So this week’s topic is competition (Winter Olympics, yay! What even is curling? #irrelevant) . I’m about as confrontational as a deaf and blind mouse, and additionally sports have never really been my thing. I was hopelessly chubby (with Harry Potter glasses and a John Lennon haircut to match) throughout my preteen years. I used every possible excuse to get out of P.E. class – as in, I faked the death of at least eleven fictional great aunts and uncles – until finally my desperate parents forced me to attend tryouts for my high school’s track & field team.
It did not go well – I finished the mile run in barely under 10 minutes – but strangely enough, as I lay gasping for air at the finish line, I found that the elusive “runner’s high” is actually a real thing. So I returned for practice the next day, and the one after, for the next four years. I can proudly and honestly say that running in endless circles around the track with my teammates (but really, we were sisters) was the highlight of my high school career. We worked very hard but laughed even harder, and supported each other through endeavours athletic and otherwise.
When it came to our sense of competition, however, it wasn’t really about 400 metre splits and mile personal bests: it was about the clothes. We were in a constant state of getting ready to run, running, or recovering from running, so we bloody made sure we looked good doing it. Our racing outfits depended on the attractiveness of the boys of the opposing team, and my friend Grace and I shouted at each other more than once for wearing the same pair of spandex shorts on such important days.
The point is, I know what I’m talking about here, so LISTEN UP. It is important to look good when you work out, partly because sometimes it sucks so bad that your only saving grace is proudly watching your perfectly matched neon outfit in the mirror. Here are some outfits I’ve put together to give you a better example:
RUNNING
Shoes: Nike; Water bottle: Camelbak; T-shirt: Adidas; Shorts: Nike
In my nearly six years as a runner I have learned a lot, but here are the highlights:1) ALWAYS wear a race t-shirt to show other runners (COMPETITORS) you have street cred and are faster than they think;2) To balance out the ugly, monochrome race tee, opt for colourful and cute shorts;3) The pretty and colourful shoes, on the other hand, are not always the most practical. Make sure you get properly fitted for your running shoes so you can run efficiently and injury-free;4) ALWAYS drink like 3 gallons of water right after your run, followed by a banana.
YOGA
Yoga mat: Lululemon; Leggings: Lululemon; Tank: American Apparel
I have worn Lululemon black leggings and a grey American Apparel tank to every yoga class I have ever attended (no jokes). Yoga is cool because you don’t have to wear a sports bra and you get to feel super #zen #healthy #centered etc. Keep your look simple but chic, in case you have to dash somewhere important after class. Also, sit far away from the instructor, because otherwise he/she will try to make you stretch further and it will HURT.
BUS RIDE HOME FROM THE GYM
Trainers: Nike; Gym bag: American Apparel; Sweatpants: Nike; Hoodie: Adidas
This is probably not a PC thing to say but “ghetto-style” is kind of a thing in fashion right now, so wearing this outfit in public is actually okay (as long as your gym isn’t in Chelsea, but if it is you probably only own cashmere tracksuits anyway). Hide your greasy, gross, sweaty hair with space buns or French braids.
What’s your favourite form of exercise, and are you afraid of competition? Also, can you explain curling to me? Leave a comment or write us an email!