THOOSA'S FAVOURITE FIVE ... FOOT CREAMS

Anyone who read Thoosa’s fantastic piece about trail shoes will know that our feet suffer for our love of running, particularly in the winter. They can get wet in the rain, if not wearing the right shoe, or sometimes the right shoe can make them wet through sweat. This does not sound glamorous! As the festive season approaches, high heels are calling, it’s time Thoosa followers took action. In this vain we’ve tested the best foot creams, to soothe, moisturise and treat.

1) Kiehls Cross Terrain Dry-Run Foot Cream; £15.50. The most expensive of the foot creams we tried. But, it was money well spent. This was a true treat for our running feet! We loved it. The formula kept our feet dry and smooth. The slip-resistant cream is designed to prime feet for any activity by providing a long-lasting dry feel. In addition it contains sweat-absorbing volcanic extracts and Aloe Vera; this promotes relief from minor skin irritations due to perspiration and the stresses and abuses incurred by active feet. Blimey, truly a runner’s bathroom cabinet essential. Thoosa’s Star Buy!

2) Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Foot Cream; £10.65. This fab cream is developed to soothe even the driest of feet, to provide long lasting hydration. Lipids in the formula apparently work to help reduce cracks and calluses. A winter essential indeed.

3) Scholl Deep Moisturising Cream: £4.16. A great price for a cream that is simple but effective. It promises to give an immediate 80% increase in hydration, leaving feet soft, smooth and conditioned. We’re not sure about the 80% claim, but our feet felt fantastic after testing out this beauty. Ideal for happy winter tootsies.

4) Lotil Foot Cream; £5.49. Call 01235 838 590. This cream is great for us sporty types as it’s designed to fight bacteria using a formula that incorporates rosemary extract, a natural anti-oxidant. With the addition of Aloe Vera the cream left our feet feeling soothed and healthy. Lovely.

5) Lush Pied De Pepper Foot Lotion; £6.55. What doesn’t this formula contain? Olive oil, cocoa butter, white clove oil, cinnamon and ginger! Wow. All of these combine to create a delicious smelling cream that aims to moisturise, soothe and warm your feet. This cream was best used after exercising. It works on your feet while you relax. Lush indeed!

THOOSA'S FAVOURITE FIVE . . . TIPS ON STAYING SAFE

Sadly, dark nights and mornings can expose us all to risk. Following these simple tips may help you feel less exposed and hopefully, allow you to concentrate on your love of running. Have fun, get fit and stay safe!


1) Wear your house keys around your neck. This makes them easily accessible when you arrive home;

2) The Minder Wrist Jogging Alarm is discreet and a cheap way to feel reassured; £6.99, http://www.amazon.co.uk/;

3) Use the discreet hidden pockets in your running wear to store all absolute necessities on your person, rather than in your running bag;

4) Plan your autumn/winter routes before you set out. Stick to well lit, built up areas. Woods and lots of foliage may be picturesque but may expose you unexpected risk;

5) There seem to be running clubs popping up everywhere. Running with people is a great motivator but also there is safety in numbers.

THOOSA'S FAVOURITE FIVE . . . LIP BALMS

We’ve been inspired by Jessica Ennis, World Heptathlon Champion. In the September/October issue of Sport Sisters Jessica let us into a secret. She reckons that being well groomed at an event is a pretty important part of the winning process, “it’s all part of feeling good about yourself and being prepared for the day”.

In her honour we’ve tested some lip balms and glosses that may make you feel a little more prepared for your run, day or even the night ahead.

1) Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss (£12.50)

Whilst running, this super moisturising balm made my lips feel well protected against the wind. It also provides a great, subtle colour, great in pale winter months when I feel I look completely washed out. A really lovely subtle gloss. http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1603/5499/Makeup/Lip-Glosses/Superbalm-Moisturizing-Gloss/index.tmpl


2) Simple Kind To Lips Intensive Lip Moisturiser (£2.99)

This has no colour or perfume, which is great if, like me, on certain days, you don’t feel like making too much of effort but still want your lips to look and feel great. A perfect no frills choice. http://www.simple.co.uk/


3) Kiehls Lip Gloss (£13.00)

A real treat for the lips. It provides fantastic non-sticky hydration and is available in 7 flattering shades, so you should find at least one colour that suits. www.kiehls.co.uk/face/lip-care/lip-gloss.aspx


4) Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm (£3.49)

This balm is packed full of pain relieving, nourishing goodness that soothed my lips, even whilst running. Just reading the list of ingredients makes you feel healthy! It also has a really gorgeous scent. The Burt’s range is extensive so if you’re looking for a coloured balm you should be able to find that on the website too.
http://www.iloveburt.com/burts_bees_collection/lip_care

5) Laura Mercier Lip Balm (16.50)

The most expensive of the lip balms we tried, however it definitely delivered its promise of protecting lips from the environment. My lips felt protected and nourished and also slightly fuller. The balm created a naturally glossy shine without any annoying stickiness; perfect for running. http://www.spacenk.co.uk/product/skincare/lips/139750009+lip+balm.do



THOOSA'S FAVOURITE FIVE ... NUTRITIONAL TIPS

This week, we have collated a list of our five favourite nutritional tips from a selection of some of our favourite health and fitness and running magazines.

1) According to Dr Carrie Ruxton, drinking four cups of milky tea a day is as hydrating as water. Good news for all tea lovers. If only cake was as healthy as carrots!

2) Cashew Nuts may be the perfect weapon to ward off afternoon fatigue. Apparently a 50g serving provides one fifth of a woman’s daily iron requirements. Kelly Holmes is a massive fan, claiming that this healthy snacked helped her stave off tiredness in the Athens Olympic in 2004. The perfect afternoon snack.

3) Cherries are the new superfood that, experts suggest, may fight off winter colds. Packed full of powerful antioxidants, research has shown that they boost immunity. Get stocked up before the cold sets in.

4) The mid-morning coffee break just got all the more important. Researchers from Coventry University have shown that several cups of strong coffee improve endurance ability and strength during low to moderate intensity activity.

5) If calorie counting, and burning, is your thing then move away from pounding the pavements and start running challenge trails. Rough terrain can burn up to 26% more calories than road running.