Fast to slow down your eating Walk Haconby, Dunsby and Rippingale How to wear beige brilliantly Explore the upper Welland Valley Advice: grow your own vegetables
ISSUE 80 | FEBRUARY 2019
The Wellness Issue
! E E FR
Ingredients for your healthier life How to boost your brain and body
Active
Kids
How to win the digital debate
w w w .t h e a c t i ve m a g . c o m
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Valentine Fabre, Dent du Géant © Ben Tibbetts
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR
BEN FOGLE
Wednesday 6 March
TALES FROM THE WILDERNESS Monday 18 March
TRUST FAST HEALTH WITH DR MICHAEL MOSLEY
AN EVENING WITH THE HAIRY BIKERS
Thursday 21 March
Wednesday 27 March
ANT MIDDLETON
AN AUDIENCE WITH HARRY REDKNAPP
MIND OVER MUSCLE Monday 8 April
Sunday 15 September
0116 233 3111 @demontforthall
demontforthall.co.uk demontforthall
Publisher Chris Meadows chris@theactivemag.com Editor Steve Moody steve@theactivemag.com Deputy editor Mary Bremner mary@theactivemag.com Production editor Julian Kirk julian@theactivemag.com Art editor Matt Tarrant matt@theactivemag.com Contributors Martin Johnson, William Hetherington, Jeremy Smithson-Beswick, Julia Dungworth Photographers Nico Morgan, Pip Warters Production assistant Gary Curtis Advertising sales Lisa Chauhan lisa@theactivemag.com Editorial and advertising assistant Kate Maxim kate@theactivemag.com Accounts accounts@theactivemag.com Active magazine, The Grey House, 3 Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Tel: 01780 480789
If you have information on a club then get in touch by emailing editor@theactivemag.com. If you would like to stock Active magazine then email distribution@theactivemag.com. If you would like to discuss advertising possibilities please email advertise@theactivemag.com. Active magazine is published 12 times per year on a monthly basis. ISSN 2059-8513 A Grassroots Publishing Limited company. Company registration number 7994437. VAT number 152717318
Disclaimer
Copyright (c) Grassroots Publishing Limited (GPL) 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or be stored in any retrieval system, of any nature, without prior permission from GPL. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of GPL or its affiliates. Disclaimer of Liability. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information contained in this publication at the time of going to press, GPL and its affiliates assume no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of and, to the extent permitted by law, shall not be liable for any errors or omissions or any loss, damage or expense incurred by reliance on information or any statement contained in this publication. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of the advertising material which they submit and for ensuring the material complies with applicable laws. GPL and its affiliates are are not responsible for any error, omission or inaccuracy in any advertisement and will not be liable for any damages arising from any use of products or services or any action or omissions taken in reliance on information or any statement contained in advertising material. Inclusion of any advertisement is not intended to endorse any view expressed, nor products or services offered nor the organisations sponsoring the advertisement.
E DI TO R ’ S L E T T E R
“Ask yourself: What would Andy Murray do?” I WATCHED ANDY Murray’s last match at the Australian Open. He was 5-1 down in the fifth set, his body barely able to get him to the ball. Yet there he was, charging after every shot, using up every last ounce of energy, summoning up some strength from deep inside, refusing to give in when it would have been so easy to just waft at a few balls, say thanks very much and walk off to great applause for a fabulous career. There was a point in that fifth set, with the match all but lost, where he had to charge into the net to get to a drop shot, chase back to collect a lob, plus a couple of times where he barely got the end of the racquet on balls, and at the end of the 20-shot rally he bent over, using his racquet to hold himself off the ground. It was just as inspiring as any win he might have had over the years, because it was all about a remarkable level of commitment to give absolutely everything he had, to never compromise, to demand the very best no matter the situation. That incredible dedication is what marks out the very best in anything, and it made me wonder how often us lesser mortals (especially me!) look at any given situation and think we’ll do just about enough, or talk ourselves out of pushing on with something difficult, because it’s easier to accept our own excuses than keep going. Clearly not that many people can have Murray’s laser-like focus for everything we do, or we’d drive ourselves a bit potty, but for the things that really matter and when the going gets tough, I think it’s always helpful to ask the question “What would Andy Murray do?”. Enjoy the issue
Steve
FIND US ONLINE
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Contents 24
ACTIVE LIFE 13 WHAT’S ON
Great local events for all the family
15 HEALTHY EATING
A delicious halibut dinner
17 GARDENING
Get planting your veggies!
19 TRAVEL
Enjoy romantic Paris
20 INTERVIEW
Fertility consultant Kate Davies
22 THE FINISHING TOUCHES Fashion and beauty advice
24 WISHING WELLNESS
Revitalise your mind and body
30 GREAT WALKS
Haconby and the upper Welland Valley
ACTIVE BODY
19
39 NUTRITION
How to trim your ‘winter plumage’
40 INTERVIEW
Dieting expert Dr Michael Mosley
49
43 ONLINE THERAPY
Getting help through a computer
45 BODY MATTERS
Advice on treating shoulder injuries
ACTIVE KIDS
47 THE DIGITAL DEBATE
Keep your children safe online
49 SCHOOL NEWS
Focus on our talented young players
ACTIVE SPORT
54 MARTIN JOHNSON
More wry observations
56 ON YOUR BIKE!
E-bikes focus, plus a great local ride
60 THE ROUND-UP
How local teams are faring
30 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveLife Visit Paris, a city for romance | Shades of beige, the colour of the season Meet fertility consultant Kate Davies | Achieve your inner calm Follow a guide dog in training | Walks with Will E DI T E D BY M A RY B R E M N E R
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Active life
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
Natural Grower
N
ATURAL GROWER IS a family business based at Nevill Holt that makes organic fertiliser and soil conditioners. The family farms vegetables and four years ago invested in an anaerobic digester, discovering that one of the byproducts was a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser. They used this on their own land, eradicating the use of chemical fertilisers, and their vegetables and plants thrived. Hence Natural Grower products were born. Their products are rich in nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium that plants need to thrive. Their fertiliser is a highly concentrated liquid that can be poured around the base of plants while the organic soil conditioner is a mulch designed to be dug into the soil before planting. Natural Grower products are available online and at Welland Vale Garden Inspirations in Uppingham and Rutland Water Garden Nursery near Oakham. www.naturalgrower.co.uk
Noisily Festival returns in July THE NOISILY FESTIVAL of Music and Arts returns to Coney Woods in Leicestershire on July 11-15. There will be a fabulous line-up of acts as well as a focus on wellness, education, inclusion, the environment, creativity and community. This is an alternative to the usual festival; it’s a place to soothe your soul and meet like-minded people as well as celebrating music, psychedelic art and culture. www.noisilyfestival.com
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Active life Baby yoga (left) and reflexology (below) are just some of the classes available
Well-being for all ages Holistic well-being hub The Wild Orange has opened in Corby Glen offering a range of classes, from baby yoga to pensioner sessions
W
E ALL NEED a bit of downtime from our hectic lives. More and more people are suffering from stress and acknowledging mental health, physical and psychological issues as well as realising we need time out from our lives on occasions. Ali Jessop, a holistic health practitioner, realised that people of all ages, ranging from children to
pensioners, are suffering so contacted colleagues in the well-being industry to see if they wanted to join her in a practice in Corby Glen above the March Hare café. And they jumped at the chance. “Not everyone wants to drive to town so we have created a place that people can come to, feel calm and relaxed, but also be uplifted and ready for whatever life throws at them,” said Ali. The Wild Orange hub offers a range of well-being classes and workshops such as adult yoga as well as baby, toddler, primary and teen yoga, meditation, tai chi, essential oil club and laughter yoga, to name a few. Individual therapies such as massage, reiki, aroma touch technique, beauty therapy, reflexology, Indian head massage and shiatzu are also available. For details go to www.thewildorange.co.uk or visit the hub at 1b Church Street, Corby Glen, NG33 4NH.
Glow in the dark kids PUPILS AT ST Nicholas’ Primary School in Cottesmore have each been given a high visibility bag tag by local housebuilder Lovell Homes to help them stay safe during the dark winter months. Lovell is currently building homes at Greetham that can be bought using the Help to Buy scheme. www.lovell.co.uk
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Active life
What’s on...
R
UTLAND CYCLING AND Breeze Rides are holding rides and events throughout February for women, including maintenance classes, mums’ and tots’ rides and beginners’ sessions. Most of the rides are free (if you bring your own bike) or you can hire a bike for £5. Classes and rides are being held at the Rutland Cycling stores at Whitwell and Peterborough. www.rutlandcycling.com/rides Leicester Comedy Festival and The UK Kids’ Comedy Festival takes place from February 6–24 and includes headline acts Jo Brand and Johnny Vegas, as well as many up and coming acts. Events will be held all over Leicester, including at De Montfort Hall. www.comedy-festival.co.uk
High Flyers is a new indoor horse show taking place at the East of England Arena in Peterborough on March 15. The show focuses on younger horses and ponies, and is open to both amateur and professional riders. Entries are now being taken for the classes, and with only 15 riders in each, places are expected to go fast. www.highflyersshow.co.uk February means snowdrops, and one of the best places to enjoy them is Easton Walled Gardens, located off the A1 between Grantham and Colsterworth. The gardens are spread across 12 acres where there are snowdrops, aconites and hellebores galore. Snowdrop week runs from February 16–24 when the gardens are open daily between 11am to 4pm. www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk
Barnsdale Hall is hosting a wedding fair on February 24. Pop along to the hotel’s Edith Weston Suite and enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz while meeting all the people who can make your special day go smoothly. www.barnsdalehotel.co.uk An antiques fair is being held at the Burgess Hall in St Ives on the weekend of February 23 and 24. There will be about 50 dealers offering affordable, quality antiques. www.stivesantiquesfair.co.uk Lyddington is holding its series of film nights on the first Friday of every month in the village hall. Doors open at 7pm with films starting at 7.30pm. This season includes The Children Act and The Wife. To find out more contact Katherine Gregg on 01572 822296.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
DRINK
The perfect romantic apéritif… M INT ROSÉ FI Z Z COCKTAI L 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 measure vodka 6 mint leaves 1 tbsp runny honey ½ cup pomegranate juice 2 glasses sparkling rosé prosecco Fresh baby’s breath to garnish METHOD • Add lemon juice, vodka and mint leaves to a shaker, give a quick shake. • Add honey and pomegranate juice, fill with ice and shake. • Strain mixture into two glasses, coupes if you have them. • Top each glass with rosé prosecco. • Garnish with baby’s breath.
FOOD
Halibut with lemon and capers A simple meal that’s easy to make but looks impressive – cook it for a loved one or, even better, cook it together… I NGRE DI E NTS
500g skinless halibut fillets 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp plain flour ½ tsp coarse ground salt ¼ tsp black pepper 1 squeezed lemon 75g capers 3 cloves crushed garlic 25g butter A handful of torn parsley leaves for serving
M ETHOD
1
Dip the fish on both sides in the flour that has been mixed with salt and pepper. Add the oil to a frying pan and heat to medium.
2
Add the fillets to the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
3
Increase the heat slightly, then add the lemon juice. When it begins to bubble add the capers, butter and garlic and stir until the butter has melted.
4
Spoon the sauce over the fish, sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with tenderstem broccoli.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Teresa Kennedy Creating & Styling Outdoor Spaces Since 2010
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Active life
GARDE NING
Grow your own vegetables This month garden designer Teresa Kennedy suggests vegetables to grow depending on your time and experience N AT U R E
The coal tit THE COAL TIT is an active bird, smaller than the more familiar blue tit. It has a black cap and white cheeks and a distinctive white patch on the back of the head. It is buffish below with a double white wing bar. The call is a piping ‘tsuu’ and the song a rapid ’tee-chu, tee-chu’. It nests in tree holes like other tits. The coal tit is widespread locally, favouring woodland, especially mature conifer plantations. Recently it has become a regular visitor to garden feeders throughout the year where it takes sunflower hearts, peanuts and fat. In woodland its fine bill allows it to feed among clusters of needles as it hunts for spiders and insects. During the winter it is well known for hoarding seeds and can be watched returning to feeders to collect sunflower seeds several times in quick succession, hiding the food in a crack in a tree bark or a fence post. Hoarding seeds is an excellent strategy for survival in cold weather as it provides a ready food supply for a bird weighing less than 10 grammes which cannot lay down fat to tide it over during freezing weather. Terry Mitcham
I
’M CHANGING TACK this month and not talking about design. Last year I didn’t grow any vegetables and felt bereft as I missed them so much. So this year I want to encourage every reader to give it a try, even if you’ve never grown vegetables before. Below are home-grown combinations suitable for open ground and the greenhouse. If you’ve not grown anything before these suggestions will hopefully get you hooked or, if you’re a seasoned grower, will offer you something new to try. It may seem early but once the season gets going you will appreciate having done the ground work in February.
