Title: Nike

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Saturday, 20 December 2014

In My Bag

Here's what I purchased recently (and hopefully my final 'non Christmas' order) all in the name of fitness.

Running gloves

Where better to wear your hi-viz than on your hands as you hold them aloft in the middle of the road to a disgruntled van driver.

Nike Elite Storm Fit Tech Gloves

Ooh get me and my two pairs. Well, after stacking it like a drunkard earlier this year, the rips in my existing gloves are proving a little drafty for those winter morns. These gloves provide a warm fleecy inner to tackle Jack Frost. Maybe I should have just got these in a hi-vis...

Shorts

Nike 7" Pursuit 2-In-1 Short

It's pretty clear from this blog post alone, that I adore Nike products. Their Dri-Fit fabric is sensational and a joy to run in. I own many pairs of these as the inner short keeps you 'locked in' and the handy zippered pocket is useful for keys and a credit card.

Nike Pro Core Compression 9" Short

Whilst one would never (repeat never) wear these solely, they offer great compression and layer well with a shorter short. And let's be honest, it's never a bad thing having nine inches underneath your shorts.

Tops

Nike Dri-Fit Racing Tank

What's not to love. Anthracite (college talk for Grey) and road safety 'Volt'. Tick.

Nike Core Compression Long Sleeve Top

I think the term 'compression' is a little far-fetched here but an absolutely perfect top to take away the chill. Running a marathon? Forget about all that Vaseline and plasters nonsense, just wear said garment and the only rub you'll get is that of congratulations from your loved ones on the finish line.

Adidas Techfit Climacool Short Sleeve

For compression, my go-to brand is Adidas and their wonderful Techfit range. Irregardless of their Philippine overhead and economies of scale, when you see what is involved in this garment, £19.95 is nothing less than extraordinary.

Ronhill Vizion Windlite Running Jacket

It's hard to believe that this is my first and only running jacket. My, I really brave those winter climes. Anyway, now I have one and it's all bright and yellow and orange, and it has a little zip pocket...and there's space for an LED on the back. I can't wait to test drive it!

Image of Postman Pat: Wikipedia

Sunday, 14 December 2014

In My Bag

Exercising almost every day across three disciplines requires a great deal of kit. Here's what fell through the letterbox (or less romantically, what was left with the concierge) recently.

Nutrition

High5 Race Pack

In training, I rarely take fluid let alone nutrition but for the longer jaunts and when racing I always carry gels on my person. This race pack is one of the best selling items on Wiggle and phenomenal value. A no-brainer and also includes a handy bottle for use on the bike. Ever wondered why every other cyclist has a High5 bottle in their cage?

High5 IsoGel Sachets

25 gels for less than 50 pence each. If your cupboard has more bottles than glasses, then this is for you.

Socks

Nike Anti Blister Quarter Running Socks (2 Pack)

Nike Elite Cushion Anklet Running Socks

Nike Cushioned Dynamic Arch Anklet Running Socks

You cannot have enough socks. Good job then, as I purchased another four pairs. I don't get blisters. Like, even after 100k when it's raining and muddy and stuff. When your gear works for you, don't go changing. I think 'Anti Blister', 'Elite Cushion' and 'Cushioned Dynamic' more-or-less mean the same.

Accessories

Ultimate Performance Kielder Handheld Bottle

I've been watching a lot of Ultrarunning videos recently. All the guys have beards and long-hair and just look really cool. Sadly the hair situation ain't gonna happen, but I can certainly emulate their bottle du jour. On one side is a small compartment for keys, phone and a couple of gels and on the other is a strap to slip the hand through for effortless handling.

Swimming

Zoggs Predator Flex Polarised Goggles

Training close to work and also close to home, I'm building 'two of everything' into my wardrobe. Up until now I've been Aquasphere since day one, and they've served me well but such are the reviews on the Zoggs I thought it best to venture astray.

Nike Sport Water Bottle

When parading up and down the pool, I don't want to be faffing too much with my fluids, so the nozzle-free feature together with fine ergonomics should allow for swift turnarounds. Yes, I am quite manic.

Image of Postman Pat: Wikipedia

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Birthday Lust List

Another birthday, another "can you let me know what you want" reminder. Oh the romance and surprise that leaves us at childhood. Aside from the Gucci wallet/snazzy watch years, presents aren't a big deal until we hit that middle age power tool craze. Well for me as an able DIYer (I've fit carpets, installed kitchens, tiled bathrooms I'll have you know) I already have the cordless drill, jigsaw and belt sander. It's a bloody good job I'm into running and triathlon then - the sport where purchasing never ends.

Here's my birthday lust list for my impending anniversary:

1. Carbon Wheelset

When I first got into triathlon and heard that folk spent more on wheels than some men do on engagement rings, I scoffed and viewed it as ludicrous. Well, views change and though I have a monetary ceiling to my madness I'm going to upgrade.

Choosing a particular wheelset is proving difficult with Wiggle alone offering 394 items under 'Performance Wheels'. Alternatively, I guess i could just learn to pedal faster!

The Dream - Zipp 808 Firecrest

An option - Campagnolo Bullet Ultra 80

Another option - Shimano Dura Ace C50

2. Head Torch

This one must be on everybody's birthday list right? Never did I think I'd be wanting for such a thing, I'll be honest. But then never did I think I'd be running a 100 mile race. So one requires t'other. Looks like Petzl runs the show here.

Don't be a dummy in the dark - Petzl Tikka R+

3. Hi Vis Jacket

From seeing in the dark to being seen in the dark, this one is important for my life expectancy I feel. Most of my running is done in darkness, so a little hi vis should protect me when running blind across the streets of Soho through Bethnal Green. Another mandatory piece of kit too for the 100 mile.

Run in the rain - Gore Mythos 2.0

4. Race Vest

Gone are the days when I could simply pop my keys in a back pocket and head out the door. Up until now I've managed quite well with a Camelbak hydration pack (and my girlfriend's crew support) but as I enter silly-distance racing I need more storage for nutrition and all-weather essentials.

Not a flotation device - Salomon Advanced Skin Lab Hydro 5L

5. Cooler Get Up

Whilst I'll certainly look like a nerd when racing, I wish to retain some street cred in training. Below are some items I'll be working up a sweat in post-birthday.

I prefer running in compression shorts rather than baggies, so the beauty of this combo allows me to run happy knowing that my groin is not being analysed by half of Oxford Street. Terribly overpriced - which kind of makes me want them more - but Kilian wears them, so...

Salomon S-Lab Exo Twinskin Shorts

I'm eager to get 'fast(er)' and I'm upping my speed work. I've recently joined a running club and hope to get on the track at Mile End Stadium for some training sessions.