AN ABSOLUTE GIFT
Looking for the perfect gift for the runner in your life – yourself included? Of course? Mayo-based company, Ultrapure Laboratories has launched a new range of products specifically for exercise enthusiasts and one product, the Sport Gift Set, is definitely deserving of a gold medal! The gift set contains the company’s Epsom salts gel, a selection of the renowned Epsom salts, and a new all-natural, vegan-friendly muscle spray. The recommended retail price is €24.99 and the company says it is offering the product exclusively to Irish pharmacies.
PLAY HARD = WORK HARD
A recent collaborative research study between GMIT, NUI Galway and the University of Ulster has found that a passion for physical activity can enhance performance and innovativeness at work. So, if we play hard, we can work a little harder too!
888KM FOR ORGAN DONATION
School friends and teammates, Michael O’Driscoll from Clontarf and Gavin Downes from Raheny (pictured) recently undertook an 888km cycle and run challenge to raise money for the Irish Kidney Association and organ donation awareness. Inspired by their friend, David Hickey, a former transplant surgeon and Dublin footballer who underwent a kidney transplant a number of years ago, each covered 400 kilometres on wheels and 44 kilometres on foot!
HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES
A fundraising initiative to help our amazing frontline health service staff enjoy some quality staycationing time on this beautiful island of ours. They gave their all to ensure that those who were very ill from Covid-19 were cared for and this is our way to give a little back. Former athlete and Olympian, David Gillick is involved.
TICK IT OFF
One thing all runners should tick off their list of useful things to have is a tick remover. Lifesystems sell individual, ergonomically designed tweezer-like tools that will remove ticks efficiently without leaving the head buried under the skin. The UK company also sells a tick survival kit, complete with tick repellent, a multi-functional tick card (removes ticks) and six hygienic cleansing wipes.
ONE NUTRITION ORGANIC PURE MCT OIL
This is 100 per cent sourced from pure organic coconut oil and is suitable for those following a low-carb, keto or high-fat diet. This oil can be added to smoothies, shakes, salads, to salad dressings or can be used as a cooking oil, preferably at medium or low temperature (under 320°F/ 160°C). MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, which help the liver to manufacture ketones. Higher blood ketone levels are said to be associated with weight loss due to reduced hunger and increased fat burning, as well as better energy levels.
NOCCO
Question: where can you find five different types of vitamin B – folic acid, niacin, biotin, B6 and B12, as well as branched-chain-amino-acids and caffeine? Answer: in a can of Nocco, of course! The Swedish carbonated functional drink helps to reduce fatigue and exhaustion; contributes to maintaining normal energy metabolism; and contributes to maintaining normal muscle function. Launched in Ireland in 2019, Nocco is now available in gyms, fitness centres and shops nationwide.
FREETRAIN FREEDOM
Many of us still like to carry our phones with us while running, particularly if heading off into the hills. The Freetrain V1 is one of the better designed vests that holds your phone safely and comfortably in a chest pouch that opens outwards, giving you easy access to your phone without having to repeatedly take it out and put it back in.
