This wonderful British company do the best base layers to suit all seasons. The fibres are natually soft and NOT man made. I sweat badly in man made fibres, and I do not smell good in a Duck suit!

I need a decent base layer to be able to wick away sweat, blood and tears when I am out there doing my various challenges and events for charity, in my Duck suit. The weather and terrain is changeable so it had to be a multi tasking material that could accomodate me in all tempertures and be robust for all events. From a long distance hike on tarmac to a 10 mile run in treacle like 5 foot deep mud! In May 2012 I shall be doing 5 marathons in 5 days. Sweat attracts grit and dirt which will cause chafing, smells and other negative isssues. I need a base layer that will keep me dry and injury free.

The answer lay in a decent set of merino base layers. The eprfect merino is the New Zealand merino used by Chocolate Fish. They are like wearing liquid chocolate..velvety smooth and soft. Almost perfect as Duck Down!

I wear the Taranaki 190 Women's Merino T-Shirt and the Taranaki 190 Merino Women’s Freedom Leggings under my Ducksuit. They keep me cool or warm, wicking away moisture, and keeping me smelling of roses all day! Perfect after an endurance event!

I have also worn both of these items generally for a whole week as base layers when I have been away endurance hiking where weight is of a premium. Washing myself with antibacterial wipes and only changing underwear, the leggings and t0shirt didn't smell horrendous after a week of constant wear.

I have also used the 70 Mile Bush Taihape Trailsock . These feet very well and do not ride around the foot. The wicking and snug feet help to stop blisters, but I do still wear a cotton liner sock for 100% dry and blister free foot.

Not all Merino fabric is Performance Merino Fabric!

• NZ Merino wool gives the highest quality wool fibre
• Only superfine merino wool fibres between 18 and 21 microns will provide the essential balance of comfort with durability.
• All our gear is made using superfine 18.8 micron, and fine 21 micron fibre.  
• Only superfine double-jersey fabric gives the stability, elasticity and regain necessary for high performance
• MAPP - Merino Advanced Performance Programme - superfine double jersey fabric has been specially engineered for outdoor activity use

When all this is coupled with the expertise of a company with over 80 years experience in the manufacture of quality merino clothing, Chocolate Fish Merino  have an unbeatable product when it comes to Merino base & mid layer performance outdoor clothing.

Chocolate Fish New Zealand Merino - genuinely made in New Zealand.  Natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable Merino Base Layers,  Mid Layers and Accessories from a supply chain that's ethically, socially, & environmentally responsible.  


Naturally -  New Zealand!

(bear with me as I upload a photo shortly of me in my merinos)

There is a lot on the internet about the many claims for this "wonder juice"! the juice or gel is extracted from the cactus like Aloe Vera plant. It has many medicinal properties from healing burns to calming down digestive systems.

I am using to for my digestive system as I seem to suffering from a few food intolerances such as wheat. I am also using it to stregthen my immune system which take a pummelling from endurance training and events. Especially if I do events close together. Ultimately the 5 marathons in 5 days will have an adverse affect on my body during that week!

I am using the 1000mg high strength Aloe Vera from here, as I get my cortaflex from them.

This is something new I am trying, as my dogs & horses have successfully overcome arthritus with the Canine & Equine Cortaflex. This is my insurance against the usual knee & joint injuries runners sustain.

I am using Cortaflex HA is Cortaflex, but twice the strength with the addition of Hyaluronic Acid which may improve joint fluid. Like Cortaflex it is a new generation natural dietary supplement to promote good joint health, making Cortaflex HA the most important joint health supplement in years!   Cortaflex HA is the more potent of the Cortaflex formulas. It is suitable for first time users and those with more severe joint mobility problems.   Cortaflex HA contains the smaller particles that make up Glucosamine and Chondroitin - Glutamine, Glutamic Acid, Glucuronic Acid, Glycine and Proline – which are more effectively absorbed at high levels. This allows the joint to get more of the nutrients it needs to repair the cartilage and maintain good joint health.     Cortaflex HA also includes Hyaluronic Acid, a major component of joint lubricating fluid, to help your body protect and maintain healthy cartilage and synovial fluid. Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan that helps to provide the nutrients needed to keep joints flexible and healthy. It has been sighted as having major anti-ageing properties particularly with the joints and skin. Changes to the Hyaluronic Acid within cartilage lead to a degeneration of the cartilage. Replacing the Hyaluronic Acid improves the quality of the synovial fluid and cartilage which keeps the joints healthy.  