SIMPLE – FOR NEW GROWERS AND THOSE WITH LIMITED TIME
Greenhouse: Tomatoes, basil, flat leaf parsley. Try cherry tomatoes, variety Super Sweet 100 or Gardener’s Delight. Both flat leaf parsley and basil are easy to grow from seed, but I focus on the tomatoes and buy a plant each of the herbs, split them into three and replant them. One purchase will last all year. Flat leaf I find does best in my greenhouse or if outside plant it where there is some shelter and give it plenty of root space. Think fresh roasted tomatoes with basil and parsley. Plot: Peas, broad beans, potatoes. Get some seed potatoes, salad variety, nutty, small and prolific; try Ratte or Nicola. Plant them in open ground or a large pot. Sow broad beans now
and weekly for the next few weeks. Plant out periodically. Same with peas. Enjoy hot potato salad with fresh peas and beans.
MEDIUM – FOR THOSE WANTING TO INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE
Greenhouse: Chillies, peppers, aubergines. Great varieties to go for are Habanero, Padron and Black Beauty. These give all the ingredients for fresh pasta sauce and pretty much anything Italian. Greenhouse needed. Plot: French beans, beetroot, kale. Beetroot gives you pickling options, extending the time to enjoy your produce. Kale will give you a reliable winter crop if you give it a bit of protection in the early stages.
PRO - WHEN I SAY PRO, I MEAN, COMPETENT
Greenhouse: Citrus, okra, ginger. Give kumquat a shot; Clemson’s Spineless for okra; and you can give yourself a pat on the back if you’re successful with the ginger. Plot: Yacon, mushrooms, gourds. Yacon is a South American tuber and the Asian Snake Gourd will give you some far flung options. Also think about what you are going to do with your produce – are you preserving, do you forage, keep bees, make cider? There’s lots to think about and lots to do this month to get started on your vegetable patch. www.viridisdesign.co.uk 07726 334501
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
TR AV E L
Visit la Ville Lumière, the City of Light Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not take a break in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris?
K
NOWN AS THE City of Light (la Ville Lumière) because it was one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting, you don’t necessarily have to be in love to visit Paris, classed as one of the most romantic cities in the world – but it’s certainly a city to visit, and one that’s very easy to get to. February, conveniently for all you romantics, is also one of the cheapest months to visit the city, so accommodation should be better value, and more easily found. The weather will be similar to the UK, or slightly warmer. Travelling to Paris is easy, and cheap this month, via the Eurostar. The train departs from St Pancras International, so is very convenient for King’s Cross next door if you get the train from Peterborough. If you fancy flying, budget airlines offer frequent flights.
The list of sights to see in Paris is endless... the Arc de Triomphe, Montmartre, Notre-Dame and – of course – the Eiffel Tower. Stroll along the River Seine taking in the atmosphere, visit the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and pay a visit to the Latin Quarter and Montmartre, home to the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère. But there is more to Paris than the usual suspects; head off piste and you will find some wonderful places. Paris has some weird, wacky and quirky shops, ranging from amazing bookshops to curiosity cabinets with lots of taxidermy, known to the Parisians as les bizarreries, and they can be found by just wandering down the odd side street, so do take a detour occasionally.
Paris experts www.tripsavvy.com www.eurostar.com www.stamfordindependenttravel.co.uk www.more-travel.co.uk
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Meet Kate Davies Mary Bremner meets the fertility nurse consultant and coach Active: What is an independent fertility nurse consultant?
Kate: A fertility nurse is someone who advises women, and their partners, about their fertility; the best time to naturally conceive, having a healthy lifestyle, how to manage your cycle, and the correct supplements.
What made you want to be one?
I trained, more than 20 years ago, as a nurse and started working on a gynaecology ward. I became fascinated by women’s health; all aspects of it: fertility, menopause, contraception, sexual health, and spent many years working in the NHS specialising in this area. I became very frustrated over the years about the lack of information that was available to women about natural fertility and felt many women were too quickly being pushed into IVF. Sometimes all these women needed was more information about their own cycle and lifestyle and to be given help managing it.
So what did you do about it?
Five years ago I set up a private practice, Your Fertility Journey, and am the only fertility nurse consultant working independently in the UK. I can advise women and couples to help them take control of their own natural fertility. I also coach women who are undergoing IVF treatment, surrogacy, adoption and egg donation as well as being qualified to teach natural contraception to avoid pregnancy.
It sounds like you are very busy, who are your patients?
I am! Most of my patients are women in their mid-30s and early 40s. Some have failed to conceive naturally for six months to a year, others have tried IVF and been unsuccessful so have decided to start again from scratch, others have a child but cannot conceive another one; secondary infertility is very common.
What do you advise these women?
Sometimes it can be very simple, other times less so. I give my patients a fertility MoT. Lifestyle is very important when it comes to conception. Smoking in particular has a terrible affect on fertility, both on egg quality and sperm production. Drinking and being overweight can also impact on good fertility. First of all I advise
patients to chart their temperature and other natural fertility indicators to find when – or if – they are ovulating. Quite often my patients aren’t ovulating, which is the release of the egg, each month. Many women assume that they have a 28-day cycle and that as a result, they ovulate on day 14 of their cycle and are fertile for approximately five days around this time. However, in reality few women do this. If you have a 32-day cycle for example, your ovulation occurs on day 16. Sometimes it is as simple as that, working out your cycle and your fertile period. Others aren’t so easy to help. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is very common, but unfortunately it can be poorly diagnosed in this country. In brief, PCOS is a hormonal condition that causes cysts on the ovaries but it is also a metabolic condition and affects fertility. While it’s not possible to cure PCOS it can be controlled with the right advice and support. Quite often I am the second person to know my patient is pregnant, which is a real privilege.
Where do you see your patients, and where are they from?
I do much of my work from home, which is a village outside Stamford, as I use video calls and Skype. Otherwise I will see people at my Harley Street clinic in London. Consulting from my home, to the patients’ home, usually makes
“Quite often I am the second person to know my patient is pregnant, which is a real privilege”
them much more relaxed and happy to talk about very intimate and personal things. Most of my patients are in the UK, many in London, but I also have patients all over Europe and some in the US.
Are partners involved in the consultations?
I love it if they are! Some men will own the problem, along with their partners, while others are happier to let her take control. I do have consultations where I can see the man cringing in the corner! But most are happy to be involved. Men regenerate sperm every three months so a change in lifestyle, such as stopping smoking, can have a positive affect on their fertility quite quickly. Women are not so lucky and, of course, have a finite period of fertility.
You also offer coaching and natural contraception advice?
Yes, going through IVF, adoption or egg donation can be very stressful and emotional. I am with my patients every step of the way. I am also qualified to teach natural contraception to avoid pregnancy. This is becoming more and more popular as women want to avoid taking hormonal methods of contraception.
Do you have children?
Yes, I have two boys. But I can empathise with infertility as I desperately wanted a third child, but found that I had stopped ovulating at the age of 32. I was very lucky to have my two before that age. A woman’s longing for a child is just as great, whatever their circumstances.
Tell me about the support group?
I have set up a fertility support group along with my friend Caroline from www.the-kitschhen.co.uk. The group is www. fertilitynetworkuk.org which is a UK fertility charity. Women and men can come along and meet for tea and a chat with me and Caroline, and also meet and find support from other people experiencing fertility problems which helps them realise they are not alone. Infertility can be a very lonely and isolating experience so it is important for people to get together and offer support. We meet bi-monthly at Equilibrium in Stamford. There is also a huge fertility community on social media with lots of forums and Instagram groups. Kate charges £85 for an initial consultation, £65 for follow ups, £255 for three sessions of IVF counselling. Visit her website for further details www.yourfertilityjourney.com www.instagram.com/your_fertility_journey.com For more information on the support group please contact Kate on 07739 329785 or email kate@yourfertilityjourney.com
20 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
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BEAUTY
Child-free and carefree Amy and Matt left the kids at home and enjoyed a couple’s day at Eden Hall Spa
E
DEN HALL SPA is located just outside Newark in a large Victorian country house set within beautiful grounds. As well as offering day spa packages and beauty treatments, you can also join as a member to use the facilities, including the gym, various classes and spa. On arrival we were shown around the spa so we could familiarise ourselves with all the facilities and decided to try the thermal spa suite first. This is a set of heated rooms, some with massage jets, complemented by walk through showers, one tropical, one hot and a cold one which all aid the water therapy. This was very invigorating and set us up well for the rest of the day. The weather was cold but sunny so we went to the outside jacuzzi next. Sitting in the warm bubbling water contrasted well with the cold, crisp air and listening to the birds singing was the icing on the cake. As we were now thoroughly wet – we seem to have been since we first arrived – we topped this up a bit more with a swim. The pool is plenty large enough for some serious lengths, if you feel the urge. Eden Hall prides itself on the food, and we can see why; it was delicious, with every dietary requirement catered for. After a quick post-meal snooze in one of the relaxation rooms we headed off for our treatments.
Matt chose a back and shoulder massage; I had a facial. We both staggered out afterwards feeling so relaxed we were almost in a trance, so took a moment sitting quietly in our zen-like zones to let the products absorb into our skins. As well as the spa facilities there are lots of exercise classes on offer, as well as the gym; I had a yoga session, something I’ve never done before, and which I thoroughly enjoyed. Sadly our day had now come to an end. But we had really felt the benefits. Sometimes it is necessary to jump off the hamster wheel of life and take a moment to relax. Eden Hall offers the perfect sanctuary to do this. Its tranquil environment left us feeling cosseted, calm and extremely well fed. Perfect. Spa day packages start at £95. Visit www.edenspa.co.uk for details.
22 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Active life
And finally...
Harry wool blend crombie coat £100 www.uk.monsoon.co.uk
Ambrose trench coat £249 www.jackwills.com
FASHION
Cotton tie hem sweatshirt £55 www.thewhitecompany.com
Fade to beige Beige is far from dull and boring
B
EIGE IS THIS year’s colour of choice. It may sound dull but it’s a colour that suits virtually everyone, whatever their skin tone, and comes in very different shades: cream, ecru, caramel, biscuit and tan, with every shade in between. It’s an easy colour to put with other shades and can look very flattering against the skin. The only proviso is that those with very pale colouring should make sure the tone they pick has a pinky tinge to stop them looking washed out.
The way to wear beige, or any colour this season, is to be dressed top to toe in it. And this works as you can wear different shades to break it up, or the same shade to give a more modern look. A camel wool coat can lift any outfit, making it look smart and often more expensive than it actually is; similarly a raincoat in this shade can have the same effect. Beige can look elegant and understated, pearls and gold jewellery can add to the look.
Stone satin midi skirt £17.99 www.newlook.com February 2019 / theactivemag.com 23
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Wishing wellness
Looking to rejuvenate and revitalise mind and body? Try these ideas out...
