adidas Outdoor’s strapline live without limits really resonates with me. Yeah you can look at it and think, “That’s pretty cheesy. They’re just trying to make me feel good, so I’ll buy their stuff.” But actually it’s a strapline I’ve started trying to live by. adidas Outdoor is all about encapsulating the spirit of the outdoors. And their Clima range is all about ensuring you feel your happiest and most comfortable when you’re out and about. That’s my take on it anyway.
live without limits — what does it really mean though? Well, the other day I’d planned to go running with a friend to train for our #supbikerun challenge in May. At the time I was really excited. We’d agreed to run through Bute Park and along the Taff River — gorgeous. Until I looked out the window the day of our agreed training session that was. 40mph winds and driving rain were predicted. Great!
But actually as soon as I arrived at our agreed meeting spot, my attitude changed. Yeah, I was going to get wet. Very wet. And running into those kind of winds was going to be hard. But I had a lovely hot shower waiting for me and nothing else planned for the day. And once you’ve got your head around the fact you’re going to get soaking wet, cold and blown about, it’s weird how your demeanour changes. Soon as I stepped out of the car, I was super excited about our run.
I knew we were going to be two of only a few who would be braving this weather and that made me feel awesome. So we and had an amazing run, enjoying the stunning scenery almost all to ourselves. There’s something beautiful about the solidarity you find in running in this kind of weather. Every runner or dog walker you pass has equal respect for you, giving a friendly nod and smile as you pass by.
Not much can beat that. Living without limits gives you such freedom. Freedom to break from the norm. Freedom to shout at the wind and the rain and resolve never to let it stop you getting out. Freedom to get really really wet and freezing cold and then feel absolutely amazing that you were one of the few ones to brave the elements. Who wouldn’t want to live by that motto?
That’s why I embraced the opportunity to head out into the woods on a cold, muddy autumnal day with a bunch of equally nutty friends to photograph adidas Outdoor’s winter gear. Like the strapline, the gear just makes you want to defy the weather and get out there and enjoy some outdoor beauty. Super warm, insanely comfy and absolutely gorgeous, this brand hits the nail on the head.
And for once (or on my last check anyway), they’re a brand that has more gear for women than for men — hurrah!
It may have been midweek, but apart from a lorry picking up some tree logs, we didn’t see a soul the whole day. I was in my element. I love being in the woods — it’s one of my favourite things. The fresh smell of pine, the sound of birds twittering in the trees. Super peaceful.
And what a hoot we had as well! With a make-up artist who couldn’t stop cracking inappropriate jokes and a model with the thickest, most gorgeous Welsh accent, we were laughing the whole way through.
You may be looking out the window right now pondering whether to venture out or not. Let me just encourage you to embrace whatever elements you’re seeing. Muddy trails, windy cliff tops, chilly waves, rainy mountains. It’ll be worth it — I promise. Just forget the make-up, hairdryer and hair straighteners for a day and get out that door. They’ll be there when you get back!
I’d love to hear about your adventures braving the elements — just leave me a comment below. Or — even post it on !
If you like what you see and want some of the gear from this shoot, here’s where you can get your hands on it…
Buy here…
- adidas All Outdoor Backpack Active Top
- adidas Climaheat Down Jacket Womens
- adidas Standard 19 Parka Hood Jacket Womens
- adidas Go-to Gear Racer-Back Bra
- adidas Climaheat Fade Beanie
- adidas Climaheat Fishermen Woolie
- adidas Beyond the Run Climaheat Hoodie
- adidas Climaheat Hoodie
- adidas Womens Terrex Swift Agravic Primaloft
Thank you!
A massive thanks to all my lovely collaborators including: photographer & art director LJM Photography, make-up artist , hair stylist Joe Friend from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys, model & personal trainer Tara Hammett, illustrator Belinda Love Lee and videographers DanDan Films!
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