The best news is that Cortaflex HA is not a drug and has no known side effects.   

I will be on 2 tablets a day for 4 weeks, then 1 tablet a day.
  

This has many fine qualities and I use it to fight colds, mouth ulcers, cold sores and gives me energy. It is also an anti inflammatory so helps me recover from running.

I favour the Manuka Honey 15+ from a New Zealand Honey Company -    Manuka Honey: Nature’s defence for digestive health and healing

SOURCE
New Zealand Honeyco Manuka Honey comes from the flowers of our native Manuka tree. This is a scrubby tree found right across New Zealand.


HEALTH BENEFIT
Manuka honey is world renowned for its antibacterial and healing properties. It is effective against a wide range of harmful bacteria and has been shown to be anti-inflammatory (reducing swelling and oedema), and promoting the re-growth of tissue and blood vessels in healing wounds. It is now used around the world for everything from sore throats and upset stomachs, to the topical treatment of burns, ulcers and wounds.

I buy it from a varity of different places but favour Holland & Barrett at £16.99

I use this for energy and a valuable protein source.

Bee Pollen is the seed of a flower blossom, which has been gathered by bees and to which special digestive enzymes and nectar from the bees has been added.  Pollen is the bee’s source of protein, where honey is their source of carbohydrate.  The pollen is brought back to the hive and stored in the honeycomb cells for use later to feed the young.  The pollen undergoes a fermentation process in the hive that preserves it allows it to last forever in the hive.  Bee pollen out of the beehive should be kept cold (frozen) or dried at a low drying temperature, which helps to keep the enzymes alive as most enzymes are destroyed by heat.

In its attempt to collect its pollen, a bee lands on the chosen flower and begins transferring it from the flower into its pollen sacs.  These “sacs” are in fact a crevice in the knees of the back legs (hence bee pollen’s nickname of Bees Knees) and it is just compacted into this crevice forming a pellet.  It takes a bee approx one hour to collect these pellets, which are approx. 20 mgs, each containing up to five million pollen spores, each spore capable of reproducing its entire species. Therefore one teaspoon of bee pollen contains about 1200 pellets or about 2.5 billion grains of pollen. To collect pollen from the beehive for human consumption, beekeepers attach a collection tray to the hive that upon arrival back to the hive, the bee passes through a screen large enough for the bee that knocks off the pollen pellets that stick out beyond the bee’s profile.  This pollen is frozen or dried for storage.  Pollen is best consumed within one of year of its collection for optimum potency.

Bee Pollen is a protein, a complete protein and is the only known food to contain all 22 amino acids, which includes all eight of the essential amino acids needed by the body that we do not produce ourselves in our system.  As pollen is a complete protein, it is an excellent protein to include in your diet if you are looking to supplement your protein intake or replace other proteins in the case of the vegetarian diet.  Bee pollen has more protein per gram than any meat or fish.  Most protein “powders” used to add to a drink or shake mixture are generally a single type of protein (whey or albumen).  Bee pollen is easy to add to the same drink but you are getting a complete protein rather than an isolated protein. 

Bee Pollen has a sweet grainy flavour that suits pairing up with cereals or other grains but the flavour (and colours) is directly related to the flower the pollen has come from. Incorporation of bee pollen into your diet can be achieved in several ways.  Simply, it can be taken straight by the spoonful followed by a drink of fluid at which point it will dissolve or it can be mixed with a serving of honey.  Also, it can be added to cereal or granola, sprinkled on toast, blended into juice or health shakes, mixed into salads or sprinkled on sandwiches or ice cream. One teaspoon to one tablespoon per day seems to be a common recommendation although much more is reported to only increase the benefits.  It is detrimental to the components of bee pollen to heat it and therefore cooking or baking with bee pollen is not recommended.

