OK I know, I know, weather introductions are boring and samey – but seriously, yesterday I almost left my coat at home!! This makes me so happy!
I got to wear just a T-shirt and shorts for my run last night and even finished still in the light!
Post-run selfie
What also makes me happy is going out on a school night to go eat stupid amounts of ribs with friends. On Tuesday night we went to a place called Rancho Steak House in Southampton and it was amazing. The whole day I was hungry (in my head I ’m pretty sure) and just couldn’t wait to leave work and get there.
I already knew what I’d be having – especially as I found out that Tuesday night’s were unlimited rib night. Ben and me shared a plate of cheesy nachos to start. The service was dreadful which was such a let down and so our food took ages. This meant I was ravenous so those nachos went down quite nicely, despite their rather unappealing presentation.
You can barely see the nachos under the melted cheese – Ben was in heaven
For mains, I went for the £14.95 unlimited rib meal which came with a side salad and chips which I subbed for corn on the cob (because I’m obsessed and chips would have filled me up – stomach space was all for the ribs).
Smothered in a delicious costa picante glaze
I was in rib heaven. They weren’t the best ribs I’ve ever had but they were pretty good. It was also great to know that I could have more if I wanted…which I did.
Half way through this portion I should have stopped as I was full. But the glutton I am continued and I was uncomfortable by the end. No regrets though – I was fully satisfied. I honestly believe there’s a baby T-rex inside me trying to get out.
I’m also loving that my mum and dad are getting into the whole Hello Fresh scene. They signed up after I raved on about it.
My mum cooking one of the recipes the other night
It’s great because I can compare notes with them on how things went and what he liked or didn’t as we’ll get the same recipes each week (though they get theirs on Tuesdays whereas we get ours Thursdays).
I promise I will do a Hello Fresh post soon, I just have a bit of a backlog at the moment!
As you might know, I run three times a week and go to the gym four times a week. Three of those gym seshes are purely strength focused (deadlifts, single leg stuff, squats, box jumps, core work…etc.) but the other gym sesh is what I call my “good for the soul” cardio. I love the rowing machine (is that weird?). Not as much as running but I just love the rhythm of it and can let my mind wander.
It’s usually the time I catch up on MarathonTalk podcasts as well. Usually I’ll spend 45 minutes on it and just row however I feel. I’m no expert and have no real idea what speeds or distances are good, but I enjoy it and see it as a good way to help my fitness without adding in another running session (which I’m loathe to do right now considering I’m being all gradual in my build up and remaining injury-free).
Speaking of fitness…as I’ve mentioned a couple of times now, the guys at the The Running Bug sent me some really cool Helly Hansen running gear to try out and to help spread the word that working out and looking good does not have to be mutually exclusive.
Leggings and technical fitted T-shirt
As I’ve said so many times, I like looking good when I exercise. So kill me. It’s no different from deciding what to wear to work or what to wear when I go out with friends. I want to look nice. It makes me feel happy and confident. And those two things are so important for when you’re working out. Whatever gets you motivated, confident and in the zone is worth it to me.
The Helly Hansen gear is honestly amazing. The T-shirt (above) is nice and loose fitting. It’s quite thin and slightly see-through so a white sports bra is best. It’s a great top to run in!
The capri leggings fit like a glove. They’re a good thickness, they move with my body and don’t slip down or feel too tight. They’re also great in wet weather!
My only slight sadness is they don’t have a mini pocket for a key.
I also received a technical vest. I love that it has a hole at the back (though this does mean wise sport bra choices). And like the T-shirt it is also slightly see-through.
It’s a mesh material so cool, breathable and quick drying.
I was also sent a hoodie. It’s a strange material – kind of a thicker technical material and is very warm. So ideal for either a very cold run or for just after a race or parkrun.
Appalling posing faces sorry – it’s so very awkward
I love that it had the thumbholes and it also has a fitted waist bit so hugs you at the bottom keeping you warm and doesn’t ride up. My only issue is the head hole is quite small so when I have a pony tail it tends to snag it down when I put it on (#longhairproblems).
