Last night despite the darkness (not to mention the chill), the Grazia running team were clearly visible in their natty Nike running gear and hi-viz tabards, as well as being armed with vibrant Aquatina collapsible bottles (they're environmentally friendly, dontcha know). We pummelled the streets of London’s WC1, taking in as we did various sights of fashion interest along the way. Yep that’s right, to celebrate the launch of their AMAZE new store, devoted entirely to the joys of running right in the heart of Covent Garden (a mere stone’s throw from the magazine Grazia office) we put their kit to a serious road test.

In order to drive home the message that the hi-tech uber functional running kit is VERY stylish too, a few fleet-footed Grazia staffers plus some lucky competition winners joined the Nike running gurus with their portable boom box to fly around the ‘fashion route’ taking in Central Saint Martins, Browns boutiques, Selfridges and Savile Row, as passers by stood open mouthed at the sound of our pulse-quickening soundtrack and sight of our colourful Nike duds.

After the run was complete we assembled at the HQ once more for a FASCINATING fashion forecast from shopping editor Sophie Ferguson Jones, who demonstrated various fitness trends. OF COURSE, Nike being Nike, no ordinary models were involved, rather, we were faced with the rather inspirational trio of prospective 2012 GB athletes, Joey Duck, Ashlee Nelson, Perri Shakes Drayton – all in training for the up coming Olympics to be held in Stratford, East London. Between Sophie’s fashion tips – like how to match your outfits, artfully clash them or even customize your trainers for a very individual finish - and the girls' training trade secrets – always have the right music, and a sneaky choc digestive never hurts (!) the evening wound up being quite informative, as well as muchos fun!  
 
As the nights draw in and motivation for fitness regimes dwindle, the chaps at Nike (not to mention the funky kits) have certainly bolstered our will to continue! Thanks Nike! Good luck Joey, Perri and Ashlee!

- Naomi Attwood