races in 2014)

Those of you that know me will know I consider myself to be Mo Farah’s training buddy, after running the Bupa 10,000 with him in 2012 – running the same race means I helped him get his Olympic Gold medal, right? & then this years Great North Run – he won it this year, last year he came second, what was the difference? Me, I was there running with him!!

Seriously I’m like his good luck charm, maybe Mo should enter next years London Marathon with me running too he’s practically guaranteed a win

Last Tuesday I moved my allegiance from Mo & had the privilege of running with yet another Olympian & current European Women’s 10,000m gold medalist Jo Pavey

Jo lead us on a 5k run to promote the new London Winter Run, an exciting new 10k that will be taking to the streets of London next February taking us past many of the iconic landmarks , that the route will pass next year like St Paul’s, the Thames, the London Eye, Westminster and Tower Bridge

(that’s me in the pink trainers hidden at the back)

We also got to experience one of the many snow machines that will be out on the course next year (I have my fingers crossed I will not have to deal with the real stuff on the day) & test out the polar bear hugs waiting for you at the finishing line, they were fab!

While we were running Jo was chatting to everyone offering advice and tips on training, how to cope with injury etc

After the weekends Royal Parks Half Marathon fiasco I had really had to drag myself out of bed to attend this run on a wet & windy morning but I’m so glad I did, there is something incredibly inspirational about running with someone like Jo

But even more inspirational than Jo were the 4 ladies there who were there running and representing Cancer Research UK the London Winter Runs chosen charity, each of these ladies are in training for next years race and have either beaten cancer or are still under going treatment, even writing this brings tears to my eyes they are the true inspirations and heroes of this race

If you would like to take part in next years race, places are still available but the race is booking up fast, Elle from Keep it simpElle has secured this fantastic discount, other discounts are available if booking as a group of 5 runners, so what are you waiting for come and join us & enjoy some winter fun

My Royal Parks Half Marathon

21/10/201431/10/2019 by ProjectHealthyFitMe, posted in Races & Race Reviews

Race No 19 – Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon

It started so well, the night before I happened to notice that Leah from Naturally Leah, had retweeted her race recap from last years Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, learning from Leah & knowing how much I hate early starts & that I had to leave home just before 7am, I decided to gather all my kit together ready for the following days race

Just as well I did really because as predicted, I snoozed my alarm clock twice & then dithered around the house meaning I left 15 minutes later than planned & had to eat my trusty pre race breakfast of peanut butter on toast on the way to the station

Despite me running late & their being problems on both the tube lines I needed to use I still arrived with 30 mins to spare

The race village was busy, I hadn’t planned to use the bag drop, I had taken an old hoody that I was going to dump, but at the last minute I changed my mind and stored my hoody before heading off and joining what seemed to be the never ending queue for the loo

The start pens were easy enough to find, it was a little strange no having anyone with me, this was my first time running a Half Marathon without having friends in the start pen with me or knowing I had anyone to meet with at the finish, but even so I was still quite excited, for months I had secretly been hoping for a PB at this event, and watching last weeks Great Scottish Run on TV had really left me pumped and ready to run, just enough time for a pre race selfie and then we were crossing the start line

& thats where my race started to go wrong, literally that quickly, only meters away from the start, I think I stopped 3 times in the first kilometer, I wear knee supports as I have a problem with my IT Band, both knee supports kept feeling like they were falling down, I kept trying to pull them up, but they were just twisting and becoming uncomfortable, I wear a small bag around my waist that carries my phone, travelcard and a few gels, this has never bothered me in the past but today it kept bouncing and one of my gels had already started to slip put of the holder, and then my capri’s started to feel like they were falling down, what was going? I think it was all the plling about I had been doing with the knee supports had just made me feel uncomfortably dressed and had been a total waste of time because the next time I looked down the right support had slipped so far it was becoming visible from beneath my capri’s, in the end I gave up and stopped at the first set of toilets to try and sort out my knee supports, almost as soon as my race had started my chances of a PB had slipped away

