I've bought some new things recently to aid this transition from running inside a gym to outside in a public space and thought I'd review them for anyone else who is perhaps considering making a greater commitment to running and would like to invest in some long-term pieces.
1) Nike Dri-FIT Knit Long-Sleeved Top
I bought this from SweatShop in Westfield, Stratford for £50 and have now just discovered that it's been reduced to £39.99 on the Nike website! I hate when that happens! You'd think the Nike site would be more expensive but not in this case.
Here's some info from the site:
SUPERIOR COMFORT TO MOVE WITH YOU
The Nike Dri-FIT Knit Long-Sleeve Women's Running Shirt features zoned Dri-FIT knit fabric that helps keep you dry and comfortable while regulating body temperature on your run.
FREEDOM TO MOVE
Soft, high-stretch knit material lets you move freely and comfortably. It's seamlessly constructed with nylon and polyester yarns for a lightweight, comfortable feel.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Climate control zones-made up of variations in fabric density-warm or cool you where needed. Textured mesh knit into the fabric enhances overall breathability.
STAY DRY
Dri-FIT fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable by wicking sweat away to the fabric's surface, where it quickly evaporates.
MORE BENEFITS
- Dri-FIT fabric wicks sweat away to help keep you dry and comfortable
- Back neck tape with repeat Nike Running trademark print for durability
- Long raglan sleeves for enhanced range of motion
- Thumbholes help keep sleeve cuffs in place for coverage and warmth
- Cord management loop on the center-back helps keep cords out of the way
- Reflective elements enhance visibility in low light
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Fabric: Body/upper back: Dri-FIT 56% polyester/44% nylon. Back/side panels: Dri-FIT 54% polyester/46% nylon. Center front/center back: Dri-FIT 52% nylon/48% polyester.
- Machine Wash
This top is so soft and a dream to run it. It feels snug over the contours of my body without being overly restrictive, and my favourite feature is the thumbholes as they really do keep your hands surprisingly warm!
2) Puma PR Great Run Ladies Backpack - £45.99
Well...I say £45.99. I have just found three places online that do it cheaper. I didn't think it would be possible to become increasingly irate as I wrote a blog post but if there's one thing that annoys me, it's paying for something and discovering that you can get it cheaper elsewhere, or that it's been reduced a few days/weeks later. Argh! On the positive side, I guess I didn't have to pay for delivery...
The Puma Great North Run Backpack is designed to carry all your personal items while you train, thanks to the zipped main compartment and adjustable shoulder, chest and waist straps that offer a comfortable fit.
> Puma Great North Run Backpack
> Adjustable straps
> Zipped main compartment
> Zipped waist pocket
> Waist strap
> Chest strap
> H39, W21, D13cm
> Adjustable straps
> Zipped main compartment
> Zipped waist pocket
> Waist strap
> Chest strap
> H39, W21, D13cm
When I tried this backpack on with the top, I was really surprised at how much I loved it. The zipped waist pocket is probably my favourite design feature, as it's in the perfect place to keep energy gels/tissues/Vaseline/phone etc without disturbing the flow of your run.
On Start Fitness it retails for £29.95. I have this exact colour and style, but without the 'Great Run' logo printed on the grey mesh panelling on the front. Sports Direct do the exact version I have for £36.99.
I browsed the rails for both of these items and deliberated for a while, picking them up an then putting them back when I saw the price tag. But when I looked at the qualities and functionality of both, as well as the amazingly vivid colours, I couldn't leave them in the shop! To be fair on myself, I don't buy my clothes from the high street anymore (besides the essentials) and reasoned that, on a cost-per-wear basis, I'd be getting my money's worth in the long term.
Here's what they look like when worn together:
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The bag fits so well and doesn't spoil my stride whilst running - it feels like a natural extension of my body it's so comfortable! The waist strap is really useful, especially in the winter when chapped lips and a runny nose whilst running are provoked by colder conditions. It's so easy to dip in and out of it to get what I need without disrupting the flow of my run which is why this bag gets a big thumbs up from me. Plus, the colour is divine!
