New year new gear!

New year new gear! Thats right. Courtesy of Brooks rep Vicki. At Christmas Brooks were running a little competition for running shops that they supply. Basically you had to post a festive photo on social media of shop staff and brooks products. Here's ours!

My colleague Kirk and I with our festive offering!

This little classic won the two of us a pair of Brooks running shoes of our choice and a running jacket each. I opted for the Ravenna 7. A shoe I hadn't tried before. As much as I love my Pure Cadence,  I felt as though I wanted something with a little more structure for my longer runs. (I turned 50 in January so also thought maybe it was time to start thinking of protection!)

Ravenna 7

                                                                                                                                                                 

I I've used them 3 times now and can honestly say I really like them. I'm a mild over pronator, so for me there is just enough support without the shoe feeling really rigid. I like the way Brooks have blended in the support on this version, no ugly grey

The heel counter feels really firm, I like the way it really holds my heel, and no slipping.

Comfort

There is plenty of room in the toe box. It is definitely deeper than the cadence. This suits my wide forefoot and the fact that I lift my big toe when I run. Plenty of room for my toes to swim around.

I've used them 3 or 4 times now.  They are a real comfort shoe for me. Plenty of cushioning. Yes they are a little heavier and less flexible (so I feel less fast) than the cadence, but for my longer training runs or shorter slow recovery runs they are perfect. And I love the colour!

folds up tiny

The LSD jacket is so light! It folds up to nothing (into its own pocket) and has an elastic carry loop so

folds into its own pocket and has a carry strap

that you can carry it around your arm whilst running if you don't need it for the whole run.

I have made good use of this whilst running around Malvern and on the Malvern Hills. It does it's job perfectly. It really has protected me in the cold driving winds we have had recently.  It's kept me dry and warm on the most blustery of days....and we've had a few of those! This jacket looks great. It is a real classy design, I get great comments every time I wear it. Again, I love the colour!

blustery run

The back is slightly longer than the front so it comes down over your bum. Keeping everything warm and protected from the elements!

covers your bum

It has a nice big reflective strip down the back too for visibility.

reflective strip

This jacket is semi fitted, so therefore very stylish and flattering. 

Thank you Vicki, two fantastic products that I feel I will get loads of use out of this season :)

2 great stylish yet practical products