My Running Kit

One of the things that put me off when I was running last year was that may feet used to go numb and this would make me miserable and then I wouldn't want to run anymore.  
To anyone starting out I would say do not make the same mistake as me and buy any old trainer, instead do what I eventually did and visit the lovely people at The Sweat Shop to get yourselves some proper running shoes fitted. After checking out my stance, foot type and gait they recommended a supportive trainer, I also have high arches so I was very tempted by the fitted insoles but the minute I tried on these Brooks I couldn't even tell which shoe had the insole in.

They feels like slippers and touch wood I have had no discomfort or blisters yet.  They are a bit grubby as I did end up with the worst possible colour but it was all about the fit!

The only other item I splashed out on was a jacket.  You do warm up pretty quick but I really hate wind and being wet.  I had a gift voucher for Nike and decided on a UR Fly Windrunner.

The lighting is terrible in my house but you get the idea.  Amazingly I not been caught in the rain yet but this jacket is fab for stopping the wind.  It has also been great for carrying my phone, keys and the many tissues needed during a run.  I am finding it a bit too warm to wear this jacket during a day run now but I sure I'll be keeping it on for the club night runs for a bit longer.

I've been through a few different pairs of socks and some have dug in my little toe and others have slipped down when running.  The Nike Dri-FIT Non-Cushion No-Show Socks which are fab but I recently brought new socks for Jazzercise (you can never have enough pairs of socks!) and went for the Nike Womens Dri-FIT Cushion No-Show Tab Socks and that tab make a huge difference.

No tab (I could not get the camera to focus)... 

Tab...

I feels some more socks might be landing in my sock draw very soon.

When it comes to tops and leggings I have loads.  I teach an Aquanatal class at work as well as the Jazzercise and running so I need a fair few so I don't have to put the washing machine on every night!  I have just been running in a base layer and my jacket and then in the day swapping the jacket for a short sleeved T-Shirt over the base.  I don't think any of my tops have been full price as there are such good deals in the sales.  My leggings have also been a bargain, I picked up a pair of Karrimor tights for £7.50 a few weeks ago and they are so comfortable.  I have yet to find decent sports bra's yet so if anyone out there is reading this, recommendations are needed.

With the weather during the day improving I did get myself a Flip Belt this week.

I don't go far enough to carry water and wanted something that could accommodate my phone, keys, some dosh and tissues.  I have been looking at belts for a while and have been really disappointed with what are available.  Some were so tiny even my phone on its own wouldn't fit, others really big and bulky.  I did have a great phone belt for your arm that was just a band of lycra but my house has eaten it so I was after something similar that could hold a bit more.  I had seen these at last years London Marathon Expo when I went with a friend to collect his pack but had forgotten about them.  They are a bit pricey but I found a discount code and they do offer free postage.  I went out on a 10k run this morning with it on and although it took a bit of adjusting to get it to sit where it didn't rid up, once in place I didn't even know I was wearing it.  My phone felt secure, there is a little clip for your keys so they don't go anywhere and it was easy to access the 4 tissues I stashed in there during the run.  Very happy customer.  I recommend watching the video to find out how this bad boy works.  Will be great when the jacket is hung up for Summer.

Last thing to mention is these Event Clips

These worked really well at securing my race number to my Club T-Shirt with no risk of pulling from the pins.  The club I run with have a branded set but sadly as I was ill the night we had the merch available I ordered a normal set.  They came in 2 days which was fab.  I will be getting myself some club ones before my next race so I am feeling generous and will be giving these away to anyone that might read this.  Just comment below with info on what runs you have coming up this year and they will be on there way to a new home.

Nothing is inspiring me for my next post yet so check back in soon.