THOOSA INSPIRED

A new Thoosa Inspired! Tamsin Edenbrow, business woman, mum, wife, lovely person and it turns out a pretty fantastically healthy lady. Superwoman!

1. When did you start running and why?
I started running on 2nd January 2004. My new year’s resolution was to try and join the London Marathon for that year. I’d never run before and I remember is being really cold and I was barely running it looked more like a jogging-walk. I only managed 8 minutes.

2. Why is running more appealing to you than other forms of exercise?
I fell in love with running later in my exercising life, I was 30. I love the flexibility of it, you can do it whenever you like and pretty much wherever you like – as long as you have your trainers with you. After I started running, gym classes suddenly seemed so restrictive. I remember turning up at the gym in London on many occasions and being the 13th in line for a spin class with 12 bikes ... it was so disappointing especially at 7am. So instead I’d go for a run.

3. What tips and advice would you have for people starting running?
It does get much easier the more you do it and you definitely get more out of it. The more you run, the more you enjoy it and the more you look forward to it. I can’t believe that I feel like this now, as the first time I really couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. And also, invest in a really good pair of trainers.

4. What has been your biggest challenge as a runner or perhaps greatest achievement?
My biggest challenge is always putting one foot in front of another when first starting to run, after a break from running or after an injury.

5. What has been your most memorable running experience?
Definitely crossing the London Marathon line in 2004 with my running partner Martin, it was such a memorable experience. The atmosphere and all the supporters were amazing and running for a charity (I ran for Macmillan nurses) made it all the more emotional and worthwhile.

6. Do you find that running helps you in other areas of your life, for instance as a mother, wife, business women?
Running gives me time to think and I quite often sort out work problems or come up with ideas when I’m running. I totally zone out now and actually find it very meditative, as well as a good way of keeping fit.

As a mother, running has had a positive effect on my family. My eldest daughter regularly sees my husband and me going out for a run and she sees running as something enjoyable, and a past-time rather than just exercise. She is already showing an interest in running and has now asked if she can do a kids’ triathlon in Phuket.

7. Thailand is renowned for its beautiful weather, but how do you deal with running in a hot climate?
To be honest I much prefer running in the UK in a cooler climate. Running in the heat is exhausting and I look bright red and dripping whilst running – not the best look. Sometimes I can still be red and sweating for about an hour afterwards which isn’t great when I’m getting ready for work and everything is sticking to me. Running in Thailand is a great way to see the real Thailand and Thai people are so friendly that I get lots of hellos and Sawasdees on my running route. However, I do regularly get chased by the local dogs and running out of water sends me into a panic, so now I always take 20 baht so I can duck into a 711 if I need more water.

8. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a run?
Well I live in Thailand so unwinding for me is trying to cool down and reduce the redness in my face before I have to see people. The best way is to just jump into the pool with all my running gear on and just relax there for a bit.

9. Do you run socially or on your own?
I either run on my own or with my husband, although I think he finds my pace a bit slow.

10. Is running music essential? If yes what sort?
I’ve only just started running with music, which is a revelation. I’ve just bought the iPod nano which is great and I’ve been listening to Florence +the machine on my runs recently.

11. What’s your favourite piece of running kit?
My water bottle with a Velcro hand-holder and a zip pocket which my husband bought me for my birthday. The zip pocket is ideal for my keys, 20 baht and a protective place for my Nano when I get caught in the tropical rains.

12. What other exercise do you love and why?
I completed the Laguna Phuket Triathlon last year which meant I had to train all three disciplines. I thought I could swim until I started swimming lessons – I dreaded them each week. The teacher would put us through drill swimming and we’d end up swimming 2 km in an hour. I now have fallen in love with swimming.

13. What contrast does it provide to running?
Swimming complements running really well as it works all of your muscles, especially your triceps (an area for me which needed some work). It also is low impact so it gives my knees a break too. It’s also much cooler and ideal for when the rainy season sets in and we have daily torrential tropical downpours.

14. Quick fire question: Love running hate what?
Love running hate litter.

THOOSA LOVES

I found this article the other day by Homa Khaleeli and thought it was fantastic. The writer seems to exemplify a really important part of the Thoosa philosophy. Running regularly, exercising regularly can make you happier. You begin to focus on what your body can achieve, how you can push yourself that little bit further.

