THE THOOSA REVIEW

Thoosa reviews the November issue of Women's Running

It’s starting to get really chilly outside. If you’re looking for a reason to brave the elements then buy this magazine. The “25 Reasons to Love Running” will provide, well, 25 reasons as to why running is brilliant! Apart from the obvious (and pretty girly) fact that a 30 minute run burns, on average, the same number of calories as found in a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk (always good to know), I also love the fact that, people who take part in ‘green exercise’ (outdoor exercise), feel less stressed and happier. Particularly, I’m also very found of fact 21. Apparently buying new running kit makes you feel more confident and happier on your run, ‘if you look like a runner, you’ll feel like a runner’. Thoosa couldn’t agree more! If you haven’t invested in some new kit for winter, then visit our wonderful online shop. I’ve got my eye on the Chill Zip in Rose, lovely.

There’s a fantastic article about speed sessions. Being a pretty novice runner the first time a friend mentioned the ‘Fartlek’ technique I think I spat out my tea. Anyway, Fartlek is Swedish for ‘speed play’ and is described as having ‘no prescriptive boundaries – it’s simply a continuous run’ I love this concept) interspersed with anything from sprinting to fast walking. The benefits of this are that you are pushed beyond your comfort zone and your overall endurance, pace and fitness should be enhanced. Personally I don’t feel ready to plan a speed session, but it’s nice to know that you can always develop as a runner, and that your routine can always be enhanced.

‘Playing It Safe’ is definitely worth a read if, like me, you mainly run alone. There are some incredibly valuable, straightforward precautionary tips that can be adopted to make you feel happier and more secure whilst pounding the pavements. Some tips may seem pretty simple but I certainly have felt more aware since reading this article, and that can’t be a bad thing.

The regular ‘health issues’ pages are factual as always. The snippets of information are a useful reminder of how you can improve you fitness and health without actually doing too much. I also love the ‘letters’ page. As we at Thoosa have found, sometimes it’s the real life stories from everyday runners who can inspire you the most. Larissa from London felt compelled to start running again, having stopped after being diagnosed with uterine cancer and having to undergo major therapy, after reading Women’s Running. If she’s braving the cold, I reckon I can too!

Verdict - a pretty motivational magazine. You can also visit the women’s running website at http://www.womensrunninguk.co.uk/

THOOSA IN THE SPOTLIGHT

At Thoosa we’re feeling pretty pleased with ourselves press wise this month. The Thoosa City Capri is selected as one of the best Capri pants on the market in Women’s Running and Body Fit name the Thoosa Chill Tights as the perfect running bottoms to keep the bite out of the air through the chilliest months. Get yours before the frost sets in.

THE THOOSA REVIEW

This week thoosa reviews issue 9 of Women’s Running

This does exactly what it says on the tin. Devoted entirely to women’s running it covers topics from, whether mental strength will improve your running, to women who run in their fifties and sixties.

For true inspiration read the tear jerking article about a group of friends in training for the Brighton Marathon in memory of their quite incredible friend Nicole Dryburgh. Nicole passed away this year, having fought a ten-year battle, from the age of eleven, with cancer. During her ordeal Nicole managed to raise more than £100,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust. Her friends will be running to raise money for this charity.

When asked how she feels “before and after a run” Charlotte Moat, a friend of Nicole’s, answers “Physically, I can feel pretty exhausted after a run, but emotionally I’m on a high”. Surely every runner can relate to this feeling, but in Charlotte’s case perhaps she feels it more? As she says, “If I feel like giving up, I think about Nicole’s determination and push myself harder”. If you’ve ever thought about running for a charity then this article won’t fail to motivate you.

“Seven reasons why running is good for you” was another great article that endeavoured to address recent controversial claims that running is bad for you, made by Greg Brookes, a London-based fitness trainer. Women’s Running analysed Brookes’ claims and attempted to find out the truth from scientific experts. The article managed to debunk Greg Brookes’ claims and come up with some pretty interesting facts along the way.

If you’re looking to feel inspired or just for some great tips about something that you love, then this magazine is for you. There’s not one article or snippet of information that I didn’t find interesting. In fact, as opposed to the thousands of fashion magazines that I’ve read this was a refreshing change. It is definitely more than just a ten minute flick through and look at the pictures magazine. The regular “health issues” pages are packed full of useful contacts and snippets of knowledge. You will even find some yummy recipes that look delicious, are easy to follow, and (!) specifically state the running benefits in eating them.