Runners, what do you wear?

[thisenglishlife]

Thinking of taking up jogging in Spring. Any links, product recommendations and tips are appreciated!

A decent sports bra and runners are the most important

Agree with poster above. The right shoes are important, although you might not want to spend much if you're trying it out for the first time. As soon as you're running a few km at a time, a couple of times a week, it's probably worth going to a running shop for advice on shoes.

Other clothing: just whatever you're comfy in. Decathlon is good for inexpensive running kit.

Sports bra that is high impact. It will probably not be the nicest garment and will feel snug.
Shoes - get your gait analysed. Don't go out and buy a brand new, £££, pair until you are training regularly.

You can probably get away with running in an old t-shirt and a pair of leggings for a few weeks. If you are investing in technical kit, look on-line or in TK Max or Primark. Do not buy cotton yoga style pants because if they get wet they can get very heavy.

When I first started running I wore an old pak a mak if it was raining. It stank.

You can treat yourself to nice kit as a reward for meeting milestones.

Thanks everyone.

What would you recommend in terms of technical kit?

What do you mean?

Trainers v important, sports bra, decent socks to reduce blisters.

I liked fitbit when starting out, for the heartrate monitor. Like listening to podcasts, so something to hold phone.

I like Nike sportswear as fits me well and isn’t itchy!

I really like decathlon running clothes although don't get shoes there. They have fab double layer long sleeve tops and tights with lots of pockets for phone and keys and money!

Tops and bottoms @dozer

I've just started C25K (so don't want to spend lots of money until I know I can commit to it). Primark sports leggings are fine. Ankle length is a must in the cold. I also bought a belt that my phone goes in as I was definitely going to drop it otherwise.

As you progress you will work out what is important to you. For example
For me - I weed headband and gloves until late spring
My running partner can’t bear to run with gloves on even in jan

I don’t like to layer up. I bought two amazing thermal jumpers from sweaty Betty and they keep my warm through winter whereas my partner likes lots of thin layers
So start simple and work out what works for you

You might like to wear gloves and a cap or hat if it is cold.

I can't advise on tech kit as I prefer to run without.

Clothes-wise, I wouldn't invest until I'd been running for at least a month. Your feet may change - mine got longer - and you might find that you are getting leaner or that you have a preference for different things.

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that you should buy running shoes about a size bigger than your normal shoes. Sounds weird but your feet swell as you run and you'll save yourself a lot of discomfort if the shoes are the right size.

I've got a mixture of tops and 3/4 length leggings from USA pro, Adidas and new balance, not that I'm particularly attached to those brands, I just bought them ages ago and haven't bought anything new since. Sports bras are USA pro ones (think they were on offer), and also have a bum bag to put my phone and keys in.

If you're starting out, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but definitely get a gait analysis at a running shop to help you choose your shoes. Some of the best money I've spent.

Decathlon, Primark and Matalan all do cheap running gear. Can usually get a bargain at to maxx too. I started out jon couch to 5k just wearing anything (cotton joggers or leggings and a t shirt with another layer over) and some old trainers. As I got the bug I got decent trainers and when I got faster/fitter/sweatier I went on to moisture wicking fabric. I prefer layers (vest, then t shirt or long sleeve top, maybe another layer if very cold, also buff that doubles as headband if I need it for a biting wind). I would also recommend going out regardless of weather. You usually feel like not going but it is the best feeling coming in after a run in terrible weather and keeps you consistent.

Invest in good running bra, personally I love shock absorber, and get good shoes - if you can afford it get gait analysed. Honestly beyond that wear leggings that don’t fall down, teeshirt and jersey you already own, don’t over think just run!

