Next weekend, I'm heading to the Cotswolds for a three-day wellness retreat hosted by Vicki Horner. Think countryside walks, early morning workouts, strength sessions, good food and a hot tub waiting at the end of it all.
The itinerary is a pretty perfect mix of everything I love. Outdoor bootcamp, HIIT, mobility, strength training and a Sunday morning HYROX session, balanced with long lunches, relaxed evenings and absolutely no reason to rush anywhere.
The only challenge? Packing for all of it.
October in the Cotswolds calls for layers, sensible footwear and a healthy appreciation for waterproof clothing. But I'm also determined to make room for a few pieces that feel a little more indulgent.
Here's what's making the weekend bag.
01. The Training Kit
For the early starts, heavy sessions and everything in between.
With outdoor bootcamp, strength, HIIT and HYROX all on the schedule, this isn't exactly a weekend of gentle stretching.
I'm packing enough training outfits to cover multiple sessions without having to think about laundry. Leggings, supportive sports bras, breathable tops and a few favourite matching sets.
The packing list: - High-performance leggings and sports bras - Lightweight training tops - A couple of matching sets - Indoor training shoes - Proper performance socks - A warm layer for getting to and from sessions - A yoga mat for mobility and recovery
And yes, I'll probably pack more gym outfits than strictly necessary. Some habits are worth keeping.
The Kit & Grit pick: Performance pieces that can handle a sled push but still look good at breakfast.
02. The Great Outdoors
Because an autumn weekend in the Cotswolds comes with its own dress code.
There is something lovely about the English countryside in October. Crisp mornings, changing leaves, muddy paths and weather that refuses to make up its mind.
The practical essentials are non-negotiable: waterproof outerwear, warm layers and shoes that can handle a little mud.
But practical doesn't have to mean boring.
I'm thinking oversized fleeces, technical jackets, comfortable leggings and a good pair of walking boots. Pieces that feel equally at home on a countryside walk or a coffee stop afterwards.
The packing list: - Walking boots or weatherproof walking shoes - Waterproof jacket - Oversized fleece - Warm base layers - Comfortable outdoor leggings - Extra socks, just in case
The Kit & Grit pick: A statement fleece or technical outer layer that earns its place in your wardrobe long after the weekend.
03. Off-Duty Hours
For the space between workouts. Arguably the best part.
Saturday afternoon has a glorious stretch of free time, with the hot tub available before another training session later in the day.
This is where the softer side of the suitcase comes in.
Relaxed joggers, oversized sweatshirts, soft knits and the sort of co-ords you put on and immediately feel comfortable in.
I'm leaning towards rich autumn shades: chocolate, charcoal, deep plum and oatmeal.
The aim is to feel put together without actually having to get dressed up.
The packing list: - Relaxed joggers or wide-leg trousers - An oversized sweatshirt - A soft matching lounge set - Cosy knitwear - Slippers - Something comfortable for dinner
The Kit & Grit pick: A beautifully cut lounge set that works for a weekend away, travelling or a Sunday spent doing very little.
04. The Hot Tub Situation
A little recovery, a little luxury.
Swimwear is officially on the packing list, and with a hot tub waiting after a day of training, it would be rude not to.
I'm packing a simple swimsuit, cosy slippers and something oversized to throw on afterwards.
A warm robe wouldn't go amiss either.
This is also my excuse to pack the skincare I never seem to find enough time to use at home.
The packing list: - Swimsuit or bikini - Warm robe or oversized cover-up - Cosy slippers - Skincare favourites - Moisturiser and lip balm
The Kit & Grit pick: Minimal swimwear, a soft cover-up and the small comforts that make a weekend feel like a proper escape.
05. The Little Things
Because it's always the things you forget.
A reusable water bottle, toiletries, skincare, pyjamas, any personal medication and enough socks to account for the British weather.
I'm also packing a book, despite not having read one in approximately eight years. So don't hold your breath for a book review.
And because this is a retreat, not a military operation, I'll be leaving a little room in the bag for whatever I feel like wearing.
The packing list: - Reusable water bottle - Toiletries and skincare - Personal medication - Pyjamas - Phone charger - A book (purely aspirational, apparently)
The Weekend Line-Up
Friday: Arrive & Unwind
An afternoon arrival, time to settle in, a mobility and stretch session at 5pm, followed by welcome dinner at 7pm.
Saturday: Move, Recover, Repeat
Outdoor bootcamp at 8:30am, breakfast, studio strength training, lunch and a little downtime. Then HIIT at 4:30pm, stretch and recovery, and dinner at 7:30pm.
Sunday: One Last Push
A 9:30am HYROX session, brunch and a 2pm departure. A pretty good way to round off the weekend.
A Change of Pace
What I'm looking forward to most isn't necessarily any one session.
It's the opportunity to spend a weekend doing things I enjoy, surrounded by people who enjoy them too, without the usual demands of everyday life.
Training hard and slowing down don't have to be opposites. Sometimes the best weekends make room for both.
And if I come home with muddy boots, tired legs and a slightly overpacked suitcase, I'll consider it a success.
In the meantime, I'm busy manifesting my dream weekend wardrobe through a Kit & Grit edit.
Do I own everything I feature? Absolutely not. That would be wildly unsustainable (and require a considerably bigger wardrobe).
But a girl can curate.