The things I forgot to say when chatting on the radio
Even if it was only a short slot for BBC Radio Scotland on the Fred MacAulay show this morning, it was still nerve-wracking. I was a stand-in for my Glasgow Tri Club pal the Ginger Prince, who had to call off his moment of fame at the last minute to go to a funeral. I was the substitute. The topic focused on the new GB Adidas Olympics kit, as designed by Stella McCartney.
Team GB Olympics sports kit 2012 (by Adidas)
Fred MacAulay was asking about the importance of sports kit, including the designs, technical fabrics and brands, and whether good kit made you feel more confident or made you go faster. Also on the show was Hazel Wakefield, a sports clothes designer and mountain biker.
I think I answered most of the questions adequately… but, of course, as I cycled home the other things that I wished I’d said popped into my mind.
The things I forgot to say when chatting on the radio
* One brand does not suit all: The GB Olympics clothing will have been created to suit each and every athlete. So you can bet that Chris Hoy’s cycling shorts have been designed to snugly fit his amazing thighs. I would be able to get four of my thighs into those shorts… But if you’re buying off-the-peg sports kit you’ll find that not every brand fits every shape and size. While the G-Force swears by Assos cycling kit (very pricey) because he says it fits really well and looks good, I found (to my cost after shelling out £120 on a pair of shorts) that the women’s shorts do not fit me very well and I’m more comfortable in my £40 pair of Endure shorts. Fit and comfort are vital for good performance.
* I would be intimidated by another sports person in GB kit! Fred asked me if I would feel intimidated by a fellow competitor wearing top-notch branded sports kit. I said, not really. I would be more concerned if I saw that they had a super sleek physique and a top-of-the-range bike. Sports kit, however pricey and well-made can’t compensate for lack of training. However, if I lined up next to someone wearing GB kit I would be very intimidated indeed!
* I wear some expensive kit – and some cheap kit. It all depends on fit and comfort. So I am just as likely to wear a Decathlon middle-of-the-range technical running top and leggings as an item of Gore running kit. I have bought an expensive bike helmet and bike but I wear cheap-ish cycle shorts and top.
* I paid more for my bike helmet even though there is less of it! My Giro bike helmet cost more than £100. It is super light and super airy and so I actually paid more for less. But the lightweight helmet hardly feels like it’s there and on a hot day it is so, so comfy.
* If you let me try some of the new GB Olympics sports kit I’ll let you know if it makes me go faster and feel more confident!
If you’re interested, the slot starts at 9.00…