What is always apparent when reading Thoosa Inspired is that running makes people feel better, and that regular running can be something you enjoy, not because of weight loss or looking thinner (nearly always thought of as the most important motivation within the media), but because you will feel stronger. You'll have taken time out of your day and no matter how reluctant you may feel before you start your run, you will always feel better for having done it. You’ll enjoy it. And if you look fantastic whilst running in your Thoosa gear, that’s pretty great too. Read and enjoy.

THOOSA LOVES!

The next instalment of Running with the Kenyans by Adharanand Finn is out today. It’s a lovely piece in which he finds that tea and rest is as important as the training, we couldn’t agree more. After which he manages two training runs in one day. Finally he’s finding his Kenyan feet!

THE THOOSA REVIEW...HEALTH AND FITNESS!

We haven’t reviewed this magazine before, and I admit I only bought it because Tracey Anderson was on the cover. Apparently she can change your body. I wasn’t passing that by.

I’ve heard so so much about “one of the world’s hottest personal trainers”, mainly due to her A list clients such as Madonna, Gwyneth and J-Lo. It was great then to actually read about her. How she refined a technique to help women achieve the ultimate toned, defined body. Her “method” evolved over 13 years and drew from her experience at dance school and her research into how different movements affect different muscle groups and how she could alter her body shape without adding bulk. In addition to the article there are 5 exercises to try at home. And while I’m never quite sure if I’m following the moves correctly, I definitely have thought about investing in her DVDs. Good work for one magazine.

Also, what really stood out from other magazines, were the articles that focussed on the mind as well as exercise. There is a great article just about breathing. It sounds so simple but breathing properly can not only boost your workout, but also relieve stress. In a recent study the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle found that deep breathing can slash stress levels by up to 40% immediately, and keep them at less than 50% for three months after the deep breathing session. The article has a ‘try it yourself’ exercise to beat stress and also ones to boost your workout, crank up your concentration and more. I’ll definitely be giving these simple solutions a try.

Another article talks about the effect of emotional burnout. While this word may be banded around quite a lot the suggestions to beat it, from the psychologist Joan Borysenko, sounded pretty wise. We can all feel as though we suffer from emotional and physical exhaustion, and the guilt of that can sometimes stop you from helping yourself. Try and get a change of scenery, apparently any new experience can re-inspire; a mantra supported by science apparently. And, as someone in search of some zest in life I’m taking the advice!

I really enjoyed this magazine. If you’re looking for a fitness boost/inspiration this month I would definitely recommend it. It also (!) has a little extra magazine called “Running into Shape” There’s nothing that new in this little book, but it great as a handy running aid and has some useful tips. There was a great buying guide “what to remember when you’re choosing your trainers’, definitely worth a read.

Basically we loved this magazine. Good stuff!

THOOSA'S FEBRUARY - RELAX

February is one of those months that you’re almost half way through without even noticing it’s begun. Perhaps it’s because January seems to start just after Christmas and drag on, and on and on. Perhaps it also has to do with the dreaded Valentine’s Day being slap bang in the middle of it. I bury my head in the sand and try to ignore the inevitable slight disappointment, despite knowing it’s just a marketing ploy blah blah. I still admit to liking it a little. Anyway, everyone seems to be in training for half marathons and marathons but it’s important to make time to relax, and we at Thoosa have some lovely suggestions for you.


1. This week’s Film – Never Let me Go. Out today, this is a Brit tour de force starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightly and the gorgeous Andrew Garfield. An adaption of the fantastic yet unsettling bestselling novel of Kazuo Ishiguro. A must see if you’re a fan of the author, or British actors at their best

2. Susan Hiller, Tate Britain, London, SW1, 1 February – 15 May 2011.
The first major retrospective of Hillier’s work in 15 years. An eclectic mix of British seaside photos and projections of Hollywood starlets. A lovely way to while away a Saturday afternoon.

3. Sky Bar, Point Hotel, Edinburgh, EH3.
Thoosa are massive fans of lovely cocktails and picturesque views. This stunning location combines the two. The bar only opens the last Thursday of every month so if you’re planning a romantic getaway, book in advance and then enjoy the view. Perfect.

