Review: Jabra Rhythm

I've become a bit of an audio-book junkie recently - on the bus, out running, at work... when the boss isn't looking. Up until now i only had the headphones which came with my HTC and they're really uncomfortable.

Recently I was sent a set of Jabra Rhythm headphones to review. I've never heard of the make before, but a look around the website shows they do a pretty big range of headsets.

The earphones fit really well in my ears (something I've struggled with before) and stay put through a 4 mile run - although there is an over-the-ear sports version if you want something solely for that. The sound quality is brilliant and as they have sound isolating ear buds (in three different sizes) even running round the ring road or sitting next to the screaming kid on the bus doesn't interrupt my Potter-a-thon. I do have to be careful crossing the road though - can't hear cars coming either. Another point of note is that, even at full volume, other people can't hear much of the music you're listening to so you're not going to bug the rest of the world with your 90's brit pop anthems.

All I need now is to get me an iPhone so I can start playing Zombies Run!

Review: Timex Ironman Sleek

So, I've wanted a running watch for ages. As much as Map My Run is brilliant, it's also a bit rubbish. For some reason the GPS tends to cut out quite regularly so I'm never sure what sort of pace I'm doing. Now I have a few regular routes I know roughly where the mile markers are and having a watch with a lap timer is just awesome for that.

I picked the Timex Ironman Sleek partly because it looked nice and partly because it was half price on Amazon. It's waterproof so if you're a swimmer it's perfect. And it lights up too. I love that.

The best feature though, hands down, is the TapScreen technology. So, when you get to the end of a lap (or mile, or km, or whatever you're timing) you don't have to look around for the right button, you just whack the watch and it starts the next lap. Plus, it works as a chronometer telling you whether you've done your lap quicker or slower than your target time for the event. Of course the manual is essential for figuring out that part.

For those of you who want to run a bit further you can set food and drink reminders to keep your energy levels up too. And it stores up to 150 laps worth of workout data too so you can look back at your progress.

Of course it's not as good as a Garmin, but I'm building up to one of those!

An apple a day...

It's a family trait - we hate going to the Doctor's. I get a panicky about the fact they're only practising medicine.

A long week...

Unfortunately the first fitness challenge did not go brilliantly for me.

Fitness challenge update & some thoughts

We're over half way through the fitness challenge week and I bet you're all wondering how I'm getting on. I'm not going to lie, doing 30mins exercise each day is hard work.

How far is 10k?

Everyone's always saying that you train better if you have something to train for, which is why I've roped a few people into doing a 5k with me in March. But what happens after that? Do I just stick at 5k? No! I've just signed up to do the 10k Race for Life on May 19th in Norwich.

Challengers, READY!

In the interest of fairness, here are my starting stats for the Fitness Challenge...

Photo Credit

• Weight - 10stone 2lbs (64.4kg)
• Chest - 37"
• Waist - 29"
• Hips - 38"

Check out Jess' stats over at Feeling Stylish and keep your eyes on my twitter feed for updates on how it's all going!