Christmas Coffee Series - Costa Salted Caramel Latte

The good thing about having a blog with coffee in the title means that I feel like I can get away with trying lots of different coffees as long as I blog about them.

Christmas brings about lots of new festive drinks from the likes of Costa and Starbucks so I am going to try them all out and let you know my thoughts on them.

Just a note before we get started, I take my coffee skinny with no cream.

First up we have the salted caramel latte from Costa.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Bonus points to Costa for having such cute cups![/caption]

I am a massive fan of salted caramel so naturally this was my first choice and it was definitely the right one to start with!

I generally prefer Costa to Starbucks because I find the coffee to be stronger, although sometimes it can be a bit bitter, not the case in this coffee at all. It was very smooth and mellow, I even want to describe it as being buttery because it was so easy to drink, but didn't taste of butter if that makes any sense?

I tried a tiny bit of the syrup that was on the lid of the coffee cup and was surprised to find it tasted a lot like salted caramel, I was very impressed because I've tried a salted caramel hot chocolate before and thought it tasted no different to a normal hot chocolate.

Despite it being caramel, the salt in it stops it from being too sickly sweet, although you definitely don't need to add any sugar to this drink.

It also tastes a lot different to the caramel latte which I'm impressed with, I feel like sometimes they just rebrand regular drinks as new limited edition festive drinks.

After drinking this coffee I managed to run my furthest distance so far, although that may not be a direct result of the coffee, it will definitely make me associate good runs with this latte,

Score: 4.5/5 - A really enjoyable mellow coffee which I think can easily be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Review - SOLE Custom Footbeds

I have been interested in custom insoles ever since I read on Skinny Runners blog that she loves her custom fit pair, so when I was offered the chance to try some for myself I jumped at the opportunity.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Insoles from my Asics GT 2000, well used.[/caption]

Custom insoles are designed to help prevent injuries by adding support to where you need it. Despite having a higher than average foot arch I overpronate so if I don’t wear shoes with a bit of extra structure and support I end up with pain in my right ankle that quite often leaves me only being able to run once a week whilst I recover.
I now have shoes that fit that were properly fitted, Asics GT 2000, and I am very happy with them but I still get a tiny bit of ankle discomfort on longer runs which I hoped insoles would stop.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] SOLE Thinsulate Custom Footbeds[/caption]

I have been trying out the SOLE Thinsulate footbeds for a couple of weeks. You can mould them to the shape of your feet by heating them up in the oven on the lowest heat for 2 minutes which is what I did or you can mould them to your feet just by wearing them running.

On my first run, a 5km commuter run, they made my shoes feel very tight and rigid, however when I first tried my Asics the extra structure made them feel quite similar too, especially compared to the Nike Frees I was wearing before! By the end of the run I could still feel there was extra support in my shoes, but they were very comfortable.

I’ve also tried the SOLE footbeds on one of my longer weekend runs and amazingly enough there were no ankle twinges! This may have been psychological but the shoes where very comfortable and I also felt they provided a bit more cushioning on the hard pavement making for a very comfortable run.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] My SOLE Custom Footbeds after heat moulding[/caption]

The SOLE Thinsulate model are as the name suggests, insulated footbeds which is great for the upcoming cold months. They are also moisture wicking which is great for runners who suffer with sweaty feet.

I would definitely recommend trying out a pair of SOLE custom footbeds, everyones feet are different so it’s great that these can be moulded to the individuals feet to try and make your run as comfortable and injury free as possible.

Half Marathon Training - Week 5

This weeks half marathon training was a lot more successful, and I actually managed to increase my mileage, go me!

Monday – Rest day

Tuesday – Crossfit. WOD was 15 thrusters, 15 box jumps, 15 pull ups for 4 rounds as quick as you can.

Wednesday – Run 1.  Distance - 9.9km Time – 1:04:35 Pace – 6:31
This was my first run in seven days so I decided to grab a coffee after work and attempt a long run. I am so happy with how this run turned out, it felt easy and so enjoyable. I got through two missions of Zombies Run including the penultimate mission which almost encouraged me to keep running but I was pretty tired by the last km and my backpack was rubbing slightly. Commuter long runs for the win!

