ASOS Tank Top / American Apparel Leggings / Nike Free Run 4.0 V3 c/o Sports Shoes *
Despite never really being the sporty type (no hand-eye coordination!), I’ve recently taken up running with Nico & have surprised myself by how much I’ve been enjoying it. I think I’ve been on a bit of a health kick recently in an attempt to help my body recover & get my skin back to normal too, and I can see the benefits already. After years of being able to slob around, eat what I like & not put on a pound, it seems that unfortunately I’ve finally hit that age where I need to start taking better care of myself.
Before these Nikes arrived I was just using my trusty Converse – I know, what was I thinking?! My poor ankles & knees! Rookie mistake! After the first time testing these out I immediately noticed a huge difference, no aching knees, no sore feet & a much more enjoyable run in general. I chose these half because I loved the monochrome anthracite/black colourway, but also because the ‘barefoot feel’ claims intrigued me. They have a really low profile & the soles are covered in deep cuts, making them super flexible. They feel similar to my Converse in terms of lightness, and they do feel like your not wearing shoes, but with that little extra padding & support to protect your knees & they give you a nice little spring to your stride too. It’s nice to finally add a proper pair of running shoes to my large collection of sneakers too.
Also, yes, I definitely do go running with my makeup on! Since I started wearing makeup at around 14, I’ve been unable to leave the house without ‘my face on’ since. It transformed me from that ugly duckling that could be mistaken for a little boy into someone people called ‘pretty’, it was addictive. No one likes the thought of bumping into people you know when you’re looking less than your best, but it became a full on phobia for me, my family are the only people who ever see me totally barefaced. So whilst I’ll skip the foundation to avoid getting sweaty & gross, my eyes & eyebrows are permanently done, no matter what I’m doing. I even have waterproof for swimming!
Natasha says
Did you see my running post a while back with my Nike free runs? I love them! So comfy and great support. Love that you run with your make up on – I definitely don’t :P I look terrible! But oh well, I run so fast no one can see me for long anyway ;) hehe x
http://girlinthelens.com/2013/06/20/running-jogging-outfits/
FAIIINT says
Yes, I did, I loved your photos! They are the best aren’t they?! I did so much research before buying them, but really glad I picked these, they’re so comfortable. Haha! I wish I could run fast enough for no-one to see me, I’m still at the jogging stage at the moment, and even that’s killing me! ;)
Kylie says
Aw I love your posts with Nico! :) You look amazing with your hair up, it really suits you xxx
Laura says
I have started running in March too, exactly same reason as you. I do get my make up off before going though.
Shame I don’t have such good company as you do, I’m sure running with Nico is much more fun than on your own.
Wish I could take Virgola out on a lead….
xXx
Blog: http://unspeakablethoughtsunspoken.blogspot.com
Shop: http://unspeakablethoughtsunspoken.tictail.com
FAIIINT says
Yes, he definitely makes it more fun! I would love to see someone out jogging with their cat on a lead! Hehe! :)
Purple Ivy says
I’ve recently started running and also did run in converse till I read it was a mistake so went and bought myself proper running shoes. Your dog is beautiful. I love this breed of dog.
xoxo
Ivy
http://www.purrpleivy.com/
Josie says
How can you look so good exercising? I’m a mess! Love those trainers, bet they’d look amazing with some of your every day outfits too. I bet you’re gorge without make up too, but I know what you mean…it’s addictive! xxx
FAIIINT says
Ahh, Josie you are too sweet! But no, I really look like a little boy! Haha! I think it’s the fact I feel more confident with makeup on, and that’s more what’s addictive about it, especially for someone as shy as I am. And yeah, I’ve been using them a lot for shopping .etc, they look great with jeans! :)
Berty Morales says
You and your dog look just amazing!
