The Skecher’s Women’s 6k is now only 4 days away! I’ve upped my training over the past few weeks with Coach (hubby lol) and I’m feeling pretty good about it – excited even! I rarely get to run such a straight, flat course so I can’t wait, my usual routes around our neighbourhood are short straights with twists and turns onto little road after little road. It drives me crazy!
I’m such a routine based runner, that my gear, and the habitual use of it every time I run is really important to me. My head still beats me on many days, I can be turned off going for a run by a flat battery in one of my gadgets, the slightest sprinkle of rain or legs that are a touch sore from the day before. Terrible I know!
So, here’s a roundup of the gear I’m loving, and the gear that’s keeping me on track and accountable;
My No-Fail Running Kit
Skechers Go Run Ride 4
My first pair of Skechers and I’m running a 6k in them! The Ride 4’s are a much more low-profile shoe than the NB pronators I usually run in so I was a bit scared to be honest! I needn’t have been as these are some good, great, really good runners. They’re lightweight, snug around the heel and achilles, fitting through the arch but with lots of freedom in the toe area. Did I mention they’re light? Because they are really, really light. And flexible, much more so than any other shoe I’ve ever worn.
A great choice for those who err towards minimalist shoes, there’s lots of tech here but it’s cleverly integrated into a feather-weight formula that’s lovely to run in.
I can’t find these on the Skechers NZ website, but was fitted in-store by Summer, store manager at Skechers Albany. She was super helpful, listened to my preferences and brought me an awesome range of shoes to try on and work through. I’d highly recommend taking the time to get fitted!
Triumph Triaction Sports Bras
I actually just want to rave about these bras, seriously. I’ve been wearing Triaction wired bras to play touch in for the past 3 years after always wearing crops for sport. There is NO comparison, especially if you are a C+ cup. I will never, ever go back to wearing a crop style top. I’ve mentioned before that I’m totally not a Boob Girl. When I’m running or playing touch the thought of the girls wobbling around makes me want to stay in bed. Things need to be locked up tight, I’ve got enough loose parts without feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable about my boobs.
The two bras I’ve been training in are the Endurance and Performance. I love them equally (with ALL the heart-eye emojis!). You can cross the straps at the back for added support, but seriously, NO BOUNCE. At all. Please try one of these bras on, you will not look back!
Available at quite a few places but def try Rebel Sport, Bras ‘n Things and Farmers.
Lululemon Active Wear
Ahhhh lord I love my active wear. It’s a fact. And most of all, I love Lululemon active wear. I’ve always loved running in compression tights, it’s just my thing. When I wear shorts I find I’m forever fussing with them and pulling down the hem……plus, much like the bra situation above, compression fabric means no wobbles. Win.
So, my training gear has included the Tight Stuff 7/8 Tights ($165) which are described as ‘moderate compression’. I would rate these higher than that, they are freaking awesome! Technically top level with tonnes of value adds, such as reflective detailing, stash pockets and the amaze sweat wicking Luxtreme fabric. Described as high rise, I find they are not, or at least not on me. Which is unfortunate as I feel like they are falling down the whole time I’m running. They’re not of course, they are just sitting in a low-rise position, leaving mum-tum free to roam, groan. That’s my only complaint, what’s not to love about tiny scalloped detailing on the hem?!
On the top half, it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on the Vent it Out Singlet ($79). The fishtail detail on the open back is sublime and the Swift Ultra-Light fabric is nothing short of joyous to wear. I’m not exaggerating I promise! The fall is perfection and non clingy. You cannot go past this tank in terms of looks and comfort.
Fitbit Surge™ Fitness Super Watch
I’m a total gadget geek. I’m also a completely quantitative, competitive soul. Needless to say, I need to know my pace and distance at all times throughout a run…….I’ll totally sprint the last km if it means I’ll make a timing goal. I’ve been using a Garmin 220, and just switched camps to the Fitbit Surge ™ over the past week. There really isn’t too much in common with these two, totally different creatures. The Surge™ combines elements of a smart watch with the functionality of a pretty comprehensive sports tracker. It relies a lot more on integration with the app on my Note 4 than the 220. For example, I can’t seem to review prior activity on the tracker itself, I need to go into the app to do that. The touch screen is kind of amazing, I love it and the UI is relatively simple to get your head around.
It’s a big device. I don’t mind that as I like chunky, heavy watches and jewellery, but the size may be too much for some women. I feel like I’ve only scraped the surface of what this watch can do so I’m excited to find out more when I reconnect with the team from Fitbit this week.
I’m loving the social features the app provides! Within hours of setting it up I had found my friends and been invited to participate in a Weekday Challenge to get my step-count up. This makes working out fun!
Honorable Mentions
My BFF’s, Plantronics Backbeat FIT wireless headphones have quite simply changed running for me, cable-free music is liberating! These guys pair easily via bluetooth plus are sweat proof, flexible and super comfortable. So good I bought a second pair for Dave.
Spotify Premium – Dave and I are both addicted to this amaze service (neither of us can run without music) which allows you to make your playlists available offline, so you’re not slogging through your data whilst running. An essential service IMO.
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