Tess Langley: Runner, mover and shaker

Tess sent me her answers twice.  I could feel her energy through the computer.  She seems to be one of those people who doesn't sit still.  I like people like this. They're usually always up for a run. Over to you Tess:

I'm Tess, I'm an ex-smoking, binge-eating fattie-turned-fitness-obsessive and over the last couple of years have completely turned my life around. I work as a social media account manager and copywriter for a design agency in Brighton and LOVE TO RUN. And go to bootcamp. And do HIIT classes. And ride my bike. And climb mountains and go hiking. And food. I love ALL the food.  

1.  I started running about 2 years ago and have slowly learnt to love it. I do a lot of bootcamp and HIIT classes and although I really enjoy these and they keep me fit, nothing beats the buzz of a good run. Saying that though, running doesn't come naturally to me and is really hard work so I love working at it and seeing improvements.  

2.  I run because I love the way it makes me feel afterwards (and mostly during, depending on the amount of vodka/gin consumed the night before). Sometimes, when the weather's great, I've fuelled well and my favourite dnb/trance track comes on, I feel like I can run forever. I currently wear a pair of Asics (soon to be Brooks Ghost 6 when I finally get round to buying them!)  

3.  The last run I did was a 10k PB at the Brooks Brighton 10k. My initial goal when I signed up for it was to come in under an hour but I've been working really hard on improving speed and stamina and finished in 54:54 so am mega chuffed! 

4.  My current favourite bit of kit is my Garmin 210. Can't imagine going back to faffing about with my phone on my arm now. 

5.  I'm about to start proper training for Brighton Marathon in the Spring. <insert petrified face here> 

6.  Running made me feel alive when I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon a couple of years ago. I literally couldn't believe that I'd ran that far.

7.  I'm currently listening to a mixture of trance and liquid dnb when I run, and am currently bumming Etherwood's new album.

8.  I regularly run with my local Sweatshop Run Community and also do my local Parkrun and they've helped me improve my speed and strength no end - I've shaved 3 mins off my 5k time since the end of May and now my comfortable base pace is finally under 10min/mi. 

9.  I recently started drinking a protein shake after running to refuel and help recover my muscles and it's really improved my recovery time. I do have whey protein at home but have started to make my own protein smoothies (eggs, bananas, a few raspberries, Greek yoghurt, milk & cinnamon) and they're much cleaner/nicer.  

10.  I'm currently obsessed with signing up for races to keep my running addiction fresh and give me something to aim for. I train much better when I'm working towards a goal and have already roped a few friends into some races with me. 

11.  I'm bringing fartleks, intervals and hill work to this blog.  I always knew speed work and hills would produce results, it was just a case of getting on with it. I'm also looking at starting heart rate training as I've heard good things about it improving aerobic and anaerobic thresholds. 

12.  I'm currently having issues with my knees. I've got a marathon to train for and am praying not to get injured - can anyone offer any tips? 

13.  I have a few favourite inspirational quotes, but the one I've kept in mind whilst learning to run faster is: 

So get out there and RUN!

You can find Tess hanging out on twitter, over on her blog, at instagram and Pinterest too. Thank you Ms FitBits!

Alice Saunders: Runner, bag maker and shameless pop music subscriber

(The reason it took me so long to get this post online is I kept getting sidetracked by amazing  leather bags.  I'm warning you, this will happen.) 

It's a pleasure to introduce Alice from FORESTBOUND.  She's a Boston-based designer who makes beautiful bags from unique materials.  Over to you, Alice!

1.    I started running about 3.5 years ago and it's become such an integral part of my life. Not only does running help keep my fitness level at its peak, but it constantly challenges me to perform better and push myself, which I love so much.
2.    I run because I love the feeling of getting faster and stronger after putting in many of hours of hard work.  I wear a pair of New Balance 1400's which I love! Took me years to find the right shoe and I'm so thankful that I finally have!
3.    The last run I did was just a few days ago along one of my favorite routes close to my house - around two ponds, with a good amount of hills. It was somewhat tough mentally just because I'm still adjusting to both cold weather running and running in the dark now that the sun goes down so early in the winter!
4.    My current fave bit of kit is my new pair of New Balance 1400's that arrived yesterday. They come in so many great colors it's hard to chose just one!
5.    I'm training for/eyeing up a spring marathon. The specific race is yet to be determined, but I'm planning on something in early/mid May.
6.    Running made me feel alive on Thanksgiving morning when I ran a local 5k and placed third in my age division. And also a few months ago when I ran a half marathon with zero training whatsoever because the opportunity popped up a few days before the race. I'm definitely not recommending this to everyone .. but it was a great challenge and I finished in a respectable time (1:51).
7.    I'm currently listening to Ke$ha's new album when I run. I have no shame admitting that Top 40 pop music is my favorite to run to.
8.    I don't really participate in any local running groups or forums, but reading running blogs written by strong ladies helps to keep me motivated! Some of my favorites are..