And finally, my absolute favourite item (no wait the leggings are my favourite…second favourite), the jacket!
I adore the colour and it goes nicely with the other bits as well. It was brilliant during a very wet and windy run the other week. It’s comfortable and water-proof. The hood was a bit annoying in the wind and there’re no pockets again, but this doesn’t detract my love for it.
Helly Hansen has a great range of funky running gear and fitness apparel. It is expensive, I won’t lie, but unlike some brands that you pay more for you get really good quality. I can see these items lasting me a very long time and they’re already some of the favourite fitness clothes I have.
Also just so you know, if you Tweet pictures of yourself in your favourite fitness gear (tagging @therunningbug and using #HHcatwalk) one lucky person will be selected to win a very exciting Helly Hansen prize!
[Full Disclosure: I was sent the Helly Hansen gear for free as part of the Running Bug’s fashion fitness campaign. All opinions are my own honest ones.]
Those ribs are really good value for unlimited.
I love my HH clothes. Most of my workout clothes are HH because they are so comfortable and they stay where they should.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Random Acts Of Kindness by N Brookman
I know, but seriously I commend anyone who can do more than one more set of ribs! I was SO stuffed.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My baby T-Rex and fashionable fitness ##HHCatwalk
Love the Helly Hansen bits, especially the vest, I like a back detail on a workout top. I’ve never worn anything from Helly Hansen actually.
It’s really good quality stuff. And very flattering!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My baby T-Rex and fashionable fitness ##HHCatwalk
Lovely workout gear Anna! I especially like the hot pink vest, fun and vibrant. Helly Hansen is a brand that I always seem to forget about for some reason.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted…{Recipe} Chicken Rice Noodle Salad
I love the bright colours! I never wear bright colours normally so I always tend to splash out when it comes to work out gear.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My baby T-Rex and fashionable fitness ##HHCatwalk
Loving the change in weather this week and I’m pretty sure I’m going to be racing in shorts and a tank on Saturday for the first time this year.
I love the sort of thin material of the top you got sent. It looks very similar to the material of my blue VLM adidas top I got at London last year and if I could keep up with the washing I would wear that for literally every run!
Mary recently posted…The effects of a busy lifestyle
Yes it feels very similar to that top (I have the plain Adidas one, not the London marathon branded one – but essentially it’s the same top). I do love that top too – especially the thumb holes!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My baby T-Rex and fashionable fitness ##HHCatwalk
That vest looks fab, although I only have one style of sports bra, so I have to not care if people can see it!
Although no pockets??? It drives me mad! I had some tights from somewhere (I forget where) and they had no pockets- why????? And that hoodie looks fab- I love one for after a run like that. I have a Brooks hoodie and that has no pockets, but it does have thumb holes so it is half way there!
With the title of this post I thought it was going to be about your phone case as I am sure it has a dinosaur on it?
Maria @ runningcupcake recently posted…Jantastic week 9- home straight
I’ve gone a bit sport bra mad recently – I love all the really funky ones!
Yes I know, pockets are ESSENTIAL! We’re runners not backpackers!
Haha yes my phone does. I’m a bit of a dinosaur fan (I also have a t-shirt with a T-rex on it that says “T-Rexes hate push ups” which is quite amusing). Obviously can’t wait for the new Jurassic film as well!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…My baby T-Rex and fashionable fitness ##HHCatwalk
All of that gear looks great! I’m loving my Nike stuff although I realised when I ran last week I really need a zip pocket in the jacket for my phone and keys. My hands were freezing carrying my phone!
I always use an armband for my phone – not a weak material one but a proper phone-specific one. That way I can completely forget about it and it doesn’t weigh me down. I hate having anything rattling around in my pocket or bouncing up and down.
Those ribs look amazing!! I love that gear. I used to not care about what I wore while running, but I’ve had way more fun lately trying to match things and coordinate colors. 🙂
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl recently posted…And the winner is…
Exactly – I love pairing different colours, matching stuff with a hairband or trainers. It’s just fun and a nice way to keep things interesting 🙂