Meet Mama (Running) Bare

Ever wonder what you’d wear to the gym if you were transported back to the early 80s, before ‘activewear’ became a thing? It was this very issue of, “What in the world will I wear to aerobics class?” that gave Running Bare founder Corin Powell the nudge to start her own label.When we met Corin in Sydney earlier this year, it was obvious why her brand had continuing to thrive over so many years in a competitive industry. It wasn’t just that she was totally fabulous and obviously head over heels for fashion, turning up in the brightest patterned tights, high fashion boots and a full faux fur coat, with bear shaped trinkets dangling around her neck and rocking a seriously banging body that defied her years.It was also how completely dedicated Corin was to producing every Running Bare piece here in Sydney, not only to control the quality and keep Aussies employed, but also because this is the only way her team can cut their fabric and patterns exactly as designed, so they’ll sit on the body just so, flattering every curve of the size 8-22 women the brand caters for.Then there’s the incredible family feel Running Bare still has, despite being such a big business now. From Corin and husband Brian standing at the helm and their daughter Yolanda driving creative direction for a new age of Bare-addicts, to the hand selected staff that work throughout Australia and treat the business as if it were their own, there's certainly a whole lot of love in the air.Corin doesn't give interviews often, so today's article is a rare treat... a stolen moment with the Mama Bare herself, talking everything from how she takes her tea to how she does (or doesn’t) bust stress, and the food and exercise rules she lives by. What happens in the 1st hour of your day?It depends what day it is! Three times a week I kick things off with a training session at 6am. The other work days it’s a shower and then time to get ready for work. On the weekend it’s always breakfast with my husband.How do you bust stress? I don’t really, I just work through it. That’s how I’ve always been.What would you say to your 18-year-old self? Probably to stay on the same path I was already. I was at university and would just get on with my studies, do what had to be done and enjoy any free time I could get my hands on. It worked out!Tell us about your weekly fitness routine? I train three times a week with a personal trainer. It varies but we always start with a lot of abs and core work. Weights play a big part in my routine as I have a bone deficiency. Sometimes we do a little swiss and medicine ball work. Lately we have been using a new approach invented by some super smart guy on the Gold Coast called NeuroPhysics, which is very interesting.3 food rules you live by? I’m very particular with what I eat. I have a very delicate stomach so there are certain foods I never touch. I guess my main rules are; Never eat take away or fast foods. Food must be fresh. I never eat raw food unless it’s vegetables or fruit, no partially raw meats or uncooked seafood, like sashimi, that’s a big no-no for me.What time do you go to bed and wake up? I generally go to bed by 10.30pm and rise at 5.30am on training days, or any time between 6-7am on other days.What fires you up? Don’t get me started! People who expect handouts and don’t work is a big one for me.What do you value most in life? My family, always.Where will we find you on a Sunday? At home cooking for our family dinner on Sunday nightWhy did you start your business? The short story is that at the time there was no interesting gym wear around, so I suggested to my husband who knew a lot about fabrics that we should start making fashionable gym wear for women.The moment you knew you’d found your passion? I can’t really pinpoint it. Over my lifetime I’ve had many different passions at different times. But ever since we started Running Bare I’ve been really focused on it and passionate about building the brand, and I just keep getting more motivated as we go on.How did having kids change your lifestyle? It was no longer just about two people leading their own lives. You start to think more of the future and making a secure lifestyle for your family. We were lucky that we could still enjoy travelling at times without small children as we had very good family support.How do you plan or goal set? If it’s for business, then it’s generally a family discussion. One of our daughters is very involved in our business, so we all discuss and work out what we think is the best way to go forward. Being a full time working woman, the business often dictates how you can achieve your more personal goals, it depends on what time you have and finances are available to pursue those goals so they’re often shifting.What gets you out of bed in the morning? At this time in my life I enjoy what I’m doing so much. I love to train early in the morning, then get ready and head off to work. There is always something new happening, good and bad, but we always deal with it and then the next one comes along but this keeps you going and makes life interesting, it is never dull in our business, that’s for sure!

Your Fave 5...

Brunch order I prefer to eat a simple breakfast at home on weekends, I rarely go out to brunch.Instagram account I don’t do instagram, which makes me lucky I think! So I guess I’d have to say @runningbare83 is my favourite ;)Book Any mystery novelExercise (e.g burpees)I do so many different ones! My favourite is probably still just a long walkSentimental item I can’t think of one item but I do have two old dogs and I’m very sentimental about them as they probably don’t have much life left and this makes me very sad! They really are like best friends. 

The BUF Quick 5...

First words that come to mind when you think about your body?Not as good as it used to be!How do you take your coffee or tea? Weak tea with lemonGuilty pleasure? Relaxing in the sun, I love it!You can only do one style of workout for life… what would it be? Weight trainingSomething people wouldn’t know about you? There’s so much… nothing naughty though!

Check out our picks from the latest Running Bare collection - out now!