24 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Feature
You get out what you put in You are what you eat and drink, so this is the first step to feeling better The start to feeling better means eating and drinking better, because without these basic elements of wellness, you’re never going to feel the full effect of the other action you take. But this doesn’t mean ‘de-tox’ as such, because there isn’t really any such thing: if you’re in normal health, you have a liver and kidneys, lungs and skin that get rid of toxins for you. You can’t magically force them out, but a good diet over time will help rebalance your body. So that means taking out of your diet the processed, packaged, bottled, take-out and toxic food. Try as much as possible to cut down on sugar, salt, bad saturated fat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine and soda drinks. Try and get as much protein as well as high-fibre foods such as wholegrains, beans, peas and lentils to help balance blood sugar levels. Our gut is the centre of optimal health, and unfortunately many modern-day lifestyle factors interfere with the health of the internal bodily function. Along with avoiding chemicals and processed foods, to support a healthy gut function try adding high probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, leeks, onions and garlic. Fresh, organic, living fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and legumes are obviously good for you, and are your medicine. Embrace them with open arms and maybe a few herbs and spices too, because they are rich in micro-nutrients and packed with anti-oxidants.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 25
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Get back to basics Something as simple as spending more time in our glorious countryside will set you on the right path to wellness It might be freezing cold, it possibly is even miserable and wet too, but there is no substitute for just getting outdoors to make you feel energised and, in the old-fashioned parlance, get the blood flowing – that feeling when you come in after a walk or run and you’re buzzing. We’re fortunate to live in an area where the air is fresh and the opportunities to be outside are not especially limited, and being out in nature does have measurable health benefits. Research from the University of East Anglia found that exposure to green space reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, pre-term birth, stress and high blood pressure. Populations with higher levels of greenspace exposure are also more likely to report good overall health – according to global data involving more than 290 million people. Lead author Caoimhe Twohig-Bennett said: “Spending time in nature makes us feel healthier, but until now the impact on our long-term well-being hasn’t been fully understood. Forest bathing is already really popular as a therapy in Japan – with participants spending time in the forest either sitting or lying down, or just walking around. “People living closer to nature also had
reduced diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress. In fact, one of the really interesting things is that exposure to greenspace significantly reduces people’s levels of salivary cortisol – a physiological marker of stress. “This is really important because in the UK 11.7 million working days are lost annually due to stress, depression or anxiety.” Nicola Blower, MSK podiatrist at www. walkrite.co.uk, agrees that the beneficial relationship between exercise and physical well-being is well-known, and its relationship with mental well-being is now also becoming better understood. “A recent study in Lancet Psychiatry involving 1.2million adults in the US found that physical exercise was significantly associated with improved mental health. Put simply, exercise can make you happier,” she says. To get a really good revitalising dose of nature, you could try a break in a yurt. Jen Lyon, owner of Country Bumpkin Yurts, explains: “Occasionally getting away from it all is good for mind and body. Physically going to a different place, especially when it involves being outdoors, helps us to switch off. There is something about listening to birdsong, feeling the wind in your hair and seeing the trees sway that calms the mind. A glamping break in the Leicestershire countryside is the perfect excuse for a well-being escape. “Glamping is a wonderfully accessible way to camp in the great outdoors. It combines the best of being immersed in nature with the comforts we need to relax. Our outdoor wood-burning hot tub is a good example of this combination. Using yurts as your base, you can rest, relax or go on an adventure; whatever invigorates you. With our new Canvas Café you can also escape to the country simply for some lunch and a coffee.”
Country Bumpkin Yurts www.countrybumpkinyurts.co.uk Email info@countrybumpkinyurts.co.uk Tel 0737 5024672
Walkrite www.walkrite.co.uk Email info@walkrite.co.uk Tel 01733 559161
“Spending time in nature makes us feel healthier”
26 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Feature
Have a relaxing time Looking for a place to chill out and revitalise? Try these local retreats of peace and serenity Once you’re eating and drinking the right things, and you’ve communed with nature, it’s time to treat yourself to some serious rest and relaxation, and there are some fabulous ways to do this nearby. For some it is the luxury of a hotel such as Stapleford Park. “We always see an uplift of spa breaks at Stapleford Park at the start of the year since that’s typically the time when guests want to reboot their personal health and beauty regimes,” says Gemma Spencer, spa manager at Stapleford Park Country House & Spa. “Our spa and health club offers a holistic lifestyle approach and over the years our spa menu has definitely seen a shift towards more natural and, where possible, organic ingredients. These are healthier for the body and mind, hence we’ve recently launched a new range of treatments using Aromatherapy Associates and Neom Organics. My personal favourite is Neom Organics’ Power Nap massage which includes a back exfoliation followed by an incredible massage that does what it says on the tin. Guests also love the new Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience for its therapeutic results.” Taking time out is one of the most important and beneficial things we can do for ourselves, but also a luxury we don’t indulge in often enough, says Lottie Davies, owner of Organic Ritual Beauty in Uppingham.
Organic Ritual Beauty www.organicritualbeauty.org Email enquiries@organicritualbeauty.com Tel 01572 822853
“At ORB, we believe you can’t serve from an empty vessel. As modern day women (and men) we spend so much time working, caring for others and putting ourselves at the bottom of the pecking order, often leaving us a little stressed, strained and burnt out. Taking just an hour or so out every few weeks can help to totally counteract this, restore you from the inside and allow you to face daily challenges with a calmer and more relaxed demeanour and mindset, not to mention the benefits for your skin and overall health. “We aim to provide you with the perfect pocket of escapism, whether time is short or you’re looking for a longer switch-off. We offer indulgent, organic spa and beauty treatments, using locally sourced products, as well as everyday maintenance treatments.”
Perhaps you feel the need for a more spiritual refreshment? In which case Launde Abbey could be the place, according to Ven David Newman, warden at Launde Abbey. He explains: “Not many people have to be persuaded that mind and body go together, that our inner and outer lives are connected. There are many ingredients for well-being: exercise, environment and diet go alongside mindfulness, prayer and core values. “It can be hard to find the space to realise such integration and yet sometimes we encounter places where harmony and a fuller peace are more easily discovered. For many Launde Abbey is one such place where hospitality and prayer combine with a historic house and a stunning location to bring peace to even the most stressed minds and bodies.”
“We aim to provide you with the perfect pocket of escapism”
Stapleford Park www.staplefordpark.com Tel 01572 787000
Launde Abbey www.laundeabbey.org.uk Tel 01572 717254
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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Feature
Go in hot! Exercise your mind and body with hot yoga and pilates Harry Hewetson plays an active role in the London yoga community but devotes the majority of his teaching schedule to the East Midlands and was the first person to bring hot Bikram yoga to Market Harborough and Northampton. In 2018 Harry expanded his schedule of classes and qualified as an Inferno HIIT pilates teacher, again being the first to bring this new fitness workout to the East Midlands. Hot yoga is a one hour class in the heat (the room is typically heated to around 30-35 degrees centigrade) to allow for deeper and safer stretching, increasing flexibility, mental clarity and aiding weight loss through an
increased metabolism. Perfect for beginners and experienced yogis alike, this is a nononsense workout for body and mind. Crucially, you do not need to be flexible to take this class. Hot HIIT pilates is a one hour, high intensity interval training class using pilates principles: high intensity without the detrimental impact on your joints. This will firm your abdominal area, tighten your glutes and carve out your waistline; Harry says you should expect to see visible results after only a few classes. www.hotyogawithharry.com
“You should expect to see visible results after only a few classes� February 2019 / theactivemag.com 29
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Dunsby church nestles snugly into the surrounding trees
ACTIVE INFO There used to be a railway station just to the east of Rippingale which was opened for goods in October 1871 and for passengers in January 1872. It closed to passengers in September 1930 but remained opened for goods until June 1964.
Haconby, Dunsby and Rippingale Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE
When you drive into Haconby from the A15 go past the Hare & Hounds on your left and you will see a footpath sign very shortly afterwards on the left. Park on the road and head north out of Haconby on this path. You will shortly see a footpath junction and signpost to your right in a field corner. Don’t go that way! Keep heading north and you will find the path that goes past Mill Cottages, and forks to the north-east after
crossing a wooden bridge. This path will bring you into Dunsby past Dunsby House and right by the pretty little church. Cross the road and find the path which leads up through a back garden and on to the unexpected hill. This walk is right along the fenland edge so this 32-metre hill is the last one between here and the North Sea. Stay on the path northwards as it drops down to the Old Beck where it meets Doctor’s Lane to Rippingale. Walk along the road for 100 yards and you will see the footpath over the fields into Rippingale. Head into the village and have a look at the church – you might get a drink in The Bull if you fancy and when you’re done retrace your steps to the Old Beck where there
are two other options for the short distance back to Dunsby. Either one will bring you on to the main road through the village. But don’t go back to the church. Instead take Dunsby Drove which heads towards South Forty Foot Drain and you will see a footpath on the right as you are leaving the village behind. Take this path and keep heading south back to Haconby. You will have some nice views back to Dunsby House before passing through an unexpected coniferous plantation and then it’s only half a mile back to Haconby with some proper fenland big skies to accompany you. When you get back to the village turn right and walk along Chapel Street to your car, or the Hare & Hounds if you fancy.
Images: Will Hetherington
This walk on the edge of the fens will deliver big skies and the odd surprise, as Will Hetherington discovers
30 February 2019 / the activemag.com
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Active life
START ©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2019 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 036/19
Heading north between Haconby and Dunsby
Essential information WHERE TO PARK On the main road in Haconby just beyond the Hare & Hounds pub. DISTANCE AND TIME Four miles/an hour and a half HIGHLIGHTS Dunsby is something of a hidden gem, with its pretty little church, grand houses and unexpected hill. Big fenland skies. A classic fenland scene with a big sky, irrigation channel and arable crops
LOWLIGHTS Probably best avoided when there’s an east or north wind blowing unless you have some cobwebs to blow away. REFRESHMENTS The Hare & Hounds in Haconby and The Bull in Rippingale. DIFFICULTY RATING Two paws. This is on the edge of the fens so it’s pretty flat but there is the odd stile and it can be muddy. THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE Expect some livestock and not much fresh water but the dogs will get a good run. For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.
February 2019 / the activemag.com
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from the
Inside Out Get ready for spring SALES I 15 MAIN RD, GLASTON, RUTLAND, LE15 9BP BAR | RESTAURANT | HOTEL
The Old Pheasant Hotel in Glaston is situated in the picturesque heart of Rutland, providing the perfect escape for some relaxation.
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01572 822326
RESTAURANT TIMES:
SERVICE I
REPAIRS
MON - FRIDAY: LUNCH: 12 - 2PM DINNER: 6 - 9PM SATURDAY: LUNCH: 12 - 3PM DINNER: 6 - 9PM SUNDAY: ALL DAY DINING FROM 12 - 7PM SUNDAY ROAST FROM 12 - 4PM
Off the A47, this traditional grade 2 listed stonebuilt country pub with rooms attached is close to the market town of Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford. It is located just a stones throw away from Rutland Water Nature Reserve.
our lunch and dinner menu has some great pub classics along with some tantalising dishes sourced locally. The menu has been designed by our chefs. They have designed the menu to suit a variety of different tastes.
The well set out rooms have contemporary furnishings and decor, and come with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is open to the public and
Whether your stay is for business or simply to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, our dedicated staff will take care to ensure your every need is catered for, leaving you to simply enjoy yourself and unwind.
24/01/2019 16:03
Active life
ACTIVE INFO For the first couple of miles you will be on the Midshires Way which is a 230-mile long footpath and bridleway which runs from Bledlow in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire to Stockport.
A classic English countryside scene. Part of this walk takes in the Midshires Way
The upper Welland Valley Three small villages in the upper Welland Valley make for an excellent loop, as Will Hetherington reports
Difficulty rating TH E ROUTE
Images: Will Hetherington
I chose to start in tiny Welham and parked on the road outside the church. From here it’s south-west straight out of the village along Great Bowden Lane, which is also the Midshires Way. This road has almost no traffic on it and would make for a good dog walk in its own right when we have a lot of rain. Follow the lane as it passes the stud and Welham Estate Lake on the right and then cross the dismantled railway. Keep going for nearly two miles and eventually you will reach a point where you turn left towards Sutton Bassett. After about 200 yards you will cross a bridge over the embryonic River Welland; at this point turn left and take the path through the hedge rather than continue on the Midshires Way.
From here it’s a straight line east and gradually uphill into Sutton Bassett. You will arrive in the village next to a rather drab closed pub. Turn right and walk along the road to the end of the village and just before the last house on the left the path heads off down a driveway. It wasn’t very well signposted when I did the walk but you can see the gate at the end of the track beyond the house and it’s the only way.
Sutton Bassett is just about the halfway point
After one reasonably flat sheep pasture there is then a brief but steep climb up to the high point of the walk (128 metres). You will come out on a well-established farm road at the top and make a quick right and then left turn to pick up the Macmillan Way which then drops down into pretty Weston by Welland. Turn right on to the road when you get to the village and then keep bearing left to get on to Welham Road. There is a long way back to Welham via the Macmillan Way but that involves almost as much time on the road as just staying on Welham Road and walking straight back. Along the way you will pass the popular Wheel and Compass pub. Cross one dismantled railway on the road bridge and then have a decent view of an old railway bridge to the right shortly afterwards. You will cross the Welland just before Welham and you will see how much the river develops within the couple of miles since you crossed it earlier in the walk.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 33
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Walking Football
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Active life
You will enjoy some wonderful views from the top of the hill between Sutton Bassett and Weston by Welland
This disused railway bridge is located between Weston by Welland and Welham on the last leg
Essential information START
WHERE TO PARK On the road by the church in Welham. DISTANCE AND TIME Five miles/an hour and three quarters HIGHLIGHTS Good views from the top of the hill between Sutton Bassett and Weston by Welland. LOWLIGHTS The last mile or so is along the road to Welham but it’s a quiet road and quite pleasant.
