Work less, run more

… that’s one of the slogans of a new brand on the fitness scene: Season’s Trail. It’s an online running brand that allows you to purchase complete coordinated running outfits (and we all know that I love to wear matching outfits!)

How does Season’s Trail work?

It’s a similar model to Fabletics, but has a couple of advantages:

• for men and women are available
• you do not have to sign up for a costly monthly subscription (this isn’t made clear in most adverts for Fabletics adverts… buying one cheap outfit signs you up to a monthly subscription that it’s hard to get out of. I love having new clothes, but there’s no way that I can justify buying a new running outfit each month).

What do you get?

Placing a complete order with Season’s Trail buys you four items of clothing:

• tights
• base layer (long or short-sleeved)
• outer layer (jacket/zip top/hoodie)
• sports bra (women) OR shorts (men)

The cost of this set is £100, which seems like good value for money, especially as there’s free next day delivery. I think this would particularly appeal to new runners, and anyone who’s time-pressed or wants to treat themselves. It’s also possible to buy individual items of clothing and accessories.

At the moment, the items are available in a range of plain colours and a choice of styles, but some people may prefer more colourful/patterned items of clothing. However, the items are well-designed and are suitable for outdoor running, including trail running. It’s not a brand that’s focussed on gym-goers or yogis.

Choosing my outfit

A really neat feature of the website is the outfit builder. You choose which version of each of the four items you want and can then view it on an online model. This allows you to decide which items coordinate best with each other.

The items that I chose were:

• Ladies dark grey tights
• High support sports bra.
• Ladies grey long sleeve base layer
• Ladies grey running hoodie

I was so excited when my kit arrived in a lovely branded box:

It arrived not long before I was due to go out, so I immediately went and changed.

Wearing the clothes

My first trial of the clothing was a 5k buggy run followed by a buggy fit class and then a run home. It was a good test as I think I experienced all 4 seasons in that 2-hour slot. Although I got rained on a lot, I felt warm and comfortable and did not experience any chafing. The only problem that I had was that the sports bra was not supportive enough for me.

I then tried the outfit again (minus the sports bra) for a parkrun and a long run (17 miles). One problem that I often have with running tights is that they fall down. That did not happen with these tights, even on the long run. I didn’t wear the hoodie for the long run as the weather was too warm, but it was comfortable to put on when I had finished.

I thought I’d sum up my thoughts on each piece of clothing…

The crop top

Pros:

• Attractive design
• Option of padding or not
• Coordinates well with other pieces
• Mesh for ventilation/style

Cons:

• Just not supportive enough for me to run in

I really wanted to like this crop top and think that I would probably have been able to run in it before having a baby. It would probably work for flatter-chested ladies than me (or for people who are happy to wear it as a crop top over a bra). I think this is one of the biggest challenges that the company will need to tackle. Getting the right sports bra is a very individual thing. I think I’d prefer shorts to a sports bra as I’m very choosy about what works for me.

Leggings

Pros:

• Nice thick fabric, so they were supportive and not see through
• Very comfortable waistband
• Quite high rise (some might see this as a disadvantage, but it made them comfortable for long-distance running)

Cons:

• A little long for me. (This wasn’t a real disadvantage – I’m short and so full-length tights are usually too long)
• Would be better with some reflective bits for night-time running
• There is a pocket, but it is open at the top, so I would be too nervous to put a key or £5 note in it, but it’s fine for an inhaler

Pros:

• Lovely design – the stripes don’t really show in the images
• The contrasting pink bits make it coordinate well with other pieces
• Smooth flat seams make it comfortable to wear
• Thumbholes make it suitable for winter wear

Cons:

• No laundry instructions in English (I chucked it in on a 30-degree wash with other sports kit and it survived!)
• There was a hole in the thumb seam. This was a shame as the kit felt like it was good quality and well-made.

This was my favourite piece out of the four because it is really flattering on and very comfortable to wear. If it were available in other colours, I would definitely buy it again. (Jade green would appeal to me!)

Zip hoodie

Pros:

• Lightweight but cosy
• Thumbholes to keep hands warm
• Two zip pockets each with a secure inner pocket for iPod, keys or money
• Adjustable hood
• Nice length
• Coordinates well with other pieces
• Reflective strips on the arms

I genuinely couldn’t find any disadvantages of this item of clothing.

Future plans for Season’s Trail include branching into clothing for hiking and cycling, which would be good.

If you like the sound of Season’s Trail, why not treat yourself. A 20% discount code is currently available: TRAILRUN

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