Hannah says
Wow Steph, you look amazing! I had to do a little double take when I saw this on my reading list, I thought is that Steph?! Surely not, with her hair tied up!? haha so I came to your blog ahead of the others I’ve opened, and I have to say having your hair tied back suits you so much! I can’t believe you were just going running, you look so glam with your eyes made up and your hair up like that. I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better for running :) so many people rave about it, and whilst I seem to have just hit the time where my body has decided to give me a little extra weight for all this rubbish I’ve been eating, I figure I have a little way to go before I do anything about it yet! Maybe I should get a dog for motivation, I bet Nico loves running with you! xxx
FAIIINT says
Haha! It only ever happens when it’s too hot or I’m doing something where it gets in the way being down! ;) Thankyou though, it’s nice to hear so many people saying it suits me, I’m so used to it being down that it feels a bit weird when it’s tied up. Yeah, Nico LOVES it, he was made for it after all, you can’t stop him once he gets going, which is good for pushing me that little bit further! :)
Tara says
OH YOU GUYS. I love the first piccie! Whenever I go running I look awful, no where near as stylish as you. I don’t like running on my own and have no one to run with, if only I had a Nico! ;) A good pair of running shoes can make all the difference, these ones sound really good but look awesome too.
P.S I really love your hair up. <3
FAIIINT says
Aw, thanks Tara! I would hate to go on my own too, I don’t have the motivation, so he’s really good for that. If only you lived closer you could borrow Nico, he would run all day if he could! ;)
fiona dean says
i am in love with your dog! what a little beaut. i understand the make-up, but girl you can’t polish a turd. you’re stunning, i’m sure you look as stunning without your ‘face on’ too! and it’s a difficult obstacle to tackle if you’re not used to it but you’re definitely a beauty you should try being ‘fresh faced’ when running it feels amazing. i’d love to have your face (without sound like the biggest creep!)
the shape of that vest is to die for, it’s the same kind of fit as the rick owens racerbacks! well done asos for grabbing the perfect fit.
FAIIINT says
Hahah! Thanks Fiona, that’s such a nice thing to say! :)
It’s getting to that point now where it’s becoming quite a chore to have to do it everyday, even when I’m going nowhere except walking the dog, so it’s definitely something I aim to work on. And don’t worry, you don’t sound like a creep at all!
Totally agree on the vest, it’s such a steal & is actually a short dress (it’s just ruched up here) so really versatile too.
Grom says
Take note of what people are saying about having your hair tied up. Even though you are still not smiling on these pics,, somehow your face looks very *happy*. YES- I am one of the few to see her without eye makeup and she still looks beautiful, because she`s my granddaughter !!! Love youuuu. xx
FAIIINT says
Hahaha! Thanks Grom, it’s just cos my hairs tied so tight it’s giving me a mini facelift & I can’t frown! ;D And you would say that! Love you too!
Lauren says
He’s so gorgeous! I go running with Seb, makes it much more enjoyable. Love how even your running gear is black!!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
bloglovin
FAIIINT says
I agree, Nico is great motivation & makes it loads more fun too. Did you expect it to be any other colour?! ;)
Miranda says
Super rad Nike’s. I have some all black ones as well ;)
XX,
Miranda
jamie-lee says
I’ve been running for years and I find it’s the perfect exercise – great way to get out frustration too. Nike frees are my shoe of choice too! So comfortable.
rakhshanda says
Great pics…Nico must a lovely companion to jog with!
Great outfit Steph!
Ira says
Awesome pics! So cool:)
bloglovin.com/blog/3880191
Maria says
Just HOW do you look so lam when you are exercising?! I am literally like a tomato!
Maria xxx
Victoria says
I love the fact the you take your inner Goth outfit for a run too. It’s so elegant and you look brilliant! I see a lot of people wearing horrible outfits to go running and I know that some people don’t care but there is not reason to look scruffy while exercising,is it? I use a bit of make up too everywhere I go, I feel lifts my face, otherwise I feel like I look tired or something…
FAIIINT says
Thanks Victoria! :) I totally agree, I always like to make an effort whenever I leave the house – I hope to be one of those old women that gets to 90+ & still slicks on some eyeliner & lipstick every morning! I love that whenever I see women like that on the bus or out & about, they always look so put together & elegant.