©CROWN COPYRIGHT 2019 ORDNANCE SURVEY. MEDIA 036/19
REFRESHMENTS The Wheel & Compass at Weston and The Old Red Lion in Welham. DIFFICULTY RATING Three paws. It’s more than five miles and there’s a steep hill in the middle. Otherwise it’s easy underfoot. THE POOCH PERSPECTIVE Your dogs will thank you for this walk. For your own safety and navigation make sure you have an OS map with you when you go out walking. You won’t regret it.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 35
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Clear Start
Puppy Pack Clear Ridge Veterinary practice aims to help your new puppy settle in as quickly as possible and to help with this very important time in their lives. Take a look at the details of our ‘Clear Start Puppy Pack’. This starter pack caters for all of your puppies needs and includes vaccinations, health assessment, flea treatment, worming treatment, microchip, nurse appointments, information folder and free insurance*. We also offer great discounts off future consults and treatments.
The Clear Start Package covers all of your young puppy’s essentials for three months: • First full course of standard primary vaccinations - We offer Lepto 2 vaccinations. We recommend puppies are vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. The course consists of 2 vaccinations given either 2-4 weeks apart. Your puppy will then be vaccinated against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo virus and Para-influenza virus and Leptospirosis. Yearly booster vaccinations will then be recommended to maintain immunity. • A general health check - You will have a 20 minute consultation with one of our vets which will enable you to discuss any questions or problems you may be experiencing.
• Nurse consultations - As your puppy grows and develops into a young dog, you are sure to have questions. Our nurses will be there to help and advise you along the way. They can discuss: Diet, weight, suitable play/ toys, behaviour & training tips, exercise requirements, preventative dental care and neutering. • • • •
One worming treatment One flea treatment Microchip 10% off subsequent flea & worming treatment for 1yr • 10% off 1st annual booster vaccination (at 12 months) • 10% off your next consultation • 4 weeks free insurance*
All for just £50.00. For more information or to discuss any part in more detail, please call and speak to any of the Clear Ridge Team at our Stamford practice: Tel 01780 764333 or Orton Wistow Tel: 01733 230000
www.clearridgevets.co.uk
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Active life PETS
The first steps to becoming a guide dog for the blind The first in a new series looking into how a puppy becomes a fully trained guide dog
M
OST PUPS ARE born at the home of dedicated volunteers and stay with their mother until they are six weeks old. They then go to the Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre (NBC) in Warwickshire. They spend a week there with the other pups from their litter where they begin their journey to become a life-changer. Common breeds for guide dogs are labradors, golden retrievers, labradoodles and German shepherds. Once at the NBC the pups have a puppy profiling assessment done. This looks at the temperament of the pup and monitors awareness, perception and concentration. They might be asked to retrieve a toy, follow a handler or run through a small tunnel. This shows traits such as confidence and use of initiative. Most pups pass but a small number, 30 out of 1,500 a year, are classed as ‘high level introverts’ so don’t make the grade and are found new homes. The rest are categorised and given training goals depending on their individual traits. They then leave the centre and go to a Guide Dogs’ volunteer puppy walker. It costs £56,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement, and £48.9 million to run the service. If you would like to help fundraise or become a volunteer, including as a puppy walker, contact: www.guidedogs.org.uk or call 0345 143 0223.
Hydrotherapy for dogs STEPHANIE WILLIS IS a qualified small animal hydrotherapist who has recently opened her own business, Loyal Will Canine Hydrotherapy Centre, in Islip, near Corby. As a hydrotherapist she helps dogs recover from injury by taking them swimming in a warm hydrotherapy pool. The heat in the water dilates the blood vessels so more blood flows to the muscles, allowing a greater range of movement. This helps repair injuries, improves fitness and eases arthritic symptoms. Many hydrotherapy sessions can be covered by pet insurance, particularly if taking place pre- and post-operations. Hydrotherapy can also help a puppy gain confidence in water. A hydrotherapist will always be in the pool with the dog so can encourage it to move in a way that is beneficial, improving ability and fitness. And dogs seem to love their session in the water. www.loyalwillcaninehydrotherapycentre.co.uk, 07491 693310
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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26/01/2019 19:10
ActiveBody The fast way to healthy living | Shouldering the burden E DI T E D BY ST E V E MO ODY
Time to trim your ‘winter plumage’ Nutritionist Dawn Revens sets out a plan to cut body fat and help get you in shape to hit your goals for 2019
B
Y NOW, I expect that many of you have started to plan the endurance events you are going to be competing in this year. Some of you may have chosen the events you competed in last year and you want to improve your times this year. Some of you may never have done an endurance event before and have decided to set yourself a new challenge. Whichever group you fit into, it’s really important that you support your training plan with a nutrition plan to help you go faster for longer and recover more quickly, as well as minimising your risk of injury. Often one of the goals people doing endurance events have is to lose some body fat. Whether you swim, run, cycle or do all three, one thing’s for sure, less body fat means less effort during races and faster times. So be honest, are you still carrying your ‘winter plumage’, that extra body fat you picked up over the winter? If you are, then now is the time to lose it before training intensity increases.
What’s the best way to achieve this? Start by setting yourself a goal; it might be losing 5-10kg or, better still, getting to a certain body fat percentage. When I work with athletes who want to get to optimal racing weight for the season, I recommend that they set themselves a 90-day goal. After doing this they write down what actions and habits they are going to put in place for the next 30, 60 and 90 days to make sure that they actually achieve their goal. In the same way as you probably track your training progress, the smaller milestones are a way of making sure you definitely keep on track.
If you don’t have a written plan broken down into daily habits combined with support and accountability, your chance of getting to your optimal weight will drop dramatically. If you’re serious about achieving your goals, find yourself an accountability partner to support you or a nutrition coach to teach you tools and techniques needed to drop that extra weight. Good luck and here’s to a leaner, lighter and faster you in 2019 ! Dawn Revens is The Compeater and works with endurance athletes to optimise their nutrition so they can get amazing training in racing results.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 39
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“If you get the right advice you can absolutely turn your life around�
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ActiveBody
Not so fast Kate Maxim talks to Dr Michael Mosley, writer and TV presenter on The One Show, BBC Horizon and Trust Me, I’m a Doctor, about fasting as a route to great health
D
R MICHAEL MOSLEY is the man behind the Fast Diet, an intermittent 5:2 fasting programme which advocates eating a regular diet five days per week then fasting on restricted calories for the remaining two days. He’s also written the 8-Week Blood Sugar diet, based on a low carb Mediterranean style diet, and now he’s brought out the Fast 800 diet for rapid weight loss. We caught up with him before his UK tour, Trust Fast Health, where he hopes to explode some common health myths.
don’t mean eating plates of pasta or pizza but the traditional diet the peasants in places such as Sicily would have eaten. Lots of nuts, olive oil, vegetables and oily fish such as salmon and tuna. Not much bread or pasta and certainly not rice. If you have to eat rice choose brown rice, and bulgar wheat is good. A glass of red wine tends to be part of that regime too – it has lots of anti-oxidants and other nutrients which are better for the gut and body.
Active: Could you explain what the 5:2 diet involves and its benefits?
Any form of activity is great and the bare minimum should be getting up every half an hour or so. A good thing is to walk for 25 minutes a day, ideally first thing. Early morning exercise has lots of benefits, particularly if you do it in the fasting state as it seems to add to the effectiveness of your overall fast. I do press-ups and squats, and I walk the dog every morning but it’s not enough to simply walk – you need to put in bursts and get your heart rate up. If you go for a jog, you should be putting in sprints; if you’re cycling, go up a hill. One real killer is a large waist size as fat around your gut is worse than fat around your bottom, breasts or anywhere else.
Michael: In 2012 I did a Horizon programme called Eat, Fast and Live Longer to examine the effects of fasting, having recently discovered I had type 2 diabetes. After a few short weeks on the diet my blood results had improved and I’d lost weight. It changed my life. You cut your calories down to around 500 per day for women and 600 for men for two days a week and you can choose the days. They could be back to back or spread over the week. There’s been a lot of research on fasting which has shown the multiple benefits of doing it, particularly of losing an average of one to two kilograms (around four pounds) a week, a reduced breast cancer risk and improvements in the brain. You need to have a big drop in calories a couple of days a week to get the benefits, but a lot of people find it easier to cut down this way instead of cutting calories across the week. It’s easier to fit into your life.
I really don’t like skipping meals and don’t think it’s a good idea to miss lunch, for example. What do you say to that?
That it’s complete nonsense. You need periods of time where you haven’t got food in your system because your body gets on with repair. That’s why it’s good to have an extended period of fasting overnight. I recommend going 12 hours without food, and it’s a very bad idea to eat late at night. If you get the right advice you can absolutely turn your life around.
You recommend a Mediterranean diet. What do you mean? It’s the most studied diet on the planet and the evidence of its benefits are overwhelming. I
We all know that exercise is key. I gather you recommend intense bursts of activity?
Your Trust Fast Health tour starts in February. What is it about?
I’ll be talking about my new book but also about my life in television as I’ve been doing it for 30 years. I’ll also talk about the latest science. There’s so much conflicting advice out there but mine is based on the latest science and studies, and I’ve talked to world experts so I’m very confident in what I claim. A lot of advice is out of date and has never been based on decent science or reliable studies. When people used to say that eating regularly was sensible, it seemed like a reasonable thing to say at the time, but in studies it’s been found that people who eat regularly, eat more. Now when they say snacking is very bad for you, I’m very confident that statement is right as it’s backed up by experts and physiological evidence. Even our pets have got fat and sick in the same way we have as we’re feeding them more regularly. Trust Fast Health will be at De Montfort Hall in Leicester on March 21, from 7.30pm. Tickets £25. www.demontforthall.co.uk
COM PETITION!
Win a copy of Dr Mosley’s new book the Fast 800 ‘Recent studies have shown that 800 calories per day is the magic number when it comes to successful dieting – it’s an amount high enough to be manageable but low enough to speed weight loss and trigger a range of desirable
metabolic changes. Fast 800 has 100 recipes and menu plans that are highly flexible – you choose how intensively you want to implement the programme. You could do 800 calories every day for 2-12 weeks followed by the 5:2.’
February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveBody
Screen time Online therapy is becoming increasing popular, but you need to choose the approach that works best for you, says Lisa Johnston
I
N THE UK, mental health conditions make up around 28% of the total burden of disease but receive just 13% of the total NHS budget. Faced with long waiting lists, limited choice in the type of therapy and scheduling of treatment offered, people are finding new ways to access help from qualified therapists when they most need it using online therapy.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy is a blanket phrase for services delivering therapy either passively through app-based support or actively through sessions hosted on video calls. Real-time online therapy is the exact same process as in-person counselling or psychotherapy: • You are matched with a therapist qualified with the right skills and experience to best meet your needs. • You meet regularly with your therapist using a live video platform of your choice, such as Skype or FaceTime. • Instead of talking in the same room, you talk over video call on your laptop or tablet. • You receive best treatment that works to help you recover from your problems, typically between six to eight sessions. Online therapy is fast becoming the solution to barriers people face in accessing support. The most common reasons people want the convenience of online therapy include: • You don’t have to travel, sit in a waiting room or go on a long waiting list to speak to a therapist. • You can access the same therapy as in-clinic, but from anywhere, from the comfort of your home or wherever you feel most comfortable. • You can schedule therapy sessions for times that are most convenient for you, including evenings and weekends. • People can access the right therapist and type of therapy for their needs despite living in rural locations or far away from a specialist. • You can access therapy even if you struggle to leave the house. • It is extremely discreet so you don’t have to tell anyone. As more and more people try therapy with video calls, health professionals and therapy users have started a debate about the pros and cons of online versus traditional in-clinic therapy. The drawbacks of online therapy people need to consider include:
• Due to the remote nature of its delivery, online therapy is not able to help those who are in crisis or having thoughts about harming themselves or another person. • Online therapy is not recommended for those who have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, people dealing with multiple mental health problems or if they have been advised to be supported by a community mental health team. • If your internet connection is patchy or unreliable, it can significantly impact the flow of a therapy session. • Many of the larger health insurers do not yet recognise online therapy. It ultimately comes down to preference. Some people do not feel comfortable talking over a computer screen and prefer the clinic room environment and in-person interaction. Also, the commitment of setting aside the time to attend an in-person appointment can help as well as separating it from work or home life. The therapist-client relationship is an important one that requires trust to open up
and ultimately for people to take the steps they need in order to make positive changes. Being comfortable and trusting a person is a hugely important part of feeling able to open up and explore your problems in therapy. While online therapy is a valuable way to expand your options, if you don’t feel able to connect with your therapist, it could act as a big barrier to the therapy being as effective as possible. Online video therapy may not always be a replacement for in-clinic treatment for mental health difficulties, but it can offer increased choice and flexibility and it could break down the barriers for some to take that first allimportant step in seeking help, which they may not have done with an in-clinic format. Lisa Johnston is the co-founder of My Therapist Online and connects people who want to better their well-being and happiness with the right therapist. Visit www.MyTherapistOnline.co.uk for more information or get in touch at info@MyTherapistOnline.co.uk
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 43
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24/01/2019 16:01
ActiveBody
About Avicenna Clinic Avicenna Clinic has a range of specialist consultants, an operating theatre for surgical procedures and superior in-house imaging facilities – including state-of-the-art MRI, ultrasound and X-ray scanning equipment. It can assess and diagnose all cases of acute and chronic pain quickly and deliver comprehensive treatment plans tailored to you. To book a consultation or for more information on treating your pain and explore the other available services to help you, contact Avicenna Clinic on 0330 202 0597.