 Ali on the Run +Sweat Once a Day +Health on the Run 

9.    I drink lots of fresh juice and green smoothies to make sure my immune system is healthy. I do whatever I can to make sure I don't come down with a cold that will keep me from running. I also try to eat as much protein as possible since it plays such a big part in muscle recovery and I can definitely feel it in my legs when I'm lacking protein!
10.    I'm currently obsessed with the thought of running a spring marathon fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon (I'd have to run a 3:35) in 2014. It keeps me super motivated to incorporate lots of speed work and hills into my runs.
11.    I'm bringing yoga to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  I have insanely tight leg muscles that never seem to loosen up as much as I stretch and foam roll, so incorporating at least 2 yoga classes a week into my workout routine has made a HUGE difference for me. I'm constantly battling a knee injury related to my tight muscles, so stretching & yoga-ing as much as possible is always my top priority.
12.    I'm currently having issues with balancing work & running. Being self employed and working 10+ hour days can be tough when it comes to fitting in enough time for running and yoga. Especially now that it's winter and early morning runs are dark and cold and my bed is so warm, I'm struggling with fitting everything in during the day!  Can anyone offer any tips?
13.    Inspirational quote - ' You don't get better at running hills by walking them'

Check out the FORESTBOUND website.  You can also find Alice on twitter, and read about her marathon training on tumblr.  

Simon Wild: Runner, lecturer and coconut oil endorser.

Hi, I'm Simon.   I am a lecturer in Graphic Design and Illustration at the college here in Ipswich, Suffolk.  I am also a freelance illustrator and designer, sometimes animator and film maker too.  I am not naturally a sporty person so I have to push myself quite hard to get out there and get the job done. I do love the outdoors though and am a keen kayaker, so running helps with keeping me fit and supple for the tight squeeze into the boat!  I like magic, time travel, colour, stars, clouds, the sea and Iceland to name a few things…

This photo was taken during a short 2 mile run round the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in Iceland. It was minus 10 at the time. This is my favourite place on earth and have visited it many times.  

1.  I started running 10 years ago and it's kept me fit and in optimum condition so that I can stay healthy enough to contribute to the world in the best way possible. 
2.  I run because it calms my mind and gives me focus for everything else.  I wear a pair of New Balance 940's.
3.  The last run I did was 2 weeks ago and I ran 5k.   It was a run home from work in the dark which I love because that's the easiest time for me to fit my training in! 
4.  My current fave bit of kit is my new iPod nano strap.  I can run with music properly for the first time!
5.  I'm training for a half triathlon in April and eyeing up the Reykjavik Marathon next August.
6.  Running makes me feel alive every time I run.  I reminds me that I can be more than I am.  The harder the run, the better I feel afterwards.
7.  I'm currently listening to film scores by John Williams!  Surprisingly not running music at all, but very powerful and motivational.  It carries me along and I get lost in the narrative of the music.  Sometimes I even forget I am actually running.

8.  I've recently started drinking/eating extra virgin coconut oil.  Amazing stuff.  Cholesterol free, great for rehydrating the skin, weight loss, joints, energy, muscles, just about everything!  2 teaspoons in the morning off the spoon with breakfast - my health is better than it's ever been.  I highly recommend getting this stuff in your diet!
9.  I'm currently obsessed with a new book called The Chimp Paradox by Dr Steve Peters who worked with the Olympic GB Cycling team.  It teaches you how to re programme your brain to help you accomplish all of your goals.
10.  I'm bringing lemon detox to this blog, and throwing it down on the table.  Juice of one lemon in a glass every day - a secret to recovery after runs.  
11.  I'm currently having issues with knees!  Always a common problem I think.  I am not naturally light framed so any running technique tips greatly appreciated...

12.    Finally, here's my inspirational quote.  It gets me going.  Now go, run!


You can find Simon on twitter, via his website, or in his tiny universe!