Many of you will already be aware that my first ever half-marathon is coming up and although I made the decision to signup in haste (running over December in the cold, wet weather is not easy!) I am now really looking forward to it.
In this post I wanted to write about how the training has gone and what I’ve been using after pushing myself, probably too far, to help soothe those inevitable aches and pains!
So the day after I finished my second 10km race and from having got a pretty decent time in it (46m 22s) I was all pumped up to set-out what my next challenge would be. From scrolling through the events coming up I thought ‘oh I know, I’ll sign up for a January half-marathon’.
It made a lot of sense at the time as I had a good 3 months to build on the foundations I’d already set during the 10km race training. I knew I’d have to go further and push myself even harder if I was to more-than-double the racing distance. I also knew that I’d have to step up my leg training at the gym and run a lot further than I’d been used to.
So I had to be smart about my training plans as any injury would set me back, but at the same time I couldn’t just stop pushing myself either.
It was around this time I was asked to review Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Soaking Solutions which are specialised bath salts specifically designed to help your body in various ways and conditions. The one that was most appropriate to my needs was the ‘Pre & Post Workout’ salts.
I was told that these Epsom Salts are often used by athletes and sportsmen who want to relax and soothe their aching muscles. If it was good enough for them then I’d be more than willing to try them out.
As many of you will already be aware, I recently bought my first home and as luck would have it, there was already a pretty nice bathroom with a decent-sized bath to take advantage of, so I couldn’t wait to test out their specialised salts!
I was starting to build up distance during my runs and despite the pre and post-stretching, I was starting to get aching around my leg muscles. I was also pushing my legs to their limits during my daily gym sessions to really build up my calves and hamstrings which was also taking its toll.
So I ran the hot water and followed Dr. Teal’s instructions. I had to pour two cups of their soaking solution over warm running water and then soak in the bath for around 15 minutes.
My first impressions were very positive. By the time I’d lowered myself into the bath all of the salts had dissolved and there were no tiny lumps that you often find from other bath salts that can make bathing quite uncomfortable. I also loved the aroma that the salts were giving off which were menthol, they made the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable.
It was a very nice experience and I felt that these were no ordinary baths. More importantly they helped my aching muscles and severely reduced the level of pain I knew I’d have been in the next day. In fact, I think these salts actually gave me a few extra days worth of training because of the quick recovery they helped with my muscles.
I think that even if you’re not training for anything in particular and you just want to relax or perhaps have sore ankles or feet after a long day at work, these salts would be perfect!
So I feel I’ve used them well and my training has been as intense as it possibly could have been. Hopefully I get a good time but as it’s my first half-marathon I’m just hoping for any sort of finish!
Adam Warren
You can buy any of the Dr. Teal’s range from Boots, Boots.com as well as at the Dr. Teals website. There is the ‘Relax & Relief’, ‘Pre & Post Workout’ and ‘Sooth & Sleep’ options to choose from.
Disclaimer – this is a sponsored post and a commission was received for writing about the product, however all opinions are honest and my own.
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