On the cuff Dr Hany Elmadbouh, senior consultant at Avicenna Clinic, looks at a common shoulder injury and what can be done to repair it
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HE SHOULDER JOINT is a ball and socket joint, formed from a ball on the top of the arm bone (humerus) and a shallow socket which is part of the shoulder blade (scapula). Above the ball and socket joint there is a ligament attached to the bony prominences on the scapula on the top (acromion) and at the front (coracoid). This is called the coracoacromial ligament, which forms an arch. The space between the shoulder joint and the arch is known as the sub-acromial space. It is moved by a group of four muscles and tendons known as the rotator cuff. They attach from the shoulder blade on to the top of the arm bone passing through the sub-acromial space. A small fluid fill sac (subacromial bursa) cushions the tendons from the roof of the arch. When the rotator cuff is injured, it swells and because it is surrounded by bone, its
swelling causes an increase in the pressure within the tendon which results in compression and reduced blood flow in the capillaries. When the blood flow is reduced, the tendon tissue begins to fray and in advanced stages may rupture. Rotator cuff disease may be the result of either a single substantial injury to the shoulder or, most commonly, progressive degeneration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue. Repetitive overhead activity or heavy lifting over a prolonged period of time may irritate or damage the tendons, so painters, carpenters and people who play sports such as baseball or tennis are often at risk. The risk of rotator cuff injury also increases with age, as it is most common in people aged 40 and above. There may be a genetic component involved as injuries occur more commonly in certain families.
The main symptoms of rotator cuff disease are pain in and around the shoulder joint and painful movement of the shoulder. The pain may be described as a dull ache deep in the shoulder and can disturb sleep, particularly when lying on the affected shoulder. The pain is made worse by reaching (up behind the back, overhead, etc) and may be accompanied by arm weakness. Rotator cuff disease is diagnosed by taking the medical history and a physical examination. The latter usually involves moving the shoulder in various positions and comparing it with the unaffected side. X-rays of the shoulder may show bone spurs causing tendon impingement and help to exclude other causes of shoulder pain such as osteoarthritis. Dynamic ultrasound of the shoulder may demonstrate tendon impingement and tear. A diagnosis of impingement syndrome may be made when a small amount of an anaesthetic is injected into the space under the acromion and relieves the pain. An MRI of the shoulder will confirm if the tendons are torn and the size of the tear, show the status of the muscles and anatomical details required to plan surgery. Without treatment, rotator cuff injury may lead to permanent weakness of the arm. Also, prolonged immobilisation due to pain may cause thickening and tightness of the shoulder joint capsule (frozen shoulder). Physiotherapy is the main treatment of rotator cuff disease. This includes daily shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises. Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may help. Steroid injection into the subacromial space can help to relieve pain if rest and exercise on their own don’t help. But it’s still important to do shoulder exercises. If conservative treatment fails, an operation called a subacromial decompression may be an option. The operation involves widening the space around the rotator cuff tendons so that it doesn’t rub or catch. If the tendons are torn, the surgeon may be able to repair it during the operation. If rotator cuff disorders are adequately treated, there can be complete recovery. Recovery can take at least six months and is often longer than this.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 45
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11+ Testing Information Evening Tuesday 5 March 2019 7pm at Bourne Grammar School Parents of Year 5 students are invited to attend an Information Evening on the 11+ testing process. There will be a short presentation on the format of the 11+ tests, the scoring procedure and the testing arrangements. The appeals process and applying for a Year 7 place will also be covered. Drinks will be served after the presentation and there will be an opportunity to collect an information pack, register your child for the test and ask any questions of the Headteacher and Admissions Staff. Pre-registration is not required and parking is available on site.
www.bourne-grammar.lincs.sch.uk Bourne Grammar School, South Road, Bourne, PE10 9JE Bleed Template.indd 118
08/01/2019 10:03
Active Kids Witham cross-country success | Oakham’s future Tigers stars Deepings swimmers net 26 medals | Brooke girls’ football festival E DI T E D BY ST E V E MO ODY
How to win the digital debate You can’t force your children out of the digital world – it’s part of everything they do. But you can limit its negative effects
1
Make a plan
Media and digital devices can be a great asset, bringing a lot of fun and interest. But just as with chocolate cake, too much can be a bad thing, and just as with chocolate cake, you need to have boundaries. Make a plan about when media can and can’t be used. That will limit arguments and help routines such as bed, eating, family or homework time. Know who they communicate with, and why, and what platforms and sites they are using on their devices. It’s just the same as the boundaries and rules you’d set in other aspects of their lives.
2
Don’t be a hypocrite
To ensure they stick to the rule, set yourself guidelines too: it’s no good you telling a teenager they can’t sit staring at their phone over meals if you’re peering at Facebook at the table. Be a role model, not an enforcer.
3
Screen time shouldn’t always be alone time
Just because they’re on their devices doesn’t mean the whole family should head off into their own individual worlds. There’s a lot of stuff online that is interesting and fun for everyone to be involved in. By using it to explore and learn with them, you’ll create a situation where sharing – not them hiding and you policing – digital content is the norm.
4
Don’t use technology as behaviour control
Media can be very effective in keeping kids calm and quiet, but it
should not be the only way they learn to calm down. Children need to be taught how to identify and handle strong emotions, come up with activities to manage boredom, or calm down through breathing, talking about ways to solve the problem, and finding other strategies for channelling emotions.
5
Know the value of face-to-face communication
Very young children learn best through two-way communication. Engaging in back-and-forth ‘talk time’ is critical for language development. Conversations can be face-to-face or, if necessary, by video chat. Research has shown that it’s that back-and-forth conversation that improves language skills – much more so than passive listening or one-way interaction with a screen.
6
It’s OK for your teen to be online
Online relationships are part of typical adolescent development. Social media can support teens as they explore and discover more about themselves and their place in the grown-up world. Just be sure your teen is behaving appropriately in both the real and online worlds.
7
Talk to them
It’s not always easy, but talk to them about privacy settings, online bullying and the downsides of social media. It will be a lot easier conversation than the one after something bad has happened.
February 2019 / the activemag.com
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Active Kids
Booking open for Easter Sports Camp
Cross-country success for Witham Hall runners WITHAM HALL YEAR 7 pupils Eliza and Matilda competed in the Lincolnshire Schools Cross-Country Championship in January at Burghley Park. Eliza, who finished first, and Matilda (seventh) will now go on to the next level of the East Anglia Championships. Elsewhere, year 6 pupil Alexandra has also enjoyed huge success running for Nene Valley Harriers in the North Midlands Cross-Country
League; her team won the overall competition which is an event run over several months at multiple meets. Alexandra came fifth in her most recent race but ranked third overall, winning two trophies. More recently, Alexandra represented Witham at the Bedfordia meet which had participants from 30 schools with more than 700 competitors in total. In her race of approximately 150 runners, she came third.
BOOKING IS NOW open for the fun-filled Easter Sports Camp hosted by the Stamford Endowed Schools from April 8-12. For £195 (childcare vouchers accepted), the multi-activity sports week promises to engage children aged eight to 15 in 16 sports run by fully qualified coaches. All sports and activities take place on site in the schools’ sports centre and swimming pool and include fencing, tag rugby, badminton, street dance, cricket, water polo, football and swimming. With age appropriate groups, the sports will be tailored to the level of the individual child, with each child having the chance to participate in all activities throughout the week. This year, a number of childcare vouchers can be used as an additional form of payment. The fees include a packed lunch and refreshments throughout the day and there is the option for early drop-off and late pick-up at additional cost. Spaces for the Easter Sports Camp are limited at each age level so for more information and to book your child’s place see www.stamfordsportscamp. co.uk, call 01780 750050 or email bookings@stamfordsportscamp.co.uk.
Tigers success for Oakham players FIVE LOCAL RUGBY players have been part of the Leicester Tigers U18 Academy squad’s five-game winning streak. Harry Glynn, Kit Smith, Jack Van Poortvliet, Charlie Titcombe and Sam Costelow from Oakham School were part of the squad which has already secured their place in the final, which takes place at Saracens’ home ground, Allianz Park, in February. They have just one more game to play to achieve an unbroken run, against Worcester, before then. “These boys have co-ordinated their time as part of the Tigers U18 Academy squad with their commitments to the school’s 1st XV,” said director of rugby, Andy Rice.
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Active Kids
Swimming club’s 26-medal haul DEEPINGS’ SWIMMING CLUB came away from the first weekend of the Lincolnshire County Swimming Championships with a haul of 26 medals, including three golds, and two club records. In total, 50 Deepings swimmers qualified for this year’s county championships, which take place over four weekends at the Meres Leisure Centre in Grantham. Both club records fell in the 100m individual medley (IM) events. Bethany Eagle-Brown took one-and-a-half seconds off the previous club best to hit 1.07 minutes as she swam her way to
Tom Neal with his trophy after being crowned 50m backstroke county champion
gold in the 16 years and over age group, while Tom Adams lowered the mark by a second, winning silver in a time of 1.01.89, also in the 16 years and over category. Bethany added a brace of silvers to her medal tally in the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle, while Tom won gold in the 100m butterfly. Eleven-year-old Alex Sadler went a perfect five for five over the weekend, medalling in all his events with three silvers (50m backstroke, 100m butterfly and 400m freestyle) and two bronzes (100m IM and 200m freestyle). Jessica O’Herlihy achieved huge personal bests in all her events, including Midlands qualifying times in four: 50m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 200m freestyle and the 400m freestyle. In the 400m freestyle, she won bronze in the 13 years age group after taking more than 22 seconds off her previous mark to go under five minutes in a time of 4.57.22. Jessica collected her second bronze in the 100m butterfly with a four-second personal best, at 1.13.66. The Deepings team won medals across the age ranges and in all strokes. The youngest were 10-year olds Emma Dennis and Lucia Karic. Emma took silver in the 200m breaststroke and 200m freestyle, while Lucia claimed silver in the 50m backstroke. In the 12 years age category, Lara Treharne won silver and Lilly Tappern bronze in the 100m butterfly. Lilly also achieved her first ever Midlands qualifying time. It was a similar story for the boys. In the 15 years category, Zack Treharne collected four medals, silver in the 100m IM and 400m IM, and bronze in the 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly, while Joe Lund bagged silver in the 200m breaststroke and bronze in the 400m IM.
Jessica O’Herlihy won two bronze medals and achieved four Midlands qualifying times at the first weekend of county championships Tom Neal and Louis Metselaar wrapped up an exceptional medal-winning weekend of county competition. Tom finished first in the 16 years and over 50m backstroke and added silver in the 100m butterfly, while Louis won bronze in the 100m IM. Lynn Chapman, Deepings’ Swimming Club head coach, said: “We have enjoyed an outstanding weekend of competition with some excellent performances in all strokes and at all distances. I saw some huge improvements and everyone should be proud of the progress they are making. We can look forward to the rest of this year’s county championships with a lot of confidence.”
Good start to hockey season in local derby
Barcelona tour OAKHAM’S HOCKEY PLAYERS travelled to Barcelona for a pre-season training tour – playing and training at venues including the Olympic stadium. During their tour they played against the Iluro men’s team and the locally renowned Egara Hockey Club, which was all great preparation for the 1st team who, for the sixth time in nine years, have qualified for the National Indoor Finals.
