There is nothing worse than sitting at a dinner party and finding out that your table mate is a self-proclaimed “runnerâ€. Take a shot (or a sip of dry January-friendly kombucha) if they mention it within the first five minutes – two if they tell you their latest split time. You can spot them from a mile off: the smug windswept flush, the early-bird chirpiness, the “oof, my hammies are sore†wince as they take their seat. Whatever you do, don’t ask them about their new Garmin.
Read more: 13 Activewear Brands To Get You Into Gear This January
Indeed, these days partaking in an [insert endurance race] has become a rite of passage for any millennial worth their isotonic energy gel. It’s impossible to wander around any London park without being confronted at some point by a hoard of middle-management city boys dressed in Salomon’s back catalogue. What do you mean you’re in your late 20s or 30s and don’t own a four litre trail running vest?
How do I know all this? I’m one of them (a runner, that is, not a city boy). It started in the exhausting career chaos that was my early twenties, a time when a weekly jog was the one thing keeping me from running away to Sweden to breed cats, or something. Fast forward to my thirties and while I am by no means an ultra-marathoner, I do enjoy regular 5k runs around the local park, and have started running home from work once a week – I am even considering signing up for a half-marathon later this year. I know, I’m sorry, don’t hate me.
It comes down to this: if I’m in a shit mood, a run is the only thing that is guaranteed to lift the fog, even if it’s only by the smallest amount – a side-effect that is especially useful during the dark, cold months of the year. Bad night’s sleep? Annoying day at work? Killing time before the next episode of The Traitors? Allow me to suggest a run. People pay good money for this sort of high, and it’s available to you for free. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
While no one needs fancy kit to step outside and put one foot in front of the other, I have found that having comfortable, hard-working running gear is a game-changer for getting my sorry self off the sofa and into my trainers. So, if you find yourself considering joining the smug run club this January (and I encourage you to do so), scroll down to explore and shop my essentials.
The trainers
When it comes to trainers, I tend to prefer a more moulded, glove-like fit and spongier, flexible sole. Adidas’s Ultraboost sneakers fit the brief for me, thanks to their knitted upper and laced support around the arches. On Running’s Cloudflow trainers are also next on my list for testing – I’ve heard good things. Both options are less good for foot support, however, so I would consider brands such as Asics and Hoka for sturdier styles.
The leggings + shorts
As I write, London is experiencing a mini ice age, so I’m wedded to my full-length Airlift leggings from Alo Yoga, with their satisfyingly thick, sculpting and super comfy fabric. More generally, I appreciate a pocket (or five) and Lululemon’s running tights deliver in this department with two side pockets (ideal for a phone) and three drop-in pockets on the waistband (perfect for keys), plus an adjustable drawcord. Yes, they are an investment, but I find that high-quality leggings are essential for withstanding years of wear and washes without losing their elasticity or, god forbid, going see-through. Lululemon also has a “we made too much†section on its site, which is worth keeping an eye on for discounts.
The sports bra
I should caveat this by saying that I am relatively modest in the bust department, so support is less of a consideration for me when selecting a running sports bra, however I have found that Lululemon, Alo Yoga, Stella McCartney X Adidas and Girlfriend Collective all deliver high-quality styles in a range of fits to suit different shapes and activity requirements. I recently invested in Alo Yoga’s Airbrush Heart Throb bra in black, which is not only super comfy, but looks great, too.
The top
My running top requirements are fairly straightforward: during winter I want something that will keep me warm but let my skin breathe, and a streamlined fit that can be layered under shell jackets and quilted gilets – a thumb-hole is also a plus. For the warmer months of the year, I stick to either looser T-shirts (Nike has good options), or fitted tank tops to wear with high-waisted leggings and shorts (I rate Lululemon’s high-neck tank, which comes with a built-in bra).
The jacket
I spent months last year hunting for the perfect running jacket, and in December I stumbled across Vuori’s Chilled Out Full Zip style. Its water-resistant fabric might not hold up in a torrential downpour, but it serves me perfectly well on drizzly winter runs and, most importantly, it keeps me toasty warm thanks to the lightly insulated side panels and thick, stretch-fabric sleeves. Top tip: I would size up if you prefer a looser fit (I’m a UK 8-10 and find the small reasonably snug). Lululemon’s Define jacket is better for spring and autumn temperatures, and I love its streamlined design and expandable cuffs that help keep hands protected against the elements. For a super reflective, nighttime style, meanwhile, a friend of mine swears by Provizs running jackets.
The extras
Last summer, I started running home from work once a week, which required a good lightweight running backpack. Omm’s Ultra 8 backpack is ideal for fitting in my work laptop plus other essentials, and features a buckled chest strap for comfort and support while running. My colleague, Alice Cary, also swears by Salomon’s running vest: “With compartments to store water pouches and several pockets – a must, given my phone was very sadly got stolen out my hand while on a run in July – it’s the ideal year-round running companion.â€
