Help! Clothes to wear for gentle running?

[Judystilldreamsofhorses]

Help! I need to shift some lockdown/peri/having quit smoking chub, and would like to do Couch 2 5K. I have trainers but no other “sports clothes”, what do I need and from where? Just leggings and a sports bra? Can I wear a normal t-shirt? What about my phone, do I need something with pockets?

I’m a UK 10/12 and would rather not spend a lot of money if I can avoid it.

I wasn’t sure if this was style and beauty but I am definitely not a good fit in sports/exercise!

You just need trainers and a sports bra. Leggings and tee shirts will be fine. If you did want something specific try vinted as it will be a fraction of the price.

A waist belt for phone and keys is useful. Plenty cheap on Amazon

I don’t own leggings - do they need to be special sport ones? Vinted is a great shout. Also a waist belt is a fab idea, thank you. I went last night in joggers which did have pockets but they were a bit hot.

agree with sports bra (decathlon has decent ones for cheap-ish if you are up to a d cup.

apart from shoes & bra - whatever is comfortable.

I prefer leggings but have loose shorts for the summer. t-shirt & a fleece over that in winter.

good luck.

decathlon has decent quality stuff.

sometimes you can get lucky with supermarket sportswear.

for leggings go a size up, ironically they are less likely to move down with gravity if they are not too tight.

the joggers are probably great to keep for the colder months.

Okay, I just bought some Nike leggings on Depop for £8, so big tick for that. I got L which seems to be a 12.

Sports bra - I am 32D, so that is next on the list. Are they sized like normal bras? Can you tell I am clueless? I am pretty active step-wise and always do over 10K a day, I am just not a “sporty” person.

I started in joggers and sweatshirt. The only "specialist" stuff you need are trainers and a sports bra. I now have some leggings with a pocket from Decathlon too but the important thing is to start and then you'll have a better idea what you want to wear.

I like Nike leggings the best, so good shout @Judystilldreamsofhorses

i have massive boobs so wear a sports bra over my normal underwired one.

i put my phone in a wrist/arm holder thing if I’m just wearing a t shirt. Or in a zippy pocket - I got my best zip up long sleeve running jacket thing from sainsburys.

if it rains I wear a cap. I’m totally rubbish st running, but it’s easy to get out and used tons of calories 😃

Decathlon is great. You ideally want sports fabric not cotton or you’ll have wet sweaty clothes. Supermarket and M&S stuff is also good. You generally just pay for the name and logo with the big sports brands. Great if you like your branding but absolutely no need from a practical perspective. Get a good sports bra and shoes and everything else can be cheap as you like. Cropped leggings are good if you want to not be too hot but don’t fancy shorts.

re sports bras - there are usually 2 types - the ones that open like normal bras and the ones that only contortionists can use you pull over your head.
try a couple and see what suits you best.

For running if you're a D, you probably want the sort that squish your boobs pretty flat, they tend to be the over the head type. I've got ShockAbsorber ones of both types - the 'normal fastening' ones for low impact activities eg pilates, the bounce quashers for high impact /running.

I find it easier to climb into the non fastening ones and pull them up

Depends on your hip size I guess, and also your upper body flexibility which way (if either) works best for you.

Asda sports leggings are great and have pockets (not massive but fit a key and my phone) £12 I think and wash well

I came on to recommend Asda leggings too.

I have leggings from Amazon that have a side pocket so I don’t need a belt.
I always run in my normal bra. Have yet to find a sports bra that fits but don’t have an issue running in a normal bra. I’m a 30f.
Tops, I always run in a sports top as they are sweat wicking. Can’t imagine running in a cotton t.

I love M&S sportswear . Their leggings are great . I wear just an ordinary cotton tee shirt with mine . Often from charity shops. Trainers and your bra are the most important part of your outfit. Spend your money on those . Most importantly have fun .

The best sports bra I've ever had was from asda. Am 32f and got my normal size.

I’ve found Primark sportswear to be pretty decent, surprisingly long lasting and obviously it’s cheap. My daughter has some stuff from Decathlon which is good although the colour seems to have faded quite quickly. The M&S Goodmove range is really good and lots of the leggings have waist and thigh pockets so no need for a belt or armband.

I’ve always bought M&S high or ultra high impact sports bras (34E) and worn them with the straps in a racer back style. Proper running shoes are a must; try Runners Need or an independent where they can analyse your gait and suggest a suitable pair.

I get quite sweaty when running so ordinary leggings and joggers would be really uncomfortable for me. Going for moisture absorbing tops and leggings are much more suitable and you can buy them anywhere, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

I used to buy all my sports wear from tkmaxx - I still have a pair of running leggings I got from there around 8 years ago, it was such great quality.

Great tips, thanks. I will pop into M&S after work tomorrow and see what the bra situ is.

I felt really awkward yesterday and self conscious about being a bit fat - I’m healthy BMI but over my comfortable weight - does that get easier? I went at dusk so there wouldn’t be many people around to see me but it would be better to go after work.

Definitely get something in a tech fabric, especially for intervals where you're mixing running and walking as sweaty (or wet from rain) cotton is cold and unpleasant, especially when you're not working so as hard

I find leggings are the best for avoiding chub rub on my thighs - loose joggers and shorts have always been a painful mistake for me.

Make sure pants don't have seams in the wrong place. I find microfibre better than cotton for exercise.

Aurique leggings from Amazon have been decent enough for me. Fairly durable (within reason)

Feeling self conscious does get much easier. I used to peer around my front door to make sure nobody was about. Now I don’t stop and think.

OP don't feel self conscious. You're out there doing it, and will be encouraged by fellow runners and probably admired by those who don't but wish they were.

If you are wearing trainers that you have had a while just be aware if you get some aches and pains that the trainers could be the cause.
I thought I might not be able to run at the beginning of c25k because my ankle would swell after each run. A new pair of stability trainers sorted the problem.