Best running app for iphone5? And several other questions!

[Lovelybunchofcocopops]

Hi Wise Running People
After much umming and arrrring and excuse making I have now decided to try running to lose weight and get fit. As someone who has not run since school (many many many years ago, and I would have done anything to avoid it as I was rubbish at it), could you try and answer some of my questions:

At what stage do I need proper running trainers?
At what stage do I need running top/trousers? Will leggings and a t shirt be ok?
What is the best app for an iphone. There are loads of them in the App Store. I know I would need one with a voice telling me what to do, run, walk, rest etc, I would also like to listen to my own music, and know how far I have run. Is that possible just from 1 app?
Where do you put your phone when you run, do you need an armband thing?

Would really appreciate any input on the above, or any advice for a complete novice.

I used Get Running on mine, for Couch 25K, so that will cover the instruction side. It will run at the same time as Runkeeper which I use to track distance. They occasionally talk over each other but it works ok, and it will play music as well. I have headphones that don't block out background noise so I'm aware of traffic/other things.

I tend to put my phone in pockets of my track suit but am thinking of getting a belt for summer. I personally don't like the armbands much. I'd wear whatever feels comfortable. I bought some decent but cheapish trainers to start but will try gait analysis at a specialist shop soon as I'm running longer distances now.

Good luck with it, it's really been great for me. I ran my first 5K race today and I never thought I'd be able to say that.

I use the Nike running app. Very intuitive and tracks everything I need to know. Since becoming more 'serious' about running I've also invested in a Garmin so I can track how I'm doing while I run (keep my phone either in a pocket or tucked into my bra strap!)

If you're just starting out leggings and a tshirt will be fine - make sure you invest in a good pair of trainers and a sports bra. Go to a specialised running shop and get your hair analysis done to find the best pair of shoes for your running style - this may cost more than you'd like to spend but it's worth it in the long term.

The Running Bug is a good website to sign up to for motivation as there's always someone to post supportive comments when you enter your last run info

Good luck - hope you enjoy it!

I'd second the Get Running app, I really love it. I used it initially a few years ago and every now and then my running drops back a bit and I go back to Get Running to get myself back into running. It uses the Couch to 5K programme and so tells you when to walk, when to run. It won't tell you your distance, but it does tell you when you're halfway through 'today's' run, so you can turn around and go back home. I wouldn't worry too much about your distance for a while yet, just build up your running times at first. I listen to music or a podcast while Get Running is also on. I've got an iphone 5 too and that works fine. I have a sleeve thingy for carrying it.

I've always run in Asics running shoes that I've got from Sports Direct....I don't think I've spend more than about £35 on them and they've always been great. When I first started running I just ran in a tshirt and 'joggers' type trousers but as my running increased I started to see why people ran in proper running gear....cotton gets hot and sweaty. But anything will be fine for the first few weeks. I agree about getting a sports bra though.

Good luck!