STAMFORD SCHOOL’S 1ST XI hockey team started their 2019 season with victory over Uppingham in the first round of the National Cup. In the first half the boys defended well and after a Ben Pearson penalty flick Stamford went into half-time with a 1-0 lead. The game opened up in the second half with Eddie Harper scoring two goals, leading to a 3-0 final score. Head of hockey at Stamford School, Matt Bartell, said: “After retaining the Cardiff University tournament trophy and achieving a solid victory over Uppingham, the Stamford boys can be very proud of their performance. If they continue to build on their strong pre-season training, I have every confidence that they will experience a successful season.”
Brooke hosts girls’ football festival BROOKE PRIORY SCHOOL hosted a girls’ football festival in January. More than 50 form V and VI children braved the cold and sharpened their skills in training activities and games. Girls’ football is gaining in popularity and visitors from Copthill, St Nicholas’ and English Martyrs schools will be returning in March for a more competitive tournament.
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Reader challenges | Electric bikes | Local club updates
ActiveSport Fire in Babylon: now a damp squib
T
With England playing in the West Indies, Martin Johnson laments the passing of a great and fearsome cricketing nation
HERE SEEMS TO be even more supporters than usual following England on their cricket tour to the West Indies, which comes as no great surprise. Swapping the woolly hat and a mug of Bovril for a sun visor and a rum daiquiri is appealing enough on its own without the added bonus of escaping Brexit. The players would have been just as glad to get away, which might have brought wry smiles to the faces of cricketers such as Graham Gooch, Mike Gatting and David Gower. When those three were in their pomp, a trip to the West Indies didn’t so much conjure up images of swaying palm trees and hammocks as swaying sideways and stretchers. And there were enough battered fingers to attract a sponsorship deal from Birds Eye. Scarcely, however, can a sporting nation have declined so dramatically, in such a short space of time, as the West Indies cricket team. For two decades, from the mid-’70s to the mid-’90s, they were head and shoulders above any other side in the world, and from 1980 to 1995 didn’t lose a single test match series. They weren’t just respected, they were feared. No other batsman scored more runs against them in this period as Gooch, and yet he will tell you that, for the only time in his career, he felt frightened against their battery of pace bowlers when batting in a Test match in Jamaica in 1986. And yet here in 2019, Joe Root captains an England side that left home for the Caribbean without feeling the need to check the life insurance, or give the wife and children an extra hug in case they weren’t coming back. On top of which, lying second in the ICC world rankings, against a West Indies team languishing down in eighth place – just ahead of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe – they were expected to win easily. The downgrading of West Indies cricket manifests itself in what was once a five Test series being reduced to three, one of which is being played in St Lucia. Lovely island though it is, this used to be a kind of rest home stopover for a gentle match against the locals. Let’s hope the facilities are a bit better than the last time I was there too, when the people in the team hotel lobby were entertained by the sight of the manager being pinned against a wall by an irate English cricket writer shouting: “There are only two things I require from a hotel bedroom. A telephone and a bed. I appear to have neither.” Three traditional Test match venues have been dispensed with – Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana, none of which will be greatly mourned by either players or travelling members of the Barmy Army. Especially Guyana, which is neither in the Caribbean, nor is an island. The place with the highest rainfall in the world is supposed to be somewhere in the Himalayan foothills, but anyone who’s been to the Guyanan capital Georgetown would
dispute this. Lying below sea level, it’s the only cricketing venue I’ve ever been to where, following one Biblical downpour, the old saying “fishing outside the off stump” could be applied literally. Not only were the puddles full of marine life, which some spectators were feeding with their sandwiches, there was a high water mark halfway up the members’ bar. Jamaica sounds nice enough, but all the tourist areas are up in the north of the island, and not in Kingston where the cricket is played. There is plenty of nightlife if you don’t mind risking getting mugged, although walking down a side street at midnight has been a safer option down the years than batting against the likes of Malcolm Marshall in a Jamaica Test. In 1986, Mike Gatting had to fly home for surgery after being hit between the eyes by Marshall, a blow which left him looking like a giant panda. After Gatting had staggered off the field, Marshall was getting ready to bowl the next ball when he hurled it away in disgust after finding a piece of Gatt’s nose embedded in it. Missing out a trip to Trinidad won’t be mourned by the England fans either, as there’s not much to do in Port of Spain other than trying to make sure no-one steals your wallet, which leaves Antigua and Barbados as the other two Test match venues on the 2019 tour. Antigua, birthplace of great cricketers such as Viv Richards and Andy Roberts, is a lovely island, but the old cricket ground there has been replaced by a concrete carbuncle miles from the capital St John’s, and so hard to get to that the locals tend to stay away. As for having more atmosphere, that place recently discovered by the Chinese on the dark side of the moon probably edges it. Plus, if Gatting’s eyes were watering when he got hit by Marshall, you should try getting the bill after eating out in Antigua. Mind you, the drinks won’t cost much, as the waiters are the surliest you’ll find anywhere on the planet, and you can develop deep vein thrombosis standing at a bar waiting to get served. Barbados is cheaper, if only for the fact that the island is so small that the influx of England fans means you can’t get a table at a restaurant, and you end up eating delicious street food at about a tenth of the price. Everyone hires a MiniMartin Johnson Moke, but the traffic is so bad you end up with has been a sports a boiling radiator whilst stationary at the Sir journalist and author since 1973, writing for Garfield Sobers Roundabout. Or the Sir Frank the Leicester Mercury, Worrell Roundabout. It’s an odd business, but if The Independant, The you become a famous cricketer in Barbados, Daily Telegraph and you get a roundabout named after you. The Sunday Times. And there’s another potential downside to He currently writes Barbados. Gary Lineker has a property on the columns for The Rugby island, and as Twitterers know full well, if you Paper and The Cricket bump into arch remainer Gary at a beach bar Paper, and has a book then forking out all that money to avoid out called ‘Can I Carry Your Bags?’ hearing about Brexit will have been all in vain.
54 February 2019 / the activemag.com
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ActiveSport
New Peterborough Marathon launched
P
ETERBOROUGH WILL HOST a new marathon event this spring. Taking place on Sunday, April 14, its 26.2 miles will be run on a 95% traffic-free course, starting and finishing within yards of the race headquarters and event venue, the Marriott Hotel. The course heads towards the city centre taking in Nene Park en-route. Once in the city centre the route passes the cathedral, joins the Green Wheel cycle pathways and runs along the River Nene before heading back towards the Marriott Hotel for the after party. The marathon is a new addition to the 11 races already planned for 2019 by event organiser Sublime Racing. Course director André Pittock said: “Most marathoners will already be in full training and will have identified their target race for 2019. “We plan to have a relatively low-key debut running of the event this year to allow us to gain a full understanding of the demands of hosting the full distance marathon.” Initially the race aims to attract runners who would like the chance to try a new race that’s both scenic and relatively flat, so providing the opportunity for a personal best over the distance. Runners wishing to register for the Peterborough Marathon 2019 can do so online at www.sublimeracing.com.
The vast majority of the Peterborough Marathon route will take place on trafficfree roads, utilising the Green Wheel cycleways and paths around Nene Park
February 2019 / the activemag.com 55
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25/01/2019 17:46
ActiveSport E-bike Kitbag
Giant Ease-E Plus 2 2018 Ideal for city riding, commuting and country lanes, giving you a helping hand up the hills. Front and rear lights, kickstand and carry rack included. £999.99 (finance available from £27 per month) at www.rutlandcycling.com
Electrify your ride Local independent bike shop Rutland Cycling explains why going electric is good for your health, the environment, and can save you money too
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HAT IS AN electric bike, and how is it different from a regular bike? Essentially, e-bikes are regular ‘push bikes’ with an additional electric motor to help you pedal. In many e-bikes, the battery is integrated into the bike frame — most people don’t even realise it’s electric. An electric bike provides all the advantages of a regular bike, while reducing the strain on your body by giving you an assisted electronic boost. E-bikes use the same components as regular bikes, so when you’re choosing one, you’ll want to consider the same things as when buying a regular bike: riding style, size and fit, gears, etc. In addition, electric bikes feature a battery unit, motor and display. E-bike batteries are made from lithium-ion – the same as electric cars, and you recharge them just like a mobile phone. With an e-bike, you are in control of the motor. It will adjust assistance according to how hard you pedal to deliver the right amount of power. The more torque the motor has, the more power you can get out of the bike. More advanced e-bikes offer additional features including fitness tracking and sat-nav/ GPS, and most e-bikes have several modes you can pedal in, each changing the amount of assistance provided and battery/range.
COMMUTER AND LEISURE E-BIKES Electric bikes are a common sight in European cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin, used for pedalling around town and providing assistance up the hills to work. E-bikes are also a great way to explore the countryside, enjoying all the sights and sounds without getting out of puff! You still need to put some of the work in, but the battery power will give you a boost when you need it. E-BIKES FOR REHABILITATION E-bikes are a great option if you’re coming back from injury, or you struggle to ride longer distances, as they can allow you to cruise with ease, sail up hills, zoom to work and generally enjoy the pleasure that is riding a bike. OFF-ROAD E-BIKES Electric mountain bikes are taking off in a big way and having an electric assistance on climbs and straights off-road means you can conserve your time and energy for another lap of the woods or just keep up with the pack and get more riding into your session. There’s now a wide range of e-MTBs, from alloy hardtail to carbon fullsuspension models, with 27.5 or 29-inch wheels, plus-size tyres and up to 180mm fork travel.
Kalkhoff Agattu 1.B Move 2019 Available in white and blue, the Agattu is fitted with a 250W Bosch motor and 400Wh Bosch battery, and an LED display for setting the assist level and for showing information on battery charge level and daily mileage. £1,758.99 (finance available from £48 per month) at www.rutlandcycling.com
Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 2019 Featuring a brand new asymmetrical frame design constructed in MS aluminium with an all-new 29 trail geometry, the Turbo Levo provides just the right amount of playfulness on the trail. The battery is fully enclosed within the frame to help reduce frame weight and add to the overall aesthetics of the bike. £3,999.99 (finance available from £83 per month) at www.rutlandcycling.com
TAKE A FREE TEST RIDE To try out an electric bike, head to one of Rutland Cycling’s dedicated E-Bike Centres, open seven days a week, with more than 100 e-bikes in stock from top brands including Specialized, Giant, Scott, Cube, Trek and Kalkhoff. For more information visit www.rutlandcycling.com/ testride
56 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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ActiveSport S/F
On your bike!
STAMFORD
BARNACK
40
5
KETTON MARHOLM
Our monthly cycle routes from Rutland Cycling’s Sally Middlemiss are back for 2019 with a great 44-mile route
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TARTING IN STAMFORD, heading via Marholm to the outskirts of Peterborough, joining the traffic-free Green Wheel trail through Ferry Meadows en route to Oundle, then back to Stamford via King’s Cliffe and Ketton. The gradient is nice and balanced throughout the ride, with no steep climbs. Oundle offers plenty of coffee stop options at just over the halfway mark.
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Distance: 44 miles Elevation: 1,618 ft Max gradient: 5.2% Ride type: Road
35
KING’S CLIFFE
15 ALWALTON 30
Get a detailed map, route notes and download a GPX file for your GPS at:
20
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29203494
25
Enjoy the ride!
