mmmm shopping and running....

I'm a sucker for shopping and running stuff so a couple of weeks ago I got to mix the two and treat myself. I was looking for something to wear in these months where it's too chilly for shorts and a t-shirt but it's not cold enough to break out the thermals! One of the items I've bought has really surprised me! It is the Nike Element Half-Zip Women's running top:

The main reason I bought it was because it felt like a really big hug the first time I touched it and I knew that it would feel great to wear either during or after a run. It's fitted to be flattering but is not tight, it has lovely long arms with thumb holes to keep you extra warm and it's made of Nike Dri-FIT material. I've worn it a few times and it really is much warmer than I had expected it to be!

If you're on the look out for something warm as the temperatures start to cool, I'd definitely recommend this!

That bbbrrrr time of year already

It's that time of year where running isn't just about putting on a pair of shorts and a tshirt... winter seems to be approaching way too fast. I'm just getting back into training and loving it, but already I've noticed the nights drawing in and the mornings staying dark later. I'm not a big fan of running in the dark by myself so this is massively reducing my 'time to run' window! 

Secondly it's cold already. Now I struggle with the cold pretty much all the time, that is except for while I'm running when, as long as my hands and feet are warm, I'm fine. What I learned tonight is never to listen to anyone else about how many layers I need! I usually go by the rule, wear what I think I need...then take something off (obviously not in the summer when I'm down to minimum layers...that could end up being embarrassing!) I had opted tonight for a tshirt and gloves instead of a top with full length arms.. However on the way out of the door I got told I'd 'need a jumper' (!!!) because it was freezing outside. I didn't believe for a second that I needed a-whole-nother layer on but I did put on my arm warmers just in case... and of course folded them down before I'd even gone a mile!
So here's to winter running again.... layers, hats, gloves, thermals, rain, mud, ice and wind. There's one thing I know for sure... it'll take a lot more than some adverse weather to stop me ;)