From being a complete novice, I've done the C25K last year, and still enjoying running 5k regularly. Apart from the already mentioned gait analysis for shoes and good sports bra, I'd recommend a few things that might help make your runs more enjoyable:
I found that a zipped coat or hoody is far better for me, it's easier to remove whilst still moving or you can just adjust the zip if you get a bit warm. Ideally water resistant with zipped pockets, for storing keys etc safely. when I get really warm, I tie it round my waist.
Maybe some of those cheapy stretchy little magic gloves so if you get hot then take them off they aren't too bulky to store in your pockets.
A Bum bag is really handy, or those slim running belt style things. Decathlon has some iirc.
A baseball hat is handy to keep hair and sun off your face/eyes. And keeps you a bit warmer too.
Bluetooth cordless earphones- nicer to run without wires getting in the way. It's safer if you can run with none/ or just one earbud in. But music or podcasts help me run for longer. Jenny Faulkner's Runpod podcast is excellent.
Fitbit or similar is very handy for tracking. But the display on my one is really faint and impossible to read whilst running, so you might want to check that if you are considering investing in one.
Enjoy your run!

I can see a few people recommending Primark etc for cheap kit, however, I would check any running tights have a drawstring in the waist. Many cheaper ones don't have this therefore they tend to fall down once you start running - fine for in the gym but I'd recommend getting ones with a drawstring to run. Start Fitness have a large branch in Newcastle and have a website, their own brand is More Mile and they're excellent value, I've been running for 10 years and have ran marathons in More Mile with no issues. Nike are very good but more expensive. H&M also have a good range that are decent quality too. Enjoy the running, it's addictive once you're into it

Start Fitness is great. I would put comfort over style. Chaffing is a no-no.
Don't skimp on the running bra. Shock Absorber bras are good,

Bra is most important. I see so many runners wearing a badly fitting bra. Basically if there is any movement you have not got the right bra on!

Decathlon are fab and great price for starting out. I also like Gap fitness tights, and H&M aren't bad either.

I prefer lots of thin layers, during the winter I can wear up to 3 thin longsleeve tops and a windproof jacket or hooded jacket over the top. Headband over my ears and gloves. I feel the cold!

My longsleeve tops are merino, as it is very breathable. I have got these from Decathlon. I slowly shed the layers and tie around my waist when I have warmed up.

Shoes and socks are also important. Maybe try Decathlon for a cheaper pair of shoes, until you know you are going to stick with it and like has been said get a half size or a size bigger than usual.

Have fun. I love running.

I like Ronhill for leggings and tops. Not cheap but fit brilliantly and last for years.

Ronhill stuff is great. Not as stylish as some brands but will last and not date.

I used Rundawear socks when training and doing a half marathon and never got blisters!

A good bra and good, professionally fitted trainers. Other than that, I mostly look like a sack of shite. I aspire to be a runner who looks super cool, I really do, but actually more concerned that my leggings stay up and my top doesn’t make me sweaty. Then again, I really don’t have a runner’s physique...but I’ve been running for years and can knock out ten miles without trouble so I must be doing something right.

Oh yes - and anti-blister socks.

I run a LOT. Over the years I've decided on:

1. Good running shoes. Nike Pegasus or Brooks Ghost, mostly (with other options for fell/trail/racing, obvs)

2. Garmin watch

3. Freya Active or Shock Absorber bra

4. Nike shorts or Ronhill capris

5. Decathlon vests. Spending any more is a waste of money IME

6. Inov8 or Ronhill base layers

7. Ronhill or Montane jacket (but only for absolute worst winter weather - eg/ 20 miles in hailstones)

(Also, avoid Primark, H&M and other "fashion" brands as the run gear is shite once you actually do proper mileage in it...)

Don’t overthink it! I run loads and I look like crap most of the time

I like ASICS shoes (and yes, get them fitted properly, my toenails are a mess) and Nike for sports bras and leggings. I prefer vest tops but it depends on the weather - it’s hot where I am, but when I ran in Scotland in the winter last year I wore thermals.

I like a baseball cap just because I feel more anonymous!

The best thing about running is that there’s no real kit required - just go for it.

Running has changed my life, honestly. The first six months are though, but stick at it. It’s the best thing ever, but it feels like torture at first.