Fitness For Less

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting lighter and summer is getting closer. And that can only mean one thing…early morning boot camps, of course!

Don’t worry, I haven’t decided to join the fitness blogging band wagon (I would be terrible at it!), I actually wanted to share with you a few items I have picked up over the years that have become staples in my fitness wardrobe. Exercise gear can often be expensive, and with the cost of gym membership added on top, getting in shape or keeping fit can become a bit of a wallet buster!

Well, firstly I don’t go the the gym, so that’s one cost I don’t need to worry about! Tom and I are lucky enough to live on Millfields Park and the River Lee, so I have miles of gorgeous running routes and trim trails to keep my wobbly legs happy. This morning we decided to reinstate our morning bootcamps, where we jog around the park and do circuits for about 30mins before work. Tom is a tough trainer, and I might grimace, snot and sweat my way through it but it’s a great way to start the day and best of all it’s totally free!

And now here comes the important bit, my kit. I bought these trainers from the Trinity Hospice charity shop on Queensway, London about 4 years ago. They are Asics, fit perfectly, and were £5! Asics retail at £50+ so this was an absolute bargain, and they have been with me through thick and thin the last few years. These guys helped me finish my first ever 5K Race for Life, they’ve crossed the finish line in the Olympic Stadium, plodded their way through 2.5 hours of running my first half marathon last year, got me through numerous spin classes, and here they are on my first 6.30am bootcamp of the year! They are a little worn, but they’ll be falling apart before I can be persuaded to buy a new pair!

For years I have been running in old cotton t-shirts that make you sweat buckets. But a few months ago I came across a pair of almost new Karrimor running tops in an Oxfam in Cambridge for £2 each! Here I am wearing the blue one (the other is black). They are really comfortable and perfect for the summer season!

And here is the full outfit, plus a picture of me doing the monkey bars, simply because I’m usually rubbish at them but this morning I got across the whole way:)

Giddy for Glasgow

Last weekend me and my housemate Fee went up to Glasgow to visit our bestie Kirsty, who is working up there on a TV programme. Now, I’ve never been to Glasgow, so did we spend the weekend exploring the city, the famous landmarks, museums……? Nope. We spent an entire day charity shopping. On one street. Dumbarton Road in Partick is the mecca of charity shops and och aye did we find some bargains!

The first is this gorgeous black velvet mid length dress. (snuck in a little link to Alannah Myles there as I can’t write Black Velvet without thinking of it). I wasn’t sure about it at first, as I had tried it on over clothes and was wearing red converse trainers which didn’t quite go, but after several minutes of deliberation a little old Scottish lady came up to me and said “It looks lovely, you should buy it.”. So, not one to defy a wee old Scottish lady, I bought it. And I’m glad I did, as it really is a gorgeous dress that fits wonderfully and will be perfect for a posh evening do (should I ever get invited to one!)

Bought from St Margaret of Scotland Hospice for £9.

My next fabulous purchase is this totally awesome black blouse from Next. I love the colourful boat print,  gold button detailing and peplum style shape.  I’ve teamed it here with a plain black tube skirt, but it will look equally as awesome with jeans.

Bought from Marie Curie for £3.00

Whilst in Marie Curie I also picked up this cute little gold necklace, bought for 50p. It’ll look lovely over a buttoned up shirt.

Now, it’s very rare that I go on such an extensive charity shop binge and don’t walk out with some kind of embroidered / patchwork bag. And this was no exception. I found this adorable little blue embroidered number in British Heart Foundation for £3.

 

In Shelter, I picked up these cute little pastel pink pumps, which will look fab in the spring with a pair of ankle length jeans. And for £2. Bargain.

And finally, I have saved the best till last. This may be my all time favourite charity shop purchase EVER. I have wanted a old school style rain mac for ages, so imagine my delight when I found this amazing red number in British Heart Foundation, for £7. It is so adorable and colourful and I can’t wait to go splashing in muddy puddles in it.

A spring in my step

It seems the snow has subsided and spring is finally peaking its head around the corner. Which means I can at last stuff the winter boots back in the wardrobe and bring out my most favourite charity bought footwear – yippee! This pair of rather worn sandals are the comfiest, loveliest and cheapest sandals ever! Purchased in the ever reliable Shawtrust shop in Didcot for a mere £4, these did not leave my feet last summer and I’m sure they’ll be just as present this year too!