Thursday - 1 hour pole class, 1 hour aerial hoop class

Friday – Rest day, was planning to run, ended up having a bad day and sulking instead.

Saturday – Run 2. Distance - 12.65km Time – 1:24:72 Pace – 6:41
When I mapped this run using Map My Run it actually said 12.96km, I’ll stick to what Zombies Run has logged, either way this is still the furthest distance I have managed and I’m so happy with it.
When I started the run I felt like I was really slow and like I was plodding along, but I hit my first km at a good time. Half the time I felt slow and ploddy, the other half I felt bouncy and fast like I was made from elastic.
This was a lovely run in great weather that left me feeling a lot more confident about being able to complete the half marathon.

Sunday – Show Rehearsals. Run 3. Distance – 3.62km Time – 26:18 Pace – 7:15
Rehearsals for the Christmas show have already started, it’s never ending!
As for the run, it was pretty awful. I thought I would take my dog out for a nice slow jog, she was very reluctant and I was pretty much dragging her along. After cutting the run short I took her home and realised she was limping slightly, she is terrified of fireworks which has made her leg seize up a bit and made me feel terrible. She got lots of strokes to help make her feel better.

Week total distance – 26.17km
Weeks until half marathon – 15

This week has definitely made me feel like I might actually be able to do the half, and it’s nice to finally have a week where I have increased my mileage!
Once I hit 15km I think I will finally feel more confident in my training and stop stressing as much.

If you didn’t know, I am training for the Brighton half marathon in February and I am running it on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. If you would like to sponsor me you can do so here, it would mean the world to me!

The Lorna Jane Pop Up Shop Returns to the Kings Road

For anyone who hasn't come across Lorna Jane before, they are the leading activewear label in Australia and have recently made their way across the pond to the UK.

Normally only sold online, Lorna Jane has had a pop up shop before, but I missed it, luckily they are having another one opening on the 4th of November until the 17th of December and I will not miss this chance to see the clothes in the flesh.

Here are some of my favourite picks that I'm hoping to see in the pop up shop:

1. Track Star Sports Bra

When I am at my aerial dance classes we often end up just in our sports bra, so I like my sports bras to be pretty, a bit different and functional. This fits all of the above.

2. Joy Core Compression Tights

Compression gear is very popular right now, I have yet to try it for myself but these tights look like they will be the first compression piece I own! I was drawn in by the pink piping (can you tell pink is my favourite colour?), these tights are simple and stylish, everything I look for in a running tight.

3. Aubrey Excel Mesh Tank

I love this tank. It's simple and well constructed but the back is just a bit different which stands out. I love the colour too, green cancels out red so maybe it would help my face not look so awful after a hard run?

There is plenty more amazing clothes and accessories to check out so head to the website for yourself to take a look. Will I be seeing you at the Lorna Jane pop up shop?

Half Marathon Training - Week 4

This week failed, failed with a capital F.
I had the show this week so there were a lot of practises for that, and I cosplayed at comic con on Saturday and worked at comic con all day Sunday. If you've ever been to a comic con you know that you're on your feet all day which was pretty exhausting and I did not have the energy to go for a run.



Monday - Run 1. Distance - 5.31km Time - 35:41 Pace - 6:43
This was my run commute home. I had lost my earphone cover and there was just lots of people in the street. I didn't enjoy this run sadly.

Tuesday - Run 2. Distance - 3.40km Time - 22:27 Pace - 6:36
A puny distance. This was also a run commute but my legs felt heavy and my chest was tight. I probably should've taken today as a rest day, but I knew this was my last chance to get a run in.

Wednesday - Show dress rehearsals.

Thursday - 1 hour pole class, 1 hour aerial hoop class

Friday - Final show rehearsal and the show itself!

Saturday - Rest (comic con)

Sunday - Rest (comic con)

Week total distance - 8.71km
Weeks until half marathon - 16

As you can see I only managed two runs which is pretty pathetic. I was still quite active but I am definitely getting  a bit worried about getting in the miles. Now the show is over hopefully I can get in some more training.

If you didn’t know, I am training for the Brighton half marathon in February and I am running it on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support. If you would like to sponsor me you can do so here, it would mean the world to me!