Although the individual pollen spores have a hard coating, this coating is porous, the body can extract the components through this coating and has been clinically tested to show that orally ingested bee pollen particles are rapidly and easily absorbed and pass directly from the stomach into the blood stream.  Within two hours after ingestion, properties of bee pollen are found in the blood, in cerebral spinal fluids and in the urine.

As the effects of bee pollen will only be evident after a period of time with regular, constant consumption, it is essential to incorporate into your daily diet. 
It is also recommended to take bee pollen in the morning or more specifically, before your daily activities begin (rather than at the end of your day) due to the increased level of energy experienced after taking bee pollen.  For weight management, it is recommended to have your daily pollen 30 minutes before eating a meal for weight loss and 30 minutes after a meal for weight gain.
Vitamins and minerals are present in Bee pollen but their content depends largely on the flower the pollen comes from.  In particular, bee pollen contains all the B vitamins (this group of vitamins being more effective to us if taken all at once rather than isolated) and contains Rutin, which does not exist in many plants.
Bee Pollen has been documented to help relieve seasonal allergies.  For this purpose, the pollen consumed should be from a local source to your general location.  The pollens that people who suffer from allergies react to are not the same pollens that bees collect.  The ones we react to are referred to as wind pollen (anemophile) and the pollen bees collect is entomophile pollen (not the wind variety).  There enough similarities between all pollens that the consumption of bee pollen throughout the year allows your body to build an immunity to the pollens that are cast off into the wind and cause your allergic reaction. 

Other conditions relieved by the use of bee pollen include

• fatigue,
• prostate irregularities (connected to the amount of zinc in pollen and the absorption of zinc is aided by the pollen),
• low blood pressure,
• arteriosclerosis,
• pre-menstrual syndrome and menopause,
• asthma,
• skin conditions, counteracts the effects of radiation and chemical toxicity. 
• Body and mind functions improved with bee pollen include focus, feeling of well-being, alertness, sexual desire and performance and athletic endurance.

Please do use this with caution as there are also side effects. Read the warnings on the packaging. The instructions on my bottle of bees pollen does say have a small dose for 2-3 weeks until the body is used to it. The body needs time to adjust.

Some side effects are allergic reactions like itchy throat, wheezing, coughing, hives, and skin flushing. Err on the side of caution. Severe allergic responses are also possible including anaphylactic shock.

I use bee pollen grains and dissolve in water. I prefer this, and have 3tsps early morning before food. I buy from Harvest Moon Superfoods through ebay but you can contact then direct to source

Royal Jelly is the food of the Queen Bee and a superfood to help give me energy and sustain my strength and stamina for endrance. Read on as there are so man

Young nurse bees produce this gelatinous fluid in the hypopharangeal gland located in the brain cavity.  In the beehive, the only difference between the raising of a queen and a female worker is the diet in which the larvae is fed.  The queen is fed Royal Jelly, from the beginning of its development, when it is chosen as an egg to be nurtured to a queen, to its end, which can be some 7 years later, compared to the female worker, whose lifespan is only about 6 weeks.  The queen is fed only royal jelly for it's entire life and along with the conventional feeding by the mouthparts, the royal jelly is administered to the queen bee by the nurse bees licking her body and the Royal Jelly being absorbed.  If the Queen requires Royal Jelly, she will suck it directly from the gland in the brain of the bee in which it is produced!

As with all products of the beehive, it is recommended to include Royal Jelly in your diet on a regular basis like any other healthful food.  It has a white, milky, gelatinous texture and the taste is pungent and sour Of equal value to you is the freeze-dried Royal Jelly, encapsulated for easy addition to your daily nutritional regimen.  mix it together with honey. For even higher nutritional value, a mixture of  Royal Jelly, bee pollen and propolis in a base of Vitamin E would provide a whole dietary supplement.

Royal Jelly is manufactured in the glands of the nurse bees from bee pollen. The resulting jelly is high in natural hormone and offers an abundance of B-Vitamins - including thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, inositol, and folic acid --  and Vitamins A, C, and E.  With 22 amino acids, Royal Jelly is a highly concentrated source of rich proteins including cystine, lysine and arginine. 

