Energy bars

Getting fuel right during any sport is essential to how we feel, perform and recover.

The best time to try different energy bars and gels is during training. There are various types out there, so try a selection to see which ones you like and how easy they are to eat on the go.

It’s also important to know the amount of energy in each bar or gel. This information is usually on the wrapper, along with advice on how many to eat (e.g. during 1hr of exercise). But what works for one person, doesn’t work for us all…so when you’re training, monitor when you eat a bar or gel and see how you feel.

During the last few months we’ve given Clif Bars a go. Clif Bars are chewy, easy to digest and are a slow release of energy. There are over 15 flavours...our favourite is Crunchy Peanut Butter...yummy! Maybe give them a try next time you hit the hill and see what you think. Just remember to have a drink of water after eating.

Oh, and don’t forget to pocket the wrapper until you find a bin. Thank you!

Looking after our feet

Whatever we do outside we are indebted to our feet.

Our feet support us, give us balance and because of their flexibility, move us forward. There are 26 bones, 33 joints and more than a hundred muscles, ligaments and tendons in each foot…pretty cool hey!

Feet like to be looked after. There are lots of products on the market for our feet and some are quite pricy too. If, like us, you demand a lot from your feet and believe that their job (as well as looking lovely) is to get us out there doing what we love most…then here’s a little tip.

Vaseline. Combined with keeping feet clean and dry, good old petroleum jelly when applied to dry patches can help make skin soft and supple again.

We know, because we’ve tried it. After just a week or so of massaging Vaseline into areas of dry skin, feet feel absolutely fabulous!

And it’s another great use for this simple yet effective product that has been around for 140 years. Don’t just take our word for it, give it a go and let us know how your feet feel!

Running in the snow

It’s great to share an experience…and seeing the footprints in the snow was reassuring.

Running in the snow is about wearing a good pair of trail shoes, layering up and taking it steady. Even if you only go out for 10 minutes, you can’t help but feel the serenity that snow brings.

A little pair of gloves and hat help keep you warm, but if you get too hot, they’re great too, as by taking them off helps cool you down without getting chilly.

So if you need a few more layers to enjoy running in the snow this winter...go on, treat yourself, oh and don’t forget lip protection!

Getting out the door

It’s not always easy getting out the door for an autumn run as the memory of summer still lingers…

All we need to do is put on a few extra layers to enjoy the fresh autumn air, but why can it sometimes be so difficult…even when we know that within 10 minutes of being outside we’re lovin’ it!?

Next time your head tells your legs that there’s always tomorrow…see if this helps. Have your kit at the ready (for whatever time you plan to go running) and then, without weighing up the options, see how quickly you can get changed and get out the door!

It’s a great way to keep up the mid week training sessions as winter closes in…maybe that’s what Nike mean when they say Just do it.

Welcome to outside girl's blog

The idea for outside girl's blog started when friends didn’t quite understand why getting up in the dark to go for a run, or going biking in the rain and getting covered in mud are fun things to do.

We thought it would be great to create a place where we can share our experiences, talk training, fitness and diet, test out kit…and challenge ourselves to get outside our comfort zone more often!

We hope you like our blog and that you’ll share your comments and adventures with us.