Loose Leaf Green Tea Varieties Guide

A few months ago marked my 8-year anniversary since I started running. It’s unbelievable for someone who once couldn’t stand running to have both started and maintained it. It’s truly a wonder. This milestone led me to reflect on how I initially began my journey and how much my understanding has grown since then. Everything from my running type, mindset, to the gear and shoes I wear has evolved significantly.

In the early days, I paid little attention to what shoes I wore. I did buy a decent pair of running shoes, but I didn’t obsess over the choice—cheap and cheerful was my motto. They needed to cost around fifty pounds and look good. Oh, how naïve I was. My running kit was no different. I was the girl who would show up with a handbag, clueless about where to keep my stuff. Yes, I was that girl!

I was unfamiliar with major running brands, had no idea what Strava was, and terms like splits or PBs were foreign to me. I didn’t even know there were specific shoes for road running versus trail running. I was such a rookie.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve gone through trail shoes as frequently as my kids go through groceries. I now prioritize what I wear on my feet, knowing how crucial it is to match your footwear to the terrain or distance. Comfort in clothing can make a substantial difference in how you feel during a run and can prevent dreaded chafing. All of this is important. While I don’t want to break the bank, I now see the value in the idea that you get what you pay for.

As an adidas blogger, I’m lucky enough to test their gear from time to time. The Adizero range stood out to me in this month’s campaigns. Let’s dive in:

What Is Adizero?

Before discussing my product choices, let’s explore what Adizero is all about. Adizero focuses on creating ultra-lightweight products to minimize weight and enhance athletic performance. Naturally, the lighter you are, the faster you can run.

The journey began in 2004 when Japanese craftsman Toshiaki Omori joined the team. He emphasized foot anatomy, understanding that shoes should support the foot while feeling nearly invisible. Key considerations included materials, weight, cushioning, and conditions like distance, terrain, and speed. Plus, they needed to look up to the task.

Adizero was in development for four years, culminating in the Adizero Adios men’s running shoes. Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie decided to wear them for the 2008 Berlin Marathon after testing them the previous evening. He set a world record by 29 seconds wearing them.

Now, while you might not set any world records, there’s likely an Adizero shoe to suit your running style. Whether it’s the Takumi Sen 9 for quick sprints, the Boston 12 for mid to long-distance, or the Adizero Adios 8 as a versatile performer, adidas Adizero has a style to fit your needs.

Adizero Adios 7 Shoes

I chose the Adizero Adios 7 shoes because they’re described as an ‘all-rounder’—perfect for my ‘all-rounder’ personality. I picked the prettiest color combination available (Pulse Mint/Silver Metallic/Core Black) because, well, why wouldn’t I? They also come in other colors like Cloud White/Core Black/Grey Three, Core Black/Beam Yellow/Solar Green, and White Tint/Court Green/Blue Dawn.

These aren’t heavy-duty trail shoes; the lightweight mesh would allow mud and debris to seep inside, as you can see your socks through it. I tested them on dry sandy trails, where they performed admirably. Still, they’re more suited for road or track running, though they can handle occasional off-road ventures, hence their ‘all-rounder’ label.

Not only do these women’s running shoes look fantastic, but they also offer features to make running a bit easier, which is always welcome:

• Breathable mesh: Keeps your feet cool—maximum ventilation with full support.
• LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole: Soft foam cushioning for dynamic performance.
• TORSIONRODS: Provides flexibility, ensuring support while allowing your foot to move freely.
• Adjustable lace closure: Lets you customize the fit with ease.
• Lightweight: Each shoe weighs only 189.7g (UK size 5.5), lending itself to a quicker pace.
• Recycled materials: Crafted partly from recycled materials, helping to address plastic waste.

They feel custom-made when you slip them on. They are a glove-like fit and perfect for running. Whether they make me faster is still uncertain—I’m not ordinarily a speed runner. But these shoes are comfortable, lightweight, and give me a springy feel, earning them a prime spot in my shoe collection (yes, I have that many pairs!).

Adizero 7/8 Leggings

When it comes to running leggings, I’m particular. They must be high-waisted, stretchy, comfortable (obviously), dark (as much as I embrace body positivity, I prefer darker colors on my lower half for a slimming effect), and they must have pockets. The Adizero 7/8 leggings tick all these boxes. Hooray!

Firstly, let’s discuss the feel and fit. These leggings are so comfortable that you barely feel them. Like the shoes, they’re made from recycled materials (even more so, with at least 70% recycled content), and their stretchy nature clings perfectly to every contour of your body. While running, the last thing I want is to be tugging at leggings due to fit issues. No such issues exist with these; perforated fabric behind the knees ensures they stay put.

On the practical side, these leggings excel with laser perforation in key sweat zones for optimal airflow. This design keeps you fresher longer, cooling you down and allowing you to focus on your run. The high-rise waist provides a secure feeling, something I appreciate for prevention of unwanted jiggling. And pockets—these leggings boast zippered side and waist pockets to secure essentials like keys and a phone.

The color, called Aurora Black, is a rich indigo with a neon green Adizero logo on the lower leg. It’s dark but not the usual black, which is often my default. I ordered a medium, and as a size 12, they fit me perfectly.

Adizero Running Tank Top

For a coordinated look, I chose the Adizero running tank top in Aurora Black to match the leggings. It’s also available in Black and Semi Spark (a custardy yellow). The fabric of this top stands out for how cool and lightweight it is—it’s like holding air. Its perforated nature makes it ideal for summer running, ensuring you won’t overheat.

The racerback design includes taping over potential chafing points. If you’ve ever experienced chafing, you know how essential this feature is. Heat and sweat often cause chafing, and personal experience tells me it’s best avoided. Fortunately, the Adizero tank incorporates adidas’s sweat-wicking AEROREADY technology to banish moisture, keeping you dry and minimizing chafing risk.

Reflective details enhance visibility, and the tank’s loose fit adds comfort. I prefer longer vests for coverage and don’t have to stress over my underwear choice. It fits nicely mid-way down and is flattering.

Ultimately, the standout feature is how airy and light this vest feels. It dries quickly when washed, which is great because I’ll be using it a lot this summer!

Final Thoughts

While I love trail running—the mud, varied terrain, secluded serenity, and sheer joy—it’s not always feasible. Sometimes a quick, mud-free run suits my schedule better. Will a pair of shoes and lightweight clothing make me faster? Perhaps only a dangling chocolate bar or the threat of missing dinner could do that, but I’m open to the possibility.

Ultimately, what I do know is that the girl who took her first running steps 8 years ago still lingers. I still care about appearance and performance in my gear, and this Adizero kit satisfies both the old and new me very much.

*Products provided by adidas.

Author Bio

Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator, web publisher, and blog coach. She endeavors to encourage a realistic, sustainable, and upbeat perspective on leading a healthy lifestyle. When not writing or digging out her teenage journals, she’s running, hiking, listing lists, venting, renovating, and philosophizing about her life in the countryside. She also owns BlogWell, her blog coaching business, focusing on teaching bloggers optimization and monetization strategies.