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The power of creating habits

The power of creating habits

It's said that more than 40% of the actions that we perform each day are habits, rather than decisions. That means that if you're in the habit of eating a healthy diet and training regularly, it becomes second nature and your brain stops considering it to be a decision.Each time we repeat a habit, such as committing to a certain training time or schedule, we reinforce the importance of it. This creates a neurological craving in our brain and it releases "pleasure" chemicals as a reward.It's never too late to form new habits, so if you've always dreamed of running...

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VALA Christmas edit

VALA Christmas edit

If you're looking for a special something for the athlete that has it all and don't want to leave it until the last minute, check out our VALA gift edit, which has gift-wrapped goodies galore.These include: 🎁 VALA original gift box (includes water-resistant VALA cap, VALA sports bottle and 5x VALA gels) - SHOP HERE🎁 VALA/JOOV/BRAV limited edition gift box (5x VALA gels, the most incredible @joovsportsproducts 100% natural sports spray and the comfiest @bravendurance ‘Explorer’ socks) - SHOP HERE🎁 VALA stocking filler sample packs (2x gels and a VALA sticker) - SHOP HEREIf you'd like to have your order gift wrapped, get in touch as we’d...

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Christmas delivery dates

Christmas delivery dates

If you're a last minute shopper and still have a few gifts left to buy  👀 then peep our Christmas delivery dates below 🚚Ordering before these dates will ensure that your order will be safely nestled under the tree before Christmas.We use Royal Mail Signed For to deliver your goodies and the latest recommended delivery dates for these are:🎄 Friday 18 December - 2nd Class Signed For🎄 Monday 21 December - 1st Class Signed ForDon't forget that we always offer free local delivery in the Neath Port Talbot area AND we're offering free local delivery to Swansea postcodes during the holiday season 🎁

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The power of a motivational message

The power of a motivational message

What started out as a small in-joke has become part of a ritual for Dann and I before he does a big race. Back in the early days when I used to make him VALA gels in my Nutribullet and Amazon heat sealer, I started writing small motivational messages on the back of the gels to lift his spirits during his runs. These one-liners ranged from 'Keep going' to 'You've got this!'. It might seem like a small gesture but it can mean a lot when your loved one or friend is hitting the dreaded wall and the struggle is...

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What our customers love most about VALA gels

What our customers love most about VALA gels

One of my favourite pieces of feedback from our customers is that our gels taste like 'real food' and that they actually look forward to munching a VALA during their run or ride. For a long time, energy gels have been considered a 'necessary evil' by most of us, as we don't have the time to be unwrapping a cling-filmed date whilst mid-activity - a feeling that I know all too well.Instead, we've resorted to taking whatever convenient goop comes out of a sachet to keep us fuelled up, even if it means compromising on flavour or overlooking the fact...

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The benefits of a good night's sleep

The benefits of a good night's sleep

It's well known that exercise can help with a good night's sleep and recent research reveals that it can even decrease sleep complaints and insomnia. Exercising during the day not only helps to create a positive mindset but it can also help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, which can be major culprits for keeping us awake at night.After a long exercise session we feel physically exerted, which helps us to feel more tired and ready for rest at the end of the day. Physical exercise also increases the amount of time that we spend in the restorative 'deep...

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