5 F O R 5 K
You can moan all you like about not being fit, if you're bothering to do anything about it. We all do it; say we're going to get fitter, especially around the new year. What we lack is motivation, but I've put together 5 tips that I wish I had been told in the beginning.
1. Get some proper running shoes
I'm not saying that cheaper alternatives are not good, but a lot of them are designed for a look instead of function. The best advice I have for new runners is to get some decent trainers. Go into your local sport shop and ask for something supportive for your feet. Otherwise you're going to get sore and it will put you off.
Choose whatever brand you like and go with it, personally I don't like Nike but choose what fits you best.
2. Stick with it
There are going to be times when you are starting out when you will genuinely want to sit down and cry after 5 minutes of running. There are also going to be times you can run for 25 minutes solid and hardly notice you have done it. My point is not every training session is the same. I can run 5K easy most of the time, but there are also those runs that I can't catch my breath after barely a mile.
3. Lots of thin layers
You'll learn this one fast, but you will be freezing when you start and melting half way through. You know your own body best but find the happy medium so that you don't start off ice and end as a puddle.
4. Stay visible
This is one that I wasn't told but as a driver I cannot stress it enough. Do not go out for a run in winter dressed in full black and wonder why you nearly get hit by a car. Reflective clothing is always for sale and bands you can snap on are cheap. Staying safe is most important.
5. Don't expect miracles
You're not going to go from couch potato to Mo Farrah in a week. You know that. So don't get upset if it takes you a while to get into it and improve. Just make sure you keep going and improve at your own pace.
1. Get some proper running shoes
I'm not saying that cheaper alternatives are not good, but a lot of them are designed for a look instead of function. The best advice I have for new runners is to get some decent trainers. Go into your local sport shop and ask for something supportive for your feet. Otherwise you're going to get sore and it will put you off.
Choose whatever brand you like and go with it, personally I don't like Nike but choose what fits you best.
2. Stick with it
There are going to be times when you are starting out when you will genuinely want to sit down and cry after 5 minutes of running. There are also going to be times you can run for 25 minutes solid and hardly notice you have done it. My point is not every training session is the same. I can run 5K easy most of the time, but there are also those runs that I can't catch my breath after barely a mile.
3. Lots of thin layers
You'll learn this one fast, but you will be freezing when you start and melting half way through. You know your own body best but find the happy medium so that you don't start off ice and end as a puddle.
4. Stay visible
This is one that I wasn't told but as a driver I cannot stress it enough. Do not go out for a run in winter dressed in full black and wonder why you nearly get hit by a car. Reflective clothing is always for sale and bands you can snap on are cheap. Staying safe is most important.
5. Don't expect miracles
You're not going to go from couch potato to Mo Farrah in a week. You know that. So don't get upset if it takes you a while to get into it and improve. Just make sure you keep going and improve at your own pace.
S T Y L E R U L E S 2 0 1 5
Do you ever find yourself struggling to find something to wear? 'I have nothing to wear!' You cry at your full and overflowing wardrobe. This is me every single day and I have decided I've simply had enough. With the new year coming round fast, I'm setting myself some style rules to stop my throwaway fashion ways and to actually like my entire wardrobe so I am never late because I had 'nothing to wear' again.
STOP IMPULSE BUYING
We've all been there, usually in Primark; 'it's such a steal'; 'the last one in my size'; 'but it's so cute'. This is the mindset I want to change. Too often I find myself in this situation panicking about what I should do and frankly it's not a good reason to be buying so many items of clothing I'll only wear once. This year I intend on knowing what I have, figuring out specifically what I want, and not settling for something that is almost what I'm looking for.
DON'T BUY MULTIPLES OF THINGS
I'm one of those people that once I find something that I like, I buy it in a few colours. Because of this, I have numerous items in multiple colours, and this seems like such a great idea at the time as my wardrobe is full of items I will wear; however, it also ensure I look the same most days. This year I plan on sticking with no more than 2 colours of these items.
NO MORE ACCESSORIES
In my head, I think buying a bag to update my wardrobe is far more cost conscious than buying a new item of clothing. It isn't. I will happily spend more than a bag on if I think it's better quality, this completely defeats the principle of saving money. I am also dreadful for buying smaller accessories, such as costume jewellery or sunglasses, if the price is right. I'm going to stop this as every little purchase adds up and creates clutter.
BE MORE RUTHLESS
Many a time I have stood in front of my wardrobe with the intention of having a massive clear out and streamlining everything a bit more to create space. Every single time I can barely throw one item in the 'donate' bag. I intend on being more ruthless with this, especially not keeping an item of clothing from a couple years ago - that no longer fits - because I still like it. There is no function in keeping beautiful garments that will only see the light of day if I don't close the wardrobe door.
So that's the rules; simple; straightforward; and a clear base to help with my intended clear out this year.
S P O T T E D : A / W 2 0 1 6 T R E N D
The year is 2009, I am 16 years old, school exams are the only thing on my mind and all I'm really being told is 'if I don't apply for University I have failed at life'. But enough about the stark anxiety shoved on my academic success (or lack there of) at school.
This was the year of the Topshop Leopard print faux fur coat. All the 'cool' girls at school had one of these coats; the perfect mix of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss. They were the epitome of thrown on outfits, fashion forward teenagers and, to this day, an item I cannot understand given the British weather.
Now don't get me wrong, I love a bit of leopard print. I have the scarves, the shoes and that very sought after leopard print biker number from Zara. But the very thought of a leopard print jacket brings me plummeting back down to 16 year old, acne ridden, braces wearing and above all not cool Amy. The flashback anxiety is very much real.
However, given the fact that I am now 23, not at school, and comfortable with the fact that I will never bee cool, I can warm my heart up to a little leopard print trend.
Here are some pieces from the good 'ole high street that are great representations of the trend.
This one is from Zara, it's a personal favourite and one I already own. The reason I own it is because of Instagram, and I will admit that freely. But in all seriousness it's the greatest jacket I own, only second to my leather jacket of the same shape. I see this being the Instagram jacket of the season.
These beautiful take on the classic loafer are from ASOS, a steal at £28 they are a fantastic twist.
I couldn't make it through this post without featuring an update on the Topshop leaopard print coat.
I couldn't find any evidence of the original, but it was this except faux fur.
And it still haunts my dreams.
The print is what I would refer to as a statement neutral, enough to give impact, but natural enough to be mixed with anything else and not look like a messed up Pinterest board. I never said I hated the print, but I wouldn't welcome a faux fur version into my wardrobe any time soon.
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