Running clothes

[DrGachet]

Not sure if I'm just stalling before starting C25K.... I have shoes and running leggings, but just wanted to ask what you do about layers on the top half. A sweatshirt with a t-shirt underneath? Also, what do you carry your stuff in (just phone, keys etc.) I think I'd get distracted with a waist pouch bouncing around on my bum, so are there running clothes available with zipped pockets?

Apologies for possibly clueless questions, I've never run before.

Yes there are leggings with zipped pockets. Ones from decathlon and sports direct are good. I tend to wear shorts until it gets to 10 degrees then leggings and a t shirt. Once it gets around 5 degrees I’ll put a long sleeved top on. I’ll not run in a jumper unless it’s less than 0 degrees. But that’s just me and I get very hot so you’ll find what works for you.

Your trainers are the most important part of your kit and should fit well. If you are considering keeping it up then think about going to a running shop to see what shoe suits you best. This is called a gait analysis.

I wear a running belt from Amazon but it doesn’t flop about.

Vest, good sports bra, shorts (with zip key pocket), socks, decent neutral yet cushioned running shoes. That's my go- to all year round.

In very cold weather I'll add a lightweight long sleeved top, which I can take off and tie round my waist when I get hot.

That's honestly all you'll need for c25k. If you're carrying a phone, go for running shorts or capris with a big enough zip pocket, as sny sort of waist pouch or arm strap tends to be v annoying. Good luck!

Oh do it, do it! I started the C25k in March. Best thing ever. Now run every other day, up to 175k last month. Don't procrastinate, you won't look back. Clothing wise, I wore a vest, short sleeve and long sleeve to do 10k yesterday before 7am. It was 4 degrees and that combo worked well as I feel the cold. Try getting leggings with a zip back pocket or drop in side pockets both sides then you're sorted for phone and keys. Good luck!

Something that is not cotton is better so that it dries quickly. A running top (nike etc) with a good sports bra, esp if you have bigger boobs.

I personally hate armbands or waist pouches so carry my phone and keys in my legging pockets.

If you are a beginner you might need some water too, I am not sure. I used to need to drink when I started running.

Good luck!

I have leggings with a pocket on the legs that my phone goes in. I have a single door key rather than a bunch. On top is still just a short sleeve t shirt until it gets quite a bit colder. Trainers are really important. If they are old they will likely have lost their support.

Very important if you are going to be running on pavements and are likely to be out in low light is make sure you are wearing something that ensures you can be seen. I was driving home last night in the dark. Turned into our street and only just spotted the woman that ran across in front of me. She was head to foot in black.

Thanks Deepfried

Why did pockets in leggings not occur to me when ordering?!

Right, gonna have a bash now....

Don't forget a decent running bra!

Running t-shirt for me, with an ancient, thin, merino zip-front top over it for winter. I bought it for about tuppence in Aldi many years ago and was distressed to find that something similar seems to be upwards of £50 now, so it had just jolly well better not wear out.

Cheapy lightweight windproof layer for really chilly days. I expect there are some actually waterproof ones out there but none of mine ever have been.

My running leggings have a massive pocket slot on the back of the bum (they're high-waisted so they hold a phone flat against your lower back, and it doesn't bounce).

Otherwise I use a running belt like the Flipbelt - I like them and fill them with phones, dog bags, tissues, house keys and even snacks, DD hates them, possibly because she has more style...

Phone in zipped pocket in the back of leggings or in a flip belt (Amazon sell them they don't flop about)

I just take the door key off my key bunch and put it in my bra - under my armpit.

Good luck!

I’ve got a waist belt for my phone and keys that I wear over a vest but under a jumper/jacket. I spin it to the back and find it much less annoying that way. I pull it quite tight so it doesn’t move around. I find my phone and keys moving around in my pocket to be so much more annoying than when I use my belt.

A tissue! Seriously. Running in cold weather makes my nose drip.

Sports bra. I have big boobs small back so need an extra compression layer over that, then a non cotton tech t-shirt. I'd advise buying no more than 1 or 2 of these as once you get into running you seem to accumulate millions of the things and you get sentimental about your first races and can't let go until you have no space for anything else...

Might be worth getting a long sleeved tech top if you feel the cold, but generally starting running is quite a warm endeavour...

Good luck!

@FlyingSquid

A tissue! Seriously. Running in cold weather makes my nose drip.

Good call! I always take one with me.

Adding my love for a flip belt! One of my best running purchases...

Clothing-wise go with layers, I run quite hot so don't wear long sleeves til it's around 10 degrees. I carry a buff for wiping sweat and my nose!

I get very hot when running even outside in winter, so a sweatshirt is complete no-no for me. However, couch to 5k has many walking breaks, so something to keep you warmer in those bits always helps. I'm currently wearing a running jacket over a t shirt or I have some cheap lycra arm warmers which i can pull down once I get going.

100% a decent sports bra - one suitable for running, tesco used to sell them online for about £14, but since it's all instore now I don't know. But something for very high impact.

Then I tend to either wear 3/4 length leggings or shorts given how hot it gets. Unless it's technically freezing I'm unlikely to wear full length leggings due to the heat. And yes a tissue!

I've coached lots of beginners, and the number of extra layers I've ended up carrying to make people feel more comfortable!

Thank you all, this is really helpful and have just ordered a flip belt, looks much more secure than a bum bag.

Was just about to leave, but my phone needed charging, (definitely not procrastinating ). Is it sheer stupidity to take the dog? Just this once so I feel less of a twat? I'm planning to do it in a playing field which is fenced in, so he can run loose while I'm "running".

Just watch for him getting excited and tripping you up. I’ve tried running with my dog a couple of times. Didn’t go so well. Once I almost ended up in the canal!

The good thing is the self conscious feeling gets less each time you go out until it disappears completely. I don’t care who sees me these days.

Am I the only one that happily runs in an ordinary bra? 😂 I do have a very small bust.

@Crocky

Am I the only one that happily runs in an ordinary bra? 😂 I do have a very small bust.

I ran a race with no bra having forgotten to pack it the night before. 8.5 miles! Fortunately my top was close fitting which helped. A baggy t-shirt would have been too airy.

Longer term, I recommend a cap. Great for keeping rain or sun out of your eyes.

@BogRollBOGOF 😂😂 I’m imagining the chaffing!

@DrGachet have you been yet? Let us know how you got on.

Around this time of year, Aldi do running stuff. It’s always great for the price.

I just got back - I won't be bringing the dog next time! He escaped and ran off into the woods.

I can't even run 60 seconds straight is there any hope ? Didn't give up though. My lungs seemed to be the problem, probably because I smoked since I was 15, but switched to a vape a few months ago. I do pilates everyday, but this is the first time I've done aerobic exercise for years, (decades).

Thanks for all the advice!

The dog 🤦‍♀️😁.

Seriously, you will get better. It doesn't happen overnight but hang in there.

I like little running backpacks. Fits keys, phone, card, tissues, small water and hat / gloves if it's winter. And a shopping bag if I'm coming back via the supermarket.

There is always hope!

Come and join us on the Couch25K encouragement thread