Royal Jelly provides important fatty acids, sugars, sterols, phosphorus compounds and acetylcholine, important in the transmission of nerve messages and assists in production of glandular secretions.  Royal Jelly is rich in nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, the very stuff of which life is made.  Gelatin, one of the precursors of collagen is another component of Royal Jelly. Collagen is a powerful anti-aging element that gives us a youthful appearance and skin elasticity.  Royal Jelly has been regarded for centuries as a contributing factor to human longevity and a healthful life,  especially as the body ages.  Royal Jelly is high in natural hormone, which accounts for its ability to correct numerous hormonal imbalances such as menopause and menstrual problems.  Royal Jelly is found in many cosmetics around the world for this addition of collagen to their creations.  The presence of gamma globulin, an infection-fighting and immune-stimulating factor, has been documented in Royal Jelly.  Not surprisingly, Royal Jelly also contains decanoic acid, which exhibits strong antibiotic activity against many bacterial and fungal infestations.  If Royal Jelly did not have this built-in antibiotic factor, science points out, the nutritive richness of the 
Royal Jelly would provide an excellent growing medium for all kinds of harmful microbes.

The properties, benefits and improvements attributed to
Royal Jelly are as follows:

• Stimulant for - physical performance,
• better memory, learning capacity and self 
• confidence
• General health improvement
• Anorexia
• Increased Appetite
• Skin Conditions
• Sexual Performance and desire
• Influenza
• Increased resistance to viral infections
• High Blood Pressure
• Low Blood Pressure
• Anemia
• Arteriosclerosis
• Cholesterol Levels
• Chronic and incurable disorders
• Anti-wrinkle
• Sebaceous secretion (fat secretions of skin glands normalized).

I have been taking 1 x 500mg and use Bumble Royal Gellee from Holland & Barrett

Propolis is the resinous substance produced by bees to protect their hive. They coat the inside and opening of the hive and mend holes with proplis. This makes the beehive the most sterile environment known to man. Propolis performs the role of auto immune system and acts as a combined antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal substance.

It is effective for the treatment of allergies, ulcers, ailments, infections, colds, flu, bronchitis, ear problems and many more.

I buy it in tablet form and have one a day. I have a 1000mg and use Bee Health products -

This is what they write, in addition:-
Beehealth - Propolis CapsulesPropolis is a natural substance collected by honey bees from buds and trees. Propolis contains tree resin, essential oils, waxes and bioflavonoids. Bioflavanoids are one of the most important components in Propolis. The antioxidant effects of bioflavanoids may help to maintain a healthy immune system. This unique natural substance is subject to tests for potency and quality. Bee Health guarantee the bioflavanoids present are naturally occurring flavanoids, with no synthetic substances added.
£12.65 from Holland & Barrett

I also use Honey and Propolis Cream as a face cream, and has been the best thing ever used for hydration and a healthy glow!

There is nothing more wonderful than finishing a run or a heavy training session, showering then relaxing in fresh clean clothes (or pyjamas) and a pair of compression socks!

I do all my training in compression tights and compression top, but I don't wear the socks. These are my special treat (calorie free!) to enjoy afterwards.

Compression tights help to lower lactic acid production, assist circulation and promote greater oxygen availability, especially in the calf and lower leg. This is essential for me with my high blood pressure and poor circulation. Also essential when I am doing long distance running. It helps avoid cramp as well. There is no doubt that compressions tights, and socks, can significantly increase performance and protect the body, eliminates a lot of muscle vibration and improves circulation thus giving more positive energy.

I just don't run in the socks as I haven't found one that avoids blisters and friction from slippage in my running shoes, even with another pair of socks. But the work of the sock is still equally important after a run or training session and aids recovery. It is isn't always to practical to be able to sit down for a few hours for muscles to rest and recover but the socks effectively do that for you, even when you are on the move.

Value for money and effectiveness are the Born In The Field socks. The BIAF people are a dynamic new British company who have a passion for making technologically advanced products for people who have a passion for fitness! Perfect product promotes essential well being, the zest of life!

