Where to buy running gear

[PollysPoppy]

I'm 7 weeks in to C25K so am going to treat myself to some proper running gear - if there is such a thing! Am sick of my old trackie bottoms and t-shirt. Where's best to buy online? Love the Sweaty Betty leggings but am not spending that sort of money when I don't know whether I'll still be at it at Christmas! Any suggestions please.

[Nettletheelf]

I've had some great Elle running stuff from M and M direct. They sell end of line stuff.

[RiverTam]

Decathlon?

[deltacrook]

Asda or sports direct.

[sparechange]

Start Fitness!
They have a great sale section on their website, and lots of nice stuff. I've just done a big order including some Shock Absorber 'ultimate running' sports bras with 70% off!
They are the best best sports bras....

[Cartright]

I get a lot of stuff from Amazon, or Sports direct.

[bloomburger]

Reebok have an outlet bit on their website that you often get codes for extra discounts off already good prices.

[emummy]

sportsshoes.com have good prices too. I love Ronhill stuff and Helly Hansen t shirts are amazing, so soft & light.
Enjoy your shopping!

[KanyesVest]

I have tesco Capri's that I love. Good fit, thick material and wash well.

[turkeyboots]

Sainsbury have nice sports wear at the moment.

[PollysPoppy]

Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions. Am feeling a bit swamped - i was going to order tights/leggings (cropped or long?) and a short sleeved t but it's chucking it down here today which has got me thinking about what I'll wear on wet days. Would that be a l/s top over a t-shirt or a waterproof jacket? I'm overthinking this, aren't I?

[SanityAssassin]

Startfitness website also have some good reasonable stuff.

[SesameSparkle]

Yes start with some 3/4 or full leggings and a sweat wicking t. You won't need long sleeves until it's a bit cooler. A waterproof is nice to have too but again is only really useful in the cooler weather. I don't bother with one if there's a little bit of drizzle, and if it's really nasty and wet I probably wouldn't go out.

[Quickqu]

Best running gear I've ever bought is from Nike shops - online or I like the one of the Kings Road in London.

Cheaper leggings tend to creep down as I run, whereas the Nike capris stay up without me having to tie the waist so tight I can hardly breathe. Very comfortable and cool looking too. And cleverly designed pockets to put your keys in close to your waist so they don't jangle annoyingly as you run.

You can go cheaper on tops I think but don't scrimp on bottoms - nothing worse than running with your leggings slowly inching down!

[goingtotown]

Sainsbury's have some lovely co ordinated running gear.

[PollysPoppy]

Great advice - thank,you! Will start with leggings and a s/s t for now and can then add a long sleeved top if I need it when the weather cools down. Have spent the last hour reading running threads on the exercise board so they've been really useful too. Thanks!

[FeliciaJollygoodfellow]

I like Decathlon. I bought their men's running tights (women's not in stock, but actually the difference is only that they have a higher waist) and they are great. Tight enough that they don't slide down and no seams as they can irritate. They also have a phone pocket big enough for an iphone 6 which was the clincher for me!

[Runningupthathill82]

Another vote for Decathlon. The stuff is a similar price to supermarkets but a whole world apart in quality. Don't go near Asda, Sainsburys, Tesco etc if you want running gear, their kit just isnt up to it IME.

In Decathlon, head for the Kalenji range and get yourself a couple of pairs of Capris and some short sleeved t shirts.

You might want a long sleeved top for rainy days in winter, but I only wear mine when it's really cold - ie snow on the ground. I just run in my vest in the rain. I get hot and it's cooling!

You don't need a waterproof, you'll swelter in even the decent wicking ones. Only time I bother with mine is when the rules say I have to carry one in FRA races. Or if I'm heading out alone for 15+ miles in the hills and there's a chance I might get lost.

Once you've been running a bit longer and will be out for hours at a time you might want to invest in Ronhill or Gore stuff. When you do, Sportshoes online, as a pp said, is your best starting point. But honestly Decathlon is great for everyday basics.

The most important things,though, are decent running shoes and a sports bra. Good luck with c25k!

[KatharinaRosalie]

Yes to sports bra! Every time I go running I find it hard not to stop half the women runners to tell them that they will be loads more comfortable if their boobs are not bouncing from belly to chin with every step.

And forget about those crop top so-called sports bras, they do nothing. Shock Absorber Run, Freya or Panache do decent supportive stuff.

[Tote]

Sports Direct - Karimor

Leggings (long or cropped)
Long and short sleeved tops.
light weight waterproof jacket
gloves
peaked hat (keeps the rain off your face)

All frequently on offer.

I have two full sets and they dry overnight after a quick run the the shortest wash on the washing machine.

[Runningupthathill82]

I know it's not really the point of the thread, but Sports Direct are bloody evil. I'd rather run nude than put more money in Mike Ashley's pocket.
Karrimor are one of the brands that used to be good, but were bought out completely by Sports Direct IIRC.

Forget about those crop top so-called sports bras, they do nothing. Shock Absorber Run, Freya or Panache do decent supportive stuff.
Yes yes yes! They're my three go-to brands, as someone who's gone from a 34HH (bfing) down to a 30E. I think the Panache is my ultimate favourite.

[GruffaloPants]

Decathlon if you don't want to spend too much - got cropped leggings, tshirt, sports bra and socks for less than £20.

[Tote]

I take your point Runningupthathill82 but the karrimor quality is still good and I can buy it on the high street at a reasonable price.
I spend money on a good Body Armour sports bra. The stuff in Decathon may be good but we don't have one anywhere near us and then it's trial and usually error ordering stuff online.

[PollysPoppy]

Thanks all - great advice. I ran in the wind and rain this morning and really couldn't tolerate a wind proof layer .... I need the wind to cool me down! So tops and bottoms it is but no jacket! I really can't imagine being out for hours but then again, seven weeks ago I struggled to run 90 seconds, today I ran 22 minutes non-stop and have been on a high ever since!!

Got gait analysis done a few weeks ago and will now update my 18 yr old trainers! Have some in my basket at sportsshoes.com so will probably pop some basic leggings and t's in same basket .... and check it out before I change my mind!

[PollysPoppy]

And if that link shows my basket, all those trainers are only in for choice!! I haven't gone mad!

[Runningupthathill82]

Great stuff, PollysPoppy!
Honestly, the absolute hardest bit is getting from zero to 5k. If you've run for 22mins today that's fantastic.

If you can run 5k, you can run 10k.

If you can run 10k, it's just a small push to a half marathon.

And once you've done a half, you can do a full,if you've got time for the training.

But nothing - even mountain marathons - is as hard as taking those first steps. I remember the first time I ran for 10 mins straight. I thought I was going to pass out! Now I can happily go for hours and it's nowhere near that hard.