4. Adele, 21, This album is beautiful. Thoosa has a huge soft spot for Adele. Previous lyrics of hers are truly for the soul. 21 takes on Deep South influences with a disco edge. Listen and love.

5. Spiceworld, The Exhibition, Leeds, 28 January – 3 July. A bit of nostalgia can be a good thing we think. Especially in the form of all things gaudy and girl power! This exhibition charts the Spice Girl phenomenon with more than 4,000 pieces of pop memorabilia that should have you zig a zig ahhing the day away.

6. Frankenstein, National Theatre, London, SE1
This is on our wish/lust/dream list of things to do in London. A large-scale adaption of Mary Shelley’s classic novel, starring Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC’s Sherlock) and (!) Jonny Lee Miller. Need we say more?

THOOSA LOVES

I came across this article about running in Kenya the other day. I thought it was completely inspiring. The Kenyan attitude to running is described with beauty and it really makes you remember the simplicity of running. You can just run.

THOOSA NEWS!

Yesterday the sun shone and its timing couldn’t have been better. It’s as if it knew that Thoosa would be launching our new range of products for spring summer on the website. The Thoosa website is now up and running again with our fabulous new range for the new season that is sure to put a spring in your step, or run!

Some Thoosa favourites are available in new colour ways that will work well with our previous collections, or you could create and entirely new running wardrobe. We are loving the empire line of the new Swift Tee, it’s perfect for hiding any indulgences. Well, in fact we love it all. If ever we wanted to get outside and run it’s now. Hurray!

THOOSA NEWS!

If you’ve been wondering where the Thoosa website has gone, fear not. The website is being updated with our fabulous new products for spring/summer that we are sure will add a new, certain something, to your running kit. We’ll let you know when the website is up and running again. Until then, above is a sneak preview of our gorgeous new designs!

THOOSA'S FRIDAY FACT!

Five miles a week could keep your brain beautiful. During a ten-year study of more than 400 elderly people, research found that greater amounts of physical activity were associated with greater brain volume. Basically it could stop your brain shrinking! Is that a good thing? Apparently so.


According to the Doctors at the department of radiology at Pittsburgh University, brain volume is a sign of good mental health. If brain volume decreases it means brain cells are dying. When it remains higher brain health and happiness is being maintained. It was found that walking just five miles a week protects the brain structure over ten years in people with Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment. Get moving, get running!

THOOSA LOVES

One of Thoosa’s favourite Christmas presents came in the form of a fantastic book called 30 Great Runs in London. In the age of the I-pad, I-phones and I-everything it’s actually really lovely to read a book about running. It’s great to be able to delve in and out, learning a little bit about the city along the way. It’s kept in my bag so on a commute I can read all that the city has to offer, for a local and also importantly, for a visitor.

As everyone knows running can be done anywhere, no gym membership required, and if anything, this wonderful book reminds you of this.
It’s fantastically written, divided into five sections of locality, each run has an introductory page that highlights the route and summarises key information that helps you choose the right run for your capability, your mood, or even the scenery you feel like being surrounded by.

This book makes a great present or just a treat for you. Either way it’s a must for any runner anywhere.

THE BEGINNER'S BLOG

You may have noticed that the beginner’s blog has not been too upbeat of late. I think the month of January has affected me more than I would like to admit. I always remember the journalist Robert Crampton saying that he normally has the ‘New Year New You’ feeling in September as opposed to January. He put this down to old school days, September being the month when new shoes and a new pencil case symbolise a fresh start, a clean slate. I can definitely relate to this.

However, get through January we must and if magazines and Sunday supplements are to be believed then we are supposed to be doing in whilst drinking carrot juice and with a new found spring in our step. Obviously, from my tone you can probably tell that I am struggling with this concept.


However, on a run the other day I was reminded of just how liberating running is. When reading ‘Thoosa Inspired’ something that is often repeated is that you can run anywhere, that’s why it’s such a fantastic thing to do. And once you’re out, you see remarkable things, or see ordinary things through a different light. Either way, above is a picture of a beautiful sight that, had I not been on a run, I would have missed. Inspirational indeed. Oh, and I signed myself up for a 10K.

THE THOOSA REVIEW...FOR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION!

