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.

It doesn't show the basker, what model is it? And did you know you should get shoes a little bigger than your normal size, so your foot has some extra room? I had a friend who started running and kept loosing toenails until I pointed this out.

Thanks Running - that's good to know! I've been at the 'I'm going to pass out' stage several times but haven't yet so fingers crossed I won't. No great speed yet but I'm told not to worry about speed for now and just to concentrate on stamina. I'm walking on air after today - bring on my next run!!

To the pp's who mentioned a sports bra ... I must! I hate the one I have and don't wear it so am out in my nice underwired bras .

Katharina, that's really good to know. Thanks! In the running shop, I was trying my usual size but then he brought me a Saucony pair half a size up so I was ordering both sizes to see which is best. I'll just go up the half size - they were so comfortable when I tried them on (Valour) but am ordering a different shoe (Guide 9) because .... quite frankly I didn't like the colour of the Valour ! They seem to be the same level of support so I should be okay ... I hope!

TKMaxx is always worth a rummage.

Aldi always gave a "running week" in October, and their stuff is very good for the price. They do showerproof, wind proof breathable jackets which are great (check out "cycling week" too, the jackets have pockets in the back which are just the right size for a phone and keys). I tend to wear cropped leggings above freezing, and long leggings below freezing, but wear merino wool running/cycling socks with both below about 5o C like these. For winter, I find that a merino wool top, long leggings, merino socks and lightweight wind proof jacket is just right.

I really like the small-but-perfectly-formed range of running stuff that Howies do. Their merino base layers/tops are spot on and my favourite running bottoms ever are their long leggings.

Personally I need to go a full shoe size up, but many people say half is sufficient. Here's a nice short article about what to check www.runnersworld.com/start-walking/how-to-buy-running-shoes
If you can afford, I would get 2 differnt pairs so you can rotate - and you might like different ones for different tracks, if you sometimes run on road but sometimes on paths/forest etc.

Check ebay for sports bras, nice bargains. I find that I need the Freya and Panache bras in my normal size, but the Shock Absorber is very tight and I need to go up a back size (and down in cup)

Katharina is spot on me sports bra sizing. I'm a 30 back in Freya and Panache but a 32 in Shock Absorber.

As regards running shoe sizing, I usually get a 7, which is my regular shoe size, but occasionally have to go up a half size in certain close-fitting models. Inov-8, for example.

I'm a size up (30 to a 32) and a cup size down (F to E) in a shock absorber too.

It's a shock absorber which I have and it just feels too tight - I think I sized down on my normal size. Will have a look at Freya and Panache - would almost rather a normal bra shape than the trendier sports bras, of that makes sense.

Will have a look at that article now - thanks katharina.

Shall bookmark the Howies site for when the weather gets colder BikeRunSki - thanks for sock recommendation too ... I'm not a big fan of cold feet and chilblains!!

I've got aldi merino base layers from their ski range which are great value. Monuain warehouse too. And although I like the aldi sports wear, lidl is a better fit on me, so check them both for specials!

You've just reminded me I need a new sports bra!

Well done Polly! Like previous posters have said, getting to that initial stage where you can run continuously for a "decent" amount of time is the hardest part. Once you experience that high you are talking about, you'll just push yourself more and more. It is addictive!

For me, I have never had any better leggings or running tights than from Nike. They just stay put. Through wind, rain and up to 25km (I ain't running any further!), they don't ride up, fall down or move an inch. So I splurge on them and buy my tops mostly from Decathlon (unless I absolutely have to have the matching Nike top ). Sports bras are all Nike too right now, but I will say that I am an A cup (and even that is questionable LOL!)

I also never wear a light waterproof as I feel like a boil in the bag chicken. I do have sweat wicking thermal layers from Uniqlo for when it gets colder, and a headband thing that covers my ears because I also get too hot in a hat.

Keep up the great progress!

Aaaw thanks Stanley. 25km . I hope I will keep pushing and keep it up - some days are a slog, some days I don't give myself credit for doing it but yesterday was great!

Am going to go back and look at Nike leggings now as a few posters have mentioned them. I have a pair of Saucony and one of Gore in my basket to try on.

Cheers!

Fabletics have a special offer on for new customers at the moment. An outfit (leggings, top, bra) from £20. A lot of it isn't really my style, but there's enough to put an outfit together.

Beware of Fabletics though, there have been lots of threads about them. They are a subscription service, and apparently they do not make this very clear on their website. They take monthly subs - £45 I understand - whether you order an outfit or not.

Nike leggings are good, so are Gore. If you can get either of those cheaply, you've got a bargain.
Ronhill are also very, very good.

But for short distances (which in my head is anything half marathon or under) Decathlon are brilliant, and the best "bargain" buy.

Really BikeRunSki? I didn't realise that. That's sneaky then - there was nothing to suggest that when I was browsing this morning (popped up on my FB feed)
I always wear Nike leggings too. Personally I like the crop ones.

didn't realise that. That's sneaky then - there was nothing to suggest that when I was browsing this morning

This is exactly the point I was trying to make

Here

TK Maxx is definitely worth a look if you have kne.

Under armour do my favourite running tops - simple short sleeved wicking v necks which are semi fitted but not clingy in any way. Amazon sell them in a range of colours with price based on colour.

I'm a regular runner and take part in every distance from 5k to marathons.
Agree with others, go up at least a half size in running shoes. I go up a whole size as I was losing toenails (not nice). Go to a running shop for gait analysis. You don't have to buy the shoes there but will then know which suit you best. I like Asics.
This time of year, go for running capris. Nike are the best I've had. You can pick them up in Sports Direct sometimes. However, currently have some from Next that were half the price and very good.
Tops in a sweat wicking material work best for running.
If you haven't done Parkrun, I really recommend it.

TK Maxx is the best - unlike some of the shite in womenswear the discounts are genuine, Nike tops that would RRP at £39.99 on at £14.99. Lots of good brands but no Sweaty Betty.

Save your pennies for a good Sports Bra (Sweaty Betty do ONE that fits D cup and above, but it's ace), but above all please go get your gait analysed and get appropriate trainers. I didn't and ended up out of the running game for 12 months with mangled tendons and I'm still not back to where I was.

You're going to feel increasingly more bloody amazing the nearer you get to week 9. I cried when I graduated!

Wow! You lot are fantastic with your encouragement! Thank you! I haven't pressed order on my sports shoes basket yet as I'm dithering! Do all Nike running tights have a mesh panel? That will put my rather ugly varicose veins on show ! Or can I go for regular Nike exercise leggings as opposed to running - which may not have a panel?

When I had the gait analysis done (in a specialist running shop), the man didn't recommend up-sizing but rather put me up half a size as he didn't have a specific shoe in my size. So do I go up half or one in my order? I have two pairs in my basket - one in my usual 6 and a 6.5. Should I change to a 6.5 and a 7?

I'm even dithering over a sports bra fgs - the colour of all things. Kick me!!

Wax - it's an Under Armour top which I have added to the famous basket but I must look on Amazon to see whether it's cheaper! Thanks.

Pollys which running shoes are you buying? Apologies if you've said upthread. One of us might be familiar with their sizing and can advise specifically.

If they're Brooks, I'm your woman. Buy half a size up, or a full size up in the PureProject range (PureGrit, PureCadence etc). Any other brand, I'm sure another poster could help more.

Not sure re the Nike tights, sorry.

Thanks,for,all'your help Running. Saucony. Same brand he sized me up half a size in the shop just different style. The sizing at half a size up felt fine so maybe I ought to stick to that. Would worry about slipping out of a full size up.