Category: Product review

Product review posts include my honest and unbiased opinions. I clearly label sponsored posts. I do not review any products that I think are unethical. Most of my reviews are for self-purchased products. If a product does not meet my expectations, I ask the provider to rectify the problems. I include this information in my review. If you want me to review a product, please get in touch.

I’ve reviewed many items of clothing for swimming, cycling and running as well as writing product reviews of accessories such as goggles.

I’ve road-tested many nutrition products.

I also enjoy reviewing books aimed at triathletes (or swimmers, cyclists and runners).

8 January 2025

Veganuary and training

In previous years, I’ve written lengthy posts setting out long lists of intentions for the year, but I’m not in a place where I want to make any New Year’s resolutions this year. If I’m out walking, I like listening to The Lazy Genius podcast. Kendra Adachie’s mantra of ‘progress not perfection’ feels much more attainable right now. There are...

Motivation/Nutrition/Product review/Running Comments: 0

8 January 2023

My first week of training in 2023

My 16-week countdown to the London Marathon starts here. I’m still struggling with my breathing after getting ill 7 weeks ago, but I’ve decided to plough on. If I don’t recover quickly enough then I’ll defer my place. New Year’s Day parkrun After our parkrun at Bartley Park, we knew that M would not be willing to do another run...

Product review/Running Comments: 0

14 December 2022

Christmas gift idea: 50 women in sport

At this time of year, it can be hard to motivate yourself. I don’t want to tie my laces and leave the house for a run. I love reading motivational books to encourage me to keep going. One book which I’ve read recently that I would recommend adding to your Christmas wish list is 50 Women in Sport by Jean...

Product review Comments: 0

6 August 2021

Relance – new shoe on the block

Several months ago, I was contacted to ask whether I would like to try out a new brand of trainers. I’m always interested in new products and am on a quest to find the perfect running shoes for me. Enter Relance. I opened the initial box and saw a plain brown box inside. It didn’t give me any clues about...

Kit/Product review/Running Comment: 1

9 March 2021

Online teriyaki cook-along with Hakutsuru hon mirin

On Sunday, I took part in my first ever Zoom cook-along. The session was sponsored by Hakutsuru hon mirin, who provided me with some complimentary samples of their product. The host and teacher were from Sozai Cookery School, in London. Introduction to the cook-along Our host for the afternoon was Izumi Nakamura, who was beautifully dressed in a traditional yukata...

Nutrition/Product review Comments: 0

8 July 2019

Kingsbury Water parkrun

This year as part of the parkrun Conference, delegates were driven to Kingsbury Water parkrun. I was really excited to see what it would be like as it’s not an event that I’ve tried before. Trail-testing CONTRA When we arrived at Kingsbury Water, there was a stand with CONTRA clothing set up. We were told that it wasn’t for sale,...

Product review/Running Comments: 0

27 May 2019

Trying out Nuu-Muu at Southampton parkrun

Last Saturday was another parkrun at Southampton for me. It was also a great opportunity to try out an interesting product that I’ve been sent – a Nuu-Muu (or more precisely, a Ruu-Muu). What is a Nuu-Muu? I was recently contacted by Carolyn from Nuu-Muu to ask whether I’d like to try their product. I was completely intrigued as I’d...

Kit/Product review Comments: 0

12 October 2018

Couch to Active

I was really excited to receive a review copy of Lyn Lindbergh’ book Couch to Active. I desperately want to exercise and get fitter but am struggling to live an active life. My hope was that this book would inspire me and help me find solutions that would work for me. Who is Lyn Lindbergh? Despite her sporty appearance, Lyn hasn’t...

Fitness/Motivation/Product review Comments: 2

11 September 2018

Funky Copyiat Medina

This weekend was really good with a couple of firsts for me – a new parkrun and some new Copyiat leggings. I first tried to do Medina parkrun a couple of years ago when I was pregnant. On that occasion, I drove from Appley Park (where I was staying) to Medina Leisure Centre, only to find that the run had moved...

Product review/Running Comments: 0

14 August 2018

Improving your transition times

Did you know that the key to getting a PB is improving your transition times? I’ve been to support a few friends at various multisport events recently. It is amazing how often winning or losing is determined in transition. In an aquathlon, a woman who was one of the first out of the lake and is known to be a...

Product review/Triathlon Comments: 3

Hi, I'm Tamsyn!

Triathlete | Blogger | Running Coach & Fitness Instructor

As an overweight couch potato, I decided to turn my life around. I lost over 33lbs/15kg and now love keeping fit and healthy. In February 2013, I set myself a challenge to complete an iron-distance triathlon (2.4 mile/3.8k swim; 112 mile/180k bike; 26.2 mile/42.2k run).

Since starting my triathlon journey, I’ve:

learnt to swim and completed a 17.5km sea swim

bought my first road bike and cycled across Japan

run six marathons.

had a baby.

I’ve not completed an Ironman yet… but I’m getting there.