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Beginner Triathlon Kit List for Women

The essential beginner triathlon kit list for women! Download our free Beginner Triathlon Kit List Guide to learn exactly what gear you need to train and complete your first triathlon race with confidence. Our guide provides an inside-out list of essential equipment, and a complete list of equipment you’ll need on race day. This includes nice-to-have options like race belts that may help you be more efficient and comfortable. Print off the checklist to be Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

Easter in Tuscany

Easter in Tuscany: Traditions, Festivities & Delicious Foods When I first moved to Italy, I learned pretty quickly that Easter is a big deal here – especially in Tuscany, where traditions run deep and food brings everyone together. But one of my funniest Easter memories actually came from my physio! His name? Well, he calls himself Luca… but one day I spotted his official certificates and realised his real first name is Pasqua – which Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

Which Parmesan is Best for You?

Which Parmesan is Best for You? Let’s Talk Aging (the Cheese Kind 😉) Whether you’re browsing the deli counter or sprinkling some on your pasta post-run, not all Parmesan is created equal, especially in Italy, where we’re talking about the real deal: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. The aging process, called stagionatura, is what gives Parmigiano Reggiano its unique flavour, texture, and digestibility. During this time, the cheese breaks down casein (a milk protein) into simple amino Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

Why Parmesan is a Superfood for Runners

Parmesan Cheese: The Secret Fuel for Runners & Active Women You already know that Parmesan cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine (if not, check out this post on why Italians love it!). But did you know that it’s also a nutritional powerhouse for runners and active women? Let’s break down why this aged cheese deserves a spot in your diet. Why Parmesan is a Superfood for Runners 1. High-Quality Protein for Muscle RecoveryPamrmesan contains Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

Why Italians Love Parmesan & Its Origins

Parmesan Cheese: Italy’s Most Beloved Superfood If you’ve ever taken a bite of authentic Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), you know it’s something special. Nutty, slightly salty, and packed with umami goodness, this Italian staple isn’t just for sprinkling on pasta – it’s a way of life. But what makes it so beloved in Italy? Let’s dive into its rich history and cultural significance! Where Does Parmesan Come From? Parmesan cheese originates from Northern Italy, specifically Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

Why Pilates is a Game-Changer for Women Runners

Why Pilates is a Game-Changer for Women Runners Running is amazing for so many reasons—both for our mental and physical health. We all know it, and science backs it up with thousands of studies. But beyond that, running is a fantastic way to get outside, connect with nature, and explore new places. That’s one of the things I love most about it—you get to cover more ground and see so much more than you would Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago
Siena's Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia in the vibrant Piazza del Campo, Italy.

Discovering the World of Olive Oil in Italy

Discovering the World of Olive Oil in Italy When I first moved to Italy, I thought I knew olive oil. I’d grab a bottle at the supermarket back in the UK, drizzle it over a salad, and call it a day. But living here, I’ve realized there isn’t just one olive oil—there are countless varieties, each with its own personality and purpose. Italians treat olive oil with the reverence it deserves, and I’ve learned why. Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

The Magic of Olive Oil: Fuel for Running, Beauty, and Life

The Magic of Olive Oil: Fuel for Running, Beauty, and Life As a runner living in Italy, I’ve learned that olive oil isn’t just a staple in the kitchen—it’s a way of life. Italians call it “liquid gold” for good reason. Not only does it elevate dishes with its rich, peppery flavour, but it’s also packed with benefits for your health, hair, skin, and even recovery. Let me take you on a journey through the Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

The Benefits of Coffee Before Running

The Benefits of Coffee Before Running As someone who never drank coffee in the UK, I soon arrived in Italy to find that, well, if I wanted to truly embrace the Italian lifestyle, I had to start drinking coffee. I began experimenting with different blends and brews, and it quickly became a part of my daily routine. Naturally, as a triathlete and someone who loves diving into nutrition and neuroscience, I was curious to understand Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

A Guide to Ordering Coffee in Italy

A Guide to Ordering Coffee in Italy Italy isn’t just the land of pizza and pasta—it’s also the birthplace of coffee culture. And I had a real moment of realisation about this the other day at the office. As soon as I arrived, I could sense a strange, anxious atmosphere. There was a lot of chattering, as if something terrible had happened. Curious, I went to find out what was going on—and to everyone’s horror, Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago

How to Get Faster as a Runner

How to Get Faster as a Runner: Simple Drills and Sessions to Transform Your Training When I first started running, I thought the only way to improve was to just keep running the same pace, the same way, over and over again. My go-to was a 10k loop at a steady pace of around 5:30 per kilometer. I stuck with it for three years, wondering why I wasn’t getting any faster or feeling any stronger. Read more…

By kellypuffer, ago