Dope Leggings

Week 4

For every activity there is kit – clubs and spiked shoes for golf, rackets and balls for tennis and a multitude of sweat-wicking, neon-hued, flesh revealing lycra for running. So, when I started running I couldn’t run in old scabby shorts and a stretched out t-shirt. No, I had to have the kit…all of it, from the hi-tech running shoes to the gps watch (which I am yet to master) – all in keeping with my ‘Look good, feel good, do good’ mantra.

My shoes were sorted in a fancy running store in Manhattan where the assistant made me pound a tread-mill for 30 mins (in my wrap dress and tights) in a variety of shoes, whilst he videod my feet and then made me watch the excruciating footage whilst ‘analysing my gait’, which basically meant telling me that as my left foot turned in I needed ‘supportive’ shoes. I refused to buy the brick trainers and left with my snazzy pink Asics with neon-camp trim (so everyone can see me in the dark).

So, I have the shoes, now for the leggings. Many styles were tested, many rejected, until I found Lululemon. Obviously the brand is far too cool for me, but I was lured in by the hype, hoping that some of its lustre would rub off on me., and make me run faster.

All was well, until I found the leggings with mesh inserts – super cool and on trend, so obviously not for me – a sentiment shared by my shopping buddy/best friend/ running mate, who pointedly told me (loudly in the middle of the store) that I couldn’t wear them because I was middle-aged and had two kids. RUDE! After reluctantly putting them back (pouting), I squeezed myself into some nifty tyre-print leggings (a size smaller than usual – result) and when I emerged from the changing rooms was greeted by the twiglet teenage shop assistant who told me I looked ‘dope’. So, obviously I bought 2 pairs. And, yes, they are amazing, although I am not sure about my dope-ness.

There is no-one to see me on my morning runs (but I still feel good), which are getting easier (up to 3 min run/2 min walk and a 4 mile ‘long’ run), but at least in my head, the dope leggings detract from ‘so-neon-I-must-have-lifted-it-from-a-building-site’ reflective bib.

Oh, and I bought the mesh leggings online and love them. I may have 2 children, but I will never be too old for mesh…