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AMBER MASLEN
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Love to train, love to race

I've learnt so many things from slalom I don't think I could have learnt anywhere else. I want to share them because I think if they make a positive difference to a single person's journey, then it's worth writing. 

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On the Happy Scale

1/12/2015

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TLC Sportswear sent me a pair of leggings, and on a scale of one to perfect, I would say these are the closest pair I have ever had.
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So the general rule as athletes; we like what feels good. We like canoeing because being fast feels good, we like racing because getting results under pressure feels good, we like working being athletes because, put simply, it feels good. Now, there are a lot of factors that go into this bubble of 'feeling good'. It is a state of mind that we can manipulate using external triggers and mental exercises. In fact, we're really good at it. I would say the best athletes I know are the ones who can make themselves instantaneously calm and happy. 

Some people seem to be naturally happy ALL the time. I definitely have my phases, but quite often all it takes to switch me into happy mode is a good chat, a nice meal, a long, relaxed play session, or...clothes. In terms of feeling good, one of my main triggers is feeling as though I look good in what I'm wearing. I know, canoeing was a great choice for that one... But during the winter, when about 50% of my training is either in the gym or running or physio, I have a little more control over my workout look. I know its different for everybody, but I feel happier in the gym when I like what I'm wearing, and the happier I am, the better the session!

So, when TLC sportswear agreed to send me an outfit to 'test' in the gym, naturally I had my reservations. I know the kind of clothing I like, and as a slightly OCD athlete I can say my preferences are often a bit difficult to cater for. ESPECIALLY when it comes to leggings. But, the package came, the leggings were applied. And there they have pretty much stayed ever since. They are ALWAYS on my wash pile, because I wear them for almost everything. Black, and about twice as thick as the average legging, they are warm enough to make running in Scottish weather bearable, but breathable enough to make weightlifting in a sweaty gym perfectly comfortable. They are SHAPED. Not usually a feature I would go for in activewear, but in a gym surrounded by mirrors, I fully appreciate the benefits of this mysterious function. The leggings fit my waist and my overly muscly legs; AND they stay put! 

On a scale of one to perfect leggings, I would say these are the closest to the mark that I have ever used. I want three more. I think my jeans feel slightly neglected, when there is a comfier, better looking pair of bottoms taking over my wardrobe. They make me feel good, and that is what I look for in gym kit. Like it or not, feeling is what being an athlete is all about, whether it is an external awareness of muscular and joint movement, or a mental awareness of your mood and general wellbeing. You have to figure out what your 'happy' triggers are, and use them for everything they are worth! 

If you like the sound or the look of them, check out www.tlcsport.co.uk for comfortable leggings and tops :)

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    Amber is a whitewater slalom athlete specialising in K1. Her top events to date were:
    U23 World Championships 2016
    U23 European Championships 2016
    Augsburg ICF World Cup 2018
    Tacen ICF World Cup 2018
    Bratislava  ICF World Cup 2019
    ​Tacen ICF World Cup 2019
    Leipzig ICF World Cup 2019
    Pau ICF World Cup final 2022

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