I started running again, but still couldn’t get comfortable, I had forgotten to take my paracetamol before I left home and already I could feel my shin niggling (a not so happy reminder of the Spitfire Scramble), my earphones kept falling out, I never run with music, but being on my own today I hoped it would give me a lift, but that didn’t last much past the 2 mile marker either & because I wasn’t listening to any music, I hadn’t noticed that my ipod had become unclipped from my waistband and was dangling down, trying to wrap itself around my leg until someone tapped me on the shoulder

I thought about just running for fun, taking out my phone and taking some photos as I was crossing Westminster Bridge but I felt silly to stop so early on so I just kept moving, then at 4 miles I started to feel funny, I have lost count of how many races I have taken part in, I know I wasn’t in the best shape of my life but I shouldn’t be hitting a wall at 6.5k, I just felt really lightheaded, dizzy and absolutely exhausted, there was a toilet just ahead so i decided to take myself out of the race for a few minutes, have an energy gel and some water and just stand quietly for a few minutes and regroup.

Because I was going to stop for a few minutes I done something I have never done before, I paused my Garmin, except I didn’t, I switched it off..

Seriously what else could go wrong?! I love my Garmin, it keeps me on track & lets me know whether or not I am on track, I paniced for a second, expecting a full on meltdown, but instead I had a strange sense of calm, I was very near Embankment Station, I had two choices, go home, or shut up and just get on with it and get to the end of the race no matter how long it took

I had seen the above quote on Instagram the night before and I decided now more than ever I needed to embrace it, I had completed 5 walking marathons, no matter how long this took, I couldn’t let this race defeat me, so I reset my watch and started to move again.

Around the 5 mile mark just as we were running down The Mall, I spotted a girl called Becca, we had passed each other a few times already along the route and had spoken to offer words of encouragement a few times, just as we reentered Hyde Park I spotted Becca again, she was taking a short walking break so I gave her a wave and said come on, you can’t let me beat you! immediately she started running again, and just like that we both found ourselves a running buddy to get us around the rest of the course, the next few miles literally seemed to fly by as we ran, chatted and walked for the odd few minutes

I knew Leah one of my fellow Spitfire Scramblers was hoping to be around the 9 mile mark and honestly I don’t think I have ever been happier to see anyone, running with Becca had rebuilt my confidence, we were running strong, so when I saw Leah I literally ran towards her waving my arms in the air & a smile on my face, a huge contrast to how I felt earlier in the race and after that first Spitfire Scramble lap & I thank you so much Leah for being such a fab photographer because I don’t think I have ever had such a good photo taken while running

Photo Credit – Naturally Leah

The final few miles passed quickly, with Becca and I still chatting as we went along, finally the finish line was in sight, now I don’t think Becca will mind me saying that I helped her around the last few miles, she was suffering from Shin Splints and I promised I wouldn’t leave her, so we ran intervals that I had timed on my watch, while we were running she had mentioned that she used to be a sprinter and that distance really wasn’t her thing & in those last few 100 meters Becca really come into her own, as we passed the 200m sign she grabbed me and said come on, and out of no where she was off like a rocket, with me chasing along behind her, I have never been one for a sprint finish but I am very proud to say Becca helped me achieve this in this race & I have the photo’s to prove it (2 photo’s in one race with me smiling!! I’d never have guessed that when I thought about quitting at mile 4)

This race really was a mental one rather than a physical one, I had been so tempted to quit but I am so glad I carried on, I want to give a big shout out to Becca again on completing her first Half Marathon, to Rebekah on a PB & to Tanja & Leah on being fantastic supporters

Last but not least the second half of my time

The Bling

Oh and the most amazing goody bag I have ever received at a race, which included a £25 Hello Fresh voucher (I have been wanting to try Hello Fresh for ages), Whole Earth Peanut Butter, Yorkshire Tea Bags, Dorset Cereal, a Bounce Ball, plus much much more

Would I do the Royal Parks Half Marathon again, probably not, the £50 race entry is pretty steep but I would definitely look into volunteering, I think after the marathon 2015 should definitely be about giving something back to all the races I have previously ran