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1 week ago | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson
After a long swim session in chilly open water, it’s great to have a kids’ swim robe to hand so you can wrap up your little ones. Whether your children are training for a big event, or simply enjoying a day at the beach, a swim robe helps to keep swimmers cosy and comfortable, while providing more flexibility than a towel.
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1 month ago | 
countryfile.com | Lauren Franklin |Alice Tuffery |Rachel Howatson |Alice Tuffery Rachel Howatson
Best umbrellas tried and tested in 2025: brilliant brollies for rainy strollsIt’s always worth having an umbrella in your bag, or by your door, to prepare for the arrival of a dark, looming cloud. So to help you find a reliable model, we've put a number of umbrellas to the test here at BBC Countryfile Magazine, including sturdy golf umbrellas; compact models for everyday use and dome designs. Before you buy, think about when you'll be using your umbrella.
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1 month ago | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson
Wherever you’re swimming, whether it’s your local leisure pool or in open water, a swim cap is an essential piece of kit. Swim caps ensure you remain streamlined and help reduce drag in the water, so they’re a handy tool if you’re looking to keep your time as tight as possible. What’s more, they also help protect your hair from chlorine damage and, while there are swim shampoos and conditioners available, wearing a swim cap helps to keep your hair as dry and tangle-free as possible.
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2 months ago | 
countryfile.com | Ruby Barry |Rachel Howatson
Best walking holidays for 2025: Hiking routes, guided tours and accommodationA walking holiday is a lovely way to truly switch off, all while soaking up dramatic scenery and wonderful wildlife. Deciding where to tread can be difficult, however, with everything from the raw beauty and ruggedness of the Scottish Highlands to the charm of Pembrokeshire's coastal villages on offer. What is a walking holiday?
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2 months ago | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson
If you have a keen cyclist on your gift list this year (or just want to treat yourself), we’re here to help with our roundup of the best cycling gifts. Perhaps you’d like to add to a loved one’s ever growing jersey collection, or splash out on a new bike computer so they can track their progress? Luckily there’s an abundance of gear available that makes for a perfect cycling gift, from wearables including bike shoes and bib shorts to waterproof bike covers and puncture repair kits.
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2 months ago | 
yourhomestyle.uk | Rachel Howatson
If you're looking to make those frosty mornings and chilly nights more bearable, a heated blanket could will keep you warm while storms rage outside. Electric blankets heat up in minutes, allowing you to wrap yourself up in a toasty cocoon, and they put much less strain on your energy bills than turning up the central heating. Renewable energy supplier, Octopus Energy Group, found the typical home could save £300 by using an electric blanket to keep warm rather than always heating the whole house.
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Dec 29, 2024 | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson
Having the best running accessories to hand can help make those dreaded sprint sessions and long-distance weekend runs far more enjoyable. And whether you’re in need of a race day essential, or a progress-tracking wearable, we’ve got you covered. There are loads of running must-haves to choose from, including summer essentials such as sunglasses and caps, to tempting gadgets like sport earbuds and running watches.
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Nov 10, 2024 | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson |R Slade
If you’re looking to work on your swimming technique and find pull buoys difficult to use, buoyancy shorts are a straightforward alternative. As the name suggests, this handy piece of training swimwear makes you more buoyant in the water, so you can spend more time focusing on your technique and less time worrying about the dreaded sinky legs. Buoyancy shorts are also handy for those with heavier legs as you have the extra support to help maintain a streamlined form.
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Oct 23, 2024 | 
gardensillustrated.com | Rachel Howatson |Alice Tuffery
Your garden is a fabulous space for Halloween decorations, as trick-or-treaters and neighbours can enjoy the wicked delights and enter into the spirit. You might not want to go for an all-singing-all-dancing, gory display, so we've put together a selection of subtle and elegant outdoor Halloween décor to celebrate in style. From rattan pumpkins and wooden toadstools to metal fence toppers and cute signs, we've got garden Halloween decorations for every outdoor space.
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Sep 4, 2024 | 
220triathlon.com | Rachel Howatson
If you've got children who adore spending time in the water, it's important to invest in a solid pair of kids' swimming goggles. Not only do goggles help prevent the irritation of chlorine, which can cause red, stingy eyes, but they're an essential piece of racing kit for your young, budding triathletes. Goggles can also offer UV protection which is handy for outdoor competitions, so it's always a good idea to have a reliable pair of swimming goggles in the swimming kit bag.