There are new products being developed so please do keep an eye on them, follow them on twitter and facebook! The sister brand, Ussen, of thermals and fleeces is also due out very soon!

I have worn this top for running, Kettlercise, Zumba and resting.

I have worn it for a whole day after all of the above.

Positives -

• Slinky top that feels like a second skin.
• Stopped a lot of chest wobbling so didn't need the 2nd sports bra (which can cause chafing and be uncomfortable).
• It is slightly restrictive but it made me think of my breathing, so I seemed to focus on that, breathing deeper, thus improving my stamina and performance. Even with the distractions of music and dancing dog at my side.
• I ran in the rain with it and no see-through dramas, and it kept me warm.
  
• I have kept it on after intense training session and didn't get a clammy wet feeling. In fact I forgot I was wearing anything at all.
• This is a good quality, thick light weight, self wicking material
• I hand washed the top in a tech wash. I don't like to kill my technical gear in detergents or in washing machine. A spin will destroy these garments quickly. It washed and rinsed quickly; drip dried in bathroom in an hour. I even wore it for a run when slightly damp and barely noticed.
• This top was a medium and I may have been a large but I was still able to move with considerable comfort.
• I love the long length of this! I am tall, and with a extra curves to pull the top over yet it was long enough to cover most of my bum too! Bonus
• very reasonably priced and if looked after this top with be more than value for money.
• You know that feeling of heaviness when you get out of a swimming pool? That's how I feel when I get out of my compression kit! It does make me feel "athletic" and almost bounce (not literally) into action! Unlike a bog standard top or joggers. I feel dressed for business and ac!
  

I run as a Duck so everything is flurosecent green or yellow so the colouring was perfect, but the chunky vain part of me would have gone for black!  Top isnt see through just shows all the waist bands beneath *sigh*

Negatives -

• Neck line is a little high for me. It doesn't cut in, just a personal choice. I understand that this was a "winter" design to keep the upper body warm. I have worn it a few times and each time I am less concious of the high neck.
• I can not get this top off quickly! But then it's such a good tight fit! I am not sure if a zipper would have helped? Why would I want to get out quickly? Forward planning to cold days when I need a hot shower fast, maybe?
• No idea if it aids recovery, which I can definitely feel when I wear the compression socks. Perhaps need more time to practise recovery!
  

I wouldn't have thought to buy a compression top as most of the science of the compression garments I understands markets how it effectively supports the legs, muscles and return of blood back up the body. Perhaps a bigger marketing campaign to bestow the virtues of the top, especially for women, as it does minimise bounce, so must reduce aches, strains and improve support.



About BIAF

The Born in a Field brand was born to help active people from all sports perform without restrictions. Whether you are a Climber, Mountaineer, Runner, Cyclist or Footballer, our range of products are used by everyone.

The original Born in a Field brand first appeared in 2008 with a much more casual look and no technical products. The brand then remained dormant for 2 years as our sister company Ussen became a leader in Genuine Thermal Undergarments. However, Born in a Field never stopped working during this time.

Behind the scenes, we have been working towards our re-launch in 2011 with more technical products and our Activeskinz compression clothing is the first products in the this phase of growing our Brand.

What Are ActiveSkinz
Activeskins Compression is designed to support muscle and help performance during activity. Our extreme lightweight fabrics have a multi-directional stretch, which means that you have total freedom of movement when wearing Activeskins.

Although the fabric are extremely light, they will offer your body very good support, while also allowing air movement to pass through the fabrics, helping to keep your body as cool as possible during exercise and will wick moisture from the skin very ripidly to help keep your body dry and cool.

Activeskins also protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

• UV PROTECTION
• MULTI-DIRECTIONAL STRETCH
• MUSCLE SUPPORT
• FAST WICKING
• EXTREME LIGHTWEIGHT
• HELPS TO AID MUSCLE RECOVERY

Yes, this top ticks all those boxes! I support British Companies and I am proud to support this fantastic bunch! Can't wait for their Ussen thermal and fleee range to come out!