OUNDLE
Head out of Stamford on Barnack Road/B1443 Slight right on to Stamford Rd - 3.1 mi Continue on to Walcot Rd - 3.4 mi Turn left to stay on Walcot Rd - 4.2 mi Turn right on to Main St - 4.9 mi Continue on to Marholm Rd - 5.0 mi Continue on to Stamford Rd - 5.2 mi Turn right on to Castor Rd - 8.7 mi Continue on to Marholm Rd/R21 - 10.3 mi Turn right on to R21 - 11.2 mi Turn left on to Ferry Hill/R21 - 11.4 mi Turn right - 12.0 mi Turn right - 12.2 mi Turn right towards Green Wheel - 12.8 mi Turn left towards Green Wheel - 12.9 mi Turn right towards Green Wheel - 13.0 mi Turn right on to Green Wheel - 13.0 mi Continue on to Minerva Business Park - 13.9 mi At the roundabout, take the first exit on to Lynch Wood - 13.9 mi
At the roundabout, take the first exit on to Oundle Rd/A605 - 14.0 mi Turn left on to Bullock Rd - 16.2 mi Turn right at Washingley Ln - 20.0 mi Turn right - 20.9 mi Continue on to Lutton Rd - 21.9 mi Continue on to Main St - 23.7 mi Slight right on to Nene Way - 24.0 mi At the roundabout, take the second exit on to Station Rd/A427 - 25.8 mi Turn right on to New St - 26.5 mi Continue on to Glapthorn Rd - 26.6 mi Turn right - 29.3 mi Turn right at the first cross street at Main St 29.3 mi Continue on to Oundle Rd - 31.4 mi Oundle Rd turns slightly left and becomes Main St - 31.4 mi Continue on to Bridge St - 32.6 mi Continue on to Main St - 33.0 mi
Main St turns right and becomes King’s Cliffe Rd - 33.1 mi Continue on to Bridge St - 34.2 mi Turn right on to Park St - 34.5 mi Turn left on to A47 - 37.2 mi Turn right on to The Drove - 37.9 mi Turn right on to Main Rd/A43 - 38.8 mi Turn left on to High St - 38.8 mi Turn right on to New Rd - 38.9 mi Turn left on to Back Ln - 39.0 mi Back Ln turns slightly right and becomes Ketton Rd - 39.0 mi Continue on to Geeston Rd - 39.5 mi Turn left to stay on Geeston Rd - 40.0 mi Continue on to Station Rd - 40.1 mi Turn right on to Aldgate - 40.3 mi Turn left to stay on Aldgate - 40.4 mi Continue on to Bull Ln - 40.5 mi Turn right on to High St/A6121 - 40.7 mi Continue through Ketton and Tinwell and back to Stamford – 44.4 mi
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February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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CHALLENGES
Meet the marathon team Charlie Reading, who is planning to run a marathon and complete an IronMan in 2019, introduces us to the colleagues who will be running the Brighton Marathon with him
T
he glitz and gluttony of Christmas, when many of us over-indulged and let fitness take a back seat, now seems a lifetime ago. But for some of the team at Efficient Portfolio, it was the perfect time to pound the pavements and do some crucial training for the Brighton Marathon, which is looming large on April 14.
Tim Webb
“I’m running the Brighton Marathon with my partner Katie, so we have managed to keep each other motivated to train. Our mantra has been simple: put down the cakes and put on our trainers! “Over the break, Katie and I ran an average of three miles most days, and even managed to squeeze in a longer run. We’ve also made sure that our diet compliments our training, so we are getting the right nutrition to fuel our runs. “It hasn’t all been plain sailing – I have had some injuries as my feet over-pronate (when the arches of the foot roll inward or downward). I’m trying to combat this with a bit of trial and error with different running shoes, in-soles and supports.”
Katie Burgess
‘Training with Tim has been really positive and helped keep my motivation and enthusiasm levels high. I’ve found that running through the beautiful Rutland countryside has also given me a huge boost. I’ve also hit a personal record by running 10.1 miles, the furthest I have ever run. Setting and hitting different milestones has added to my motivation and I love achieving my goals whilst getting fitter. “I’m running for Breast Cancer Care and they have provided me with a 14-week training programme, which includes other activities such as pilates. I find having a mix of exercises and a clear plan helps keep me on track, and the variety makes it even more enjoyable.”
Dan Smalley
“Over Christmas I did take my foot off the training pedal, but still managed a couple of short runs. “I’m back training and am pleased with my progress. I’m aiming to run between five and 10km, three or four times during the week, and to fractionally increase my pace each time I go out. I find that this helps boost my overall
fitness and sets me up for my longer run, which I tend to do on a Sunday. So far I’m up to 10 miles, and am aiming to add a mile a week up until the marathon.”
Charlie Reading
“With the Brighton Marathon and the IronMan to train for, Christmas was never going to be a week off for me! Fortunately, one of my old school friends, who is passionate about triathlons, was home from New York so I was able to complete a run at Rutland Water, a swim and a bike ride with him. I even dragged myself out on Boxing Day to run off the excess turkey. “I then spent a week down in Cornwall. I love training there as the views are spectacular. While in Cornwall I completed three rather hilly cliff-top runs, which tested my stamina, and a 3.4km swim in the pool. Once back in Rutland, I then got back on the bike and squeezed in another long run of just over 20km. “I’m now aiming to do two short and one long run weekly, increasing them by a mile a week. I’ll also be completing at least 50 miles in the saddle and visiting the pool three times per week. I’m going to be busy.”
58 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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25/01/2019 16:04
ActiveSport
Climb every mountain, but get fit first Christopher Davies has set himself the 70seventy Challenge – to raise £70,000 for charity in his 70th year. But first he has to get fit after receiving radiation treatment WHEN I CLIMBED on the scales on January 1 it was clear what my new year’s resolution needed to be; lose a stone and a half - and fast! In less than five months I’ll be setting off up Ben Nevis on the National Three Peaks leg of the 70seventy Challenge – quickly followed three weeks later by my first marathon around Leicester Racecourse. Drastic action required! Climbing three of the highest peaks in the UK and running 26 miles will be hard enough without looking more like Mr Blobby than I care to admit. As I write I am three days into Jason Vale’s 28-day Super Juice Me programme – designed to help me lose over a stone by the end of January. So nutritious juices only for me, for a month. Everyone has been forbidden to eat croissants or chocolate cake within half a mile of me. Having taken a couple of months off training for radiation treatment at the end of last year I am not only overweight but feel completely out of shape. I think running 100 metres would be beyond me at the moment, let alone 26 miles. I have a mountain to climb to get fit before the actual mountains appear on the horizon, but I’m determined to do it. January has been light training; rebounding, stretching, working on flexibility and short, slow runs. The last thing I need is an injury caused by starting too quickly. Then I will start a four-month training schedule of hill walks and running to reach the end of May ready for the longest mountain walk and hardest road run of my life.
During this tight schedule I have a week in Cairo and a month in Shanghai touring with Bamboozle Theatre’s productions, so some inventive ways to train while abroad will be coming up. I will keep you posted. www.bamboozletheatre.co.uk
Try, try and try again Iain Downer hoped he would be back playing rugby this month after recovering from injury, but is now concentrating on his triathlon dream REHAB HAD BEEN progressing well over the past month and it felt as if my shoulder was on the mend. The treadmill and spin bike provided a temporary return to fitness in December, but after a somewhat over-indulgent Christmas period that took a bit of a dive. The first Oakham RFC training session of the year came as a shock to the system as it was evident just how much fitness I had lost since picking up a shoulder tear in October. During discussions with the club physio and coaches it was agreed that the shoulder needed another week or two so I was forced to watch an emphatic win against Market Bosworth from the sidelines. Training the following week was a light contact session, but it was clear after an early knock that I wouldn’t be back on the pitch for at least another four to six weeks, with a trip to the doctor most likely on the cards as well. Rugby has to go on the back burner for now so I’m concentrating on my Blenheim triathlon training. My first goal is getting back to full fitness and shedding the excess pounds gained over Christmas. Hard work in the gym should mean this is fairly straightforward and with rugby off the table I’m preparing a rigorous
nutrition and training plan for the 16 weeks leading up to June 1. I am not built for any type of endurance sport – certainly not a triathlon – but after some research I’m going to alter my training and focus more on my power-to-weight ratio rather than interval training and mass. I weigh approximately 91kg but want to drop this by a few kilos over the coming months. This should make completing the triathlon easier (fingers crossed) as I won’t be carrying so much bulk. Training aside, I am planning to kick-start my fund-raising for Bloodwise. Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK and it is the third biggest cause of UK cancer deaths. Bloodwise funds world-class research to ensure everyone affected has access to the right support. I’m hoping to raise between £500 to £1000. Anything over this would be a bonus. Hopefully by next month I will also have a target time as well. Then it will be a case of getting on the bike, hopping in the pool (maybe even Rutland Water – depending on the weather), and clocking up some miles. I’ve had some ups and downs over the last month but am now focused and determined, so I’m back on track.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 59
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25/01/2019 16:05
RUGBY
Rollercoaster month for Harborough By Jeremy Smithson-Beswick
M
ARKET HARBOROUGH excelled themselves this month by producing two of the most surprising local results for many a year, albeit one good and one bad. Their first upset came as they travelled to Vipers, a side which has been propping up the table for almost all of the season – just as Harborough have been challenging for promotion at the other end of the league – and doubtless the latter were expecting to come away with an easy victory to maintain their pressure on leaders Olney. You’ll have guessed by now that the more obvious result was not to be, and that was in spite of the visitors taking the lead early on, firstly with a great team try expertly finished by Harry Durham and then, indeed, going on to score three more during the game through Ed Parker, Adam Blatchley and Milkha Basra. They were, however, to eventually be defeated by the smallest of margins, 28-27, losing to a penalty which was the last kick of the game and also, according to Harborough’s ‘scrupulously impartial’ David Nance, taken as late as the 54th minute of the second half. Aside from the obvious implied frustration of losing so late on, Nance did concede that the “opposition number seven made several turnovers which starved Harborough of ball and prevented them from putting multiple phases together” and furthermore that his side had been weak at “first up defence and in the ability to win clean ball”. However, it seems there was no shortage of quality ball – for either side – the following weekend in their next game against Oakham, which will become apparent to readers shortly. Oaks, by the way, would have been as taken aback as anyone by that Vipers result, but more concerned about it than most. They are in a three-way fight against the drop this season with them – a parlous Huntingdon side making
up the other member of the bottom trio. Irrespective of Vipers’ shock win, Oaks would not realistically have expected to return from their trip to Harborough with many, if any, much-needed points (especially as they were fielding a below-strength side) even though they’d recorded a very creditable home win against Market Bosworth the weekend before. They were actually to come away from that short trip with a point, but not in the way one might have expected as the two sides contrived to put on a fantastic show for a happily large band of supporters with the final score being an amazing 64-43. Oaks’ consolation came, of course, from the try bonus – as they got a full six. Form books do rather go out of the window at this time of year as young players come back from university and improve struggling sides, but I can’t remember the last time I saw a match at this level totalling more than 100 points. After an early Oaks penalty Harborough responded with three tries from Milkha Basra, Josh Purnell and Josh Haynes and things seemed at that point to be running to form with the score at 21-3, especially as Oaks had already lost a further two players to injury, but they then scored two tries of their own through Jaime Ray and prop Rhys Grieve. Harborough restored what looked likely to be a comfortable cushion through Basra and Purnell but yet again Oaks showed resilience with a cracking score from young Kieran Hatcher-Devlin to make it 33-24 at the break. First blood of the second half went to Harborough as Basra completed his hat-trick and then Harry Durham added another before Oakham replied as Hatcher-Devlin got his second. Oaks’ Callum Crellin was in the thick of things and the opposition’s Nance certainly noticed what a fine game he was having, saying
he was “calling the shots” and naming him Oaks’ man of the match. Basra was also in contention for the overall winner of that title as he scored his fourth but the next one went to Crellin. Harborough’s Chris Bale then ran one in from 30 metres but once again Oaks came back, this time through Jonno Milnes. By now the score was 57-43 with 10 minutes left. Two converted tries from Oakham would have tied the match but, the final score came yet again from Basra (his fifth). Harborough’s view – from the aforementioned Nance – was that “the free-flowing rugby from forwards and backs on both sides was at times scintillating and certainly pleasing on the eye”. Both defences will reflect on what they could have done better but it would be churlish to do anything other than celebrate a fantastic game of rugby. As a result, Harborough are second in the table, six points behind Olney, and Oakham are 10th – one position above the drop zone and three points ahead of Vipers. The two play each other in their next match which already has the look of a relegation decider. A level down in Midlands 3, Stamford kept up their promotion push with wins over Biggleswade, Bourne and Daventry. The division seems to be resolving itself into a threeway fight for the two top spots, the other two contenders being Northampton Casuals and Leicester Forest, both of whom they play this month. Stamford also made it to the semi-final of the NLD Shield with a 55-19 win over League Two Lincoln; their tries coming from Jones, Hillary, Ramsden, Anderson, Burns, O’Shea and a hat-trick from Heard. And they are in with a chance of a treble having already progressed to the same stage of the Lincolnshire Cup.
