Tooth Fairy

I remember as a kid being dragged to the dentist by my parents to get fitted for a brace but I cried hysterically and never went through with it. At the time, I was young and naïve. I thought I would 'look silly' wearing them, which is ridiculous considering the majority of school kids are fitted out with some metal! It's been greatly regretted every since. My teeth are not horrible or crooked by any stretch of the imagination and I have never had anyone comment negatively towards my smile – but it's something I have always wanted to get sorted. My front two teeth overlap slightly.. again, it's nothing major but I would be much happier with them a little straighter. If you can improve a part of yourself that has always been a creeping thought at the back of your mind – then why not!?

I'm extremely excited to join forces with Smile Plus Dental in Edinburgh and with the use of Invisalign – hopefully I can get a nice straight set of gnashers!

The whole process has completely amazed me. Invisalign isn't like a normal brace – which is perfect for my life as a busy athlete. Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that are custom-made specifically for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, gradually moving towards the projected final position.

Additionally, There is a much lower number of dental check ups compared to normal braces which is useful considering I can be away for months on end. The braces can also be sent out to my training camps abroad if I am not at home.

Furthermost, they are removable which gives you the choice rather than them being permanently fixed into your teeth. Obviously, in order to gain the best results – they are advised to be worn at all times. Invisalign is much more comfortable than normal 'train tracks' with no wires or brackets against the side of your mouth but can take a little getting used to at the beginning.

I am extremely excited to get started with my new brace – however this is for the long haul. With a projected plan of 18 months it's definitely a big commitment to undertake but one I am very eager to begin!

http://www.smileplusdentalcare.co.uk

Friday Fave - Winter Jacket

Perhaps not something I will be going running in but it's definitely keeping me nice and warm jogging to and from training! Absolutely love this bright blue jacket – so much that it's become my winter jacket and replaced my casual clothes! Had a look on the Nike store but can't seem to find it but it's worth the investment!

Another thing that has been constantly attached to my person is my new neck warmer. I don't exactly know what it's official name is but it is like a headband but much much thicker. For running outside in the cold - it has been a dream! Keeps your core temperature much higher and makes me feel a lot more comfortable breathing in such cold air all the time!

Friday Fave. Winter Leggings!

As the cold winter months creep in, the dark nights become a little awkward for us distance runners! Running around the paths and roads in the pitch black can sometimes be a little hazardous! It’s important if you are going outside and braving the cold that you are wrapped up properly.

I always find it much more comfortable being too warm on a run rather than being too cold! It definitely keeps me healthier too and illness free by not allowing my immune system to be suppressed in such cold conditions. Headband, gloves and a warm running jacket are essential.



These Nike leggings have been an absolute blessing! They are of a different material to my other leggings – very thick and so keep all the heat inside, plus they are super reflective which is much safer for you to be seen by cars! Nike Flash Leggings.

http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/flash-running-tights/pid-1556597/pgid-10259696

Foot and Back Scan Analysis from Belgium Orthotics

Back Scan

Walking Barefoot

Running Barefoot

Orthotics - Runners Service Lab in Belgium

Just got back from Belgium last night and I would like to thank Koen- from Runners Service Lab- for all his help! I must of asked him about 300 different questions but he patiently answered them all! The service they provide is brilliant. I have had to get my orthotics altered, mainly due to my injury, but they have now managed to get my running gait symmetrical and neutral. I have been told to wear either Asics Cumulus or Asics Nimbus shoes as they will provide me with the best support for my 'dodgy' feet! :)

I will have to return before the start of track season, to check my orthotics again, but to also get a small insert put into my steeplechase spikes. This is to decrease the amount of force going through my foot when I land, coming off the water barrier- makes a lot of sense!

There are several tests they perform, which consist of running along pressure sensors on the ground. They had me walking, jogging and running fast barefoot firstly. Then they repeat the tests with your current trainers/spikes/flats. A back scan is then done in order to test for any problems in leg length or torsion within the hips. Once the orthotics have been made up the exact same tests are then re-run, but with the orthotics in place.

I asked the main guy there, Koen, about 300 questions. But he was so informative and knowledgeable, the whole thing just interested me a lot. Paula Radcliffe is a regular client of theirs. She, however, gets a mould of her feet and then the lab send it over to Nike and they create her spikes and trainers especially for her! Very cool.. I was lucky enough to get a photo.. :)

The chinese company Li-ning also get the lab to create special spikes and trainers for some of their top athletes like Yelena Isenbeyeva and Asafa Powell.

I will post some pictures of the back scan and foot scan analysis... (when I have time!). I don't really know if it will be of interest to anyone.. but I think it's pretty interesting!! :) 

http://www.rslab.be/en/home