KIT PICKS: My new gear

I haven't done a Kit Picks post in a while and over Christmas, I got some amazing new essentials to help with my current training, most of which are all triathlon related.

I must say I am one to budget buy when it comes to kit. Sports Direct is my BFF for Karrimor tops and leggings, as well as low price Puma sports bras. So getting nice, slightly more luxurious pieces for Christmas was a treat. Not to say that Karrimor and Puma are low range - they too offer reasonable comfort and a decent shelf life too!

First up has to be more shiny new triathlon suit. I mentioned this back on my wish list (see here) in December and I was ecstatic to get it. I opted for a Zone3 Women's Aquaflo Trisuit (RRP £85). I'm a curvy athlete and I wanted a suit built for my shape and this seemed to fit the bill. Its designed to reduce drag during the swim and the fabric is fast drying and Teflon coated. There is also a sturdy inner sports bra built in and when you are not so flat chested like me, this is very much appreciated.

I found it weird getting this on for the first time and did have a fear at first that it wouldn't stretch past my knees. However, after pulling and tugging I got it zipped up and I definitely felt streamlined in it! Me being me, the look of the suit for a big deal and I thought having a black suit would be more complimenting whilst the deep purple side panels make it just that little bit girly. I'll definitely be practising in this come the warmer months on the bike and in the pool! It's vital for me to get familiar to wearing a suit and feeling comfortable for the big day!

Next up, I got confirmation that Santa had indeed read my list as I was also luckily enough to unwrap the Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor Swimming Goggles. My goggles at the time were on their last legs. The rubber was splitting and the seals were so knackered and worn they seeped in water. I must also mention that these goggles gave me the worst marks.

As I will be venturing into outdoor swimming this year, I wanted to give the Zoggs a go. They have a built in anti-fog system and provide 180 degree vision through the extra wide lens. They are also photo chromatic so no need to worry about low sunshine obscuring my vision. When I first wore these, I was in love. Super comfy and clear, I sailed through the swimming session but did end up with some rather unattractive marks still.So the next time, I kept this in mind and didn't press the suction of the rubber onto my eyes so much. This helped to avoid goggle marks however the anti fog system failed as I must have not had them sealed in place fully.

That said though, I am definitely happy with these and will continue using them during my training.

Along with my triathlon picks, I was also fortunate to receive some new running gear. My sister knows my style and gifted these super comfy ELLE Sport Capri Leggings. I've worn these for a couple of runs now and I really like the waistband on these as it isn't too tight and doesn't 'protrude' my um, *cough* chunky lower back.

As well as leggings, I also got this super bright Asics top. I don't own a pink running top so it's definitely a nice addition to the kit draw and it is something I like wearing at the moment with my Nike winter skin. You can see me a mile off!

I am loving having new kit to train in. There is nothing more satisfying (and motivating) than heading out in shiny new gear and I definitely feel fully prepped for all my disciplines I am training for.

Lipstick Runner. 

KIT PICKS: Budget Sports Buys

Do you do a lot of exercise but find kit can become a costly necessity? I don't know if you're like me but when I go shopping for new kit that I need, price point is something I closely analyse along with the technical elements of kit and how it looks. Vain I know but you have probably guessed by my Operation Bridal Bod project that appearance matters to me and having nice gear makes me want to 'sport' it with pride (like what I did there?).

With running, getting great kit at an efficient cost is easily accessible and I though I'd share with you some of my favourite picks and ways to build your ultimate kit wardrobe.

Don't be swayed by a name.

I have a draw which holds all my running, swimming & cycling kit. It's full to the brim and a struggle to close at times. With gear for Summer and for Winter, I have kit from all sorts of brands. Don't think you have to head to the mainstream sport lines when shopping for kit. There are plenty of other smaller brands out there which offer just as high quality of product.

Here in the UK popular chain Sport's Direct house Karrimor - a sports & adventure kit brand. It is a favoured go-to for me for running tees and shorts. I think I have their short sleeved t-shirts in every colour going! Normally priced around £6-12 these are great for all varieties of sport. The brands accessories I find are also great value for money. Both my cycling bag and running waist pack are Karrimor and were purchased at a fraction of the cost of other labels. I love this little bumbag - it fits my phone, keys, inhaler and gels plus I can squeeze a light jacket in just incase the heavens open whilst I am out.

That said though, where I have been running for a while, I know when money is worth spending. Nike will always be my chosen pick for leggings. I love the fit of them and I find the waistband sits comfortably on my hips and doesn't cut of my blood circulation! I wear leggings almost everyday for cycling and running and having a high quality, durable pair that lasts a long time is key for me here.

Wear race t-shirts with pride!

My kit draw is full of running tops - 60% of which are race shirts from events I have taken part in. Most races you participate in now offer a t-shirt in the price package. Whether it is your rejection letter from London Marathon (I have two tops from this now), or included in a post race goody bag, these tops are designed from runners and make great kit essentials! My bright green Mizuno Endure24 top is my favourite one. It's a slightly thicker option but also a bit baggy, which I prefer when running. You'll rarely see me in a tight sports top - not quite got the abs for it yet.

Invest in the right gear.

For women, ensuring we wear the right kit for our bodies is incredibly important. Running is a high impact sport and us ladies need to keep our best assets safe. If there is one piece of kit to put good money into, it's a sports bra. 

There are various shapes you can purchase with different style straps and cup form. The three pictured here are my go to choices. I'm not exactly a busty woman, but I'm not small either. Coming in at an average 34C, I ensure I am always wearing a decent sports bra. Comfort is crucial and I find Shock Absorber is a great choice, especially for my longer runs. It has a lot more ribbing than the Adidas & Puma options (these are stretch pull over bras that practically flatten my chest) and has a bra style clip which you can tighten and loosen. That said, when doing interval training and fast HIIT sessions, the pull over options I do prefer as they are incredibly lightweight and are made from better breathable material.

If you are on a budget, I would recommend Puma sports bras. Again, purchased from Sport's Direct, I can pick these up for £10-£12. They come in lots of bright colours too!

In all, I absolutely love getting a good deal. My kit picks are always purchased with three things in mind:

1. Will it last? 

2. Is it the right fit and comfort for me? 

3. Is it a decent price point?

These days, I have more sports kit than normal clothes (how bad is that!?) and I love opening my kit draw to a techni-colour rainbow of tops, bras, swimming costumes and jackets. I hope this post has helped to guide you into spending your money in the right places and getting a great kit that will help you reach your fitness goals! Before signing this post off, I wanted to leave you with a few of my favourite places to purchase kit at great value...

Sport's Direct

Decathlon

Wiggle

Achilles Heel

Thanks again for reading!

Lipstick Runner.