60 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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The Roundup Teenager Joe Heyes has made the breakthrough into the Tigers’ 1st XV this season
Tigers talk Steve Moody sees the green shoots of recovery amidst the odd fiasco or two at Tigers
Image: Tiger Images
Y
ET ANOTHER MONTH of ups and downs for Leicester, with glimmers of hope and good performances often followed by a fiasco or two. One of the biggest fiascos came against Bath at The Rec, where Tigers lost to two very questionable tries scored by the home side that left head coach Geordan Murphy visibly agitated with the referee at the end. It’s hard enough to win there at the best of times, but when obvious things get missed with the TV cameras there to help, it is all the more galling. Tigers then thumped Gloucester at home 34-16 with a bonus point win and an impressive all-round performance but the next week a weakened side in a dead rubber European game got well and truly pasted by the Scarlets. On to the last game of the European season against Ulster, at Welford Road, which pretty much summed it all up. Leicester were the better side. They were 13-0 up and contrived to miss some more chances through snatchy attacking in the Ulster 22, at which point the Irishmen had two attacks, scored tries, converted both and snatched victory by one point. Part of the reason for this inconsistency is that Leicester are trying to evolve and short-term pain will hopefully lead to long-term gain, because youngsters are getting their chances and while you couldn’t
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blame them for defeats, naturally they are also learning to win at this level. Coach Brett Deacon is convinced the approach to blood youngsters will pay dividends, reckoning that at last the flow of youth is coming through. After years of that flow being staunched by journeymen players brought in to the club from elsewhere, this has to be good news. Nineteen-year-old prop Joe Heyes told me that at the start of the season his ambition was to get on the first-team field for five
“No, I don’t bother with that. I just run through people instead”
minutes at some point. In fact, he’s been a regular pick and hasn’t looked out of his depth either. He can only get better, and quite how much better is going to be fascinating to watch. Last year he was monstering academy props he said, and this year he’s playing against the best in the world, which is a steep learning curve, and he reckons the pace of the game has been a real eye-opener too, so he’s been working hard on mobility and skills. One to watch will be Sam AsplandRobinson, the winger/full back and sometime centre who is finally free of a run of injuries. He said he’s being mentored by Telusa Veainu, who despite prodigious instinctive gifts is also remarkably analytical and technical, his protégé reckons. I asked if he’d taught Aspland-Robinson to side-step like him? “No, I don’t bother with that,” was his reply, “I just run through people instead.”
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Email advertise@theactivemag.com February 2019 / theactivemag.com
60-61 rugby OK.indd 61
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The Roundup FOOTBALL
Drury’s Daniels make a play-off charge By Dean Cornish
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HERE’S NO DOUBT that certain managers have a knack of knowing when to get their sides purring into top gear and grinding out results when it matters. Sir Alex Ferguson was one, and while a comparison may be mildly glib, Graham Drury is certainly another one who always seems to get his teams into form when it’s the business end to the season. A month ago, we were talking about Stamford’s poor form and the disgruntlement of fans, but now after an excellent Christmas period, most Daniels fans are confidently talking up promotion via the play-offs. It’s an old adage that the Christmas period is ‘crucial’, and with so many points up for grabs in a short space of time, you can’t argue against it. Stamford started the festive fixtures with a 1-0 home win over Stocksbridge, courtesy of a Ryan Seal goal. Then, Boxing Day was spent winning away at Wisbech Town before New Year’s Day almost brought a perfect three points against promotion rivals Pontefract Collieries, only for the away side to equalise in the 93rd minute. Stamford performed well in that game though, and the disappointment of dropping those two points was soon forgotten when the next two games in the early new year brought two wins with six Stamford goals and none conceded. There’s no doubt that Stamford now seem a more settled side, and hopefully the core of the team is now staying for the rest of the season after plenty of upheaval so far. Stamford are certainly thankful for the return of Rob Morgan, who left earlier in the season for Barwell in the league above, but having failed to pin down a starting place, has now returned and looks as classy as ever. Morgan scored two goals in the 4-0 away win at Carlton Town and his creativity in the midfield will be crucial for the rest of the season. The other likely catalyst for recent success is the return to fitness of John Sands, who recovered from hamstring problems to make his debut for the club, scored within 10 minutes of coming on as a sub, and then did a memorable celebratory run into the Zeeco terrace to celebrate with half of Stamford’s primary school population. You can tell he will divide opinion amongst fans. Many will love him, but I imagine he has the ability to frustrate
fans if he doesn’t deliver the goods he promises. Stamford aren’t the finished article – their recent good run ended when they lost 2-0 away at third placed Sheffield FC, and the front two pairing is still a bit precarious, but I do think they will finish in the top five. They’re currently seventh and just three points from the play-offs. With the experience of last year’s run to the play-off final, I expect Stamford to be in the mix come the spring. Let’s hope so. In the United Counties Premier Division, Harborough Town have moved up to fourteenth following a decent festive period that saw the Bees beat Leicester Nirvana 2-0 away just before Christmas, followed by a 4-2 derby win against Oadby Town on Boxing Day. However, those two wins were then followed up by four losses on the bounce against Northampton Chenecks (1-0), Newport Pagnell (also 1-0) and two home defeats against high flyers Deeping Rangers (5-1) and Holbeach United (2-0).
that they’ll have a good chance to progress back up the pyramid. In the Peterborough League Premier Division, Stamford Lions’ form before Christmas was exemplary. Their eight-match winning streak came to an end on January 19 with a 2-2 draw away at league leaders Moulton Horrox, but before that they seemed unstoppable, including recent 5-0 wins against Peterborough Polonia and a 2-1 win against Ketton. They’re in sixth place in the division, but with games in hand they definitely have a chance to finish in the top two or three. Ketton themselves had been in great form in December with four straight wins. However, just before Christmas they were thumped 8-0 by Moulton Horrox. Since then they have recovered somewhat with good wins over Holbeach United and high flying Netherton in between the loss against Stamford Lions. In Division One, Uppingham Town remain in second place in the league, but have reduced the gap to Parsons Drove at the top of the table to 11 points after their incredible 10-match
“After an excellent Christmas period, most Daniels fans are confidently talking up promotion via the play-offs” In the UCL Division 1, Stamford-based side Blackstones are now sixth and continue to frustrate, with some excellent performances often followed by defeats. An excellent 4-1 away win on the Saturday before Christmas against Holwell Sports was followed up by derby day defeat against Bourne Town on Boxing Day. That game saw some excellent entertainment though, with Bourne coming away 3-2 winners in front of a bumper festive crowd of 160. Stones’ first game of 2019 did see them beat lowly St Andrews 3-2, but this was then followed by an away draw against bottom half of the table opposition in Birstall United. Stones won’t go up this year, but I’m confident with the same management staff next season
winning run. Uppingham’s recent wins included a 10-0 win over Oakham United Reserves, where Rob Forster bagged four goals and Rob Montgomery scored a hat-trick. Uppingham do have two games in hand on the Fenland league leaders, but with less than 10 games of the season remaining, it would take a monumental collapse from Parson Drove for the boys from Todd’s Piece to win the league. You never know though. In the same division, Stamford Bels have moved up to sixth, having won two of their three games so far in 2019. Highlight of those games was the 2-0 win away at Wittering Harriers, with Matthew Leeton and sub Luke Elsom scoring the goals.
February 2019 / theactivemag.com 63
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Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LL Cambridgeshire PE28 2LL 22/08/2017 11:48
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The Roundup EQUESTRIANISM
National call-ups for Richard and Willa By Julia Dungworth
T
HE EVENTING SEASON is fast approaching and there is much to look forward to locally. Congratulations go to Leicestershire-based Richard Jones and Willa Newton, who have been selected as part of the National Lottery-funded World Class Program Potential Squad for 2019-20 after their many successes last year. They met at Warwick University for an induction day earlier this month where they sat in front of a panel of selectors who assessed the athlete and horse combinations on their form, performance attitude and health and fitness. Fellow successful candidates were Harry Meade, Tom Jackson and Georgie Spence. Holly Smith has also made the grade in show-jumping and we will look forward to seeing them all competing on a GB team very soon. Tom McEwen and Richard Jones held a masterclass at Keysoe recently, and another with Jack and Michael Whittaker at Arena UK the week before. Both were sell-out occasions due to the intimate nature of the events. The next one to look out for will be at the
beginning of June with Zara Tindall, Mark Phillips and Lauren Hough at a venue yet to be confirmed. Local show-jumper Joss Williams was on the waiting list for the Puissance at Olympia with his horse Culmore Prospect aka Sox, but sadly although we were all waiting with baited breath to see Joss make his Olympia debut, the call never came. But just as one door shut another one opened and the daring combination were invited to ride at the Thereplate Liverpool International Horse Show, where he finished in sixth place on the 19-year old mare. Eleven-year-old Tabitha Kyle has got 2019 off to a flying start and is proving to be unbeatable. She started her winning streak at Liverpool, winning the 138 Championships (this is the pony’s height, not the fence height). Then it was on to Keysoe’s small pony premier show, winning three of the four Royal International qualifiers on offer and clocking up five wins
Richard Jones and Tom McEwen at the Keysoe masterclass
overall. After that it was the South View Blue Chip special weekend in Cheshire, where again Tabitha won the Blue Chip Sparkle Pro JC/JA qualifier on the eight-year-old Connemara Carnaween Laura, followed by another three wins and many more placings on the eight ponies she had there. More recently at the Aintree International Equestrian Centre, Tabitha won six classes. She is sure to be a star of the future and one to watch out for. Unfortunately the running of the Dianas of the Chase has again been put on hold, not because of the weather like last year, but this time because organiser Philippa Holland has just given birth to a beautiful baby boy and feels that she has her hands too full to make it this year. Dingley Races, just outside Market Harborough, promises a good season of point-to-pointing to come, with local trade stands, food outlets, licensed bar, betting and plenty for the kids to do. Gates open at 11am, with the first race at 2pm. Other local equestrian events worth putting in your diaries over the coming months include the Woodland Pytchley Hunt Easter meeting on Saturday, April 20; the Fernie Hunt meeting on Sunday, May 5; and the Fitzwilliam Hunt meeting on Saturday, May 25.
“At Aintree, Tabitha won six classes. She is sure to be a star of the future and one to watch out for” February 2019 / theactivemag.com 65
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Active gear 1. Oakley Flight Deck snow goggles
1.
Oakley has taken inspiration from fighter pilot helmet design, creating a goggle that not only looks great, but maximises your field of view to ensure you can see any obstacle. PRICE £174.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
2.
2. Patagonia Balkan jacket
This jacket is not only extra puffy but also water-resistant, windproof and finished with a durable water repellent. It features new insulation which will keep you warm without making you sweat, with a central zipper and two zippered hand warming pockets, with added internal pockets. PRICE £219.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
3.
3. Frog 48 16-inch hybrid bike
One of the most popular kids’ bikes, Frog’s 48 impresses with its light weight, in-built safety features, quality construction and a wide choice of colours from vibrant green to a Team Sky inspired edition (spotty finish pictured). PRICE £249.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com
4. Scott Trail MTN DRYO 20 jacket
Kit Bag
4.
February’s sporting essentials
This women’s jacket is the hardshell you want for all your outdoor activities. The Dryosphere 3L fabric will protect you from the wind and rain. With reflective details to make you more visible, bonded zippers and welded seams, this jacket has everything you need. PRICE: £89.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com
5. Bontrager Flare R rear bike light Beat those dark winter nights and keep on riding right through until spring. 65 lumens to increase your visibility. Daytime flash mode. PRICE £29.99 FROM www.rutlandcycling.com
6. GO fruit salad energy gel
This isotonic gel is designed to be consumed without water, minimising the risk of feeling bloated. This is the new fruit salad flavour. Provides 22 grams of carbohydrate per gel. PRICE £1 each FROM George Halls Cycle Centre
7.
7. Jaybird X4 headphones
Jaybird’s X4 sport earphones combine rugged versatility with great sound. They’re sweat and weather-proof, and with a wireless Bluetooth connection, your movement is unencumbered. PRICE £109.99 FROM John Lewis
6.
8. Hestra Army snow gloves 8. 5.
Hestra make some of the best ski gloves in the world, and these are perfect for when the conditions get bad or the snow is deep. These gloves are windproof, waterproof and breathable, suitable for all types of activities. PRICE £134.99 FROM www.tallingtonlakesproshop.com
66 February 2019 / theactivemag.com
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inspirational www.leicesterhigh.co.uk
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SIR THOMAS WHITE SIXTH FORM SCHOLARSHIPS – 100% OF FEES Available to exceptional applicants joining our Sixth Form in September 2019. Deadline for applications: Monday 11th February 2019. Contact Mrs Alice Hailes on 0116 270 5338 or a.hailes@leicesterhigh.co.uk to find out more.
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18/12/2018 10:43
Discover Us 2019
Our Schools work together to provide an outstanding day and boarding education for girls and boys ages 3 to 18. We take pride in developing intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, while helping to shape well-rounded individuals who are fully equipped for the next stage in their lives.
Stamford School Discovery Morning
Stamford High School Discovery Morning
Stamford Junior School Discovery Morning
(Boys 11 - 18) 19 March 2019
(Girls 11 - 18) 20 March 2019
(Boys & Girls 3 - 11) 5 March 2019
To book your place, visit stamfordschools.co.uk or call us on 01780 750311