If you haven’t glanced at the cover of Bodyfit for a couple of months, then you might have a bizarre feeling of déjà vu. I swear the same model is on the cover nearly every month, possibly in the same attire. However, don’t let that put you off. Once you take a look inside you’ll find a magazine that will motivate and definitely keep you fixated on your New Year regime. The snippets of information keep you interested but don’t overwhelm. For instance the “Fuel Up” section has five easy foods to boost your metabolism (green tea, grapefruit being among them). Perfect!

There are a lot of articles about weight loss, but that’s to be expected this time of year. One of the best articles was “Get Your Fitness Mojo Back”, aimed at helping you stay fit in the dark winter months. Particularly helpful for runners, it suggests taking your outdoor workout indoors and focusing on improving technique and preventing injury, effectively by spring you should be technically sound and ready to fine tune your fitness. Speed work is another suggestion, apparently “pushing your pulse into the anaerobic threshold and then letting it recover increases your body’s ability to tolerate lactic acid and boosts cardiovascular function”, blimey! If you were looking for any reason to stick to a new regime the quote to love is, “Whatever your sport, success comes with season-long dedication to training”. A mantra indeed.

There’re also heaps of celebrity columnists, all with their own take on keeping fit and staying healthy. Essentially Bodyfit is a magazine where you can dive in and out of reading with relative ease. It’s been on my coffee table for over two weeks now, and every time I flick through it I find another interesting fact and article. If you’re looking for a good sports bra, they’ve reviewed them, if you want to eat for your body shape, there’s an article to help.

If you’re finding January too long and gloomy, and the cold is crushing your good intentions, then Bodyfit is the magazine for you, it injects a dose of multi-coloured, sunny inspiration.

THOOSA TIPS...FOR A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM!

We all know getting outside for a run is the perfect January fix for that post Christmas feeling. However, you can also achieve better health by simply following a few of our New Year tips. To boost your immune system you need to include heaps of infection fighting nutrients in your diet. Try to include:

ZINC

Perfect for helping to keep the immune system healthy and resistant to infections, zinc rich foods include nuts, wholegrain cereals, oysters, eggs and seeds.

BIOFLAVONOIDS

These are nutrients that boost immune responses and help speed recovery. Find these fabulous nutrients in citrus fruit.

ANTIOXIDANTS

These are health boosting compounds such as vitamin C, E and beta carotene, they can be found in loads of fruits and vegetables, best to lightly steam vegetables, as opposed to boiling them, to minimise the loss of nutrients during cooking.

GLUTATHIONE

This antioxidant strengthens the immune system and fights infection. It can be found in brassica vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach and cabbages, and also watermelon! Lovely.

QUERCETIN

This bioflavonoid stimulates the immune system making it stronger and you healthier. It can be found in broccoli, citrus fruit and onions.

THOOSA SALE!

If you’re finding your New Year exercise regime a bit of a slog, invest in some fabulous new Thoosa gear – IT’S ON SALE! Looking the part helps you feel the part, which is half the battle, and with up to 60% off selected lines, it may be just the boost you need!



Enjoy shopping!

THOOSA LOVES!

If you followed our Christmas gift ideas for dogs, then you might remember the gorgeous mulberry fair isle jumper that we thought might make the perfect, if not ridiculously extravagant, present for our favourite four legged friends. Thanks to the lovely people at Mulberry we can now take a peek at the jumper being modelled. Just because... http://blog.mulberry.com/2010/12/22/hot-dogs/

THE BEGINNER'S BLOG

Where do I start? December, in my view, was not a runner’s friend. I’m pretty sure that it was very wet, then cold and wet and then snowy. And if the elements weren’t like this for the whole month then it definitely felt as though they were.

On top of this, December is THE month of excess. I resolved to keep healthy and Thoosa’s nutritional Christmas tips definitely helped. It was great to start every day having a healthy thought, even if I knew I wasn’t going to be strictly saintly. However, a few Christmas parties down, and with some long lunches that went on well into the evening, running, I’m afraid, took a bit of a back seat. What’s worse is that I stupidly confessed this whilst having a tipsy conversation one evening with a group of pretty incredible runners. Rain, shine, Sundays they are out there, and so it seems soon I will be too.