Race Report - Spooky Sprint

On Saturday I took part in my first ever 10k race, the Spooky Sprint for Parkinson’s disease. Not only was this my first 10k race, but it was also my first ever race with chip timing (my only previous race is the Race for Life which I’m not really sure counts as a proper race).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Mum and me pre race[/caption]

The event itself was held at the White Water Rafting Centre in Waltham Abbey. It’s quite local to where I live and I think it was mainly local runners who came to the race, there was only 120 in total. With such a small number of people the race village was obviously going to be quite small, with only the registration desk and Bare Foot wines who where there sponsoring the race.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Lot's of awesome costumes![/caption]

Despite the small size the atmosphere was very lively and joyous. Lots of people where in fancy dress and before the race started there was a children’s fun run which saw plenty of kids under 10 dressed up and running. This was particularly fun for me to watch as the kids where very sweet, you had everything from witches to smurfs!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] The kids fun run[/caption]

After a mediocre warm up (probably the only thing that really needed improvement) we all set off to our starting point. My mum was running the 5k which started from a slightly father back point, so after wishing her luck I went off to the 10k mark and it was go time, dead on 6pm as planned.

The course was gorgeous and very scenic with lots of rivers, greenery and fighting ducks to look at whilst running around.
It was a mixed terrain course, but the majority of it was flat trail which was nice and easy to run. There was a couple of hills, nothing too daunting, but there were a couple of bridges that marshals warned would be slippy because of the rain we had earlier in the day.

The 10k was 2 laps of the course. It was lovely to have my family cheer me on at the halfway point and we were offered bottles of water from a sweet family. The first lap breezed by and was very enjoyable. By the time the second lap came round it was pitch black. There is very little lighting on the course too which is why headlamps are mandatory on this race. Running in the dark in the forest is not something I ever really get to do and it was a lot of fun, although I did spook myself out with my own shadow a couple of times...

Towards the 7km mark I started to struggle a bit. The headlamp was really annoying me as it kept slipping and hitting the bridge of my nose or rubbing my forehead and making me sweat more, I ended up taking it off and using it as a hand torch, and I thought I had listened to the advice about never try anything new on a race, clearly I forgot about the head torch!

I was also struggling a bit mentally too, although it is cool and unique to run in the dark, it was also a tiny bit unnerving, especially as most of the race I was running by myself. Where there were so few entrants, once everyone had settled into their pace there was pretty big gaps between everyone, it’s good as it meant no awkward attempts to overtake people, but it can also be a bit lonely.

Once I got to the final km I gave it a really big push and was very grateful to be greeted by my family at the finish line, get my finishers medal and goody bag. The goody bag was pretty good, it had a Elemis face cream in it!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="520"] Mum and me post race[/caption]

I finished in 1 hour, 8 minutes and 38 seconds. I think I might’ve been quicker if it wasn’t dark for the second lap, but I’m still happy with the the time. My mum managed her 5k in 47 minutes.

If you are thinking of trying this race next year I would definitely recommend it. It’s a well organised and very family friendly event. The night time element adds something a bit different and fun and it is for a great cause.

Music Monday's - The Songs I Hate to Love

For this weeks Music Monday I'm going to share with you the songs that I am slightly embarrassed to admit having on my playlist.

Rihanna - Pour It Up



The video to this song really annoys me, it's just Rihanna competing with Miley to be as slutty as possible. It also represents pole dancing in a bad light, so many people have worked hard for it to be considered a real art and she has just brought it back to strip clubs, at least she has used very talented dancers rather than the ones that prance round the pole shaking their bums.
Despite all this, I can't help but love this song. It's quite grimy and I find the beat really easy to run to.

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines



Another song with a awful video that is very derogatory to women. There are also lots of people who believe the lyrics suggest date rape which I can see so you can see why I am a bit ashamed to like this song, but I find Robin Thicke strangely sexy and the brunette in the video is gorgeous. When this song comes on when I am running it makes me feel oddly sexy and I definitely develop bit of a wiggle in my step.

Macklemore - Thrift Shop



This song doesn't really fit in with the other two, the video or the lyrics don't offend me in anyway, but for some reason I still find myself a bit embarrassed to have this on my playlist!
Although this song has quite a slow beat I find running along to it really easy, and it's one I always end up singing along to it, definitely a bit embarrassing in the middle of a run.

Have you got any songs on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit you like?