Race for Life 2015

If you're a regular reader you will know that I hate exercise and I've only ever found a few things that I enjoy like yoga and lifting weights. I'm just a lazy so and so who would rather be sat down listing to music than pounding the streets. I can follow a eating plan but can't always motivate myself to move more.

Cancer Research UK got in touch and asked me to be part of their Race for Life blogger team which means I have to give running a good go. Who can say no to a charity? Especially one who does such pioneering work. I work for Cardiff university and CRUK work in partnership with us and spent nearly £4 million in Wales on clinical research focusing on bowel, breast and prostate cancers last year.

I took part in Race for Life last year and despite jogging a very slow 5k me and my friends still managed to raise £300 for CRUK. I was very unprepared for last years race, never running before attempting it (bit silly of me) and both me and my friend took a tumble into a ditch (only we could have been so silly and clumsy) and it took me nearly 40 minutes to jog the course.

Last years race was jolly good fun and meant that I had a nice day out and raised some money in the process but I would like to push myself more this year. It would be a tough task to raise the same amount of money again so I'm setting myself a target of jogging the course in under 30 minutes this time. Hopefully a target will make sure I practice and give people a reason to donate again.

I'm very lucky because I've been given everything I need for my training including a clean eating cookbook which I've been dipping into and some very bright pink training kit to get me into the Race for Life spirit. I'll be keeping you updated on my training progress so check back in about a month to see how I'm getting on.

If you want to sign up for Race for Life too (you can choose 5k runs, 10k and muddy runs), you can use the code RFLKnees to get discounted entry. You can also donate to my fundraising page over on Just Giving if you can't take part yourself but want to contribute. 

Women of all shapes, sizes and ages, children, babies, your granny are all welcome and can take part in the fight against cancer so what are you waiting for?! Let's take the fight to cancer. Lace up your trainers and come and show cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink. (Or black which is what I'll be wearing)

I'm completely new to running so if you have any tips, links to resources or words of encouragement they will be greatly appreciated. 

Wish me luck.

Active88 - Fat Face fitness wear

The brand Fat Face launched a new active wear range last year, Activ88. Activ88 performance products have been designed for running, jogging, walking, cycling and yoga. This new Summer collection features lots of blues, patterns as well as plains just like their regular range, some contrast neon stitching and is perfect to mix and match.

I've tested my Activ88 items out around the house, at yoga and on the bike and I have to say I love them The Activ88 collection features flat-lock stitching, a soft-touch finish that’s comfortable during exercise, and is made from polyamide which takes sweat away from the body. The range comes in sizes 8-18 (big bonus for me because some fitness ranges stop at a 14) and there's a selection of styles ranging from vest tops, capri pants and zip up hooded jackets.

I love my Activ88 Moonlight Garden Vest. It comes in at £25.00 and is a loose fitting longline vest top. It has a cute all over floral print with a mesh racer back to help my stay cool whilst working out.The pattern is very subtle but makes it stand out from the rest of my plain black work out clothing and it's super light and comfortable.

I also love my high waisted capri style work out leggings. They have a thick comfortable waistband and pretty printed panel detailing which matches my vest top. They have a internal pocket that's perfect for a gym card or locker key.I much prefer wearing these to yoga instead of my long trousers that are flared at the bottom. The extra fabric can get in the way but these are perfect. They come in at £38 a pair which I think is good value for money for an attractive and comfortable item.

These are excellent quality items.They make me feel confident and comfortable when working out.

Have you tried Actviv88 yet?

Heart Health - Betavivo cereal review and giveaway

It really is never too early to start thinking about looking after your heart.

New research suggests that making small lifestyle changes in your 30s, which include a healthy diet and keeping physically active, can help improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease later on in life.

According to research published in the American Heart Association Journal, every decade an individual has high cholesterol increases their risk of heart disease by almost 40%! Wow, pretty sobering.

Dr. Charlotta Buch from Betavivo, the Swedish cholesterol lowering cereal said: “People in Sweden do start to think about their heart health quite early on, earlier than those in other countries. We maintain an active lifestyle and well balanced food culture; We like to walk, run, go for a cycle ride and eat food that’s traditional and natural, like lots of fresh fish, vegetables, berries and whole grains.”

In the UK heart disease accounts for almost 100,000 deaths every year, with coronary heart disease being the biggest single cause of death! Heart disease has been a huge problem in my family and I've lost some pretty special people for too early in their life so heart health is something that weighs heavy on my mind.

The research also highlights that even slightly high cholesterol levels in adults aged 35 to 55 who are otherwise healthy can have a long-term effect on heart health. What we’re doing in our 20s, 30s and 40s impacts on our blood vessels and is paving the way for disease later in life.

Eating a healthy diet, following the healthy eating guidelines and consuming foods proven to reduce cholesterol, such as avocado, nuts and Betavivo can help you stay heart-healthy. Betavivo is the new crispy oat heart cereal from Sweden.The all-natural cereal contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre derived from oats, which is known for its heart health benefits and ability to maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol. Beta-glucan works by dissolving in the stomach to form a gel that binds bile acids. As the liver produces new bile acid it “draws” cholesterol from the blood and carries these out of the body.

One sachet of Betavivo provides 3g of beta-glucan, the daily amount required for the health benefits. This is three times the amount available in other sources such as a bowl of porridge.

One sachet a day mixed with some fresh fruit and a little yogurt makes a delicious breakfast and is a great start to the day. I've had it with some milk and fruit and sprinkled on top of yogurt and it's a tasty and filling breakfast. I loved seeing just a few ingredients on the back of the packed too, no funny stuff inside. 

If you would like to win a months supply of  Betavivo and see the health benefits for yourself then please leave your contact details in the comments below. A winner will be chosen on 24.3.15. Good luck!

Betavivo is available from Lloyds pharmacies, Holland & Barrett and Independent Pharmacies.

RRP: £14.99 for a box of 15 sachets

For more information visit: www.betavivo.co.uk