3) HUMA Chia Energy Gels
Whilst browsing Sweatshop, I came across I range of food and drink to replace lost electrolytes and maintain high energy levels for exercise. Some of them looked effective but when I read the ingredients there was quite a lot of chemicals listed and I didn't really feel like putting that in my body, especially when I try my best to eliminate chemicals and processed stuff from the food I eat.
Then I found these energy gels and was immediately swayed after reading the ingredients. I bought some Apple & Cinnamon and Mango flavoured ones because that was all that was available in store. I didn't even know these other flavours existed until browsing online upon returning home!
The ingredients of the Apple and Cinnamon one are: Apple Puree, Evaporated Cane Juice, Filtered Water, Brown Rice Syrup, Ground Chia Seeds, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Cinnamon. Amazon states this:
- Long-Lasting Performance - 2:1 Glucose (short and long chains) to Fructose ratio combined with all 9 essential amino acids give you maximum boost
4) "Bangs and a Bun Presents - Be Pretty On Rest Days: The Badass Woman's Guide to Running" e-Book
This humorously-named e-Book is written by Muireann Carey-Campbell who blogs at bangsandabun.com, I'm only about halfway through, but it's really interesting to read the experiences of how other people got into running seeing as I've only just started. Her writing style is so positive and uplifting and I always feel inspired after reading her work, both in the e-Book and on her blog.
Running goals for 2015
I feel like I've acheived a lot in the five weeks since I started running, and this has got me wondering what else my body is capable of achieving if I pushed it just that little bit more.
- Running outside more as we ease into the warmer months: As spring and summer arrive, I can see myself shunning the treadmill and enclosed space of the gym for the streets of London. I'd really like to join Run Dem Crew once my speed and pace (and miles!) improve. They say walking is the best way to explore a city, but I think running might trump this!
- Victoria Park 10K: I have signed up to my first ever 10K which is exactly 4 weeks tomorrow, and I am slightly nervous but really excited. Google Maps says Vicky Park is a 13 min walk from where I live, but I reckon I could get there in half the time if I ran there. Its close proximity means I have no excuse not to do this!
Running purchases in the New Year
This greater commitment to running brings into question exactly how I'm going to track my progress. In order to improve, I need to know what my current performance is like, and the Nike+ pedometer on my iPod just isn't cutting it any more. I've been trying to remember things like time, distance, average pace etc and then logging this onto an Excel spreadsheet when I return home, but it's really time consuming and naturally I forget some of the information so it's quite inconsistent.
I need something more, and I know exactly what it is: The Garmin Forerunner 210
It currently retails at £129 on Amazon, but Sweatshop are doing it for £114.99. I'm going to wait until after the New Year as I'm hoping for further reductions in the January sales. Here's all the features:
- High-sensitivity GPS-enabled running watch; comes with heart rate monitor
- HotFix satellite prediction finds satellites quickly so you can start running straight away
- Records your time, pace, distance, heart rate, calories burned and more
- Premium soft strap heart rate monitor calculates calorie consumption based on heart rate fluctuations
- View, replay and share your workout for free online at Garmin Connect; be part of the Garmin fitness community
2) New running shoes
I need to do a bit more research on this one, but I'm pretty sure I'll be going to Sweatshop or another specialist running shop to get my feet and gait and all the rest of it checked. Running is a very high impact form of exercise and I'd definitely be willing to spend that little bit extra if it meant that I was protecting and preventing my feet from any future damage.
3) Yurbuds Inspire for Women earphones
These are specially designed to fit smaller ears and are water and sweat resistant.
- Size: Size 4/5
- TwistLock Technology Yurbuds TwistLock into place for a secure fit that never falls out even under the most intense workout conditions.
- Sweat + Water Resistance Developed for training in any conditions.
- Ambient Noise Awareness Designed to allow more ambient noise than most other earphones at the same volume levels.
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