Running jacket and other kit

[Illbefinejustbloodyfine]

Ive started running again, just doing C25K. Im on week 5, went out today, it was bloody freezing. Had on 3/4 length leggings, top, lightweight jacket. Trouble is it was drizzly, jacket not water or wind proof, so very cold but once i get running i get so hot! Ive tried a waterproof walking jacket, too hot and sweaty.

I really need some pointers for running kit, i need new leggings, long sleeved top, jacket. Grateful for any recommendations especially if not too pricey.

I like a running gilet over a long sleeve top - I don’t seem to get so bothered by getting hot in them once I’ve warmed up.

Ive give up trying to find a running waterproof that isn’t like wearing a bin liner or costs £1m, so I’m watching this with interest !

I'm the same. Waterproof = sweaty. I've given up and just embrace the rain. I wear a cheap running windbreaker type thing from tesco, it's fine for light showers and if I get caught in heavy rain or am doing a long run I just accept that I'm going to get wet. The hot shower when I get in to warm my bones is always heaven.

I have this and it's pretty good. Well vented, high level of waterproofing, ridiculously light weight, zip pockets and a stud on the front to hold it if you want it unzipped. Generally I find the decathlon running stuff decent and inexpensive.

Ron Hill run kit is excellent. Function driven rather than fashion driven.

I have a running gilet rather than a jacket, really helps, mine is quite an old one now from specialized, but still going

I have an old (20years ago!!) jacket from Nike and it is perfect. Shower proof, detachable hood, two pockets, some vents to aid air circulation, can be tied up around the waist, some high vis and reflective grey bits but done very nicely. Just great

i dont run anymore but i used to have a merino base layer long sleeve that was great, keep warm but not overly sweaty.

Wind proof is the way to go, waterproof doesn’t let water in or out which is why it’s so sweaty! Most running brands do a cheapish wind proof jacket (mines new balance). You’re not running for long enough to get the benefit from waterproof over the sweatbox it creates. Wear a baseball cap to keep the rain off your face.
Leggings: I love the power leggings from sweaty Betty (look out for sales/discount codes as they’re expensive!). They stay up, wash like new, and have just the right amount of compression. If you’re under 5ft3 consider the 7/8 length.
long sleeved top: the higher state brand on sport shoes website has really good long sleeved tops for £5-£10

Bear in mind in a month or so it will (hopefully) not be freezing cold anymore so don’t buy loads of things. Your 3/4 length leggings will be back in use soon! A couple of cheap things for warmth for now would be gloves and a buff for round your neck, easily removed once you’re a mile in and can be stored in a pocket (if you get the SB leggings they have great pockets!).

Agree with others here. Don’t bother trying to get a running jacket. I have a load of harrier kit for trail running where I’m out for ages. It’s not great tbh.

I think layers and staying warm is key. I have a lovely short sleeved montane base layer that works all year round. Presumably breathable/sweat wicking. But jackets are just noisy sweat boxes imho

I have a fairlyancient winter running jacket from Aldi which is great. It's breathable but warm. Go to decathlon and try on bit and pieces

I’ve got an Artilect systems 85% merino wool
long sleeved top which is warm.

Agree with the merino based layer.

This is excellent advice.

Especially the cap - the only time I ever wear a hat is when running in the rain.

Depending on the time of day you run, Proviz stuff is excellent for when it's darker - https://provizsports.com/. Quite pricey, but seemingly on sale most weeks.

Higher State kit on sports shoes website is very decent for the price.

I agree.

I have an ancient running jacket with perforations under the armpits. It's the best one I've ever had.

I don't really care how I look when I'm out running, as long as I don't scare people and dogs.

Yeah, another one who doesn't really rate running jackets. I have a fairly cheap, hi-vis one from Amazon, but it's not very waterproof and on cold, wet days it doesn't really help.

I usually look at the forecast and try to time my run so I avoid the worst of any rain. Then I wear layers, a cap or visor to keep rain off my face and just make the best of it. If you're only doing C25k so you aren't out for very long and spring is coming ... or so they say!

Decathlon gear tends to be good and well -priced.

Really you want the jacket to be waterproof enough that you're dry while warming up, but ultimately you'll get drenched from sweat anyway.

I also like gilets, they're good for cool weather when you will build up some heat but still want to protect your core.

Anything and everything from this page!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/sports/running/autumn-winter-womens-running

I wear their warm leggings and warm jerseys even when it's snowing. I prefer to be a bit damp and warm from running rather than sweaty and crinkly in a jacket. Gloves and hat help a lot. A peaked cap stops the rain dripping into your eyes

I’m an ex very keen runner (the only reason for the ex is because I have a chronic illness). First of all at this time of year, you need to wear full length running tights. I would recommend fleece lined ones. You are setting yourself up for calf strain (or worse) by running in 3/4 length in winter. Cold muscles do not work as well and are much more likely to get injured. I used to have a top of the range Ronhill wind and showerproof jacket. It really was amazing and so comfortable. Mine was a nicer colour though. I think my winter tights were Ronhill too. Tbey were indestructible.

https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ron3979/ronhill-tech-gore-tex-windstopper-women's-jacket---aw24

Inov8 make very good windproof kit. Not cheap though so worth looking out for them in the sale.

www.inov8.com/running/clothing/jackets/womens

When I ran I really rated Ron Hill running clothing but also love Sturdy By Design leggings - they're my go-to!

You miht find a bargain here for RonHill stuff, www.magic-mountain.co.uk/collections/ronhill-womens-running-clothing

I have a proviz jacket that I picked up very cheap in the sale. I do wear it if it’s raining to get myself out of the house but unless I’m running at recovery pace it’s off after about a mile as I get too hot. It does tie around your waist well though. So that’s good.

i tend to just suck it up and get wet most of the time. I rarely wear full length leggings and usually can be found in either 3/4 length or even shorts. I have a couple of thicker long sleeve tops from the middle aisle of Aldi and I will often wear these over a short sleeve tops so I can remove layers as I get warmer.

Worth looking on https://prelovedsports.org.uk/ for second hand kit. I’ve had some great bargains on here.

Thanks so much for all the input. I was out for a run thus morning and got very hot very quickly! I think i am inclined to agree that a jacket isnt needed once you are running more. There were a couple of women i saw wearing vests!

Yep, go bold start cold and accept the fact that I'll get wet, unfortunately. I'm a hot, sweaty runner so quite like a cool shower as I go. If it gets heavier then I just embrace it until I can get home for a hot shower.

Today was mild compared to recent weeks and oh my god i was bright red 😂 Def no coat required. Id have been alright in a bra top if i wasnt so wobbly