Gear!

[chrisl72]

Today was belated celebration day and as promised, I was taken to Runners World in Colchester and this is what I came home with!

Had an absolutely fantastic experience, I couldn't have been looked after better. Gait analysis was fascinating and we identified the appropriate correction. Four pairs of trainers were presented to try and we narrowed it down to two. These were both checked again on camera and a final decision was made.

The shoes are Saucony Munich 4's in Cobalt and Citrus.

I had literally no running gear to speak of throughout c25k, so the extra gear comprises shorts, long trousers and a t-shirt, plus padded socks. I intended to get a long-sleeved top too but it got forgotten in the excitement!

I do see a potential issue in that the fleece and trousers I have been using have ample pockets, but the shorts have none and the trousers have only a bum pocket, which doesn't seem ideal for either iphone or keys.

(I expect someone somewhere produces a solution for that, suggestions/recommendations welcome!)

I've been wearing the shoes as slippers since getting home. My guide today suggested doing the same tomorrow too - and offered to exchange them if they were uncomfortable as long as they haven't been outside. Top service!

So I'm looking forward to trying them properly on Sunday

Again, top marks to Runners World, who really looked after me today.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Great buy at Runners World for you today chrisl72, I note the cat on the bed, I hope you have many happy runs with all those running clothes in the coming months and years.

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you @almorr, so do I! The cat is Misty, one of three - figured I'd better leave her there in case she decided to jump back on to the new clothes!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Misty, what a name coincidence, Misty is also the name of one the administrators on C25K cats name, Misty is the name of Instructor57's cat.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Excellent!

Runners world were great with me also, it helped that the sales woman was also a runner.

I also got Saucony and I have actually stuck with that make ever since !

I see the cat is checking out the new gear also 😁

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Always great to hear of good service! Yes, the cat certainly seemed to approve!

[Cmoi Graduate]

They gave you a cute free cat too chrisl72 ! Well done on your haul.

As for extra storage, you could try a running belt - runnersworld.com/uk/gear/g2... I have a cheapy flipbelt rip-off which works fine, though I prefer my Decathlon hydration pack for long runs.

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you @Cmoi, I've had a check of that list and will be making a choice imminently

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Nothing like getting new gear and yes there are a myriad of belts and contraptions to store your things whilst running ! Happy running

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Thank you Wavy-chick28 , can't wait to get out there tomorrow and put it all to a proper test!

[Teresa1632 Graduate]

Exciting times with new gear! I love Saucony too, though I go up a size to allow for my feet swelling. There are lots of shorts and leggings with side pockets to store phones etc. I like New Balance and Ronhill. Expensive, but they last well - mine are 4 years old and still going strong, despite being worn 3/4 times a week.Happy running, shopping and researching!

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Teresa1632]

Isn't it, I was like a rabbit in headlights when we entered the shop! Yes, my trainers are a half size bigger than normal shoes on advice of the assistant. Great to hear that kit lasts so well.

[Carners1 Graduate]

I've got one of those armbands to put my phone in!! Also has a little pouch to put your front door key In!!I find it more comfortable than having stuff bouncing around in pockets!!

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Carners1]

Thank you Carners1 , I'll check those out with the belts!

[Frenc Graduate]

What a fantastic haul! I love the cat 🐈. I hope you have lots of great runs in your new clobber.

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thank you - she's one of three, the others were more interested in exploring the empty bag!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Great haul! Love the cat too 😍😍😍

You’ll probably find as the seasons change, you accumulate all sorts of other bits and pieces. I’ve got a great long sleeved top from Ronhill (the Core one) which I’m sure will be going on sale as the spring arrives. It’s light enough to not be too hot. I liked it so much I bought a second one a few months later!

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

That's Misty, very nervous but adorable 🐈

I kinda want to go back on Tuesday and get the top, don't want to be running with fleece on top now. Great to have recommendations, thank you!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to chrisl72]

Sounds like one of my guinea pigs! Pretty but she knows it and scared of everything!

[XenaZelda Graduate]

it’s great getting new running gear, I have bought loads since starting the C25K including summer running gear, shorts as well and accessories, it’s exciting buying gear for running, , I have so much now that I had to dedicate a whole cupboard and 4 draws in my bedroom to them, I think the same in the warmer weather where most running gear have no pockets, I got a running belt from decathlon which clips round my waist (not the soft material type) and has 3 separate compartments, one for my phone, one for my keys and one for my ear buds when I complete my run and am walking home, I’ve spent lots but I like to be prepared for all weathers, happy running 😃

[chrisl72 Graduate in reply to XenaZelda]

haha yeah I was a little careful but I expect the kit drawer will gradually expand now A belt like that sounds ideal.

[XenaZelda Graduate in reply to chrisl72]

it will Chris, I just can help myself, always look at the sales and buy more 🙄