Running - dress me please!

[UsainDolt]

I do not particularly enjoy running but have signed up for a few events this year. I am training, but am also fully expecting to not continue once the events are done.

I don't want to spend a fortune on kit. I have decent footwear and sports bras. What do I need to buy? Jacket? What sort of tops? Running tights or normal gym leggings (I am currently wearing decent gym ones but my arse gets cold!)?

If anyone could steer me in the right direction both in terms of what and where to get best value I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Run in whatever you feel comfortable in. If it works for you, then that’s all that matters. With the nights being dark, a hi-vis running jacket is always handy, other than that, the decent sports bra and properly fitted trainers are most important.

Thanks TDL2016 - thing is I'm not comfortable in what I've got.

I do a lot of cardio classes, so wear Capri leggings and a sports vest, with a random sweatshirt over it till I've warmed up. But that type of clothing is not working for me for running outdoors in this type of weather when it's cold and wet.

I would definitely recommend the Contra range ( all profits go to Park Run). I started running in any old leggings / hoodies etc but as I did more I realised I needed better clothing. I have running tights which are great and a couple of bare layer tops plus a beanie and a lightweight rain jacket and a Hi vis vest. Didn’t but everything at once and don’t have multiples as they wash and dry so quickly.

That should be base layer.

This page might give you an idea of the sort of items you might need for layering / dealing with weather: dressmyrun.com/

Do you have a Decathlon near you? Good quality but not expensive

I recommend decathlon. I have their winter running jacket and it is awesome.

So I wear running top and running leggings from Decathlon, sports bra and winter running jacket. Thus jacket has a neck warmer and mittens attached to it so I don't need gloves. www.decathlon.co.uk/w-jacket-kiprun-warm-regul-id_8519078.html

I've recently started wearing shorts over my running tights and it's ace! So comfy. No cold arse any more. Decathlon is great and cheap for stuff.

I usually wear tri shorts, an old event T-shirt or cheap base layer (wiggle dhb are good), a buff (round my head/neck/wrist deleting on how I feel and the weather), and a high vis if I’m out in the dark - either a full rainproof jacket or a gilet type. It has to be below zero and dry for me to wear leggings/tights otherwise you either have soggy legs or hot legs in my experience!

My ears get cold. I always start with a buff as a very wide headband, and when I'm warm wrap it round my wrist as a very bulky bracelet.
Other than that, a long sleeved top (occasionally, but not often over a vest top) and full length sports leggings.
MUST get some more miles under my belt. I'm slacking this year....

3rd decathlon. I like the kit from there got myself some warm trousers to run in and base layer in winter. Also bought DD kit from there as I suspect running may be a fad for her and its not too expensive.

This is all brilliant - thank you

Yes to Decathlon, it's good quality and cheap. TK Maxx have a good selection too.

Contra stuff is really expensive.

Sports Direct Karrimor Run stuff is all I wear - the Capri pants are one of the few that I've found that don't fall down!

They do vests, short sleeves, long sleeves and thin jackets or thicker hoodies.

I also have some of the Campari base layers from Sports Direct that I put either over a vest or under a short sleeve t-shirt if the weathers cold but dry.

Nearly all my running stuff comes from Primark with the occasional bit from M&S or Gap (usually in the sale). I think the Primark stuff is pretty good value and seems to last okay. They have loads at the moment too.

I really like the Decathlon winter leggings. In the rain I wear a rather manky softshell jacket with just a bra underneath unless its super cold, but normally a long sleeved top (today its New Balance which I like the length of, but the high neck annoys me).
In the dark I don't wear hi vis as I'm on the pavement under street lights, but do choose whatever has some reflective bits and wear a buff to stop the head torch (dark alleyways in places) rubbing.

At this time of year I wear long running tights/leggings (which I wear for any exercise) - mine are tikiboo and under armour as don't like the waistband on decathlon ones - but love their tops and shorts.

I have decathlon thin gloves, a buff to cover my ears and I don't wear a jacket - just a long sleeve top (with a high vis t shirt when it's dark and head torch). A lot of my friends run with a thin jacket but I get way too hot.

In the summer I wear decathlon shorts and vests. Good luck!

Decathlon is fab. As a general rule you should feel cool in your clothing for when you start your run as you will soon warm up and over heat.

I generally wear long leggings until it is over 15 degrees.
If it's raining a running jacket will only make you sweaty and sticky so you just need to brave it.
hygge bands or buffs are good to keep your head warm and stop the sweat from running into your eyes. Hygge often do buy one get 3 free type deals.

I like the matalan leggings. I run quite a bit but don't want to spend lots. My favourite running trainers are sketchers or Nike.

The only thing that's reall important is that you get expert advice for your shoes. Do not run in suchandsuch a brand because someone else likes them. I over-pronate and have a wide foot and I have learnt by experience that I need a specific New Balance model. That same shoe would be totally unsuitable for someone else.

Yes, 100% agree with paap1975 I overpronate too so got my gait analysed at a running shop and now only replace my shoes with the same model each time

Thanks everyone.