Women's Running October 2021

ISSUE 142 || OCTOBER 2021 I feel like it’s taken this long to put a spring back in our steps, so I make that a full 18 months. 18 months of uncertainty, anxiety and fear. 18 months of getting our heads round the virtual world, grappling with Zoom, and seeing our own faces too much. 18 months of switching between going hell for leather and retreating into our caves to eat crisps. 18 months of our worlds feeling a whole lot smaller than before. So here we are. And I have to admit I do feel a lot brighter, and I really hope you do too. A lot of that is because of races opening up again – London Marathon, you joyful beast, we simply cannot WAIT. But most of it is because…

Louise Pyne Louise is a qualified nutritionist and experienced freelance health writer. She is interested in all aspects of women’s health and fitness and takes a holistic approach to wellness, creating bespoke diet plans for people looking to improve their lifestyle. This issue, she investigated the post-marathon comedown on page 92, and how we can combat it. Anne-Marie Lategan Anne-Marie is a qualified Human Movement Specialist and ultra-marathon runner who has worked with Women’s Running since the very first issue, making sure we remember our strength training. She really misses travelling to exotic places to go for a run, but she’s currently enjoying running early in the mornings through her local forest. This issue, she created our core strength workout on page 84. Juliet McGrattan Juliet is a former GP turned health writer and author.…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with people all over the world showing support for those who suffer from this cancer by raising money through sporting pursuits. However, not only should we be raising funds, and celebrating those who are trying to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, it’s also a time to remember how important it is to check your breasts regularly. All women should learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and visit their GP if they notice a change. There’s no special way to check your breasts and you don’t need any training. All you need to do is use the easy-to-remember TLC method: • Touch your breasts. Can you feel anything new or unusual? • Look for changes. Does anything look different to you? •…

Have you ever wondered why more athletes from marginalised groups don’t participate in endurance sports? That was the question Gatorade Endurance was trying to answer when it launched a recent survey for athletes and non-athletes in the US. They were specifically looking to understand the barriers for black people, people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, and disabled people. The survey identified three key barriers, with safety being the first and largest. Carolyn Su – distance runner, advocate, and creator of Diverse We Run (@diversewerun) – said: “True inclusion is tied to safety. That sense of safety isn’t solely the responsibility of the individual.” A worrying 22 percent of potential athletes who took part in this survey expressed concerns about falling victim to hate crimes (including gender-based violence and racism) while training. In the…

SMART SKIN GOLDEN JELLY CLEANSER £24, MYSMARTSKIN.CO.UK Grape seed oil, sweet almond oil and orange fruit water work to cleanse, purify and brighten your skin during the dull winter months. Go on – treat yourself! VIGOUR8 BODYWASH & RECOVERY BATH SALTS £23.86 & £13.89, VIGOUR8.COM Essential oils freshen skin and promote antibacterial properties in the shower, or jump in the bath and let turmeric and magnesium ease muscle aches. RESCUE REMEDY RESCUE PASTILLES £5.99, AMAZON.CO.UK Carry these for days when you need some natural stress relief to help you tackle your busy day. Each pastille contains one dose of the famous Rescue Remedy.…

Wave goodbye to the cold On slightly chillier runs, avoid heavier layers and keep warm with the Kymira Infrared Fleece Gloves. They have fingertips which are sensitive to smartphone use, and the long wrist section will prevent cold air wriggling up your sleeves. Clever infrared technology also boosts circulation in your hands. £35, kymirasport.com Light as a feather The OMM Kamleika Jacket is almost weightless and will protect you in harsher weather. It’s super comfy due to its stretchy knitted fabric and it offers exceptional breathability too. The coat keeps the bad weather at bay with its adjustable peaked hood and high zip; when you add in thumbholes, a deep dropped hem and taped seams, you get awesome waterproof protection of 20,000mmHH. The large zipped pockets are also waterproof so your phone will stay…