Sam Hill & Superfoods | HCC Journal 11
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Welcome to the 11th edition of the HCC Journal!
In this feature, we chat with the newest HCC Ambassador, take a look at a few super-healthy superfoods to boost your training, and we’re giving you
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Introducing the newest addition to the HCC family, Sam Hill of Hill Adventures! Living life to the max, and then some, Sam hails from the Lake District but spends most of his time adventuring and photographing his exploits in the high alpine elements of Chamonix, France. Not only is Sam a keen runner and outdoor enthusiast, but he's also an endurance coach and adventure guide where he encourages others to experience new things, achieve life-long goals and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. So let's hear a little more from the man himself... Wow, where to begin! Sam, it looks as though you're into many outdoor pursuits; which do you enjoy most? I have tried so many different outdoor activities over the years and have spent a lot of time being incredibly mediocre at a lot of them but what I have discovered is that most of all, I just love journeying in the outdoors. Travelling from point A to point B in an interesting way - whether on a bike, on foot or on skis, I'm not too fussed as long as I'm in a nice place. Is there a favourite activity that you enjoy doing the most? I guess anything that has an endurance element to it. I love running and ski touring in the mountains. They are a really efficient way of journeying through the mountains and getting into remote places. And let's not forget your flair for photography. Which came first, an interest in photography or adventure and is it challenging to marry the two? The adventures most definitely came. There is also no getting away from the fact that camera gear is really expensive, so it wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I had the cash to drop on all the kit. But I love documenting things, and it all started off more as a way to journal the things I was doing in the mountains…and it just grew from there. I don't find the extra kit to be a problem. I shoot on a Sony a7c, which is the smallest full-frame body that you can get and for day-to-day adventures, I have a small pancake lens that I pair with it. All in all, it is not much bigger or heavier than a compact camera, and I don't mind just rolling it in a jacket and sticking it in my running bag. Even if I am doing a more involved shoot, all the kit fits into a small bag - gone are the massive DSLRs days. How does CBD help with your endeavors and in your day-to-day life? Recovery is a huge deal for me. The cornerstones are sleep, good food, good hydration and minimising stress. I have found that CBD has really helped me with the best recovery aid of all - sleep! I wake up feeling a lot more ready to go, and I am far less foggy in the mornings. I have also had a pretty long history of dealing with anxiety - anything that you can do to take any stress out of your life seems worth it. Find out what Sam's up to this year and journey around the world with him by giving @hill_adventures a follow on Instagram. |
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Superfoods are building blocks for many athletes, especially endurance athletes looking for energy to fuel them through a training session or event. Packed with nutrients and vitamins, superfoods can help fuel your muscles and aid your recovery. So if you're not familiar with them, here are five tasty superfoods for you to try. Bananas - The perfect snack to munch on before or after a workout. Bananas are bursting with potassium and vitamin B6, which help replenish electrolytes, regulate digestion and maintain low blood sugar while adding a dose of anti-inflammatory goodness. Cherries - So full of healthy antioxidants, cherries are also known as a recovery superfood, thanks to natural anti-inflammatory components. Studies have found that muscle soreness is considerably reduced after strenuous exercise by regularly consuming cherries, even as a juice. Chia Seeds - With 3x the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and heaps of fibre, calcium, iron and protein, Chia Seeds are enriched with nutrients. Thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids and hydrophilic properties, Chia Seeds can help absorb 12x their weight in water, which keeps you hydrated for longer! Sweet Potato - A delicious carb that's rich in Vit A and C, sweet potatoes help lower blood pressure and improve muscle function thanks to their high mineral count of potassium, iron, manganese and copper. Why not add some sweet potato to a protein portion to create a brilliant post-workout meal! Kale - With high levels of Vit A, C and K, Kale (a.k.a Vitamin Kale) is a member of the cabbage family and helps to regulate inflammation in the body. Thanks to carotenoids and flavonoids protecting cells from free radicals, Kale helps reduce oxidative stress and cholesterol levels too! |