Apparel

Asics Barrios Backpack

I was looking for a smallish pack that I could use for my running commute. I was initially looking at the hydration packs but the small ones seem to have very little room for clobber. I don't need to hold that much - maybe a purse, diary and a waterproof.

In the end I plumped for this small running pack from asics. i'm impressed with everything else I use from asics and felt sure that they would have a better idea of my requirements as a runner than even I would myself. I think it has proven to be true, its an excellent pack and very comfortable.

The pack itself sits quite high on the back, which took a bit of getting used to as it means the waist strap is quite high too. When I started running though, i felt it to be very stable and it didn't disturb me at all. There is some padding at the back which acts to hold the pack away from the body so I didn't even notice my back getting hot - and I'm very sensitive to overheating.

It has stacks of features. There is a pouch at the top for your iPod or other mp3 player and the headphones feed through an orifice leaving them perfectly positioned for your ears. This is actually the first time I've managed to run without getting tangle or strangle with the headphone cable. There is a stowable net for cycle helmet or other gear and a seperate section for a hydration system. Theres also a peculiar attachment that zips away at the bottom and is apparently for holding a bottle but I can't quite see how.

Very good purchase - £30 from wiggle.

Apparel

Gore Running Spy II Shirt

I'm afraid it looks a bit creased in this photo (basically because I just pulled it from a pile in the floor).

This is an ideal shirt for me as I overheat very easily. It's incredibly lightweight and breathable, in fact the material is almost non-existant beneath the arm pits, so no chance of getting too clammy.

It both looks and feels to be quite a high quality garment but then it did cost about £30.

Apparel

Buff Headgear

I was running blind the other morning, which seems to be an occupational hazard for sweaty unfit runners. I was desperately trying to wipe the sweat out of my eyes with the hem of my t-shirt, whilst trying to maintain my modesty and continue running. I failed on at least one of these.
I decided I ought to purchase a headband to improve matters. This thought occupied me til the end of my run wondering if I could bear the 70s look and whether I would be prepared to wear matching leg warmers next.

Two days later I received an unsolicited parcel through the post. Inside was a brand new Buff headwear thingy. This is a head band cum balaclava cum scarve cum neckerchief cum headwear thingy.
Now where did that come from?!
No note, no invoice, just a solitary Buff headwear thingy.

Nice eh?
I'm going to dream about a car on tomorrows run.