Steph says
it’s so nice seeing nico ‘growing up’ with his guest appearances on your blog. he’s such a big boy now :) it’s nice to have him motivate you too! love these shoes btw – i have an older version that’s about to get replaced and it makes a world of difference especially if you’ve been running in your cons! x
FAIIINT says
Aw, I’m glad people enjoy seeing him around here & don’t just think I’m a crazy dog lady! ;) Yeah, they really do, it was such a ‘duh!’ moment when I first tried them out, can’t believe I was using my Cons for so long!
Sonia says
Bahahaha I do the same! I can’t leave the house without a bit of khol rimming my eyes. I also need to up my game in the fitness stakes since I’m getting older and need to start implementing this kind of thing now otherwise it’s just going to get tougher and tougher to get into. And thanks for the enlightenment re footwear, I’ve just been using my Polo sneakers for everything, had no idea their was a proper reason for trainers hahaha! I do have a pair of Stella McCartney for Adidas I brought a a while ago, I might start using them even for my walks with Chanel!
SDMxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
FAIIINT says
Glad it’s not just me! ;) I agree too, it seemed like SUCH a chore when I first started, but now I quite enjoy it! It didn’t occur to me either, when I looked into it I was just like ‘Ohh, of course! Duh!’… Haha!
thehautecookie says
you are the most stylish person , workin out. xO!
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Mags says
How is it that you even look amazing in running gear? There’s something very Tomb Raider-esque about these pictures!
I’m exactly the same…..one day my metabolism decided to dump me and it wasn’t until I got to my later 20s that my skin started breaking out! Things were so much easier in my teens ha ha! I’ve really started looking after myself a bit better recently, although I’m prone to slip back to my old ways from time to time. ;)
My latest post ** Tie Dye Daisy **
Mags xx
FAIIINT says
Thanks Mags, Ange is my ultimate girl crush so I shall take that as a huge compliment! :)
My mum warned me about it, saying the same happened to her at my age, woke up one morning & went ‘what the hell?!’ Haha! So unfair! ;)
Kri says
You run in style! I love the whole outfit especially your shoes!
Mika says
I love your hair pulled back like this! Nico is too cute… for sure he’s the best running buddy since Huskies just seem to never run out of energy.
FAIIINT says
Thanks Mika! :) Yeah, you’re definitely right there he would run & run allll day, so much energy!
Renee Ruin says
Love that tank!! I’ve been eyeing off those shoes too!
Gorgeous gorgeous dog xx
FAIIINT says
I would definitely recommend them Renee! I know a lot of people who say they’re not great running shoes, but from someone who was running in Converse, I think they’re great & I love the ‘barefoot’ feel! I think a padded, super supportive pair would have been too weird for me after spending so long running in totally flat shoes.
Lauren says
I have a question! I am obsessed with that tank top and really want to own it but it’s linking to a dress. Did you just bunch up the dress to make it a shorter length? I love this length so much and am always looking for fierce black workout wear. This is my first time commenting but I love your blog!
FAIIINT says
Yeah, the one I’m wearing is the dress linked & you’re right, I just bunched it up a little! I have a quite a long torso, so I prefer longer lengths in tops & liked that I could wear this as a top or a dress :)
Glad you enjoy reading too! :)
Lauren says
Thanks so much for the quick and helpful response. :) I’m a tall drink of water, too, so I’m assuming it will work just fine. Happy running!
Lidia says
I’m thinking on buying that sneakers. Is it worth it? Because i would use them for training as well as to wear them casually. You look so awesome
FAIIINT says
Hi Lidia,
They are one of the comfiest pairs I’ve ever owned! I use them casually & for running too & have had no issues or problems with them :) I think if you’re used to running in padded or cushioned shoes they will take a little getting used to, but I really enjoy the bare-foot feel they have. I would definitely recommend them :)
Andrew Kluis says
Wow, you look great in that picture. The human doesn’t look too shabby either.