Aussie Runners- where do I shop?

[spottygymbag]

Wondering if there are any runners or ultra runners on here?
I've been in Sydney for coming up five years now but I'm still not sure where to shop to get decent technical clothing and equipment for distance running without the assistants trying to sell me athleisure wear instead.
I used to love Nike but have moved away from it after the last batch of pants had repeated stitching issues and bra partnership issue. Have found Lorna Jane ok for pants but don't have the tops I need. Lulu lemon is pricey when I'm ripping knees out on semi regular basis.
I love our local running shop but it's quite a tiny one and just doesn't have the range.

So any suggestions would be very welcome, even more so if I can actually touch and try on rather than online ordering and returning.

For trainers I go to Running Science in Rozelle. But for gels etc I usually buy in online. Have just bought a Naked running belt on line which I love. Also, are you Running Mums Australia group on Facebook? Amazing page.

I thought this was about floor runners.

Sorry, just re-read and see you're more after clothing! I like Abi and Joseph running shorts (again, online) but just have cheap running tops from Aldi which I actually love as they are loose which suits me.

Lululemon bras are pricey, but I find they do the job. And if you're ripping the knees out of them regularly, you're way harder core as a runner than I am 😂. I don't wear their leggings and only buy the singlets second hand, but I loooove their bras.

@Hoistupthemainsail thanks, just had a look at abi and joseph and love the prints!

@CallItLoneliness maybe less hardcore and just more uncoordinated! DH has suggested I get them stitched up with bright contrast thread like the japanese kintsugi pottery.

@Theoldwoman all set for floor runners and rugs- we have a local rug shop that has been "closing down" since we moved here!

I love my Abi and Jospeh shorts - pricy but so many pockets! Rug closing down sales - yes!! We fell for the one near us when we first moved to our area. Hahah.

Ps - where do you do your long runs? I also struggle with route planning to avoid hills. Never had that issue in London!

The running mums group mentioned will be full of people at your level. I’m not 😆. I like jaggad crop tops but nothing else jaggad I’ve tried, but it’s probably athleisure and I don’t have much up top to support.

All of our running group wear Abbie and Joseph. There’s different fabrics so even get some second hand to try. Some are thicker and I use them for my winter runs. Pockets are great for long runs. I have Lorna Jane too but had a fall trail running and they ripped the pocket and smashed phone lol. But keep them for road runs now. All our equipment is brought online for vests, head lamps etc.

@Codlingmoths I wouldn't really class myself as being at any level! Just a long time runner who has had to come back from numerous injuries and two babies!
I've done half's in the past and I've finally dragged myself back up. In a moment of insanity I entered a 4 day stage race and swing between enthusiastic and petrified.

@Hoistupthemainsail for low/no hills I go around the bridge/waterfront. But have also found the maps option on Strava quite useful. Just search near "my location" and add the distance or type and it throws out suggestions. Although yesterdays was a mess- walkway closed, horrendous hill, and hadn't realised it went through the zoo so I had to go round and added extra distance.

For more nature type ones the National park out past cronulla has some nice tracks that have quite gentle hills

@unkownone what do you use for trail runs on top- singlets or tees? I've always been singlets but find my running vest rubs in one part on my back so need a tee

Thank you! Yes I do the bridge and foreshore and also bay run. Man this weekend was windy!

Only singlets. I hate sleeves. I have a Solomon adv skin 12 women’s vest and no issues rubbing. I’ve packed on a bit of weight too and still no issues.

Yeah it was windy! I was glad I was out Saturday and didn't get caught in the rain today like DH. He was biking and came back soaked!

Oooh I've been eyeing up the 12, I have the 8 currently. Good to know it's comfy!

Get the women’s one. A few have the unisex one and they like mine better.

@Hoistupthemainsail do you find Abi and Joseph true to size? I have come close to buying their stuff a number of times as the prints are gorgeous but hate the faf of online returns if things don’t fit.

Keen to know this also. I've been perusing marketplace for second hand ones and then trying to assess against the profile picture when they say they purchased but we're too small 🤣
I'm a medium in Nike and Lorna Jane so not sure whether to try a medium or large.

I have small and medium in Abbie and Joseph. I feel I can go between. More happy in medium at the moment as I’ve put on weight. My Lorna janes are size smalls. I’m a large 12 at the moment maybe 14 lol but I’ve swapped to stretchy 12 til I lose the weight rather than buy more.

I'm sorry ladies but I can't remember exact sizing. I only have one pair which I love and bought them about a year ago. I would say they are on the small side of sizing! If you join the RMA page (Running mums Australia) they are super helpful and can answer that for you!

@Hoistupthemainsail thanks. I actually found a lovely floral print in Target today where I know what size I am so bought those. I only want them for Pilates and the gym though so they don’t need to be super durable.

@spottygymbag I just remembered Stax, they have gorgeous colours and the staff are really lovely and helpful. My daughter tends to get her gym stuff there, may not be tough enough for what you want though. They have a shop on King Street in the city,

@Flatandhappy abi and Joseph have a click frenzy tights sale at the moment if you want to try them out- limited styles though

Zeenya.co.nz do great running shorts and leggings with pockets. Look at the "Sports" range for these.