Whilst everyone was vaguely impressed with my new found running form, no one was impressed with my fair weather attitude. And, in all the Christmas merriment, instead of keeping schtum I agreed that my performance lacked dedication and asked ‘what to do’? BIG MISTAKE.

The answer, as it, so sober now obviously would be, was ‘sign up for a race’, ‘a real challenge’ and ‘do it now and do it soon to keep the motivation’. And so it begins.

THOOSA'S JANUARY - RELAX

According to almost every magazine and newspaper supplement, this January you should be spending mainly relaxing by the side of a gorgeous pool, sipping green tea cocktails, either in some sun-drenched destination or at a gorgeous boutique spa in the country. Well...we can all dream. Time, or whatever, not permitting, here are some other suggestions.

1. This week’s Film – Monsters.
A new spin on alien-invasion movies. A gripping tale involving a road trip, romance and an ‘infected’ region full of aliens. Basically it has it all. Popcorn anyone?


2. Ice Music, Sommerset House, London, WC2, 7 - 9 January.
Bizarre but possibly terribly beautiful. Norwegian composer and instrumentalist Terje Isungset is performing three concerts a day inside what’s described as “an intimate urban igloo” on Somerset House’s River Terrace, using a variety of ice instruments, some carved from ancient Norwegian glaciers. Must be seen to be believed.


3. The Young Vermeer, National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, until 13 March.
If you’re a fan then this exhibition is a must. It reunites three early compositions, two of them loans, for the first time.


4. Lucrezia Borgia, Coliseum, WC2, 31 January – 3 March
If, like us, one of your New Year plans is to get a little more culture in your life then this might be just the ticket. Mike Figgis makes his operatic directional debut with this ENO production of Donizetti’s drama.


5. Mariella Frostrup’s New Year Books.
Twelve books to while away the long winter nights. To make sure you relax properly after your long runs, Thoosa recommends a good read. Mariella Frostrup, journalist and presenter of The Book Show (every Thursday, 9pm Sky Arts 1 HD), shares her insider knowledge. Review, invest and relax!


6. Black Swan, Out 21 January
A psychological thriller that’s as stylish and beautiful at is it terrifying. Starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis as competing ballerinas, we’re scared already!

THOOSA'S JANUARY - RUNNING EVENTS

January is a little thin on the ground for running events. So we’ve popped a few early February runs on our list too. Get planning for the new year!

1. 23 January 2011
 Maxifuel Dorney Lake 5k & 10k 
Based at Eton College Rowing Centre, the smooth tarmac surface of this course is a friendly road  for new runners.

2. 30 January 2011
London Marathon Training Run 
You may have noticed that Thoosa is a firm supporter of any race meeting that serves tea and cake at the end. This 12 mile run, the first of three London Marathon training runs in Hertfordshire, serves just that at the finish line. Lovely.

3. 6 February 2011
Southport Mad Dog Seaside 10 K Run
This is a substantial but flat race, postal entry closes on 20 January.

4. 12 & 13 February 2011
Alice Holt Forest CaniX
Possibly one of Thoosa’s favourite race ideas, you can run through the beautiful surroundings of Alice Holt Forest, in Hampshire, with your dog. If you want some tips of running with your four legged friend then this is the race for you.

5. 13 February 2011
Easy Runner Tough Ten Challenge
This is a challenging ten mile race with lots of differing terrain. If you’re looking to up your running game this race in Weston-Super-Mare may be exactly what you’re looking for.

THOOSA NEWS!

Roll Up Roll Up! The City Skort is set to return! Thoosa fans will already know that our City Skort was an instant success in 2010. It received rave reviews from Runner’s World and was featured in The Independent 50 BEST Fitness Essentials, making it a must for any woman runner! Having sold out almost immediately we’ve all patiently awaited its return, and luckily the wait is almost over. The City Skort is set to return in mid-January as part of our new collection.

To ensure you don’t miss out the Skort is available to pre-order from our website. Your order will be sent out as soon as the collection arrives in mid January. We will up-date you on an exact delivery date nearer the time. The City Skort will be available in black or with berry or sea stitching for £34.00. Enjoy!

HAPPY 2011!

Happy New Year from the Thoosa team!


If you want to start the year as you mean to go on, why not take a look at our new nutritional page? A quick glance shopping list for runners, perfect!